[Q] "Unlocking" AT&T S4 questions - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Now I have had previous Samsung Galaxy phones that I have rooted and I'm very familiar with the whole process.
However, I have never used a phone that was bought for one carrier and used on another.
I'm planning to purchase an AT&T Galaxy S4 and using it on the T-Mobile network (wish me luck).
What would be the best way to unlock the AT&T phone to use a T-Mobile SIM?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285431​This is what I have found, but I heard something about a USB unlock being more successful.
Once the phone is "Unlocked", and I root the device, should I be using the AT&T ROMs section, or T-Mobile? I'm going to guess AT&T because they are somewhat hardware dependent?
Lastly, will this AT&T version limit my signal in anyway (not accounting for the already possibility of bad signal)?
Meaning the AT&T version only picks up the lesser of the T-Mobile bands or signals.
If I sound like an idiot, I apologize. I've done some research and cant seem to find the right keywords to search.
Thanks in advance for any information.

Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM

I'd advise you buy a T-Mobile Galaxy s4. Our bootloader is locked and the newest updafe only has a root exploit and
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I am using i337 with tmobiles sim card. I get 4g at over 10mbs and even over 20mbs on some good dsys. I usually use att roms although I've found that i9505 and tmobile work too. Just have to stick with loki'ed kernels. Hope this helps.

It does, thank you.
So look for a ROM with Loki kernels?
And which unlock method did you use to get the T-Mobile SIM to work?
The one above or a different one
Thanks for the info
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Make sure you get one that is not MF3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Related

Help switch USCC gs3 to Verizon gs3

So I US Cellular is done in Chicago and I refuse to purchase another phone if I can change over with my current one.
I am already rooted and wondering what I would need to do attempt to get the cmda to recognize Verizon. PLEASE HELP!
Sent from my SCH-R530U using xda app-developers app
Looks like you're in the wrong section. This is for the international GS 3 rather than any us variant so any help probably will either be a. Harmful to the device or b. Not helpful at all
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Sprint Galaxy s4 on Tmobile.

