Long story short, I got a brain tumor (that's not going to kill me) but it's messed up my eyesight... which is great... so I decided to finally get rid of my beloved Pixel2 and get something with a larger screen so I could see the thing. Hence the S21+ and... it works for that. The screen is way bigger so it's great.
The problem is, one other thing that really worked well for my eye problem is VR. I have the Google Daydream headset and my eye problem means my left eye kind of moves around on its own. It's super fun... lol... but somehow, the VR tracks that and I can actually see in VR, use the browser, etc... It's not perfect but it gives my eyes a rest. But, apparently this phone doesn't work with Daydream unless I have root and edit some files. So ok, I need root.
My carrier is Google FI and I was under the impression that all of their phones came with OEM unlock, but I have no "OEM Unlock" option in developer tools. I am very confused by all the different information I'm finding out there.
So, here are my questions:
1. Is my phone already OEM unlocked because this is GoogleFI or am I screwed?
2. Is there some other way to get the OEM unlock?
3. I'm assuming there's no way to get root without OEM unlock?
4. Barring all of the above, does anyone know of any way to trick Google Daydream into working on this phone?
5. If I can't get Daydream to work, I can just pop out the daydream RFID thingy and use the headset as if it weren't daydream, but the controller doesn't seem to do anything. Is there a way to set that up? or is it possible to get a "Wand style" controller like this outside of daydream?
1 no
2 pay 150, look for a paid service on 1st page, I personally don't like that, I went with g9960 route
3 correct
4
https://www.reddit.com/r/daydream/comments/5jg33j
5 see pt 4
Thanks! That's a bummer... I'll wait until there's a community unlock somewhere.
The Daydream link you offered doesn't really help me. If you switch to the cardboard headset, it doesn't support the controller anymore. But I did find a post that helped me get it working:
Trying to get Daydream working on the MZP without root.
Can some one please help me edit the Daydream related APK's to automatically pass the checks in /system/etc/permissions/handheld_core_hardware.xml for and
forum.xda-developers.com
Basically you modify and recompile the daydream app.
I still want root, it's unfortunate Samsung sucks.
If your phone's model number is SM-G996U1 then it is unlocked. I'm thinking about getting one. Did you get it directly from Fi?
Lancez said:
If your phone's model number is SM-G996U1 then it is unlocked. I'm thinking about getting one. Did you get it directly from Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I got it directly from FI.
So the problem is, I'm not up on the current lingo, but there are multiple kinds of unlocks. In this case, my phone is definitely carrier unlocked. Google FI requires that because it hopps carriers. But is it bootloader unlocked? I'm trying to figure that out, but none of the dialer codes work on this phone. I tried to get to fastboot, but Samsung phones are weird. It's almost like they have their own set of rules. lol
Any idea how I can check the bootloader?
It's been a loooong time since my last Samsung phone. But if my memory serves me well, you can turn off the phone then press and hold vol up or down and power button simultaneously (or even 3 buttons at same time). It'll take you to bootloader or recovery mode. You can try all possible combinations until you get what you want, it won't hurt your phone.
Oh, one more thing. If you are using third party dialer app instead of built-in. All codes are not gonna work.
Fi is offering $300 discount for existing customers, That's a pretty good deal. I'm ordering one right now.
Lancez said:
Oh, one more thing. If you are using third party dialer app instead of built-in. All codes are not gonna work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried both the default google dialer and the samsung dialer that came with it. Neither will do anything when I enter a dialer code. :-/
Lancez said:
Fi is offering $300 discount for existing customers, That's a pretty good deal. I'm ordering one right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried a dozen different ways to get this to work. I do not think the bootloader is unlocked, and I do not think its unlockable without that paid services which is $150
OEM unlocking does not exist, even after waiting the 7 days.
I can boot into download mode, but the volume up thing does nothing
If I chose "Reboot to bootloader" it just boots the phone into safemode.
I've read that if you try and flash TWRP with the bootloader locked, it can brick your phone.
I've found no way to check if a samsung phone is bootloader unlocked.
