[HOW TO] Update your PRL manually (EPIC 4G)

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Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
Check POST #2 for the newest PRL

Hi, some people requested me to do a guide of how to update MANUALLY your PRL in the Epic 4G..here it is.

USE THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK, I’m not responsible for your phone loosing reception, ending world hunger, finding the cure for AIDS, or your supervisor giving you a raise after updating your PRL


What you will need.

Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
Epic 4G
QPST 2.7 Build 323
A newer PRL
Your MSL\SPC
Micro USB cable
And as always… a hot GF to cheer you up..
Ohh and a Windows PC

FAQ

Who is this guide for?
-People with flashed phones who want to update to their latest carrier PRL.
-I have seen some custom ROMs with the “update” menu removed, this takes out the ability to update OTA the PRL.

Why?
Updating the PRL by using the Epic’s software will not work most of the cases if you have a flashed phone. According to wireless carriers is recommended to update the PRL at least once a month to have the better reception possible.

Whats a “PRL”?
The Preferred Roaming List, this file tells your phone which towers to connect to or in what order. If you have a 1 year old PRL and a new cell phone tower was just installed outside your house 2 months ago, is most likely your phone is not getting the best reception possible.

Whats the meaning of life?
21


GUIDE

Getting your SPC\MSL
There is many possible ways to get your MSL for your Epic 4g.

1. If you still a Sprint customer you can call Sprint and ask for the MSL of your Epic, this is the most easy way to get it but not all CS representatives will give you the code.

2. Search and install “ConnectBot” from the Android Market, open the app, in the small dropdown box on the bottom left that says “SSH”, click and select “local” instead and on the “nickname” box put “Android” and hit Enter. On the new black screen with the “$” type “getprop ril.MSL”, you will get your 6 digit code, if that doesn’t work, reboot the device and try again. If it still doesn’t work type only “getprop” in this case you will get a very large command output scroll up and down and look where it says {ril.MSL}: {xxxxxx} the 6 digit number is your MSL

3. By using ADB, send “adb shell getprop ril.MSL” or “adb shell getprop” if the 2nd command is used you will need to look for the {ril.MSL} output



Getting the latest X PRL
You are on your own here, but as for 03-23-11, the latest PRLs are

Sprint\Boost: 60677
Verizon: 52189
Metropcs: 2013
Cricket: ????
Alltel : ????

Depending on what carrier you are on, PRLs might be different depending on your localization, please research or google “latest x PRL”. The extension of the file is *.prl. Download and save it on your desktop. I have only attached the latest Sprint PRL
* please let me know if you have are aware of a newer PRL..thanks!!



Updating the PRL
Once you know your MSL, you need to download and install the program QPST 2.7 Build 323, it might be possible to use another version of the program but this guide was made using version 2.7 b323. QPST is not a paid program but is intended for developers, providers and maintenance technicians, according x-drivers.com the software is “freeware”.


1. google, download and install QPST 2.7 Build 323.
2. google, download and install the Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
2.5 Make sure your Epic is not USB debugging mode, to disable, go to settings>applications>development>uncheck USB debugging
3. On your Epic, with the touchscreen dialer, dial ##8778#, this will open the “PhoneUtil” hidden menu
4. Change on both the UART and the USB menus, to MODEM and hit home.
5. Connect your phone to your computer with the usb cable, select “charging” if the select USB mode menu opens.
6. Your computer will automatically install the modem drivers for your Epic wait until you see the “device is ready for use”
7. Open QPST Configurations. Start>All Programs> QPST> QPST Configuration.
8. Click on the “Ports” tab and “Add a new port”
9. Select the “COMXX – USB\QC Diagnostic” and click ok, in my case the port number was 10, your port number will be different, if you see more than one, disconnect all your external devices such as external HDDs, phones, Bluetooth dongles, ect. If you don’t see a port. Disconnect your phone, restart your computer, connect your phone and try again, you might want to remember your Epic’s port number for future use.
10. Click “Start Clients” on the top of the program and open Service programming.
11. On the new Phone Selection windows you should see one active phone that starts with FFA6550-ZRF6500, select it and click ok.
12. Click “Read from the phone” and enter your 6-digit MSL code
13. Click on the “Roam” tab and click the “Browse…” button, here you will need to browse for the PRL you downloaded earlier, select it and open it.
14. Click “Write to Phone”
15. Your Epic will reboot and you can close all the programs now. On your phone go to settings>about phone>status> and make sure the PRL version matches the PRL number you downloaded, if yes, Congratulations you all done!!
16. Don’t forget to change back the USB settings ONLY back to PDA on the ##8778# menu



