Database Develop

Since our bootloaders are locked...

I'll have to admit, I'm sort of a Samsung fanboy. Ever since I had my first Galaxy S that replaced my iPhone I've never looked back. All of them have been rooted, custom recoveries, and custom OS's. I like being able to do what i want with my own phone.....
Then I got a 920A.... I own this phone out right and I should be able to do that I want with it. Locked bootloader. Thanks AT&T.
I'm rooted and on AOE2, but I really want to go for 5.1, but since there's no root for it yet I'm stuck like everyone else. I go to this section of the forum everyday hoping for a root method. I notice posts are so few and far between in this section I'm loosing hope.
So this rant brings me to my question..
I want to get an S6 that works on all AT&T bands, but has an unlocked bootloader, and can install TWRP if I want to. What should I get?
Thanks in advance!

g920f or g920i would be good ones. even the g920t would be alright. Heck as long as it is not at&t or verizon and works within the LTE frequency range in your country your good to go. Its only Big Red and Big Blue that love to lock us out of our own phone. Good luck getting rid of the g920a its not very desireable because of the locked bootloader and will sell for a quarter of what you paid if your lucky

AT&T will unlock your phone for free if it meets their requirements:
(as of 2015.11.13) Devices may qualify for unlocking if they meet the following requirements:
The device must be designed for use on, and locked to, the AT&T wireless network. For help see Device Unlock Support.
It must not be reported lost or stolen.
It's not associated with fraudulent activity.
All the device's service commitments and installment plans are completed, and all early termination fees are paid in full.
The device is not currently active on a different AT&T customer's account.
If you performed an early upgrade, you must wait the 14-day buyer's remorse period before you can request to unlock your previous device.
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I'd post a direct link to the ATT page if I could, but google "unlock ATT phone" and the first result should get you there.
I've unlocked a few ATT phones this way. FYI: it does require a "non-att" sim card to complete the unlock service.

demidude said:
AT&T will unlock your phone for free if it meets their requirements:
I'd post a direct link to the ATT page if I could, but google "unlock ATT phone" and the first result should get you there.
I've unlocked a few ATT phones this way. FYI: it does require a "non-att" sim card to complete the unlock service.
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Thanks for the info, but the sim lock is not really what I was referring to, I was referring to the bootloader lock.

custommx3 said:
Thanks for the info, but the sim lock is not really what I was referring to, I was referring to the bootloader lock.
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D'oh...thanks for the clarification.

Just admit we got the short end of the stick this time. Look at the galaxy s5 and how they are doing on bootloader bypassing, which is nothing. The best they have is what we have safe starp and a selection of sub par roms, not putting any developer down because I know its a limited environment when you can't touch the kernel for all that juicy goodness. I was in your same position a week ago and eventually took the 5.1.1 update for the Samsung pay which awesome if your bank or credit provider supports. It friggen emulates a card so dope but besides the point, the security on its kernel is supposedly heavy which makes sense because you are storing card info on your phone now. I even went above and beyond and whole disc encrypted it just in case it gets stolen, glhf getting into it. So yeah you can wait around on 5.02 and not enjoy the performance enhancements and cool card features or realize AT&T finally found a good enough encryption scheme to shore things up . Your next purchase may have to be a different phone, admittedly I rarely stray far from Samsung. I leave you with a bit of hope you honestly don't need root as it is. I was just once a flashaholic on s3 and s4 but that was all to tether and have better control of my cpu stepping. Now I have a tether app, you have to pay but its five bucks. I don't remember the subs rule on ads but it its reads like Firefox but is spelled foxify or something like that . Also, I rum a VPN on the phone so that ATT dosent know I'm tethering, gets me through any of their packet snorting and threatening texts of we will take your grandfather data away if you don't stop. So in the end it's all up to you kind XDA'er best of luck on your decision process.

My FoxiFi isn't working

I got an unlocked Note 8. Bad idea, good idea, or does it not even matter?

I've always loved to root and install a custom ROM. If I ran into issues I could always run back to Sprint's default OS. Will there be stock samsung software if I run into issues with flashing?
Also, is there any benefit to getting the unlocked vs Sprint version other than being able to use it on other carriers?
Thanks!

