Database Develop

[Q] Does AT&T know if I'm using a custom ROM/Modem

Hi,
I decided to make my 1st post. I've been visiting XDA for some time and flashed several ROM's. I want to say thank you for everyone responsible for making XDA what it is today.
My question is regarding AT&T & Custom ROM. I currently work for AT&T and use a captivate provided by the company. I have flashed several i9000 ROM's and they're absolutely great. My concern is that AT&T can tell that I have a custom ROM/Modem on the network. I understand that they can tell on the device itself but how about the network. I'm guessing if I'm using the i9000 ROM it would be visible to the engineers.
Thank you in advance for your reply

I also work for AT&T. Without physically looking at the phone, I believe the only way they could tell would be if the software imei (*#06#) does not match the phone's imei (under battery) - since the software imei is transmitted to the network. This is why if you change sims, the network still knows what phone you are using.

Pardon me for asking the obvious, but if both of you work for AT$T, can't you get us some info on the 2.2 update? Had to ask.

LOL.. depends on where they work.
If they both work at a Retail outlet selling phones? Then uh no.

Miami_Son said:
Pardon me for asking the obvious, but if both of you work for AT$T, can't you get us some info on the 2.2 update? Had to ask.[/QUOTE
As of 2 weeks ago AT&T did not have the software ready for testing. Nothing can happen until Samsung completes it and send it to at&t's lab for testing. I can assure you at&t wants it out as much as you do to be competitive in the android market. Besides who cares about the official version with all the awesome ROM's on XDA.
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avgjoegeek said:
LOL.. depends on where they work.
If they both work at a Retail outlet selling phones? Then uh no.
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I do not sell the phones and do not work at a retail location. I do however support the stores in making sure all the reps know the products.

[/QUOTE
As of 2 weeks ago AT&T did not have the software ready for testing. Nothing can happen until Samsung completes it and send it to at&t's lab for testing. I can assure you at&t wants it out as much as you do to be competitive in the android market. Besides who cares about the official version with all the awesome ROM's on XDA.[/QUOTE]
Seems a bit off that the US market is so far behind plus I highly doubt ATT wants to be competitive since they are just sucking on that Apple core. Not all users want to flash or even know how to. Personally I believe the phone should have launched with Froyo but at least we aren't waiting for Eclair like the x10

alaimar said:
I do not sell the phones and do not work at a retail location. I do however support the stores in making sure all the reps know the products.
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Then you would know - Thanks for the update. If AT&T would put out little updates like this one - many a user would be happy.
Go figure with twitter, facebook, myspace, email, txting, telephone, and hell even pen and paper - we still fail at one basic thing COMMUNICATION.

c0ldburn3r said:
[/QUOTE
As of 2 weeks ago AT&T did not have the software ready for testing. Nothing can happen until Samsung completes it and send it to at&t's lab for testing. I can assure you at&t wants it out as much as you do to be competitive in the android market. Besides who cares about the official version with all the awesome ROM's on XDA.
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Seems a bit off that the US market is so far behind plus I highly doubt ATT wants to be competitive since they are just sucking on that Apple core. Not all users want to flash or even know how to. Personally I believe the phone should have launched with Froyo but at least we aren't waiting for Eclair like the x10[/QUOTE]
I agree with the flashing; however in regards to Apple core AT&T is looking at every possible way to stop sucking on it. As you know the exclusivity is expiring and they're doing everything possible to adjust. BB Torch and WP7 is a perfect example of that. US market is behind simply due to all the limitations every carrier wants to implement on every device and make sure that it's loaded with bloatware.

alaimar said:
Seems a bit off that the US market is so far behind plus I highly doubt ATT wants to be competitive since they are just sucking on that Apple core. Not all users want to flash or even know how to. Personally I believe the phone should have launched with Froyo but at least we aren't waiting for Eclair like the x10
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I agree with the flashing; however in regards to Apple core AT&T is looking at every possible way to stop sucking on it. As you know the exclusivity is expiring and they're doing everything possible to adjust. BB Torch and WP7 is a perfect example of that. US market is behind simply due to all the limitations every carrier wants to implement on every device and make sure that it's loaded with bloatware.[/QUOTE]

Off topic but only slightly: why exactly does ram flashing void hardware warranties? I wouldn't void my video card's hardware warranty for using Ubuntu instead of Windows. I understand they can't support problems arrising from using the software the hardware wasn't designed for, but you'd think flashing back to stock would put you back into warranty coverage. I don't understand why custom software is so vilified.

