Related
Hi, I've looked around but not been able to find anything that really answers this question.
I'm tempted to buy an Xperia Z when they come out in the UK. Unfortunately it will be a branded phone (there is no way around this unless I want to pay alot more money).
My question is for 3UK customers with an Xperia T. Are you able to unlock your bootloader using Sony's official method? I have read that simlocked branded phones can be nearly impossible to unlock on certain networks.
Thanks for any help.
Brac20 said:
Hi, I've looked around but not been able to find anything that really answers this question.
I'm tempted to buy an Xperia Z when they come out in the UK. Unfortunately it will be a branded phone (there is no way around this unless I want to pay alot more money).
My question is for 3UK customers with an Xperia T. Are you able to unlock your bootloader using Sony's official method? I have read that simlocked branded phones can be nearly impossible to unlock on certain networks.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true.
I have a branded vodafone T and I can unlock. I would suggest you speak to 3UK and ask them, and if they cant answer your question take your business elsewhere.
I made sure I could unlock with vodafone before renewing my contract with them.
Brac20 said:
Hi, I've looked around but not been able to find anything that really answers this question.
I'm tempted to buy an Xperia Z when they come out in the UK. Unfortunately it will be a branded phone (there is no way around this unless I want to pay alot more money).
My question is for 3UK customers with an Xperia T. Are you able to unlock your bootloader using Sony's official method? I have read that simlocked branded phones can be nearly impossible to unlock on certain networks.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an Xperia T on 3UK, and it is very much locked. However, I have debranded it using the stock UK ftf and flashtool - and I am really quite enjoying using the Sony provided ROM.
Not sure if that helps, I suppose it depends how much you would like to muck about with your phone after receiving it!
Graham
Brac20 said:
Hi, I've looked around but not been able to find anything that really answers this question.
I'm tempted to buy an Xperia Z when they come out in the UK. Unfortunately it will be a branded phone (there is no way around this unless I want to pay alot more money).
My question is for 3UK customers with an Xperia T. Are you able to unlock your bootloader using Sony's official method? I have read that simlocked branded phones can be nearly impossible to unlock on certain networks.
Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure with regard to your query about 3UK branded phones being bootloader locked however I understand that Carphone Warehouse phones are generally unlocked to any network and allow bootloader unlocking. If you were to get a phone from them on a 3UK contract then you should be ok - when I was looking for a T I popped in and queried this with them first and they suggested all of their phones are sold unlocked regardless of which network contract you choose. Phones 4 U have a similar approach but don`t offer deals on the 3 network.
Vodafone keep their phones SIM unlocked that's why you could unlock it Greg... But with carriers like 3UK they brand and SIM lock hence no CM goodness for me
Sent from my LT30p using xda premium
waynekirby said:
Vodafone keep their phones SIM unlocked that's why you could unlock it Greg... But with carriers like 3UK they brand and SIM lock hence no CM goodness for me
Sent from my LT30p using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sim unlock and bootloader unlock have nothing to do with each other. You can have a sim locked phone and unlock the bootloader, and you can have a sim free phone and not be able to unlock the bootloader..and every combination in between as they are independant of each other
gregbradley said:
Sim unlock and bootloader unlock have nothing to do with each other. You can have a sim locked phone and unlock the bootloader, and you can have a sim free phone and not be able to unlock the bootloader..and every combination in between as they are independant of each other
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But fastboot locking is, or at least was in 2011 line, and unlocked by way of certificate replacement which unlocked everything, but sold as SIM unlocking causing confusion.
I think even with unlocking code from network, fastboot will remain locked.
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
mpiekp said:
But fastboot locking is, or at least was in 2011 line, and unlocked by way of certificate replacement which unlocked everything, but sold as SIM unlocking causing confusion.
I think even with unlocking code from network, fastboot will remain locked.
Sent from my LT30p using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a carrier has made the bootloader unlockable then having the code from sony will not unlock it.
If the carier removes that restriction that allows the bootloader to be unlocked AND removes sim lock then tha is the carrier merging the two locks. They could just remove the bootloader restrictions AND keep sim lock if they want.
