Need Expert Help Modifying ROM - Galaxy S 5 General

Hoping I can get some help here as I've been working on this for about a month now. I've seen quite a few people with this same problem but found no solutions so far. So I'm trying to modify stock and custom ROMs and stock firmware to work on my G900P. I'll upload the resulting files to share with others who need them. Not looking to be spoon fed, just looking for some guidance.
I bought a Galaxy S5 from a Canadian shop on Ebay. It's a G900P, from Sprint. I'm on Petro Canada Mobile (Rogers) and the stock G900P firmware won't allow me to make calls, text, or use data. It also has all the Sprint bloatware, which I want to get rid of. I've rooted the phone and flashed some ROMs (SuperLite and S5 DreamUX A7 V2) and they do work, albeit in a limited way. With these ROMs I can make calls, text, and use data, but I can not get Rogers higher bands because the phone seems to be stuck on the CDMA (all the firmware and ROMs I've used all use CDMA in the code of the files) settings or some other issue, (most likely through CSC files and build.prop) and can not change to APN protocols to enable IPv4/IPv6 (the option is on IPv4 and greyed out so I can't change it. My carrier uses GSM (850/1900 Mhz, GPRS, Edge), UMTS (B2 1900 PCS, B5 850, 3G, HSPA+ 3.5G ) , and LTE (B4 1700/2100 AWS 1, B7 2600, B17 700 bc). I've spoken with a tech and they said the G900P is compatible will all the bands except the LTE bands. They never mentioned whether this was due to firmware or hardware restrictions.
I've played with the build.prop files, and the Sprint CSC files but nothing has worked so far. So what I'd like to do is modify either the GP900W8 firmware to be compatible with the G900P phone, or the G900P firmware to be compatible with the carrier. If this isn't possible I'd like to customize an existing ROM to do the same. From what I've learned so far it seems I need to modify the build.prop and CSC (and possibly other files) to use the bands my carrier uses instead of the CDMA bands, but I haven't used the correct code or modified the correct lines, or missed something in another file, etc.... I'd also like to try and get this phone to be able to use the LTE bands if possible.
Any help with this project would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
P.S. If this isn't possible and someone knows of a ROM or firmware I can use on my carrier and get the higher bands could you please let me know. I'm still gonna work on this project, but would like to use my phone while I do it LOL.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-add-rf-lte-frequency-bands-to-t2886059

Related

3G in the USA

Has any been able to get 3G to work in the USA yet?
thank you,
jdm
I would say that it is imminent that the US version of the S730 will be released soon. AT&T or T-Mobile may pick it up (T-Mobile's 3G network in NYC just went live, but there are no phones). If so, I would suspect that some of these crafty folks (like Alcaline) would be able to extract the radio ROM, and make it available for the S730 that we all have (the european version).
But, here's the most important part... It all depends on whether or not the European version of the S730 has the radio chipsets that will support 3G on the frequencies that are 3G in the US. There is no known answer "available" to this, so it can only be discovered by testing.
The current S730 uses the 2100 band for 3G speeds and ATT is deploying 3g on 1900 and 850 I believe and they sell a decent ammount of 3g phones. T-Mobile is working on setting one up on the 1700/2100 band but I dont care for T-Mobile.
I have watched my phone at times flip into 3G mode for a few minutes then revert back to Edge, its trying but cant work properly without the right frequencies.
Check out the chipset datasheet. Bottom of page three explains the specific radio chipset combos and their support for different freqs.
I suppose, to save on manufacturing costs, they could have used the single chipset that supports 3G on all freqs (RTR 6285), but I believe this is unlikely due to the difference in model number that was submitted to the FCC (European version: WING220, US version: WING200).
Who knows though.
3G in US
Hermes models had different model #'s HERM100, HERM200 and had the same radios, in some cases minor difference such as case style, i.e removal of video calling camera etc. With any luck we have the RFR6500 + RTR6275 Combo, or as you mentioned the RTR6285 and just not a radio rom that allows 1900+850 3G. I was looking on the FCC site and they have some interesting screen shots, one of which shows one(s730) with what appears to be the front camera covered up and another which shows a radio rom(R 0.27.03.05B), one that, to do the tests would likely need to support 1900+850. Check Page 250 / 11 in the PDF. However, also in the test is the lack of any mention of 2100 Mhz test, which would suggest that either the US 3G Radio won't support 2100Mhz or that it indeed has different hardware that won't support 2100Mhz. At any rate it would be interesting to know if anyone has tried to flash one of the pre-prod roms for the wing 200 onto the wing220 and see if they are able to connect up to 1900+850 3G.
http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=890469&native_or_pdf=pdf
I suppose only time will tell.
Wow... nice investigative work. Very interesting. I'll start hunting around for the ROM.
[edit]
Searched google and, my favorite, napalm with no luck. I wonder if we can lure an FCC testing engineer into the XDA-dev realm. muahahaha
I was searching some of the other posts, and it appears that most of the pre-prod radio rom testing had been focused on GPS functionality. Has anyone been able to throw on any of the pre-prod radios with an ATT SIM and tested to see if it can connect to WCDMA -> US Band (1900+850) ??
I have no possibility to check the 3G in the USA from my location in Norway.
But just to get this clear, because I have changed my Radio more often then most people change their underweare.
Is everybody able to select WCDMA and then US Band in the settings?
I dont know if this is selectable on all devices or if this is made available after my radio flahings.
I believe all S730's have the following options available.
Network Type:
Auto
GSM
WCDMA
Band Type:
Auto
US Band
Euro Band
Japan Band
For it to actually be able to operate on all of these frequencies I believe it would need to use the the RTR6285 chipset as the other 2 combos would not support all of the different frequencies combinations.
US Band -> GSM 850+1900 / UMTS 850+1900 (ATT)
Euro Band -> GSM 900+1800 / UMTS 2100
Japan Band -> UMTS 2100+800 (not positive on this one)
If I change band to from Auto -> WCDMA I do not get an error but no 3G Icon and all calls fail. If I then go and change to US Band while having WCDMA selected it indicates that it cannot change to that GSM/UMTS Band. Also interesting, If I stay on WCDMA and select Euro Band, no error, but of course all calls fail. I then tried to change to Japan Band, no error and no phone calls. Finally I am still on WCDMA and I switch to US Band and I get the error that indicates I cannot change to that band. So, I would be interested to know Alcaline if you see the same behavior on some of the other radios you have been trying to see they allow the switch to WCDMA / US Band combo.
Thanks
Can anyone else confirm this behavior on any of the other Radios out there?
Alcaline said:
I have no possibility to check the 3G in the USA from my location in Norway.
But just to get this clear, because I have changed my Radio more often then most people change their underweare.
Is everybody able to select WCDMA and then US Band in the settings?
I dont know if this is selectable on all devices or if this is made available after my radio flahings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the ability to tell my phone I am in the states, but it does nothing (default settings though)
Was the US version (WING200) of this phone ever released? Or has anyone gotten the EU version to work on any US 3G networks? Wondering about T-Mobile...

