New carrier unlocked GSM M8

[redpoint73]

Thanks,
I think I'll just go ahead and unlock it since it's so easy and couldn't hurt. What is the latest version of TWRP I should flash once I get it unlocked?

TWRP 3.1 is the latest for the M8, and will work with your firmware.

Here is what is on the phone right now:
From settings - Software number 6.20.502.5
If you need more SW information let me know and I'll post it as soon as I can.

Just general FYI, be careful using that software number (from settings) and supplying it as troubleshooting info. It's not always relevant to what TWRP version, or other things (checking firmware number, etc.).

The software number is just the version number of the ROM. In this specific case, since you just did the RUU, that number is one and the same as the firmware number 6.20.502.5. But there are a lot of instances, such as after flashing a custom ROM, when the software number in settings will only reflect the version number the specific ROM is based on. But the firmware number will not match. Example, you can flash a Euro based ROM now and your software number may change to 6.12.401.4. But flashing a ROM doesn't touch firmware, which would still be 6.20.502.5 (AT&T firmware).

Short story, if you are looking for firmware number, always go by what it says for OS number on bootloader screen, or listed as version-main in getvar.

 

[jshamlet]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the US developer edition (for staying on stock). While it has a different CID, it is very close to the AT&T image and works flawlessly. I converted my original M8 to it shortly after I got mine and have never returned to the fiasco that is AT&T's stock ROM. I was a bit surprised to see so many parts of it have been deprecated when I last reimaged my M8 with it, but it is still a solid ROM. The bonus is that it's a Windows based installer.

That said, as much as I love my M8 (I still use it from time to time as a mini-tablet), battery life was always an issue with it - and the reason I eventually upgraded. I'm still thinking of doing the M9 battery swap, but now that it's not my daily driver anymore, the pressure is off.

 

[redpoint73]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the US developer edition (for staying on stock).

I mentioned and linked the Dev Ed stock (TWRP flashable) ROM in Post #37. While "fully converting" the phone by RUU (to Dev Edition) is a possibility, I don't actually think it would make that much of a difference. The firmware isn't much different (AT&T versus Dev Edition) from what I've been able to tell.

It's true the OP can flash the Dev Ed RUU without having to unlock the bootloader, TWRP, etc. But he may possibly have to flash the 6.12.1540.4 firmware before the RUU will work. Link to the Dev Ed RUU, if the OP wants to go that route: http://dl3.htc.com/application/RUU_M8_UL_M60_SENSE70_MR_BrightstarUS_WWE_6.12.1540.4.exe

 

[theandies]

Just general FYI, be careful using that software number (from settings) and supplying it as troubleshooting info. It's not always relevant to what TWRP version, or other things (checking firmware number, etc.).

The software number is just the version number of the ROM. In this specific case, since you just did the RUU, that number is one and the same as the firmware number 6.20.502.5. But there are a lot of instances, such as after flashing a custom ROM, when the software number in settings will only reflect the version number the specific ROM is based on. But the firmware number will not match. Example, you can flash a Euro based ROM now and your software number may change to 6.12.401.4. But flashing a ROM doesn't touch firmware, which would still be 6.20.502.5 (AT&T firmware).

Short story, if you are looking for firmware number, always go by what it says for OS number on bootloader screen, or listed as version-main in getvar.

I kind of thought that but wasn't sure and that is why I mentioned it was from Settings. So when looking for ROM's and when it mentions firmware I just use the number listed in the bootloader or the getvar fastboot command..........got it. :good: Right now in bootloader it is - OS-6.20.502.5 (expected).
I do notice that carrier ID comes up sometimes. Is this a big deal? My CID is all 11111111's Do I need to change that or is that just because my phone came carrier unlocked?

jshamlet - I was looking at the DEV edition based ROM last night during my lunch break and am thinking of going to it. I'm probably going to try a few ROMs and see which one I like best but the DEV is certainly on my short list. Thanks for your suggestion.

