Question OEM Unlock on Canadian Galaxy A53's? - Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Related

[Q] S6 Bootloader, Rooting and Exynos

Having never had a Samsung device before, I might be turning to the S6 Edge once it's released to replace my ageing Nexus 5 but I have a few questions that can put me off and was wondering if you guys can clarify them for me.
1) Does the 'international' version come with a locked or unlocked bootloader (i.e. if I were to buy it off of Amazon UK). If locked, how easy is it to unlock the bootloader on previous Samsung phones? This probably also voids warranty unlike the Nexus and HTC right?
2) How easy has it been to root Samsung phones in the past?
3) What does having an Exynos processor mean (in terms of modding)? Will that make it harder to root? harder to unlock bootloader? Not being able to Install Stock Vanilla Android ROM?
4) Finally, I've played around with a couple of friend's Samsungs (Note 3,4, S5,S4) and I absolutely hate TouchWiz.. It just looks ugly. How easy is it to get rid of it all together, including sounds, menus, etc. (either by installing Stock Android ROM) or by removing these components from TouchWiz ROM?
5) To sum up. Ideally I'd like to have Vanilla Android Lollipop with an unlocked bootloader and root, and customize as I like; do you think this would be possible? What would the tradeoffs?
I hope my questions are clear! If they aren't please let me know to clarify them further.
ombadboy said:
Having never had a Samsung device before, I might be turning to the S6 Edge once it's released to replace my ageing Nexus 5 but I have a few questions that can put me off and was wondering if you guys can clarify them for me.
1) Does the 'international' version come with a locked or unlocked bootloader (i.e. if I were to buy it off of Amazon UK). If locked, how easy is it to unlock the bootloader on previous Samsung phones? This probably also voids warranty unlike the Nexus and HTC right?
2) How easy has it been to root Samsung phones in the past?
3) What does having an Exynos processor mean (in terms of modding)? Will that make it harder to root? harder to unlock bootloader? Not being able to Install Stock Vanilla Android ROM?
4) Finally, I've played around with a couple of friend's Samsungs (Note 3,4, S5,S4) and I absolutely hate TouchWiz.. It just looks ugly. How easy is it to get rid of it all together, including sounds, menus, etc. (either by installing Stock Android ROM) or by removing these components from TouchWiz ROM?
5) To sum up. Ideally I'd like to have Vanilla Android Lollipop with an unlocked bootloader and root, and customize as I like; do you think this would be possible? What would the tradeoffs?
I hope my questions are clear! If they aren't please let me know to clarify them further.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. We don't really know yet. As far as I know all previous international models of the Galaxy S phones had unlocked bootloaders.
2. With my S2 and S4 it has been really easy to root. I don't expect real problems here.
3. Here's where it gets tricky. Exynos processors made it harder to create AOSP roms due to the closed-source nature of the kernel. I expect there to be no change there.
4. Well, custom roms may be able to help here. They may be able to tweak the UI, remove bloatware or even change the whole UI. Perhaps a stable AOSP port will be created, it's too early to tell yet.
5. If you want an AOSP rom, I'm not sure if the S6 is what you're looking for. A Nexus device would be ideal or you can look at the HTC One M9. If you can live with a Touchwiz based rom, you shouldn't have any problems here.
This is just my view on this all. There may be others who can shed some light on it.
From what I understood, rooting your Samsung allows you to remove quite alot of the TouchWiz bloat. Is it possible to also get rid of the UI they stick ontop of Stock Android or is that baked in?
ombadboy said:
From what I understood, rooting your Samsung allows you to remove quite alot of the TouchWiz bloat. Is it possible to also get rid of the UI they stick ontop of Stock Android or is that baked in?
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Click to collapse
Well, there is a difference between Touchwiz and the pre-installed applications. Touchwiz is the whole look&feel with the modified applications. This means a modded email client, dialer, contacts app, settings, launcher, power menu, etc.
While you can remove some applications while rooted (for example the Samsung Store), you can't modify the looks like the power menu, settings, top bar with the clock, etc.. This is baked into the rom itself.
Regarding the email, dialer, launcher and contacts apps, you can download and use third-party apps for that. This will make it look at lot better, but it won't fix everything.
I guess now that Xposed has been released for Lollipop ART as soon as Rovo manages to fix it for Samsung ROMs, that will also allow changing the UI on the TouchWiz ROM substantially right?
well, i hate samsung when will get modify the handset
if someone will succeed root samsung device, it must be can't claim on samsung service centre
well, i just have old exynos from S4/S5, we don't know yet S6 comes with exynos 14nm
hope developers will make it later
Samsung added themes to the s6
Samsung added themes in the s6 so you can change the look and feel of the device.
ww.androidcentral.com/galaxy-s6-themes-let-you-take-control-touchwiz