[Q] Changing the Radio Frequencies on a Samsung GT-I9000

Phone Radio Compatibility Details Requested (both general and US T-mobile specific)
I have been doing a lot of researching regarding this phone and all of its cousins as well as how they will operate on the various US carriers. I have the following requirements for my next phone purchase:
1) Must be an Android device
2) Must have front facing camera (for international video calls to relatives)
3) Must be GSM (for compatibility with local prepaid SIM cards when traveling)
As AT&T and T-mobile are the only two carriers in the US (the only two viable ones at least, I don't know if any smaller carriers use GSM) and I refuse to renew my contract with AT&T that narrows it down to one option.
I have been researching the different carrier frequencies, both what they are and why they are different. It seems T-mobile decided to be special and as a result it is nearly impossible to get a T-mobile high speed compatible phone unless you purchase it from them directly. I almost want to call that evil, but it is easy to believe that is just a bad side effect rather than the intent.
Anyways, as we all know the Galaxy S has been severely nerfed by everyone except for Sprint. If Sprint only had a GSM phone that I could use internationally I would pick up their model, but alas it is not. I will not purchase the Vibrant because it lacks the front facing camera. My last option is the unlocked Galaxy S available abroad unless I am missing something.
Most of the online retailers I have seen all list different band frequencies and not even all of them have it divided into 2G/3G frequencies. I have some specific questions, but if you have any useful information for me I would appreciate it.
Question 1: Do the online retailers just suck, or are there truly many different frequency bands for the unlocked Galaxy S?
Question 2: Does anyone know of a Galaxy S phone that is fully compatible with T-mobile in the US (not the Vibrant, I need the front facing camera)? If not, would it be good enough?
Question 3: The radio bands I have ready about are usually divided into 2G and 3G categories. Is the phone radio physically divided into one for 2G and another for 3G, or is it the same radio and those are the frequencies USUALLY used by the different speeds? If I see the appropriate T-mobile high speed frequencies listed under 2G, would that mean the radio is in fact compatible with the T-mobile 3G because the radio can talk on that frequency, or is the hardware actually different and unable to comprehend the 3G speeds?
Bumping my own thread and also wondering if anyone has any recommended vendors to buy the international Galaxy S in the United States.
i bought mine from handtec.co.uk and it is working ok..
beware though that at&t unfort. in my error has been slowly getting rid of 1900 3g and more 850 3g which does not work on the phone..
at least at home the microcells are 1900 3g.
Radio chip/antennae changes?
It seems the internal Galaxy's electronics is all the same or modular. Is there a chance to take the radio module out of T-Mobile body and put it into the Sprint's nice hardware? How easy it is to obtain the desired component?
related post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=718041
[Q] Which CSC (Phono/radio) version will give the best results?
I'm wondering what CSC-version (Or is it the Phone/Modem?) will give the best results in The Netherlands with Vodafone as telecom provider, or maybe... where can i find the stock version of the radio (and is it possible to use it with a root?)
I'm using Froyo (I9000XXJPC) - Rooted, but I'm wondering if my connection isn't worse since updating, I believe my 3G/HSDPA is weaker since then.
Anyone the same problem?
I also have the same problem, but already since upgrading to jm1 trough KIES.
I think we need a i9000XEN CSC.
shumix said:
I also have the same problem, but already since upgrading to jm1 trough KIES.
I think we need a i9000XEN CSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the "i9000XEN CSC" the stock one?
I'm not on JPC but changing from JM3 to JP2 (modem) actually makes my GSM signal and wifi sort of worse, dropping 1-2 bars at the exact same location compare to JM5