Jofaba said:
Off topic but only slightly: why exactly does ram flashing void hardware warranties? I wouldn't void my video card's hardware warranty for using Ubuntu instead of Windows. I understand they can't support problems arrising from using the software the hardware wasn't designed for, but you'd think flashing back to stock would put you back into warranty coverage. I don't understand why custom software is so vilified.
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Wireless carriers are not fans of customization as it usaualy removes their bloatware and enables features that they like to charge for ( wireless AP). From the manufacturers perspective using custom rom's can result in hardware damage. Imagine if it didn't how many bricked phones would be going back. Manufacturer always sets the warranty policy carrier's just enforce it.

I think att will ditch the captivate all together. I kinda dont even think we will see an official froyo.
what could be holding it back?
this is just my opinion

Krooked22 said:
I think att will ditch the captivate all together. I kinda dont even think we will see an official froyo.
what could be holding it back?
this is just my opinion
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AT&T has no choice when it comes to Android. Ralph's made it publicly known that he doesn't like Android at all. With market share growing fast they are definitely working on beefing up their Android lineup ASAP

alaimar said:
Wireless carriers are not fans of customization as it usaualy removes their bloatware and enables features that they like to charge for ( wireless AP). From the manufacturers perspective using custom rom's can result in hardware damage. Imagine if it didn't how many bricked phones would be going back. Manufacturer always sets the warranty policy carrier's just enforce it.
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I'm not trying to be rude but I asked about the manufacturer not the carrier. I fully understand the carrier's stance. That'd be like if I called Time Warner and *****ed to them about having problems getting online and was using Ubuntu, which they didn't support or even understand.
I'm saying Samsung. Why would they care? Unless they could prove that your customization caused the problem, how can they instantly void your warranty simply by using different software?

i would guess that overclocking might be a reason. aslo, even though bricking your phone is something that they can (most likely)reflash-stock and resell refurb, because retail reps will warratny your phone not knowing what the cause was ( you know that no one walks into store admitting they are to blame for phone issue so they assume it's faulty and process warranty to keep you happy

Jofaba said:
I'm not trying to be rude but I asked about the manufacturer not the carrier. I fully understand the carrier's stance. That'd be like if I called Time Warner and *****ed to them about having problems getting online and was using Ubuntu, which they didn't support or even understand.
I'm saying Samsung. Why would they care? Unless they could prove that your customization caused the problem, how can they instantly void your warranty simply by using different software?
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Well for one you didn't specify that you are referring to the manufacturer. You're comparing apple to oranges. At&t handles manufacturers warranty themselves and time Warner has nothing to do with your hardware ; -) You also answered your own question, they really have no way of proving it, therefore they created a legal document that gives them the right to screw you : -)
Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

Jofaba said:
Off topic but only slightly: why exactly does ram flashing void hardware warranties? I wouldn't void my video card's hardware warranty for using Ubuntu instead of Windows. I understand they can't support problems arrising from using the software the hardware wasn't designed for, but you'd think flashing back to stock would put you back into warranty coverage. I don't understand why custom software is so vilified.
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This isn't only software in a sense, you are flashing a chip...that's why they call it ROM flashing. Now if you were to flash your BIOS chip, I'm sure your motherboard manufacturer wouldn't hand out a refund either.
Another point to tackle, custom software is not frowned upon by Google(GPL), but when a bunch of kids come in complaining why their AT&T phones won't turn on because they don't know what flashing, ROMs and how video cards INTERFACE with operating systems the carrier may have issues.
They instantly void your warranty because they are trained to troubleshoot their hardware with approved software, not with your software which can trickle down and affect everything about the phone leading to a myriad of issues.
It's not what you know, it's what you can prove and even then that's a two sided coin and left up to the manufacturer to say you aren't covered under the warranty. But if you're slick and can seep through the cracks make a backup of your "default" OS... ROM whatever and save it for that very rainy day when you need it.

