Verizon rooting and ROM flashing - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I just called Verizon about their rooting and ROM flashing policy. Apparently, if you root the phone, the fraud department will lock your phone, and if you flash the phone, you won't be able to use it on Verizon networks.
Does this sound right? I have the funny feeling that my question may have flown over some heads and someone may have given me a BS answer but I wanted to make sure nonetheless...
-Feuerhund

Feuerhund said:
I just called Verizon about their rooting and ROM flashing policy. Apparently, if you root the phone, the fraud department will lock your phone, and if you flash the phone, you won't be able to use it on Verizon networks.
Does this sound right? I have the funny feeling that my question may have flown over some heads and someone may have given me a BS answer but I wanted to make sure nonetheless...
-Feuerhund
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would void your warranty, if they were to find out but there is no way they could "lock" your phone and neither does installing a (properly working) rom stop your ability to access VZW's network. There is no way they would or could know unless you were to take your phone in to the store while customized and even then, they couldn't lock your phone or stop you from using it - you would just not be able to use a warranty claim on it. Often times, on many phones, there is a way to reset / restore the phone so only the most experienced tech could tell, if at all (depends on the phone and update it's on). I mean, this myth is easily debunked by the tons of forums for VZW phones right here @ xda where 10s of 1000s of VZW users have upgraded their phone with custom roms and all that.

es0tericcha0s said:
It would void your warranty, if they were to find out but there is no way they could "lock" your phone and neither does installing a (properly working) rom stop your ability to access VZW's network. There is no way they would or could know unless you were to take your phone in to the store while customized and even then, they couldn't lock your phone or stop you from using it - you would just not be able to use a warranty claim on it. Often times, on many phones, there is a way to reset / restore the phone so only the most experienced tech could tell, if at all (depends on the phone and update it's on). I mean, this myth is easily debunked by the tons of forums for VZW phones right here @ xda where 10s of 1000s of VZW users have upgraded their phone with custom roms and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I asked Verizon, and here is what they said:
Verizon said:
Verizon Wireless has the right to, without notice, limit, suspend or end your service or any agreement with you for this or any other good cause including, but not limited to: if you breach the customer agreement, lie to us, allow anyone to tamper with your phone; or interfere with our operation, modify your phone from its manufacturer's specification or use the service in a way that adversely affects our network or other customers. We can also temporarily limit, suspend, or end your service for any operation or government reason.
Rooting, unlocking, and flashing a Verizon Wireless phone is in violation of the terms and conditions that were agreed upon activation of your prepaid service. You can find this information by clicking on or copying the following link into your browser: [link deleted because lol forum law]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So apparently they do reserve the right to shut you down for this. I'm rather worried that this could actually happen... but maybe I shouldn't be. But what with them having their own software on the phone, would it be so hard for them to have a little program on there that pings Verizon when a phone gets altered and gives them a killswitch? Maybe the users here are just lucky and I'll be the unlucky one... idk.
-Feuerhund

You do realize that there are dozens of VZW forums here where 10s of 1000s of users have rooted / customized their phones, right? Including many phones that VZW had the manufacturer lock the bootloader on. For HTCs, if you unlock your bootloader at their dev website, they have a record of which phones have or have not been unlocked and even with that info, have never seen a report of anyone being denied service. They have absolutely NO way to tell if you phone has been modded without looking at the phone, and even then, they will not stop your services. I have modded dozens of VZW phones for friends and customers and have never had a return or have any issues in that regard.

