[Q] Unlocking Question - Vibrant Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Currently my wife's phone is unlocked. I am a noob and I am just getting into the flash/root android community so I upgraded her stock phone to JI6 on Eclair. As a result, her unlocking codes are not easily accessible anymore but the phone is unlocked. I'm wondering if I need to risk going through the steps in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822008&page=11 (under Helroz) to find the unlock codes for the phone or I can just continue flash in Roms and kernels on her phone.
I guess the real question is: how important is it to have the unlocking codes if your phone is already unlocked and under what circumstances would the phone relock itself?
Thank you in advance for all replies.

Unlocked as in.... you can change out the sd card? Otherwise, if you have already flashed a differnet ROM, kernel, or modem or whatever, I don't think it would be different if you did it again.
But I would assume once you're unlocked...well you're unlocked, right?

Lol I am unlocked...I'm using the t mobile phone on the wind network I
n toronto so I can say with certainty that I'm unlocked. The reason why I'm asking is because we have two viberants (one that I have the unlock code and one that I don't ). being the noob that I am, I retired to manualy root my phone (the one I have the unlock code) using the update.zip file found in the sticky noob guideline.that one somehow re-locked my phone but I had the unlock codes so out was no problem. That's why I'm paranoid now about the phone relocking itself and I won't have the unlock codes.
Your right about it not asking for the unlock codes after rom and kernel updates.I'm hoping the situation where I re-locked the phone is a special, rare, and unique case. I'm going for some confirmation on this.

Related

[Q] pls help to install custom rom on unlocked vibrant

my phone's network is unlocked and im using it in india, but really want to install some custom roms, from here, but will after installing those roms, my phone still be unlocked to be used in india???????????????
I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure your phone is unlocked forever if you entered the actual unlock code. (EDIT: Assuming you don't intentionally/explicitly relock to network--this is possible, no?)
There's also a root/hack unlock method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=906255 which can apparently be reversed.
How did you unlock the phone to begin with?
i got it unlocked from the gray market.....

bootloader cracked or not? unlock phone possible?

Hi, I saw the news (on july) that the bootloader was cracked but then the posts about it's a lie and then the custom kernels appear and I don't know if the bootloader is unlocked or not.
My question is if there will be a way to free unlock the phone (sim unlock) shortly or better go paying an unlock code.
Thank you.
The custom kernels are here because some clever devs figured out how to bypass the bootloader to load unsigned kernels.
Apparently, Zdzihu is working with a mystery dev about unlocking the bootloader, and apparently, they have done it. Nothing has been released to us about it yet however.
Regarding your question, until the bootloader is unlocked, you will need to pay an unlocking service to sim unlock your phone. If the bootloader is unlocked, you might still need to pay an unlocking service.
Sent from my X10i using XDA Premium App
Yum, no matter the bootloader is unlocked, the SIM unclocking is different and not relate to bootloader.
silveraero said:
Yum, no matter the bootloader is unlocked, the SIM unclocking is different and not relate to bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, If you remember back to the flame war between Max and the_laser, much of the hype was about SIM unlock, as unlocking the bootloader would give us direct access to where SIM lock information is stored. I believe this is one of the reasons that SE will not unlock the bootloader, as they are in agreement with various carriers to keep it locked. The carriers obviously don't want people ditching them whenever they feel like it.
Edit:
I might have misunderstood your post. Sorry about that. But the bootloader is directly related to the SIM lock, on this phone at least, hence why I stated "If the bootloader is unlocked, you might still need to pay an unlocking service."

