Genuinely Curious Why USA Variants Can't Be Unlocked - Samsung Galaxy A10 Questions & Answers

I've done a lot of digging and seen people say that USA variants of Samsung's phones cannot have their boot loaders unlocked. They never go into detail on as to why. I'm not looking for a miracle or asking to have my device unlocked. I've accepted that's not gonna happen in any practical or painless manner aside from just giving up and buying an international version. I just want to know in detail on why they can't be unlocked. What did Samsung do to USA variants that essentially keep the phones locked down? What is the blockade that spells "game over" for any attempt to unlock the device, and where can I find more documentation on what it does or is? Is it some kind of hardware-enforced mechanism that locks it down? I have not dived into the weeds for the android OS and smartphones, but I know nothing about any device is just "magic".
What makes these devices so hard to unlock?
I can't find anything explaining what it is aside from the ocean of articles crying:
"SAMSUNG HATES US! HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR SAMSUNG A10 WITH THIS SIMPLE TRICK!"
"USE OEM UNLOCK IN DEV MODE TO UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER, AND IF IT'S NOT THERE, I DON'T KNOW".
"SO EASY! DOWNLOAD THIS NON-SUSPICIOUS SOFTWARE TO MIRACULOUSLY ROOT YOUR A10!"

Related

[Q] Cracking unlock bootloader allowed : no to Yes.?

Hey,
I have recently bought an Xperia Z ultra, and when i was about to CM11 it, i found out that the boot loader unlock allowed is NO.
Now where is live, i brought the phone through and import shop. so the procedure to obtain a operator key and send to Sony is impossible.
I can access my fastboot, i have even rooted my phone, but i really want custom roms and kernels to be an option.
I know that the usual answer to this is that its impossible. But i would appreciate if we discuss it to progress on this as i have seen too many people with this issue and i think it needs a solution. I would request the admin/moderators to keep this thread alive.
Now does anyone know why is it impossible ? is it hardware or software ?
any directions or people that i can personally request to work on this ? any leads ? i am really desperate, i really cant afford to spend that much on a phone again.
is the Xposed Framework any possible solution for this ?
any ideas information is helpful......
There is no solution, or one being worked on that I know of. In one thread it has been asked and a very good hardware hacker said that even taking the back off and putting a Xperia into it's maintenance mode you cant unlock a BL for these locked devices.
Have a read of the hard brick thread for the details
there seems to be a way, just a thought.
Upon on reseaerch, i am finding out a Linux command called kexec seems to be favour here. Since it can bypass kernel and force a custom one...
Work in progress for z1 here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2462799
Just leaving this link for other users like me, who might be searching... And also requesting to post replies here to see how much demand we have for this issue..
sp has something going on too
Xperia sp seems to have been worked upon in this matter recently http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2377972&page=7
kexec for ultra
Kexec for the ultra itself
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2615708&page=4
Are there any developers I can call out/plead to regarding this matter?? its really frustrating to have this much of a powerful device and not play with it. I miss CM.
unlocked bootloader if it says no
I had no idea that the sony z ultra had some units that couldn't be unlocked. why would sony do this, it says being able to unlock your bootloader is important to sony. They even gave me an unlocked code from their site. I bought an factory unlocked phone, so stupid that this one here can be unlocked and that one can't. so am I stuck with a locked bootloader now? I sold my Lg because of this crap now I am dealing with it again ****
BrownDog99 said:
I had no idea that the sony z ultra had some units that couldn't be unlocked. why would sony do this, it says being able to unlock your bootloader is important to sony. They even gave me an unlocked code from their site. I bought an factory unlocked phone, so stupid that this one here can be unlocked and that one can't. so am I stuck with a locked bootloader now? I sold my Lg because of this crap now I am dealing with it again ****
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's your carrier that has locked it (Rogers, i'm guessing?). There are only a couple of carriers that locks down the bootloader, like Rogers, O2 (i think) and another one that we're aware of.
It was bought factory unlocked from store no carrier involved which makes it even more crazy. I guess I will sell this model and get different one. Does the gpe have this stupid restriction on its model. I really like the 6.4 inch screen and don't want to go down in size. I am already going to get the nexus 6 so I definitely want a z ultra also
BrownDog99 said:
It was bought factory unlocked from store no carrier involved which makes it even more crazy. I guess I will sell this model and get different one. Does the gpe have this stupid restriction on its model. I really like the 6.4 inch screen and don't want to go down in size. I am already going to get the nexus 6 so I definitely want a z ultra also
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's shouldn't be locked. Only a couple of carriers locks the bootloader. The GPe's bootloader is unlockable.
@BrownDog99 type *#*#7378523#*#* and check if you haven't. I don't think I've seen a factory one they is bootloader locked. What model? And from where did you buy it?
Ya i tried that it says no bootloader unlock. I bought it from a used cell store in toronto. It has a factory unlocked sticker on it, with no carrier apps installed or anything. Maybe it was a carrier phone, weird it came factory unlocked and with no carrier apps installed. I rooted it and put a dual recovery for lb and of course installed xposed. No custom kernel for me I guess. Too bad. I think it is Rogers and Bell that lock down the bootloader. I am impressed with the speed of it for a 800 snapdragon.