Related

Jailbreaking questions

Hi! So I have this phone, the Samsung Fascinate. I love this phone. But soon I'm not going to have an actual cell phone plan and want to keep using this phone. I'm planning to switch over to those Pay as you Go plans, where I buy a card and fill up minutes. here's my question. I want to jailbreak this phone so I can do that, how would I go about doing this? And would I be able to access the net and everything? Would I have to stick with Verizon and use their prepay service or could I switch to a different company? I need to be able to call, send/recieve texts, and be able to use the web. If any one of these is missing, it's not worth it to me. Get what I'm saying? lol. So yeah, any info?
EDIT: So I've done more research, this is actually UNLOCKING that I want to do. Same questions apply. I've never unlocked a phone before. I've rooted several android phones, but never unlocked them to work on different networks. If I can unlock it and be able to use a prepay or pay as you go service, I'd be so happy. (cause they rip you off with contracts)
Partner420 said:
Hi! So I have this phone, the Samsung Fascinate. I love this phone. But soon I'm not going to have an actual cell phone plan and want to keep using this phone. I'm planning to switch over to those Pay as you Go plans, where I buy a card and fill up minutes. here's my question. I want to jailbreak this phone so I can do that, how would I go about doing this? And would I be able to access the net and everything? Would I have to stick with Verizon and use their prepay service or could I switch to a different company? I need to be able to call, send/recieve texts, and be able to use the web. If any one of these is missing, it's not worth it to me. Get what I'm saying? lol. So yeah, any info?
EDIT: So I've done more research, this is actually UNLOCKING that I want to do. Same questions apply. I've never unlocked a phone before. I've rooted several android phones, but never unlocked them to work on different networks. If I can unlock it and be able to use a prepay or pay as you go service, I'd be so happy. (cause they rip you off with contracts)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible, but it's incredibly more difficult then flashing roms and rooting. You will actually have to figure out all the pass codes, apn settings and proxies (if applicable). Getting talk and sms is a breeze...it's the net, market, gps and mms that's a *****. Save yourself the headache
Partner420 said:
Hi! So I have this phone, the Samsung Fascinate. I love this phone. But soon I'm not going to have an actual cell phone plan and want to keep using this phone. I'm planning to switch over to those Pay as you Go plans, where I buy a card and fill up minutes. here's my question. I want to jailbreak this phone so I can do that, how would I go about doing this? And would I be able to access the net and everything? Would I have to stick with Verizon and use their prepay service or could I switch to a different company? I need to be able to call, send/recieve texts, and be able to use the web. If any one of these is missing, it's not worth it to me. Get what I'm saying? lol. So yeah, any info?
EDIT: So I've done more research, this is actually UNLOCKING that I want to do. Same questions apply. I've never unlocked a phone before. I've rooted several android phones, but never unlocked them to work on different networks. If I can unlock it and be able to use a prepay or pay as you go service, I'd be so happy. (cause they rip you off with contracts)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some apps in the market. SGS tools and Captivate SGS that will help you find the codes you want, also one click root has a tab for unlocking phones i know it says Samsung Captivate but i think it works on the Fascinate as well, it has been a long time since i worried about that. The apps are in the market and here is the one click link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
DaleV said:
There are some apps in the market. SGS tools and Captivate SGS that will help you find the codes you want, also one click root has a tab for unlocking phones i know it says Samsung Captivate but i think it works on the Fascinate as well, it has been a long time since i worried about that. The apps are in the market and here is the one click link.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fyi, the info you provided will not assist him in flashing the phone to another carrier. Rooting a phone has almost absolutely nothing to do with changing providers. He will require provider ppp settings for net, provider apns for mms, provider prls for tower locations and possibly provider mip information. All of these are unique values he will manually have to enter.
Edit: How do I know? Read my sig...and I'm responsible for helping several others on xda attempt and succeed. Very few succeed on lesser known plans...
So, getting net is the issue, eh? Alright, so how would I get this phone to work for pay as you go service? What if I just stuck with Verizons pay as you go service, would there be an issue?
Partner420 said:
So, getting net is the issue, eh? Alright, so how would I get this phone to work for pay as you go service? What if I just stuck with Verizons pay as you go service, would there be an issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't ever utilized vzw pay as you go plan, but I would imagine it would be a proxy type. The trick however is contacting vzw directly and asking them if they will allow it bc i'm sure the esn is already registered. That can be bypassed however I enjoy my freedom and don't feel comfortable sharing esn changing knowledge. If you had a vzw party as you go phone, I would suggest reading from the phone and replicating the values over to the fascinate.

unlocking the bootloader..

