[Q] can a 3 branded payg sgs2 be unlocked - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi
I'm looking at picking up a sgs2 phone from the three (3) store on a payg deal. I wanted to quickly check, I should be able to sim unlock this no problems right?
Also are there issues with debranding three versions?
Thanks
Sent from my HTC Magic using XDA App

Think so
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1064978

mine came unlocked. what i'm more interested in is if we can have the original three firmware from someone, so that we can slap unbranded one onto the phone and then revert back if we need to (like bringing it back to three in case of a fault or something like that).

If you can sim unlock the SGSII which others have managed via that thread, then why wouldnt you buy the o2 payg for 399 rather than the 3 version for 499.
(At least those were the prices 2wks ago)
My bad, Ive seen theyve taken it off PAYG
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

Thanks All - I ended up getting one from Phones4U.
Turns out they have completely unlocked stock samsung devices without any bloatware. I thought this better than de-branding & unlocking etc.
Cost was the same, £499 but as it was stock I avoided the costs of unlocking etc.
ohmz55: Would like to have done this, but O2 stopped the deal.
Thanks
JohnBoy

andrej.marinic said:
mine came unlocked. what i'm more interested in is if we can have the original three firmware from someone, so that we can slap unbranded one onto the phone and then revert back if we need to (like bringing it back to three in case of a fault or something like that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you post the product code and the firmware details (pda, csc, modem) I can try to get it.

johnboy00 said:
Thanks All - I ended up getting one from Phones4U.
Turns out they have completely unlocked stock samsung devices without any bloatware. I thought this better than de-branding & unlocking etc.
Cost was the same, £499 but as it was stock I avoided the costs of unlocking etc.
ohmz55: Would like to have done this, but O2 stopped the deal.
Thanks
JohnBoy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O2 no longer offer it online, I was able to get one for £399 from O2 store just yesterday however. The guy in the shop did say he wasn't allowed to sell it on pay as you go but that he was just going to ignore that!

Related

[Q] HTC Hero Orange Uk unlocking

Hello I have an HTC Hero on Orange UK and it is locked to Orange. I'm trying to get it to get it unlocked so that I can give it to my brother who is on T Mobile UK.
At first I though it would be as simple as loading a new ROM but after rooting it and installing both Villian and a Taiwanese ROM I still couldn't use the T Mobile SIM.
I am aware that the unlocking codes could be brought from Orange but I was wondering if there was a way of unlocking it with out purchasing the unlocking codes.
I have had a look online and on here for various methods but i couldn't find anything of any use. I am aware that this may not be the first time this has been asked so if you have any solutions please link me or explain...
Finally I am pretty tech able am able to do most things.
cheers
Tim
Short answer: Pay for a code
Long answer: Don't pay orange £20 for a code, go look on eBay for one. Mine cost £6.99.
Also, this does not belong in "Android development"
hey man, there is no other way then buying 6-7 pounds.. so, save your time by stop searching free sim unlock
timothy,
Orange and T-Mobile are now the same company (can't remember who bought who) so your brother should be able to use the hero straight away.
If it doesn't work then Orange should now unlock it to T-Mobile without question, considering that they are one and the same.
Minimad said:
timothy,
Orange and T-Mobile are now the same company (can't remember who bought who) so your brother should be able to use the hero straight away.
If it doesn't work then Orange should now unlock it to T-Mobile without question, considering that they are one and the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please disregard this misinformed statement!
Orange and T-Mobile merged, neither bought either, and their "parent company" Everything Everywhere (lame name) was created.
They do network share, so customers can opt in to use the masts from the other network, but by no means are they the same network now.
The brands are due to remain seperate, and lets be fair
1) why would they believe that it was going to be on T-Mob, surely if they'd unlock for free without question everyone would just say that
2) they're wanting to make £25 quid out of you, and they will do for as long as its legally possible.
Once again, short answer: buy a code on ebay.
Buy a code off ebay then you have to downgrade your rom to an early modaco one cant remember which one i used , enter the code to unlock it then reflash an up to date rom.
Thats the only way to unlock a orange hero just had to do 3 off emm mate.
thanks for all suggestions i feel i will have to buy the codes cheers anyway
chrisjaggeruk said:
Buy a code off ebay then you have to downgrade your rom to an early modaco one cant remember which one i used , enter the code to unlock it then reflash an up to date rom.
Thats the only way to unlock a orange hero just had to do 3 off emm mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
one last thing who do you buy them from on ebay (seller name/link) and is it always for htc hero on orange
Is Modaco 2.9 ROM still the only method to unlock Orange UK? Currently running RCMix and rooted. Better still, how one did recently.
Cheers.
Yes think it was that one mate... it was one of the very early modaco custom roms anyway.
don't worry,use this which give different countries and provider,with unlocking code of reliable cost.
you can use that & unlock mobile mobile to T mobile .