Does the Verizon Moto E have root and roms?

Just bought the Verizon moto e at best buy and have it working on t mobile but want to install custom roms.
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
Christopher876 said:
Sadly it does not. Just bought mine today as a secondary device.
I am just hoping that someone can do something to unlock that bootloader (could the stagefright vulnerability be used to do some things since it does have some root capabilities?) or at least get the device loki'd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
clapper66 said:
i bought it for the same reason at best buy to uses as a backup for myself or a friend of family member. Just like you i was curious about rooting and custom roms for it. Sadly i found out by trying to follow the tutorial to unlock the bootloader and when i went to Motorola website for the unlock code it said my device couldn't be unlocked :crying:
Before i picked up the Moto e i seen on XDA the Verizon variant could be used on any service so i didn't even think twice to see if it was unlock-able before trying.
Just now wile typing this it actually got me thinking and the thought of the Verizon variant being able to be used on. got me wondering.
Under the hood of the Verizon Moto e is the hardware exactly the same as the other variants or are there more radios for the Verizon network? I ask this because if its the same would there be someway to install the international variant bootloader on the Verizon variant and then unlock it?
if that sounds very stupid im sorry lol. I don't know very much about unlocking devices besides how to follow tutorials of how to unlock a device. But i do know how to flash and install things im kind of a flashaholic thats one reason i looked to unlock this device right away
Verizon as is already annoys me by how there devices have locked bootlaoders thankfully someone found a workaround for the G3, but seeing how this is a prepaid device that customers pay in full for i don't see why they have to lock it down...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't overwrite the bootloader since it is locked, the partition is locked to read. However, I was thinking, since it has that 5.1 update, it must've written to the system partition and which case I wonder if a fake update of some kind be used. Kingoroot also somehow can mount and write to the system partition through their rooting process, if someone can figure how it does that, there is hope for this version.
There is also the possibility of someone developing loki for this phone too, which would bring at least some custom action to this.
Verizon does some weird things, both it and AT&T, I just don't understand them. AT&T locks down the device and sometimes they even get updates that were released for the phone. Verizon declines other phones which people want. Anyways, we only paid $10 for phone, couldn't say no to that, right? Unlocked SIM and if they do find a workaround, just cherry on top of the icing.
litan1106 said:
$9.99 from bestbuy, it's the best budget phone. I made it work under t-mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
wogeboy said:
+1 - cant beat the price.
With so many of these out there now, I think its only a matter of time until someone figures out the bootloader and rom questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so, would really suck to stay on 5.1 and miss out on any security updates, etc.
But from the looks of scanning through part of the forum, no seems to be taking on the task of figuring out a way to do so. The one guy that was trying had school that took over his time and then there are no other threads about it.
Yeah, I hope that you are right that all these new devices out there will spark something.

