[REF] How to unlock SGS 4G or Vibrant 4G (IMEI Problems fixed)[Updated 11-19-11]

dagentooboy · Apr 9, 2011

PLEASE KEEP POSTS ON TOPIC.

This method works on my Vibrant 4G. Please email me if it doesn't work on your Vibrant 4G or SGS 4G.

PRO App also works on Vibrant 4G/SGS 4G for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable with a hex editor

Please note the same information used to develop the app is in the guide for free... the app just makes it easier

ALL METHODS FOR NEWER PHONES REQUIRE ROOT... PLEASE GO GET ROOT ON YOUR PHONE AND THEN COME BACK.

Oh and BTW... I cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to your phone.... EVER!

Before you start... if you don't have root you WILL need it.

tooter1 reports an alternate method. Please tell me if this works for you.

BTW please note the importance of a BACKUP!!!!

tooter1 said:
My UPDATE:

I did just like the OP stated and, it messed up my IMEI number. Glad I had a backup of the file.

So I went back into the HEX editor (I used HxD editor) and looked where I did the the change and noticed to the right side there were a series of numbers that started at row 41460 and ended on row 41470.

It was an 8 digit series started with 75 ending in 13, something like this 75382313. I was sure it had something to do with the unlock code but, didn't have a different SIM to check.

I sold the phone and, the guy said he had to get it unlocked so he could use it with O2 network (I think).

I text him later that day to ask if he got the phone unlocked, he said no, the place wanted $45 to SIM unlock it.

I told him to try the number listed above and it "SIM UNLOCKED" the phone. He called me back and thanked me many times for saving him $45.

Hope this helps someone else and not mess with the IMEI number!!!!

IMEI Restore Method
All you need to do is restore your backup nv_data.bin and delete the md5. Even the unlocked file will work as long as you delete the .md5

Code:

su
cp /sdcard/nv_data.bin /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin.md5

Step 1. - Retrieve nv_data.bin file
Check locks... go to phone and enter *#7465625#

use "adb shell" or a terminal emulator to get a terminal prompt and run the following commands

Code:

su
cat /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin >> /sdcard/nv_data.bin

Step 2. - Edit nv_data.bin file
mount the internal SD Card on your computer
make a backup copy of the nv_data.bin file on your computer
using your favorite HEX editor open the nv_data.bin on the sdcard
jump to address 0x1469

you should see a string like this
ff ff 01 00 00 00 00
there are 5 different types of locks in 5 different bytes
the FF bytes should be left alone
the first byte after the FF is the network lock
the next byte is the network subset lock
the next byte is the sp lock
the next byte is the cp lock
the last byte appears to be a data lock.
Change any 0x01 to 0x00 (or 0x00 to 0x01 to lock for warranty)
save and close file
unmount SD Card

Step 3. - Replace nv_data.bin file
I want to say it again so no one misses it MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR NV_DATA.BIN FILE BEFORE YOU CONTINUE!!!!!

use "adb shell" or a terminal emulator to get a terminal prompt and run the following commands

Code:

su
rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
cat /sdcard/nv_data.bin >> /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin.md5
chmod 755 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
chown radio.radio /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin || chown 1001.1001 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
reboot

your phone is now unlocked... enjoy

[OPTIONAL] Use the PRO app [OPTIONAL]
Please note that this step is ONLY here for people that are not comfortable using a Hex editor.
Search "Vibrant unlock" in the market or scan the QR code:

Install and run app
press menu
press Unlock Phone
Select phone
allow root
at this point if you get an error code make SURE you mount your internal SD card on your computer and backup the nv_data.bin.orig file that is there.
press unlock
restart and your phone is now unlocked

to lock your phone for warranty
press lock instead of unlock
restart your phone, remove root, and take your phone in for warranty

To restore your IMEI try this.....

Code:

su
rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
busybox cp /sdcard/nv_data.bin.orig /efs/root/afs/settings/
rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin.md5
chmod 755 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
chown radio.radio /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin || chown 1001.1001 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin
reboot

LEGAL NOTES (because information should be free for all):
YOU MAY NOT, BY ANY MEANS, USE THIS SOLUTION/CODE OR PART OF IT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
DO NOT USE THIS EXTRACTION METHOD COMMERCIALLY

PLEASE give credit (and donations if you can) to everyone listed on the original thread here
For those of you that have donated THANKS! (You know who you are...)

kamasi36 · Apr 10, 2011

dagentooboy said:
This method works on my Vibrant 4G. Please email me if it doesn't work on your Vibrant 4G or SGS 4G.

NEW - PRO app should unlock any version of SGS for $5

Please note the same information used to develop the app is in the guide for free... the app just makes it easier

ALL METHODS FOR NEWER PHONES REQUIRE ROOT... PLEASE GO GET ROOT ON YOUR PHONE AND THEN COME BACK.

Oh and BTW... I cannot be held responsible for anything that happens to your phone.... EVER!

Before you start... if you don't have root you WILL need it.

