Database Users

Unlocking s4 to Straight Talk

Please excuse my ignorance, I've been doing my best to find some info on unlocking a S4 SGH-i337 AT&T phone, and again please accept my apology if this is the wrong board. I've been doing some research but would like to know if this exact model is still lockable to this date.
I've come upon a great deal on this phone. I use Straight Talk and would like to be able to use it as a prepaid device as I'm doing with my nexus 4 right now.
I'd like to know if anyone could point me in the direction of unlocking this device or if it's possible at all to unlock and switch to straight talk?
Hope to hear some valid responses soon, take care you guy's.
PS: also if unlocked I should be able to root just fine, would it be possible to root to bare Android 4.3 on a s4 much like the google play edition, or would the cm custom rom be my best bet to that?
Thanks again take care!
I'll go ahead and order the phone since it comes with 30 day money back no reason needed!

kennethk1 said:
Please excuse my ignorance, I've been doing my best to find some info on unlocking a S4 SGH-i337 AT&T phone, and again please accept my apology if this is the wrong board. I've been doing some research but would like to know if this exact model is still lockable to this date.
I've come upon a great deal on this phone. I use Straight Talk and would like to be able to use it as a prepaid device as I'm doing with my nexus 4 right now.
I'd like to know if anyone could point me in the direction of unlocking this device or if it's possible at all to unlock and switch to straight talk?
Hope to hear some valid responses soon, take care you guy's.
PS: also if unlocked I should be able to root just fine, would it be possible to root to bare Android 4.3 on a s4 much like the google play edition, or would the cm custom rom be my best bet to that?
Thanks again take care!
I'll go ahead and order the phone since it comes with 30 day money back no reason needed!
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If I was you i would call at&t give them your imei number and if you have a nice customer service rep they will give you a unlock code or you can go on at&t website and apply for a unlock code and if they approve you after 2 weeks they will give you the unlock code in your email.What I did to unlock my phone was used ebay and payed like 3$ and got a unlock code or you can view many websites from google and look for one to unlock your phone the prices range from 10$-30$.If your switching to straight talk you wont even need to unlock your phone cause straight talk runs on at&t network so all you have to do is go on the website by a new 4glte at&t sim card for 6.99 and pay the 45$ for the service pop it in and your good to go and it comes with one day free shipping.And unlocking has nothing to do with rooting unlocking is being able to use your phone on other networks like tmobile.To run a custom rom your phone firmware in the about section has to be on MDB or MDL.If its on MF3 you can safestrap but i dont know anything about that but if you on MDB or MDL you can look for a 4.3 GPE custom rom. http://galaxys4root.com/t-mobile-galaxy-s4-roms/google-play-edition-rom-for-galaxy-s4/ this is where i got my GPE rom.

Doesn't need to be unlocked. Just buy the AT&T compatible SIM card from StraightTalk
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Azzair113 said:
If I was you i would call at&t give them your imei number and if you have a nice customer service rep they will give you a unlock code or you can go on at&t website and apply for a unlock code and if they approve you after 2 weeks they will give you the unlock code in your email.What I did to unlock my phone was used ebay and payed like 3$ and got a unlock code or you can view many websites from google and look for one to unlock your phone the prices range from 10$-30$.If your switching to straight talk you wont even need to unlock your phone cause straight talk runs on at&t network so all you have to do is go on the website by a new 4glte at&t sim card for 6.99 and pay the 45$ for the service pop it in and your good to go and it comes with one day free shipping.And unlocking has nothing to do with rooting unlocking is being able to use your phone on other networks like tmobile.To run a custom rom your phone firmware in the about section has to be on MDB or MDL.If its on MF3 you can safestrap but i dont know anything about that but if you on MDB or MDL you can look for a 4.3 GPE custom rom. http://galaxys4root.com/t-mobile-galaxy-s4-roms/google-play-edition-rom-for-galaxy-s4/ this is where i got my GPE rom.
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Sorry I didn't get you quoted buddy had an appointment.
So I'd still be able to get lte speeds with a straight talk and use locked att phone with the sims?
That's great news for the future and I appreciate letting me know. I love gazelle now. Good thing I bought that s4 when I did because it's out of stock now. lol I think 350 is a steal for it either way!
As for the rooting part didn't mean to confuse the two, hopefully we'll be able to install 4.4 kitkat to an s4 soon. Though question if I did install a custom rom would I loose some of the features such as IR blaster?
I already have a straight talk sim card in my nexus 4 so I should be able to just transfer everything and my time to my new phone.

