[HOWTO] / [GUIDE] SPH-L720 Domestic SIM Unlock T-Mobile:AT&T:metroPCS:Straighttalk

TechShui

Senior Member
Oct 21, 2013
104
6
0
Pages 12 and 13 - if you're signed in to XDA (more posts per page)

I'm not sure if it's possible to make a one click that will perform the service menu steps. You really don't need a one click anyways - the whole process takes all of 5 minutes. One clicks are for lazy people. Better to actually learn something about the process and your phone.
I looked on pages 12, 13, and even 24, 25, 26, 27

There's no new or different method on those pages, I'm also on 4.4.2 KitKat, tried to downgrade, bricked, trying to Odin back 4.4.2 now... but what's the trick here? do you have yours set to display 50 posts per page or something? Because I can't find this "updated method".

Please advise, thanks.
 

iBowToAndroid

Senior Member
Nov 9, 2010
3,998
1,248
253
Twin Cities MN
www.droid-life.com
I used that same sim to unlock anther phone today and it worked, but not on this one. i checked the serial number of the device that worked with the carrier they both came up as bad. i checked it under the Checkesnfree.com IMEI/Blacklist checker and it shows they both pass. the sim card im using is a simple mobile. to be specific it says no service on this particular device, i am going to try this same sim with all the procedures on one more phone right now.

EDIT: just tried another s4, does the same thing.
I would never trust any website as far as ESN status. The only people who can really tell you for sure are the ones who work for the carrier. And even then, I usually won't trust the customer service department because there are too many idiotic reps employed there. In a real, corporate-owned retail store is best, from what I've found. And there 2 types of blacklists - lost/stolen and nonpayment. I believe in nonpayment cases the phone will still work on other carriers because only the lost/stolen IMEIs are added to the global blacklist. That may explain your situation. Then again, if a 3rd one isn't working, might just be having bad luck. Try doing it again on the ones that didn't work.

Alright! Please ignore the above post. I was able to find a workaround. Stopped Google Play services which resolved the issue. I will check back later on how to resolve this permanently. As of now I am just focussing on getting my TMobile sim working. I am now stuck in Step 12 of the original post. I am pretty new here and not sure how to go forward on this one -

12) WIFI that sonofa up and search for apn settings shortcut and build.prop editor in the Play Store.

Go into the build.prop editor and add the following two lines:

ril.sales_code=LOL
ro.csc.sales_code=LOL
Data wipe will probably solve the Play error. As far as step 12, that's not needed for the unlock. You need to read back in the thread.

I looked on pages 12, 13, and even 24, 25, 26, 27

There's no new or different method on those pages, I'm also on 4.4.2 KitKat, tried to downgrade, bricked, trying to Odin back 4.4.2 now... but what's the trick here? do you have yours set to display 50 posts per page or something? Because I can't find this "updated method".

Please advise, thanks.
Hmm I thought signing in showed you more posts by default. I do have 50 posts per page, but it's been that way for so long, there's no way I'd remember if that's a setting that I changed. So start reading at post 500. It really is a very simple process - nothing like the OP (no ROM flashing needed at all)
 

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
My APN settings are fine, there is no protocol option like others have pointed out. Like I said MMS works when WiFi is OFF. It's simple to test... Turn on/off WiFi and send MMS to yourself, using the native app. I don't see any options on my router that would be blocking this. Also Hangout works for me too but is not the native app. This happens on on two diff roms, one is stock MJA, another on is on rawintellect's Stock(ish) rom (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2567353). I left the modems on MDC.

Also I can recieve MMS from other people on my WiFi but it comes as a text giving me a button to Download, but downloading the picture does not work on WiFi. Turning off WiFi let me download the picture. Sending of course does not work on WiFi.
I have this same exact issue. Wifi off and MMS works perfect. If i turn it on, it wont work. Did you find a fix?
 

iBowToAndroid

Senior Member
Nov 9, 2010
3,998
1,248
253
Twin Cities MN
www.droid-life.com
I have this same exact issue. Wifi off and MMS works perfect. If i turn it on, it wont work. Did you find a fix?
MMS does not work over wifi unless it's coded into your ROM. If you are connected to wifi, but leave mobile data turned on, MMS are actually sent and received via mobile data - it wakes up in the background to send/receive. So even though you may be connected to a wifi network, it's not being handled by wifi.

Post your stats and we'll see if we can help - modem, ROM, any mods, network status, etc.
 

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
MMS does not work over wifi unless it's coded into your ROM. If you are connected to wifi, but leave mobile data turned on, MMS are actually sent and received via mobile data - it wakes up in the background to send/receive. So even though you may be connected to a wifi network, it's not being handled by wifi.