You can get an unlocked bootloader phone that is sim locked and vice versa. What carriers do with their locks is what they add to the phone after android and after Sony have done their thing.
They are still independant from each other unless the carrier has merged them, so my point stands, ask the carrier if you can unlock the bootloader. If the sales persone does not know what that means then go elsewhere. If they so not its not possibel because of sim lock they are lying as it is possible, its just maybe needs a bit of effort from them to be bothered. Then take your money elsewhere.
I have been into plenty of phone shops and they look confused when you ask them these questions, I just take my my business elsewhere and get what I want.
gregbradley said:
Sim unlock and bootloader unlock have nothing to do with each other. You can have a sim locked phone and unlock the bootloader, and you can have a sim free phone and not be able to unlock the bootloader..and every combination in between as they are independant of each other
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except that with any Sony Android phone I am aware of, if the device is sold SIMlocked, it is not whitelisted in the bootloader unlock database.
While the two are technically independent, it is pretty much unheard of to see a Sony device that is sold with SIMlock but has an unlockable bootloader, and similarly, you never see devices with a non-unlockable bootloader but no SIM lock.
Entropy512 said:
Except that with any Sony Android phone I am aware of, if the device is sold SIMlocked, it is not whitelisted in the bootloader unlock database.
While the two are technically independent, it is pretty much unheard of to see a Sony device that is sold with SIMlock but has an unlockable bootloader, and similarly, you never see devices with a non-unlockable bootloader but no SIM lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand (semi) corrected
Hmmm it's not looking good then.
Unfortunately my device will have to be 3 branded (for reasons I'm not going to go into here).
I think I will probably contact 3 and see if they can shed any light on what to expect.
It's not the end of the world I guess, I can still put Apex on there and make it look how I want if I don't like stock. Nice to have the option though.
It would be stupid if SIMLock would be on and bootloader lock off cause u could easily remove SIMLock.
So in this case bought are related but in opposite direction - not. Cause I got SMS Code to remove SIMLock but that didnt made my bootloader unlockable.
To bad Orange is the only operator in my country which locks bootloader in Sony devices. (wish I'd knew that before signing contract)
kingstonxl said:
It would be stupid if SIMLock would be on and bootloader lock off cause u could easily remove SIMLock.
So in this case bought are related but in opposite direction - not. Cause I got SMS Code to remove SIMLock but that didnt made my bootloader unlockable.
To bad Orange is the only operator in my country which locks bootloader in Sony devices. (wish I'd knew that before signing contract)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure about that. I have never heard any posts claiming that unlocking the bootloader makes it easy to simunlock. Could share with us how that is possible?
Odp: Branded phone bootloader question
gregbradley said:
Not sure about that. I have never heard any posts claiming that unlocking the bootloader makes it easy to simunlock. Could share with us how that is possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If u have unlocked bootloader u can use fastboot and also u r able to load any software u like. So its easy to remove simlock.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Ok, do you have step by step instructions for that because I am interested to know how to do it, because I have never seem it done.
Sent from my LT30p xda premium app.
How do I customise the signature on xda premium app?
I can confirm that the 3UK Xperia T is bootloader locked (no fastboot). I rang up Three and they said that it is not possible to allow bootloader unlocking on it (gave me a bull**** excuse about warranties and such, and I explained how I am aware than bootloader unlocking voids the warranty and that is the same for all phones).
However I do suspect that it depends on who you speak to as to what answer you'll get.
Odp: Branded phone bootloader question
hydo1 said:
I can confirm that the 3UK Xperia T is bootloader locked (no fastboot). I rang up Three and they said that it is not possible to allow bootloader unlocking on it (gave me a bull**** excuse about warranties and such, and I explained how I am aware than bootloader unlocking voids the warranty and that is the same for all phones).
However I do suspect that it depends on who you speak to as to what answer you'll get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same with Orange
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
I spoke to 3 today both customer service and in store technical adviser, they told me that they are unable to unlock the boot loader and I need to talk to Sony directly and ask them for instructions on how to unlock the boot loader.