[Q] Unlocking from O2 etc in UK ?

How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
O2 will unlock after 12 months otherwise you have to wait until unlocking is worked out after the phone has been launched .
jje
eddie21 said:
How / Where / Who can Unlock the SGII from networks like O2 etc in UK ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am presuming that it will not need unlocking to use a Giffgaff network sim as its part of O2 .
Three O2 shops today no stock and no idea if they will receive stock for launch 1st may .
jje
You could use a Rebel Simcard. It's not the best solution but it definately does the job. I used one on my Dell Streak when they were exclusive to O2.
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
steve228uk said:
I take it you're getting it as an upgrade direct from O2?
If not open a contract with O2 through Phones4U and you'll get an unlocked device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is £399 with O2 but will probably be locked
I also asked a popular online unlocking firm what the chances are of unlocking this handset and this was their reply:
This should be no problem at all. That's because there's one main database for all European Samsung Android handsets. We have unlocked the Samsung Galaxy S from all 6 main UK networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because at this stage, nobody is really sure that the 'unlock £15' part of the process will indeed work You could end up with a phone that will not currently work on the sim you may have ( I do understand you have no contract, so if you are happy with O2 payg, fill yer boots).
eddie21 said:
I have no previous contract, so just buy o2 payg £399 & unlock £15? (Total=£414)
Why would anyone pay £499 unlocked ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Moandal said:
My Vodafone HD2 came unlocked - that wasn't the problem. The killer was that because it was a Vodafone phone, it could only take updates from Vodafone, and their updates came months after the unbranded ones. Once the Devs got HSPL all sorted out then it wasn't so much of a problem, but that didn't happen overnight.
So be aware - it's not just the network locking that's an issue when you buy a phone from a network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
AaronUK said:
Thanks for the heads up. I think O2 don't mess around with their handsets. Only Orange, T-Mobile & Vodafone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was the same with the first batch of O2 HD2's only accepting O2 specific updates which they changed after the second batch went out as were getting too many complaints. Hopefully they've learned from this and will allow standard manufacturer updates from the start. This wasn't due to particular messing around it was due to the serial numbers being registered with the manufacturer as not being generic therefore updates were refused by them. I doubt Samsung are quite as good as HTC with the regular updates but always good to know you can update when it's available.
AaronUK said:
I don't know if the database will work for SGS II. Anyone know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a response I received from a query I made of an eBay seller in relation to unlocking the SGS2...
"This is GUARANTEE TO WORK because this code is directly from Samsung and it is permanent. After you unlocked it, you can do software update or anything you like and it will still be unlocked."
Sounds promising...
It does but would like to know for sure before buying.
lynxboy said:
I work for o2 and as long as it is a contract phone and not pay as you go, you can unlock it anytime by either completing the online form (google o2 'unlockmyiphone') or by calling customer services and requesting them to fill out the form for you. It can take up to 14days for you to receive the code.
Failing that, there are numerous IMEI unlocking websites online who will send the code within 24hours for a small fee.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you say it can take 14 days for the code to arrive...is that normal or is it usually quicker?
Successful unlock?
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
just either get CPW to price match which they are supposedly doing at £399, or waith two weeks as they are goint to that price soon.
This is very stupid from me but as with the SGS, would it be possible to retrieve the bml3.bak file and unlock?
I'm just assuming samsung is using the same method of hiding the Network Control Key.. maybe they're lazy..
entropia said:
Did anyone hear about any successful SGS2 unlock?
I also read in some places that when you buy PNG from O2 it is SIM free. This was the case when I bought an iPhone 4 when it came out. It was SIM free out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u got iphone 4 from o2 and was sim-free?>