Sprint Pixel 3 - Unlocking Bootloader

Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
natenins said:
Hello Pixel-ers! Just wanted to throw this out there to see where we end up (forgive me, mods, if I have sinned).
I just received my Pixel 3 from Sprint, and, unsurprisingly, the option to OEM Unlock is greyed out. I mostly expected this so I'm not super worried about it, but I was reading other forums and some users suggested that unlocking the SIM through Sprint might allow the bootloader to unlock as well. (I'm admittedly confused by this as I don't understand fully the relationship between the SIM and bootloader, but I digress...)
I contacted Sprint advanced tech support to see if they had any insight. They seemed to end up where I did, presuming that the bootloader can be unlocked if the SIM is unlocked. But I'm left with a couple of questions.
1) Has anyone already purchased the phone outright from Sprint and able to confirm if SIM unlocking allows bootloader unlocking?
2) Anyone tried the previous for unlocking the bootloader, like those for the OG Pixels (deleting the android phone apk?) or similar?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn that sucks, guess that's the price of going carrier. I fell victim of unlockable bootloader when I sent in my pixel 2 and got back a refurbished one. I tried the old tricks and nothing worked. I sent it in as rma. The 2nd rma still could not be unlocked. Only options are to return it, deal with it, or sell it and buy one directly from Google or other route.
Sure there maybe a way down the line but it's not likely going to be soon.
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image. So the Sprint model has to be using the same os as the straight from Google model but the unlock option is still greyed out, leaving the only other possible lock being the sim/carrier lock put in place u til the device is paid for.
It's also the same situation for my Nexus 6 I financed from Sprint on release, running Crdroid and the system images on Google's site list a stock release and a separate Verizon release as well as a T-Mobile release but the only difference being the T-Mobile image contains a different radio img. I cannot think of any cross carrier device that is unlockable on one model while the Sprint model being locked, Sprint being the smallest of the major carriers they tend not to go out of their way to restrict customers, been a customer for over 10 years, they may have incompetent, poorly speaking, slow phone reps but they still allow 1000x more compared to Verizon lol. I use around 800gb - 1tb a month for years and they just laugh when I talk to them, try that with Verizon lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right?! I've been with sprint for like 10 years too and they are absolutely incompetent when it comes to pretty much anything and have been since day 1. I usually have to walk them through most things I've asked them to do, but they have been pretty chill about lots of stuff. Anyway, I guess my biggest worry was that I'd pay off the device and it still wouldn't be OEM unlockable, but this at least gives me hope that my pain and suffering with them won't be for nothing. Thanks for the insight!
LaGgY_42o said:
Pretty certain it just requires a unlock from Sprint first. Knowing the Verizon variant has a locked bootloader and looking on Google's own factory flashable image site we can see there are only 2 different images to download, the stock unlockable image and a separate Verizon labeled image which is obviously separate since it has a locked bootloader in the image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The two images will merge into one in the next month or so and the only difference is radio and network. That has been what has happened with all of the Pixels on release. There is no difference in the image that locks it, they all run exactly the same software. The Google ones ship locked and only unlock when they are connected and phone home for permission to unlock.
That said, I agree that Sprint will be able to unlock them. That is exactly what EE in Europe does. They come SIM and bootloader locked. As soon as you fulfill your contract they flip the switch and you are SIM and bootloader unlocked.
So we know Google has a system set up for this, and that it works. The only question is will Sprint participate in it. My gut says yes they will.
yep...got my Pixel 3xl today from Sprint, and low and behold its locked up...i was honestly shocked, whats worse is my current phone is a Essential....from sprint...thats been unlocked since first boot....FML
I think what is happening is that Google has now declared the Pixel 3 line and above (the a series) enterprise ready. Meaning security and thus being able to keep the bootloader locked thus no root. That will allow businesses to purchase a Sprint, Verizon or TM device plan and make sure the bootloader remains locked no matter who pays off what. They tested it with Verizon the past 2 years and they now have it down. At some point in the near future, IMO, all bootloaders will be locked except the Google (or Fi) bought device.
I also believe the refurbishment channel on Google store replacement devices will be as Pixel 2. I had a unlocked Google store Project Fi that when device was exchanged through store four times were not unlockable. Finally gave up and received credit. From a restocking point of view lock, unlock is important to us, but the previous statement on business needs makes sense.
Can someone with a non Sprint version check this in Mobile network>advanced. I think this is how it knows to be greyed out for oem unlock.
Double post

