Database Users

How is AT&T Detecting my phone?

How is AT&T Detecting my phone?
In my online account management you can select your phone type. Currently I have "AT&T 8525" selected (which is my phone of course). When I go to select "My Device is not listed" or something else, it will remain selected for a while, then when I log in sometime later, "AT&T 8525" is selected again.
How is AT&T figuring my phone type out? What kind of information about my phone is being automatically sent out? Is there a way to block this, or even spoof it?
Is it possible that at&t is just guessing?
I'm using WM6 w/ HardSPL loaded.

I wouldn't sweat it dude, I've had mt 8525 since June and AT&T still has my phone listed as a V3 Razor but, they have my kids phones listed right. OH, I havn't had a razor for almost 2 years.

stesul411 said:
I wouldn't sweat it dude, I've had mt 8525 since June and AT&T still has my phone listed as a V3 Razor but, they have my kids phones listed right. OH, I havn't had a razor for almost 2 years.
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Click to collapse
Same. I've had about 3-4 phones since the Razr, mine still says razr

Yeah, it took AT&T three or four months to update mine when I first got the 8525. Once it even had me listed as using one of those old Nokia bricks for like two weeks, then went back to the 8525! Wierd.
Anyway, I could be wrong, but I believe your IMEI is what tells AT&T what kind of phone your using. It just seems to take AT&T's system a while to play catch up when you switch phones.
...and changing/altering your IMEI is a dangerous topic on this board, as it is an illegal practice in most countries.
Anynody else know of how they detect your phone model?

dzelaya18 said:
Anynody else know of how they detect your phone model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they have spies......watching you, all the time.......
the IMEI is right. that's how they do it. and the spies help sometimes too

Yes at&t can tell what IMEI is what phone. For that matter most everyone can find it, if you have the IMEI, on the Net if you look hard enough. If you go into a store and register your V3 IMEI on the account the phone should change in the Online managment page. But with the implimentation of their newest system, D.E.R(Device Eligibility Restrictions), they can tell what IMEI is being used with what phone number, even though it may not reflect on the "Online Managment" Site. More importanly, D.E.R restricts certian packages to be allowed for what IMEI is registered on the account.
For example if you have a V3's IMEI registered on your account, then the Media Net package for 15$ unlimited usage will show up and the PDA Connect for 30$ will not. This works in the oposite manor as well. This makes it harder for us to use the lower priced packages. Eventually if D.E.R catches the fact that you are using a PDA phone with the 15$ package or any of the other "Non-PDA" Packages, It may take some time, but the package WILL fall off and credits will not be given out, or atleast that is what i have come to understand.
Hope that clears it all up. I do work for at&t Mobility, im at the bottom of the totem poll (Agent), but one of my larger business accounts has already run into issues with D.E.R and credits were not given out.

I knew it! ...and my suspicions about the spies have been comfirmed... ^.-

Rogers New Updates for HTC dream/Magic

I got a txt message from rogers saying that an update is available for the 911 calling issue, and dis update also includes the SenseUI,
now how will dis effect on the rooted HTC Dream phones
shud I unroot the phone to get dis update
or will CyanogenMod give us a new update with SenseUI

yeah i got that txt msg too, said somethign about the internet going down too

The 911 issue is fixed in all 1.6 roms including cyanogenmod. If you want SenseUI then flash a rom that has that in it. This really doesn't change anything for rooted users except that we will get a credit on our bill.
Rogers update instructions said:
You will be compensated automatically for this inconvenience with a credit of one month of data fees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay

EkostonS said:
yeah i got that txt msg too, said somethign about the internet going down too
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Click to collapse
Mine still works. Maybe because I'm rooted its fine?

beav_35 said:
The 911 issue is fixed in all 1.6 roms including cyanogenmod. If you want SenseUI then flash a rom that has that in it. This really doesn't change anything for rooted users except that we will get a credit on our bill.
Yay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yas we vl get a credit
by the way im getting my magic on monday so i vl have the update in dat
is da internet goes down for a month o wht