So, I was bored at work and started to notice the trolling going on at facebook/twitter about this bootloader unlocking issue. I decided to engage moto directly since they don't actually read fb or twitter comments and RT's. I got on a chat with someone from moto support and below is the transcript.....
Code:
Reza: Hi, my name is Reza. How may I help you?
jimbob: i have a question about my new droid x2.
Reza: Okay.
jimbob: is the bootloader unlockable like the xoom?
Reza: I apologize it is not.
jimbob: hmm...i'm assuming u guys actually look at the comments on your facebook page...
jimbob: lots of stink being thrown about this...do u guys have any data on when/if u will be allowing people to do what they want with the phones they pay money for?
jimbob: i know it's not your decision to make...just trying to get some information.
jimbob: i really liked my original droid 1 b/c i actually felt like I owned it...i like the x2 but motoblur is not a quality product IMHO.
Communication with the RightNow Chat service has been lost. Please wait while attempts are made to restore the connection.
Disconnection in 240 seconds.
Connection resumed.
Reza: Suggestion
Summary:
DROID X - Bootloader mode (eFuse)
Question:
Does the DROID X have eFuse, why does my handset power up in Bootloader recovery mode?
Answer:
Motorola's primary focus is the security of our end users and protection of their data, while also meeting carrier, partner and legal requirements. The Droid X and a majority of Android consumer devices on the market today have a secured bootloader.
In reference specifically to eFuse, the technology is not loaded with the purpose of preventing a consumer device from functioning, but rather ensuring for the user that the device only runs on updated and tested versions of software. If a device attempts to boot with unapproved software, it will go into recovery mode, and can re-boot once approved software is re-installed. Checking for a valid software configuration is a common practice within the industry to protect the user against potential malicious software threats. Motorola has been a long time advocate of open platforms and provides a number of resources to developers to foster the ecosystem including tools and access to devices for developers via MOTODEV at h t t p : / / d eveloper . motorola . com.
jimbob: Checking for a valid software configuration is a common practice within the industry to protect the user against potential malicious software threats
jimbob: that may be true, but not with respect to the OS as a whole...no other android phone manufacturer does this.
jimbob: advocation of open platforms != locking technically savvy users out of their own device...
jimbob: so...is there a timeline at all on unlocking the bootloaders?
Communication with the RightNow Chat service has been lost. Please wait while attempts are made to restore the connection.
Disconnection in 240 seconds.
Connection resumed.
Reza: I apologize there is none. What we can do is to schedule the phone to be sent to our Repair Center.
jimbob: and what would that do?
Reza: Our trained technician will work on it.
jimbob: but, there's nothing physically wrong with the device...would they unlock the bootloader and give it back to me?
Reza: Right.
jimbob: really?
Reza: Really.
jimbob: lol...so, what would I do about a phone in the meantime?
Reza: Did you try to remove the battery and put it back in after a few minutes?
jimbob: no, the phone works fine....
Reza: I see.
jimbob: outside of it having a locked bootloader.
jimbob: and motoblur being buggy and awkward..
jimbob: what i'm saying is, if i sent the phone to the repair center so they could unlock the bootloader, what would I do for a phone during the 2 weekish period where u had the phone.
Communication with the RightNow Chat service has been lost. Please wait while attempts are made to restore the connection.
Disconnection in 240 seconds.
Connection resumed.
Reza: When did you purchase it?
jimbob: a few days ago
Reza: To answer that, let me give two options.
Reza: Option 1: You can check with your service provider or place of purchase for options available.
Reza: Option 2: You can send the phone to Motorola Repair Center. Just send the phone by itself without any accessories like battery door, battery, sim card and memory card (if applicable). The timeframe is 5 to 7 business days from the time we receive the phone.
Reza: On our end, since we don't have the replacement program what we can do is fix it. You can try with your carrier if they offer loaner phones.
jimbob: hmm...interesting...I'll have to contemplate this a bit further. thanks so much for your input!
So, has anyone had a device with a locked bootloader sent in to have it unlocked before? 14 seconds of googling didn't yield much in the way of precedent for this. Comments?
I do not think the representative is understanding what you are asking. They think your phone is broke lol.
yea..I thought about hitting up another one just to see if they were all crazy. I might try that later.
If they were really taking phones in to have the bootloader unlocked and sending the phones back, their mailbox wouldn't be able to hold all the phones coming in.
The rep misunderstood you.
You probably were talking to some rep in India following a copy/past script.
I'm pretty sure she has no idea what she is talking about....does Motorola even have a tech support facility in America?

Carrier IQ: How do I remove it?

