[Q] Authenticity & Blacklisted??? - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 5

Hi, I have a few questions:
1) How do you check the authenticity of the S5? What I mean is to make sure I have not acquired one of those cheap rip off's that look like a gs5, feel like one, but in reality that is NOT one...cloned gs5 with inferior quality in other words?
2) How can I check to see if the phone is blacklisted WITHOUT a sim card?
3) How do I check to see if its region locked or carrier locked?
I've browsed through 10 PAGES looking for info that I have not came across yet, which is why Im posting it here.
Edit: I also need to know how to check if the bootloader is locked as well.

1. You really never know. You would need to see it in person.
2. Plug the IMEI into swappa.com to see the status.
3. You can't unless you have it in person and test another SIM card.
4. The bootloader is unlocked for all G900T phones. No way to lock it.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

I have the G900T in person...any idea's for what I need to look for?
Having an unlocked bootloader is what every one prefer to have, correct? I forgot why its important to have an unlocked bootloader...haven't touched this subject since the Evo lite came out (one with keyboard)
Will any sim card from any network work? Or would it need to be another sim card from T-Mo? Actually I need to brush up my understandings on sim cards as well, I've never owned a phone that required a sim card. Looks like I already have my work cut out for me, a whole lot of damn reading to do

xPSYB0RGx said:
I have the G900T in person...any idea's for what I need to look for?
Having an unlocked bootloader is what every one prefer to have, correct? I forgot why its important to have an unlocked bootloader...haven't touched this subject since the Evo lite came out (one with keyboard)
Will any sim card from any network work? Or would it need to be another sim card from T-Mo? Actually I need to brush up my understandings on sim cards as well, I've never owned a phone that required a sim card. Looks like I already have my work cut out for me, a whole lot of damn reading to do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have it, just download the app "CPU z" and post a screenshot here. I'll be able to tell if it's real or not.
Any sim card from ANOTHER carrier will work. A tmobile sim card is useless because it's meant to work with it.
Go here: http://swappa.com/esn to check if it's blacklisted or financed. You can get the IMEI from the Settings>About menu.

Related

[Q] Is it possible to remove network lock without an unlock code?

