Database Users

Unlocking Vs. Debranding/Flashing Vs. Rooting -- Clarified

Hi All,
There have been many confused members (especially the noobs) who do not understand the difference between unlocking and debranding so I wanted to start this thread to clarify this matter once and for all.
Debranding/Flashing: : This is when you flash some firmware other than your original operator's FW. For example, if you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10, when you flash/debrand generic fw (or any other fw of your choosing) you simply get rid of the "branded" software pre-loaded on your phone. Hence, the term "de-branding". This does not mean that your phone is unlocked. You will still have to use your original operator's SIM card, like AT&T or O2, to use your phone EVEN AFTER flashing/debranding your handset.
Unlocking: This is when you "network unlock" your phone and are able to use it with any GSM operator you choose other than your original operator. For example, you have an AT&T or O2 branded X10 and you want to use it on T-Mobile US or UK, can you do that after simply flashing/debranding? The answer is NO. Why? Because your phone still requires a special code to be entered before it becomes network unlocked. For further reading, please go here.
Rooting: Rooting is a process that allows users of cellphones, and other devices, running the Android operating system to attain privileged control (known as "root access") within Android's Linux subsystem, similar to jailbreaking on Apple devices running the iOS operating system, overcoming limitations that the carriers and manufacturers put on such phones. Rooting makes it possible to use custom versions of the Android system such as CyanogenMod, supporting features unavailable in stock ROMs. It also allows for newer versions of Android not supplied by the original device manufacturer. Source: Wikipedia
Debranding, unlocking and rooting are mutually exclusive.
FAQs:
1. If I flash to generic firmware using Bin4ry's flash tool, will I unlock my phone?
No, you will simply debrand your phone but, you will still need to get the unlock code.
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
3. How do I know if my phone is network unlocked?
The simple way is to pop in another operator's SIM card, for example you have an AT&T branded X10a, then you can use a T-Mobile SIM card. If your phone reboots and you do not get a "enter code" screen and you see that you are connected to the T-Mobile network then your phone is network unlocked and can be used with any GSM operator.
Another way is to go into the hidden service menu. In the lock screen (the one with the swype animation) press the following sequence of buttons (Home, Back, Back, Home, Back, Home, Home, Back). If you are on 1.6 replace Home with Menu. Then go to service info --> SIM lock. In the top line, if you find this [X] Network 10, then your phone is locked. If you find this [ ] Network 10, then your phone is unlocked.
4. How can I get my unlock code?
There are a few sites from which people were successful in getting their unlock codes like MobileInCanada and CellUnlocker. There is also a thread by Xda-member "Lancez" here who can provide unlock codes for a fee. Currently, there is no known method of unlocking your phone for free.
I hope I have clarified this matter for everyone.

this should clarify the unlocking scene

Lancez said:
this should clarify the unlocking scene
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I hope so!

Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.

albiore said:
Well, thanks for the info; however, what I wanted to know was the "technology" behind the lock codes which can survive after flashing. What do they use to keep them safe? In which part of the software is the code stored? or most likely, the code should be hardcoded then.
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Google is your friend. You can start here though.

batman_112 said:
Google is your friend. You can start here though.
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Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App

agentJBM said:
Once again Batman, you post exactly what I was looking for 3-4 days after I was looking for it. I'm gonna take a few days off and come back, so all my questions will have already been answered. ;-)
Thanks for all your help!
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
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Next time just flash the Bat signal

Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
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Which is answered in the first post...
batman_112 said:
2. If I debrand my phone and then unlock it but, I would like to go back to my original branded firmware, will my phone become re-locked to that network again?
No, once you unlock your phone, it will remain that way no matter what firmware you flash in the future.
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Click to collapse

roghax said:
Hello, I have a question.
I have a x10a locke, so, I go to cellularunlocker.net and pay 39.99$ for the software... and make the unlock... later of reboot, my x10 can be used on any carrier...
so my question is::
if SE make a new update of software and base band:
my info:
Model: x10a
version firmware: 2.1-update1
baseband version: 2.0.46
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1
Build number: 2.0.A.0.504
if a do on the future a update to 2.2 exameple if SE done the update and my baseband too recivied the update. my phone will be lock again?
thanks and sorry my bad English
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Click to collapse
No, it will not be locked again.
XperiaX10iUser said:
Which is answered in the first post...
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I think people are too lazy to read through the whole post! Thanks!