I never had a gsm phone so I dont know alot about world phones. On sprints community foruma there is much debate if the gs4 is a world phone. I see a sim slot my guess that it is. Anyway if I were to switch to tmobile, can this phone be used or is it completely impossible? Other countries use gsm networks only so being a world phone I would assume that it can be used with US gsm networks. Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Simply put no
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
robogoflow said:
I never had a gsm phone so I dont know alot about world phones. On sprints community foruma there is much debate if the gs4 is a world phone. I see a sim slot my guess that it is. Anyway if I were to switch to tmobile, can this phone be used or is it completely impossible? Other countries use gsm networks only so being a world phone I would assume that it can be used with US gsm networks. Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a world phone but it is locked to Sprint only you can call sprint and have it unlocked for international and sprint simcards only no domestic Sims like from t-mobile and AT&T.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
nicotheandroidguy said:
It is a world phone but it is locked to Sprint only you can call sprint and have it unlocked for international and sprint simcards only no domestic Sims like from t-mobile and AT&T.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay did some research and youre correct. Invalid sim pops up when a local sim is inserted. Lets say I flash the google edition rom stock rooted. Now I know it will mess up all radio with cdma but will this bypass or does sprint have a hardware lock on the device?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
No way!
Not gonna work.
The Ax says thanks.
robogoflow said:
Okay did some research and youre correct. Invalid sim pops up when a local sim is inserted. Lets say I flash the google edition rom stock rooted. Now I know it will mess up all radio with cdma but will this bypass or does sprint have a hardware lock on the device?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that doesn't discard it it is a hardware lock.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
robogoflow said:
I never had a gsm phone so I dont know alot about world phones. On sprints community foruma there is much debate if the gs4 is a world phone. I see a sim slot my guess that it is. Anyway if I were to switch to tmobile, can this phone be used or is it completely impossible? Other countries use gsm networks only so being a world phone I would assume that it can be used with US gsm networks. Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switch to T-Mobile, get new GS4, sell Sprint GS4. Problem solved.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
It will work on tmobile
robogoflow said:
I never had a gsm phone so I dont know alot about world phones. On sprints community foruma there is much debate if the gs4 is a world phone. I see a sim slot my guess that it is. Anyway if I were to switch to tmobile, can this phone be used or is it completely impossible? Other countries use gsm networks only so being a world phone I would assume that it can be used with US gsm networks. Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will work on tmobile for text and call when you unlocked it. For data, you need to change the apn setting to epc.tmobile.com. I am sure that you will get EDGE but not sure about 3g/4g or LTE.
Galaxy s 4 sprint to Tmobil
robogoflow said:
I never had a gsm phone so I dont know alot about world phones. On sprints community foruma there is much debate if the gs4 is a world phone. I see a sim slot my guess that it is. Anyway if I were to switch to tmobile, can this phone be used or is it completely impossible? Other countries use gsm networks only so being a world phone I would assume that it can be used with US gsm networks. Thanks.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately they work in different bands even you put a Tmobil Sim card it wont work.
Lucky422 said:
Unfortunately they work in different bands even you put a Tmobil Sim card it wont work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not correct. It will work if you unlocked it. You will only get EDGE data for the time being in the US.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Sprint to tmobil
gizmoscoop said:
That is not correct. It will work if you unlocked it. You will only get only 2g data.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure not everyone is willing to tinker with setting and all that...and sure you can make it work if youre willing to put the time and effort then yes it will work.
sprint to tmobil
thanks for all but can someone put what will be the procedure in how its done and the call how it will work just fine or what? please i need to know to do it im a newbee .thanks to everyone
You can't do it, it is impossible. Sprint has US carriers blocked and there is no method to unlock to use a Sprint phone on Tmobile. So here is the steps to follow: List your Sprint phone on Ebay or Craigslist, Sell it, go buy a Tmobile S4, enjoy.
2nd try
gizmoscoop said:
Yes, it will work on tmobile for text and call when you unlocked it. For data, you need to change the apn setting to epc.tmobile.com. I am sure that you will get EDGE but not sure about 3g/4g or LTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im having difficulties rooting the S4. When I check it says its not rooted properly. Im still on MF9 and have no clue how to get it to MDC/MDL baseband. Any help? And how would you change the apn settings?
cruise350 said:
You can't do it, it is impossible. Sprint has US carriers blocked and there is no method to unlock to use a Sprint phone on Tmobile. So here is the steps to follow: List your Sprint phone on Ebay or Craigslist, Sell it, go buy a Tmobile S4, enjoy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's very possible..
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
will not work don't waste your time trying. Maybe on verizon or another cdma carrier but not gsm just wont work. I read this question at least 100 times on xda and no one ever did it successfully or even partially. Trade or sell it
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
actually...
devoureddreams said:
Simply put no
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just rooted my sph-L720 and am in the middle of unlocking it right now...so yes, it's possible to go tmobile
aaron.romina said:
I just rooted my sph-L720 and am in the middle of unlocking it right now...so yes, it's possible to go tmobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's easily possible, but because there isn't a how to on here, people assume it isn't..
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Ive seen a video on YouTube where someone confirms a sprint iphone 4s on tmobile sim
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
sigh...
There seems to be a very dismissive attitude in this thread.
I have a Sprint HTC One and I can easily throw a T-Mobile SIM in there and get full service (sans LTE) with T-Mobile. The HSPA+ is faster than the Sprint 3G.
So while I do not have personal experience with the S4 in this fashion, I do not see why it would not be possible to get it unlocked and used on T-Mobile. (Unless Samsung/Sprint are blocking it for whatever reason)

Unlock AT&T S4

I am just wondering if it's possible to unlock the AT&T Galaxy S4 for use with other carriers? I tried a search on this thread but it didn't pull anything up.
Basically it's a business device used for when somebody needs to make a trip out of the country, but if it could be unlocked to use Canadian SIM cards, it would be useful as well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=41585780 look there. Next time search better.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium HD app

Will the Bell S3 work on Rogers/fido network & Unlock?