I don't want to flash it, trip knox, and then end up having it bricked. lol
I'll take a look when I have the phone handy next week and keep you updated
Samsung's Galaxy S21 series can now be rooted with Magisk
You can now root your Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra using Magisk. Follow the link in the post for instructions.
www.xda-developers.com
As topjohnwu notes ... as of now, only the Exynos and Hong Kong Snapdragon Galaxy S21 devices can be bootloader unlocked,...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if that's not true I would be slightly annoyed cuz I spent extra 100$ to get the Hk version
fenvy said:
Samsung's Galaxy S21 series can now be rooted with Magisk
You can now root your Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra using Magisk. Follow the link in the post for instructions.
www.xda-developers.com
if that's not true I would be slightly annoyed cuz I spent extra 100$ to get the Hk version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is true. You can root the phone, but you have to unlock the bootloader before you can root it. Currently the only way to unlock the bootloader in the US versions is to pay $150 to the dude that came up with the exploit. If you have the non us version, you can unlock it yourself.
charliemopps said:
I've tried a dozen different ways to get this to work. I do not think the bootloader is unlocked, and I do not think its unlockable without that paid services which is $150
OEM unlocking does not exist, even after waiting the 7 days.
I can boot into download mode, but the volume up thing does nothing
If I chose "Reboot to bootloader" it just boots the phone into safemode.
I've read that if you try and flash TWRP with the bootloader locked, it can brick your phone.
I've found no way to check if a samsung phone is bootloader unlocked.
I don't want to flash it, trip knox, and then end up having it bricked. lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just got my S21+ today and you were right. Bootloader is indeed unlockable by average users at least. I did get into recovery mode by using Vol up+power and I can see there's reboot to bootloader option. But it does nothing other then restarting the phone. I don't know how did you get into safe mode tho. (attached a pic of recovery mode from my phone)
Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the way it is and I personally would not pay anything over 50 bucks to get bootloader unlocked.
Lancez said:
If your phone's model number is SM-G996U1 then it is unlocked. I'm thinking about getting one. Did you get it directly from Fi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlock means ?
My model is g996u . Will i get ota update ?
Related
Before I get into it, let me just start by saying that I have spoken to MetroPCS and they have confirmed that this phone was specifically set up to use the "Device Unlock" app ONLY, which means that there are no unlock codes or any other procedures(not Chimera or any other one) that will unlock this device.
For those of you who don't know too, you MUST wait until after 90 days of service with MetroPCS on this device before you can unlock it. If you can't wait the 90 days, however, because you're going to travel or because you live outside of the country, I've been told that there is one other way to unlock this device through a third party service that works with MetroPCS and helps you unlock through the app as well, though it is more like "IMEI whitelisting" than an official unlock like you get with MetroPCS and you also have to pay.
---------------
Anyhow, now to get down to it. Here is the information on what you must do.
---------------
1) Wait The 90 Days - Actually, you should know first that MetroPCS does not count the extra day in the months with 31 days as part of the 90.[/B] In other words, if you bought your phone on the 10th of one month say, you have to wait for the 10th to come around again 3 months later.
2) Try Unlocking The Device - Go to the "Device Unlock" app in your app tray and try clicking on the "Permanent Unlock" button to see if it just works for you right away. I was not so lucky myself, but I've been told that it does simply just unlock for some people. If it did unlock that easily for you, then congratulations. That's it. You're done.
(NOTE: Make sure that it is actually unlocked though. See the attached images and step #4 below.)
---------------
If it still isn't unlocked after steps 1 & 2, then please read on...
---------------
3) Call MetroPCS - If it won't unlock, then MetroPCS may have placed a server side lock on your account for whatever reason. In this case, you will need to just call Metro and request that they go into their system and set "Allow Unlock" to "ON" for your device. It only takes them a few seconds to do, but the first 3 people I called some days before didn't even mention or seem to know that their system had this feature, so you have to ask. After they did this for me I was able to successfully unlock the device using the app.
4) Double Check That Your Device Is Actually Unlocked - After unlocking the device the app says that the "Device Is Permanently Unlocked"[/B] and prompts you to reboot. After rebooting though I recommend that you open the "Device Unlock" app again and make sure that it no longer contains the reboot menu(shown in the first picture attached below). If it keeps saying to reboot because the settings are not yet applied, then you are still not unlocked. You want it to look like the second picture I attached below and NOT the first. Try rebooting a few more times to see if this problem fixes itself.