I have sent them an e-mail and waiting for their response. Will update as soon as I have a news.
Odp: Branded phone bootloader question
matt2842 said:
I spoke to 3 today both customer service and in store technical adviser, they told me that they are unable to unlock the boot loader and I need to talk to Sony directly and ask them for instructions on how to unlock the boot loader.
I have sent them an e-mail and waiting for their response. Will update as soon as I have a news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Response from Sony service is u can't do it without loosing warranty :'(
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
matt2842 said:
I spoke to 3 today both customer service and in store technical adviser, they told me that they are unable to unlock the boot loader and I need to talk to Sony directly and ask them for instructions on how to unlock the boot loader.
I have sent them an e-mail and waiting for their response. Will update as soon as I have a news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why dont you just follow the instructions from their website......?
If your device says Bootloader unlock allowed: No Then they will not do it,
If it says Bootloader unlock allowed: yes then they will just direct you to their website to follow the instructions to do it...
Hi, I'm from Mexico and bought a Z1 in Telcel plan (the original model was 6906) I have about 4 years using phone android, I wanted the HTC One but take long time to get here to Mexico, so desperate and buy me this Z1 and I'm really disappointed as I do not understand why some models like mine can not unlock the bootloader, because among other things I can not flash any custom room, or having a good kernel tweaks. (I really love Carbon room) All this regardless of the phone too easily scratched screen, and failures of touch sensitivity on the right edge, I guess be for the location of the buttons.
anyone of you know why?.
Sorry about my bad english.
Thank you.
Because your phone is on Contract and they locked the Sim and Bootloader for security. One day when the contract expire or your phone get old you will be able to unlock sim but no bootloader. It's a deal made between your Carrier Network and Sony. If you buy a Unbranded and Sim Unlocked Z1 you don't have this problems.
eclyptos said:
Because your phone is on Contract and they locked the Sim and Bootloader for security. One day when the contract expire or your phone get old you will be able to unlock sim but no bootloader. It's a deal made between your Carrier Network and Sony. If you buy a Unbranded and Sim Unlocked Z1 you don't have this problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not true !
Stop leading people the wrong way !
I bought my Z1 branded and sim-locked and i was allowed / able to unlock my bootloader. So, what you said has nothing to do with reality. And by the way ... could you tell us how you got that information?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bogdan wst said:
That is not true !
Stop leading people the wrong way !
I bought my Z1 branded and sim-locked and i was allowed / able to unlock my bootloader. So, what you said has nothing to do with reality. And by the way ... could you tell us how you got that information?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is in that way but no all the Carrers Applay that method. Just google it. This argue was mention 100 times on XDA too.
OMG
"ecliptos" - You are everywhere in this forum. I see you like to spend a lot of time on your computer. But please ... If you want to help some people on the forum ... give them good / real / complete information about what they are asking. If you aren't sure about something (as i've seen you many times), then don't mislead people and don't fill up the threads with unnecesary posts. They do not give you a prise for having 10k posts.
p.s. - JAEL65 - please excuse my offtopic.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bogdan wst said:
OMG
"ecliptos" - You are everywhere in this forum. I see you like to spend a lot of time on your computer. But please ... If you want to help some people on the forum ... give them good / real / complete information about what they are asking. If you aren't sure about something (as i've seen you many times), then don't mislead people and don't fill up the threads with unnecesary posts. They do not give you a prise for having 10k posts.
p.s. - JAEL65 - please excuse my offtopic.
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Co za Ku....a z ciebie! If you think is not that way you are welcome to come here and prove me wrong if not don't come here and telling me what I should or not. I do what I can and people learning everyday, me too. Thank you, bye.
Why some Z1 models can not unlock the bootloader?
Thanks, there are many topics dealing with this but there is no a clear answer, I already flash one room unbranded but 6903 because as I said the original model was 6906 so I have unlocked the sim, I read out there on xda that taking it to sony service, as has unlocked the sim, they can change unlocking bootloader allowed: NO by Yes.
I'll try this way.
Greetings.
