Straight Talk SGS2- SGH-S959G

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marduk191

Senior Member
Aug 23, 2012
131
95
marduk191.blogspot.com
Was there a later OTA on the factory firmware that changed the way this works for network/sim unlocks?

I'm asking because I got one of these a couple of days ago and have tried on the stock ROM, CM10.1.3, and the latest omni, using the information in the OP, and have been unsuccessful so far. It reads the password as a bunch of diamonds with question marks and shows that it is in the same locked state after using the first network unlock method. The second unlock method shows up as incompatible with the device when I go to the playstore.

The APNs show up, and it scans for ATT and US networks, but none of them will connect (using an ATT sim card). Flashing any modem other than the stock one simply leaves it with a blank APN list. If you need more information then I can post it. Feel free to point out any mistakes I might have made or information I missed .
 

razen_kain

Senior Member
Jan 28, 2013
2,563
2,484
Carthage
Was there a later OTA on the factory firmware that changed the way this works for network/sim unlocks?

I'm asking because I got one of these a couple of days ago and have tried on the stock ROM, CM10.1.3, and the latest omni, using the information in the OP, and have been unsuccessful so far. It reads the password as a bunch of diamonds with question marks and shows that it is in the same locked state after using the first network unlock method. The second unlock method shows up as incompatible with the device when I go to the playstore.

The APNs show up, and it scans for ATT and US networks, but none of them will connect (using an ATT sim card). Flashing any modem other than the stock one simply leaves it with a blank APN list. If you need more information then I can post it. Feel free to point out any mistakes I might have made or information I missed .

I don't believe this phone has ever had an ota update

Sent from my SGH-S959G
 
I got my replacement phone back a couple days ago I must say ST does replace these very easily 2nd one so far. Just been runnning stock for a few days phone works great they sent a brand new one not a reconditioned one like the last one ones. My question is there a differeance anyone has noticed between the gray model and the black model? Just asking someone with the gray phone to confirm all is good in following OP like it was with the black older model.
 
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yaakovg

Member
Nov 22, 2012
16
4
Unlock Straight Talk SGH-S959G (really!)

I NOR ANYONE ELSE BUT YOURSELF IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSS, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY RESULTS FROM FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS, OR USING ANYTHING FOUND ON THIS PAGE ----USE AT YOUR OWN RISK----


CONSIDER THIS THE ONLY VALID POST IN THIS THREAD- EVERYTHING AFTER THIS POST COULD BE INCORRECT
If your using the information on this page please remember to HIT THE THANKS BUTTON.

THIS IS ONLY FOR THE STRAIGHT TALK S2 MODEL# SGH-S959G...... NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANY OTHER PHONE.

....snip....

I wanted to unlock my SGH-S959G for international use without running a new kernel (yet!).
Instructions that Mr-Cook provided on the OP page are terse, but they do work. Here are the steps that I took (and more details are found on the OP page):
Install CWM recovery using Odin
Copy "root zip" AND a new modem (I used I777UCLL6_modem.zip) to external SD card using USB file transfer mode.
boot into CWM recovery (three finger grab and hold) and install "root zip" and modem via CWM recovery. Note, the volume keys move up and down on the menu. The power key does a select.
reboot the phone
Install busybox from play store.
Get GalaxySimUnlock (find on XDA if your can't get it from Google Play).
Grant SU priviliges to GalaxySimUnlock and unlock your phone (make backup of EFS). You can (should!) save that backup onto your PC (find it on external SDCard under directory GalaxySimUnlock.
ST sim should still work, and others too (I checked an old T-mobile Sim and didn't get a sim locked message) but won't be able to verify all is OK until I go overseas where I plan to get a sim card for local use.

Thank you Mr Cook and author of GalaxySimLock
 
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Stormalistic

Member
Dec 15, 2013
11
2
CWM- Odin

THE BEST WAY TO ROOT / OR FLASH A CUSTOM ROM -
Install CWM RECOVERY using ODIN, make a BACKUP, then flash the ROOT ZIP in CWM RECOVERY.
- CWM RECOVERY v6.0.2.7 (ODIN flash) Thanks to r00t4rd3d- http://d-h.st/Id6
- Make a backup with CWM before going any further. Boot into recovery, select backup/ restore, backup.
- Root Zip- flash zip through CWM thanks to cynnar- http://www.mediafire.com/?s6icdw9gxaa30b2
Mirror- www.4shared.com/zip/CH4NxvxF/SGHS959GRoot.html
-You will need to install busybox from the market if staying on stock+ root.
- PhilZ CWM v6.0.2.7 If you will be using a Siyah based kernel ( AJK Kernel ), or would like the extra options in CWM flash this- View attachment 1703135

okay when i start and have my phone in usb mode and still on the ID:COM is yellow. but when i go to put my phone in download mode it doesnt show any color at all not yellow and not green so the first part of this root never works for me. Not sure what im doing wrong if i could get some help id appreciate it.