[Q] SK17a - SIM unlock, ICS, Bootloader Unlock

Hi all,
I've read a couple of stickies, and been through quite a bit of threads here at XDA, and I still can't find my answer. I hope that this is the right place for questions, if not, please excuse my ignorance and move it to the correct forum.
Here's my problem:
I have an Xperia Mini Pro (SK17a), locked to Rogers. It's one of the phone models that don't have the ICS upgrade. Perhaps I can blame that on Rogers, but then again, I can blame a lot of things on Rogers. I've been waiting for the ICS upgrade for quite a while, and now I'm just going to take this into my own hands and install a custom rom.
My understanding of this is that unlocking the bootloader will make my life much easier, and it's what I intend to do. The thing is, I'm SIM-locked to that god-awful company Rogers. From my 'research', I've read a bunch of stories and stuff, but nothing that gives me a definite answer. Do I have to have my phone SIM-unlocked to unlock my bootloader? (For either the official SE unlocking service and Test Point method). Will SIM-Unlocking also sever any bonds that connect my phone to Rogers? If that's the case, then I might just be able to update via PC Companion, which I can settle for if it takes less work than unlocking the bootloader.
My efforts in trying to update via FlashTool (and the official ICS .ftf) were futile, resulting in Flashtool giving me an unsatisfactory "ERROR- Error flashing. Aborted", which I think may be because my bootloader is locked, or I'm SIM-locked to Rogers.
(Using the latest version of flashtool)
Currently, my phone is running the latest stock Gingerbread, with root and CWM.
This ties in nicely to my next question, regarding Recoverys.
When I read the thread pertaining to CWM on the Mini Pro, it said that it should only be installed on a stock rom. Would this mean that CWM isn't used with custom roms? I find this to be stupid, as then you wouldn't be able to access the Recovery menu when **** actually turns bad, and you've got to flash a stable rom in a pinch.
That's all for now, thanks in advance.
-Dillon
P.S.
I'm not too much of a noob, so I can understand all of this crazy Android lingo; I've rooted/installed custom roms on my fair share of devices. On the other hand, I'm no pro either.
I know that bumping is generally frowned upon, but I'm doing it in hopes that perhaps somebody that could answer my questions just missed my thread.
Again, my apologies.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Same problem
Man I have the exacttt same problem and doubt as you do, specially about the SIM LOCK, I want ICS on my phone too, I have the same model. Have you gotten any answers?
well you can unlock your boot loader and install custom rom and after unlock you will unable to update through seus or pc companion until you relock the bl. i suggest u to use test point in this way you will not lose drm keys. and if there is a problem in network try different baseband.
Before unlocking bootloader you must remove sim-lock. Basically it comes down on buying sim unlock code.
DillonBladez said:
I know that bumping is generally frowned upon, but I'm doing it in hopes that perhaps somebody that could answer my questions just missed my thread.
Again, my apologies.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had no problems flashing ICS via flash tool on my then locked bootloader, sim locked device, so I'm thinking that's not the problem here.
Make sure you have installed the right drivers for your device, that it has usb debugging activated and that it is configured to msc (usb storage) when flashing.
Also, when I unlocked my bootloader via paid method (alejandrissimo) it also eliminated the sim lock :beer: I think it's part of the process. Anyway, maybe you could explain a little further about the error log you get on flash tool.
Don't forget to click thanks if I helped.
Edit: about cwm, of course you can use it on custom roms, some kernel even have that included. . First you install it on your stock ics and then you get to flash other roms.
Sent from my SK17i using xda app-developers app
unforgiven1311 said:
I had no problems flashing ICS via flash tool on my then locked bootloader, sim locked device, so I'm thinking that's not the problem here.
Make sure you have installed the right drivers for your device, that it has usb debugging activated and that it is configured to msc (usb storage) when flashing.
Also, when I unlocked my bootloader via paid method (alejandrissimo) it also eliminated the sim lock :beer: I think it's part of the process. Anyway, maybe you could explain a little further about the error log you get on flash tool.
Don't forget to click thanks if I helped.
Edit: about cwm, of course you can use it on custom roms, some kernel even have that included. . First you install it on your stock ics and then you get to flash other roms.
Sent from my SK17i using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a sim locked phone and the bootloader can't be unlocked because my phone was made in 12w22. No test point and no sony options because the status of the bootloader says Bootloader status: no.
The question is: if i by a sim-unlock code the bootloader status turns to yes?
i really need to unlock bootloader because my battery is causing me nightmares!! thanks for the help. sorry for the bad english(or not) .I'm portuguese