Rooting Galaxy S6
Hey all,
I am new to posting on XDA. I've seen similar post throughout XDA but nothing that really answers my questions. I recently purchased the S6 and I'd like to root it. I don't want to install custom ROMs all I want is root access for mods that might require that. I have the international variant SM-G920F.
I don't really care about being able to pay using my phone.
1) Most posts claim that I won't be able to update over the air (OTA), is that true? If so is there any luck that this will change in the near future?
2) What root method do you suggest? In terms of ease of use.
3) Mods. What mods do you suggest?
Thank you,
Need to SIM unlock a Galaxy S6
I purchased my phone (Samsung Galaxy S6) from Best Buy to be used with AT&T. This was after 2 AT&T employees and a Best Buy employee told me that getting the unlock code is very easy and straightforward. I have been to the web site to request unlock codes twice. Both times failed. After that I called and they told me, effectively, that my phone is too new. Due to this they require 6 months of paid service before they will consider unlocking it. I am due to leave the country in 4 months. I need to get this phone unlocked... Can anyone tell me how to proceed?
P.S. I am a computer programmer with a lot of experience. I already have the phone in developer mode with the ADB activated. I have the android developers toolkit installed and ready to go. I mention this just so anyone responding will have some idea of the technical level they can use when replying.
AbsaLootly said:
I purchased my phone (Samsung Galaxy S6) from Best Buy to be used with AT&T. This was after 2 AT&T employees and a Best Buy employee told me that getting the unlock code is very easy and straightforward. I have been to the web site to request unlock codes twice. Both times failed. After that I called and they told me, effectively, that my phone is too new. Due to this they require 6 months of paid service before they will consider unlocking it. I am due to leave the country in 4 months. I need to get this phone unlocked... Can anyone tell me how to proceed?
P.S. I am a computer programmer with a lot of experience. I already have the phone in developer mode with the ADB activated. I have the android developers toolkit installed and ready to go. I mention this just so anyone responding will have some idea of the technical level they can use when replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you will get, eventually, from ATT is a carrier unlock code that will allow you to use foreign carrier sim cards for service. This is not a bootloader unlock.
AbsaLootly said:
I purchased my phone (Samsung Galaxy S6) from Best Buy to be used with AT&T. This was after 2 AT&T employees and a Best Buy employee told me that getting the unlock code is very easy and straightforward. I have been to the web site to request unlock codes twice. Both times failed. After that I called and they told me, effectively, that my phone is too new. Due to this they require 6 months of paid service before they will consider unlocking it. I am due to leave the country in 4 months. I need to get this phone unlocked... Can anyone tell me how to proceed?
P.S. I am a computer programmer with a lot of experience. I already have the phone in developer mode with the ADB activated. I have the android developers toolkit installed and ready to go. I mention this just so anyone responding will have some idea of the technical level they can use when replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. This is a SIM Unlock, not a bootloader unlock. This will let you use your phone with other supported carriers, not unlock your bootloader.
2. If this is your intention, however, AT&T will only unlock the phone if you've completed your contract obligations with the line your phone is tied to. If you're under contract, you can't get it fully unlocked. However, if you tell them you need it internationally unlocked, they should be able to give you a different unlock code to get that to work. Try giving CS a ring and explain you need it unlocked for abroad, not for the US.
I have been trying the official routes to do the unlock
dandrumheller said:
What you will get, eventually, from ATT is a carrier unlock code that will allow you to use foreign carrier sim cards for service. This is not a bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried the official routes (web site and phone) and been denied. They basically told me that while I own the phone, and owe them no money of any kind, the phone is too new. They are demanding 6 months of paid service to release the phone that I already own!
Unlock 5 minute 4K recording (Docomo Galaxy S6)
Just bought me the shiny new S6 and love everything about it except one thing; the 5 minute limit to 4K recording. Are there any apps that will let me record for longer durations, or is there a mod out there I need to use?
Thanks in advance.
Japan Jay said:
Just bought me the shiny new S6 and love everything about it except one thing; the 5 minute limit to 4K recording. Are there any apps that will let me record for longer durations, or is there a mod out there I need to use?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance that you could download the QCN files from your phone so that I could use it in mine? That would really be awesome for me.
I have a Note 4, international.......not working good in Japan.