UPDATE thanks to razen kane i was told i needed a new cwm tar file can anyone link?
 
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razen_kain

Senior Member
Jan 28, 2013
2,563
2,484
Carthage
okay when i start and have my phone in usb mode and still on the ID:COM is yellow. but when i go to put my phone in download mode it doesnt show any color at all not yellow and not green so the first part of this root never works for me. Not sure what im doing wrong if i could get some help id appreciate it.

UPDATE thanks to razen kane i was told i needed a new cwm tar file can anyone link?

Just download it again from that same link. If that don't work I'll upload one for you

Sent from my SGH-S959G
 

trevor.bman

Senior Member
Aug 20, 2013
348
211
Phoenix
Last edited:

creepyncrawly

Senior Member
Sep 3, 2010
2,768
3,276
Here is an apk for galaxysimunlock that works fine on this phone for a free network unlock. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6aG-MNdKuXCUWIwMkQycG1HS2c/edit?usp=sharing . I tested it on 2 SGH-S959G's.

i got an error
file unavailable
Sorry, there's a problem with this file. Please reload

UPDATE

ok sorry i was able to move it to my drive then download it idk

Is this the same file? GalaxSimUnlock
 

Stormalistic

Member
Dec 15, 2013
11
2
Fail on Odin-CWM

Just download it again from that same link. If that don't work I'll upload one for you

Sent from my SGH-S959G

okay didnt work still got a fail..

i3fbc1.png
 

woodsninja

Senior Member
Jul 13, 2013
166
51
Adrian
Stormaholic, I have the GalaxySim Unlock pro apk. I can send it to you if you like. I used it and it reads unlocked. Dont have another sim to test with though.

Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
 

woodsninja

Senior Member
Jul 13, 2013
166
51
Adrian
Sorry. That message was for the guy above. I havent been to sleep yet. Again sorry. But if you want ro unlock, like I said I have the pro apk.

Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
 

mr-cook

Senior Member
Nov 4, 2012
987
2,046
okay when i start and have my phone in usb mode and still on the ID:COM is yellow. but when i go to put my phone in download mode it doesnt show any color at all not yellow and not green so the first part of this root never works for me. Not sure what im doing wrong if i could get some help id appreciate it.

UPDATE thanks to razen kane i was told i needed a new cwm tar file can anyone link?
okay didnt work still got a fail..
So did you resolve the issue with the phone not being recognized while in download mode? It will not work unless your phone is in download mode. If not you need to install the drivers that are linked in the OP.



Sent from my SGH-S959G
 
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    I NOR ANYONE ELSE BUT YOURSELF IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, LOSS, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY RESULTS FROM FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS, OR USING ANYTHING FOUND ON THIS PAGE ----USE AT YOUR OWN RISK----


    CONSIDER THIS THE ONLY VALID POST IN THIS THREAD- EVERYTHING AFTER THIS POST COULD BE INCORRECT
    ALL DANGEROUS LINKS HAVE BEEN REMOVED. IF I MISSED ANYTHING, AND A LINK TAKES YOU TO DEV-HOST- PLEASE CLOSE THE PAGE IMMEDIATELY, NONE OF THE LINK ON THAT SITE ARE SAFE!!!! If you're looking for one of the missing files try asking in the thread someone may still have them.
    If your using the information on this page please remember to HIT THE THANKS BUTTON.

    THIS IS ONLY FOR THE STRAIGHT TALK S2 MODEL# SGH-S959G...... NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANY OTHER PHONE.

    THE BEST WAY TO ROOT / OR FLASH A CUSTOM ROM -
    Install RECOVERY using ODIN, make a BACKUP, then flash the ROOT ZIP in RECOVERY.
    - TWRP 2.7.1.0 Odin-
    - Make a backup with TWRP before going any further. Boot into recovery, select backup/ restore, backup.
    - Root Zip- flash zip through CWM thanks to cynnar-
    Mirror-
    -You will need to install busybox from the market if staying on stock+ root.
    - PhilZ CWM v6.0.2.7 If you will be using a Siyah based kernel ( AJK Kernel ), or would like the extra options in CWM flash this- View attachment 1703135

    If you prefer CWM flashable zips can be found further down, and throughout the thread (search).