What LG should REALLY be worried about

A lesser minority of USERS jump over the fence and update their phones to open mode despite the contracts. Thus LG's constant end-user PC updates to restrain users from updating to whatever stock ROM they want.
What LG doesn't see is something that TIM Brazil as well as other carriers worldwide do. TIM Brazil buys the phones with a big discount and sell them unlocked at full price.
In the end of the story LG gets stolen, the users don't get their updates as they become available AND the ONLY WINNER HERE is TIM Brazil, among other carriers worldwide. Even in Britain.
I think it's about time LG stopped blaming users and started making carrier contracts get fulfilled. Become more open!!!
Since LG is constantly watching this forum, I believe this will end up getting to the proper channels.

Honestly i didn't completely understand the problem, but i hope they read your post.
And since there is a thread with this title; I want to add what i always say. What LG would worry is to lose customers. You already released Gingerbread waaay toooo late. So that already made people verrryy angry. And after you released it people saw that you were working on a way to cripple rooting. So thats strike 2.
I can't talk for everbody but we didn't buy our phones for "irreplaceable" LG roms. It is an elegant, smooth phone. It is not a performance phone (which i don't care about) It is a P/P phone (price-performance) phone. Best out there for that price. And the second reason is Android. Meaning freedom. To able to do everything you want with your phone.
So.. If i wanted a restricted phone, to let the company empose everything on me i would have bought iPhone. At least they update regulary, give service and updates even to the oldest devices. But no we want to be the master of our phone. Because it's OUR phone. We paid for it, so we should be able to do anything with it. You supply the rom what we do with it is our problem. You already say rooting dismisses warranty. Isn't that enough? So i say LG people should work HARD on customer "satisfaction", not customer "restriction"
(Btw, i am an LG fan. My monitor, my television, my phone... all LG. Not my tablet though that land is still in Apple's reign. So i write this critic to be constructive. I hope someone reads and they stop the nonsense. )

Why should verizon/moto unlock our bootloaders?

It appears that there is a guy who is interning at Motorola that wants to get ahold of some bigwigs and help voice our frustration. Here is a link if you have any ideas, please share them!
http://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/xty65/i_am_interning_at_a_major_fortune_500_company_who/

Why wouldn't they? They'll only lose the majority of the tech-geek community to other brands

DoubleYouPee said:
Why wouldn't they? They'll only lose the majority of the tech-geek community to other brands
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Some speculate that they hold a special contract with Verizon. This contract basically says: keep your bootloaders unlocked and you will be our flagship phone company. You will be in all our ads.
I just hope someone could post a convincing argument for that intern to use to further our cause.

jesusishere said:
Some speculate that they hold a special contract with Verizon. This contract basically says: keep your bootloaders unlocked and you will be our flagship phone company. You will be in all our ads.
I just hope someone could post a convincing argument for that intern to use to further our cause.
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Why would they need to have a locked bootloader to have that contract?

VZW always said it ws for the "health" of the network. That rooted devices would cause it harm.
Well, one, the Nexus is unlocked so where is the concern there? and 2. I haven't heard of any gnex causing harm to the network.
I'm guessing its because when we all found wifi tether on the OG, the network suffered. lol

Here is the reason boot loaders are locked...
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
About the only way it will ever happen is if they went to a scheme like Asus has with it's transformer series tablets. Basically they lock it. But they also provide an unlocking tool. This unlocking tool basically has warnings all over it that say that if you do it, your warranty and any claim to support are void...and we do not want to hear from you. But even then on the Transformer Prime forum on XDA you hear people complaining about problems with their unlocked device and seeking advice on how to re-lock it so they can screw the company into taking it back (Asus also made unlocking an irreversible process).
For the manufacturers and carriers there is just no incentive to unlock them. By locking them they cede the enthusiast market to a large extent but that market is a drop in the bucket compared to the market as a whole.

