Unlock Sim for GSM How to

[iBowToAndroid]

Hello all

I'm finding this thread very interesting and have a couple of quick questions.

First question is about the "quick" method and "proper" method. Using either will I be able to quickly switch back to Sprint without issues? ( I take it the quick way I'll have to constantly change apns when swtiching?)

Second is actually about acquiring a tmo or att sim card to try this out with. What is the cheapest to try out to make sure you are getting data services at good speeds?

Thanks all.

1. There is no dual functionality when unlocked. It has to be reverted in order to use Sprint.

2. T-Mobile is cheapest - $15 for the SIM card and $10 minimum account load, assuming you want to start with cheap prepaid service just for testing purposes

 

[elmy2424]

hi, anyone tried to sim unlock LG G3 Vigor LS885 from sprint

 

[treezy26]

Can someone please write up a easy to read how to? I'm confused. This thread is crazy:what:

 

[MikeDroid]

Hello all

I'm finding this thread very interesting and have a couple of quick questions.

First question is about the "quick" method and "proper" method. Using either will I be able to quickly switch back to Sprint without issues? ( I take it the quick way I'll have to constantly change apns when swtiching?)

Second is actually about acquiring a tmo or att sim card to try this out with. What is the cheapest to try out to make sure you are getting data services at good speeds?

Thanks all.

I find this thread interesting as well as I like the idea of having some carrier flexibility whether it's domestic or abroad. Although there are several methods of GSM unlock, they seem to fall under one of 2 categories:
1. A single purpose unlock, meaning we employ a workaround to allow a specific carrier GSM (ex: build prop edit of SPR-->spr method, Shortcut Master IOT / APN search). This method only works for the manually entered APN and would require additional modifications each time another carrier's SIM is swapped or when reverting back to Sprint
2. A True/Proper Unlock, meaning the phone is equal to a phone that is unlocked from the factory, or, at least, behaves in the same manner as a factory unlocked phone (ex: using the bulkier unlock method of copying files to make changing carriers is as simple as switching the SIM Card and there are no manual modifications required)
It seems to me that the method that includes the three .RAR (one of .RAR files has a pretty complete list of APNs) files is the best chance to have a truly unlocked phone that allows a SIM switch with little more than a quick refresh or reboot. The simpler build prop edit seems to work for those who aren't looking to change SIMs or revert back to Sprint.

With all that said, I'm looking for a verified true/proper unlock performed one time and use any SIM card anywhere. with no further modifications.

I hope some can elaborate.

 

[PapaDocta]

There's new ota update for my phone.. If I update will this method still works?

 

[treezy26]

Anybody able to get LTE with T-Mobile using any of the methods available?

 

[aukhan]

I already follow this step.. finnaly i got signal for GSM mode..
but i cant get for "Mobile Data" - i cant browse internet..because no 3G icon, just only signal GSM

anyone can help me?

Just call your gsm service provider and get the com settings and set them up manually and you should connect to data services

 

[AlpineMan]

I find this thread interesting as well as I like the idea of having some carrier flexibility whether it's domestic or abroad. Although there are several methods of GSM unlock, they seem to fall under one of 2 categories:
1. A single purpose unlock, meaning we employ a workaround to allow a specific carrier GSM (ex: build prop edit of SPR-->spr method, Shortcut Master IOT / APN search). This method only works for the manually entered APN and would require additional modifications each time another carrier's SIM is swapped or when reverting back to Sprint
2. A True/Proper Unlock, meaning the phone is equal to a phone that is unlocked from the factory, or, at least, behaves in the same manner as a factory unlocked phone (ex: using the bulkier unlock method of copying files to make changing carriers is as simple as switching the SIM Card and there are no manual modifications required)
It seems to me that the method that includes the three .RAR (one of .RAR files has a pretty complete list of APNs) files is the best chance to have a truly unlocked phone that allows a SIM switch with little more than a quick refresh or reboot. The simpler build prop edit seems to work for those who aren't looking to change SIMs or revert back to Sprint.

With all that said, I'm looking for a verified true/proper unlock performed one time and use any SIM card anywhere. with no further modifications.

I hope some can elaborate.

As far as the APN is concerned, what I've done on my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4's and Note 3's is I uploaded 1400+ worth of APN entries into my phones. This way, when I travel overseas and pop in a SIM card, chances are high that my phone already knows about the APN settings for that GSM carrier. I got the APN entries from the international version of the Galaxy Note 2. APN's are just XML files...they work with any phone. I use APN Backup & Restore app to import the APN's.