    - ROMs
    - I777 Main Thread- http://xdaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1301 (Android Development, and Ported Development to find ROMs)
    - OR flash CyanogenMod 10.1 from link below (this is flashed in CWM) From CyanogenMod 10.1 all i777 custom ROMs are compatible.
    - CyanogenMod, and most all custom ROMs are already rooted when you flash them, no need to root first.
    - You may need to change your APN for data to work with some custom ROMs. Stock APN is at the bottom of this post. Usually you can just edit the included APN from att.mvno to wap.tracfone , and save it, then select it. If data still doesn't work delete all other APNs besides the one you're using.


    - ODIN INSTRUCTIONS -
    - Samsung drivers must be installed on your computer- Samsung Drivers- http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/SGH-S959ZKATFN
    - Download Odin 1.85- View attachment Odin3-v1.85.7z and unzip.
    - Enable USB Debugging in Settings menu of phone.
    - Put your phone in Download Mode - -Power off, Hold volume down button, Plug in USB connected to computer, Hit volume up when prompted.
    - Open Odin folder, Click Odin3 v1.85.exe, With your phone connected the box under ID:COM should be yellow (if it's not you missed a step earlier), Click PDA, Select the file you downloaded earlier, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE- MAKE SURE AUTO REBOOT AND F. RESET TIME ARE THE ----ONLY----- THINGS CHECKED----- AND RE-PARTITION AND FLASH LOCK ARE ----NOT---- CHECKED....., Press Start (It will take a few minutes to load everything do not touch your computer or the phone during any of this, after the phone re-boots it may take a few minutes to load back up leave it alone until it has fully started up and at the home screen). You should get a green PASS message in the top box.


    - CWM ZIP FLASHING -
    - Save Zip file to be flashed to the Root (not in a folder) of your External SD card
    - BOOT INTO RECOVERY- Phone off
    - Hold volume up, volume down and power button. (You can release just the power button at the samsung screen but dont have to).
    - Select -install zip from sdcard, -choose zip from sdcard, -select the zip file you put there earlier, -it will ask you to confirm, select -yes -install
    - If you are installing a custom ROM Do this FIRST before installing Zip, -wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, select -advanced, -wipe dalvik cache


    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FACTORY FIRMWARE (IN CASE OF SOFT-BRICK)
    Before returning to Stock remember to format your preload partition. This can be achevied with my ROM wipe script found here- http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=38199542

    ---CREDIT--- eclipsedarkmoon
    This will only work with Heimdall-
    - Download Heimdall 1.3.1-
    Heimdall Suite 1.3.1 Windows https://github.com/downloads/Benjamin-Dobell/Heimdall/heimdall-suite-1.3.1-win32.zip
    Heimdall Suite 1.3.1 OS X 10.4+ https://github.com/downloads/Benjamin-Dobell/Heimdall/heimdall-suite-1.3.1-mac.dmg

    - Download Factory Firmware -

    - Mirror-

    - Open Heimdall, click Drivers, zadig.exe
    - Put phone in Download Mode--Power off, Hold volume down button, Plug in USB connected to computer, Hit volume up when prompted
    - zadig.exe menu, List all devices, Choose Samsung USB composite device (or similar) from list, Press Install Drivers (if you receive a message about being unable to verify the publisher of the driver click "Install this driver software anyway". Your computer may also need to restart for this).
    - Now open heimdall-frontend.exe, on the Load Package (main page) select Browse from Heimdall firmware package, Select the Factory Firmware you downloaded earlier (it will take a minute while Heimdall extracts it), Once extracted press Load / Customise in the bottom right corner (this takes you to the Flash page),--- Select FACTORYFS in the box on the right labeled Partitions(Files), DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE- MAKE SURE REPARTITION AND NO REBOOT ARE---- NOT----- CHECKED.... Press Start in the bottom right corner. (It will take a few minutes to load everything do not touch your computer or the phone during any of this, after the phone re-boots it may take a few minutes to load back up leave it alone until it has fully started up and at the home screen).
    - Hopefully it has been brought back from the Dead.

    - Odin flashable Factory Firmware -thanks to root4rd3d-
    Uncompressed version-
    - Put your phone in Download Mode --Power off, Hold volume down button, Plug in USB connected to computer, Hit volume up when prompted
    - Open Odin folder, Click Odin3 v1.85.exe, With your phone connected the box under ID:COM should be yellow (if it's not you missed a step earlier), Click PDA, Select the file you downloaded earlier, DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE- MAKE SURE AUTO REBOOT AND F. RESET TIME ARE THE ----ONLY----- THINGS CHECKED----- AND RE-PARTITION AND FLASH LOCK ARE ----NOT---- CHECKED....., Press Start (It will take a few minutes to load everything do not touch your computer or the phone during any of this, after the phone re-boots it may take a few minutes to load back up leave it alone until it has fully started up and at the home screen). You should get a green PASS message in the top box.