Ive searched the forums but no information about how to remove Carrier IQ from the Galaxy S II.
Anybody have a link or any info.
thnx.
This phone doesn't have it.
Sent from my páhhōniē
there's no CIQ on the Galaxy S II? how did you come to know?
JonGarrett said:
there's no CIQ on the Galaxy S II? how did you come to know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What leads you to believe that there is CIQ on our phone? I know it's on the Skyrocket as you can see IQAgent running in 'Running Services' under Android System but there's no confirmation that the SGS2 has it.
I also read that we dont have CIQ but from what I read, you can't easily remove it. It requires some really advanced coding knowledge to remove it...but thats just based on what I read.
What's CIQ?
http://gizmodo.com/5863849/your-android-phone-is-secretly-recording-everything-you-do
Carrier IQ is spyware found on some Android phones. Nearly all Sprint models, and newer AT&T models and updates.
The Captivate and Infuse Froyo don't currently have it.
Official Infuse Gingerbread will have it (Already does from Rogers, the AT&T leaks do too).
The ****rocket has it.
The I777 does NOT have it currently. A future update may have it.
Entropy512 said:
Carrier IQ is spyware found on some Android phones. Nearly all Sprint models, and newer AT&T models and updates.
The Captivate and Infuse Froyo don't currently have it.
Official Infuse Gingerbread will have it (Already does from Rogers, the AT&T leaks do too).
The ****rocket has it.
The I777 does NOT have it currently. A future update may have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the breakdown, much appreciated.
Entropy512 said:
The I777 does NOT have it currently. A future update may have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This brings two questions to mind; first, has anyone checked the stock UCKJ4 version for CIQ, and second, how would one determine if a future update did have CIQ?
Rescue9 said:
This brings two questions to mind; first, has anyone checked the stock UCKJ4 version for CIQ, and second, how would one determine if a future update did have CIQ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple of telltale items in the initramfs and /system. Also CIQ frequently does show in the logcat (It does on Infuse leaks)
Kadin said:
What leads you to believe that there is CIQ on our phone? I know it's on the Skyrocket as you can see IQAgent running in 'Running Services' under Android System but there's no confirmation that the SGS2 has it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didnt suspect anything only after reading several articles about it and how it affects Samsung & HTC phones I wondered if I did since the Galaxy S II on AT&T is one of the latest Samsung phones.
Since I dont have it, Im not worried anymore (kinda like waiting to see if you tested positive for an STD lol)
+Thanks button for your help.
Our phones don't have it right now. For more information and a detection and removal tool look St this post from lifehacker http://lifehacker.com/5863895/carri...everything-on-your-phone-and-how-to-remove-it.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
termleech said:
Our phones don't have it right now. For more information and a detection and removal tool look St this post from lifehacker http://lifehacker.com/5863895/carri...everything-on-your-phone-and-how-to-remove-it.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing
Skyrocket bad?
Interesting. The AT&T Galaxy S II, the original one, doesn't have Carrier IQ installed in it? But the new AT&T Galaxy S II SkyRocket, their new LTE version, does have Carrier IQ installed in it?
Glad I didn't "upgrade"
glitchsys said:
Interesting. The AT&T Galaxy S II, the original one, doesn't have Carrier IQ installed in it? But the new AT&T Galaxy S II SkyRocket, their new LTE version, does have Carrier IQ installed in it?
Glad I didn't "upgrade"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
How true.....
I actually considered it hard but read a lot here from the very well informed members and quickly came to my senses.
This thread brings up an interesting question: If AT&T pushes a firmware update that contains CIQ to our phones, would that give us the the right to a free phone exchange and/or get out of contract?
Many of us purchased the S2 knowing it did NOT have Carrier IQ. That was a conscience choice made by research, etc. If AT&T changes that without our prior approval and permission (which is implied when you purchase a phone that already has it), does that breach the "2 year contract"? Unless, of course, the Firmware update wouldn't apply until a user accepted that they are okay with data collection...
When you add in that CIQ transmits data back to *someone*, and that we (as consumers) are probably having to pay for the data being used (either via a 4g data plan or home internet service) without our explicit permission, does that give us the right to terminate the contract without an ETF?
I'm looking over the "customer service summary" I signed when I got this phone, and it doesn't say anything whatsoever about collecting data (anonymous or otherwise) and sending it to anyone. I'm also skimming over the "wireless customer agreement" found on their website, and I can't seem to find anything there either concerning the collection of data from my device.
In other words, what right does AT&T have to invade my privacy, collect any data from me that isn't required for billing purposes, transmit that data to *anyone* party, etc?
Actually, looking this over, I don't think they'd be breaking their agreement/contract with me, but they likely would be violating my civil and constitutional rights. Interesting....
Take care
Gary
---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------
The more I think about this, the more frightening it becomes. I sometimes make purchases, with a credit card, via the web browser on my phone. That's encrypted with an SSL certificate, but CIQ see's the data BEFORE the encryption. I wonder if my credit card numbers have been sent to samsung or at&t.
I once took a nude photo of my wife with my phone. I wonder if that was transmitted to AT&T and used by some employee for "self-gratification."