YA 4.4.2 Bootloader Discussion

Hey there remaining Verizon S3 users!
Coming from my favorite device the T959V this has been quite a trip. This device's bootloader is seemingly impossible to unlock on the 4.4.2 NE1 firmware.
I've got a slightly modified Superlite rom rolling with SafeStrap already strapped. And it is great to say the least. Added some initd and utilities. Evie launcher is pretty nice btw- recommend a try :good:
However. I still really want this thing to be unlocked. The T959V has multiple working Fro, GB, ICS, JB, KK, L, M, AND Nougat ROMS. Totally different devices yes but-- even the newer S4-S6 have cracked loaders now.
There has to be a special way to change this things firmware.
Right now I have 2 ideas to throw out to the wind-
1- Would be that there could be a way to trick the device into thinking it is receiving a new update. Maybe somehow with CSC or something. Also I saw a file named authorized.xml and was reading through to find traces of knox. Would unauthorizing knox strings somehow render it useless?
2- I was reading a suggested post about AVB boots and how they can be resigned on devices such as the Google Pixel and allows the newer patches to still install. Including what was described as a forced re-sign method.
--- Could we somehow resign the bootloader on our device so as to gain control of it? Has anybody tried anything like this since around 2015?
I'll gladly talk about all of this more whenever I feel like popping on- and atm I have no web besides this service. :silly: so no DOS updates and no shiny linux for now.
Gladly tell me that it is "impossible" but I'm not asking that. I'm trying to add some ideas to possibly do the impossible.
Edit: This seems to be an interesting lead on emmc cracking this device. It's probably why people in other threads were in search of a "dev" edition.
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f777/unlock-samsung-devices-bootloader-emmc-backdoor-2142981/
graycow9 said:
Hey there remaining Verizon S3 users!
Coming from my favorite device the T959V this has been quite a trip. This device's bootloader is seemingly impossible to unlock on the 4.4.2 NE1 firmware.
I've got a slightly modified Superlite rom rolling with SafeStrap already strapped. And it is great to say the least. Added some initd and utilities. Evie launcher is pretty nice btw- recommend a try :good:
However. I still really want this thing to be unlocked. The T959V has multiple working Fro, GB, ICS, JB, KK, L, M, AND Nougat ROMS. Totally different devices yes but-- even the newer S4-S6 have cracked loaders now.
There has to be a special way to change this things firmware.
Right now I have 2 ideas to throw out to the wind-
1- Would be that there could be a way to trick the device into thinking it is receiving a new update. Maybe somehow with CSC or something. Also I saw a file named authorized.xml and was reading through to find traces of knox. Would unauthorizing knox strings somehow render it useless?
2- I was reading a suggested post about AVB boots and how they can be resigned on devices such as the Google Pixel and allows the newer patches to still install. Including what was described as a forced re-sign method.
--- Could we somehow resign the bootloader on our device so as to gain control of it? Has anybody tried anything like this since around 2015?
I'll gladly talk about all of this more whenever I feel like popping on- and atm I have no web besides this service. :silly: so no DOS updates and no shiny linux for now.
Gladly tell me that it is "impossible" but I'm not asking that. I'm trying to add some ideas to possibly do the impossible.
Edit: This seems to be an interesting lead on emmc cracking this device. It's probably why people in other threads were in search of a "dev" edition.
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f777/unlock-samsung-devices-bootloader-emmc-backdoor-2142981/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been around this and many many other forums for years now. If there was an unlock method it would of been found years ago. Devs have long moved on from the old S3. I still have my S3 lying around, bootloader unlocked but I really haven't messed around with it for quite a long time now
And yes the dev edition would of been nice had someone actually had one, it would of of course made it easier to crack the bootloader option maybe. I don't know much about the ins and outs of the device but I know many are permanently locked and will probably never be unlocked.
As far as certain other Samsung devices being unlocked those are far and few between. VZW got smart and started just locking them from the start. This is a huge reason why I left Verizon. The S3 was my last device on big red. I since have had a Nexus 5 and 6 and now a oneplus 3t. I really don't like locked devices and the ability to unlock them and customize them just intrigues me to no end. Good luck however in finding something that may work, but I highly doubt it will ever be cracked
Sent from my OnePlus 3T
Ya I expected your negatude Shapes. Already seen that you have been searching but it isn't just some application you run. It's an unknown exploit that I'm sure exists. There are exploits right now that can be considered viral potentially exploiting my device as we speak. Maybe not granted my semi-precautious take on things.
Quadrooter and dirty cow could be used to exploit the S3 and gain access to a quoted "all" physical memory. So I find it hard to believe that things can't work in our favor.
Being open minded here. After all, this is technically hacking your own device. Which--
Got me thinking the other day, becausr I was setting up my laptop proper- could we run a nix distro and poke through the bootloader's parameters via exploitation tools? Referencing Kali or it's elder BTrack. But I think it is possible and I just haven't gotten around this loop mounting issue.
To be clear, running a distro ON the device. My flat is already running square.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Also a purposely separate post- I'm building a ROM for this locked firmware and the goal is to have some specific updated apps and yet trim it nicely so as to save space and RAM it's mostly stock style-wise but it'd be cool to re-theme it. I haven't gotten things deodexed yet- being I haven't gotten my apktools working proper yet.