My worry is that Rogers will shut off internet access to our rooted Dreams untill we install this patch, regardless of whether we need it or not. Any word on whether this will screw over rooted phones?

the text I got on my magic said:
"In order to help ensure 911 calls are completed internet access will be temporarily disabled..... To minimize loss of internet service please complete your software update immediately. Upon completion, internet access will be re enabled within 24 hours."
Does that mean until I update I don't get internet. Its okay with the magic but My dream has a different MOD so I can't exactly update it :S does that mean I wont be be able to to use my data :S ever...

thats my worry with the txt i got, i called rogers and said i had 1.6 software already and he said the internet shouldnt be an issue then. we will see i guess..
says the "internet will be effective as of 01/24/2010 6:00am EST."

Here is wht Mary from rogers says abt the update
Hi There. Just wanted to jump in to clarify one point. Data will not be disabled until tomorrow - Sunday, January 24 - at 6am for those who have not updated their device with the 911 fix. With safety being the highest priority, this was a necessary step to ensure 911 calls will complete on all devices.
If you are currently having issues, I suggest you call Technical Support.
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Click to collapse
so vl have to wait until 2moro to find out whether is it really necessary for us rooted users to do dis update

fzlhmt said:
Here is wht Mary from rogers says abt the update
so vl have to wait until 2moro to find out whether is it really necessary for us rooted users to do dis update
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Click to collapse
I think you have to wait till Monday to find out. Everybodies internet will be shut off tomorrow regardless of root or not. It will be off for 24 hours. Question is, will those of us who have rooted have internet access on Monday.
According to this thread
Originally Posted by srlee
Rogers says they check build number of 1.89 or higher and if it is not you MUST upgrade , been told that twice now.
Just got off phone, spoke to someone at Rogers office of the president, he said there are no exceptions. If you don't have Rogers Build Number greater than 1.89 , you will lose internet access.
Fix would be to replace build number in prop file with a rogers style build number
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Click to collapse
AFAIK, there is only 1 Magic rom that would pass that test.

fzlhmt said:
AFAIK, there is only 1 Magic rom that would pass that test.
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Click to collapse
so us with rooted dreams are screwed.. we have to unroot and do the update and cant root again till there are roms that will pass it?

fzlhmt said:
Here is wht Mary from rogers says abt the update
so vl have to wait until 2moro to find out whether is it really necessary for us rooted users to do dis update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm well it seems that its past 6am and I still have data and I didn't update yet so might be safe.

Connection just dropped on internet.
CM latest
HTC Dream
Winnipeg
Edit: Rebooted phone, Works again?

Connection still up here
HTC Dream
manup456 2.1
Winnipeg

Ok, no crying wolf, I've verified on my end, in Winnipeg, My data connection 2/3G is dead :/

Data down on Vancouver Island Bc
Only time will tell now if they let us back on without their dumb update.

hrrrm.. still have internet connection, but showing "h" where 3g used to be on top bar.
for those of you wondering, yes, this is a "perfect" spl
here's whati saw when i went into fast boot:
pvt 32b ship s-on d
hboot 1.33.0010
cpld-4
radio 3.22.26.17
june 2 2009, 21:33:16
and for those techie types out there
baseband ver: 62.59s.20.23u_3.22.26.17
Kernal ver:2.6.27-d5acf552 [email protected] #12
build# 1.89.631.1 146733 cl#94714 release-keys

