Samsung Galaxy S 4 LTE SPH-L520 question

[shadowanubis]

Ok so I was trying to unlock this samsung s 4 mini lte SPH-L520 but it seems like it's the only model of S 4 mini that i can't find an unlock code for, is this phone un-unlockable? and what is the difference between the SPH-L520 and all the other samsun s 4 mini?

 

[wiisixtyfour]

Well one rather big difference of the Sprint S4 mini (SPH-L520) versus the international models (GT-I919X) is that it uses CDMA networks rather than GSM. I am not sure if you can use it on GSM networks with a sim card. I do, however, know that the Verizon version (SCH-I435) which is also CDMA can be unlocked and used on GSM networks. I used the app RegionLock Away from the play store (and here on xda) to unlock and it worked with an AT&T sim card.

Sent from my SCH-I435 using xda app-developers app

 

[plab1986]

I hope your help

Ok so I was trying to unlock this samsung s 4 mini lte SPH-L520 but it seems like it's the only model of S 4 mini that i can't find an unlock code for, is this phone un-unlockable? and what is the difference between the SPH-L520 and all the other samsun s 4 mini?

Friend also want to unlock the samsung galaxy s4 mini sph-l520, tell me if you managed to do so and if the method by region lock app I run away and if you could explain to me hcer to also do so. I hope your answer and thanks for the help in advance

 

[supermaxkato]

sprint sph-l520 NOT a worldphone

I talked with the Sprint folks.
The Sprint variant has a sim tray that is just for the data sim (UICC card) not a GSM sim. And it is NOT a worldphone.
So even if you put a GSM sim in it, the radio is not looking for GSM towers (only CDMA).
But the Verizon version IS a world phone, which is why "wiisixtyfour" was able to unlock his.

That being said, since Samsung has made several versions that do have this capability, it seems possible that if someone modifies these things it could work:
-Modified sprint radio to receive GSM radio frequencies/signals (maybe copying the Verizon one?)
-Modified PRL to look for GSM towers
-Modified SIM tray communication to recognize not just DATA sims but GSM sims as well

I have no idea how to do any of these. But would love it if someone a lot smarter than me can take a stab at it. :cyclops:

 

[2390]

I talked with the Sprint folks.
The Sprint variant has a sim tray that is just for the data sim (UICC card) not a GSM sim. And it is NOT a worldphone.
So even if you put a GSM sim in it, the radio is not looking for GSM towers (only CDMA).
But the Verizon version IS a world phone, which is why "wiisixtyfour" was able to unlock his.

That being said, since Samsung has made several versions that do have this capability, it seems possible that if someone modifies these things it could work:
-Modified sprint radio to receive GSM radio frequencies/signals (maybe copying the Verizon one?)
-Modified PRL to look for GSM towers
-Modified SIM tray communication to recognize not just DATA sims but GSM sims as well

I have no idea how to do any of these. But would love it if someone a lot smarter than me can take a stab at it. :cyclops:

Please do

 

[avgtuhm]

SPH-L520 can run on GSM carrier!

Yes, this is what Sprint told me last summer. But it's incorrect. I have a Sprint S4 mini that works on both Sprint and a TMobile MVNO. Voice, text, data (in refarmed area). Unlocking GSM can be done!

I talked with the Sprint folks.
The Sprint variant has a sim tray that is just for the data sim (UICC card) not a GSM sim. And it is NOT a worldphone.
So even if you put a GSM sim in it, the radio is not looking for GSM towers (only CDMA).
But the Verizon version IS a world phone, which is why "wiisixtyfour" was able to unlock his.

 

[supermaxkato]

avgtuhm, that's only true if you can explain how it was done and it can be replicated.

 

[avgtuhm]

What does #0111*NETWORKCODE accomplish?

First off, my apologies if I am in error about GSM functioning on my phone.

I will explain what I've done with my Sprint S4 mini and maybe you/someone can tell what is happening. But this is why I thought GSM was/is working on my phone, until supermaxkato questioned this. (Note: I am not a developer.)

My S4 mini is active with Sprint. If I put a GSM SIM in it, of course it does nothing. Try to make a phone call and I get an automated message that it cannot be completed. But after doing the following, I can make calls, send texts, use mobile data.

I powered on with GSM SIM in phone. Entered #0111*NETWORKCODE for my phone in the dialer and hit call button. After this voice, text, data work. However, phone shows "Invalid SIM" in the notifications and the calls and texts come from my Sprint phone vs. the number associated with my GSM SIM. (I didn't realize this until testing last night.)

So did the code just make it so the SIM tray ignores the GSM SIM and functions on Sprint network? (again.. before entering the codes, no calling/texting/data worked with GSM SIM in the phone)

Same results on 2 activated Galaxy phones. Unsuccessful on non-activated S4 Mini.

I am not tech savvy but if anyone wants me to check something on my phone, I will try to get you the information. (I do not have a rooted/modified phone.)

Again, sorry for my mistaken report of success. In retrospect, I should have known it couldn't be that easy.

(Earlier this year, I WAS told by a developer in Colorado that there has been limited success with Sprint S4 minis being unlocked for GSM both internationally and domestic. And a Sprint rep recently told me that this phone can be unlocked internationally for GSM, although I see that it is not on their list of unlockable phones.)

 

[tashi fanny pro]

mobile tower problem

mobile network is disabled in my phone samsung galaxy s4 mini sprint spark meid:99000437598028
how to fix this