I have reviewed similar threads for a few days but have not found any answers. The simple question I have is in the title:
Can you unlock the ATT Atrix without an unlock code.
However the situation is a bit more complicated and ill explain.
I have been traveling the past few months and was in Costa Rica for a month. I decided to purchase a local SIM so I could use my phone without paying ridiculous ATT roaming charges. I inserted the SIM and it was locked, unaware of the network lock I inserted my personal code thinking that may be it. No luck and returned to my old ATT SIM. At this point it still worked but a few days passed and I tried again, still no avail so I contacted ATT. It just so happened the 6 month mark was coming up from the original purchase date of my phone so they would provide the unlock code in 4 days time. I waited and finally received, after inserting the code it did not work and I contacted ATT back to assure they provided the proper code as they had to send me a replacement phone a few months prior due to my original Atrix crapping out. They checked it out and determined it was correct but it never worked. I finally inserted my original ATT SIM back into the phone and it also requested network unlock code. Now I am back in the states and even with the original ATT SIM it still requests for the network unlock code. I tried unlocking and flashing with CM7 beta and STILL requests unlock code. So basically the phone is useless for network data but will work fine as a mini tablet i suppose connected to WIFI.
So with that explanation does anyone have any idea on bypassing this or removing this entirely, not even to use overseas but just on the ATT network!
Additionally
ATT provided me with another Atrix to alleviate my troubles so im not entirely phoneless. However I would like to sell one of these and possibly purchase the GS2 0_o
I have contacted 3 cell phone unlocking sites explaining the situation and only one has responded but not with any answers.
HELP!
if you got a new phone, is it still asking for a network unlock code?
No. Its working fine, but I still have this perfectly good working phone I would rather use and sell the brand new one. Unless I cant get rid of this unlock problem I suppose Ill sell it as is. Any takers?
Hi, I talk to att once when i want to unlock my atrix and they told me if the phone is more than six months old the give you the unlock code for free.
so for the atrix if that is your phone you can ask att for your code since august 21.
just call att customer support.
hope this help.
try a diff sim card with data plan and see if it still asks for code
or try flashing a custom rom
I suppose I was not clear in the OP. ATT DID provide this code for me. I did flash a custom rom already.
As far as using a different SIM card I tried to use a second SIM that ATT provided and still nothing.
I am assuming this is a very unique situation and probably wont find any answers unless someone has successfully unlocked the phone by flashing some special ROM.
Flashing a ROM of any kind will never sim-unlock your phone.... ever. period.
The only way to resolve this is through AT&T. The only way to sim-unlock is with the code it requests.... must have proper code. That is the only way. So, I would talk to AT&T about it, in person, at a local store.
I unlocked the inspire 4G simple by rooting and flashing a custom rom didnt ask for network password after that it worked on tmobile
With edge service no. 3g or 4g different bands between tmobile and att
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
jussuh said:
I unlocked the inspire 4G simple by rooting and flashing a custom rom didnt ask for network password after that it worked on tmobile
With edge service no. 3g or 4g different bands between tmobile and att
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
highly doubt that....
when does it ask you for the network code? can u provide a screen capture?
jgc121 said:
Flashing a ROM of any kind will never sim-unlock your phone.... ever. period.
The only way to resolve this is through AT&T. The only way to sim-unlock is with the code it requests.... must have proper code. That is the only way. So, I would talk to AT&T about it, in person, at a local store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just the info I was looking for. Basically the phone is boned in that case. Spent a good with with ATT advanced tech support and motorola to no avail.
What I do want to know is WHERE this information is stored out of curiosity. It seems the modding community would have tinkered with some hacks to remove the sim lock at some point.
wyldkard said:
when does it ask you for the network code? can u provide a screen capture?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried to screen shot it but it wont allow in the screen. The request comes as soon as I turn the phone on. If I dismiss it I can use the phone I just wont have cellular access.
Ok so I am reposting and not editing as I feel this deserves a bump.
I got my new Atrix unlock code from ATT today and tried it on the new Atrix I received and that one ALSO will not unlock.
Is there ANY ATT Atrix sim unlocked and if so how did you go about doing it? I have only found one thread and no response via PM.
How to SIM unlock Atrix!
I have read both your post and I believe you used a ATT sim card that was not in use or a GO phone Sim card. Am I correct so far? To sim unlock you have to insert a non ATT sim card!! No go phone sim card or a non active att sim!
Call one of your friends and borrow a Verizon sim or Tmobile sim. You only have 5 tries to do this. So as for your first Atrix I believe it is already locked permanently to ATT. Dont ruin your second Atrix.
katinatez said:
I have read both your post and I believe you used a ATT sim card that was not in use or a GO phone Sim card. Am I correct so far? To sim unlock you have to insert a non ATT sim card!! No go phone sim card or a non active att sim!
Call one of your friends and borrow a Verizon sim or Tmobile sim. You only have 5 tries to do this. So as for your first Atrix I believe it is already locked permanently to ATT. Dont ruin your second Atrix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I found that if you push #073887* in the dialer it will actually prompt you for the unlock code. I tried this with NO sim in at first and that is when it said it was unsuccessful. However late last night I inserted my ATT SIM back in and tried again just for ****s. Entered in #073887* and typed the unlock code and viola, it worked. Interesting information for anyone who wants to unlock there Atrix WITHOUT another carriers SIM!
But back to my original issue. I wouldn't mind if the original atrix was locked to ATT, at least I would still be able to use it. The problem is that it wont work with ANY SIM. My thoughts is that it is a glitch and locked the phone to... nothing?
To make matters worse I emailed cellunlocker.net explained the issue and they said they thought if they requested a carrier unlock code it would work. Paid the 20 and 10 minutes later they sent me the same unlock code ATT had provided. Now the hassle of obtaining a refund.
are you selling the phone?
komakos96 said:
are you selling the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea. Both.
you have to use a *different* sim card than your regular carrier uses (ex - I'm on AT&T, so i used a Boost Mobile Sim to unlock my Atrix) You cannot use YOUR sim to sim-unlock.
jgc121 said:
you have to use a *different* sim card than your regular carrier uses (ex - I'm on AT&T, so i used a Boost Mobile Sim to unlock my Atrix) You cannot use YOUR sim to sim-unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can, by the method I explained in my previous post. It works!
There may be some confusion. The one im referring to (the original ATRIX) will not unlock with an ATT sim, a TMOB sim, a verizon SIM, or even a Costa Rican SIM. NO matter WHAT the SIM is in the "original" phone it always prompts me for a SIM unlock password. Like I said I believe it to be a glitch, intending to lock it to the ATT SIM but in reality it locked it to NO SIM.
So to restate.
YES you can unlock an ATT Atrix with only an ATT SIM in the phone using the method I explained. ( I did it with the phone in my hand right now)
and
NO my original Atrix will not unlock regardless of SIM installed or method.
i will send you a p.m with my offer
Just out of curiousity did you ever set up the sim card lock feature in the location and security settings. It will ask you for the unlock code every time you turn your phone on...shot in the dark here....
Sent from my MB200 using XDA App