SPECIAL NOTES
For Sprint: As you might know, Sprint users can roam to Verizon’s network. if you are on a crappy Sprint coverage but a better Verizon one, you might want to try and upload a Verizon PRL to your phone, please be aware that Sprint might end your contract if roam a lot, such cases are not rare. Sprint might also charge you for roaming.. I have never heard of such cases but you might be the first one.
UPDATE: USERS HAVE SUGGESTED TO USE THE APP "ROAM CONTROL"
NOTE!!!!! SPRINT ALREADY TERMINATED THE CONTRACT OF A XDA USER FOR "ROAMING A LOT"
..supposedly, no ETF is charged..hint hint..wink wink..


For Metropcs\Cricket: Make sure you have downloaded the latest EVDO\1x PRL for metro, Metropcs uses AWS in New York and Las Vegas. You don’t want the AWS (non-EVDO) PRL in your Epic because you wont get any signal.

For ALL users: You might not notice any changes if you update your PRL and no new towers were installed or upgraded in your area.

new PRL: 60675 in second post
60676 now out too
60677 03-23-11


Donations??check out my blog!!
http://oursyntheticworld.blogspot.com/
 
Last edited:

robmelko

Member
Dec 19, 2008
10
1
when I press ##8778# I dont get the menu. Running Ext4 midnight rom v2.4. am I doin something wrong?
 

blu9987

Senior Member
Oct 12, 2010
366
59
I can't get my phone to be recognized by PC with usb set to modem. It installed drivers fine but adb devices shows nothing and in QPST config it doesnt show any usb ports. Also If I update to a verizon PRL will it still connect to sprint towers or solely verizon?
 
Last edited:

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
when I press ##8778# I dont get the menu. Running Ext4 midnight rom v2.4. am I doin something wrong?


check with your dev if the "HiddenMenu.apk" was removed from /system/app/
you also need the following directory /data/data/com.android.hiddenmenu/

those files are needed to open phone utility menu

thanks.
 

synnmox

Member
Jul 20, 2010
19
6
when I press ##8778# I dont get the menu. Running Ext4 midnight rom v2.4. am I doin something wrong?

Thats because of your rom... an alternate method to using that menu is to do this...
-Make sure you have the standard Epic 4g device drivers installed.

-Plug in your phone to your computer. When prompted to choose between "Charging", "mass storage", and "tethered modem", choose "tethered modem"... then choose "3g modem".
... your computer will then see it on a COM port.
 

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
I can't get my phone to be recognized by PC with usb set to modem. It installed drivers fine but adb devices shows nothing and in QPST config it doesnt show any usb ports


When setting up USB to MODEM mode, your phone will show up in the device manager under Ports (COM & LPT) as “Samsung Mobile Diagnostic Serial Port (WDM)” and NOT as an adb device.

Which windows version are you using? Did you tried disconnecting your phone and restarting both your phone and your computer?
 

blu9987

Senior Member
Oct 12, 2010
366
59
When setting up USB to MODEM mode, your phone will show up in the device manager under Ports (COM & LPT) as “Samsung Mobile Diagnostic Serial Port (WDM)” and NOT as an adb device.

Which windows version are you using? Did you tried disconnecting your phone and restarting both your phone and your computer?