(NOTE: If you still can't unlock fully and have rooted the device and have TWRP and the Xposed framework installed, then you can also try installing an Xposed module called "Good For Enterprise Disable Root Check" to see if that allows the unlock settings to apply. Otherwise just call Metro again to make sure you are unlocked.)
Anyhow, I sincerely hope this information helps you guys in unlocking your device!
A friend of mine has this phone.. and she is not in the USA and had the phone sim locked.. but some guy unlocked it with a box.. and it worths 35 bucks :/
miltonx27 said:
A friend of mine has this phone.. and she is not in the USA and had the phone sim locked.. but some guy unlocked it with a box.. and it worths 35 bucks :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. I don't know much about boxes or how they might bypass MetroPCS's server side lockdown on this device, but I'm assuming they're some sort of universal hacker tool that you hook phones up to and that you have to buy. Probably not a viable solution for most people. Sounds just sketchy enough too to maybe cause your phone's IMEI to get blacklisted. Perhaps there's no other option for those outside of the country who can't get MetroPCS service though? I don't know. :/
Outside US or if you dont want to pay 3 months of 50$ each (i like metro pcs, and use metropcs when in usa, but mostly im away and rather to pay an unlock to mantain the line) You have to pay an imei whitelisting for unlock device app. I found one 100% working for 24$, many cheaper or expensive were suspicious. PM if you want to know
rosalesmiguel said:
Outside US or if you dont want to pay 3 months of 50$ each (i like metro pcs, and use metropcs when in usa, but mostly im away and rather to pay an unlock to mantain the line) You have to pay an imei whitelisting for unlock device app. I found one 100% working for 24$, many cheaper or expensive were suspicious. PM if you want to know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's only $40/month for me. I understand though if you're out of the country. Awesome that they'll let you pay to unlock it. Still have to use the device unlock app though yes. It's the only way. Thanks for the info!
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Hmm, I have never needed to know this type of info, so I do not know what Sim Unlock is.
Could you explain please?
Thank you,
~ Andrew S.S.
EDIT: So after a quick google search it is fairly obvious what it is.
So all I have to do is wait 90 days, then call them asking for them to unlock my device, then run Device Unlock and my device will be unlocked?
Andrew S.S. said:
Hmm, I have never needed to know this type of info, so I do not know what Sim Unlock is. Could you explain please?
Thank you,
~ Andrew S.S.
EDIT: So after a quick google search it is fairly obvious what it is.
So all I have to do is wait 90 days, then call them asking for them to unlock my device, then run Device Unlock and my device will be unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's awesome! After the unlock you can switch your phone to any service provider, but best if all you can use temporary international sim cards if you ever go outside the country and have regular service elsewhere while you travel and just put your MetroPCS account on hold in the meantime. Right now you can not though. Just wait the 90 days and just use the Device Unlock app that should be in your phone after that. If it doesn't work after 90 days of continuous service on this phone, then you do have to call them though and ask them to allow the unlock on their end in their system first. Read my post again maybe for more details about that. Also, it's not really 90 days, it's 3 months to the day, which means the 3rd to the 3rd of the month or the 10th to the 10th of the month or whatever. Hope this helps. Mine's unlocked now and I'm happy.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
bogarty said:
Yeah, it's awesome! After the unlock you can switch your phone to any service provider, but best if all you can use temporary international sim cards if you ever go outside the country and have regular service elsewhere while you travel and just put your MetroPCS account on hold in the meantime. Right now you can not though. Just wait the 90 days and just use the Device Unlock app that should be in your phone after that. If it doesn't work after 90 days of continuous service on this phone, then you do have to call them though and ask them to allow the unlock on their end in their system first. Read my post again maybe for more details about that. Also, it's not really 90 days, it's 3 months to the day, which means the 3rd to the 3rd of the month or whatever. Hope this helps. Mine's unlocked now and I'm happy.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had service for well over 90 days, but I have not had this phone for over 90 days. Can I still do it?
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Andrew S.S. said:
I have had service for well over 90 days, but I have not had this phone for over 90 days. Can I still do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It's 3 months of service with this device.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
bogarty said:
No. It's 3 months of service with this device.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks
So I removed the unlock app... is there anywhere I can install it back from?
I happen to have one with me now and the device unlock app always shows
"Server not responding please try again later"
bdrew said:
So I removed the unlock app... is there anywhere I can install it back from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately no. I've tried extracting the apk for people, but it can't be installed properly because it's hardwired into the system.