vbhokiefan said:
VZW always said it ws for the "health" of the network. That rooted devices would cause it harm.
Well, one, the Nexus is unlocked so where is the concern there? and 2. I haven't heard of any gnex causing harm to the network.
I'm guessing its because when we all found wifi tether on the OG, the network suffered. lol
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Well nowadays all data plans are being metered anyways. If I buy 2GB per month why does Verizon care if its used on my laptop instead of my phone for example. There was a recent FCC lawsuit against Verizon for separate tethering charges because it went against some agreement they had when they bought the 4G spectrum.
ratman6161 said:
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
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Simple, unlocking your bootloader voids the warranty and the user would agree to this before running the factory bootloader unlock program. There would also have to be an easy way to tell if the bootloader had been unlocked on a bricked phone.

spunker88 said:
Simple, unlocking your bootloader voids the warranty and the user would agree to this before running the factory bootloader unlock program. There would also have to be an easy way to tell if the bootloader had been unlocked on a bricked phone.
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From a Verizon point of view, this remains problematic. The issue is that a user with a hardware problem that lost warranty support is likely to still be angry at Verizon for not supporting the phone; even somebody with a software issue who gets no help could express anger at Verizon and decide to leave the network for another carrier (where the cycle start again, probably.) It's a matter of control - it's hard enough supporting a ton of phones, it makes it even harder when you cannot even predict what's on the phone. And from Verizon's point of view, their brand is strong enough that they feel that they can exert this control without angering enough users to matter.
(Still, the reasons I listed above are easily solved if the OEMs provide all of the tools required to bring a phone back to stock...)

doogald said:
From a Verizon point of view, this remains problematic. The issue is that a user with a hardware problem that lost warranty support is likely to still be angry at Verizon for not supporting the phone; even somebody with a software issue who gets no help could express anger at Verizon and decide to leave the network for another carrier (where the cycle start again, probably.) It's a matter of control - it's hard enough supporting a ton of phones, it makes it even harder when you cannot even predict what's on the phone. And from Verizon's point of view, their brand is strong enough that they feel that they can exert this control without angering enough users to matter.
(Still, the reasons I listed above are easily solved if the OEMs provide all of the tools required to bring a phone back to stock...)
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+1

ratman6161 said:
...and are likely to remain locked. It's because they don't want you messing with it. Read throughout the various Android forums and you will find over and over again people talking about how they screwed up their phone and got the carrier to replace it for them. I've seen some practically bragging about how they've screwed Verizon and got them to replace the phone 3 and 4 and more times. As long as this keeps happening, they will resist allowing unlocked boot loaders.
About the only way it will ever happen is if they went to a scheme like Asus has with it's transformer series tablets. Basically they lock it. But they also provide an unlocking tool. This unlocking tool basically has warnings all over it that say that if you do it, your warranty and any claim to support are void...and we do not want to hear from you. But even then on the Transformer Prime forum on XDA you hear people complaining about problems with their unlocked device and seeking advice on how to re-lock it so they can screw the company into taking it back (Asus also made unlocking an irreversible process).
For the manufacturers and carriers there is just no incentive to unlock them. By locking them they cede the enthusiast market to a large extent but that market is a drop in the bucket compared to the market as a whole.
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I don't really like this argument though, because most of those bricks are CAUSED by the locked bootloaders and other "security" put into place. These phones are just computers with radios inside. I've never bricked my (desktop or laptop) computer, and neither have most people, because computers have been designed such that the process that brings the computer up (the BIOS) is simple, reliable, and will load anything you tell it to, negating the need to mess with it.
The OG Droid was borderline software unbrickable, because you could leave the stock bootloader in place, and the stock bootloader was able to get you back home (SBF) by itself. If all phones were built like this today, and manufacturer's had a utility to restore the phone back to stock available on their website, the people returning devices due to softbricking would probably go way down, because a softbrick would be no big deal.