About Rogers service interruption
I think my biggest issue is with this "RogersMary" person on the AndroidForums, and the conflicting information I get from phoning tech support vs. her (is she an official support person? She inferrs she is by her ID and the tone of her posts but I wonder...).
Here is my "911 Saga" w/ Rogers:
* get a series of French and english SMS from Rogers: first to diable GPS to make sure 911 works, then that an update is available at rogers.com that is mandatory--it says internet would be shut off for up to 24 hours starting Sunday at 6AM (no time zone given--I assume Eastern but could be pacific based on the IP addresses my phone gets, or could be my local Mountain time). It says to "prevent FURTHER disruption" upgrade your phone BEFORE the outage starts.
* I go to rogers.com and get instructions. Requires WinXP or Vista. I don't have any windows computers at all here (I have a Mac and a Linux computer at my disposal). Supremely annoying!
* I google for answers, find RogersMary's posts on AndroidForums saying 2 things: If your PC doesn't meet support requirements phone, and in so many words that only those that don't upgrade their phone will lose their internet so stop fussing and update already.
* phone rogers tech support. I ask for instructions to upgrade my phone without a Windows PC...long pause...response (and I quote) "I have no idea". (strike 1 for RogersMary).
* I scour further. NOTHING on rogers.com, but in the forums I find images of this update that you simply load onto an SD Card and do a restore from there. I do this...and after a VERY VERY LONG reboot I get an "extreme phone makeover", and the phone info shows same system build number as in the instructions. Huzzah! No thanks to Rogers though.
* Sunday morning arrives. My battery died in the night (but long after I upgraded) so I plugged in, turned on my phone. NO DATA ACCESS EVEN WITH UPDATE USING OFFICIAL ROGERS BUILD.
* I phone tech support AGAIN. I told them I have no Windows PC but I did find the update file for my SD Card and upgraded that way but still lost network, and did my method of updating mean Rogers didn't register it? He thanked me for upgrading and said be patient--that ALL Rogers customers w/ Rogers Magic would have a disruption for UP TO 24 hours even with the upgrade in place (STRIKE 2 FOR ROGERSMARY!). That is the main reason for the data plan credit.
Anyways, this is what he explained: Rogers has to "scan the network" to query the phone for information in order to verify the mandatory upgrade. If your system build is OK (didn't clarify if it had to be an exact match or a certain number or higher) then your data plan will be re-enabled. This scan is not a routine thing they do--it is a scheduled event that will occur over the 24 hour period that started this morning. So, if you do the upgrade after this morning there is a chance during the scan and find your phone not upgraded to the proper build number and your data plan will NOT be reactivated automatically by tomorrow morning, at which time you have to get ahold of customer service yourself and have them re-activate your data plan manually. (Ignore RogersMary and remember the SMS said upgrade to prevent FURTHER disruption--not to avoid disruption entirely).
This guy said I had to be patient and to contact support again only after Monday at 6AM if you have no data/internet as it could take that long to sort out. The time it takes could vary depending on your region, if you are within signal range, if your phone is powered down and how old your SIM card is.
The last one was interesting: I have a SIM card that is on its third phone and is approaching 5 years old (when I go to the local Rogers store to upgrade they just move my SIM card--I've not been given replacement SIM cards). He has taken support calls related to very old SIM cards and replacing them has fixed issues in the past. Notably, I've had SMS messages sporadically arrive hours late, but no total loss of service--thought it was just net congestion. He said it could be the old SIM card becasue older SIM revisions issued before 3G/HSDPA, though they work on 3G, have sometimes inconsistent performance as they were not tested with the 3G network before being issued. If you have unreliable SMS, the scan they're doing today could be unreliable too (delayed, etc).
So, I come away with the following:
* Rogers didn't promise NO disruption, they said UP TO 24 hours, and MORE if you don't upgrade, so you can't REALLY be sure if you have issues until tomorrow morning at the latest. The disruption might have come and went before you woke up this morning, or it may persist through the day.
* If your phone is off or has no signal through out the day, Rogers may not be able to scan your phone, and the effect might be the same as not upgrading.
* Not sure if it is fact or an educated guess, but I suspect that this scan could be performed through the same mechanism as SMS (text messaging), though I doubt you'd actually SEE a text message yourself (it'd be a specially crafted packet of data). That way a "data" operation can be performed on phones without data/internet enabled. Perhaps if your SMS messages take awhile then this scan would too.
* If you are still using a SIM card that was issued before 3G/HSDPA was offered by Rogers it isn't a revision that has undergone testing on the upgraded network. It doesn't prevent you from getting 3G but it isn't guaranteed and has been the cause of various issues from SMS to unreliable web browsing and they might blame it on your internet not reactivating if it fails...but wait until tomorrow to complain...