[Q] Xperia X10a, confusion about the bootloader, and its ability to be unlocked

I have an x10a, and I have for a while. But, its getting old, and boring. I wanted to spice it up with a custom ROM, namely Cyanogenmod. But going through the steps, xflashtool doesn't seem to want to play ball, informing me that "Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked".
I've flashed it before, but only back to stock. This time I want something new.
Now, I've googled around and I've found a few pieces of information about this, but nothing concrete, and certainly nothing very in-depth.
I need to know;
- Does this mean that my attempts at a custom ROM are just at a halt completely? Too bad for me, try a different phone?
- If not, can I force the bootloader to be unlocked, and will it remove my ability to use the radio capability in the phone? (as I have read in a few places now), because my phone isn't a lot of good without the ability to do phone things.
- If I can force it, how, and are there any downsides?
and bonus round;
- Why are there certain phones that just can't have the bootloader unlocked.
Cheers in advance guys, I'd really like to hear some good news about this, but anything is better than what I have at this point.
AzzaMan said:
I have an x10a, and I have for a while. But, its getting old, and boring. I wanted to spice it up with a custom ROM, namely Cyanogenmod. But going through the steps, xflashtool doesn't seem to want to play ball, informing me that "Your phone bootloader cannot be officially unlocked".
I've flashed it before, but only back to stock. This time I want something new.
Now, I've googled around and I've found a few pieces of information about this, but nothing concrete, and certainly nothing very in-depth.
I need to know;
- Does this mean that my attempts at a custom ROM are just at a halt completely? Too bad for me, try a different phone?
- If not, can I force the bootloader to be unlocked, and will it remove my ability to use the radio capability in the phone? (as I have read in a few places now), because my phone isn't a lot of good without the ability to do phone things.
- If I can force it, how, and are there any downsides?
and bonus round;
- Why are there certain phones that just can't have the bootloader unlocked.
Cheers in advance guys, I'd really like to hear some good news about this, but anything is better than what I have at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st: you still can flash custom rom, look for the one that have stated (for locked bootloader)
2nd: yes you can, there is testpoint method (correct me If I'm wrong)
3rd: no afaik
Bonus: because there are carrier locked, or just plain damn unlucky
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app
TakuyaZ said:
1st: you still can flash custom rom, look for the one that have stated (for locked bootloader)
2nd: yes you can, there is testpoint method (correct me If I'm wrong)
3rd: no afaik
Bonus: because there are carrier locked, or just plain damn unlucky
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Champion. Cheers for the lightning fast reply, didn't expect to hear back for a day or two. I'm gonna begin my search for a copy of cyanogenmod for x10's that are for locked bootloaders. This should be fun
AzzaMan said:
Champion. Cheers for the lightning fast reply, didn't expect to hear back for a day or two. I'm gonna begin my search for a copy of cyanogenmod for x10's that are for locked bootloaders. This should be fun
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cyanogen mod cant be installed in locked bootloader, due to cm require an custom kernel
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app
TakuyaZ said:
Cyanogen mod cant be installed in locked bootloader, due to cm require an custom kernel
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn it... Any suggestions for a good alternative? I'd like something either really fancy, or really low RAM and Battery usage.
TakuyaZ said:
...
Bonus: because there are carrier locked, or just plain damn unlucky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My X10i is carrirer locked, and I could unlock the boot loader without any problems.
The problem with those who lose their radio capability, is, as I suspect it to be, because they tried SIM-unlock their devices with third party methods in a way that are not supposed to be done. (A "bad" hack method of some kind). Once they unlock the boot loader, they lose that poor third party hack, and the device reverts back to a SIM-locked state. Since most of the people who do SIM-unlock their devices, uses a different carrier, will also lose the radio because of the carrier/SIM lock.
One can safely unlock the boot loader if:
* The device remains SIM-locked and haven't been touched by poor, unknown SIM-lock hacks.
* The device isn't SIM-locked in the first place. (Device was delivered in an unlocked state)
* The device is SIM-unlocked with the proper method, where one get proper unlock codes from their original carrier matched with the IMEI code.
SysGhost said:
One can safely unlock the boot loader if:
* The device remains SIM-locked and haven't been touched by poor, unknown SIM-lock hacks.
* The device isn't SIM-locked in the first place. (Device was delivered in an unlocked state)
* The device is SIM-unlocked with the proper method, where one get proper unlock codes from their original carrier matched with the IMEI code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone was delivered locked to... Vodaphone? I think. I unlocked it a long time ago. But, I unlocked it by given them my IMEI, and getting the unlock code from them. So, as legit as it gets really. I am still not allowed to just unlock my bootloader. Based on what I've seen in this thread, and a couple of other places, if I force the bootloader to unlock by "less sturdy" means, I should be fine with my sim-unlock, or be able to just contact them again and get a new unlock code.