I FREQUENTLY have used the encrypted email on my mobile device to discuss extremely sensitive and confidential business secrets. Of course, CIQ see's the unencrypted messages. I guess they really aren't secrets anymore.
... I think I'm going to be calling AT&T tomorrow morning... Perhaps it's time for me to move to a carrier that doesn't install rootkit spybots on their phones.
garyd9 said:
This thread brings up an interesting question: If AT&T pushes a firmware update that contains CIQ to our phones, would that give us the the right to a free phone exchange and/or get out of contract?
Many of us purchased the S2 knowing it did NOT have Carrier IQ. That was a conscience choice made by research, etc. If AT&T changes that without our prior approval and permission (which is implied when you purchase a phone that already has it), does that breach the "2 year contract"? Unless, of course, the Firmware update wouldn't apply until a user accepted that they are okay with data collection...
When you add in that CIQ transmits data back to *someone*, and that we (as consumers) are probably having to pay for the data being used (either via a 4g data plan or home internet service) without our explicit permission, does that give us the right to terminate the contract without an ETF?
I'm looking over the "customer service summary" I signed when I got this phone, and it doesn't say anything whatsoever about collecting data (anonymous or otherwise) and sending it to anyone. I'm also skimming over the "wireless customer agreement" found on their website, and I can't seem to find anything there either concerning the collection of data from my device.
In other words, what right does AT&T have to invade my privacy, collect any data from me that isn't required for billing purposes, transmit that data to *anyone* party, etc?
Actually, looking this over, I don't think they'd be breaking their agreement/contract with me, but they likely would be violating my civil and constitutional rights. Interesting....
Take care
Gary
---------- Post added at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 PM ----------
The more I think about this, the more frightening it becomes. I sometimes make purchases, with a credit card, via the web browser on my phone. That's encrypted with an SSL certificate, but CIQ see's the data BEFORE the encryption. I wonder if my credit card numbers have been sent to samsung or at&t.
I once took a nude photo of my wife with my phone. I wonder if that was transmitted to AT&T and used by some employee for "self-gratification."
I FREQUENTLY have used the encrypted email on my mobile device to discuss extremely sensitive and confidential business secrets. Of course, CIQ see's the unencrypted messages. I guess they really aren't secrets anymore.
... I think I'm going to be calling AT&T tomorrow morning... Perhaps it's time for me to move to a carrier that doesn't install rootkit spybots on their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All valid questions, granted though they will take you a long while to get answered but are very much worth the trouble.
/Apply tinfoil hat/
Now with all the power that the corporations in this REPUBLIC have I wonder who can access this information...
/removes tinfoil hat/
here is an idea.. Could carrierIQ be what allows carriers to see whether a phone is tethering or not? Just an idea? If iPhone had it also and some Androids it would make sense that this is what could have helped carriers see whether the phone is tethering. I could be just talking out of my ass as well. But it was a thought that ran through my head.
monkey28rb said:
here is an idea.. Could carrierIQ be what allows carriers to see whether a phone is tethering or not? Just an idea? If iPhone had it also and some Androids it would make sense that this is what could have helped carriers see whether the phone is tethering. I could be just talking out of my ass as well. But it was a thought that ran through my head.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CIQ won't say what data is and isn't being collected, but refers questions to the carriers. The carriers are extremely vague on what data, exactly, is being collected. In some cases, they don't even answer that specific question, but instead respond with something like "whatever data we do collect, we are keeping private."
All we know for certain is what could _potentially_ be collected with the CIQ rootkit. It's been determined that this it could collect every single element of data that exists in your phone. It runs as root, so there really aren't any limits. While I doubt it's doing this, it could theoretically turn on the phone's microphone and camera and send live audio and video streams of everything happening near the phone. It could be recording and sending the data from every sensor in the phone. Every byte of data that enters into the phone could be stored and forwarded.
Could that be used to detect tethering? Of course. That's really not the scary part. Here's some more scary ways this can be abused:
Some sicko at AT&T might have a video of my wife and I having sex last night because she left her phone near the bed.
AT&T employees and their affiliates might have access to any piece of data I ever entered on my phone. That means they could steal my identity with ease.
Because the phone has location data (even if I tell the phone that it should NOT forward it for any purpose), some person at AT&T (or an affiliate) might know when my wife and I aren't home and could break into my house.
When I go to the bathroom, my phone is usually with me. This rootkit could turn on the camera and be "watching" while I take a dump. (Good thing the phone doesn't have a sense of smell.. heh)
When I go to the doctor, my phone is usually with me. I guess AT&T could know my entire medical history, too. (I wonder if they'd be bound by HIPPA privacy laws.)
This goes WAYYYYYY beyond them knowing how a person might be abusing a data plan. Based on what we DO know, it's possible that all the above crazy scenerios are possible (even if they are unlikely.) This goes beyond "Big Brother."
We know what CIQ is capable of. What we aren't being told is how it's actually being used, or why a system was designed to be capable of so much if it isn't used in that fashion.
Am I being paranoid? Sure. I think I'm justified in this case.
Gary