IT WORKED!!
I'm back in!!!
I called(landline), did NOT pick a phone, went to general tech(no wait) said vaguely "I was having some intermittent data issues and some forums said to call up and request a network refresh", he (very eagerly) said sure! turned off the phone, he refreshed, and I'm back.
He proceeded while booting to ask about what specific issues but I kept it vague, text issues, on/off data (i did not get asked about the update!)
If my data goes out in an hour like it seemed in the start, then Rogers is sweeping users in which case, turn your phone off until the whole ordeal is done to avoid being marked again, or risk calling for another refresh,(I'm sure they will catch on soon, but those outsourced peeps LOVE the easy calls!)
I prefer the nice method, instead of the death threats to the managers
if they ask about the update say "I did and i had intermittent issues some forums said...
enjoy your data(and the free month!)

We get a free month?!?!?

Surprised and in some way disgusted

Ok I have been waiting patiently for an upgrade to the OS to my Arc
I am still running 2.3.4 etc etc
Everywhere I look on SONY they say there is an update BUT when I try and update it says I have the latest.
I finally bit the bullet and contacted SONY themselves.
I received a reply sharing my concern and asking what network I was on.
I replied I am on Virgin in UK.
The response
"I can confirm that the update is network dependant. As your handset is locked to the network Virgin Mobile, I would suggest contacting them direct as to if/when they are releasing the update for your handset.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused."
What a load of bollocks.
I mean what is a android phone but a cut down computer running a cut down linux etc etc
Why should the network operator control what can be updated?
If this was a normal computer I would simply go online and down load the software and install it, or maybe go to a shop and buy it, it does not matter how I just do it
The days that a network operator control what a user can update should be long gone in this opensource etc age
I am very VERY pissed off about this
Is there no where where I can simply go and down load the os for ICS and install it without having to go through the rigmoral and jump through hoops that I have read through here.
I simple want to download a file(s) onto my phone or computer and simple say update......................

You can use Flashtool and flash latest firmware.
From the middle of nowhere to the center of everywhere...through my Arc S!

chandoliasnikos said:
You can use Flashtool and flash latest firmware.
From the middle of nowhere to the center of everywhere...through my Arc S!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tried that previously and could not do it
i even followed the numpty instructions and it would not work
hence why I am getting more and more annoyed

Nath316 said:
The days that a network operator control what a user can update should be long gone in this opensource etc age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It more or less is, and if the flashtool isn't working for you then I can only assume you're doing something wrong.

XperienceD said:
It more or less is, and if the flashtool isn't working for you then I can only assume you're doing something wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xperience I noticed on another thread you mentioned here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=18445331#post18445331
I will have another look at this and see

Nath316 said:
The days that a network operator control what a user can update should be long gone in this opensource etc age
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can make the update yourself, by flashing a newer firmware on your phone, just make sure to not wipe your data.
The operators, who release branded firmwares, might not give out updates, as they do not wish to people to use generic firmwares, but ones with their branding. And probably too lazy to work on that.

Accessing hidden menu invalidates your warranty...

just a heads up. i have been a blind idiot, i had problems with my phone not connecting to 4G, unless i forced it to using the hidden menu. i phoned LG to send it back under warranty and after taking my imei asked me to explain what the problem was. told him what i have just said here and he spoke to a manager that informed him by accessing the hidden menu i've invalidated my warranty. SO IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND HAVE USED THE MENU, DON'T TELL LG!!!!
i'm guessing there's no way to tell that it's been accessed other than what i said, so please, just don't tell them. it's too late for me but may help others

