I was given one of these phones which is carrier locked to Telus in Canada.
It's not much different to any small Android phone but I was interested if I can 1) Root it and 2) Unlock the Carrier.
I suppose the easiest way to unlock the SIM is just purchase an unlock code but I did find some info on actually editing an XML file to remove carrier lock.
The first issue seems to be root and looking everywhere you then find the usual sites that direct you to pop up city with thousands of pop ups and "this can only be done using a Windows PC " etc.
One program was unlockfree which I installed on my daughters Windows machine (just before I wiped it and rebuilt it), this installed all sorts of junk on the machine as expected and was clearly just a way of infecting the machine with downloaders etc.
I also tried Root_with_Restore_by_Bin4ry which went through the stages but wouldn't root the phone - fortunately with this program I could run it through Linux with my existing adb set up.
Rummaging through adb web site itself I noticed Samsung_Quick_Root but this had possible issues and looked like it needed a Windows program first.
I then stumbled across Poot- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2204259
You download the APK, I then used ES File Explorer to install this onto the machine, it installs Ministro Library (which appears to be a way of Poot accessing some external files ?).
Anyway, I followed the instructions and rebooted - SU check confirms I have root.
I did install Rom Manager and SU checker earlier and these all said root was not running, now they both say root is OK.
It appears the phone has CWM installed as when I ran Rom Manager it asks me to set up recovery options, the first one says the phones not supported so I chose the 2nd one, I chose the option to say my phone wasn't on the list and it asked me to chose CWM 2.x or 3.x so I picked 3.x. It then refreshed to show the current recovery option is ClockworkMod 5.X.X (right hand image) so I assume this means there is a newer version already installed in the phone ?
Poot shows Root access, as does Root checker (Right hand image)
So at the moment I have root access and CWM so I can take a full backup in case I mess things up.
Some key presses that were handy, power down the phone then hold Volume +, Home and Power - the phone will buzz and you see the Samsung name appear, release the keys.
This takes you into a menu where you can factory erase the phone if you need.
My old cellphone got cracked, so I got a new phone since it was reasonably priced. ( this one. ) A shame, but it seems that only 'high end' devices for the rich get all the development support mostly. So there doesn't seem to be much out there for this phone.
ReplyDeleteDid you ever get this phone unlocked for free? I had to end up paying money to unlock mine to fido. )=
I've never heard of poot, it's cool that you found it. I spent hours trying to find a root tool originally for this phone, but then found unlock free I believe. I except unchecked the advanced options so it wouldn't install anything except for unlock free. Just a way of them getting money I guess in any way, so they support some malicious crapware that gives them money for doing so.
This phone was so close to having cyanogenmod on it, but unfortunately development stopped & such. You can overclock this phone apparently as well. Overall I'm quite happy with this phone.
One thing you should watch out for & NEED to do though that I did for mine:
Install 'exposed' & then head over to modules and install the 'master key patch'. This protects you against hackers & the such.
If you search on google what a 'master key exploit' is, then you'll find out how big of a security hole this is for this phone, or any phone. I actually got some sort of virus on mine, and it slowed it down considerably, and then started closing and restarting applications on my notification bar, as well as applications that were open freezing, or force closing. My entire phone would sometimes seize up, and not respond to even physical button presses.
You need to install 'dr web v7 trial' from the play store next, and see if the 'master key exploit' comes up under 'vulnerbilities'. If it's still there, then you need to put a checkmark on the 'master key patch' in exposed. Or, you can install the bluebox security from the google play store too to see if you are protected as well. If it says that your're protected from it, then all is well. =)
Cheers mate ^_^
I'll try them, good advice.
DeleteI just play on this phone every now and then, I've set myself a challenge to find a way to unlock the network provider - I thought I had located the 8 digit network lock the other day so I'm getting close, then other things take priority so it goes on the back burner.
Will try those files though and check for the exploit.
I've developed the first custom ROM for this phone. It is rooted, busy box installed, and over clocked. I have also available 3 versions of stock with out without root and with or without over clock. Find them on xda http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2673097
ReplyDeleteI installed the stock rooted ROM, very easy.
DeleteCWM was installed with Odin as per the instructions on the forum, it installed in moments.
Then a quick back up with CWM and install the ROM, all this took about 20 minutes.
Looks very good, just need to resolve the dreaded Telus network lock now and it will be 100% done.
Rom looks an excellent job, booted nice and quick, Top piece of Rom work !
Hi, I have a samsung sgh-s730m in English but this way there will urge Spanish.
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ReplyDeleteHello; I was not successful to have a paid unlock Samsung SGH-S730M by code. Still waiting for a refund... What is the name of this XML file? And where do I find the unlock info within? It sounds very interesting. Many thanks. Best regards.
ReplyDelete