AT&T Unlock Bootloader petitions

Petitions to unlock bootloader on the AT&T Samsung Galaxy s5​
I'd like to have control over my phone because I paid a lot of money for it. I'd like to install a cleaner/faster ROM without all of the bloatware that comes stock. Android is an OPEN SOURCE mobile operating system, we should not be locked down from improving the quality of our smartphones. I have found some petitions that put effort into making it possible to give us our right to have our bootloaders unlocked.
Advantages of an unlocked bootloader:
# Developers will make a wide selection of custom ROMS and Kernels that will improve the speed of the phone, these can't be installed until our bootloader is unlocked.
# Rooting the phone will become a lot easier.
# With root access we can overclock our CPU to make the phone faster.
Disadvantage to an unlocked bootloader:
# IF you don't follow instructions to flashing correctly you can permanently brick your device. This is not a problem if you know what you're doing and/or follow directions very carefully.
LINKS
#1 change.org petition for Samsung AND Verizon
#2 Change.org petition for all androidsmarphones/tablets/etc
If anybody knows of anymore let us know in the comments!!
DISCLAIMER NOTES
## NEVER FLASH A ROM ON YOUR PHONE IF IT IS NOT MADE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC MODEL UNLESS THE DEVELOPER SAYS IT IS OKAY.
## i AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES YOU MAY CAUSE TO YOUR PHONE, OR ANYTHING ELSE.
You may discuss this in further detail in this thread. However, arguing, trolling, slandering, bickering, and anything else that will clutter this thread and overwork the moderators WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This thread is not the thread to argue with others over the details since the idea is already in marketing. If you wish to argue or troll, please take it somewhere else. And, as always, please follow the forum rules. Thank you for looking at this thread.
For those who are concerned with the warranty, please read this. Huge thanks to @shootind5nukes for this info.
Just so everyone knows the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act prevents someone from totally VOIDING a warranty. Verizon/Samsung could only deny to warranty something if they can prove something you did cause the issue. Anything that has nothing to do with what you did still has to be under warranty. If you LCD started to lose color or get dead pixels that would still have to be covered because that has nothing to do with bootloaders and flashing ROMS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuso...s_Warranty_Act
"The federal minimum standards for full warranties are waived if the warrantor can show that the problem associated with a warranted consumer product was caused by damage while in the possession of the consumer, or by unreasonable use, including a failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance."
I learned about this when I was going to get my truck lifted. I was told if I did it would VOID my truck's warranty. After looking into it further it didn't actually VOID anything. But for example if I went in to get my suspension fixed because it broke they could argue that the lift kit put stress on the suspension and that's why it failed so they would not have to cover it. But if my motor exploded because it was made out of cheese it would still be under warranty, the entire warranty can never be voided. Only damage caused by what you did. Food for thought guys.
If anyone has anything to add please do.
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I'd like my posts to be very clear and grammatically correct. If I could have worded anything better or made any mistakes, please let me know so I can correct it.

Don't hold your breath.

Good luck. I did the same thing. And nothing. Golden rule, he who has the gold makes the rules. Att has the gold in this case.

GDofWR420 said:
Good luck. I did the same thing. And nothing. Golden rule, he who has the gold makes the rules. Att has the gold in this case.
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You're probably right, but just putting in an effort here. I'm hoping that the FCC finds this similar to carrier locking, they changed the laws for carrier locking because of petitions: http://www.fcc.gov/device-unlocking-faq

i actually just today put a complain on at&t's facebook page about use wanting a bootloader unlocking tool like with htc phones. i have heard no reply yet.

i root SGH i777 said:
i actually just today put a complain on at&t's facebook page about use wanting a bootloader unlocking tool like with htc phones. i have heard no reply yet.
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I wouldn't expect one. I've complained on their page multiple times and the only thing that came of it was getting blocked.

There's not enough demand for anyone to put any effort into freeing our bootloader. These petitions have been up for months and haven't reached the minimum requirements. Just get used to TW ROMs or don't support either AT&T or Samsung with the next phone you get and go the Stock Android path.

UnhoIy said:
There's not enough demand for anyone to put any effort into freeing our bootloader. These petitions have been up for months and haven't reached the minimum requirements. Just get used to TW ROMs or don't support either AT&T or Samsung with the next phone you get and go the Stock Android path.
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Much agreed. I see a nexus device in my future

Just signed it. If they don't, it'll be hacked anyway.