To get the unlock app on your device again you will either have to...
1) Download the official stock firmware from here and reflash it with ODIN:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/53271/G360T1UVU1AOFA_G360T1TMB1AOFA_TMB/
(Instructions are on that page and no data is lost during this painless flashing process.)
Or...
2) Install SlimPickins rom from here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=63868639
It's a much lighter, debloated, version of our stock firmware(which saves you lots of space on your phone). I'm running it myself, but it requires you to have installed...
Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62859013
And...
TWRP: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=62955166
Also, you have to install GAPPS(the Google suite with apps like Play Store, etc) separately at the same time you install the rom. This allows you to pick how much space Google apps take up on your phone and which apps you do and do not want.
Anyhow, either option will give you the Device Unlock app back.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
mbond said:
I happen to have one with me now and the device unlock app always shows
"Server not responding please try again later"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try connecting via Wi-Fi instead of data. If that doesn't work then try restarting your device and attempting with Wi-Fi again. If it still doesn't work, then it is likely their server being bogged down, so just try waiting awhile(possibly up to a day). Also, I'm sure you are, but just in case you're not, you must be in the US for the app to work.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Not in use bro, seems you are right.I"ll just leave the phone till good reliable unlock is available
Device unlock
Aside from all these extra steps it's pretty easy. I just open my app drawer and opened 'Device Unlock'. Right at the top it said permanent unlock so i clixked it, after 10 seconds if asked if I wanted to reboot. Once it finished rebooting it completely removed the device unlock and said it was permanently done . So if you don't feel like talking to metro to do it just try with the app it worked for me. Saved me 20 mins of being on hold. And shout out to Bogarty and everyone else working to optimize our device !!
Cinomed said:
Aside from all these extra steps it's pretty easy. I just open my app drawer and opened 'Device Unlock'. Right at the top it said permanent unlock so i clixked it, after 10 seconds if asked if I wanted to reboot. Once it finished rebooting it completely removed the device unlock and said it was permanently done . So if you don't feel like talking to metro to do it just try with the app it worked for me. Saved me 20 mins of being on hold. And shout out to Bogarty and everyone else working to optimize our device !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked for you right off the bat. It didn't for me. Mine was locked on their end. People should definitely just try the app first. That's good advice. Maybe I should include that in the OP. Thanks! They do still have to wait the 90 days of service though as I'm sure you did. Everyone just needs to make sure it no longer shows the reboot menu in the app after rebooting like in the pictures I posted. It may say "device is permanently unlocked", but if they still see reboot options, then the unlock settings have not yet been applied. Mine didn't apply the first few times because of a conflict between security settings and root. Curious if you were rooted at the time as that can pose some issues on some devices as I mentioned.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Definitely had to wait 90 days and then some.
But the unlocking itself like I said was about 10 secs and a reboot.
Were you rooted when you unlocked the phone ?
bogarty said:
Glad it worked for you right off the bat. It didn't for me. Mine was locked on their end. People should definitely just try the app first. That's good advice. Maybe I should include that in the OP. Thanks! They do still have to wait the 90 days of service though as I'm sure you did. Everyone just needs to make sure it no longer shows the reboot menu in the app after reboot like in the pictures I posted. If they still see that then the unlock settings have not yet been applied. Mine didn't apply the first few times because of a conflict between security settings and root. Curious if you were rooted at the time as that can pose some issues on some devices as I mentioned.
Sent from my SM-G360T1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. So far all I had done was the root.
I talked to Samsung for about an hour about why the bootloader is locked for the US versions of the S7.( I have a SM-G930R4) Most of the time they gave me the run around but I was able to find out that with the Oreo update ,it may be possible to lock/unlock the bootloader. They didn't come right out and say it but that's what it sounded like to me. They were saying something about a "security issue" that is supposed to be fixed in Oreo,and that it's within the realm of possibilities. Let's hope they weren't trying to make me feel better,lol. I haven't had a nice phone since 2013,and I was pretty nonplussed to find out we got shafted. I have been using Samsung phones since the original Google Nexus,and have flashed/rooted/customized every single one of them. Customization is important to a lot of people,and Samsung understands this. Why'd they have to give in this time? ><
Highly unlikely
Samsung talk out of their rears when you contact them, usually just to get you to go away I find
Well that's corporations in general right? Lol. I don't want to get another phone if I don't have to. I rather like this one. I guess we'll find out in the coming weeks ,eh?