It's about specific negotiations between Sony with each Carrier
Telcel decided they wanted to keep the bootloader locked, thus C9606 will be permanently closed.
There are ways around this, but it WILL void warranty.
Good luck.
I'm currently evaluating unlocking bootloader as well.
Hobbes2099 said:
Telcel decided they wanted to keep the bootloader locked, thus C9606 will be permanently closed.
There are ways around this, but it WILL void warranty.
Good luck.
I'm currently evaluating unlocking bootloader as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlocking Bootloader will avoid warranty in any case, Yes or No, buy actually the Developers on XDA they saying is no way around and you can't unlock if the Bootloader Unlocking Allowed is set up to NO. So when you buy a phone from a any Carrier make sure the Bootloader Unlocking Allowed is set up to Yes.
Hobbes2099 said:
Telcel decided they wanted to keep the bootloader locked, thus C9606 will be permanently closed.
There are ways around this, but it WILL void warranty.
Good luck.
I'm currently evaluating unlocking bootloader as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
omg, no, you are so wrong
If it says no you can't unlock, they're us no way around it..
I don't want to live on this planet anymore
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
eclyptos said:
Unlocking Bootloader will avoid warranty in any case, Yes or No, buy actually the Developers on XDA they saying is no way around and you can't unlock if the Bootloader Unlocking Allowed is set up to NO. So when you buy a phone from a any Carrier make sure the Bootloader Unlocking Allowed is set up to Yes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in mexico punish us with prices, sony officially sold the Z1, at $ 1000 usd (no brand) With a 2-year contract I could get $ 350 usd in telcel. Besides, very few models get really good, slow to arrive and bring an outdated firmware. Google does not sell their phones officially. But I want to unlock the bootloader because I am almost certain now that the bugs are resolved that brings z1, soon going to release a firmware google edition for z1 (I really wish it) and I need to unlock the bootloader to install.
jael65 said:
Here in mexico punish us with prices, sony officially sold the Z1, at $ 1000 usd (no brand) With a 2-year contract I could get $ 350 usd in telcel. Besides, very few models get really good, slow to arrive and bring an outdated firmware. Google does not sell their phones officially. But I want to unlock the bootloader because I am almost certain now that the bugs are resolved that brings z1, soon going to release a firmware google edition for z1 (I really wish it) and I need to unlock the bootloader to install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your bootloader, just write *#*#7378423#*#* and go to Service Info > Configuration > Rooting Status if there is Bootloader Unlock Allowed: NO probably you can't unlock your bootloader. Call Sony Center and ask if this is possible but no guarantee about that.
gregbradley said:
omg, no, you are so wrong
If it says no you can't unlock, they're us no way around it..
I don't want to live on this planet anymore
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you positive about this?
I was under the impression you could get around the locked bootloader even if the device says No.
I'm not sure if I even want to try because I would permanently lose the Bravia Engine should I succeed. I'm not sure what it's supposed to do, but it sounds nice.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
if the device says unlocked bootloader: No, then it cant be done.
sim lock and bootloader locked are depends on your carrier, there are carriers that they have locked the sim only and still allows bootloader unlocked.
but some carriers locked both. you can get a phone which allows to unlocked bootloader, if you buy a free sim phone or bought not in the carrier contract but from other store like sony store or any store that sells free sim phone.
please dont make things complicated.
Hobbes2099 said:
I'm not sure if I even want to try because I would permanently lose the Bravia Engine should I succeed. I'm not sure what it's supposed to do, but it sounds nice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With Unlocking Bootloader you will lose X-Reality, which is not a big deal anyway because it not improve the images, and Bionz processing but actually this not influence the functionality of the camera at all. No body said about Bravia Engine, I hope not.
I am from Mexico too. My bootloader is not allowed
Sent from my C6906 using xda app-developers app
Hahaha....what a crazy answers...
Guys can't tell what's the difference between SIM and boot lock but are here first to be smart....
I must say, I feel in love in XDA when I was on my Xperia S, now... I just wanna hit my self with some blunt object...
Of course, thumb up for all nice people here...
