How to SIM unlock Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 (tested - works) - Updated: 7/2/13

[audit13]

Hi... Tmobile already locked my phone and when I try step one it says "No Carrier"... so how do I get around this?
Samsung Galaxy S4
4.4.4.
Thank You!!!

Unlocking the phone by using the dialler menu does not work on a rom above 4.1.1.

 

[jaddle]

This has been harder than I expected.. This is with a T-mobile S4 given by a friend after an upgrade. First of all, finding firmware that worked was a challenge. It finally seems to work with M919UVUFNB4_M919TMBFNB4_M919UVUFNB4_HOME.tar.md5 firmware, and the modem.bin from M919UVUAMDL_M919TMBAMDL_M919UVUAMDL_HOME.tar.md5.
Everything seemed fine then, I set SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[0], and then restored NV from backup, HOWEVER, when the phone reboots, it still asks for the pin! When I go back in the menu, I see SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[1]! So it looks like it's just not saving the setting for some reason.

At this point, I'm just about ready to give up and get a code, either from t-mobile or just paying for one, though I really hate that idea.

 

[x2bc4]

This is not the only method. You can try Samsung ToolPro Z3x before giving up.

 

[audit13]

To network unlock, try this: root the phone, flash the 4.2.2 modem, install an run regionlockaway, flash the latest stock ROM with Odin, insert a sim from another carrier.

 

[Atemple72]

I had to dial *#0011# to get to the service menu, then did the back, then do key input of Q1, then ok and then I got too the service mode, then I followed your steps but it didn't unlock it

 

[audit13]

The dialler unlock method only works on stock 4.1.1.

 

[sdfjkss]

The dialler unlock method only works on stock 4.1.1.

Hi, sorry could please upload the modem file link in dropbox for MDJ for the M919V.
I would download it but it requires premium membership. I would really appreciate it thanks a lot

 

[audit13]

I have never had the freedom mobile version of the s4.

Looks like the phone can be unlocked by flashing the 4.2.2 modem, root, run regionlockaway, flash back to latest stock ROM, and the phone should be sim unlocked.

 

[Eunice oj]

Please can this steps be applied on an SGH-M919?

 

[x2bc4]

Please can this steps be applied on an SGH-M919?

Yes. The instructions are still valid today.

 

[MastetKitty78]

The first step will not work.

When I type in the code to go to the menu, it does not work even when pressing the call button. I have not changed the ROM. The *#0011# works, but when I follow the steps (back, key input: 1, back) it will not work. Please help.

 

[mrrocketdog]

When I type in the code to go to the menu, it does not work even when pressing the call button. I have not changed the ROM. The *#0011# works, but when I follow the steps (back, key input: 1, back) it will not work. Please help.

after input "1". go back to input and try "Q0" (without quotation marks) wait a few seconds and should go to menu.
at least thats what worked for me.
post your results if u dont mind. i still havent unlocked my sgh-i337M.
good luck [emoji4]

 

[MastetKitty78]

after input "1". go back to input and try "Q0" (without quotation marks) wait a few seconds and should go to menu.
at least thats what worked for me.
post your results if u dont mind. i still havent unlocked my sgh-i337M.
good luck [emoji4]

I found a way to launch *#27663368378# with an app on the play store. (I am not sure if it needs root to launch it, but I doubt that it needs it) This is the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.shortcutmaster.lite
This is how to use the app (from another thread):

You can get all available secret codes in your device by using Shortcut Master app --> 'Secret Code Explorer' menu.

Unfortunately I do not have the option “PERSO SHA256 OFF” and I will have to find a workaround to unlock.

 

[mrrocketdog]

I found a way to launch *#27663368378# with an app on the play store. (I am not sure if it needs root to launch it, but I doubt that it needs it) This is the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.shortcutmaster.lite
This is how to use the app (from another thread):


Unfortunately I do not have the option “PERSO SHA256 OFF” and I will have to find a workaround to unlock.

same here. no perso sha256 off shows up. thanks for the links [emoji106]

 

[MastetKitty78]

same here. no perso sha256 off shows up. thanks for the links [emoji106]

No problem. Once I find the workaround, I will post it.

 

[mrrocketdog]

ty. i have only one "perso" when i go to that menu. still searching.

 

[MastetKitty78]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a long time lurker and benefited greatly from the postings here at xda.
So I'd like to contribute something back.

After trying many methods and reading all the posts in the various S4 forums, I finally found a way for SIM unlock that works for me.

I have tested it, and it works on my T-Mobile S4.