[Q] Bootloader unlocking: Correct me if Im Wrong

Ok so ive read alot from the pro devs and people on the forums that unlocking your bootloader most "likely" wont void your warrenty esp. if you just relock it by restoring your TA backup and your carefull and clean about it but i have two problems with believing this. They are as fellows.
cant the sony apps just check for root and send a message
the service app knows if its unlocked and since youve entered your imei number to get your key again coulddnt sony send a message with your imei number
isnt the accounts linked between sony and google shared in the least which means the above questions can be passed on with google to sony
according to sony even if it doesnt void the warrenty that you agree to pay an additional repair fee for modified software.
Lets not beat around the bush and just say it would more than likly void your warrenty or at least have some cost. sorry if ive missread items on the forums but if i have read correctly or others have missunderstood as i may have hipefully this clears the air. Cause after all sony is company to make money but to make money they have to keep us happy so i am more than happy to admit i dont have a clue where it lies but i was about to unlock my boot loader when there was all these disclaimers which kinda scared me. my phones already rooted though so i may have already broken those disclaimers. END RANT.
Rooting is fine, as to my knowledge. It's unlocking the bootloader that you lose your "DRM" keys and thus lose warranty. But from what I've read, very few service centers check for that anyway. If all goes downhill, play the ignorance card and pretend that you do not know a thing about that. I'm fairly new to the whole rooting/unlocking scene and still learning, just as you. Also, from what I've been told, you have little to worry about if you have rooted/unlocked your phone.
As far as I understand you only have to pay if your issue is a software fault aka your fault not sonys. A hardware fault is a hardware fault irrelevant of software
I remember someone posting a thread about sony refused to service his phone without a charge for a hardware fault because of the bootloader was unlocked. That's in Australia tho. Not sure how somewhere else is like.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jeremy.shi said:
I remember someone posting a thread about sony refused to service his phone without a charge for a hardware fault because of the bootloader was unlocked. That's in Australia tho. Not sure how somewhere else is like.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's about right. Australia's not the most customer service friendliest country to be in (with literally less than a handful of exceptions, and this is across ALL industries, be it hospitality or electronics.)
The usual immediate reaction to most warranty claims are "you've done something with the phone to cause this," followed be "prove you haven't done this and we'll accept it, unless we can prove the opposite."
Happening with me and my current phone (samsung s3,) which is why I'm on this neck of the woods with the forum as I'm looking or a new phone.
grungypoo said:
That's about right. Australia's not the most customer service friendliest country to be in (with literally less than a handful of exceptions, and this is across ALL industries, be it hospitality or electronics.)
The usual immediate reaction to most warranty claims are "you've done something with the phone to cause this," followed be "prove you haven't done this and we'll accept it, unless we can prove the opposite."
Happening with me and my current phone (samsung s3,) which is why I'm on this neck of the woods with the forum as I'm looking or a new phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I don't know. Maybe I'm just lucky. Shops in my suburb offer pretty good customer service. Those people over the phone from my bank, NAB, couldn't be friendlier...the time I had really bad customer service was with Vodafone, but they were not based in Australia. I guess that doesn't count.
Anyway, if after-sale service is what you are looking for, get a nexus from google play store. They are pretty much like Apple I heard. They send you a replacement if there's anything wrong and then you send your phone to them, but you have the get the phone from play store directly in order to get that kinda service. Otherwise, you will be stuck dealing with LG.
I have received really good customer service from Apple, but I guess most people here are mostly android fans.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
jeremy.shi said:
Well, I don't know. Maybe I'm just lucky. Shops in my suburb offer pretty good customer service. Those people over the phone from my bank, NAB, couldn't be friendlier...the time I had really bad customer service was with Vodafone, but they were not based in Australia. I guess that doesn't count.
Anyway, if after-sale service is what you are looking for, get a nexus from google play store. They are pretty much like Apple I heard. They send you a replacement if there's anything wrong and then you send your phone to them, but you have the get the phone from play store directly in order to get that kinda service. Otherwise, you will be stuck dealing with LG.
I have received really good customer service from Apple, but I guess most people here are mostly android fans.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I definitely think that Apple has their warranty service down to a tee.
I also think that Telstra's doing this too. What they're doing is creating an extra layer, where they just pretty much "accept" any errors, send it to warranty department to sort out and let you know what the result is. None of this "well, I think you're trying to screw the system, etc etc" talk.