Post your stats and we'll see if we can help - modem, ROM, any mods, network status, etc.
There was a different guide than the one posted by OP, I cant find it now
I have stock rom 4.3 with MK2 baseband right now.
I used the international unlock, (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415587)
Then I went into settings (dialer code) and changed a couple things to get it on GSM mode

EDIT: I know MMS will not work over wifi, the problem is that the mobile data doesnt turn on and retrieve/send the MMS. The phone just keeps trying to use wifi
 
Last edited:

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
So what happens when wifi is turned off, mobile data is turned on, and you try to MMS?
Correct, when wifi is off the mobile data is on and MMS works perfect

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

So I updated to 4.4 to see if that would fix the problem. It didnt, and now a new problem. I cannot receive MMS, but I can send
 

ecs87

Senior Member
Nov 17, 2012
1,256
816
0
Correct, when wifi is off the mobile data is on and MMS works perfect

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

So I updated to 4.4 to see if that would fix the problem. It didnt, and now a new problem. I cannot receive MMS, but I can send
Are you guys sure it isn't your MMSC setting in your APN? My boss refuses to put that in, thinking customers are fine with talk/text/data but not MMS.

GOOGLE those APN settings! No need to clutter up the thread (for those with APN data/mms issues).

REMINDER: if you cannot enter APN settings, UPDATE. There's no reason to stay on an older firmware than 4.3 (I'd recommend staying away from 4.4: horrible battery drain, signal issues, inaccurate signal icon, etc) and spend the effort to root the phone and edit the build.prop. I'd suggest MK2. And NO you cannot downgrade once you're on Kit Kat (NAE).

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
 
Last edited:

Roxisayshi

Member
Aug 14, 2012
16
3
0
I was able to resolve all the issues and now my Sprint phone works great on TMobile SIM. Thanks everyone. Thanks meter to OP.

Now, I have further questions -

1. I downgraded my baseband to MVC. Do I need to keep it same all the time. If I upgrade it to NAE, the sim unlock feature will be reverted?
2. Can I install custom roms like AOSP Carbon http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-4/orig-development/rom-carbonrom-kitkat-t2630336

My only concern here is that by installing another ROM, will the ability to use any other SIM on Sprint phone will go away or will it stick forever now?

Thanks in advance for helping me out here.
 

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
Are you guys sure it isn't your MMSC setting in your APN? My boss refuses to put that in, thinking customers are fine with talk/text/data but not MMS.

GOOGLE those APN settings! No need to clutter up the thread (for those with APN data/mms issues).

REMINDER: if you cannot enter APN settings, UPDATE. There's no reason to stay on an older firmware than 4.3 (I'd recommend staying away from 4.4: horrible battery drain, signal issues, inaccurate signal icon, etc) and spend the effort to root the phone and edit the build.prop. I'd suggest MK2. And NO you cannot downgrade once you're on Kit Kat (NAE).

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
This issue is not a simple APN error. I have been flashing to stock, changing APN, changing modems, I cannot find a fix
 

ecs87

Senior Member
Nov 17, 2012
1,256
816
0
Post a screenshot of your APN and what carrier you're trying to go to. Also can you go into ##DATA# and post a screenshot of the MMS settings in there too? One last thing I thought of, on a 4.3 or 4.4.2 modem can you type *#0011# and let me know what the IMEI cert says?

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
 

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
OK I started from scratch and STILL ended up with the same results. Everything works, I can send MMS without any issues, but I cannot receive MMS. Its driving me crazy, how can I send but not receive???
HSPA+, calls, texts, outgoing MMS, all work. Incoming MMS is not!! wtf

IMEI cert: "NA"

##DATA#
im assuing you want MMSC info?
MMSC URL: http://mms.plspictures.com
MMSC PROXY: 68.28.31.7
MMSC Port: 80
MY APN is this: (I also tried fast.t-mobile.com)
Name: T-MOBILE
APN: epc.tmobile.com but you it’s an LTE Device, use: fast.tmobile.com instead
Proxy: <Leave in Blank>
Port: <Leave in Blank>
Username: <Leave in Blank>
Password: <Leave in Blank>
Server: <Leave in Blank>
MMSC: http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc
MMS proxy: <Leave in Blank>
MMS port: <Leave in Blank>
MCC: 310
MNC: 260
Authentication type: <Leave in Blank>
APN type: default,supl,mms
APN Protocol: Leave it to the Default one
 
Last edited:

twill1987

Senior Member
Jun 2, 2012
81
16
0
Curious about S4 mini

Can anybody tell me if this guide will work with a sprint galaxy s 4 mini with a bad esn.
So I'm curious about the S4 mini working on Sprint; have you had any luck trying yours on the GSM domestic sim unlock method you
commented on? I had a client ask me to do it and I'm curious if anyones made any progress getting into the service menu, or getting a compatible modem running on it.. Let me know :)
 

Supertacomonkeyexplosion

Senior Member
Dec 23, 2013
344
68
0
@jumpman6235 I'm. Having the same issue with receiving mms.
On stock rooted 4.4 downgraded modem to mdc
APN is correct on net10
Does anyone know if it's possible to change the APN settings in the service menu? I have been playing with it , but don't understand the jargon. Haven't been able to find a breakdown of the options.
It seams to be held up by the way the phone handles mms , and not necessarily APN settings.
A few posts back someone mentions flashing a t mobile rom as a fix.... can anyone confirm?
 