Credit to these posts:

• KaneHusky's post for the dialer code
• This thread on how to unlock
• chavxxx's post pointing to the right final step

FAQ:

• Is this for real? Does it really unlock?
  YES! Many people have tried it, and most people have successes.
  If you are having problems with the unlock process, please read the rest of the FAQ.
• Will this SIM unlock work on my model of Galaxy S4 that is not T-Mobile (SGH-M919)?
  This unlock has been tried on the T-Mobile (USA) version of the phone, if you're coming from any other model, YMMV, it might or might not work.
  That being said, many others have tried it on the AT&T model, and on the international I9505 with success.
• Do I need to be on stock rom?
  Yes, you need to be on stock rom for this to work.
  One of the main causes of failure to unlock is people not flashing back to stock rom first. The reason is the special dial codes only work on stock roms.
• Is the unlock permanent? Do the unlock last through reboot/reflash/etc.?
  Yes, the unlock is permanent.
  You can reflash a custom rom, or do anything you want to the phone, and the unlock will stay.
• In step 7, my phone is already "SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[0]", what should I do?
  Great, this is the setting you want.
  It means your phone already allows you to make some settings changes, it DOES NOT mean your phone is already unlocked.
  You should continue with the rest of the process until the last step.
• In step 14, backup missing.
  If the golden backup doesn't exist, try the work around found by GrndSers-Rcng:
  http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=43172004&postcount=292
• How do I know the unlock is successful?
  If your phone is not unlocked, when you put in an unauthorized SIM card, a dialog pops up on your phone asking you to enter the unlock code.
  If you're successful with this procedure, there would be no popup dialog asking for the unlock code when you put in any SIM card.

Here are the steps:

1. Goto phone dailer, and enter *#27663368378# for the debug service menu.
2. In "ServiceMode", select [1] UMTS
3. In "UMTS MAIN MENU", select [1] DEBUG SCREEN
4. In "DEBUG SCREEN", select [6] PHONE CONTROL
5. In "PHONE CONTROL", select [6] NETWORK LOCK
6. In "NETWORK LOCK", select [3] PERSO SHA256 OFF
   It should show:
   SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[1]
   SHA256_OFF => SHA256_ON
7. Now touch the first line SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[1]
   It should show:
   MENU NOT EXIST
   PRESS BACK KEY
   Current Command is 116631
8. Now press the menu button and select "Back"
   It should show:
   SHA256_ENABLED_FLAG[0]
   SHA256_OFF => Not Change
9. Again, press the menu button and select "Back", and you're back in the "NETWORK LOCK" screen
10. Press the menu button and select "Back", and you're in the "PHONE CONTROL" screen
11. Press the menu button and select "Back", and you're in the "DEBUG SCREEN" screen
12. Finally, press the menu button and select "Back", and you're back in the "UMTS MAIN MENU" screen
13. Select [6] COMMON
14. In "COMMON" screen, select [6] NV REBUILD
    Now you are in the "NV REBUILD" screen, you should see the following text:
    ------------------------------
    Golden-Backup exist
    You can Restore Cal/NV
    ------------------------------
15. Now for the final step.
    In "NV REBUILD" screen, select [4] Restore Back-up
    The button lights for menu and back should come on, and the phone will auto reboot in a few seconds.
    Note: chavxxx's post of selecting "[1] Load default NV" DID NOT work for me.

Congratulations, your phone is now unlocked.
Stick in a sim card from a different carrier and try it out.

Please post followups of your experience with this unlock method.

Thanks, and good luck!

Can you please specify the version of android you are using so maybe if you are lower than 4.4.4 when you did the SIM unlock, you can attach the .zip file of the stock ROM, so I can flash it and unlock it from there? I cannot find the PERSO SHA256 OFF because I am at 4.4.4 and it is probably patched. Thanks.

 

[mrrocketdog]

if your referring to @kaleido , he hasnt posted since feb. 2018.

 

[MastetKitty78]

Also, if anyone has the stock ROM with the PERSO SHA256 OFF option then don't hesitate and post the file at this thread.
Edit: I forgot to mention if anyone knows how to make the PERSO SHA256 OFF pop up at the secret menu, please post the answer. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 07:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 PM ----------

if your referring to @kaleido , he hasnt posted since feb. 2018.

I noticed that. If he ever decides to come back to XDA, we might get an answer from him.

 

[MastetKitty78]

According to this link, you can type in #0111*0000000# to do a SIM unlock. There are lots of other codes at the website which I have put a hyperlink in, for turning on “Auto SIM Lock” and much more. As we can see at #0111*0000000#, there is the 0011 which is obviously the secret menu, but I don’t know what the zeros are. I will look into this code if it really works later on the day.