[Q] is 2nd sim card needed for unlock if staying with AT&T?

I want to unlock my Note, but AT&T says they don't have the code yet. I am not in contract. I am also resigned to paying for it through 3rd party. But all the instructions I see refer to having a second SIM card on hand from another carrier. I want to stay on AT&T, but want to be able to download ICS now, which is not available through them.
My question is: do I need a second SIM to generate the box asking for the unlock code? I don't have one.
I prefer to keep it simple and not root. Any help is appreciated.
Yes you'll need another SIM to unlock and you will have to root if you want ICS unofficially.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Well, shoot. I thought I read somewhere I could get ICS through Samsung or elsewhere if it was just unlocked, by-passing AT&T. That's a bit of a buzz kill.
Thanks for the reply.
When you get a code just borrow anyone's sim card. You'll only need it for one minute.
I don't know anyone else on a GSM network other than AT&T. I don't even know anyone else on AT&T. Everything here is CDMA.
Wow! PM me your address. I will send you a non at&t sim card.

Atrix 4G unlocking SIM

I'm getting a bit frustrated... I have unlocked and rooted the phone and now I"m trying to unlock the SIM so that I can give it to my wife to use with a European Sim Card. I've googled, read and read and so far I've done the following:
1. Placed the European SIM into the phone (that I used in my old TMobile phone to date)
2. Was presented with "Enter sim network unlock pin"
3. Called AT&T and obtained the "unlock code".
I tried that code 3 times so far. After spending a fair amount of time with ATT support on the phone they believe that the "pin" is different from the "code". Btw, the unlock number was confirmed to me by ATT support folks twice... I rechecked the IMEI number twice... and I"m stuck... what do I do? Is there a difference?
Btw, I tried it under CM7 and AOKP
Thanks
SIM vs Carrier Unlock
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
tobnddl said:
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, unfortunately they keep sticking by their guns and claiming that the code they're providing me with is the proper one.....
Don't try too many times, after maybe 5, not sure, you can permanently lock your phone. It is a security measure.
You nay already know, but hate for you to mess up your phone.
I'm still convinced that there's no way AT&T or anyone else would be able to tell you remotely what the code is.
When you buy new SIMs, they come inside a credit card-shaped piece of plastic. On that card itself (not the sim), there's two spots: one for a PIN and one for a PUK. The PIN is needed because the new SIM defaults to being locked as a security feature. Every time you turn off the phone, the SIM locks itself. Once unlocked, however, you can go into a phone's SIM settings and leave it unlocked permanently for any phone.
You need to find the card that originally came with the SIM.
Chrism suggested not to attempt the wrong pin too many times. It won't lock your phone, it will lock the sim and then require you to enter the PUK code.
I still wonder if it is the phone. When you enter the code, then you can use any sim card. He wants to unlock the phone to work with a different carriers sim I believe.
His problem is with the phone, not with the sim, is it?
Could be wrong.
tobnddl said:
There is definitely a difference between Carrier unlocking and SIM unlocking. I was steered wrong by AT&T the first time I asked. Essentially, they gave me a code that would allow me to override being locked out of my SIM card (to access phone numbers, etc) as a result of entering the SIM password wrong. This was NOT what I wanted.
I called back, and specifically requested a Carrier Unlock (for using other companies' SIMs), and they then made good on this request. You will need an active SIM from another carrier to get the job done, but if you specify your request to them, hopefully they will get it together. Another option is to buy a code at the numerous online re-sellers, but like I said, AT&T gave me mine for no cost. Good luck to you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this is correct. Also, if you are entering the carrier code, and enter it wrong a specified number of times,i'm pretty sure it can lock your phone. I have unlocked well over a dozen, and have always been warned about it....
chrism.brunner said:
I still wonder if it is the phone. When you enter the code, then you can use any sim card. He wants to unlock the phone to work with a different carriers sim I believe.
His problem is with the phone, not with the sim, is it?