 

[1sik5Series]

everything works, but we still need a fix for the data signal its always on edge not hspa. i tried everything i can think off and still no luck... why can it be easy like for the g2 verison, it picks up hspa fast with no problem

 

[iBowToAndroid]

everything works, but we still need a fix for the data signal its always on edge not hspa. i tried everything i can think off and still no luck... why can it be easy like for the g2 verison, it picks up hspa fast with no problem

There is no reason it shouldn't work. I get HSPA on my Sprint G3 just fine

 

[golijeevankumar]

for t mobile

is there any possible for t mobile foe unlocking sim (network)

Hi,

Perhaps I have found a method to unlock the LS990.
I dont know, if this works with us carriers.
I have tried it with a non US carrier and it works for me.

Needed:

Root
Root Explorer
Shortcut Master

1. Replace the two files in /carriers/apps with the two files below with Root Explorer
2. Reboot your phone
3. Open Shortcut master and select search
4. Search for apn adn select com.andoird.settings.ApnSettings and then click Launch
5. Select on the Top Right new apn
6. Fill this form out with the apn from your provider (If you don't know the apn look it up in google)

Done
Now everything should work

Still to do:
Disable the Hand free activation from sprint - I have not found the right app now
In the GSM mode my phone shows only GSM in the status bar and not G E H or H+ - Does someone know how to change this?
Automatic selection of the apn, this can perhaps be done with the file /etc/apns-conf.xml

I hopeed I could help some people, if the unlock was succesfull please give me a feedback

This is at your own risk.
Please do it only, if you know what you do!

 

[MariPestaRia]

i already follow step in page 1..

i have a signal GSM, but it doesnt work for Data..

can anybody help me..

 

[jass65]

which way i better?

should i use the build.prop method or go through all the steps with shortcut master( replacing the whole carrier folder)? i read that data does not work with the carrier folder method, correct?

Also how do you use the build.prop method?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[jass65]

changed permissions but still bootloop

I followed the steps exactly , changed to spr and fixed permissions to rw r r but still a bootloop then had to restore it with twrp, should i try OPEN instead of spr? thanks
sprint ls990 zv4

nmccord -

Yes unlock works. Speeds depend on which GSM carrier you are on since the G3 only supports HSPA+ speeds on AT&T and Edge on T-Mobile unless you are living in a refarmed T-Mobile area running on 1900Mhz. Otherwise you only get Edge on T-Mobile.

After a bunch of testing, I think I have the method that works properly and doesn't crash all the time. Let me put it together and I'll post it here.



---------- Post added at 04:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:45 AM ----------

So here goes -

GSM Unlock for Sprint LG G3 (Works for US GSM Carriers & International Carriers)

1. Root the device using StumpRoot - Download here http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/orig-development/root-stump-root-lg-g3-sprint-verizon-t2850906

2. Install SuperSU & Root Explorer & 920 Text Editor (or you can use Rom Tool Box for build.prop editing)

3. Copy build.prop from /system/build.prop to /sdcard

4. Open /sdcard/build.prop in 920 Text Editor

5. Edit line 268 and change ro.build.target_operator=SPR to ro.build.target_operator=spr

6. Save the file

7. Go to root explorer and copy build.prop from /sdcard to /system/ - try and delete existing build.prop and then copying the one from /sdcard instead of overwriting the existing file. I've encountered bootloops when overwriting build.prop

8. change permissions on /system/build.prop file you just copied to "rw - r - r". This is very important - when you copy and paste build.prop it loses the correct permissions and incorrect permissions will result in bootloop

9. reboot the device

10. It should now be unlocked. You will be unable to change the Network mode under "Mobile Networks" which will be grayed out so use the app "Network" from the play store to change the modem to "GSM (auto PRL)

11. In a few seconds you should see a signal. If not reboot the device once again and it should work.

12. Download "Tweakker" from the play store to get to APN settings and configure required APN settings for your carrier. After you are done with this step, you should have 3G/HSPA+ or Edge connectivity.

Note: The icons for 3G, 4G will be what sprint provides and sprint considers everything that is not EVDO/LTE to be "GSM" so you will only see GSM even if you are connected to HSPA+

I haven't found a tweak to change this but this is mostly a cosmetic issue. The other way of fixing this is to change build.prop to "global" instead of "spr" but you will encounter repeated system.buildui errors until you change the network mode to GSM from CDMA. Anytime you change the mode back to CDMA the buildui errors will reappear. You can get through the errors by disabling the radio / going into Airplane mode by holding the power button and then use the "Network" app to change your mode to GSM (Auto prl)

Both have the same result but changing it to global gives you the worldphone icons which are the usual E, H+, etc.