I have a screenshot of part of the conversation,but it seems like I can't post the link or embed it. Basically it was them feeding me a line of garbage about none of their USA model phones having unlockable bootloaders,and I corrected them. They also said that it was Qualcomm's fault but I can't see how. Don't they use their own bootloaders?
I guess I could always try to trade my S7 for a S6 lol.
I don't know the details of why they are locked or who's fault it is, but they're right that none of the USA S7s have unlocked bootloaders (Snapdragon Models)
It's the Exynos International S7s that are unlocked (G930F, G930W8)
Samsung will have the bootloader encryption key, so they could have added a feature to unlock it like they did with the Exynos versions, no idea why they haven't
If you want an unlocked S7 I'd sell that one and get the G930F
They didn't say it would never be unlocked. What I got from the exchange was that it may happen during the next OTA,which I assume is Oreo,or a patch of sorts thereafter. The particular lady I was speaking to implied it was Qualcomm's fault,but I find that hard to believe. I brought up the fact that we're being singled out (for whatever reason) and that customization is quite important to a lot of us.She said "Yes I agree,if you buy a phone it should be yours" So hopefully they do the right thing. I can't very well just sell this phone ,however. It holds sentimental value and was a gift from someone very dear to me.So my only option is ,A) Pray Sammie does right by us,or B) wait until someone hacks it(if it's even possible)
Also from what I've been told and what I've read on multiple forums(XDADev included) our phone carriers pressured Samsung to do it,to cut down on people bricking their phones. From my experience it's pretty hard to completely brick a Samsung. As long as you can get into download mode and flash something via Odin or backup from recovery,it's all good.
I'm running oreo. But soon all carriers will now lock bootloaders latest sprint and Verizon starting , to make it it so no one can change carriers
Not to stir up an old thread, but oreo just rolled out for the sm-g930p yesterday and I noticed that there is the option for OEM unlock. Good news for finally unlocking the bootloader?
whbisondtr said:
Not to stir up an old thread, but oreo just rolled out for the sm-g930p yesterday and I noticed that there is the option for OEM unlock. Good news for finally unlocking the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.. That's not what that feature is for. It's in Nougat as well under development options
InsanePostman said:
No.. That's not what that feature is for. It's in Nougat as well under development options
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. I didn't have it on here with nougat though, it didn't show up until I got the oreo update. From what I've read around, that's what it was for.
whbisondtr said:
From what I've read around, that's what it was for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Random thought...Maybe when the Oreo U firmware comes out flashing the BL will work?
SprintBama said:
Random thought...Maybe when the Oreo U firmware comes out flashing the BL will work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I talked to Samsung about it they hinted that would be the case. They didn't confirm or deny it directly,but the way they put it sure alluded to something of the sort.
lets pray ))
Yea so anyway still locked and I honestly don't even need root. I'll just use the unlocked firmware and disable bloat. Rooting the s7 seems arbitrary at this point. If I wanted to I would just trade my s7 USA varient for an international varient if I was really that adamant. S7's are pretty cheap now with the s8 and s9 out on the market.
I have an unlocked phone and the only thing unlocked is the carrier or sim, nothing to do with the bootloader unless you all are suggesting that after the full release of Oreo on all the s7 devices that they may rethink locked bootloader. By then I'll probably just get a new phone. I've lost interest in rooting the s7 but that's probably because there's only three ways around it. Rooting Android 6, rooting earlier versions of Android 7 or getting the xynos s7. I love Oreo more than root on this phone.
Have there been many failures?
How do you feel about the process?/How did it go?
Any pitfalls I should be aware of? Warranty issues, easy to brick the phone afterwards, etc?
Does it matter what software im on? I'm on the original shipped OS and it's threatening me with a forced update. Yes I turned off the updates in settings and developer options, no avail.
I am a Fi user and just came from a 3 generations of Nexus/Pixels, my last Sam phone was an S4 on Verizon. Root is life.
Thanks
I also came from pixels (and oneplus) been unlocked since the beginning of December, also Fi. No issues whatsoever. The people doing the unlock are cool and to my knowledge the only device lost to the process was one of the peoples who is doing the unlocks, after he tried to relock the bootloader. And that leads to, once unlocked don't relock. You get one shot. 10/10 would do it again
I'm soo ready also to get the boot loader unlocked. one question I have will bank account apps still work, will the battery charge 100‰.