I signed it. My signature by itself means nothing. My signature along with many others may help.

i root SGH i777 said:
i actually just today put a complain on at&t's facebook page about use wanting a bootloader unlocking tool like with htc phones. i have heard no reply yet.
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I'm merely going to point this out, Complaining to ATT for a tool to unlock the bootloader is the wrong place to complain, it is HTC that provides the way to unlock the BL you would need to post that complaint on the Samsung webpage or facebook page

signed

Two more votes required!

signed both

i bought my s5 before i knew about the locked bootloader, so now im selling to buy a g600f

Isriam said:
i bought my s5 before i knew about the locked bootloader, so now im selling to buy a g600f
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Not a bad idea really...
Sad to think that we may never truly own our devices here....g

Signed.. Where's a good place to sell a S5 att
Sent from my SM-G900A using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

Signed

LG G3 just got hacked Oct 11th. Hopefully the same hacker will focus on KLTEATT

cstayton said:
I'm merely going to point this out, Complaining to ATT for a tool to unlock the bootloader is the wrong place to complain, it is HTC that provides the way to unlock the BL you would need to post that complaint on the Samsung webpage or facebook page
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AT&T won't provide a tool for the unlocking but I'm quite confident they are the ones that asked for it as other network providers offer unlocked phones. I believe the S5 from T-Mobile is unlocked and the international is unlocked. A complaint to Samsung might push them to play hardball with AT&T like HTC and I believe Motorola have so really complaining to both is the best route. I hold out little hope for a change in stance but maybe the pummeling by Apple will help change minds.

Should I return it?

Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
**EDIT** I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. Please consider this before you make a return/exchange decision.
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?

rockerrock said:
Greets!
I lept before I looked and bought a G4 to replace my iPhone 6 and after some research, LG has a stick up their arse and is claiming they will never support unlocking the bootloader on the H811:
"Unfortunately, we have no plan to support bootloader unlock in previously launched models including H811 (T-Mobile) and H815 USA version."
http://goo.gl/ZpnLW5
I WAS going to get a Nexus 6 to skip the noise (as a long time Nexus 4 user previously) but.. but.. the G4 seems so much sexier in a way.
I'm not the biggest fan of iOS myself however, I've learned to live with it after working at Applecare for some years.. At least there is a 8.4 jailbreak.
Thankfully, I have a perfect excuse to return the G4 without a restocking fee (their cash register locked up and they couldn't provide a receipt NOR could phone support OR EVEN retail support), I'll simply state that without a receipt - I could not participate in the G4 promotion for free batteries, SD card, etc. (Watch next they won't be able to process a return at all or something, my luck).
Regardless of reason, It'll be a huge regret to hang on to the G4 if I have to put up with T-Mo's Bloatware long term - rootability was the only reason I switched back from the dark side. No one can see the future - but dear XDA fellows, is there any hope for a workaround without LG's grace to unlock the bootloader or should I simply return it and keep using my perfectly working iPhone for now?
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Just got mine today and will be very disappointed if there is no way to unlock bootloader. I took for granted that it would be able to be done. May return now....

Really considering returning for this issue as well. I jumped from the S6, and may jump back. Still undecided.

Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.

Z3ldaFan88 said:
Just because LG does not officially support an unlocked bootloader does not mean anything. Of all the devices that have bootloaders that are unlocked on this site, do you know how many of them came right from the device manufacturer?
I mean, you can do what you want as it is your device and your life, but ALL of our devs ALREADY have Root Access (just working on a safe method before it is released to the rest of the G4 community) and I am pretty sure bootloader will follow pretty close behind that, and even if not with just Root Access you can still do SO many great things that at that point the locked bootloader kind of ceases to be a big deal anyway.
......But again, do what you want and all that.
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This.
You have assuaged my concerns........for now

I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.

I'm going to get the nexus 6... S6 is to small for me.... This phone will take months to see an unlock bootloader and than months to see aosp.... G3 was different cause it came unlocked

I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.

rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
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Click to collapse
No worries buddy. I completely understand your frustration based on the entirety of your situation and I do not fault you for being upset/aggravated in the least.
I also did not take your post as you being "whiny" or anything of the sort either, Your concerns are essentially the same ones all of us had the first couple of days (or at least a lot of us did, myself included). I just happened to have already put in enough time with the G4 to be able to know that it is still a rock solid device even in its stock form.....and since we are all but guaranteed to have a public Root method at this point, one day it is just going to end up being that much better.
So rest assured you made a great decision by keeping the G4 (especially over an iPhone) and it will not disappoint.
.......If you have any other questions or concerns about our device I am only a couple clicks away and would be more than happy to answer any questions that I can for ya......Now stop reading this and go play with that damn phone, lol.