    - STOCK ROM CWM FLASH -thanks to mr-cook
    (this is will not change your recovery or modem)
    - Download-
    - Place on the root of your Ext.SD
    - Boot into CWM recovery (if you can't do this start at the top of the page!)
    - Factory reset * Wipe cache * Wipe dalvik cache
    - Install zip from sdcard, choose zip from sdcard, select zip you downloaded earlier, confirm install
    - Reboot
    - STOCK MODEM- View attachment S959GUDLG1_modem.zip
    - STOCK 3e RECOVERY Not sure why you would want it, but just in case- removed (YOU MUST FLASH THIS LAST TO RETURN TO STOCK)-


    - IF YOU GET BOOT-LOOP- Boot into recovery
    - Phone off
    - Hold volume up, volume down and power button. (You can release just the power button at the samsung screen but dont have to).
    - Factory reset, wipe cache
    - Reboot

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    ROOT ZIP-
    Flash through CWM thanks to cynnar- View attachment SGH-S959G_Root.zip

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    SGH-S959G - CyanogenMod

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    MODEMS
    (Install with CWM)
    -I777UCMD8- This is the Newest Available

    - Stock- S959GUDLG1 thanks to mr-cook- View attachment S959GUDLG1_modem.zip

    - I777UCLL6- ATT UCLL6 thanks to mr-cook- View attachment I777UCLL6_modem.zip

    - I777UCLK3- ATT UCLK3 thanks to mr-cook- View attachment I777UCLK3_modem.zip

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    REMOVING THE YELLOW TRIANGLE

    GINGERBREAD ONLY! (Root Required)
    - Extract the stock zImage from the factory firmware at the top of this page (I used 7zip, and needed to extract it twice to get it apart).
    - Put the stock zImage on the root (not in a folder) of your internal SD card. You can do this through the usb, adb push (adb push- Copy and paste the zImage into your folder with adb, connect your phone with usb, then command- adb push zImage /sdcard/zImage), whatever method you like.
    - Now using adb shell, or terminal emulator found in the market (if you don't' have adb ask GOOGLE) issue the command (capitilazation and spacing matter):

    $ adb shell
    $ su
    # dd if=/sdcard/zImage of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p5

    This must be done as #, if you have a $ enter command: su
    You must already be rooted for this to work. To switch to a different kernel afterwards you can use the same method, or CWM without getting the yellow triangle again or increasing the flash counter. As long as you flash internally, if you use Odin or Heimdall to flash anything thats not stock it will come back.


    REMOVING YELLOW TRIANGLE ICS AND ABOVE!
    -If running ICS or above you can use triangle away found here- http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=22462960

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    CWM
    Flash these from CWM

    CWM RECOVERY v6.0.2.7 (ODIN flash) Thanks to r00t4rd3d-

    - PhilZ CWM v6.0.2.7 built by AJ Newkirk- (Thanks to mr-cook)- View attachment 1703135 (This is compatible with AJ Newkirks Siyah kernel and jeboo's new features in SHOstock3)
    - Phil's CWM v6.0.2.7 built by AJ Newkirk- (Thanks to mr-cook)-this one gets rid of the blue progress bar on the s2 boot screen, that's the only difference.

    - CWM v6.0.2.7- (Thanks to mr-cook)- View attachment 1703137

    -6.0.4.4 Odin-

    - CWM v6.0.4.4- (Thanks to mr-cook)- View attachment 2387202

    -6.0.4.5 Odin-

    -6.0.4.5 zip-


    -AJK CWM Odin-


    -TWRP 2.7.0.0 recovery "thanks to razen kain" (flash from recovery)-
    Let me know if this link gets killed and I'll add it to Dev host.

    Flashing other versions of CWM with adb (Root Required)
    - Extract the zImage (boot.img) from the ROM of your choice (I use 7zip to extract it).
    - Put the zImage (boot.img) on the root (not in a folder) of your internal SD card. You can do this through the usb, adb push (adb push- Copy and paste the zImage into your folder with adb, connect your phone with usb, then command- adb push zImage /sdcard/zImage), whatever method you like.
    - Now using adb shell (if you don't' have adb ask GOOGLE) issue the command (capitilazation and spacing matter):


    $ adb shell
    $ su
    # dd if=/sdcard/zImage of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p6

    or if it's a boot.img

    # dd if=/sdcard/boot.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p6



    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ADB (android debug bridge)