Is there anybody left to be interested in this? I haven't posted anything I've made before- usually just keep them lying around for emergency flashes.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
graycow9 said:
Ya I expected your negatude Shapes. Already seen that you have been searching but it isn't just some application you run. It's an unknown exploit that I'm sure exists. There are exploits right now that can be considered viral potentially exploiting my device as we speak. Maybe not granted my semi-precautious take on things.
Quadrooter and dirty cow could be used to exploit the S3 and gain access to a quoted "all" physical memory. So I find it hard to believe that things can't work in our favor.
Being open minded here. After all, this is technically hacking your own device. Which--
Got me thinking the other day, becausr I was setting up my laptop proper- could we run a nix distro and poke through the bootloader's parameters via exploitation tools? Referencing Kali or it's elder BTrack. But I think it is possible and I just haven't gotten around this loop mounting issue.
To be clear, running a distro ON the device. My flat is already running square.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think shapes was trying to act negative at all, just stating the obvious. Nobody is going to try to unlock the Verizon S3, it's pretty much a dead end.
The unlock method used on the S5 will most likely work on this phone, but we need a developer CID to rewrite to the emmc as the series chip used on the S3 likely has the same vulnerability. This is what happened on the S5.
If you read some of the other posts (sounds like you have), we looked for an S3 developer edition but had no luck in tracking one down. For one, it's an incredibly old device. Secondly, you'd have to be semi retarded to purchase one as the original unlock method was around before the developer edition was released.
So yes, if you can find a developer S3 this will likely be an unlock method. It tricks the S3 into thinking it's a developer phone and unlocks the bootloader if the method to write it works the same as in the S5.
As for your questions,
1. I think you're underestimating the amount of security that goes into the bootloader itself. If you want to learn a lot about Android security in general, in the Android security discussion section located under general forums, there's tons of info regarding how complex this all is. But basically, in order to send an update patch, it needs to be signed (you can't just fake the signature) and it must agree with the current bootloader. The way the bootloader is written, it simply won't allow a reversion back to earlier versions or it'll abort the boot.
An easier way to think of this is understanding that the changes made are preinstalled before the actual boot. There's no way for us to change this through normal methods as the emmc has to be written to directly. There is no way to do this from download or recovery mode. Wouldn't matter if you flashed it or used and update package, they are essentially the same thing.
So the only way to actually change the bootloader is to write to the emmc directly through use of the JTAG port. This changes the code of the entire bootloader before the boot and the phone will boot up with any version of the S3 bootloader you write.
2. I think I kind of answered that?
Hope it's clear.
BadUsername said:
I don't think shapes was trying to act negative at all, just stating the obvious. Nobody is going to try to unlock the Verizon S3, it's pretty much a dead end.
The unlock method used on the S5 will most likely work on this phone, but we need a developer CID to rewrite to the emmc as the series chip used on the S3 likely has the same vulnerability. This is what happened on the S5.
If you read some of the other posts (sounds like you have), we looked for an S3 developer edition but had no luck in tracking one down. For one, it's an incredibly old device. Secondly, you'd have to be semi retarded to purchase one as the original unlock method was around before the developer edition was released.
So yes, if you can find a developer S3 this will likely be an unlock method. It tricks the S3 into thinking it's a developer phone and unlocks the bootloader if the method to write it works the same as in the S5.
As for your questions,
1. I think you're underestimating the amount of security that goes into the bootloader itself. If you want to learn a lot about Android security in general, in the Android security discussion section located under general forums, there's tons of info regarding how complex this all is. But basically, in order to send an update patch, it needs to be signed (you can't just fake the signature) and it must agree with the current bootloader. The way the bootloader is written, it simply won't allow a reversion back to earlier versions or it'll abort the boot.
An easier way to think of this is understanding that the changes made are preinstalled before the actual boot. There's no way for us to change this through normal methods as the emmc has to be written to directly. There is no way to do this from download or recovery mode. Wouldn't matter if you flashed it or used and update package, they are essentially the same thing.
So the only way to actually change the bootloader is to write to the emmc directly through use of the JTAG port. This changes the code of the entire bootloader before the boot and the phone will boot up with any version of the S3 bootloader you write.
2. I think I kind of answered that?
Hope it's clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Truthfully after being around the forums for as long as I have I'm really surprised there is any interest in unlocking this device at this point in time. There are just so many other options and unlocked vzw s3s are not that hard to come by.
And I wasn't being negative it's about being realistic. Thanks for sticking up for me brother
Sent from my OnePlus 3T
Are there any updates to this by any chance, I am interested :C
any hope?