All this should be redundant once the bootloader unlock comes along and we can flash different roms that don't have sprint's restrictions.

 

[jass65]

it works, sort of

First off backup all data thats required from your phone.
Restore to COMPLETE stock like its out of the box, Use this LINK
Root the phone using STUMP
Install Root Explorer
Use Root Explorer only, yes its a paid app, nothing is free all the time.
Using Root Explorer go to system/priv-app/ look for LGStartupwizard.apk, rename it to LGStartupwizard.apk.bak -> Sprint users who want the handsfree activation should not do this. Its only for those who want to use the phone for GSM and get rid of "Activate Phone" notification.
Download attached carrier.rar and extract the folder on to your phone, same with apn-conf.rar & Unlock2.rar.
Remember to "REPLACE" the carrier folder and "NOT" copy its content to carrier folder.
Now copy the contents of Unlock2 folder and replace the original files from carrier/apps/ folder.
Change permissions for carrier folder is rwxrwx-x.
Please refer pic for the correct permissions. you need to change permissions of carrier folder only.

Pop in your GSM sim and reboot to see if you are getting GSM signal . There is no APN menu but the G3 automatically detects the APN from the provider and sets it for data.
If not Install Shortcut Master Lite
In search field search for apn, make sure there is not space after apn while searching, Refer pic below.

Select the first result as shown in pic.

Select launch as shown in pic.

You should get the APN menu now, Add your APN and save.
If you still have problems with getting the GSM to work, Replace apn-conf.xml file from the download section and replace it in /etc/ folder, then delete telephony.db file from /data/data/com.android.settings.telephony/database/ , reboot. Follow the manual APN adding using ShortCut Master lite like i mentioned earlier.
Hope this helps.

Ive tried all the methods to unlocking my sprint g3, replacing the 2 carrier app file s, changing the build prop to spr (boot loop 5 times) and manually setting the apn via shortcut master not of them close to working. your method however, worked . i have gray full signal bars and no service ( before it wouldn't even recognize my sim). my g3 seems like its trying to pick up a signal ( circle spinning in the status bar over the signal bars). any others help? thanks

UPDATE: my signal bars went solid and i received missed call notifications but the solid went back to grey within 10 senconds, so it looks gsm did work

 

[gillesting]

Any further updates

Hi,

Perhaps I have found a method to unlock the LS990.
I dont know, if this works with us carriers.
I have tried it with a non US carrier and it works for me.

Needed:

Root
Root Explorer
Shortcut Master

1. Replace the two files in /carriers/apps with the two files below with Root Explorer
2. Reboot your phone
3. Open Shortcut master and select search
4. Search for apn adn select com.andoird.settings.ApnSettings and then click Launch
5. Select on the Top Right new apn
6. Fill this form out with the apn from your provider (If you don't know the apn look it up in google)

Done
Now everything should work

Still to do:
Disable the Hand free activation from sprint - I have not found the right app now
In the GSM mode my phone shows only GSM in the status bar and not G E H or H+ - Does someone know how to change this?
Automatic selection of the apn, this can perhaps be done with the file /etc/apns-conf.xml

I hopeed I could help some people, if the unlock was succesfull please give me a feedback

This is at your own risk.
Please do it only, if you know what you do!

Hi I'm from the Caribbean and recently purchased a LG G3 ls990 (sprint) with a bad ESN. Have you had any luck with the status bar not showing the G E H or H+? Also do you think that I would need to root the device in order to use it on a international GSM network? Would this process described above also unlock the device from Sprint?

 

[Songsmaster]

IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi,

Perhaps I have found a method to unlock the LS990.
I dont know, if this works with us carriers.
I have tried it with a non US carrier and it works for me.

Needed:

Root
Root Explorer
Shortcut Master

1. Replace the two files in /carriers/apps with the two files below with Root Explorer
2. Reboot your phone
3. Open Shortcut master and select search
4. Search for apn adn select com.andoird.settings.ApnSettings and then click Launch
5. Select on the Top Right new apn
6. Fill this form out with the apn from your provider (If you don't know the apn look it up in google)

Done
Now everything should work

Still to do:
Disable the Hand free activation from sprint - I have not found the right app now
In the GSM mode my phone shows only GSM in the status bar and not G E H or H+ - Does someone know how to change this?
Automatic selection of the apn, this can perhaps be done with the file /etc/apns-conf.xml

I hopeed I could help some people, if the unlock was succesfull please give me a feedback

This is at your own risk.
Please do it only, if you know what you do!