Jack143 said:
I'm soo ready also to get the boot loader unlocked. one question I have will bank account apps still work, will the battery charge 100‰.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes and yes. at least mine do.
Another question I have that is more specific, I'm wanting to get a good call blocking app that will block calls at the root system. which will cause the caller end not to ring when their number is blocked. I purchased root sms manager but I don't have root yet. Have anyone tried the app on a rooted note and it blocks the caller from getting a ring? Hope someone can check.
Anyone know if the Canadian version (SM-A536W) has OEM Unlock?
I'm thinking about purchasing this phone but I really want to be able to install a custom rom sometime in the future, I see that the US version has a locked bootloader even if purchasing a unlocked phone.
Here is a link to the actual phone on Amazon.ca
Thanks
I looked into the missing oem unlock a bunch today. Apparently, there's no real way to know for sure.
Even a more expensive recent Samsung phone had it get removed on an update and nothing would bring it back from an example I found (although that person didn't look into as I do below).
My A53 definitely doesn't have it and its flagged as what's known for it to be showing yet its not. UK may have it happen same as US. The chip used apparently doesn't matter. The guides for missing oem unlock out there all copied each other and they don't really know anything besides that it worked at times - it doesn't here.
Side point: I don't know if the following will work. Fastboot is disabled on my device (odin is used) so if patching recovery to enable fastboot is possible, it might help? I don't see how doing that would make oem unlock show up though so I feel like its not a complete picture, https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/unlock-the-bootloader-and-install-gsi-rom.4453961/ but the wipe part in theory might (some bring that up as a thing though noted it also doesn't seem to work for some as well). I'm not wiping my device as I'm not unlocking since I need the official rom so not testing it to find out.
Further side point: On opening developer options menu, it does checks for oem unlock to know if it should show, enable, or disable the setting preference. eg A53
Code:
OemUnlockPreferenceController: enableUnlock : 1 = /dev/block/persistent / 2 = 1
Apparently, that may also be tied to Google FRP eg https://github.com/shunf4/magisk-blockfrpwriting/blob/master/README.md and https://android.googlesource.com/platform/frameworks/base/+/master/services/core/java/com/android/server/oemlock/OemLockService.java line 229 etc. and also https://www.samsung.com/nz/support/mobile-devices/what-is-google-frp/ and its also tied to some other things.
Also, the build.prop isn't even listing ro.oem_unlock_supported for me. I would think it may have to be there ...compared to my last Samsung which does have that listed https://source.android.com/devices/bootloader/locking_unlocking (adb shell getprop ro.oem_unlock_supported)
Its possible that the unlock ability will show up randomly. Its possible that it never will. Its possible ones that have it right now will have it go missing after updates.
So is the way of Samsung today
S22 Ultra Exynos 2200 1TB doesn't support OEM Unlock?
I have ordered my S22 Ultra 1 TB storage ( SM-S908B) from Samsung website in UK. I have enabled the Developers mode in settings and now when i wanted to root my phone i can't believe it... my device doesn't have the OEM Unlock option in there...
forum.xda-developers.com
If its a requirement for you then it would be the better choice to choose another brand that's strong in allowing it. Samsung isn't. I don't know if its an accidental part of their security measures (difficult to deal with) or on purpose but its fickle with it.
Looks like its fickle anyway though with too much stuff needing to be checked and aligned with it showing in the first place because of Google. Google also didn't put in place any info to state why its disabled as the code decides lol. I love when devs do that /s.
That's everything I can find on the issue and my advice. I added all this info here as others can still see it and just used your post to let you know its iffy at best.
Thanks for all the info you posted!, I've been sorta outa the loop on what's been going on with Samsung and changes they have done.
My current device is an old Galaxy S2 T989D running my own custom rom from 2014 heh, I don't really use phone much for anything really just figured it might be a good time to upgrade to something newer and saw the A53 for a pretty good price for a mid range phone, has more than ample features for me - really only thinking that I might want run a custom rom sometime after they no longer give security updates etc.
I did come across this info today which does seem to give a pretty good explanation of how much has changed over the years with the OEM Unlock and unlocking the bootloader with Samsung devices.