My original M8 had great battery life. I've noticed over the years using several different same type devices that battery life is just luck of the draw. You know the old saying, don't buy a car constructed on a Friday. My brother bought an M8 about the same time I got my original on and he's always complained about his battery. I will get my ROM's picked out and just live with the battery life issue for now then start troubleshooting it if necessary. Funny thing is I charged my old M8 up fully and it hasn't been on the charger in two days. It's just been sitting next to my computer sleeping. Right now it's at 60%. I have been thinking about taking both apart, fixing my old M8's charging port (which is the main problem) and taking the best of both phones hardware........but that is another thread.

I've also noticed the screen brightness on my new M8 is dimmer on full brightness than my old M8. No big deal but that just shows the difference in build quality between the same device or screen factories. Oh well.

This weekend I'm going to try and flash TWRP without unlocking the BL and see if that works for future reference. I'll of course post the results or ask any questions.

 

[GuestK0049]

@theandies, Curious to know, did you actually get LTE working for US carrier on an european m8 ?

I've a converted european M8 to Stock Dev Edition/Unlocked firmware and I couldn't get LTE with either AT&t or T-mobile.
It has been always HSPA+

 

[redpoint73]

So when looking for ROM's and when it mentions firmware I just use the number listed in the bootloader or the getvar fastboot command..........got it. :good: Right now in bootloader it is - OS-6.20.502.5 (expected).

When discussed on the specific ROM threads, the important part about firmware is mostly to ensure that you are on the current version (most compatible with the ROM). In this case, Marshmallow, and since the firmware for the M8 isn't going to be updated any longer by HTC; it's as current as it will ever be. Whether it's AT&T firmware, Dev Edition, Euro, etc. usually will not make much of a difference in terms of compatibility with custom ROMs. It's more important to have the firmware that is most compatible with your local carrier's network bands (as we've discussed).

And yes, if checking firmware in this regard, it should always be done either in getvar or on the bootloader screen.

I do notice that carrier ID comes up sometimes. Is this a big deal? My CID is all 11111111's Do I need to change that or is that just because my phone came carrier unlocked?

11111111 is known as SuperCID. It will actually pass all tests for CID. The CID isn't directly related to SIM unlock (although s-off is), rather CID is only a check when installing RUU, firmware, or OTA. Since there aren't going to be any more OTA updates for this phone, the RUUs and firmware are the only relevance. SuperCID will pass the CID check for every RUU or firmware for this device. And it also bypasses the model ID (MID) check in some (but not all cases).

For instance, if you decide to "fully convert" to the Dev Edition using that specific RUU, your present CID (11111111) will be okay. I believe it will also bypass the MID check. But in the event that you get an error message saying wrong model ID, then you will need to change back to the AT&T MID of 06PB12000 (which is also the same MID as the Developer's Edition); since you presently have the MID for the Euro version 06PB10000.

My original M8 had great battery life. I've noticed over the years using several different same type devices that battery life is just luck of the draw.

Don't you know it! You can ask Samsung all about that one . . .

I've also noticed the screen brightness on my new M8 is dimmer on full brightness than my old M8. No big deal but that just shows the difference in build quality between the same device or screen factories.

I remember on some past HTC devices, that they used displays from at least two different sources, and there was a slight color difference ("coolness") between the two. I don't remember if the M8 was ever deduced to have different displays, but it's a possibility, and may explain the difference in brightness you are seeing. Sourcing components from different sub-vendors is common. Again, you can ask Samsung about that, as they have been getting blasted lately for the wide variance in components for the S8. To the point that there is an XDA article calling it a "hardware lottery": https://www.xda-developers.com/the-hardware-lottery-continues-with-the-samsung-galaxy-s8s8-varying-between-ufs-2-1-and-ufs-2-0/

 

[theandies]

@theandies, Curious to know, did you actually get LTE working for US carrier on an european m8 ?