I was nearing despair when I came across your post. I tried it. To my amazement it worked!!! I am using it on LIME network in the Caribbean. It works perfectly. Don't know whether it will work in the US. Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[[email protected]]

You da boss

Hi,

Perhaps I have found a method to unlock the LS990.
I dont know, if this works with us carriers.
I have tried it with a non US carrier and it works for me.

Needed:

Root
Root Explorer
Shortcut Master

1. Replace the two files in /carriers/apps with the two files below with Root Explorer
2. Reboot your phone
3. Open Shortcut master and select search
4. Search for apn and select com.andoird.settings.ApnSettings and then click Launch
5. Select on the Top Right new apn
6. Fill this form out with the apn from your provider (If you don't know the apn look it up in google)

Done
Now everything should work

Still to do:
Disable the Hand free activation from sprint - I have not found the right app now
In the GSM mode my phone shows only GSM in the status bar and not G E H or H+ - Does someone know how to change this?
Automatic selection of the apn, this can perhaps be done with the file /etc/apns-conf.xml

I hopeed I could help some people, if the unlock was succesfull please give me a feedback

This is at your own risk.
Please do it only, if you know what you do!

NICE ONE BOSS.....WORKED FOR ME...JUST GOT AN LGG3 SPRINT...AT ONE POINT I WAS GETTING "NO SIM CARD, SEARCHING FOR NETWORK"...BUT U NAILED IT....NOW AM CHECKING TO SEE IF IT WILL WORK FOR LOLLIPOP:good:

 

[1619415]

Hi,

Perhaps I have found a method to unlock the LS990.
I dont know, if this works with us carriers.
I have tried it with a non US carrier and it works for me.

Needed:

Root
Root Explorer
Shortcut Master

1. Replace the two files in /carriers/apps with the two files below with Root Explorer
2. Reboot your phone
3. Open Shortcut master and select search
4. Search for apn adn select com.andoird.settings.ApnSettings and then click Launch
5. Select on the Top Right new apn
6. Fill this form out with the apn from your provider (If you don't know the apn look it up in google)

Done
Now everything should work

Still to do:
Disable the Hand free activation from sprint - I have not found the right app now
In the GSM mode my phone shows only GSM in the status bar and not G E H or H+ - Does someone know how to change this?
Automatic selection of the apn, this can perhaps be done with the file /etc/apns-conf.xml

I hopeed I could help some people, if the unlock was succesfull please give me a feedback

This is at your own risk.
Please do it only, if you know what you do!

Please upload a revert, this broke my phone (data doesn't work with anything lg made)

 

[jass65]

Hi I'm from the Caribbean and recently purchased a LG G3 ls990 (sprint) with a bad ESN. Have you had any luck with the status bar not showing the G E H or H+? Also do you think that I would need to root the device in order to use it on a international GSM network? Would this process described above also unlock the device from Sprint?

Yes it will work with gsm networks. I used the carrier folder method , only method that worked on my ls990. No H+ or H etc, only GSM symbol with a circle when data is in use ( im sure theres a fix, doesn't bother me though). you also need to enter apn settings if your using data or else data wont work.

1.) You need root make sure you're using software ls990zv4 or else the root wont work( go to > settings> about phone> software information)
. If you have zv6 you will need to revert to zv4 using this guide (ONLY IF YOUR HAVE LS990ZV6 do this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/spr...de-how-to-restore-sprint-lg-g3-ls990-t2852042

Then download stump root : http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-...oot-stump-root-lg-g3-sprint-verizon-t2850906/
install the apk, press grind (if it ask your bruteforce , go ahead) then reboot when its asks. NOW you are rooted.

2.) OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED
install TWRP and make a backup, just in case anything goes wrong in the fourth step EX s bootloop.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2we1YDc5JGU

3.) Download Shortcut master lite from the play store, search for "iot" tap " com.lge.sprinthiddenmenu.iot.hiddenmenumain" then tap system selection and change to GSM only.

4.) unlock your phone for gsm. You can try editing the build.prop and changing the target carrier from SPR to spr and then changing permissions ( instructions post # 66 in this thread) < this gave me bootloops even after changing permissions. If you
have a TWRP backup to fall back on i would try editing the build.prop first, its simpler. It didnt work for me so i followed this method (post #182 in this thread) its the only method that unlocked my ls990 without bootloops.

5.) Reboot, Unlocked for GSM