Th3Bill said:
I will say that it always amazes me how people expect unlock and root and AOSP to be out within a few days of a device release. Seriously...these devices are much more difficult to root and unlock than those from a year or two or three ago. Processor tech as well as addition of selinux has made this both more tricky and time consuming to develop. On top of that, they have SOO many more added hardware sensors and gadgets that AOSP takes more time to debug to get a proper build out.
Root/Unlock is in the works...as is AOSP....I know of one AOSP based dev working on the device tree now.
Personally, I think it is always a mistake to buy something if you don't at least love it as it comes out of the box.
*Edit: Regarding OP's issues with the sales process, that just sucks bro. I'd be royally P***ed at that.
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Click to collapse
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....

Upstreammiami said:
Phones by this time should have already developers tweeting about the root of the g4.... Not one of them has announced that they are working on a root or unlock method.....
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Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?

Th3Bill said:
Haven't done much searching, have you? jcase has posted MANY times on xda about it and has released a number of videos on youtube proving he has his phones rooted. autoprime has as well. Then, 2 days ago, thecubed announced they're working on it and are making progress.
Funny how you feel there should be a "timeframe" where thing should/must be done on a phone. Nothing like having some patience.
So, let me ask you this...would you rather they work on it and make a proper, safe release of unlock and root, or hurry it and potentially leave you with a brick?
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Click to collapse
Nothing like wanting someone to do you a favor and trying to tell them they are not doing it fast enough, eh.
.....I understand people be excited (as I am sure this guy is/was) but NEVER should you put the safety of your device (or EVERYONE on XDA for that matter) as a second class priority just because you want your Root Access now.
Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.

Also unless you are posted up in the Root Bounty thread (and actually pay out) then you really have no right to complain about anything as you are just basically trying to ride someone else's coat-tails and benefit from other people putting their devices and hard earned money up to show their respect and appreciation to our devs.
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Count me in for $20 via PayPal. I'll post on the bounty thread soon as I have the money available
Now that I have actually used the G4 for awhile, I'm satisfied with it. The most apparent annoyance so far is some noticeable lag when carrying out tasks/app switching. I'm happy my generic OBD scanner pairs just fine (dtto on iOS) and I'm back to using aCar and other apps I've been missing.

rockerrock said:
I appreciate the reassurance. I authored the post after a string of very unsatisfactory events with T-Mobile regarding the purchase. See my reddit post here. EDIT, what the heck - the subreddit went private literally the second after posting the link.
Basically put, the POS crashed after swiping my card and they just can't furnish a receipt. Not the store, not customer service, not retail support and I stood around with $400+ missing from my bank account while they debated if they'd let me leave the store with the phone. Well that and I now miss out on absolutely every promo deal offered.. Of course, they absolutely refuse to waive the restocking fee (but I did get an account credit).
I apologize if anyway my post was perceived as a whiny, spoiled brat - complaining at a lack of root/bootloader. The story went much deeper than that and I didn't take a moment to calm myself before posting (or explain myself fully at that).
All in all, I just gave up and stopped caring and will keep the G4. The iPhone is on eBay - good riddance and I'll spend this time getting used to Android again after working at the Jobs Mob for the last 3 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if you called your card company and disputed the charge, if a receipt would magically appear?

Patience young turd burglar. G3 seemed to be hopeless until the TWRP exploit was found. Next time do some research before purchasing if you want instant gratification (oooohhhh myy). Otherwise be patient for the other developers to releases a safe method

Its kinda weird hearing about all these situations where the store computer locked up and cant give receipts. Funny cus when i went to get my nexus 6 for 0 down, the rep said "oh darn, i closed the transaction window and i cant print a receipt now, sorry" hmmm. I smell a whole sea of fish here....