kennethk1 said:
Sorry I didn't get you quoted buddy had an appointment.
So I'd still be able to get lte speeds with a straight talk and use locked att phone with the sims?
That's great news for the future and I appreciate letting me know. I love gazelle now. Good thing I bought that s4 when I did because it's out of stock now. lol I think 350 is a steal for it either way!
As for the rooting part didn't mean to confuse the two, hopefully we'll be able to install 4.4 kitkat to an s4 soon. Though question if I did install a custom rom would I loose some of the features such as IR blaster?
I already have a straight talk sim card in my nexus 4 so I should be able to just transfer everything and my time to my new phone.
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Yes you will get lte speeds since straight talk supports lte on at&t network now and it deoends what rom you run if its a stock GPE rom u=you might lose it but you probably could find a app for that but if its a touchwiz rom you will still have all your IR features.And it depends you can try to switch the straight talk sim card and see if you get LTE but i think you will need to buy the new straight talk lte sim card on their website.http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpd...&locale=en&market=GSM4&productFamily=simcards

Azzair113 said:
Yes you will get lte speeds since straight talk supports lte on at&t network now and it deoends what rom you run if its a stock GPE rom u=you might lose it but you probably could find a app for that but if its a touchwiz rom you will still have all your IR features.And it depends you can try to switch the straight talk sim card and see if you get LTE but i think you will need to buy the new straight talk lte sim card on their website.http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpd...&locale=en&market=GSM4&productFamily=simcards
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Thanks again, I already have a straight sim card in my nexus 4 so it should be as simple as swapping it out. Do you think 350 was a good price paid for it used? It doesnt come with a battery so thats a worry but I bought it from gazelle

kennethk1 said:
Thanks again, I already have a straight sim card in my nexus 4 so it should be as simple as swapping it out. Do you think 350 was a good price paid for it used? It doesnt come with a battery so thats a worry but I bought it from gazelle
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Yes it is when you buy a battery it will only be like 10$ you only paid 360$ altogether.

[Q] Help on which to get

I preordered a Samsung galaxy note 4 AT&T version allready but i can just change it need be, heres my problem, i want to be able to root and unlock the bootloader when i get my note 4 but i found out that att always has there bootloader locked, i found this out because i bought an s5 on att and couldnt unlock the bootloader so i was stuck with it until i got my htc one m8, but now im switching over to a galaxy note 4 and im on the att network, i would like to know which variant i should get so i can root, unlock the bootloader and have att 4G LTE or something just as fast like HSPA or something like that, i dont want to get stuck with out root or an unlocked bootloader or have terrible service. Please somebody help me out. Thanks, Joshua

Joshua.n said:
I preordered a Samsung galaxy note 4 AT&T version allready but i can just change it need be, heres my problem, i want to be able to root and unlock the bootloader when i get my note 4 but i found out that att always has there bootloader locked, i found this out because i bought an s5 on att and couldnt unlock the bootloader so i was stuck with it until i got my htc one m8, but now im switching over to a galaxy note 4 and im on the att network, i would like to know which variant i should get so i can root, unlock the bootloader and have att 4G LTE or something just as fast like HSPA or something like that, i dont want to get stuck with out root or an unlocked bootloader or have terrible service. Please somebody help me out. Thanks, Joshua
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Joshua,
Welcome to XDA. The T-Mobile USA version will support all of AT&T's frequencies, with full LTE support. Many people here opt to go for the T-Mobile version because they don't lock down the bootloader and usually within the first week it has root access. Be advised, getting the TMO version may not be super easy, as there have been different reports from members here. Some stores refuse to sell it to you outright without an account. Some stores you can walk right in, have no account, and buy it. Then there is the unlocking process. Not too hard to find a cheap site.
I have bought the TMO Note 3, and S5 outright for use on AT&T. When I had the TMO Note 3, I had nothing but reception issues with LTE, despite the phone having band 17 (AT&T) support. Whenever the phone was connected to LTE on AT&T, it sucked. The -dbm was always higher than an AT&T branded Android (yes I compared) and my then iPhone 5S. In places I had good LTE reception with my 5S, I was getting HSPA+ on my TMO Note 3. I returned it because I couldn't stand it.
The TMO S5 on AT&T was better, but still not excellent. I ended up returning the device because I hated it haha. But nonetheless, when you use a TMO device on AT&T you forfeit things like carrier aggregation (which AT&T is working on now) and visual voicemail. You also have to worry about who to contact if your device malfunctions. You'll have to jump through a lot of hoops because Samsung and T-Mobile will just keep pointing the finger at the other guy. Obviously if your an AT&T customer your no subscribing to T-Mobile's jump insurance program.
So yeah, I hope I gave you some help advice. Yeah I HATE supporting AT&T branded devices, but at the end of the day, I'd rather spend my time enjoying my device instead of finding ways to optimize the signal or trying to read up on flashing a new modem.

