I just got a new unlocked AT&T M8, switched over from iPhone. I'm going to be using it with T-Mobile, and I'm still struggling to learn how all this stuff works. So the phone is running on Android 4.4.4 currently, and I want to install a custom ROM on it, but I need Android 5.0. Since I have a T-Mobile sim card, I don't have any OTA updates. From what I understand, if I wanted to switch to a T-Mobile ROM, I'd have to pay $25 for Sunshine, which I'd rather not do. Would I also need to do so to get an international ROM? Also, from what I'm reading, my other option is to use the AT&T RUU from HTC's website to update to 5.0, and then install a custom ROM from there. Is this correct, would that remove my unlock, and are there instructions/recommended readings before I try anything? Thanks for any help.
grant523 said:
I just got a new unlocked AT&T M8, switched over from iPhone. I'm going to be using it with T-Mobile, and I'm still struggling to learn how all this stuff works. So the phone is running on Android 4.4.4 currently, and I want to install a custom ROM on it, but I need Android 5.0. Since I have a T-Mobile sim card, I don't have any OTA updates. From what I understand, if I wanted to switch to a T-Mobile ROM, I'd have to pay $25 for Sunshine, which I'd rather not do. Would I also need to do so to get an international ROM? Also, from what I'm reading, my other option is to use the AT&T RUU from HTC's website to update to 5.0, and then install a custom ROM from there. Is this correct, would that remove my unlock, and are there instructions/recommended readings before I try anything? Thanks for any help.
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You probably want the T-Mob radio software, so you can enable the 3G and LTE bands used by T-Mob. Otherwise, you will find that the AT&T radio does not give you 3G and LTE in many locations.
In order to flash another carrier's radio, you need s-off, and there is no way around that. Then you need to change the carrier ID (CID) and model ID (MID) to that of T-Mob.
At that point, you may as well RUU to a stock factory T-Mobile software image (not just the radio) and that would be recommended, is it will get you a complete T-Mobile "baseline" phone as opposed to an AT&T ROM with T-Mob radio, etc.
After running the T-Mob RUU, your phone will be "fully converted" to the T-Mob version in terms of software. Others here have converted the AT&T version for use on T-Mob. So I'll try to find one of those threads instead of trying to explain it all again.
None of these mods will change your SIM unlock. That will remain unlocked.
---------- Post added at 11:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 AM ----------
Here you go: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/help/installing-tmobile-rom-att-branded-phone-t3069388
Another point: You can update to the latest AT&T Lollipop software by RUU. And you can flash custom Lollipop ROMs after that. But neither of these will enable the 3G and LTE bands used by T-Mob. So that is why I suggest "converting" the phone to T-Mob stock software instead.
Thanks for the response! Appreciate it. A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together? Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
Thanks again!
grant523 said:
Thanks for the response! Appreciate it. A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together? Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
Thanks again!
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Yes it's different the AT&T ruu won't give you the T-Mobile bands. And you can install custom roms if you want but I would reccomend paying the $25 to s-off and fully converting to t-mobile and either stay on stock or flash a custom t-mobile rom
grant523 said:
A few more questions, since I'm not sure I fully grasp the concept of radios.
If I first flash a T-Mobile ROM, and then install a custom ROM, is that any different from updating with a AT&T RUU and then installing a custom ROM? Will I still be missing the bands?
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I think your first phrase was intended to read "flash the T-Mob RUU, then install a custom ROM".
The radio is not contained in the ROM, and flashing a ROM doesn't affect the radio in any way.
The radio is contained in what many folks here called the "firmware package" or firmware.zip; and it can be installed by flashing the RUU.
Another thing that will help you understand, is that the phone has something like 36 (or more) partitions. The ROM is just one of those. The radio is a separate partition (as bootloader, recovery, and others have their own separate partitions as well). Flashing one partition, does not effect the others. The RUU is a complete software image that flashes all the partitions to factory stock for a certain carrier version.
You can also flash the radio or firmware.zip manually (without flashing the whole RUU). But my personal recommendation would be to baseline to a fully stock T-Mobile software profile, since you are on the T-Mob network, to make sure every partition plays well together (as opposed to mixing T-Mob and AT&T software components).
grant523 said:
If yes, then should I just stay away from Custom ROMs all together?
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I wouldn't say that. Custom ROMs have their place. But a custom ROM will not open up the T-Mob bands. As mentioned, you can only do that by flashing the radio, which isn't affected by flashing the ROM.
After baselining to a T-Mob stock config as I've suggested, you can feel free to flash a custom recovery and flash custom ROMs if you like. But if would be for other reasons than the radio bands; such as performance, customization, debloating, etc..
grant523 said:
Is this a problem because I bought an AT&T phone?