Umm... Bad idea, if you're getting it for rooting. To the best of my knowledge the unlocked version won't be anymore able to root than the sprint version because they are both the snapdragon variants made for North America. Unless by unlocked version you mean the international version? That's the only one that will be rooted for a long, long time, if not ever.

Oh wow, really? That sucks. I like being able to customize my phone. If this is the same with unlocked and the Sprint version, I might cancel my pre order :/

AprilAr said:
I've always loved to root and install a custom ROM. If I ran into issues I could always run back to Sprint's default OS. Will there be stock samsung software if I run into issues with flashing?
Also, is there any benefit to getting the unlocked vs Sprint version other than being able to use it on other carriers?
Thanks!
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FWIW...From what the Samsung rep told me at my local BestBuy.. the Unlocked Note 8 is fully compatible with Verizon and AT&T. You might have some 'features/functionality' that is exclusive to the Sprint version because of the software tweaks that will only work on a Sprint version Note 8.
As you stated to be someone who roots/installs custom ROMs, think of it as why you need to install certain custom kernels, csc files, etc etc to make certain features work.

All "unlocked" means is that it's not locked into one carrier. It has nothing to do with a boot-loader unlock. I'm not saying it's not going to happen but I think the odds are slim. Someone may find a way to root the device which is all I really would like to see.

That really sucks. I guess I mainly liked not having bloatware which I have heard this phone doesn't have.... But I like to customize my menu and every other aspect of the phone. Hopefully the battery life is good compared to the Note 5

AprilAr said:
That really sucks. I guess I mainly liked not having bloatware which I have heard this phone doesn't have.... But I like to customize my menu and every other aspect of the phone. Hopefully the battery life is good compared to the Note 5
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I agree, I have literally never used a stock (OEM ROM or aosp) ROM since like 2011. Resurrection for LIFE.
I will totally risk all that for the S-Pen though lol.

I don't use the S pen :/

That might make me a bad person, haha.

What models are likely to get root?

Wanting to get the phone and see how the US versions(snapdragon)of the S8+ are starting to get root. Wondering if many of you think this trend will follow with the Note 8 Snapdragon versions?

I say just sit back and wait.
Yes, it has been said the snapdragon will get root with a possible of 80% limit on the battery just like the s8.
All we can do is wait and see

the Snapdragon models will probably get root sooner or later, but the Exynos ones seem to already have a method. I'm about to take the plunge on it myself.

The Note 8 US models will get root. Just be patient the phone just came out on the 15th. I have had multiple phones with locked bootloaders and every time some hard working people find a way to root them. This phone will have root soon.

Kalm_Traveler said:
the Snapdragon models will probably get root sooner or later, but the Exynos ones seem to already have a method. I'm about to take the plunge on it myself.
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Yes twrp and root already available for exynos versions...always within the first week of launch it seems.
Snapdragons....who knows lol. Will likely get some form of root with certain issues as usual. Will never get twrp.
Dont waste your money on snapdragon if development matters to you.
sent from my Note FE, S8 plus, or S6

Exynos and it already has root and twrp
Sent from my SM-N950N using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Rooting a locked bootloader phone is much like running homebrew or a flat-out custom firmware on a game console.
Determined individuals will find a way, but it'll take quite some time and rely on security exploits that could just as easily be used for nefarious purposes, so don't be surprised if they get patched out in future updates.
Meanwhile, you could just get a device with an unlocked bootloader and be on your merry way, but that only applies to Exynos variants and maybe the Snapdragon variant sold in Hong Kong. Needless to say, that makes things a pain for North American buyers for a litany of reasons - doubly so if you're on Sprint or Verizon due to lack of CDMA support on Exynos.