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    STOCK APN
    APN
    Name- Straight Talk
    APN- wap.tracfone
    Proxy- Not set
    Port- Not set
    User name- Not set
    Password- Not set
    Server- Not set
    MMSC- http://mmsc.cingular.com/
    MMS proxy- mms2.tracfone.com
    MMS port- 80
    MCC- 310
    MNC- 410
    Authentication type- Not set
    APN type- default,supl,mms


    BYOP sim card APN
    APN
    Name- Straight Talk
    APN- att.mvno
    Proxy- Not set
    Port- Not set
    User name- Not set
    Password- Not set
    Server- Not set
    MMSC- http://mmsc.cingular.com/
    MMS proxy- mms2.tracfone.com
    MMS port- 80
    MCC- 310
    MNC- 410
    Authentication type- Not set
    APN type- default,supl,mms

    New APN
    Name: Straight Talk
    Apn: tfdata
    MMSC: http://mms-tf.net
    Mms proxy : mms3.tracfone.com
    MMS PORT: 80
    MCC:310
    MNC:410
    APN TYPE: default,supl,mms



    SIM unlock threads
    - http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=10456038

    - http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=30541172

    If you don't have service after unlocking and switching SIM cards you need to flash an at&t modem like I777UCLL6 found above. Apparently the modem used by Straight Talk only works with their service.


    Being THROTTLED? read this-
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    - I777 Main Thread-

    - Samsung Drivers-


    - BOOT INTO RECOVERY-
    Phone off- Hold volume up, volume down and power button until you reach Recovery menu.


    - DOWNLOAD MODE-
    Power off, Hold volume down button, Plug in USB connected to computer, Hit volume up when prompted


    - CWM ZIP FLASHING -
    - Save Zip file to be flashed to the Root (not in a folder) of your External SD card
    - BOOT INTO RECOVERY- Phone off
    - Hold volume up, volume down and power button. (You can release just the power button at the samsung screen but dont have to).
    - Select -install zip from sdcard, -choose zip from sdcard, -select the zip file you put there earlier, -it will ask you to confirm, select -yes -install
    - If you are installing a custom ROM Do this FIRST before installing Zip, -wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition, select -advanced, -wipe dalvik cache


    -Link to my CWM flashable Wipe Scripts-


    More to come.......

    THANKS
    None of this would be possible without
    - Entropy512
    - eclipsedarkmoon
    - r00t4rd3d
    - RenderBroken
    - and everyone else that has posted here, tested, questioned, etc...
    13
    Off-Topic:

    I just wanted to take a minute to congratulate mr-cook on becoming an XDA Recognized Contributor! :good: :good:

    This guy gives so much to the SII community and it is great to see him be recognized for his efforts.

    Congrats!

    /Off-Topic
    9
    The op needs to be updated with this'd information...

    The latest cwm is only for kitkat ROMs, that's cm 11+. Of you want to go with jelly bean ROMs like the one you're trying to use, you need to use cwm 6.0.2.7 it's older but JB won't flash on the newer ones. There are a few different versions but any will work as long add it's philZ, AJK, or 6.0.2.7

    Since you already have cwm installed you can just DL the zips and flash them in recovery then reboot "recovery" and it will be complete. No need for Odin now. Try that and get back to us

    I think I'm just going to replace CWM with the new TWRP in the op. It seems to be easy more compatible. Plus I like it better.

    EDIT: Done. Op updated to install TWRP with Odin to be more compatible.

    Sent from my SGH-S959G
    9
    since this post is in AT&T Samsung Galaxy S II SGH-I777 section...i thought it might be compatible. i even saw a lot of ROM posts where they says its compatible with i777 and sgh s959g....so i was in doubt and had to ask.....glad to know its not compatible...thx....







    I thought it was...a lot of the ROMs I search are based on the i777 builds just have to make sure you have the correct radio installed.....I've rooted mine and used several different ROMs just based off of this thread. Searching the thread with the search tool will yield massive results. See post#5 from the OP that's a fairly good clue.

    Ok ok ok wait... Let's clear up some confusion. The one and only difference between the 959g and the i777 is that the 959g has its recovery on a separate partition by itself, whereas the i777 has kernel and recovery on the same partition. The 959g can use any ROM or kernel built for the i777 no problem. But if you want a different recovery on 959g you must use one of the zips from the op or Odin. If you had an i777 and you flash a new kernel it will also install a new recovery as it will be packaged in the zip. If you flash the same kernel on the 959g, your kernel will change but recovery remains untouched since it is on a different partition. That is the one and only difference between the two. Happy flashing :thumbup::D