Sent from my Z1
any luck yet?
I just wondered if anyone had gotten any news from Sony as to if the bootloader on a not allowed model van be unlocked in anyway?
I'm aware that threads exist and ppl are flashing roms on handsets with locked bootloader but I think those are allowed to unlock theirs.
Is there still no way to unlock bootloader on disallowed models either officially or unofficial?
I want custom rom
Just to add a little clarity to this, gregbradley helped me a lot with this.
If you've bought the phone from a carrier then there is a distinct chance that the bootloader unlockable status will be a flat no.
What does this mean?
This means that you will never (unless someone cracks it, highly unlikely) be able to unlock your bootloader.
If you bought your phone from certain carriers (like 3 in the UK, or so i'm told) or from third parties like carphone warehouse in the UK, then you WILL be able to unlock the bootloader, as the status for unlocking the bootloader will read "Yes".
If you see a yes then youre in luck, if it reads no then you most certainly will not be able to unlock the bootloader.
Further to this, Sony will not help you with this whatsoever, I have asked and asked and got little more than a scripted response, they WILL NOT help you to unlock your bootloader.
The sim being locked to a particular network means nothing to the bootloader, it's simply a coincidence that third parties who have bootloader unlockable phones are too sim free.
Hope this clears things up for people who weren't sure.
AFAIK, it is at the carriers request that the bootloader is in this state, not Sony's, probably why they won't help with it, but that's a guess.
double post.
---------- Post added at 03:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:06 PM ----------
magic mushroom said:
I just wondered if anyone had gotten any news from Sony as to if the bootloader on a not allowed model van be unlocked in anyway?
I'm aware that threads exist and ppl are flashing roms on handsets with locked bootloader but I think those are allowed to unlock theirs.
Is there still no way to unlock bootloader on disallowed models either officially or unofficial?
I want custom rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still have all the goodness of custom roms m8, you just won't be able to flash kernels like doom kernel and or AOSP rom's and CM10 based roms.
In all fairness, youre not missing out on too much, but I was the same when i had a locked phone, the grass always appears to be greener on the other side until you realise it's actually not.
Is it possible to unlock Samsung SM-G900A - from AT&T and use different sim card in another county
I have the same doubt. Any way?
waranty92 said:
Is it possible to unlock Samsung SM-G900A - from AT&T and use different sim card in another country
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure, but maybe you can ask the AT&T customer care to give you the unlock code as well as the method to do it.
That's what I tried for my S2 and S3. I had them under contract. And if you buy it without contract, shouldn't it be unlocked already? Just curious!
I'll ask about the unlock process to AT&T tomorrow and let you know if the same trick works or not
Unless I'm not mistaken, you are not talking about rooting the device already, are you!
If you ever want to modify your phone, I recommend returning during your 14 day trial period. Otherwise, you will be stuck with a worthless piece of junk. Although nobody has verified this yet, the SM-G900T (tmobile) appears to support the same bands but I need someone to test with a ATT SIM
I want to root the phone because it may be blacklisted by at&t
I unlocked mine whit Swift Unlock.
The T-Mobile version (SM-G900T) supports all of the frequencies of AT&T, plus WCDMA 1700 MHz. Additionally, it's the only variant with an unlocked bootloader. I know people using it on AT&T.
Product F(RED) said:
The T-Mobile version (SM-G900T) supports all of the frequencies of AT&T, plus WCDMA 1700 MHz. Additionally, it's the only variant with an unlocked bootloader. I know people using it on AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is unlocked bootloader avaliable on this forum and is it flashable on stock version,
waranty92 said:
Is unlocked bootloader avaliable on this forum and is it flashable on stock version,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That question makes no sense. By "bootloader unlocked", I mean that the T-Mobile version is the only variant that lets you flash anything without stopping you (e.g. custom ROM, custom recovery, custom kernel). Depending on what you flash, you will trip Knox though.