reg66 said:
just a heads up. i have been a blind idiot, i had problems with my phone not connecting to 4G, unless i forced it to using the hidden menu. i phoned LG to send it back under warranty and after taking my imei asked me to explain what the problem was. told him what i have just said here and he spoke to a manager that informed him by accessing the hidden menu i've invalidated my warranty. SO IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND HAVE USED THE MENU, DON'T TELL LG!!!!
i'm guessing there's no way to tell that it's been accessed other than what i said, so please, just don't tell them. it's too late for me but may help others
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Click to collapse
LG USA I suppose?
http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/g4/legalterms
Where in their legal terms is this written?
I mean rooting or unlocking the bootloader circumvents security protocol - and IMHO this still should be a reason to void warranty for the hardware...anyhow - but accessing a menu?
What kind of nonsense is that?
Did you try their website?
Greetings
Medizinmann

reg66 said:
just a heads up. i have been a blind idiot, i had problems with my phone not connecting to 4G, unless i forced it to using the hidden menu. i phoned LG to send it back under warranty and after taking my imei asked me to explain what the problem was. told him what i have just said here and he spoke to a manager that informed him by accessing the hidden menu i've invalidated my warranty. SO IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND HAVE USED THE MENU, DON'T TELL LG!!!!
i'm guessing there's no way to tell that it's been accessed other than what i said, so please, just don't tell them. it's too late for me but may help others
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that is bull, just call another time and don't mention it.

Medizinmann said:
LG USA I suppose?
http://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/g4/legalterms
Where in their legal terms is this written?
I mean rooting or unlocking the bootloader circumvents security protocol - and IMHO this still should be a reason to void warranty for the hardware...anyhow - but accessing a menu?
What kind of nonsense is that?
Did you try their website?
Greetings
Medizinmann
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5nickers said:
that is bull, just call another time and don't mention it.
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Click to collapse
it's in UK. they've taken my imei number, so any warranty claim is invalid against that. what a bummer
but as far as i'm aware, warranties offered by a company are more or less a gesture of good will. ie not bound by law, so they can easily get out of it. i think that's right, unless anyone else has other info?
EDIT: so i just thought i'd phone up LG again and see what they say when i just enquire about the warranty against my imei, and there was no mention of it being registered as void. also, as the phone is under 28 days old, i can return it to the place i bought it from. whether they'll agree it's faulty or not i don't know
(doesn't connect to 4G at home ever, until i enter 277634#*# in dialer and go to field test > modem settings > lte band selection and choose band 3 [for three UK], after which i get 3out of 5 bars inside and 4 out of 5 bars outside, so it's not like the signal is really poor in my area. HOWEVER, the phone does actually work and connects to 3G, so they may say there's nothing wrong with it. at least there's a glimmer of hope of getting this fixed)

reg66 said:
it's in UK. they've taken my imei number, so any warranty claim is invalid against that. what a bummer
but as far as i'm aware, warranties offered by a company are more or less a gesture of good will. ie not bound by law, so they can easily get out of it. i think that's right, unless anyone else has other info?
EDIT: so i just thought i'd phone up LG again and see what they say when i just enquire about the warranty against my imei, and there was no mention of it being registered as void. also, as the phone is under 28 days old, i can return it to the place i bought it from. whether they'll agree it's faulty or not i don't know
(doesn't connect to 4G at home ever, until i enter 277634#*# in dialer and go to field test > modem settings > lte band selection and choose band 3 [for three UK], after which i get 3out of 5 bars inside and 4 out of 5 bars outside, so it's not like the signal is really poor in my area. HOWEVER, the phone does actually work and connects to 3G, so they may say there's nothing wrong with it. at least there's a glimmer of hope of getting this fixed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's under 28 days old!? Well then just return it. The same I did with my first LG G4 - don't ask for warranty - just return it and get a new one somewhere.
Greetings
Medizinmann

fortunately, LG G4's do not tend to have reliability issues, though it is possible to soft-brick the phone. If you start with a model that is bootloader unlocked, it is nearly impossible to break the phone - believe me, I have tried! - lol