I restarted, reinstalled samsung drivers, and this is what I get
Also: Windows 7 64-bit
EDIT:
re-doing pic, removed the info after device ID incase it identifies me somehow :p
2wresnt.png
 
Last edited:

swanysto

Senior Member
Nov 13, 2010
114
5
I get to the step before Service Programming, than I see a phone number that is not mine under the phone, but the FFA code is identical to yours. Is that supposed to be the case?

Oh, and it didn't ask me for my MSL code when I clicked service programming. Unless I am supposed to put it in under the settings tab < codes < service programming.....
 
Last edited:

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
Also If I update to a verizon PRL will it still connect to sprint towers or solely verizon?

verizon towers will be preferred. If you go to a zone where there is no verizon coverage it will "roam" into Sprint towers..

Sprint and Verizon Wireless have a reciprocal data roaming agreement.
 

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
I restarted, reinstalled samsung drivers, and this is what I get
Also: Windows 7 64-bit
EDIT:
re-doing pic, removed the info after device ID incase it identifies me somehow :p
2wresnt.png

uncheck "USB debugging" in the settings>applications> development> munu in your epic.

COM4 is your Epic's modem port, try adding COM4 even though it says "unknown" and enable it if its disabled in the "Ports" tab.

if it still says no "no phone" restart your computer..
I have successfully manually updated my prl in windows 7 64 but and windows xp pro 32 bit
 

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
I get to the step before Service Programming, than I see a phone number that is not mine under the phone, but the FFA code is identical to yours. Is that supposed to be the case?

Oh, and it didn't ask me for my MSL code when I clicked service programming. Unless I am supposed to put it in under the settings tab < codes < service programming.....


the phone number that you see there is really your "MIN" not your phone number..dont worry about it :)

the "FFA code" is identical in all Epics..I believe this is the type of qualcomm chip inside all Epic's

your MSL will be asked after you click "Read from Phone" in the service programming online window
 
Last edited:

blu9987

Senior Member
Oct 12, 2010
366
59
uncheck "USB debugging" in the settings>applications> development> munu in your epic.

COM4 is your Epic's modem port, try adding COM4 even though it says "unknown" and enable it if its disabled in the "Ports" tab.

if it still says no "no phone" restart your computer..
I have successfully manually updated my prl in windows 7 64 but and windows xp pro 32 bit

I got it to work by adding com4 even though it was unknown, once I added it the phone showed up correctly.
Thanks :)
 
Is a PRL file the same across different phone OS's? I would like to check out various PRL's on my phone, not just the newest. I had really good luck with 60659 on my TP2 (WinMo). Would that "work" on my Epic? Not asking if it would be better, just asking if its the same file format.

If so, is there any site that has different PRLs for different carriers?

Thanks
 

DiGi760

Senior Member
Nov 7, 2010
641
83
So I was playing the the options for getting my PRL and I noticed that I get a different number when doing "getprop ril.MSL" than I get when looking at the prl through settings. However, prl.MSL matches the prl in settings. They are both six digit numbers, and my prl is 60671, but ril is very different. What is ril?
 

flyers2114

Senior Member
Jan 23, 2008
1,282
177
MI
So I was playing the the options for getting my PRL and I noticed that I get a different number when doing "getprop ril.MSL" than I get when looking at the prl through settings. However, prl.MSL matches the prl in settings. They are both six digit numbers, and my prl is 60671, but ril is very different. What is ril?

that is your MSL....
 

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
Is a PRL file the same across different phone OS's? I would like to check out various PRL's on my phone, not just the newest. I had really good luck with 60659 on my TP2 (WinMo). Would that "work" on my Epic? Not asking if it would be better, just asking if its the same file format.

If so, is there any site that has different PRLs for different carriers?