I've a converted european M8 to Stock Dev Edition/Unlocked firmware and I couldn't get LTE with either AT&t or T-mobile.
It has been always HSPA+

As mentioned in the above responses I flashed AT&T latest firmware then RUU'd the latest AT&T ROM. I also had to input the AT&T APN settings.
redpoint73 answered a lot of questions regarding the process which should be helpful.
I do see in the notification area when using mobile data it says 4G. I have not seen it say 4G LTE like on my US model. I have not gone to the AT%T store to get a new SIM but that is on my list.

And keep in mind what red said about 4G and 4G LTE:

I'm pretty sure you won't get LTE (even where available) on the "cingular" APN with an old SIM. If you find that to be the case, get a new SIM (as suggested) and I also think you'll need to change to one of the "newer" APNs (attphone or nextgenphone) in order to get LTE.

Keep in mind that on the stock AT&T ROM, if the signal icon just says "4G" it just means HSPA+; thanks to the marketed gimmicks of the US carriers saying this qualifies as "4G". You need to have the "4G LTE" icon for it to really mean LTE. On unbranded (non-US carrier) ROMs, it will more appropriately say H+, LTE, etc.

 

[theandies]

So basically redpoint73 your saying this phone is almost completely "unlocked". Super CID, S-off, those are the two biggies from reading up on this stuff and people asking how to s-off etc. Not a bad deal for $150 brand new in retail packaging? Not for everyone but I bought it so I could have a new M8 and learn how to mod a phone better. I knew going in that I might have to do some modding to get it to work.
You also mentioned Model ID. Is it difficult to change that and if you can will that stay even if you flash firmware/ROMs etc. ?
How much hardware difference between models is there if you know?
Thanks again for helping. :highfive:

 

[redpoint73]

So basically redpoint73 your saying this phone is almost completely "unlocked". Super CID, S-off, those are the two biggies from reading up on this stuff and people asking how to s-off etc. Not a bad deal for $150 brand new in retail packaging?

Yeah, I'd say it's as "unlocked" as can be. SIM unlock and s-off are the biggies. S-off (if you did it yourself) would have cost $25 by sunshine app (only current method). Once s-off, changing things like CID and MID are fairly easy.

You also mentioned Model ID. Is it difficult to change that and if you can will that stay even if you flash firmware/ROMs etc. ?

Changing MID is fairly easy (you will also need root): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708581

Although for most things, SuperCID should bypass the MID check. So I'd lean towards leaving MID alone, unless you find you need to change it for a particular RUU. Reason being, while the steps to change MID are fairly simple (and should go okay if you follow the instructions exactly), there is still some chance of a mistake, and it can be serious. I've seen some folks get stuck with a bad MID (extra/incorrect characters, etc.) when trying to mess around with it, and not able to fix it.

How much hardware difference between models is there if you know?

For the vast majority of M8 versions, the internal hardware is identical, and the only difference is the cosmetics of the exterior, such as carrier logos, some versions have a couple additional colors, etc.

The exceptions (actual different hardware) are the CDMA variants (Verizon, Sprint), and some less common variants (which are really different phones): M8s, M8 eye, dual SIM M8.

 

[GuestK0049]

As mentioned in the above responses I flashed AT&T latest firmware then RUU'd the latest AT&T ROM. I also had to input the AT&T APN settings.
redpoint73 answered a lot of questions regarding the process which should be helpful.
I do see in the notification area when using mobile data it says 4G. I have not seen it say 4G LTE like on my US model. I have not gone to the AT%T store to get a new SIM but that is on my list.

And keep in mind what red said about 4G and 4G LTE:

That's what I'm telling you. It's not LTE. It's HSPA + which you are getting. Only difference is it shows 4G instead of H+ in At&t rom.

The LTE bands are locked at hardware level according to region on these devices. I did everything. Even used guides to unlock the bands but only phones that can have all the bands unlocked are CDMA Verizon or Sprint variants.

You are stuck with H+ and no LTE. No matter what software you flash and what sim you get. LTE will only work if your phone receives signals on the band that is actually working on the phone. i.e a European carrier or global carrier.

 

[theandies]

That's what I'm telling you. It's not LTE. It's HSPA + which you are getting. Only difference is it shows 4G instead of H+ in At&t rom.