Just a quick question if I continue to get the note 4 AT&T variant will towel root work on it, I don't even care so much for the boot loader but there are simple things with root that I just love and can't be without like the SD fix, any idea?

Joshua.n said:
Just a quick question if I continue to get the note 4 AT&T variant will towel root work on it, I don't even care so much for the boot loader but there are simple things with root that I just love and can't be without like the SD fix, any idea?
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Now that the developer went to work for Google, Towel Root is dead.

JimSmith94 said:
Now that the developer went to work for Google, Towel Root is dead.
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So there wont be a root for att note 4? Unless someone else comes up with one?

Joshua.n said:
So there wont be a root for att note 4? Unless someone else comes up with one?
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Chainfire is hard at work rooting them as he gets the system dumps. So far, there is no root that doesn't trip Knox on any Samsung phone running 4.4.4 (or greater). From what I've read, Google hired the Towel Root developer to plug that security hole.

JimSmith94 said:
Chainfire is hard at work rooting them as he gets the system dumps. So far, there is no root that doesn't trip Knox on any Samsung phone running 4.4.4 (or greater). From what I've read, Google hired the Towel Root developer to plug that security hole.
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Well I hope chainfire makes a breakthrough. Smart of Google but kind of a piss off

Joshua.n said:
Well I hope chainfire makes a breakthrough. Smart of Google but kind of a piss off
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Chainfire's root process has always tripped Knox.

JimSmith94 said:
Chainfire's root process has always tripped Knox.
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THIS...

A statement of fact about non AT&T service and OTAs

I've read that since I have an AT&T Note 3, I would receive updates even tho I'm on cricket. This did not happen for me. I ODINd 4.4.2, and tried to get it to update OTA to 4.4.4 by changing the date forward. It wouldn't update. So on cricket, the N900A DOES NOT receive OTAs (neither has ANY AT&T device I have used on cricket or even on prepaid AT&T service on my tablets)). I got to lollipop via @Walter.White method however so that is not a big deal for me. Just letting other users know.

This is also the case for me while i have this unit on Tmobile.
pre4speed said:
I've read that since I have an AT&T Note 3, I would receive updates even tho I'm on cricket. This did not happen for me. I ODINd 4.4.2, and tried to get it to update OTA to 4.4.4 by changing the date forward. It wouldn't update. So on cricket, the N900A DOES NOT receive OTAs (neither has ANY AT&T device I have used on cricket or even on prepaid AT&T service on my tablets)). I got to lollipop via @Walter.White method however so that is not a big deal for me. Just letting other users know.
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It Worked
I have been running 5.0 rooted for like a week and a half. I miss xposed. Lollipop battery life is poor when compared to my old 4.4.2 with xposed. The battery stats screen is also crappy, I don't care how much battery is left, I want to know how much has been used for how long. I guess as far as stock rom goes it seemed pretty normal but it is hard to tell as I have a 10,000 Mah zero lemon battery. Lollipop does seem to run nice. I had some issues with google play I think, but they settled after being connected to the internet for awhile. I think there are some things that stuck from xsposed like my network says HOME (I had changed carrier label via Wanam) and also my core cpu min and max frequencies I had set with performance profile?. No frills cpu says that my minimum cpu speed is 1.2 Ghz when I deny root. Anyway I Just decided to downgrade....... 4.4.2 and exposed.
I ran nc2 flasher.
I RESTORED THE BACKUP OF SYSTEM AND DATA THAT I MADE PRIOR TO UPGRADE TO 5.0!
I wiped dalvik and cache? (The two that are least important)
Reboot!
Worked for me
Hoping to try some MOGA......

turpinator97 said:
Anyway I Just decided to downgrade....... 4.4.2 and exposed.
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Same here. Downgrading from 5.0 as I write this :/

pre4speed said:
I've read that since I have an AT&T Note 3, I would receive updates even tho I'm on cricket. This did not happen for me. I ODINd 4.4.2, and tried to get it to update OTA to 4.4.4 by changing the date forward. It wouldn't update. So on cricket, the N900A DOES NOT receive OTAs (neither has ANY AT&T device I have used on cricket or even on prepaid AT&T service on my tablets)). I got to lollipop via @Walter.White method however so that is not a big deal for me. Just letting other users know.
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I'm pretty sure you have to have an AT&T sim card in the phone for it to actually update via OTA, not just an AT&T variant of the phone.