NamelessFragger said:
Rooting a locked bootloader phone is much like running homebrew or a flat-out custom firmware on a game console.
Determined individuals will find a way, but it'll take quite some time and rely on security exploits that could just as easily be used for nefarious purposes, so don't be surprised if they get patched out in future updates.
Meanwhile, you could just get a device with an unlocked bootloader and be on your merry way, but that only applies to Exynos variants and maybe the Snapdragon variant sold in Hong Kong. Needless to say, that makes things a pain for North American buyers for a litany of reasons - doubly so if you're on Sprint or Verizon due to lack of CDMA support on Exynos.
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This is all true. There really isn't a reason to root the Snapdragon variant unless you absolutely need it for an app that requires root. You can't run any custom ROMs on a phone with a locked bootloader, even if it is rooted.
Just like with the S7/Edge Snapdragons, they had root but it was so unreliable I could never really keep my phone rooted. There were severe battery drain issues, lag and more and these issues remain today for people still trying to root that phone.
I still have my old reliable Note 5 rooted and I still it today even though I have a Note 8 now.

Does anyone know if rooting the note8 will trigger Knox?

jeezy85 said:
Does anyone know if rooting the note8 will trigger Knox?
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Yes it does.
---------- Post added at 10:37 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:33 AM ----------
funcritter said:
This is all true. There really isn't a reason to root the Snapdragon variant unless you absolutely need it for an app that requires root. You can't run any custom ROMs on a phone with a locked bootloader, even if it is rooted.
Just like with the S7/Edge Snapdragons, they had root but it was so unreliable I could never really keep my phone rooted. There were severe battery drain issues, lag and more and these issues remain today for people still trying to root that phone.
I still have my old reliable Note 5 rooted and I still it today even though I have a Note 8 now.
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This. Sure snapdragons will get root but it won't be for months and it will limit battery to 80%. Plus no twrp or custom roms. Not worth it imho. That's why if root and roms are important to you, Exynos is your only real option.

[PETITION] [SAMSUNG] Unlocking the bootloader on the SM-j327T & SM-J327T1

Attention samsung we know you spy on us here on xda. We have a major complaint and wish for you to allow our devices to have it's bootloader unlocked. I have checked your company's code in sboot.bin and it has this code in it: "get_oem_unlock_val" and theres hidden jpg files in param.bin (you can open the file as an archive in 7 zip) It has a file named unlock_L.jpg which will show an unlock icon and the word custom. Why would you waste time putting this in the bootloader if you wasn't intending to let us (your customers) use it. We demand an update to allow us to unlock the bootloader. We will not set here and watch our rights as consumers to use our device as we choose be thrown out the window. There's a reason us android fans hate IOS and iphones and that is because it is all proprietary bull crap and we want freedom. Here is the link to a petition i made weeks ago to samsung on change.org: https://www.change.org/p/samsung-unlock-the-bootloader-on-the-j3-prime?recruiter=69539793&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_content=nafta_copylink_shortlink_1%3Acontrol
Update: Samsung has not responded to our demands. and they have decided to randomly stop making the android oreo update. I was told by samsung themselves that the j3 prime from metropcs and tmobile will get android oreo. I feel lied to. Everyone should keep contacting the customer care center of your carrier and samsung both. We should not rest until our demands are met. I refuse to let my efforts of over a year trying to get root go out the window.

Remember this quote: "those who sacrifice freedom for security deserve neither."

Signed and shared

I have added a poll to the thread so everyone can vote. this is another way to show samsung how much we care.

watch this samsung!: https://youtu.be/Q07uesnjuPg & https://youtu.be/gpVocvREboo

Signed and shared with all 6 Facebook accounts

Signed. Shared.

singed and share

I made a post in the offical samsung forums: [Url deleted since post was deleted on samsungs site.]

No matter how much you beg or how many people sign this petition I can pretty much guarantee Samsung will not respond.
The simple fact is, people wanting root or an unlocked bootloader are a minority as far as Samsung are concerned.
The majority of people who use bootloader locked devices are unaware of what root even is or a locked bootloader.
Unfortunately those who require Admin access to their devices are insignificant in the big picture.

ashyx said:
No matter how much you beg or how many people sign this petition I can pretty much guarantee Samsung will not respond.
The simple fact is, people wanting root or an unlocked bootloader are a minority as far as Samsung are concerned.
The majority of people who use bootloader locked devices are unaware of what root even is or a locked bootloader.
Unfortunately those who require Admin access to their devices are insignificant in the big picture.
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You do have a good point. I am guessing samsung is just looking at the needs of the many vs the needs of the few but at this point this is our only option unless someone finds an exploit which could take a year or more to find. If i could get a bootloader unlocked device lg is the way to go but it will be years before i get a new device.