Step 1. – Download PRO app (optional)
Check locks... go to phone and enter *#7465625#

Search "Vibrant unlock pro" in the market or scan the QR code:

Install and run app
press menu
press Unlock Phone
Select Phone
allow root
at this point if you get an error code make SURE you mount your internal SD card on your computer and backup the nv_data.bin.orig file that is there.
press unlock
restart and your phone is now unlocked

to lock your phone for warranty
press lock instead of unlock
restart your phone, remove root, and take your phone in for warranty

Step 2. - Retrieve nv_data.bin file
use "adb shell" or a terminal emulator to get a terminal prompt and run the following commands

Code:

su cat /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin >> /sdcard/nv_data.bin

Step 3. - Edit nv_data.bin file
mount the internal SD Card on your computer
make a backup copy of the nv_data.bin file on your computer
using your favorite HEX editor open the nv_data.bin on the sdcard
jump to address 0x1469

you should see a string like this
ff ff 01 00 00 00 00
there are 5 different types of locks in 5 different bytes
the FF bytes should be left alone
the first byte after the FF is the network lock
the next byte is the network subset lock
the next byte is the sp lock
the next byte is the cp lock
the last byte appears to be a data lock.
Change any 0x01 to 0x00 (or 0x00 to 0x01 to lock for warranty)
save and close file
unmount SD Card

Step 4. - Replace nv_data.bin file
I want to say it again so no one misses it MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BACKUP OF YOUR NV_DATA.BIN FILE BEFORE YOU CONTINUE!!!!!

use "adb shell" or a terminal emulator to get a terminal prompt and run the following commands

Code:

su rm /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin cat /sdcard/nv_data.bin >> /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin chmod 755 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin chown radio.radio /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin || chown 1001.1001 /efs/root/afs/settings/nv_data.bin reboot

your phone is now unlocked... enjoy

LEGAL NOTES (because information should be free for all):
YOU MAY NOT, BY ANY MEANS, USE THIS SOLUTION/CODE OR PART OF IT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
DO NOT USE THIS EXTRACTION METHOD COMMERCIALLY

PLEASE give credit (and donations if you can) to everyone listed on the original thread here
For those of you that have donated THANKS! (You know who you are... you paid for my developer account so I could post the app)

It said it worked when I ran the program but I have no way of knowing because I don't have a ATT sim to check. I thought unlock required to enter in a 8 digit number? Never mind. It works. Just put in a chip and it recognized the number in about phone. It was boost mobile though so i could not call. Should work fine ATT takes over Tmobile.

matt310 · Apr 10, 2011

^ Did you unlock this will running CM7? Can you do me a favor and check to see if your IMEI changed at all?

Menu->Settings->About Phone->Status->IMEI

Thanks.

dagentooboy · Apr 10, 2011

matt310 said:
^ Did you unlock this will running CM7? Can you do me a favor and check to see if your IMEI changed at all?

Menu->Settings->About Phone->Status->IMEI

Thanks.

I haven't seen anything about CM7 on the Vibrant 4G..... I will search and see if I can test it.

ashshlay · Apr 10, 2011

Can anyone confirm if this device supports At&t 3g after being unlocked like the vibrant does? I know out didn't list the bands but neither did the vibrant...
That would future proof this device for tmo customers as far as hspa is concerned.

rhcp011235 · Apr 12, 2011

I love how all the orig credits were removed. Gotta love open source thieves

maktucali · Apr 12, 2011

There is another thread about unlocking the sgs4g. It was free just get hex editor trial. Thats what I did. My phone is unlocked.

Mr. Clown · Apr 12, 2011

There is a thread where you can offer a paid software

. Please post there.

http://xdaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=993.

Thread closed.

Mr. Clown · May 1, 2011

Thread re-open since the OP will release a free version for xda members.

dagentooboy · May 2, 2011

Thread has been re-written to conform to forum rules. All credits are still listed in the linked thread.

I want to make sure it is clear. ALL the information used to make the app is in the guide. If you are comfortable with a hex editor please use the guide. Let's keep this thread for questions about unlocking the Vibrant/SGS 4G.

Serious_Beans · May 8, 2011

The code doesn't work. Says invalid mmi code.

dagentooboy · May 9, 2011

Serious_Beans said:
The code doesn't work. Says invalid mmi code.

What code? I am not sure what you are talking about.

badboy68 · May 9, 2011

I got the pro version from the market. Works

Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

joedeveloper · May 9, 2011

I followed the guide about two weeks ago to unlock my father in law's SGS4G which he had just bought used. He was able to put his AT&T SIM in and it recognized it and worked flawlessly on AT&T 3G.

Only issue he had was with the GPS, he wasn't happen with how long it took to lock via GPS only, and location based services helped but he said the dot moved off the make... TL;DR but he was happen with it being unlocked and working great on AT&T.

dagentooboy · May 10, 2011

joedeveloper said:
I followed the guide about two weeks ago to unlock my father in law's SGS4G which he had just bought used. He was able to put his AT&T SIM in and it recognized it and worked flawlessly on AT&T 3G.

Only issue he had was with the GPS, he wasn't happen with how long it took to lock via GPS only, and location based services helped but he said the dot moved off the make... TL;DR but he was happen with it being unlocked and working great on AT&T.

I am not sure what could cause GPS problems. Except that Samsung Galaxy S phones have been plagued with GPS problems since day one. Let me know if you figure out a fix.

elry567 · May 10, 2011

I unlocked mine just yesterday anf gps actually locked pretty fast playing with maps and nav

Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

dagentooboy · May 11, 2011

elry567 said:
I unlocked mine just yesterday anf gps actually locked pretty fast playing with maps and nav

Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA Premium App

Maybe KD1 has some GPS fixes in it? Mine seems to work fine too.

chris071404 · May 12, 2011

I remember with my old Vibrant, I had an issue trying to unlock where the IMEI number changed and it messed up the available apps in the market. Will the unlock app jack with that?

dagentooboy · May 13, 2011

chris071404 said:
I remember with my old Vibrant, I had an issue trying to unlock where the IMEI number changed and it messed up the available apps in the market. Will the unlock app jack with that?

So far I haven't heard of anyone having that problem... if something does happen... well that's why we make backups

umarali · May 19, 2011

awesomeness...

so simple...
just followed every step closely and now i have network lock off phone...
thanks alot...

[REF] How to unlock SGS 4G or Vibrant 4G (IMEI Problems fixed)[Updated 11-19-11]

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