Could be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reread the OP. The phone is already unlocked and rooted. That means that technically yes, he can use any sim card on his phone.
However, not all sims are sold unlocked. As I mentioned before, it's not uncommon to buy a prepaid sim outside of the US (like the OP's Euro sim) and be asked to enter the sim pin upon start up.
If you reread the OP, you'll see that he's describing exactly what I'm talking about. I've had to do this a handful of times on a handful of unlocked phones.
Regarding locking the device, again, the OP phone is already unlocked so locking the actual phone due to entering the incorrect pin is impossible. It would be the sim that would be locked (since the phone is asking for the sim pin) and could only be restored by entering the PUK. I've had to do this a couple of times myself for people who had forgotten their sim pin but still had their original card info at home. Once you enter the PUK, it works again.
i would Spend the 20 or 30 buck online and get a diifferent code
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Regarding post #8
I agree with post #9 as well.
Maybe so, not my experience though. He has unlocked the bootloader and rooted. He has not carrier unlocked. I don't think that they are the same, but you could very well be right. Thanks. At least we are all trying to help him out.
That sim seems to already be unlocked if he has been using it in a T-Mobile phone to date. His ATRIX is still network locked.
OP. Let us know please. Now I am curious.
Thanks.
chrism.brunner said:
He has unlocked the bootloader and rooted. He has not carrier unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still haven't read where the OP stated he unlocked the bootloader. Rooted, yes. When I read "unlocked," I take that as "Carrier unlocked" the way that googling "unlocked cell phone" would bring up unrestricted/debranded/etc. cell phones, not necessarily having anything to do with the status of the bootloader.
That said, the bit about him using the sim on his older tmobile phone made me assume one of two things: he either forgot the code he used for that phone or it's a bad sim.
Granted, not every carrier unlock code works but given that he was getting it directly from AT&T (and it was on their servers), it should work. My Atrix, for example, required a code off Motorola's servers and even then the first code worked perfectly.
Trust me, if the OP has gone through all this trouble and the only thing left is to try the SIM pin then... 1+1=?
With the ATRIX you usually unlock the bootloader first, but that would explain some confusion.
Hey, I'm not trying to argue or anything.
OP, what unlock did you perform?
This thread is seriously non reality based.
Neither rooting nor unlocking has anything to do with getting the subsidy unlock code that allows non-ATT sims to be used.
ATT can cerrtainly provide the vaild code, and has always done so for me (albeit after possibly a await time).
3rd parties MIGHT be able to provide the same code. YMWV.
There have been some reports (search) that with the wrong radio the unlock code does not take. So ithat might be a way to go.
Wow, we are going round and round. Good luck.
Use search!!
r.Huzar said:
I'm getting a bit frustrated... I have unlocked and rooted the phone and now I"m trying to unlock the SIM so that I can give it to my wife to use with a European Sim Card. I've googled, read and read and so far I've done the following:
1. Placed the European SIM into the phone (that I used in my old TMobile phone to date)
2. Was presented with "Enter sim network unlock pin"
3. Called AT&T and obtained the "unlock code".
I tried that code 3 times so far. After spending a fair amount of time with ATT support on the phone they believe that the "pin" is different from the "code". Btw, the unlock number was confirmed to me by ATT support folks twice... I rechecked the IMEI number twice... and I"m stuck... what do I do? Is there a difference?
Btw, I tried it under CM7 and AOKP
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try THIS Thread---->Solved: Sim Unlock Fails With Valid Code
Sorry for taking so long to reply but for whatever reason I missed the email saying that there are replies. Anyways, lets recap
Phone is rooted and unlocked. I can run any ROM that I want and bootloader is unlocked.
The sim cards I am testing on (yes, plural) are not locked (as in they do not require a code).
I am trying to use a non ATT sim card (specifically I am trying TMobile EU) so that when I go traveling to EU again I can use the ATRIX with my local number that I keep rather then the ancient HTC windows phone that I have used to date....
I have made 4 attempts at unlocking so that means I am down to last one.....