  • Like
Reactions: jumpman6235

ecs87

Senior Member
Nov 17, 2012
1,256
816
0
OK I started from scratch and STILL ended up with the same results. Everything works, I can send MMS without any issues, but I cannot receive MMS. Its driving me crazy, how can I send but not receive???
HSPA+, calls, texts, outgoing MMS, all work. Incoming MMS is not!! wtf

IMEI cert: "NA"

##DATA#
im assuing you want MMSC info?


MY APN is this: (I also tried fast.t-mobile.com)
Try entering in your MMS settings into the MMSC portion of ##DATA#. Wonder if it'll be that easy of a fix...

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app

---------- Post added at 08:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------

@jumpman6235 I'm. Having the same issue with receiving mms.
On stock rooted 4.4 downgraded modem to mdc
APN is correct on net10
Does anyone know if it's possible to change the APN settings in the service menu? I have been playing with it , but don't understand the jargon. Haven't been able to find a breakdown of the options.
It seams to be held up by the way the phone handles mms , and not necessarily APN settings.
A few posts back someone mentions flashing a t mobile rom as a fix.... can anyone confirm?
Why are people staying on the downgraded modem? Match the modem to the system build and try MMS again. The service menu has nothing to do with the MMS. Other than unlocking the phone with the instructions in the OP, I wouldn't touch anything in the service menu.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app
 

jumpman6235

Senior Member
May 13, 2008
60
2
0
@jumpman6235 I'm. Having the same issue with receiving mms.
On stock rooted 4.4 downgraded modem to mdc
APN is correct on net10
Does anyone know if it's possible to change the APN settings in the service menu? I have been playing with it , but don't understand the jargon. Haven't been able to find a breakdown of the options.
It seams to be held up by the way the phone handles mms , and not necessarily APN settings.
A few posts back someone mentions flashing a t mobile rom as a fix.... can anyone confirm?
IT WORKED!!!
I installed this rom:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2679913
 

Supertacomonkeyexplosion

Senior Member
Dec 23, 2013
344
68
0
Why are people staying on the downgraded modem? Match the modem to the system build and try MMS again. The service menu has nothing to do with the MMS. Other than unlocking the phone with the instructions in the OP, I wouldn't touch anything in the service menu.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Free mobile app[/QUOTE]


sorry, not enough info..... I did take the modem back to NAE ( thanks for the advice) . but i downgraded to access the service menu. I was reading some posts about manually entering APN settings for seperate services. Thought i would at least try . I am still new to SG4 .


Thanks for the link , I will try it tonight.
 

lokmanmlh

New member
May 3, 2014
1
0
0
I need to know unlock process for 4.3 and baseband MK2

I am new here. wants to know how can I unlock sprint gs4 to t-mobile. I have 4.3 version and baseband MK2. give me the whole process first to last. thanks
 

Android kidd

New member
May 3, 2014
3
2
0
stuck

hey there

I'm not new just never posted because it wasn't necessary with all the information I could find and able to make it work. In this case today I am stuck and cant get passed step 4 service menu.

I'm on android 4.4.2, I downgraded the base band from NAE to MDC. I also unlocked it with the flasher. And the phone is rooted.

I got into service menu with no problems but i am not able to go anywhere from there, I tried cdma, gsm/umts, and lte/cdma.

The picture below is in the service menu on gsm/umts.

I am stuck and need help to move forward.

Thanks
 

Attachments

twill1987

Senior Member
Jun 2, 2012
81
16
0
Potential BREAKTHROUGH!

It seems (I am in the process of working this out right now) that the FULL service menu CAN be accessed on ANY modem (including NAE)
I found this information while looking to domestic sim unlock the Galaxy S4 Mini Model SPH-L520.
E:V:A has cracked the service menu for the S4 Mini which ALSO works for the SPH-L720 model!
Follow his tutorial here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=52255287#post52255287

But the steps are as follows. Dial *#0011# and then hit:

==> [MENU] + [Back]
==> [MENU] + [Key Input] + "Q"
==> [MENU] + [Key Input] + "0000"
==> <wait ~5-10 seconds>

I have tested and it WORKS on the S4 NAE modem!! All props to E:V:A. I'm sure he wasn't aware that his method also WORKS on S4 for Sprint, since he is using the S4 international European version. Looks like possible one won't need to downgrade the modem anymore to make this work :)

Hit thanks if this helped you out, and give E:V:A some love
 
Our Apps
Get our official app!
The best way to access XDA on your phone
Nav Gestures
Add swipe gestures to any Android
One Handed Mode
Eases uses one hand with your phone