Almite said:
I did come across this info today which does seem to give a pretty good explanation of how much has changed over the years with the OEM Unlock and unlocking the bootloader with Samsung devices.
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Yeah. What I typed above was based on that and a lot more. However even that link is not the full picture.
Example "Samsung Galaxy devices that are sold in the USA with a Qualcomm Snapdragon SoC come with non-unlockable bootloaders (officially). And so, the OEM unlocking option does not exist on such devices."
The A53 I'm using has an exynos. So processor doesn't matter as oem unlock is missing with Samsung's exynos.
As well based on that quote you might see the country but CA, UK, etc can have it go missing or not found. There's no way to know for sure at all times.
Hence my post above. You just can't be sure if you can ever unlock or not. Unless someone finds a way that will do it and unless an update doesn't kill it. If you see it available then use it as it might go missing.
International models have the best chance though it seems but no one can guarantee what Samsung will do.
Bought phone off marketplace; verified it was working by inserting my SIM card and making a phone call prior to purchase. Later on while setting up the phone I discover that it's got administrative software installed on it and retail mode turned on.
Looking closer at the box, it said it's a demo unit. (I know, should've been more thorough)
The question I have is if it's a true demo unit that's unsalvageable, why was I able to make the call? (I used my own SIM)
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
mt2020 said:
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
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Unfortunately returning isn't an option, the guy knew this thing had an issue and decided to not tell me. I figured since it made a call, it should be fine.
The IMEI number comes back as clean, I might try and see if I can use it for a "trade In" if flashing new firmware doesn't seem like it can happen.
How much did you pay?
kat3k said:
How much did you pay?
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Too much of course.
Just go into Settings->Developer Options->Demo mode and take it out of demo mode.
Rubby1025 said:
Just go into Settings->Developer Options->Demo mode and take it out of demo mode.
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Doesn't allow me to, asks for a password, none of the ones i've found floating around have worked.
there's a admin lockdown, software called SENNCO from Brichtec, its what's removed the "wipe data/factory reset" from the recovery menu im guessing.
mt2020 said:
Some demo units can make calls. People like to try them out in stores. Personally, I'd try to return it. Maybe you can flash a new firmware. Doubt makeup of hardware any different since it works. Never know though.
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I'm able to get to the recovery screen and it seems to allows me to install updates from ADB; am I okay trying to use my pc/ODIN to flash tmobile firmware I have for this device?
Why not? You said if non of this works you're going to trade it in... As long as you don't brick it... And if you're on TMobile... Is it eligible for care plus? If so, you may be able to pass it off to them for repair
Great minds...i was doing that while you posted i guess. Was able to flash and reboot and it went back to the same locked down version that was there before. I guess this means that it's the bootloader/recovery that's locked down? Will try replacing that next.
Any idea where I might find the TWRP for this phone?
ankur079 said:
Great minds...i was doing that while you posted i guess. Was able to flash and reboot and it went back to the same locked down version that was there before. I guess this means that it's the bootloader/recovery that's locked down? Will try replacing that next.
Any idea where I might find the TWRP for this phone?
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Not really sure, haven't rooted or used recovery software in a long time. Finally decided to let others be beta testers and just want a working phone. Go to Samsung Care plus web site, plug in your serial number or IMEI and it will tell you if it qualifies for coverage. If so, $8 month, first 3 or 4 months free, cancel at anytime. If covered, pay deductible and let them fix or replace, which in this case would most likely be replace. Past that, USA phones are pretty locked down if they weren't purchased unlocked. Yea, you can unlock a provider phone after a while on their plan, but boot loader still tough to Crack. I think that's what you just ran into.
mt2020 said:
Not really sure, haven't rooted or used recovery software in a long time. Finally decided to let others be beta testers and just want a working phone. Go to Samsung Care plus web site, plug in your serial number or IMEI and it will tell you if it qualifies for coverage. If so, $8 month, first 3 or 4 months free, cancel at anytime. If covered, pay deductible and let them fix or replace, which in this case would most likely be replace. Past that, USA phones are pretty locked down if they weren't purchased unlocked. Yea, you can unlock a provider phone after a while on their plan, but boot loader still tough to Crack. I think that's what you just ran into.
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thanks, worth a try i suppose if nothing else pans out.