[Q] Trying to use as a tracfone.

I called tracfone to activate a Verizon galaxy s4 I got from a friend who switched att and iphone 5. When tech support tried to activate it they said the phone was locked and I needed to have Verizon unlock the phone.
I cannot get a hold of my friend as he's on a business trip for a week. Is there a way to unlock this myself? or can I only have Verizon do this. And if I can do this myself, will I have quirky setup and need workarounds for use?
My galaxy has a verizon sim card and a 32gb data card. My phone model number is i545 if iirc.
Thanks for any advice.
-=Mark=
rmjohnson144 said:
I called tracfone to activate a Verizon galaxy s4 I got from a friend who switched att and iphone 5. When tech support tried to activate it they said the phone was locked and I needed to have Verizon unlock the phone.
I cannot get a hold of my friend as he's on a business trip for a week. Is there a way to unlock this myself? or can I only have Verizon do this. And if I can do this myself, will I have quirky setup and need workarounds for use?
My galaxy has a verizon sim card and a 32gb data card. My phone model number is i545 if iirc.
Thanks for any advice.
-=Mark=
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To help you get started with replies quicker I'll say that it is mostly dependant on which firmware you have and also if you have root.
those two factors will allow you to know if you can use any of the unlocking apps by chainVire if they are still around. someone will point it out to you I hope. On the go, can't show you myself. Best of everything in your efforts but read around. I'm sure someone has done it before. Welcome to XDA. I seen that was your 1st Post. Awesome!
That app is for unlocking the sim card. My track phone doesn't need a sim card.
Can I maybe just remove the sim card and have it work? Or do I need the sim card for the s4 to work at all?
Idk why they told you it is locked, all Verizon phones legally have to be carrier unlocked because of their deal with the FCC.
Translated from Calligraphy
Okay, I also remember they asking for an MEID off my S4 and this one only has an IMEI number.
Will this make it not compatible? I don't want to pay to unlock this thing if it won't work with Tracfone afterwards.

Help with options after brick

I recently soft bricked my phone. I cannot get the software running to fix this issue, therefor I am giving up. I have a couple of questions.
1) Could I put my 2 year contract sim card into an unlocked phone and run it?(just reassuring, as I don't want to buy something and not be able to use it)
2) If so, do adapters for micro sim to sim exist, or can I buy a micro sim phone?
**NOTE** I apologize if anything in this question is confusing, or downright obvious, as I am kind of disgruntled for various reasons.
nefireous said:
I recently soft bricked my phone. I cannot get the software running to fix this issue, therefor I am giving up. I have a couple of questions.
1) Could I put my 2 year contract sim card into an unlocked phone and run it?(just reassuring, as I don't want to buy something and not be able to use it)
2) If so, do adapters for micro sim to sim exist, or can I buy a micro sim phone?
**NOTE** I apologize if anything in this question is confusing, or downright obvious, as I am kind of disgruntled for various reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes.
2) I don't know, but if you ask to your operator they will change your Micro SIM to a SIM..
Have you tried to find help with restoring the software on your soft bricked phone? As long as the stock firmware is available, and just soft bricked, it should be resolvable. But as far as using your card in another phone - depends on your carrier. If it is a GSM carrier, then there should not be an issue using it in an unlocked phone. It would behoove you to make sure that the unlocked phone has compatible hardware to take advantage of your carrier's network. Not all phones support 3g/4g/LTE on all networks, whether they are unlocked or not. They do also make adapters and SIM card cutters to adapt the SIM to various phones, however, it is recommended to just get the correct SIM from your carrier to avoid issues. Some phones are finicky if the SIM is not cut or adapted exactly right.

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