Could the bootloader be unlockable after the Oreo update?

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?
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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
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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.
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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?
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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.

Question Google FI S21+ 5G SM-G996U1 Bootloader unlock? Root?

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?
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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.
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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.
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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 $150
OEM unlocking does not exist, even after waiting the 7 days.
I can boot into download mode, but the volume up thing does nothing
If I chose "Reboot to bootloader" it just boots the phone into safemode.
I've read that if you try and flash TWRP with the bootloader locked, it can brick your phone.
I've found no way to check if a samsung phone is bootloader unlocked.
I don't want to flash it, trip knox, and then end up having it bricked. lol
I'll take a look when I have the phone handy next week and keep you updated
Samsung's Galaxy S21 series can now be rooted with Magisk
You can now root your Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus, and Galaxy S21 Ultra using Magisk. Follow the link in the post for instructions.
www.xda-developers.com
As topjohnwu notes ... as of now, only the Exynos and Hong Kong Snapdragon Galaxy S21 devices can be bootloader unlocked,...
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if that's not true I would be slightly annoyed cuz I spent extra 100$ 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
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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
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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?
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Click to collapse
Unlock means ?
My model is g996u . Will i get ota update ?

Question Samsung Support Doesn't Know Google

I was wondering if anyone else purchased the unlocked version from Samsung and it arrived with Developer options already enabled.
I have never seen that before, so it made me wonder if somehow I was receiving a device that had been returned. There don't appear to be any issues (packaging was sealed, device appeared new, etc).
The alternative would be that it restore the menu as part of the transfer from a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra backup, but this would be the first time. The Note 20 was restored from an S10 Plus, but the settings had to be enabled again on the new device.
twistedumbrella said:
I was wondering if anyone else purchased the unlocked version from Samsung and it arrived with Developer options already enabled.
I have never seen that before, so it made me wonder if somehow I was receiving a device that had been returned. There don't appear to be any major issues (packaging was sealed, device appeared new, etc) beyond the bootloader appearing to possibly be unlocked, as well.
The alternative would be that it restore the menu as part of the transfer from a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra backup, but this would be the first time. The Note 20 was restored from an S10 Plus, but the settings had to be enabled again on the new device. I don't see them whitelisting that.
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Maybe an engineering build fell into the production line by mistake, please check if it's an engineering build
That would be a game changer, for people developing custom roms and gaming drivers for it
flairepathos.info said:
Maybe an engineering build fell into the production line by mistake, please check if it's an engineering build
That would be a game changer, for people developing custom roms and gaming drivers for it
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Samsung claimed it was "a new change for the ease of our users" until I questioned it. It then became a software glitch. I don't know
twistedumbrella said:
Samsung claimed it was "a new change for the ease of our users" until I questioned it. It then became a software glitch. I don't know
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Ohhh yeah remember they are getting pooped on for disabling cameras if you unlock your bootloader LOL this is just fantastic
flairepathos.info said:
Ohhh yeah remember they are getting pooped on for disabling cameras if you unlock your bootloader LOL this is just fantastic
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That's the Fold, not the Flip.
twistedumbrella said:
That's the Fold, not the Flip.
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Click to collapse
Oh well XD
So Samsung support is a lot like Amazon. If it isn't in the FAQs, they attempt to make up an answer or connect you to someone else. Pretty sure I could have spent an hour getting help trying to make calls on my toaster if I sounded confident it's possible.
I was initially asked for my IMEI to answer the question. I asked how a device that just released would have an expired warranty, but was told it was to verify the device was new. After giving it, I was told about having the premium warranty...
This led to being told how the option was enabled as a new way to make things easier on the user. When asking why they enabled something that could potentially void my warranty, I was sent to someone else who claimed it was a glitch. When asking why the OEM unlock option was missing (which I later found has a time delay on newer devices), I was put on hold for 15 minutes.
I finally said I had somewhere to be and was told they were happy to have helped. I still don't know if it was part of the restore, but i'll be waiting the week to make sure OEM unlock appears before I go back to discuss a defective firmware.
I did a restore from my s21 Ultra and the developer options was not enabled. Also oem unlock was there from the first second I enabled it.
Interesting... I am torn between wiping to find out if that fixes it and trying to fix it first to end up wiping it anyway.

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