[Q] Can Samsung Galaxy SII be unlocked

Well,
Sort of a noob question, but since I dont know how easy or hard could it be.
If I buy a SGS-II with a service plan in UK (Orange, Voda etc), then can it be unlocked to be used in other countries or other operators.
I know maybe it has got something to do with the gaining the root access to the handset or even a root access achieve the desired.
Thanks for suggestions.
HyperEscape said:
Well,
Sort of a noob question, but since I dont know how easy or hard could it be.
If I buy a SGS-II with a service plan in UK (Orange, Voda etc), then can it be unlocked to be used in other countries or other operators.
I know maybe it has got something to do with the gaining the root access to the handset or even a root access achieve the desired.
Thanks for suggestions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's got nothing to do with root and everything to do with the carrier, some will deliver locked phones, some unlocked.. most usually contract phones are unlocked and PAYG phones are locked
I'm on O2 contract and the phones I've had have always been unlocked, but I've heard Orange do network lock their phone
Orange do always lock their phones but if you get it from an independent seller like the Carphone Warehouse or Phones4u the chances are it'll be unlocked.
Most networks will unlock your phone for a small fee (I think I paid £25 on Orange) but it's only a matter of time before sellers on eBay popup that will sell you an unlock code based on your IMEI.
You're right that you could unlock handsets with root access but that involved flashing another radio. Since no locked SGS2's have been released yet you're safe buying now and the phone hasn't been rooted so you may be waiting a while for that option if you get a locked handset in the future.
You could always use a Rebel SimCard. Its not the perfect solution but it works.
So we just have to wait basically. O2 are offering it for 399£ apparently on payg. It would be awesome to get it for that price and then unlock it.
bcam117 said:
So we just have to wait basically. O2 are offering it for 399£ apparently on payg. It would be awesome to get it for that price and then unlock it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last year, o2 were selling the SGS1 on PAYG. I think the handsets were supposed to be locked but they weren't. If you're in luck then maybe same is true for SGS2. I've pulled the trigger on the SGS2 with contract from o2 as total cost works out cheaper that any PAYG or sim free offer currently available.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Does orange still exist over there?
Three took over Orange over here in Australia years ago
On three if you call them up they give you the unlock code for free
I asked a popular online unlocking firm what the likelihood of the SGS2 being unlocked was and this was his reply:
Hi Aaron,
This should be no problem at all. That's because there's one main database for all European Samsung Android handsets. We have unlocked the Samsung Galaxy S from all 6 main UK networks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you going to use them to unlock? When can they do it? & who are they?
AaronUK said:
I asked a popular online unlocking firm what the likelihood of the SGS2 being unlocked was and this was his reply:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will ask them to unlock if my SGS2 arrives locked. I found them doing a quick google search. I am not sure I am allowed to post links so mods please remove if that is the case. http://www.mobileunlocked.co.uk/
There are many more if you do a google search.