NoFaQ said:
I'm pretty sure you have to have an AT&T sim card in the phone for it to actually update via OTA, not just an AT&T variant of the phone.
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I have found this to be partially true. I have an AT&T sim in my tablet, but it's prepaid and it also isn't receiving updates. So basically, not only does it have to be an AT&T sim, it also has to be postpaid service.

pre4speed said:
I've read that since I have an AT&T Note 3, I would receive updates even tho I'm on cricket. This did not happen for me. I ODINd 4.4.2, and tried to get it to update OTA to 4.4.4 by changing the date forward. It wouldn't update. So on cricket, the N900A DOES NOT receive OTAs (neither has ANY AT&T device I have used on cricket or even on prepaid AT&T service on my tablets)). I got to lollipop via @Walter.White method however so that is not a big deal for me. Just letting other users know.
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pre4speed said:
I have found this to be partially true. I have an AT&T sim in my tablet, but it's prepaid and it also isn't receiving updates. So basically, not only does it have to be an AT&T sim, it also has to be postpaid service.
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Thanks for the clarification. When I made the statement, I was referring to post-paid service, but I didn't even think about Pre-paid. It's nice to know since I'm thinking about getting my phone unlocked.

Yes, I think it's bull. It doesn't cost anything to them for a direct link off the web. Cricket customers should be able to get updates online. HTC provides up- date links if you're not OTA able

Kies should upgrade the phone, as should a place like best buy..it really isn't a big deal
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

I just got a note 3 4.4.4 given to me... no interest in getting att service and it won't download via WiFi so same issue here. I can't figure out how to root it either..
No biggie. Phones still a beast
...but patiently waiting for root. Lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Free mobile app

U have a att note 3? Root Ispossible
Sent from my SM-G9250 using XDA Free mobile app

At&t Safe Note 7 not updating on cricket?

From what I've always understood it shouldn't matter what sim you have in for updates. I have an at&t purchases note 7 with a cricket sim and I can't for the life of me get the new battery icon update. I just bought the phone from best buy Friday and it's got the black square on the box and I checked imei on Sammys sight and this phone is the good battery version. Not too concerned other than if like to be able to receive updates in the future without having to always look around online and manually flash the files. I guess I could use kies?
Edit: Samsung kies3 shows note 7 is not a supported device. So I'm really not sure how to update this phone now without Odin firmware package
Download Samsung smart switch for PC and shows software up to date APH1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk

flyinj54 said:
From what I've always understood it shouldn't matter what sim you have in for updates. I have an at&t purchases note 7 with a cricket sim
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well, you always understood is WRONG !
you need a ACTIVE (working) att sim for the update. i also on cricket, i cant get update on any att phones.
i'm thinking of switching to GoPhone, but you have to pay taxes. so it' not worth it.

flyinj54 said:
From what I've always understood it shouldn't matter what sim you have in for updates. I have an at&t purchases note 7 with a cricket sim and I can't for the life of me get the new battery icon update. I just bought the phone from best buy Friday and it's got the black square on the box and I checked imei on Sammys sight and this phone is the good battery version. Not too concerned other than if like to be able to receive updates in the future without having to always look around online and manually flash the files. I guess I could use kies?
Edit: Samsung kies3 shows note 7 is not a supported device. So I'm really not sure how to update this phone now without Odin firmware package
Download Samsung smart switch for PC and shows software up to date APH1
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
You need an activated and working ATT sim in the phone in order to get the OTA updates. If you had a cricket version phone, then youd need an active and working cricket SIM. Same thing goes for Tmobile, Sprint, Verizon, etc.
Kies no longer supports Note 7. You need the Smart Switch PC program. Kies even tells you this immediately after telling you that your phone isn't supported.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N930A using Tapatalk

Mine is a little different. I'm on AT&T and my phone hasn't updated. I've checked to see if there is one available and the phone says I'm up to date.

SM-G930P Taking a very long time to connect to LTE

Hi Guys,
I am in Canada and just bought a new S7 G930P (Sprint) phone for my girlfriend for Christmas. When I put my Bell SIM card in, I immediately get 3g. It takes around 15 minutes to actually connect to LTE. Now, it isnt a big deal, just a minor annoyance, and she won't even likely notice. I've got the correct Access Point details in for Bell and have disabled the Sprint bloatware. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

LtSnakePlissken said:
Hi Guys,
I am in Canada and just bought a new S7 G930P (Sprint) phone for my girlfriend for Christmas. When I put my Bell SIM card in, I immediately get 3g. It takes around 15 minutes to actually connect to LTE. Now, it isnt a big deal, just a minor annoyance, and she won't even likely notice. I've got the correct Access Point details in for Bell and have disabled the Sprint bloatware. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!
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Click to collapse
Flash the 930U firmware !!
I had the same problem and flashing 930U was the best solution.
Also makes sure you insert your sim after flashing. While rebooting for the first time it tries to optimize according to the sim you have and restarts again. I am not sure what it does but seems to do a a good job at it.
You can download the firmware from from updato.com/ firmware-archive-select-model?q=SM-g930U. Make sure you have the same or the higher version firmware. G930UUEU4API3 is the latest and will work for all the sprint s7