Thanks
1. yes
2. yes..if you extract the PRL from your TP2 and upload it to your Epic it will work
3. http://www.corolada.com/prl/ , but they have reeeeeaaaaaaaally old prl's..thats the only website that I know


all phones use the same type of file xxx.prl...all have the same extension and compatible with all phones
 

Leviuqse

Senior Member
Mar 26, 2010
239
89
So I was playing the the options for getting my PRL and I noticed that I get a different number when doing "getprop ril.MSL" than I get when looking at the prl through settings. However, prl.MSL matches the prl in settings. They are both six digit numbers, and my prl is 60671, but ril is very different. What is ril?

that is your MSL....
what he said..
"getprop ril.MSL" will get your MSL..your MSL is your unique 6-digit code to reprogram your phone
 
Figured I'd post my experience with this.

Worked ok and I updated my PRL to 60659. Worked fine. Couple of side notes. You need to uncheck USB debugging in <Settings><Applications><Development> on the phone. Also, when adding the new port in step 9 you need to make sure you uncheck "Show Serial and USB/QC Diagnostic ports only". My computer showed COM3, COM6 and COM7. I added each. Only COM6 showed as having a phone so I deleted the others.

In the end, my reception didn't seem any better with my former favorite PRL, 60659 so I went ahead and used the regular phone process to update the PRL and it did so back to 60674. I am using Midnight ROM v2.3 EXT4.

Now I know how to do it if I decide to.
 
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  • 32
    Check POST #2 for the newest PRL

    Hi, some people requested me to do a guide of how to update MANUALLY your PRL in the Epic 4G..here it is.

    USE THIS GUIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK, I’m not responsible for your phone loosing reception, ending world hunger, finding the cure for AIDS, or your supervisor giving you a raise after updating your PRL


    What you will need.

    Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
    Epic 4G
    QPST 2.7 Build 323
    A newer PRL
    Your MSL\SPC
    Micro USB cable
    And as always… a hot GF to cheer you up..
    Ohh and a Windows PC

    FAQ

    Who is this guide for?
    -People with flashed phones who want to update to their latest carrier PRL.
    -I have seen some custom ROMs with the “update” menu removed, this takes out the ability to update OTA the PRL.

    Why?
    Updating the PRL by using the Epic’s software will not work most of the cases if you have a flashed phone. According to wireless carriers is recommended to update the PRL at least once a month to have the better reception possible.

    Whats a “PRL”?
    The Preferred Roaming List, this file tells your phone which towers to connect to or in what order. If you have a 1 year old PRL and a new cell phone tower was just installed outside your house 2 months ago, is most likely your phone is not getting the best reception possible.

    Whats the meaning of life?
    21


    GUIDE

    Getting your SPC\MSL
    There is many possible ways to get your MSL for your Epic 4g.

    1. If you still a Sprint customer you can call Sprint and ask for the MSL of your Epic, this is the most easy way to get it but not all CS representatives will give you the code.

    2. Search and install “ConnectBot” from the Android Market, open the app, in the small dropdown box on the bottom left that says “SSH”, click and select “local” instead and on the “nickname” box put “Android” and hit Enter. On the new black screen with the “$” type “getprop ril.MSL”, you will get your 6 digit code, if that doesn’t work, reboot the device and try again. If it still doesn’t work type only “getprop” in this case you will get a very large command output scroll up and down and look where it says {ril.MSL}: {xxxxxx} the 6 digit number is your MSL

    3. By using ADB, send “adb shell getprop ril.MSL” or “adb shell getprop” if the 2nd command is used you will need to look for the {ril.MSL} output



    Getting the latest X PRL
    You are on your own here, but as for 03-23-11, the latest PRLs are

    Sprint\Boost: 60677
    Verizon: 52189
    Metropcs: 2013
    Cricket: ????
    Alltel : ????

    Depending on what carrier you are on, PRLs might be different depending on your localization, please research or google “latest x PRL”. The extension of the file is *.prl. Download and save it on your desktop. I have only attached the latest Sprint PRL
    * please let me know if you have are aware of a newer PRL..thanks!!



    Updating the PRL
    Once you know your MSL, you need to download and install the program QPST 2.7 Build 323, it might be possible to use another version of the program but this guide was made using version 2.7 b323. QPST is not a paid program but is intended for developers, providers and maintenance technicians, according x-drivers.com the software is “freeware”.