Makes it alot easier. I was at the samsung experience shop and was told by someone who had no tech idea (in the tech/warranty support section, mind you) that I've tampered with the phone and there is no way it will be fixed under warranty, in an attempt to make me feel bad and walk away from trying to get a hardware error (power button,) fixed under warranty. When I tried to explain to them how the bootloader works and how you can reset the counter, they took it as an act of aggression and told me flat "no, you can hand it in but we'll know. Your risk."
I mean, there's no need for that as the phone's going to repair centre to get looked at but they just need to get that swipe in definitely doesn't help add to the customer service experience. But that's pretty much how it is for customer service in Australia.
grungypoo said:
Well I definitely think that Apple has their warranty service down to a tee.
I also think that Telstra's doing this too. What they're doing is creating an extra layer, where they just pretty much "accept" any errors, send it to warranty department to sort out and let you know what the result is. None of this "well, I think you're trying to screw the system, etc etc" talk.
Makes it alot easier. I was at the samsung experience shop and was told by someone who had no tech idea (in the tech/warranty support section, mind you) that I've tampered with the phone and there is no way it will be fixed under warranty, in an attempt to make me feel bad and walk away from trying to get a hardware error (power button,) fixed under warranty. When I tried to explain to them how the bootloader works and how you can reset the counter, they took it as an act of aggression and told me flat "no, you can hand it in but we'll know. Your risk."
I mean, there's no need for that as the phone's going to repair centre to get looked at but they just need to get that swipe in definitely doesn't help add to the customer service experience. But that's pretty much how it is for customer service in Australia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saying about Telstra, just not long ago, a guy on WP posted something about their warranty policy. He said he was asked to sign a piece of paper to declare that if the fault was determined to be caused by the user, he would be charged for the service. I guess they just don't say it out loud to you. Instead, they ask you to sign a legal document that is pretty much an open cheque. However, I never had any personal experience with them. It's just what I read on the internet.
jeremy.shi said:
Saying about Telstra, just not long ago, a guy on WP posted something about their warranty policy. He said he was asked to sign a piece of paper to declare that if the fault was determined to be caused by the user, he would be charged for the service. I guess they just don't say it out loud to you. Instead, they ask you to sign a legal document that is pretty much an open cheque. However, I never had any personal experience with them. It's just what I read on the internet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds about right, and that's pretty standard tho'.
I think it's better that way because the techs make the decision based only on the phone they see, not the person who has it.
The only part I'd have a problem with is if they charge people automatically as opposed to giving them a quote first. But then again it stops people from "trying to get it fixed under warranty," if you know what I mean.
In any case, I was at the Samsung shop again today and they guy asked questions about the phone. At first the phone seemed like everything was working, which embarrassed me and had the guy asking if I got the phone wet, but then it started bootlooping, so they swapped it for another phone. I'm still looking at getting a z2 tho'.
hey thanks for the info but has anyone had any reports for hardfaults directly with sony becuase sonys websites say there may be a charge just for unlocking it but they arnt clear?
Why would one unlock the boot loader?
firecard said:
Why would one unlock the boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To install a custom ROM.
grungypoo said:
Sounds about right, and that's pretty standard tho'.
I think it's better that way because the techs make the decision based only on the phone they see, not the person who has it.
The only part I'd have a problem with is if they charge people automatically as opposed to giving them a quote first. But then again it stops people from "trying to get it fixed under warranty," if you know what I mean.
In any case, I was at the Samsung shop again today and they guy asked questions about the phone. At first the phone seemed like everything was working, which embarrassed me and had the guy asking if I got the phone wet, but then it started bootlooping, so they swapped it for another phone. I'm still looking at getting a z2 tho'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went to Telstra today to get my phone fixed as Sony advised me that the issue I had was likely to be a hardware problem. It went really well. He did play around with it a bit and verified the problem. He said I would get a brand new unit within a week and he didn't ask me to sign anything. Hopefully I can get my hands on a perfect one soon.
You didn't sign anything? So basically there's no official record of them taking your phone, hopefully all goes well but if not your screwed :-/
Hmm... did he even fill anything in on the computer systems?
Hopefully you remember the guy's name and when you came in if it goes awry.