So, this Testpoint method that TakuyaZ mentioned, anyone able to point me in the right direction for that or an alternative? I can't seem to find a decent tutorial anywhere.
AzzaMan said:
My phone was delivered locked to... Vodaphone? I think. I unlocked it a long time ago. But, I unlocked it by given them my IMEI, and getting the unlock code from them. So, as legit as it gets really. I am still not allowed to just unlock my bootloader. Based on what I've seen in this thread, and a couple of other places, if I force the bootloader to unlock by "less sturdy" means, I should be fine with my sim-unlock, or be able to just contact them again and get a new unlock code.
So, this Testpoint method that TakuyaZ mentioned, anyone able to point me in the right direction for that or an alternative? I can't seem to find a decent tutorial anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What method did you try to unlock the bootloader with? As far as I know your SIM-unlocked status shouldn't be affected at all, as it is properly unlocked, with the radio accepting all carriers. (Radio part of the device is semi-isolated from the rest of the system)
Try this method, and you should be fine: (But I cannot promise anything. If you do try it, you're on your own.)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1253277
It's the method I used on a few X10i devices. Works on SIM-locked devices (They'll remain SIM-locked after, as it should be), as well as unlocked devices that previosly has been SIM-locked, but unlocked with the proper codes from the carrier. They remained SIM-unlocked after unlocking the boot loader. Good news that is.
So if you really know that your device has been properly SIM-unlocked with codes delivered from the carrier that locked the device in the first place, you should be fine. A.f.a.i.k, the only ones that lost their radio on their devices, are the ones who used improper third party hacking methods to SIM-unlock their devices.
Warning: If you are not 100% sure about what method that has been used to SIM-unlock your device. Stop. And turn back.
Alright, attempting the method posted above, I have hit a snag. I then proceeded to hit the same snag over and over again, trying minutely different methods.
My problem is with the qsd8250_semc tool.
The most I can get out of it is;
"
Process requires standard 2.x android firmware.
Press any key to continue...
Getting ROOT rights.
error: protocol fault (no status)
error: device not found
error: device not found.
Waiting...
"
Any suggestions? At this point I've tried the methods listed on the sites below, but nothing is working.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1253277
http://www.modaco.com/topic/346145-how-toguideunlock-x10-bootloader-permanently/
AzzaMan said:
Alright, attempting the method posted above, I have hit a snag. I then proceeded to hit the same snag over and over again, trying minutely different methods.
My problem is with the qsd8250_semc tool.
The most I can get out of it is;
"
Process requires standard 2.x android firmware.
Press any key to continue...
Getting ROOT rights.
error: protocol fault (no status)
error: device not found
error: device not found.
Waiting...
"
Any suggestions? At this point I've tried the methods listed on the sites below, but nothing is working.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1253277
http://www.modaco.com/topic/346145-how-toguideunlock-x10-bootloader-permanently/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try with Flashtool? Don't use the newest version, you need 0.9.10 release. From http://androxyde.github.io/ There is a thread on here some where ill inbox you the link if I find it.
But it is easy as to do. By memory I think you click the padlock in flashtool to root phone then click on the plugins and you have the option to unlock boot loader with a click. Not sure if you have to add recovery first? Get the older version of flashtool though.
I'm sure someone will remember and help :good:
Found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1254087
Hey mate this is the thread I used http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1821750
doodownunda said:
Did you try with Flashtool? Don't use the newest version, you need 0.9.10 release. From http://androxyde.github.io/ There is a thread on here some where ill inbox you the link if I find it.
But it is easy as to do. By memory I think you click the padlock in flashtool to root phone then click on the plugins and you have the option to unlock boot loader with a click. Not sure if you have to add recovery first? Get the older version of flashtool though.
I'm sure someone will remember and help :good:
Found this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1254087
Hey mate this is the thread I used http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1821750
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only things needed on the X10 part is it to have original (Stock) firmware with Android 2.1 or 2.2, with the original 2.6.29 kernel.
Also one need to enable debugging over USB (Debug Bridge) in the developer settings. And lastly need the drivers installed if using Windows. (Which I assume is the case here)
Once that's done, it should all work.
I've written a Linux script if anyone needs it. Still need the other files from the original qsd8250.7z toolset from the_laser's thread. See attached files.
Place qsd8250_semc.bash in the same director as qsd8250_semc.cmd, then execute it.
One also need Linux-version of the adb command, and in the system PATH variable.