    1. google, download and install QPST 2.7 Build 323.
    2. google, download and install the Samsung Galaxy S Drivers
    2.5 Make sure your Epic is not USB debugging mode, to disable, go to settings>applications>development>uncheck USB debugging
    3. On your Epic, with the touchscreen dialer, dial ##8778#, this will open the “PhoneUtil” hidden menu
    4. Change on both the UART and the USB menus, to MODEM and hit home.
    5. Connect your phone to your computer with the usb cable, select “charging” if the select USB mode menu opens.
    6. Your computer will automatically install the modem drivers for your Epic wait until you see the “device is ready for use”
    7. Open QPST Configurations. Start>All Programs> QPST> QPST Configuration.
    8. Click on the “Ports” tab and “Add a new port”
    9. Select the “COMXX – USB\QC Diagnostic” and click ok, in my case the port number was 10, your port number will be different, if you see more than one, disconnect all your external devices such as external HDDs, phones, Bluetooth dongles, ect. If you don’t see a port. Disconnect your phone, restart your computer, connect your phone and try again, you might want to remember your Epic’s port number for future use.
    10. Click “Start Clients” on the top of the program and open Service programming.
    11. On the new Phone Selection windows you should see one active phone that starts with FFA6550-ZRF6500, select it and click ok.
    12. Click “Read from the phone” and enter your 6-digit MSL code
    13. Click on the “Roam” tab and click the “Browse…” button, here you will need to browse for the PRL you downloaded earlier, select it and open it.
    14. Click “Write to Phone”
    15. Your Epic will reboot and you can close all the programs now. On your phone go to settings>about phone>status> and make sure the PRL version matches the PRL number you downloaded, if yes, Congratulations you all done!!
    16. Don’t forget to change back the USB settings ONLY back to PDA on the ##8778# menu



    SPECIAL NOTES
    For Sprint: As you might know, Sprint users can roam to Verizon’s network. if you are on a crappy Sprint coverage but a better Verizon one, you might want to try and upload a Verizon PRL to your phone, please be aware that Sprint might end your contract if roam a lot, such cases are not rare. Sprint might also charge you for roaming.. I have never heard of such cases but you might be the first one.
    UPDATE: USERS HAVE SUGGESTED TO USE THE APP "ROAM CONTROL"
    NOTE!!!!! SPRINT ALREADY TERMINATED THE CONTRACT OF A XDA USER FOR "ROAMING A LOT"
    ..supposedly, no ETF is charged..hint hint..wink wink..


    For Metropcs\Cricket: Make sure you have downloaded the latest EVDO\1x PRL for metro, Metropcs uses AWS in New York and Las Vegas. You don’t want the AWS (non-EVDO) PRL in your Epic because you wont get any signal.

    For ALL users: You might not notice any changes if you update your PRL and no new towers were installed or upgraded in your area.

    new PRL: 60675 in second post
    60676 now out too
    60677 03-23-11


    Donations??check out my blog!!
    http://oursyntheticworld.blogspot.com/
    8
    60675
    60676
    60677


    having really slow data speeds one day and really fast the next day?

    READ THIS
    http://newsroom.sprint.com/press_kits.cfm?presskit_id=19
    8
    I am on Midnight Rom 5 and I just updated to Prl 60677!!!

    Just follow the OP instructions and download the attached prl. It is just that simple. Just remember you have to rest your computer in order for the computer to see you phone com port. Good luck with changing to the newest prl and please don't forget to thank the op and myself for posting the newest prl.:D
    3
    What about that elusive new hard to find one that's like 11104 or something!?!?

    Anyhow I have 79 also

    Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

    Attached the 11114.prl file, zipped up. Enjoy! :)
    3
    Just follow the OP instructions and download the attached prl. It is just that simple. Just remember you have to rest your computer in order for the computer to see you phone com port. Good luck with changing to the newest prl and please don't forget to thank the op and myself for posting the newest prl.:D

    you just got one more "thanks"...lol

    anyways..1st post updated, last 3 PRLs in 2nd post..