Best way to Roam

I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I was unknowingly under the impression that everything was fine with my new U.S. Cellular's best 3Mbps Uncapped Unlimited 25GB Plus plan; nothing hidden, everything disclosed ["...and no hidden charges..." (right!? LoL)].
But, what I am finding out quickly is that not even all of CS Reps really know what's going on, and even they are not up-to-date on the details.
"The dickens is in the details!".
Unfortunately, U.S. Cellular's roaming is limited to 400MB per month, no matter what plan you are on, even if you are on their top-of-the-line plan.
Additional GB have to be purchased.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
KevinAuralee said:
I will be going out of my voice/data area.
I am located in the States and on a U.S. Cellular 30-month contract.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like to know:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
I'm mostly concerned about my internet data (or, really my lack thereof), and how much it would cost to buy 'roaming' data.
1.5GB or 3.5GB roaming data will cost extra; $15 or $35 respectively.
I have the choice of Global, LTE/CDMA, LTE/GSM/UMTS under Mobile Networks => Network mode.
It would seem that I could use Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T for a month and not have roaming charges through the nose.
Also, I believe U.S. Cellular's biggest roaming package is 3.5GB (vs the 25GB [Unlimited Plus] plan that I have gotten used to).
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
KevinAuralee said:
I talked to U.S. Cellular's technical support, and they said... Because there is a balance on the phone, it is locked... And because it is locked, another carrier cannot be used.
I understand, also, from reading this forum, that unlocking a Stateside S9+ is not a good idea, because it will trip Knox and void the warranty.
Unless someone knows something else, looks like I'm sunk.
Can anyone please verify my latest fears?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
CrazyApe18 said:
3 posts and I have no idea what your question really is. The Snapdragon models can't be rooted. At best, you could manage to brick your device trying. I'm also not sure what it would accomplish, given your problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have returned from my trip to no-service (roaming) PA. I had to use local wifi while roaming. It was a very bad phone data experience. I was talking about hidden fees with US Cellular to be able to even use my phone for internet access.
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
What are your suggestions?
Carriers have pro's and con's... If you are worried about having high roaming use then perhaps pick up an unlocked phone that will work on a different provider (with applicable plan through the provider) and use it as a mobile hotspot. Then connect your S9+ to the mobile hotspot and you should be ok.
TBH one of the things you should consider when your buying service through a carrier is the coverage the carrier provides as well as if/what limitations may exist. In your case if you roam a lot and the price of roaming is to much then perhaps consider a different provider when your contract is up.
KevinAuralee said:
I have a 'locked' Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). Would it be cheaper to buy a Sim and use my phone with another carrier instead of roaming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone is carrier/network locked which means it can only be used on the carrier you got it from. Because the phone is carrier locked you can not use any other sim card other then what is provided by the carrier.
KevinAuralee said:
Is it even possible on a 'locked' phone to temporarily use a different carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
KevinAuralee said:
I have 1-1/2 years left and will unlock this phone. I really do like the camera and the speed of the apps, etc. But since Snapdragon models cannot be rooted, what is the point of my owning this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest you just gave 2 pro's and only 1 con over the device, which would kinda answer your question for you... But again that is the kind of question only you can answer..
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you. If your only trying to root the phone so you can get cheaper roaming data by using other sim cards then you probably shouldn't be trying to root the phone anyways (not that root is even possible cuz it's not... It's just better to get it carrier/network unlocked by paying it off).
On the other hand for the most part even if it was possible the device could be rooted it won't give you much outside of what you already have. Granted I have had phone(s) being samsung and other where rooting the device allowed me to get better performance and battery life. With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
KevinAuralee said:
Obviously, I should probably ditch this phone or upgrade... probably selling it would be the best way to put money towards a new phone that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off. But just as an FYI once you get the phone unlocked (after paying it off) you can use it on T-Moble, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T... The G965U and G965U1 whether bought from samsung or the carriers themselves have the same internal hardware. The software determines what bands and carrier compatible features are active... Should be noted that carriers may have additional requirements (like AT&T not letting non AT&T S9+ use VoLTE) for specific services/features.
So if anything pay the phone off faster so you can get it carrier/network unlocked.. The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
KevinAuralee said:
What are your suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion. At that point you can use a sim card with a different provider for cheaper data roaming.. Or after it's paid off and network unlocked you can just sell it (you could probably get more for it since it would be unlocked to work for any carrier).
scottusa2008 said:
IMHO if your sole purpose on having that phone is that you must have it rooted, then this phone is not the one for you.
With this phone it is the first Samsung I have had that is quite snappy, battery life is surprisingly good and overall it works quite well with just the stock firmware.
About the only thing I would root the phone for (if it were possible, it's not obviously) is for nandroid backups. Still even from factory data reset to back up and running doesn't take that long anymore. Outside of that I myself have no reason to root the phone.
I would strongly suggest you entertain/consider those notions after you paid the phone off...
...The phone or the fact the model isn't rootable isn't the real problem here, it's the data roaming charges your carrier has.
Keep the phone and use it until it's paid off.. Then get it carrier/network unlocked would be my suggestion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
Google and Samsung push are trying to take over my phone, even though I have a lot of stuff disabled. I just found out my location is full on, and I always have it turned off or set to minimal.
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
Seems to me that I would like to stock load what I originally had when I first received the phone. I have never taken any updates and get nagged a lot.
But, like you said it isn't mine to root yet! But gimminies, I mean give me a break... I can't even side-load anymore. And that's gonna smart quite a bit.
I have entertained the idea of upgrading to a newer phone, but that would probably result in digging my hole deeper and even harder to get out of. I have 1-1/2 years left to go on my phone, or just flat buy it out while it is still worth something.
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
I'm thinking I would like to take screen pics of my apps & contacts, etc. and start all over. If only I knew of a sure way of gaining 100% control over my phone, I would do it!
But like you say, it might make more sense to just pay it off and then sell it and be rid of it.
KevinAuralee said:
I don't like a lot of things that deal with not having root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your not the only one... but if that is the case then it would seem that samsung has pretty much gotten on the ball and took care of the exploits that would allow root. While in one sense it's a bummer for those who want to root, but in the other they are making devices that aren't as exploitable (which is actually a good thing).
KevinAuralee said:
I even had some data usage and never turned data on... am 100% running on wi-fi. And now Samsung's keyboard is active and can't be disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you turn off roaming data? If you did then it would not have connected to the roaming data.. Mine never does unless I have it turned on. Also if your sending and recieving MMS messages this would use mobile data, so check your MMS settings for roaming auto retrieve.
KevinAuralee said:
Oh, and I have never been able to back up my phone without spilling all of my information to Google or Samsung -- that's the way they like it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This whole cloud backup thing has been around for a long time and is not a Samsung or Google thing. Microsoft Windows, Apple devices, Amazon devices all do the same thing. It's convenient for many and for those who are paranoid (or just don't want to use cloud backup) you don't have to use cloud backup services.
You can use smartswitch and make a backup of what is on the phone on your computer. You can save your contacts to the device only and you can export those contacts to a .vcf file... so you can later import them if you get a different phone (or factory data reset).
KevinAuralee said:
So I have been running without a backup for a year now, and I don't like it. Sure, I have almost everything pics & stuff on hard drive, but my apps, text messages, phone book, etc. I don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out Smartswitch
https://account.samsung.com/membership/terms/privacypolicy
I just did... their privacy policy is that I have no privacy. So I am back to square one and I feel better off NOT backing anything up both by their services and/or their software.
I have no active accounts with the goog, or samsung.
I plan on keeping it this way.
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
KevinAuralee said:
I guess my only question would be if I did a hard reset, and because I have never allowed any updates, would I be able to get back to day one when I first got the phone and be able to start from scratch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you did a factory data reset your phone would erase all your data and apps from the phone and all settings restored to factory defaults. You would have to go through the setup process again and restore your data (and make what ever changes, disable what apps you need too, misc customizations) which ever way you are going to do so.
I only mention this because I do not know what firmware your running or what was on the phone when you originally bought it. This part may or may not apply in your case, but in case it does... The only thing about a factory data reset is it does not change what firmware is installed on the phone. If you have the latest android pie installed then that is what will be on the phone once the factory data reset is completed.

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