reg66 said:
it's in UK. they've taken my imei number, so any warranty claim is invalid against that. what a bummer
but as far as i'm aware, warranties offered by a company are more or less a gesture of good will. ie not bound by law, so they can easily get out of it. i think that's right, unless anyone else has other info?
EDIT: so i just thought i'd phone up LG again and see what they say when i just enquire about the warranty against my imei, and there was no mention of it being registered as void. also, as the phone is under 28 days old, i can return it to the place i bought it from. whether they'll agree it's faulty or not i don't know
(doesn't connect to 4G at home ever, until i enter 277634#*# in dialer and go to field test > modem settings > lte band selection and choose band 3 [for three UK], after which i get 3out of 5 bars inside and 4 out of 5 bars outside, so it's not like the signal is really poor in my area. HOWEVER, the phone does actually work and connects to 3G, so they may say there's nothing wrong with it. at least there's a glimmer of hope of getting this fixed)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting how you have to do that on Three. I'm on Three and have one of those Home Signal Boxes at home and cannot get a mobile data connection when in range of it (it's fine anywhere else). Put my SIM Card in another phone or put my wife's Three SIM Card in my G4 and its exactly the same, but on the wife's phone (and my old phone) mobile data works absolutely fine. The only way it works if i edit the APN for 3 in the backend DB and change it from three.co.uk to 3internet!
Unusual...

Yeah that's crappy. Anything you can do in the that might be detrimental to the performance of the phone, the carrier or oem won't let you change anyway
Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

Can Confirm Firestick 4k VM2402 Still Rootable OOB

As stated, for all who are interested/looking. The CURRENT Firestick 4k , direct from Amazon is still 100% Unlock/Rootable. I have had the first release, for a while and it finally burned out. So i took the plunge and ordered a brand new one. Obviously it goes without saying that there is only 1 generation of Firestick 4k, but there have been many reports of ppl not being able to run the script on them. Well i am here to confirm that straight OOB direct from Amazon you will get a stick that has no newer than 6.2.8.1 on it, and if you immediately crash the update from installing via the initial setup, you can enable dev options, usb debug, and run the OTA disable app to erase the downloaded update, and block the update channels that are normally contacted. (search forum for the TDUK Firestick Update Blocker). Then it is completely safe to connect back to your network to quickly log into your amazon account, and then disconnect again IMMEDIATELY once completed. (Failure to disconnect immediately will allow built in scripts to start the update download again in the background and then either once you let the device go to sleep, or if you accidentally reboot, it will auto install on the next load!) But if you completed the 1st part, then you're good to go on using the Kamakiri 2.0.1 scripts to Unlock/Twrp/Root without having to open your stick up. EZ - Peezy. 5 min and my stick is ready to re-customize like i want, but i get the new remote, and it seems a bit snappier... might be just me.
*Also, for those who dont have an OTG, or dont want to use one: simple process is to unplug the usb cable from the OEM adapter that comes with the stick, and plug that straight into your computer. 1st get your linux / fireiso environment ready, and have Kamakiri already on the "Waiting for Device" prompt... Then unplug from your adapter block, and plug right into your PC's USB port. Script should immediately take action, and you're still connected to your TV, so after running the 'fastboot-step.sh' , you will see TWRP on your TV. Now just run "adb shell" , in your same terminal window you have open. Then use TWRP cli to install Magisk, or flash your Rom /whatever you plan on doing. No need to swipe to allow modifications, cuz running "twrp install <whatever you want.zip>, it will automatically bypass that for you.*
hope this info helps somebody!
(PS. DO NOT choose to have Amazon link your device, in the ordering screen. It will offer this before checkout, and I'm almost positive that if you do this, then they open the package and setup your stick for you, thus almost guaranteed they will install the current updated firmware, which is said to block the pre-loader setup ... you want a virgin Firestick, untouched by their grubby little update installing hands! lol)

beatbreakee said:
But if you completed the 1st part, then you're good to go on using the Kamakiri 2.0.1 scripts to Unlock/Twrp/Root without having to open your stick up. EZ - Peezy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are good to go on using kamakiri 2.x just out of the box...
Thats the safest way, no need to do anything infront of the unlock.