thepcwiz101 said:
You do have a good point. I am guessing samsung is just looking at the needs of the many vs the needs of the few but at this point this is our only option unless someone finds an exploit which could take a year or more to find. If i could get a bootloader unlocked device lg is the way to go but it will be years before i get a new device.
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Me too, I'm totally out of luck at this point

ashyx said:
No matter how much you beg or how many people sign this petition I can pretty much guarantee Samsung will not respond.
The simple fact is, people wanting root or an unlocked bootloader are a minority as far as Samsung are concerned.
The majority of people who use bootloader locked devices are unaware of what root even is or a locked bootloader.
Unfortunately those who require Admin access to their devices are insignificant in the big picture.
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Click to collapse
I found a solution to our locked bootloader issue. it will require ordering from samsungs website. The model of the unlocked variant of the j3 prime is: SM-J327U it is has oem unlock in developer options, it is unlocked for all carriers, and the bootloader is unlocked completely. looks like twrp can be built for this device. and also i confirm that the device is rooted with the j327t cf autoroot. another guy in another thread has stated he has root.

Attention samsung i have found that you are in violation of federal law which allows us consumers to root or flash a custom rom or recovery. Also you cannot void warranty for rooting or flashing custom firmware according to an article i read made in 2016. On behalf of the community we demand our bootloaders to be able to be unlocked. We are getting sick of relying on exploits which can be really bad to use as hackers use it to get control of our phones. All phones from 2017 onward need to be unlocked regardless of carrier. We do not live in north korea so stop treating us like we are slaves!!!

thepcwiz101 said:
Attention samsung i have found that you are in violation of federal law which allows us consumers to root or flash a custom rom or recovery. Also you cannot void warranty for rooting or flashing custom firmware according to an article i read made in 2016. On behalf of the community we demand our bootloaders to be able to be unlocked. We are getting sick of relying on exploits which can be really bad to use as hackers use it to get control of our phones. All phones from 2017 onward need to be unlocked regardless of carrier. We do not live in north korea so stop treating us like we are slaves!!!
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Not trying to defend anyone, but Samsung has it's reasons for this. They are trying to protect subsidy. So say for example Samsung makes different 737 models to different carriers such as T-mobile or ATT. T-mobile or ATT want the customers to be using their plan. If the phone's could be unlocked, you could simply buy the cheapest model and use it for any carrier. As for unlocking the bootloader or rooting, any android phone with Android 7.0 or higher is difficult to root. All the one click root methods i've tried such as Kingroot for multiple different phones such as Samsung, ZTE, LG.. all failed. All we can do is wait for a master hacker to find a work around.

mohhaxs said:
Not trying to defend anyone, but Samsung has it's reasons for this. They are trying to protect subsidy. So say for example Samsung makes different 737 models to different carriers such as T-mobile or ATT. T-mobile or ATT want the customers to be using their plan. If the phone's could be unlocked, you could simply buy the cheapest model and use it for any carrier. As for unlocking the bootloader or rooting, any android phone with Android 7.0 or higher is difficult to root. All the one click root methods i've tried such as Kingroot for multiple different phones such as Samsung, ZTE, LG.. all failed. All we can do is wait for a master hacker to find a work around.
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Well that is a valid reason. But i think people should check this out: https://www.xda-developers.com/bootloader-unlock-root-pixel-2-skipsoft-toolkit/

thepcwiz101 said:
Well that is a valid reason. But i think people should check this out: https://www.xda-developers.com/bootloader-unlock-root-pixel-2-skipsoft-toolkit/
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Not sure what angle your aiming at, but it won't have any use for this device?

mohhaxs said:
Not trying to defend anyone, but Samsung has it's reasons for this. They are trying to protect subsidy. So say for example Samsung makes different 737 models to different carriers such as T-mobile or ATT. T-mobile or ATT want the customers to be using their plan. If the phone's could be unlocked, you could simply buy the cheapest model and use it for any carrier. As for unlocking the bootloader or rooting, any android phone with Android 7.0 or higher is difficult to root. All the one click root methods i've tried such as Kingroot for multiple different phones such as Samsung, ZTE, LG.. all failed. All we can do is wait for a master hacker to find a work around.
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I think they should allow it, and only make one model of each phone!