Question regarding SIM Unlock and ROM flashing

Dear community,
I unlocked my SGS3 for all carriers through a nearby shop one year ago. He told me I have two options: Either a much more expensive IMEI Unlock, or a much cheaper Software-Based SIM Unlock. There seemed to be no downsides to the Software Method, even though the guy there told me that I should not flash any new roms since that would destroy the Software Unlock (but resetting the Phone would be no problem).
As of lately, I have been looking into several new ROMs which look very nice, and I would like to flash them...but I am afraid that it would brick the SIM Unlock. Now here is my question: Is there any way to find out what that guy actually did to my Phone? And secondly: Since the S3 is already VERY old, is there a possibolity to unlock its IMEI? Or any other SIM Unlock Method which I could apply myself?
Btw: My carrier is "3" (Hutchison), Austria.
Any help is appreciated! Thank you!
The s3 can be unlocked via code as long as the unlocker can access the unlocking code database.
Usually, unlocking the s3 via code or software is permanent. I have unlocked s3 i747m phones, using a secret dialler menu and code, none of which have relocked after flashing stock or custom roms.
Thanks for your help!
So, should I just go for it and try it out? Maybe it will stay as it is but I am not sure...
Has the phone EVER seen a 4.3 rom?. If NOT, you CAN do the nvram unlock method. Out of 1-10 on difficulty its about a 6. You MUST BE VERY CAREFULL!.
The fact it was done software tells me that it would have been a galaxsim unlock which "should" be permanent.
Beamed in by telepathy.
shivadow said:
Has the phone EVER seen a 4.3 rom?. If NOT, you CAN do the nvram unlock method. Out of 1-10 on difficulty its about a 6. You MUST BE VERY CAREFULL!.
The fact it was done software tells me that it would have been a galaxsim unlock which "should" be permanent.
Beamed in by telepathy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, as far as I know, it had a 4.3 Stock Rom at some point, but I installed the official 4.4.4 Stock Rom later on. Thats why I want to switch to another ROM, hoping that the performance increases.
There was no official 4.4.4 for the i9300. It stopped at 4.3 but seeing as you know it had 4.3 the only way to unlock the simlock is to pay for it.
I doubt you'll brick the device as there is always odin. The i9300 is quite resilient and in most software cockups flashing back to stock with odin will fix it to the point of a "working" device.
If it was me I'd risk it and odin if it goes wrong so make sure you have a usable stock rom before you start.
IF it does relock your phone you can pay about £10 - £20 (gbp) to have it permanently unlocked for any network and it should be unlocked while-u-wait, taking approximately 5 minutes.
Beamed in by telepathy.
shivadow said:
There was no official 4.4.4 for the i9300. It stopped at 4.3 but seeing as you know it had 4.3 the only way to unlock the simlock is to pay for it.
I doubt you'll brick the device as there is always odin. The i9300 is quite resilient and in most software cockups flashing back to stock with odin will fix it to the point of a "working" device.
If it was me I'd risk it and odin if it goes wrong so make sure you have a usable stock rom before you start.
IF it does relock your phone you can pay about �10 - �20 (gbp) to have it permanently unlocked for any network and it should be unlocked while-u-wait, taking approximately 5 minutes.
Beamed in by telepathy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
One guy already tried to unlock it using the IMEI-Unlock method, but he did not manage to open the menu where he can enter the IMEI-Unlock code - even after inserting a SIM-Card from another carriert, there came no option where you can enter the Unlock Code. IF the device is locked again after I flash a new ROM, I hope that it can be at least unlocked once and for all by the IMEI-Unlock method...
Did you try flashing the stock 4.3 ROM from here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9300/ in order to enter the unlock code?
audit13 said:
Did you try flashing the stock 4.3 ROM from here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9300/ in order to enter the unlock code?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your kind help, but there was no need for that. I actually flashed a new ROM and the SIM Unlock is still there! Very very nice!
A huge thanks to you all for offering me your help!
Thir thread can be closed.

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