Sus_i said:
We are good to go on using kamakiri 2.x just out of the box...
Thats the safest way, no need to do anything infront of the unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true, thats what i was confirming, because several threads in this and the other android development forum had replies from ppl who claimed that the currently sold Firestick 4k was being shipped with a version of FireOS that was not exploitable via the Kamakiri method... basically claiming that the 2018 firestick 4k (as marketed by Amazon) and the CURRENT released 4k are somehow different, which in fact they are absolutely NOT. Theres not a single difference in the board layout or chipset.
Then theres ppl claiming that the updated builds after 6.2.8.1 have patched the access to the pre-loader. Well even if that was true, there would have to be some form of hardware modification that would have had to take place, or at the bare minimum Amazon would have had to trigger an E-fuse to be blown during your initial setup, that would make it unable to downgrade via the short method. BUT they did do exactly that with the Firestick 2nd Gens, that were re-released as some other model, i forget. But i know for a fact that this did happen because i have 3 of those which do not recognize the short, and will not advance past the very 1st file when connected using the NO SHORT method. They freeze immediately and lock up the process. So i was simply doing both a CONFIRMATION to those who stated that there were no UNLOCKABLE versions being sold by Amazon right now, because that is an outright lie... The ONLY firestick 4k being sold by Amazon IS the Unlockable version.... AFAIK the only BLOCKED version being sold is the 4k Max... There is not a "NOT UNLOCKABLE" Firestick 4k being sold anywhere. BUT i also was warning everyone that if you DO purchase a new 4k with the intent of unlocking it, that they need to be aware that Amazon is sneaking an option into the order where you can just check YES and it will come pre-connected to your prime account.
(Some lesser knowing individual might see this as a GOOD OPTION, because they think they wont have to worry about connecting it to the internet to set it up, and risk updating the firmware... but this is EXACTLY Amazon's intent; They WANT ppl to have them link the device before they ship it because that insures that the newest FW is installed onto it, before it leaves the warehouse, thus rendering any mitigations useless if indeed they have patched out the pre-loader exploit!)
I have a few friends in the Software dev team in Cali, and they have told me it is COMPLETELY an ongoing process to disable or nullify all possible methods to Unlock/Alter the bootloader of some current, and ALL future FireOS devices, because they have gotten some pretty nasty legal issues directed at them for allowing system mods that are enabling these 3rd party apps which provide access to Unreleased and In theatre Movies, as well as FREE access to many of the paid streaming platforms! Paramount, Peacock, Hulu, and HBO to name a few have all blamed Amazon for not doing something to prevent the installation of these apps and services which are cutting into their profit margin. Mainly because companies like ROKU disabled all access to their Custom channel lineup, and the ability to use secret codes to install 3rd party apps, on ALL their devices, new and old!.
So just was warning any "Novelty" unlockers, that they need to make sure to not allow Amazon to pre-configure their devices. Hell several features have been removed already in just a few builds... namely the Permissions manager. I hsve one 4k stick here now that is UNLOCKED but the owner has installed several OTA updates to keep it current, and there is literally NO PERMISSIONS manager AT ALL, so several 3rd party apps wont even load. It also has no way to install the Settings V2, so theres, 1. No permission mgr, AND 2. No Accessibility options to grant access for some apps which request it.

Just as a FYI, I also unlocked my new sheldonp (I ordered it on Prime Day) without any problem. Just make sure to run the unlock exploit before powering on the device.

sooo if I got my 4k max today, I should not power it on, and wait for unlock release, right?

ForbEx said:
sooo if I got my 4k max today, I should not power it on, and wait for unlock release, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes

Hmm let me get straight. Tomorrow I will get my 4k (non max) and I'm from Europe. Can't I power it on to see the firmware version? I bought it to escape from sony tv bloatware. Can't be still in the matrix please I'm looking into removing bloatware, root or no root as required to get the job done. I will use it only with kodi for local content. That's it.

