Help with Galaxy S5 unlocking?

D

DarkDubzs

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jan 3, 2014
Messages
354
So I am going to buy a probably used Galaxy S5, most likely from Swappa.com and I am going to activate it with Metro PCS, which is a GSM carrier, so I know I need a GSM carrier GS5, like from AT&T or T-Mobile. I did a bit of googling and I only ended up with more questions... Are the AT&T and T Mobile versions of the GS5 carrier locked? From what I read online, the ATT is locked and the Tmobile is unlocked, but I cant be certain from the couple forum posts I could only find. If the phone is already unlocked, I can just bring it into the Metro PCS store and activate it, right?
Now, what if it is locked? Can I carrier unlock it myself? How do I do that? Do I really need to buy an unlock code online? Seems kinda sketchy to buy these codes from random unlocking sites, but if I have to...? Also, can I have it unlocked by Metro PCS or T-Mobile or ATT?

Next part of my question is about the bootloader. Again, I did some research, but found only one relatively... relevant forum post. So I come here for direct help. I am currently chatting with AT&T tech support on their site after having been transferred from customer care asking about the bootloader... this is gonna be something out of TFTS.
Anyways, is the bootloader on ATT's version of the GS5 locked? What about TMobiles version? If they are locked, are they encrypted? Supposedly if they are encrypted, there is near to no chance of really getting that unlocked. Although, if they are not encrypted, would they be able to be unlocked?
I read a dev post that the ATT version has an encrypted locked bootlader, but I have no idea about T-Mobile.
Lastly, has the bootlader been unlocked already for any GS5? I ask because ive seen some GS5's with custom ROM's and launchers and stuff, but last I heard, they were still locked.

UPDATE: AT&T confirmed their bootloaders are encrypted...
ZCkLfHe.png
 
Last edited:
Didn't they sign a bill in August that forces carriers to unlock cell phones if you want to change networks?
 
I am with AT&T, and my advice is stay clear away from Samscum devices on AT&T :mad:
They have been locking the bootloader down tighter than a submarine door, since the galaxy S4, the Note 3, S5, and probably the Note 4 too :(

Root on the Note 3 took many months to come out after launch, and still to this day, 11 months after release, there is no unlocked bootlaoder for a true custom Recovery. Your way better off getting a T-Mobile version, to use on the AT&T network. T-Mobile makes their phones pretty much like an international device.

Or better yet, support HTC and get the One M8, even the AT&T One M8 is unlocked and can be rooted and Recovery for ROM'ing out of the box easily. I have the AT&T HTC One M8, converted to GPE, and this is my fav Android phone to date :D
 
Zorachus said:
I am with AT&T, and my advice is stay clear away from Samscum devices on AT&T :mad:
They have been locking the bootloader down tighter than a submarine door, since the galaxy S4, the Note 3, S5, and probably the Note 4 too :(

Root on the Note 3 took many months to come out after launch, and still to this day, 11 months after release, there is no unlocked bootlaoder for a true custom Recovery. Your way better off getting a T-Mobile version, to use on the AT&T network. T-Mobile makes their phones pretty much like an international device.

Or better yet, support HTC and get the One M8, even the AT&T One M8 is unlocked and can be rooted and Recovery for ROM'ing out of the box easily. I have the AT&T HTC One M8, converted to GPE, and this is my fav Android phone to date :D
Click to expand...

I had been really comparing and debating getting an M8 vs GS5 a while back. I dont remember exactly why, but I know the GS5 having an easily replaceable battery, easier repairable, and water resistant had a big part in my decision with the GS5. I also like the camera on the GS5 better. If anything, id rather get the Nexus 5. I love the build of the phone, way it looks, and the absolute best part is stock android IMO.
 
I wouldn't take crappy hardware just for unlocked bootloader that lets you boot a stripped down OS. Comparing stock ROM to something like Cyanogenmod, HTC Sense, etc. is like comparing a car with full options to a car with no options. Those other ROMs lack useful features like split window multitasking, smart stay (so the screen doesn't time while you're reading), etc. Root is less important too since I only need it primarily for WIFI tethering which is achievable with FoxFI without root.
 
mi7chy said:
I wouldn't take crappy hardware just for unlocked bootloader that lets you boot a stripped down OS. Comparing stock ROM to something like Cyanogenmod, HTC Sense, etc. is like comparing a car with full options to a car with no options. Those other ROMs lack useful features like split window multitasking, smart stay (so the screen doesn't time while you're reading), etc. Root is less important too since I only need it primarily for WIFI tethering which is achievable with FoxFI without root.
Click to expand...

I am running the official GPE ROM on my One M8, which is no stripped down or hacked together ROM, it's the official Google ROM, made specifically for the HTC One M8.

A stock out of the box Galaxy S5, with no root or anything, would be a nightmare to own IMO. All that bloat, and no customization to make important tweaks, and being stuck with stock Touchwiz :eek: NO THANK YOU
 
GPE or HTC Sense are like base cars with no options since they lack split screen multitasking, smart stay, etc.

Bloat can be disabled via app manager since Jelly Bean. There's also towelroot if you prefer freezing with Titanium Backup.

I buy my cars with full options plus I like things to just work which is more miss than hit with 3rd party ROMs. Been there done the root and unlocked bootloader but it's less necessary these days.
 
Grab the Tmo version. Take it to the Metro store where they will add the imei to their database then you can use the phone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top