Product F(RED) said:
That question makes no sense. By "bootloader unlocked", I mean that the T-Mobile version is the only variant that lets you flash anything without stopping you (e.g. custom ROM, custom recovery, custom kernel). Depending on what you flash, you will trip Knox though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not getting answer of main question, can I flash custom rom or root Samsung SM-G900A and use it with any sim card even if it is blacklisted by AT&T
waranty92 said:
I'm not getting answer of main question, can I flash custom rom or root Samsung SM-G900A and use it with any sim card even if it is blacklisted by AT&T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blacklisting means the phone is lost, stolen or was not paid for completely. That means you can't use it on AT&T, and on any carriers that enforce a blacklist (most do in the US). It has nothing to do with custom ROMs or root.
Product F(RED) said:
Blacklisting means the phone is lost, stolen or was not paid for completely. That means you can't use it on AT&T, and on any carriers that enforce a blacklist (most do in the US). It has nothing to do with custom ROMs or root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to use it in US, it will be used in the different country, and my question is simple, can I unlock it to use in different country with different operator witch don't care if the phone is blacklisted by AT&T, i need the phone just accept new sim and work with it
Help
waranty92 said:
I don't want to use it in US, it will be used in the different country, and my question is simple, can I unlock it to use in different country with different operator witch don't care if the phone is blacklisted by AT&T, i need the phone just accept new sim and work with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think what he is trying to say is, in the case I have a blacklisted non-unlocked SM G900A, is there a way possible to use this phone with another SIM under a non US based carrier in a different country. Also what he is wondering is maybe this is possible through rooting? if not is there any way that this can be done if yes please help... Thank you for all the feedback!
I don't think there's a way to do it through root. AT&T won't help you because it's blacklisted. You would need an eBay unlock service or something along those lines.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Last Protocol
I think MobileTechVideos.com is the final solution.
They are an affordable service with great solutions to mostly everything.
Press the thanks button if this helped you :good:
no......and there is not a service that can "repair" the IMEI either......I "repair" IMEI quite a bit with a JTAG and the software will not work until there is a root available. You can however sell it in another country and it won't matter that it is blacklisted in the US. Unlocking the phone or rooting it won't do you any good in the US anyway since all companies have a joined blacklist now. If it's bad on one it's bad on all.
I unlocked my phone with this http://www.getunlocked.com/ page and it worked, Thanks for atantion
Yes it works
enigma99a said:
If you ever want to modify your phone, I recommend returning during your 14 day trial period. Otherwise, you will be stuck with a worthless piece of junk. Although nobody has verified this yet, the SM-G900T (tmobile) appears to support the same bands but I need someone to test with a ATT SIM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can verify the Att sim does in fact work with the "SM-G900T". I recently sim unlocked via "theunlockingcompany_._com" Worked perfect.
I purchased my phone outright And an AT&T agent gave me my unlock code right away with no questions asked. Was very simple. ..I might have gotten lucky though. Just saying
can i unlock
Hello.i have a brand new SM G900A FROM AT&T.but i want to use another carriers sim.please help.i need this phone for work..so i could really use some good advise..thanks
Hello, i'm considering in buy a brand new Z3C online (from my carrier discount program), how ever i can't use any device without CM13. I wonder if any Z3C can have the bootloader unlocked.. and if not, if someone have a way to unlock the bootloader without the Sony method.
I can't check if the device i want to buy can be or can't with the dialer code as it would be bough online.
Impossible to say, if it's a sim free network unlocked device they supply then there's a good chance it'll be unlockable. The only network I know of that supply sim free network unlocked device's for both payg and contract are three UK. Without checking the device before buying it's a lottery basically.
[email protected] said:
Impossible to say, if it's a sim free network unlocked device they supply then there's a good chance it'll be unlockable. The only network I know of that supply sim free network unlocked device's for both payg and contract are three UK. Without checking the device before buying it's a lottery basically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. In the past, my carrier was well know to be the only one in the country with unlock devices that they sell and contract free. I'll call then and ask if it still is like that (i think so).
Also, a guy said that it is possible to install custom ROM with a locked bootloader... far as i know it isn't true. I'm right, or this guy is?