ycodryn said:
Hmm let me get straight. Tomorrow I will get my 4k (non max) and I'm from Europe. Can't I power it on to see the firmware version?
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Click to collapse
No
ycodryn said:
I bought it to escape from sony tv bloatware. Can't be still in the matrix please I'm looking into removing bloatware, root or no root as required to get the job done. I will use it only with kodi for local content. That's it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best is if you try the unlock first, kamakiri 2.1 from this thread:
[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire TV Stick 4K (mantis)
NOTE: There have been multiple reports of devices with serial numbers containing VM190 or higher being shipped with DL-Mode disabled in BROM. These devices cannot be unlocked using kamakiri. These devices do not show up at all on USB when...
forum.xda-developers.com
Note: The 'shorting' isn't necessary anymore... and it's very easy to do it now, you can see the updated procedere (or lets say guide) in this threads OP:
[UNLOCK][ROOT][TWRP][UNBRICK] Fire TV Stick 3 and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon/p)
Read this whole guide before starting. This is for the 3rd gen Fire TV Stick (sheldonp) and Fire TV Stick Lite (sheldon). NOTE: FireOS < 7.2.7.3 required NOTE: This process does not require you to open your device. What you need: A Linux...
forum.xda-developers.com

Thank you for your time. I will read the threads and comeback with some info.

Ok stick arrived, is with VM10137. Now is rooted and working. Thanks again.

I've got mine from Blackfriday sales in Europe. Germany to be exact.
Never turned it on once. Did not connect to internet.
I always get "RuntimeError: ERROR: Serial protocol mismatch, expected 0000 got 2001"
on executing bootrom-step.sh
Boot-Fastboot.sh ran just fine saying "preloader ready, sending FACTACT"
I'm not sure if that means patched.

yes i can also confirm. i bought one a month ago and unlocked it out of the box no prob. I got excited so ordered a second and that one (same process) is giving me the 0000 got 2001 error also.

beatbreakee said:
and if you immediately crash the update from installing via the initial setup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can anyone please point me to instructions on how to do this?

beatbreakee said:
because they have gotten some pretty nasty legal issues directed at them for allowing system mods that are enabling these 3rd party apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMHO, these Amazon claims do not hold water. I can buy a Dell computer that can do all those "nasty" things with apps, and Dell will not get into legal issues.

ahsad said:
Can anyone please point me to instructions on how to do this?
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Click to collapse
As soon as you connect to WiFi during setup you will see checking for updates. Hold 'back'+'menu' on the remote for 5sec as soon as you see this screen. It will open an accessibility screen, just tap 'back' on the remote, and the update step is skipped.
You can either throttle your internet connection to give you more time on the checking for updates screen, or just unplug your router when you see that screen.
===========
Alternatively, when you are setting up WiFi (entering your password), tap on Advanced on the onscreen keyboard, enter Ighor's DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2, and the stick will be blocked from downloading updates right away. Then use back+menu to skip the check for updates screen.

Is "Ighors DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2" the exact command, or should I put in the actual IPs for the DNS servers? If I am to enter IPs is the + necessary?
Did you mean to type "ignore" or is "lghors" what I really should type?

ahsad said:
Is "Ighors DNS address for DNS1 + DNS2" the exact command, or should I put in the actual IPs for the DNS servers? If I am to enter IPs is the + necessary?
Did you mean to type "ignore" or is "lghors" what I really should type?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Ighor, not ignore . Click on that link, and it has step by step information how how to fill out the advanced WiFi settings.
When you get to the option to enter the DNS, you need to enter the DNS IP address corresponding to one of Ighor's DNS servers (choose the one that corresponds to your geographical region).
Ighor's DNS servers block the addresses that serve Amazon's OTA updates. By using them in your advanced WiFi settings, you are blocking your FireTV from connecting to them.

Thank you. I am new to the forum and did not catch that the blue writing was a link. I clicked it this time.

do i need to solder or anything to root this? tired in the past but failed. would love to root the 4k i have. its sitting on an OLD 6.x.x.x update. the custom launcher still boots by default without issue

this.guy.lol said:
do i need to solder or anything to root this?
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Click to collapse
I am new here. That being said, what I have read here, and in another thread, indicated the disassembly and shorting are no longer needed. See message #2 of this thread.