[Q] SGS2 in phones4u or carphonewarehouse UK

Hi. I'd like to buy a SGS2 in p4u or CarPhoneWwarehouse. I've got 2 questions:
1.How much would it cost?
2.Will be Unlocked and Unbranded?
BTW. Which shop do you prefer?
EDIT: If i would buy a branded phone is there posibility to make it unbranded(i really hate operators logos )?
Got mine at Phones4u, It's unlocked and unbranded. In both shops they told me it would be totally unlocked and unbranded whatever network I chose.
Pay as you go costs £499.99 in both shops, but you have to buy £10 credit.
As for contract?
http://www.phones4u.co.uk/shop/shop_contract_details.asp?ItemKey=519740
http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/mobiles/mobile-phones/SAMSUNG-GALAXY-S-2
Can somebody tell me what is different between branded and unbranded phone (especially SGS2) ?? Only logo and firmware updates or something else.
sutu69 said:
Can somebody tell me what is different between branded and unbranded phone (especially SGS2) ?? Only logo and firmware updates or something else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently it is only a bootscreen and a couple of wallpapers. However updates will be delayed and it's likely they will add more bloat later on. Orange ruined my HTC Desire with their crapware.
You can however easily change it to a stock firmware etc. A guide is available on the dev forum.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Took me a lot of blagging, but I managed to get my GS2 for £400 from Carphone Warehouse on the day they got them in. This is because they're doing some new policy where they will match your network's price. O2 are doing offline GS2s for £400. I had to go back to the shop 3 times, but I finally talked them into it. Was the last one in stock too on the day. This was even before the "Pay as you go" packages were on their system, so I didn't have to buy a top-up either. Was quite proud of myself.
Weren't going to pay £500 when O2 were doing them for £400!
Got mine from carphone warehouse on a new O2 contract and it's completely unbranded.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
i just bought the phone and im so happy.
First of all i bought it at p4u. i paid 499.95 + 10.00(topup). It's fully unlocked and unbranded
However, i've got a little problem with the phone. When i plug in a earphones which were in the box i sometimes got a strange noise but sound is still there. i tried with another earphones and everything was ok. both hedsets are hard to plug off (?)so i have to use some force. do u have same problem?
SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH

[Q] Unlocking Bell Galaxy S2 4G

Hello everyone, so its finally the launch day for the SGS2! Rejoice!
I picked mine up this morning from Tbooth for 599.99 no contract. I plan on using the phone on telus though, so I need a sim-unlock.
I know there is a root sim unlock app, but does this work on the Bell version of the phone? What about paid unlock codes? Will http://cgi.ebay.ca/UNLOCK-CODE-UK-SAMSUNG-GALAXY-S2-GALAXY-PRO-B7510-/260812982312?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cb9aa4828#ht_4291wt_1139 work for bell???
I guess I should just try the unlock app... a little hesitant. I realize there might already be an answer for this, but I am just looking for some help. Thank you.
Diito. I bought my Bell SGS2 outright this morning as well. Damn sweet phone. I'm looking to unlock and run on Telus as well.
What I thought they don't allow you to buy it off contract anymore...weird, I am from Toronto.
Anyways for unlocking I would recommend cellunlocker.net (I have used it a few times and it worked, fast and good pricing).
miniflight said:
What I thought they don't allow you to buy it off contract anymore...weird, I am from Toronto.
Anyways for unlocking I would recommend cellunlocker.net (I have used it a few times and it worked, fast and good pricing).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought mine this morning non-contract and intend to use it on Telus as well. They just make you go month to month and pay for 1 month of service and you can cancel in 30 days essentially with no penalties.
I've been looking for a Bell root flash as well...bell has a ton of crap pre-installed that I definately don't dig.
Before all this unlock code ish
try the nv_data.bin thing!
Let me know how it goes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1064978
or simpler (an app)
http://www.inspiredgeek.com/2011/05/25/how-to-sim-unlock-your-samsung-galaxy-s2-sii/
Yajirobe said:
I just bought mine this morning non-contract and intend to use it on Telus as well. They just make you go month to month and pay for 1 month of service and you can cancel in 30 days essentially with no penalties.
I've been looking for a Bell root flash as well...bell has a ton of crap pre-installed that I definately don't dig.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also you need to pay the activiation cost as well right?
That is not really worth it if you lived in Toronto/GTA, Ontario. I got one at Pacific Mall for 650, unbranded and unlocked UK version.
Orz!
miniflight said:
Also you need to pay the activiation cost as well right?
That is not really worth it if you lived in Toronto/GTA, Ontario. I got one at Pacific Mall for 650, unbranded and unlocked UK version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I live in Calgary xD.
Phone was $625 after tax plus the $50 for the rate plan and $35 activation plus tax so not a huge difference. I'm also wondering if anyone knows the number of digits the unlock code for the GS2 should be.....I received a code from cellunlocker.net and due to poor instructions and myself being uncontrollably impatient to use the phone on telus put in only part of the code..or so i beleive.
They sent the code in this format NETWORK:=48684XXX;PROVIDER:=69599XXX;SUBNET:=85256XXX;DEFREEZE:=05193XXX.
I've used 2 attempts and REALLY want to know its right before i enter it again. I feel like a serious noob after this lol
Yajirobe said:
I live in Calgary xD.
Phone was $625 after tax plus the $50 for the rate plan and $35 activation plus tax so not a huge difference. I'm also wondering if anyone knows the number of digits the unlock code for the GS2 should be.....I received a code from cellunlocker.net and due to poor instructions and myself being uncontrollably impatient to use the phone on telus put in only part of the code..or so i beleive.
They sent the code in this format NETWORK:=48684XXX;PROVIDER:=69599XXX;SUBNET:=85256XXX;DEFREEZE:=05193XXX.
I've used 2 attempts and REALLY want to know its right before i enter it again. I feel like a serious noob after this lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm interesting, I only get one code from the many time I used.
Anyways if you have tried the network and provider one, then the codes are unlikely to be working.
What I will do is, either email them or call them and ask which one to use. If they say use the one that you already tried and didn't work, you should make a video of the process of you inputing the codes and if it didn't work and, just email them that video to get your money back.
But you gota be extra careful now, you only have one attempt before it freezes lol.
Now I wouldn't risk it if they told you the one to use and you already tried it which failed.
You should try to use the things that SS2006 suggested.
cellunlocker.net probably won't refund you the money if you do not have a video, but I can send you the cost since I recommended and it failed. It should be something like $8 right? lol
Good luck.
Edit: okay guys I found this thread and it confirmed to be working:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...ree-unlocking-solution-reportedly-not-working
Now you should start reading and learn stuff before you actually start flashing and doing things.
But you should note it will void your warranty if you start flashing and rooting, so you might want to think about that as well.
There is unlock available. under other thread. I unlocked usin theunlock.ca code. i didnt know about root/unlock when i paid for it. But it works.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA App
real1st said:
There is unlock available. under other thread. I unlocked usin theunlock.ca code. i didnt know about root/unlock when i paid for it. But it works.
Sent from my GT-I9100M using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm waiting on theunlock.ca to send me my codes too. Hopefully soon!
So did that software unlock or the sim unlock app work for anyone?
Or should I just use theunlock.ca ?
Same as you guys, I'll be picking mine up today and unlocking to use with Telus.
OverDrive33 said:
So did that software unlock or the sim unlock app work for anyone?
Or should I just use theunlock.ca ?
Same as you guys, I'll be picking mine up today and unlocking to use with Telus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My only concern with rooting and unlocking it via the methods available here on XDA is that it seems to be a hit or miss with what kind of glitches you may end up with.
I'm hoping theunlock.ca will preserve all the original device settings, firmware, etc. and just allows me to use it on my Rogers account.
Rooting with XX OXA kernel worked.
Then I used this to use it on Telus.
Free of bleepin' charge.
cybik said:
Rooting with XX OXA kernel worked.
Then I used this to use it on Telus.
Free of bleepin' charge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BELL, rooted and unlock with ZS firmware.. up and running with TELUS..
I just subscribed to this web site to thank you A LOT! It works perfectly!!
theunlock.ca worked for me!
Did it with Helroz galaxy s unlock and it worked for me!!
I simply root the bell galaxy s2 by following:
w**.inspiredgeek.com/2011/04/29/breaking-samsung-galaxy-sii-s2-is-now-rooted-using-xwkdd-insecure-kernel-with-superoneclick
Then I have install the galaxy s unlock + busy tool
gone trough the 1-2-3 steps form the galaxy s unlcok tool
Then boot the phone with my Telus sim card, wait a few minutes to get hooked to the network and Voila!!
Note: once you flash the kernel with odin, you'll get a yellow triangle at the boot screen, I have simple flash back with the original kernel with odin after root grants to get rid of it, the original I use is I9100XWKDD_StockKernel.tar, too big to get attached
I have a bell S2 when i put a rogers sim i dont get a prompt to enter to the network control key. Im running 2.3.5
That means its already unlocked

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