Hey Everyone,
I need assistance with unlocking my smartphone; it's an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5 GM-900A. I did a little research on the internet and it's my understanding that unlocking a Samsung smartphone linked with AT&T is a bit more difficult than it already is with other companies. I also saw a lot of sites that offer "unlocking" services for a certain price. Before I decide to do that, I wanted to know if there were any others options or which site is most reliable. From what I've seen and read, it seems that this forum is the best option for seeing if this is possible. Appreciate any assistance you guys can offer.
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
johnkirchner said:
I am not familiar with unlock sites but have heard mixed reviews on them. Those sites can only unlock the sim card, not the boot loader. Just thought I would put that out there since you didn't specify what kind if unlock you were looking for. I recently submitted a sim unlock through AT&T for my s5 since I am out of contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, mine is still under contract but I would like to unlock my smartphone so it can be used with another carrier. This is the type of unlock service those sites are saying they can provide, right? I've also read and heard mixed reviews on the internet, which is why I came here in hopes that I can get additional info on this. Thanks for your prompt response.
Just use att they will unlock your sim
Andrew K. Sterling said:
Unfortunately, these services can't unlock the bootloader, as far as I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the difference between that and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
Andrew K. Sterling said:
I've unlocked several Samsungs using www unlockunit com and the service was always excellent.
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Thank you. I checked it out and it doesn't seem to support "Galaxy S5 SM G900A"; the only thing close to that is "Galaxy S5 SM G900F". Appreciate it if you can suggest another site.
miko85 said:
Just use att they will unlock your sim
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I'm unable to do so because the smartphone is still under contract.
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cell-phone-unlocking-faqs
If u are under contract they will make u pay but u then meanwhile u can use another carrier. Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
kwmike said:
Call ATT. New laws made all carriers be (generally) required to unlock their SIMS not bootloaders under some conditions. see link...
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Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
kwmike said:
Here is a link to an unlock service. https://www.doctorsim.com/us-en/unlock-phone/samsung/
Good Luck!
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Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
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They serve entirely different purposes. Sim chooses carrier (ATT,etc). Bootloader chooses what will be started when phone is booted ie system(rom), recovery(TWRP etc), bootloader itself. Bootloader unlock means changes can be made to what will start under different boot requests. No disadvantages to just unlocking sim, often used for foreign travel where your regular sim will not connect. Many times carrier will unlock SIM LATE in contract for foreign travel reasons.
You can try using www.unlockradar.com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. https://www.unlockradar.com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a
gringolimon said:
Thanks for the link; I looked over the fine print and unfortunately, I don't fall under those conditions as I am under contract and unable to pay in order to get out of it. :/
Thanks, I will look into it. What's the difference between unlocking bootloaders and sim unlocking? Any disadvantages on just having the sim unlocked and not the bootloader?
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Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
joshua14 said:
Are you under contract via a next plan thru at&t? If you are planning to unlock to switch carriers I imagine you want to end service with at&t. If so they will want you to pay for the phone in full or return the phone. If you don't pay & keep the phone I'm pretty sure they blackball the imei so it can't be used by any carrier. So what's your end goal here?
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Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
vlase_2 said:
You can try using www unlockradar com if you want to unlock your S5. I have a cell phone repair store and I've been using them for a few months and never had any problem. Their customer support is very responsive. www unlockradar com/unlock-samsung/galaxy-s5-sm-g900a[/url]
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Thanks, I'll check it out.
gringolimon said:
Yes, I'm under a contract that has been suspended and told them that I am currently not able to pay but also am not able to get another phone due to financial reasons. They said they understood my situation but cannot unlock my phone due to the contract and that once I am able to pay, they will provide me the unlock code if I still want it or wish to continue using their services. I guess what my end goal is to not have to pay for another phone when I'll only use it for medical reasons and once I am financially stable, I can go ahead and pay and probably continue with AT&T. I see your point and understand the predicament I have. I'll just have to wait and see. . .
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No problem. I just am trying to see if you'll end up paying to get it unlocked then have at&t block the phone from being used. Good luck.
~TMS5-3.0-TMBUILD on G900A with Blue Ice Theme
I used www.unlockradar.com