Updated first post to add definition of rooting.

hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!

rjumonong said:
hahaha! probably right! some people don't read thouroghly. they just read through the articles... everything here has been thoroughly discussed though... thanks!
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Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.

batman_112 said:
Yes. If you use the search option, you will find what you are looking for 99% of the time. Sometimes people are just too lazy to do it.
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I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.

agentJBM said:
I think there was a typo above. It is more like 9% of the time. Lol. Unless you type exactly word for word the results often send you to completely different forums, even though it says "search this forum". Test it yourself... Search using XDA search button and then do a Google Search. Google is much better, for me anyway.
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Well, you need some practice before you can get it to work for you and not against you! But, Google is always your friend!

Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:

BluechipJ said:
Good writeup. I need to do an FAQ too but I've just been too busy.
Users can use the diagnostic menu to check lock status:
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I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.

Deniz.S said:
I don't think that's correct. My x10 has 0 next to Sim but it's definitely locked to t-mobile. There's an X in the box next to where it says network for locked phones.
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The [X] means it is locked. The 0 means that you have 0 attempts left to enter the unlock code. You get 10 in a new phone. Did you enter the codes too many times or did you buy your phone pre-owned?

What is the hidden unlock for ATT SM N910a? ive gone through the unlock code process through ATT and CellularUlock.net and got a code and it wont.
My phone is on 5.0.1 I really hope you can help with this.
Im currently working on a thread for the service menu for this device and need help
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/network-lock-menu-via-service-menu-t3205101

[Q] Super noob needs a help here!

Back in old days when i had a HTC Wildfire with a few clicks i rooted it and started installing new ROMS on to it
But since i got this New Xperia Play : R800i Build NO. 3.0.1.a.0.146 {UK}
I got no clue how to do anything on it. Let me be honest here... I updated my phone using the option under the settings menu in About my phone and seems to be on 2.3.3 and look all my friends have rooted their phones but i got no clue if its even possible . Mabey im not such a noob or something but i would be really greatfull if anyoen could point me atleast to the right direction. Mabey some helpfull links to help a fellow noob

Is your phone sim locked?
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

Nope... Well not that i know of, because i got my phone from vodafone and once i inserted a sim card from another operator i made a few calls and i could recieve calls too without any problems.

arian009 said:
Nope... Well not that i know of, because i got my phone from vodafone and once i inserted a sim card from another operator i made a few calls and i could recieve calls too without any problems.
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Mine was from vodafone and wasnt sim locked either. Ok you have two choices for root. You can either unlock your bootloader (there are many downsides and advantages to this so you should research it) or downgrade to 2.3.2, root using gingerbreak then OTA update to latest version. That way you will not loose root while updating.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

Seems like ol' Freddy is right after all:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_return

What OTA Update Means? And please can you give some links on how to downgrade and root it please?

And btw if i use the method of downgrading my phone first will i be able to flash custom ROMs?

Logseman said:
Seems like ol' Freddy is right after all:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_return
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Lmao
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

arian009 said:
What OTA Update Means? And please can you give some links on how to downgrade and root it please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im on my phone so i can't really link. Look in the android development section, there is a thread all about rooting 2.3.3 with a locked bootloader. OTA means over the air. Basically thats when you download and install an update using just your phone.
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

arian009 said:
And btw if i use the method of downgrading my phone first will i be able to flash custom ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you need an unlocked bootloader to flash custom roms. But please read the pros and cons of unlocking your bootloader first. And understand what you can and can't do
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk

Ok mate just wanna say thanks a lot for your help and i really appreciate it. You really helped me out here. also just one more thing i need to know. By the looks of it the only cons in unlocking your bootloader seems to be that you will lose warranty and that your phone or your radio may get bricked which apparently can be fixed with restoring a backed up data using a program named omnius for se which i'm actually working on... however my only other concern is if there are any other disadvantages regarding the unblocking the bootloader that you happned to know of and be kind to share it with me Also just wanna say that i can see many tutorials as you said in the development section and i quite frankly i don't know which one applies to me since i realized one of the tutorials are for models with build number .184 where as mine is 3.0.1.a.0.145 AND I HAVE NO CLUE WHICH TUTORIAL TO FOLLOW. So i would be greatfull if you could lend me link to a right tutorial whenever you get free time on the PC