Like the title says it all, I'm about to sell my Galaxy S3 from Bell Mobility network to someone on the Fido network.
I just want to confirm that it will work? Also, I'm looking to unlock it, is there a good place to buy an unlock code? Don't want to waste my time to try the methods on here as I don't have the time to downgrade.
Thanks,
JP
This is the galaxy s4 thread not s3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

What up with carriers locking bootloaders?

Are us At&t custom ROM users going to have to move on to greener pastures with this Knox bs or will someone unlock the s4, note 3, and s5 (when it comes out) bootloaders at some point? Just curious if anyone has any insight on this, cause if we can't unlock it I'm definitely moving on to another carrier, personally. Or at least I'll buy international unlocked or Google editions in the future. Thanks and f at&t and Knox!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
whmgreen said:
Are us At&t custom ROM users going to have to move on to greener pastures with this Knox bs or will someone unlock the s4, note 3, and s5 (when it comes out) bootloaders at some point? Just curious if anyone has any insight on this, cause if we can't unlock it I'm definitely moving on to another carrier, personally. Or at least I'll buy international unlocked or Google editions in the future. Thanks and f at&t and Knox!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader being locked has nothing to do with KNOX. And AT&T has already released an official statement a while back that said they plan on locking ALL carrier branded phones in the future.
I understand that they are locked. Now can you actually answer my question on whether or not someone will figure out how to unlock it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
How would someone know that? There have been Bounty threads out for awhile and no luck. If they are still active you can follow them--
whmgreen said:
I understand that they are locked. Now can you actually answer my question on whether or not someone will figure out how to unlock it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They lock them to keep people from hard bricking their devices. If it stinks...buy a Nexus or GPE device
I think we have to wait a while till the s4 becomes old news. Then att will care less about it and there will be less updates and more time for someone to find a crack or leak for the bootloader unlock and the carriers will care less
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I think I'll just be done with at&t then probably. It's too bad that companies won't allow you to do whatever you want with YOUR phone. That's why I never got an iPhone! I actually don't mind running stock TW but I don't want to be stuck with it forever. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
whmgreen said:
I think I'll just be done with at&t then probably. It's too bad that companies won't allow you to do whatever you want with YOUR phone. That's why I never got an iPhone! I actually don't mind running stock TW but I don't want to be stuck with it forever. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad part is until it's paid off it not really your phone. Since they have a warranty for a year to cover issues it only makes sense. Now if they would provide an unlock after that warranty is up and the contract is settled then it would make sense.
Att will never have a unlocked device again, watch and see.....
And these are the reasons I'm going to be moving over to T-Mobile or nexus devices. Just tired of AT&T all together.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Another view:
I will stay with ATT as Verizon is too expensive and TMO in my area has sh**ty reception. ATT has been perfect for me in that area.
Also, I have been a heavy flasher for almost 4 years. The phones now are powerful enough that flashing roms is not that important to me as it once was. If I can get root with Xposed/Gravity Box/3Minit I am good. Plus there are fairly good backup apps now that Nandroiding isn't that critical.
I don't see much more coming my way, after this year, in improvements I am interested in. Something like a Note4 or S5 would be as far as I care to go.
All IMHO of course
:good:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
~wolverine~ said:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd go to the note 3 if I swapped to T-Mobile. I'm honestly tired of the s4 and the features don't wow me anymore plus the note 3 would be better in spec wise as well.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
~wolverine~ said:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i337 bl was always locked but the loki-doki exploit bypassed sig check and allowed us to flash recoveries and kernels. With mf3 they closed that loophole by "blowing the Q-Fuse", whatever that is. Googled it but forgot what I read.
And now you are limited to flashing mostly TW roms <4.4. No custom recoveries/kernels.
rugmankc said:
The i337 bl was always locked but the loki-doki exploit bypassed sig check and allowed us to flash recoveries and kernels. With mf3 they closed that loophole by "blowing the Q-Fuse", whatever that is. Googled it but forgot what I read.
And now you are limited to flashing mostly TW roms <4.4. No custom recoveries/kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about a I337 from AT&T. I was talking about a T-Mobile M919 or do they use the exact same firmware?
~wolverine~ said:
I'm not talking about a I337 from AT&T. I was talking about a T-Mobile M919 or do they use the exact same firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ok, in that case i have no idea

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