The LTE bands are locked at hardware level according to region on these devices. I did everything. Even used guides to unlock the bands but only phones that can have all the bands unlocked are CDMA Verizon or Sprint variants.

You are stuck with H+ and no LTE. No matter what software you flash and what sim you get. LTE will only work if your phone receives signals on the band that is actually working on the phone. i.e a European carrier or global carrier.

I thought you were asking. Yes I knew that. Most of my data consumption is on WiFi anyway so it's not that big of a deal for me. Would I like to have it? Yes. Do I really need it? Not really. I'd say I use mobile data maybe 10% of the time and 9% of that is just driving directions. That doesn't need 4G LTE speed to work.

 

[GuestK0049]

I thought you were asking. Yes I knew that. Most of my data consumption is on WiFi anyway so it's not that big of a deal for me. Would I like to have it? Yes. Do I really need it? Not really. I'd say I use mobile data maybe 10% of the time and 9% of that is just driving directions. That doesn't need 4G LTE speed to work.

Exactly, no big deal. I just shared it with you so that you don't waste time figuring out why can't you have LTE from US carriers on a European HTC phone.

H+ works just fine for most of the stuff required on the road. I personally think HTC should have continued M7, M8 legacy and not changed their direction.

I'm holding onto M8 till I find a worthy replacement for it. Right now there isn't.

 

[theandies]

Changing MID is fairly easy (you will also need root): https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2708581

I'll just leave it as is unless I run into problems with it down the road.
I'm going to flash TWRP tonight (trying without unlocking through htcdev first just to see if that works with just s-off) then root it and start looking for a good ROM.
I'm sure more questions will arise.

 

[theandies]

Exactly, no big deal. I just shared it with you so that you don't waste time figuring out why can't you have LTE from US carriers on a European HTC phone.

H+ works just fine for most of the stuff required on the road. I personally think HTC should have continued M7, M8 legacy and not changed their direction.

I'm holding onto M8 till I find a worthy replacement for it. Right now there isn't.

:good:
I agree 100%. htc was heading in the right direction with the M7 and M8 then dropped the ball IMO with everything that followed. I've had an M8 since launch and just can't see spending $700 on a new phone when they are not much better than the M8. This is why I bought my new one. $150 bucks brand new in the box. How can you beat that?

 

[theandies]

FYI - Tried to flash TWRP via fastboot and it didn't work even with s-off.

Just unlocked my bootloader through htcdev and proceeding from there.

 

[theandies]

I would actually suggest a non-AT&T ROM. Meaning, not based on the stock AT&T ROM. Reason being, I can't stand all the bloat and branding associated with AT&T, and don't need any of it. It also doesn't need to be based on AT&T ROM, to work on their network. Any of the ROMs in the "international" development sections will work. I've used S.ROM, LeeDroid, ICE, and others with fine results.

Another good option, is the US Developer's Edition stock ROM. The Dev Edition was intended to work on AT&T's network, and is basically the unbranded HTC ROM. So none of the AT&T bloat.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/htc-one-m8/development/rom-stock-unlocked-developer-sense-7-t3262894

I have heard of some of the AT&T bloat apps causing massive battery drain for some folks. So a custom ROM, or the Dev Ed ROM, is not a bad place to start troubleshooting the battery issue.

I think I've settled on trying LeeDroid.
htc-one-m8 development ROM LeeDroid one m8

It's Sense based with some cool looking features like home page landscape mode.
Question. LeeDroid instructions state:

Please make sure you have the latest HTC M8 6.12.XXX.XX firmware installed prior to installing this ROM

The current ROM base is 6.12.401.4...

I'm 6.20.502.5 now from latest getvar all. WIll it work or do I have to fastboot flash 6.12.xxxxxx?