If all you want is root you can do that with a locked bootloader. You will have to downgrade to 2.3.2 (.184) then root then ota to get the latest firmware rooted. Follow the guide here. Or see this post i made here for easier instuctions on downgrading and rooting.
If you want to flash custom roms then you do need an unlocked bootloader like AndroHero has said. You dont need a specific guide to unlock your bootloader. Just go too the SE bootloader unlocking site (it gives you all the instructions you need) http://unlockbootloader.sonyericsson.com/. Then just flash doomlords kernel (which autoroots) or anything really from the development section (since i think anything can be rooted with one click with an unlocked bootloader) you will then have root and the ability to flash cutom roms.
Oh btw build number .184 = 2.3.2, build number 3.0.1.a.0.145 = 2.3.3 and build number 4.0.a = 2.3.3 (xloud version, the latest update)
+
If you unlock your bootloader OTA, Pc Companion + SEUS are off limits use any of them after unlocking your bootloader and you will brick your phone. Go to the dev section for the latest updates.

Logseman said:
Seems like ol' Freddy is right after all:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_return
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Looks like I've overseen your sense of humor... Very subtle... Wicked
Regards Dousan...

You won't allow me to get rowdy and yell at folks, so I have to resort to good old snark. Caveat emptor.

Dousan said:
Looks like I've overseen your sense of humor... Very subtle... Wicked
Regards Dousan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Logseman said:
You won't allow me to get rowdy and yell at folks, so I have to resort to good old snark. Caveat emptor.
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I got it straight away

Logseman said:
You won't allow me to get rowdy and yell at folks, so I have to resort to good old snark. Caveat emptor.
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Click to collapse
Lmao I can't argue with that, althoug it's sneaky to post a link like that, still hilarious
Regards Dousan...

firmware help please

Hi, I have a samsung s4 9505. as it's a spare I decided to play arOundle with the firmware so I installed the latest stock one. Its now locked to EE. Is there any firmware / Rom that I can install without it being tied to ee. If so , where can I download it from. Do any of you guys have one. I am uk based. I have tried the unlock method that I found on the net. By keying in *#0011# but I can't get the service menu up to change it. I had a insurance claim on my other phone and that give you the choice to use whoever you want. Is there a way of cloning that one and putting it onto my s4. There both S4 9505.
Thanks

You need to downgrade your modem or possibly the entire ROM to an Android 4.2.2 version before the service mode exploit or RegionLock Away will work. Once you do that and unlock the S4, download this ROM and install it. Then you should be good to go.

Thank you for the reply, can you link me to the downgrade the rom to andriod 4.4.2 , I'm not that techy so please be gentle . Lol
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
You need to downgrade the rom to andriod or possibly the entire ROM to an Android 4.2.2 version before the service mode exploit or RegionLock Away . Then you should be good to go.
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paulrob2808 said:
Thank you for the reply, can you link me to the downgrade the rom to andriod 4.4.2 , I'm not that techy so please be gentle . Lol
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I tell ya my opinion. The best you can do is unlock your device by IMEI buying a simple code coz downgrading is always one big risk.

I have tried 2 online unlocking company's but both said they can't generate the code.
Joku1981 said:
I tell ya my opinion. The best you can do is unlock your device by IMEI buying a simple code coz downgrading is always one big risk.
Click to expand...
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paulrob2808 said:
I have tried 2 online unlocking company's but both said they can't generate the code.
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Click to collapse
Take a look: HERE and the website is this one: HERE. Good luck my friend :highfive:

Samsung S4 advice please

Hi been offered a Samsung S4 but its on Three (uk) can they be unlock yet as I,m on orange (uk)
thanks

sealover1 said:
Hi been offered a Samsung S4 but its on Three (uk) can they be unlock yet as I,m on orange (uk)
thanks
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Yes, you should be able to unlock the phone to be used on other carriers.