is there a list of phone manufacturers that allow unlocking and ones that don't?

is there a list of phone manufacturers that allow unlocking and ones that don't?
(and if there is variance between devices from manufacturers, then a list of devices?)
Thanks
gardina said:
is there a list of phone manufacturers that allow unlocking and ones that don't?
(and if there is variance between devices from manufacturers, then a list of devices?)
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea it goes like this:
Huawei---> can't unlock
EVery other frickin' phone manifacturer --> can unlock, sometimes it's hard, but u can
More seriously, atm every phone that I know of can be unlocked. Samsung is making it complicated, but still. The only OEM I know that locks down the phone is Huawei.
With the manufacturer "Oppo"(another chinese company like huwaei), at least some oppo phones can't be unlocked. See my post #36 https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/oppo-a9-2020-rooting.4003265/page-2
How are Samsung making it hard?
Samsung has locked bootloaders on - many - if not all usa snapdragon phones and if you buy one of them the only way to get it unlocked is by finding some random person on the internet who has the samsung proprietary toolkit and pay him/her $100 - $150 to have them modify it so you can get oem unlock.
Samsung - in the usa - doesnt want you removing bloatware, blocking adds or doing what you want with your phone... or perhaps its the carriers themselves who are all mandating this... unknown to me; aside from the fact that I've bought four samsung phones in recent months trying to unlock and learning that I've wasted my cash...
plus I hear the Quallcom secureboot is an issue here as well - though I'm a noob when it comes to this I only have conceptual level knowledge.
SAME applies to some Motorola devices - a company that used to almost be guaranteed easy to unlock.. last few devices I've gotten from them are impossible to root and change the OS.
Same applies to EVERY device sold on the Verizon network.
You want an unlocked phone?
Get one that advertises it proudly like this - https://www.fxtec.com/ Android - lineage - sailfish are options.

Root for dummies (US/Snapdragon version)?

I have a S21, T-mobile model, G991U. It has the Snapdragon chip, not the Enyos. Last time I rooted a phone was a Motorola Charge I think it was before I tried jailbreaking the iPhone 4. Back then, manufacturers didn't try as hard to prevent modifications.
Fast forward to today. I have the T-Mobile S21 I want to root. I'll admit I am over my head, and unsure of how to proceed. First thought I could use Magisk Root, but apparently that only works for the Samsung processor. Found myself on SamPwnd's website, but only up to the S20s seem to be supported. The editor's blog here on XDA warns against using RootKing due to intrusive ads/possible malware, so that's out. Eventually found myself on a shady Polish website offering unlock that didn't pan out. It goes without saying I visited https://www.xda-developers.com/root/ and wasn't able to find anything.
Is there a legitimate root for the S21 US edition yet?
No. All S and Note series devices since the S7 have a locked bootloader in the US. Root is impossible unless you pay for a bootloader unlocking service (here - https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...unlock-for-samsung-us-canada-devices.4215101/) and that's not released yet. Expect to pay over $100 for the service, and expect for things to break when you do (Samsung Pay, Knox, etc).
^ This. My last Samsung was an S6 Edge, so I didn't know about the perma-locked bootloader crap on newer models. I'm sending back my preordered S21 because I can't root it and getting a Pixel 5 instead. The S21's hardware is clearly better, but it's not worth dealing that BS on the software side.

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