Right now I'm
S-OFF :good:
Unlocked bootloader through htcdev :good:
Flashed latest TWRP recovery from TeamWin's M8 website :good: - Working fine
CID - 11111111 :good: (could be an issue with certain ROM/firmware - understood)
Firmware 6.20.502.5
Stock AT&T ROM

Making progress and leaning a lot. Thanks

 

[xunholyx]

I think I've settled on trying LeeDroid.
htc-one-m8 development ROM LeeDroid one m8

It's Sense based with some cool looking features like home page landscape mode.
Question. LeeDroid instructions state:



I'm 6.20.502.5 now from latest getvar all. WIll it work or do I have to fastboot flash 6.12.xxxxxx?

Right now I'm
S-OFF :good:
Unlocked bootloader through htcdev :good:
Flashed latest TWRP recovery from TeamWin's M8 website :good: - Working fine
CID - 11111111 :good: (could be an issue with certain ROM/firmware - understood)
Firmware 6.20.502.5
Stock AT&T ROM

Making progress and leaning a lot. Thanks

It'll work just fine

 

[redpoint73]

Would I like to have it? Yes. Do I really need it? Not really. I'd say I use mobile data maybe 10% of the time and 9% of that is just driving directions. That doesn't need 4G LTE speed to work.

I'm curious, was your old M8 also an unlocked version from another region? Or was it a US variant? Since I remember you mentioning you did have LTE on it, although intermittent due to the coverage at your location.

Relative to abdulwakil's comments, I have seen reports of folks "fully converting"an M8 version to another region (most often, US variants being used on European networks), and having issues with LTE not working, even when the proper firmware/RUU (correct LTE band support) has been installed. Never seen a proper fix or explanation for this. And I'm not sure whether or not I've seen folks get US (AT&T) LTE bands properly working on Euro version M8.

But either way, I tend to think it's not locked in hardware; since no other hardware differences have been found between most of the M8 versions (US, Euro, Asia) with the exception of those I already mentioned (CDMA, dual SIM, etc.). Plus, one of the "new" advertised features of the Snapdragon chipsets of this generation (801), was that band support could be almost entirely set in firmware (and no longer set in hardware). Although clearly there is still something preventing LTE connection for some folks (even after installing proper firmware). And whether or not it's actually set in hardware may be irrelevant; since either way, there has been no fix found for those suffering the issue.

Short story, I'd be curious to hear if you end up getting any LTE signal (4G LTE icon) once in a known good LTE coverage location, updated SIM, etc.

---------- Post added at 09:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 AM ----------

I'm 6.20.502.5 now from latest getvar all. WIll it work or do I have to fastboot flash 6.12.xxxxxx?

Another vote for the current firmware (6.20.502 - AT&T) firmware being fine with LeeDroid. In fact, it's preferred you stay on the 502 firmware, as flashing Euro 401 firmware (6.12.401) will re-invoke the issues you were having with cell data not working.\

As I mentioned earlier, for the firmware requirements stated in the ROM threads, it's just important to be on 6.xx Marshmallow firmware. The Leedroid thread was just a little too overly specific on this point.

 

[theandies]

I'm curious, was your old M8 also an unlocked version from another region? Or was it a US variant? Since I remember you mentioning you did have LTE on it, although intermittent due to the coverage at your location.

Relative to abdulwakil's comments, I have seen reports of folks "fully converting"an M8 version to another region (most often, US variants being used on European networks), and having issues with LTE not working, even when the proper firmware/RUU (correct LTE band support) has been installed. Never seen a proper fix or explanation for this. And I'm not sure whether or not I've seen folks get US (AT&T) LTE bands properly working on Euro version M8.

But either way, I tend to think it's not locked in hardware; since no other hardware differences have been found between most of the M8 versions (US, Euro, Asia) with the exception of those I already mentioned (CDMA, dual SIM, etc.). Plus, one of the "new" advertised features of the Snapdragon chipsets of this generation (801), was that band support could be almost entirely set in firmware (and no longer set in hardware). Although clearly there is still something preventing LTE connection for some folks (even after installing proper firmware). And whether or not it's actually set in hardware may be irrelevant; since either way, there has been no fix found for those suffering the issue.