GDReaper said:
Yes, you should be able to unlock the phone to be used on other carriers.
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have got the phone now
cant seem to unlock it though I tried the *#0011# way but that never worked so have now rooted it but not sure what to do with the root as I lost the page I was reading from lol
can anyone help please have rooted with Odin3-v3.07

sealover1 said:
have got the phone now
cant seem to unlock it though I tried the *#0011# way but that never worked so have now rooted it but not sure what to do with the root as I lost the page I was reading from lol
can anyone help please have rooted with Odin3-v3.07
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, you want to unlock it yourself. That I don't know how. But I know you can buy an unlock code.

GDReaper said:
Oh, you want to unlock it yourself. That I don't know how. But I know you can buy an unlock code.
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yeah well they said they could unlock it in the shop for £20 but really skint at moment and just trying to save a few quid if a shop can do it there must be a way

1. Downgrade the modem (at minimum) or ROM (at maximum) to Android 4.2.2 using Odin.
2. Root.
3. Install and run RegionLock Away.
4. Restore the original modem or ROM using Odin.
5. Insert your SIM.
If not immediately prompted to enter an unlock code, you were successful. Otherwise, you'll have to pony up cash for an unlock code.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
1. Downgrade the modem (at minimum) or ROM (at maximum) to Android 4.2.2 using Odin.
2. Root.
3. Install and run RegionLock Away.
4. Restore the original modem or ROM using Odin.
5. Insert your SIM.
If not immediately prompted to enter an unlock code, you were successful. Otherwise, you'll have to pony up cash for an unlock code.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks how do I downgrade the modem ?? also once rooted can it be put back to its normal state as my updates wont work now (thanks guys)
RegionLock Away is that in the apps store yes??

Look in S4 General for a thread with links to the modems. After getting your modem, look in the Towelroot thread on S4 General. Use the instructions there to downgrade the modem. If desired, use Towelroot to root. RegionLock Away is found on XDA. Search for it. Once done with the app, restore your original modem.

how do I restore your original modem done a search and nothing came up

sealover1 said:
how do I restore your original modem done a search and nothing came up
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Flash it with Odin

Confused by model and build compatibility.

I've rooted / flashed roms onto HTC and Samsung devices before but I'm pretty lost with this one...
My model number: ALE-L23
My build number: ALE-L23C605B140
I have two simple(?) goals.
- get root access
- install a custom rom
Which threads should I be looking at to make sure they are compatible with my device? Any help or insight into this is greatly appreciated.

Seems like I am not the only one.... Can you check your vendor & country code? My build # (B044) is even older than yours.
As for ROOT, I come across this but I haven't try
http://www.htcmania.com/showthread.php?t=1021445

Hi, whatid. I don't know where I can check this. I don't see anything like it in the "About Phone" section of settings. How do you know that the threads about custom roms and rooting here on XDA don't apply to our phone model/version?
whatid said:
Seems like I am not the only one.... Can you check your vendor & country code? My build # (B044) is even older than yours.
As for ROOT, I come across this but I haven't try
http://www.htcmania.com/showthread.php?t=1021445
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Click to collapse

quackor said:
Hi, whatid. I don't know where I can check this. I don't see anything like it in the "About Phone" section of settings. How do you know that the threads about custom roms and rooting here on XDA don't apply to our phone model/version?
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Click to collapse
the vendor and country code can be seen by going to the dialer and pressing *#*#2846579#*#*
you can try this method. its a standard root methode that works without changing or unlocking bootloader altough you're gonna need it if you want a custom rom wich are not available yet.

Lordbannakaffalatta said:
the vendor and country code can be seen by going to the dialer and pressing *#*#2846579#*#*
you can try this method.
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Thanks! My vendor is "hw" and country "la" (I'm assuming Huawei and Latin America?) The method you link to is also meant for "L21" models, how do I know it's safe to do with my L23 phone?

quackor said:
Thanks! My vendor is "hw" and country "la" (I'm assuming Huawei and Latin America?) The method you link to is also meant for "L21" models, how do I know it's safe to do with my L23 phone?
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The root methode works or doesn't it wont cause a bootloop so it sould be safe

Lordbannakaffalatta said:
The root methode works or doesn't it wont cause a bootloop so it sould be safe
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Cool, thank you I'll give it a shot.