Relyt2012 said:
I think they should allow it, and only make one model of each phone!
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Well that would require all cell phone companies to program the device for their market when it is shipped to the company which is inefficient. Cell phone companies request a device catered to how their network works. If you have verizon and you try to get a phone with a GSM radio to work on it you will be wasting time because it wont work. Maybe if all companies switch to cdma or gsm it will be practical to make one model for all carriers.

thepcwiz101 said:
Well that would require all cell phone companies to program the device for their market when it is shipped to the company which is inefficient. Cell phone companies request a device catered to how their network works. If you have verizon and you try to get a phone with a GSM radio to work on it you will be wasting time because it wont work. Maybe if all companies switch to cdma or gsm it will be practical to make one model for all carriers.
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That's untrue of the S7 edge, same modems and all as unlocked variant!!

Upgrading to the Galaxy S10 questions

I currently have a Galaxy S5 on Verizon's original unlimited data plan. I rooted the phone with Android Lollipop years ago and have been using it ever since. The phone has tons of lag and a lot of apps now require Marshmallow or newer operating system to run. I've been looking at the S10 as my next phone and have a few questions:
1. I rooted my S5 and would naturally like to root the S10. I know that Verizon goes the extra mile to lock the boot loader and to discourage us from rooting. What is my best bet for being able to root? I mean, should I get a developer version or maybe an international version? I do understand that it's a bit premature to be asking such questions, but with the history of Verizon's versions of the Galaxy line, what should I expect? sadly, I haven't keept up with the phone world in a few years.
2. Seeing as the S10 will be a five model jump for me is root even all that necessary any more? I don't install custom ROMS or tweek the phone all that much anyways. Mostly I just need a way to eliminate ads in apps (I use Adaway for this now), a way to remove bloatwear, and a way to back up apps and data (I've been using Titanium backup for this).
3. What can I expect in terms of advances or complications in the newest version of android? What has changed with support for data cards, rooting and the like?
That's it. Now the experts can chime in.

Damn your latest phone is a S5 yeah you're going to have a hell of a lot and sugar be shocked LOL I bought everyone from the S4 up.

The question is... which S10 to get so that I will be able to root? I know Verizon locks the boot loader. Then again, do I really need to root? what would you recommend having moved away from the S4s?

beavermjr said:
I currently have a Galaxy S5 on Verizon's original unlimited data plan. I rooted the phone with Android Lollipop years ago and have been using it ever since. The phone has tons of lag and a lot of apps now require Marshmallow or newer operating system to run. I've been looking at the S10 as my next phone and have a few questions:
1. I rooted my S5 and would naturally like to root the S10. I know that Verizon goes the extra mile to lock the boot loader and to discourage us from rooting. What is my best bet for being able to root? I mean, should I get a developer version or maybe an international version? I do understand that it's a bit premature to be asking such questions, but with the history of Verizon's versions of the Galaxy line, what should I expect? sadly, I haven't keept up with the phone world in a few years.
2. Seeing as the S10 will be a five model jump for me is root even all that necessary any more? I don't install custom ROMS or tweek the phone all that much anyways. Mostly I just need a way to eliminate ads in apps (I use Adaway for this now), a way to remove bloatwear, and a way to back up apps and data (I've been using Titanium backup for this).
3. What can I expect in terms of advances or complications in the newest version of android? What has changed with support for data cards, rooting and the like?
That's it. Now the experts can chime in.
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Based on your query it would seem you don't need much customization so getting the device with an lunocked bootloader may not be your best bet. I would expect Samsung to follow it's development the same as previous releases. You should be able to acquire the Exynos or Snapdragon variants with unlocked bootloaders as long as you purchase an International variant. Not sure if it's important to you but based on early benchmarks, the Snapdragon variant has now surpassed the Exynos in processing speeds.