Short story, I'd be curious to hear if you end up getting any LTE signal (4G LTE icon) once in a known good LTE coverage location, updated SIM, etc.

---------- Post added at 09:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:13 AM ----------



Another vote for the current firmware (6.20.502 - AT&T) firmware being fine with LeeDroid. In fact, it's preferred you stay on the 502 firmware, as flashing Euro 401 firmware (6.12.401) will re-invoke the issues you were having with cell data not working.\

As I mentioned earlier, for the firmware requirements stated in the ROM threads, it's just important to be on 6.xx Marshmallow firmware. The Leedroid thread was just a little too overly specific on this point.

Interesting that you bring this up as I was just going to mention this. My original M8 is an AT&T branded phone, logo on the back and purchased through an AT&T store shortly after the initial launch of the M8. This phone does get 4G Lte (by the indication in the notification area).

Last night I flashed LeeDroid without any problems but now all I get is the H Icon and the only way I could get mobile data to work is to enter the AT&T APN which I'm sure there are not a lot of them and as you stated before the Cingular one is old and AT&T doesn't use that network anymore.

Name: ATT HSPA+
APN: phone
Proxy: <Leave in Blank>
Port: <Leave in Blank>
Username: <Leave in Blank>
Password: <Leave in Blank>
Server: <Leave in Blank>
MMSC: http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMS proxy: proxy.mobile.att.net
MMS port: 80
MCC: 310
MNC: 410
Authentication type: <Leave in Blank>
APN type: default,supl,mms,hipri
APN Protocol: Leave it to the Default one
Bearer: leave it to the Default one

The "nextgenphone" APN still doesn't work.

Here is the infomation on the bootloader screen for both phones:

ORIGINAL M8
M8_UL_CA PVt SHIP S-ON
H-Boot - 3.19.0.0000
RADIO - [email protected]
OpenDSP - v56.2.2-00593-M8974_FO.0126
OS - 6.2.502.5
eMMC - boot 20148MB
April 14 2016,19:39:46:0

Model number stamped on the back of the phone - OPB6120

New M8
M8_U PVt SHIP S-Off
CID-11111111
H-Boot - 3.19.0.0000
RADIO - [email protected]
OpenDSP - v56.2.2-00593-M8974_FO.0126
OS - 6.2.502.5
eMMC - boot 20148MB
April 14 2016,19:39:46:0

Model number stamped on the back of the phone - OP6B110 m8x

Running LeeDroid the Settings/About/Software Information/More/Build number = 6.12.401.4 CL662736 (expected as LeeDroid stated his ROM is based off of .401).
In LeeDroid network setting there is a setting called Preferred network mode (not present in my original M8). The options are 3G only, 2Gonly, 2G/3G auto and 2G/3G/4G auto. I can choose all but 2G/3G/4G auto.
I really like LeeDroid after the little I played with it last night after flashing. I'm going to build it and take a Nandroid backup so I have my LeeDroid build I can go back to easily then try some other ROMs like the DEV edition etc.
I still have not gotten to the AT&T store to try a new SIM but since I'm using the SIM out of my old M8 that did show 4G LTE I don't think a new one will help in my new M8. The good thing is I'm not an 18 year old teenager glued to his phone streaming anything and everything so I rarely use mobile data for stuff like that.

Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this to help others that want to go this route. I suspect not many are going this route since the M8 is so "old". To me there still is not an Android phone that I'd rather have and at the prices they charge for them now is ridiculous.

 

[redpoint73]

you stated before the Cingular one is old and AT&T doesn't use that network anymore.

The "nextgenphone" APN still doesn't work.

The "cingular" APN works, as I believe you found it did. It's just old. It does reference "Cingular" and AT&T hasn't been called that in how many years (10 years, I just looked it up)? And I wasn't sure if the "cingular" APN supports LTE, as I remember folks having trouble with LTE using old AT&T SIM cards and the old APN. But you said you got LTE using this SIM and APN on your old phone, so I'm probably not 100% right there.

The "nextgenphone" APN won't work on old SIM cards. But it will on a newer SIM.