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Basically yes. If you want to be sure a phone works fully on a certain network "out of the box", you should buy the phone that is branded for that network. Otherwise, you should always thoroughly research a phone (not branded for your carrier) before trying to use it on your network.
Luckily for you, on this device the radio bands can be changed in software using the mods I've noted above. On past devices, the band support was set in hardware, meaning where was no way to change it in software. In that case, you would really have some buyer's remorse to deal with.
Ah OK thanks for the responses! I think I'm starting to understand. I did research how an At&t m8 would work with T-MOBILE but I didn't realize i would have to go throw this whole software process to make it work! Anyhow I appreciate the help and I'll buy a Sunshine license when I get a chance. Thanks again!
You are quite welcome.
Here is a thread with more info on changing from AT&T to T-Mob software: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/help/installing-tmobile-rom-att-branded-phone-t3069388#post60606278
Good luck!
So I was wondering if this is possible. My phone (running lollipop 5.1.1) is locked to a carrier but I was planing on flashing an unbranded 6.0.1 (from Italy). Marshmallow will eventually come to my country but I just can`t wait anymore. Will flashing this firmware brick anything ?? I am well aware that the phone will remain locked to my carrier, but is anything else going to be affected ? Anyone had a similar experience ? Your answers are really appreciated.:highfive:
Depends on the phone. Generally, if it is locked to a carrier then other firmwares will fail when trying to flash due to other differences such as the modem/baseband. There are exceptions, but pretty sure they are few and far between.
es0tericcha0s said:
Depends on the phone. Generally, if it is locked to a carrier then other firmwares will fail when trying to flash due to other differences such as the modem/baseband. There are exceptions, but pretty sure they are few and far between.
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Thanks for your answer. It's galaxy a5 2016. Better not to touch anything. Don't want to mess is up within just 2 months after the purchase.
I live in Canada and strongly considering buying a Redmi 3 Pro although the whole bootloader unlocking procedure is putting me off somewhat.....
First though i'd have to buy one, can anyone suggest which sites to check out that are reliable and trustworthy that stock this?
I also just have one question about unlocking, do i NEED to be posting on the Xiamoi forums to get my profile up to a score to get the unlock sms or is this unnecessary? Are there reports of people not getting the unlock code or being denied at all? Secondly to unlock i have to put a sim in the phone right? I wouldnt want to use this as my phone until i had it unlocked, rooted and CM14 installed so is there any issue using a UK sim, getting the SMS then doing the above before switching in my Canadian SIM? There is nothing that will tie to my UK sim on Xiaomi's end is there?
Just getting caught out with vendor rom that may cause you problems like no updates from xiaomi, I unlocked but I did create an account and had sim in the phone. If your going to unlock the vendor rom might be an issue, miflash to genuine rom then unlock. I'm using mokee rom nougat based on cm 14 and it's amazing. No problem getting the code came next day. Just told them I had vendor rom installed.
I plan on rooting and unlocking the bootloader but was unsure of which roms were compatible for the VS996 variant of the phone since I need the phone to be working on Verizon bands. Anyone have any experience on this.
Stock root is about it unless you don't mind missing phone calls and texts. I've tried about 6 roms and none worked without having to make a call for connectivity for a few hours, it's a pain for us Verizon users. Stock root works like a champ if that helps.
SCBebop said:
I plan on rooting and unlocking the bootloader but was unsure of which roms were compatible for the VS996 variant of the phone since I need the phone to be working on Verizon bands. Anyone have any experience on this.
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Agreed, stock root is pretty good, so I didn't bother with others. I don't need Pie yet, and can wait for it to arrive... no biggie.
When you unlock the bootloader (if you using the wtf guide) then you should already be on the us998 variant which includes verizon bands. So pretty much every rom out there works with it. Not all of them do though...
Hello, I used to be big on flashing custom ROMs until verizon locked everything up. I am planning to get an unlocked phone (so i can unlock the booloader) and a new carrier so I can get back into it. Any suggestions on phone brand and model and carrier? I want the largest screen I can get.
TomNJ3256 said:
Hello, I used to be big on flashing custom ROMs until verizon locked everything up. I am planning to get an unlocked phone (so i can unlock the booloader) and a new carrier so I can get back into it. Any suggestions on phone brand and model and carrier? I want the largest screen I can get.
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You can start here > https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/
Most ROMs are lineage based
As far as Carrier are concerned, I'm an ATT customer. But I have no problems using TMobile or any of the many spin offs from them both.
I recommend these because their GSM carrier's and most all unlocked phones work with them.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6010 using Tapatalk
I want to get an unlocked phone soon . Look up Game of Roms on YouTube. He shows new Roms. It's usually a pixel or redmi phone . Be sure your phone is treble enabled and you can install the gsi can . I believe that's generic system image , and you can install on your phone.