CSC has NOTHING to do with reception or 3g whatsoever... its just branding stuff and APN etc...
the MODEM file is the one you need to look out for!
Right now i'm on JM1 (rev03) with the appropriate modem file and i have no problem whatsoever!
BackfireNL said:
CSC has NOTHING to do with reception or 3g whatsoever... its just branding stuff and APN etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sir, are wrong.
I have a Bell I9000M and flashed the new HK JP2 Froyo to it. I lost my 850mhz UMTS Band. I then flashed back to stock JH2, including the modem and still no band. The only thing that fixed it was doing the *#272*xxxx# CSC select. Once I did that, bingo, 850MHZ Reception.
I know what you're saying SHOULD be correct, but unfortunately, it is not.
I'm still correct! CSC contains carrier costumizations. Which also can contain settings to ENABLE the 850mhz radio band!
BackfireNL said:
I'm still correct! CSC contains carrier costumizations. Which also can contain settings to ENABLE the 850mhz radio band!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, enabling/disabling a band doesn't have anything to do with reception?
So, when I get no reception because I'm in an 850MHZ ONLY area, which is disabled by the CSC. The CSC has nothing to do with it? I don't see the logic there, but alright.
You can use whatever CSC you want as long it enables the 850MHz band. It doesnt matter what CSC...
Modem file is the one that contains the drivers for the radiochip etc... A better modem file means that you can get higher 3G/Wifi speeds or even have better reception.
The CSC only contains the setting to enable the band.. nothing more nothing less
BackfireNL said:
You can use whatever CSC you want as long it enables the 850MHz band. It doesnt matter what CSC...
Modem file is the one that contains the drivers for the radiochip etc... A better modem file means that you can get higher 3G/Wifi speeds or even have better reception.
The CSC only contains the setting to enable the band.. nothing more nothing less
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool man, I was directly referring to:
BackfireNL said:
CSC has NOTHING to do with reception or 3g whatsoever... its just branding stuff and APN etc...
the MODEM file is the one you need to look out for!
Right now i'm on JM1 (rev03) with the appropriate modem file and i have no problem whatsoever!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which was wrong. No service due to CSC = No Reception. Plain and simple. You can argue what you meant all day, it's not what you said.
I'm done with this. I apologize to the OP for having this thread turn into this childishness.
Have a good day.
BackfireNL is right. Selecting a CSC indicates which band/frequency the radio will use according to the place you are.
dnsp said:
BackfireNL is right. Selecting a CSC indicates which band/frequency the radio will use according to the place you are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhh, that's what I said, disagreeing with his "CSC has NOTHING to do with reception" comment.
Just so you two know, the actual Merriam-Webster definition of reception is:
"the act or action or an instance of receiving"
CSC not allowing 850MHZ = No Reception.
If you're taking about small increases/decreases in quality of reception, then absolutely yes, CSC has no effect. But that is not what was stated.
Confused...
Okay... thanx, both of you!
I've learned a lot new thinks...
Finally... I understand that I must use the Modem file if I have issues with the reception of the 3G network, but which version should give me the best results for my provider (Vodafone/Netherlands) and the new Froyo (JPC), and where can I get that modem file?
The Radio Chip in the SGS
ht tp://ww w.triquint.com/prodserv/more_info/proddisp.aspx?prod_id=TQM6M9014
(remove spaces)
That is the chip, now if I understand that right, it is a Pentaband radio. So that would mean it is all locked out in software.
No?
Users in the U.S., What Radio are you using?
I am running CFLagFix1.60(StockXXJF3) and using AT&T.
Everything works fine, except for a weak signal.
I can receive and make calls, but at times have calls dropped.
My home is in an area where there is a weak signal.
I am not try to get 3G, just a stronger signal.
May not be possible, but worth a try.
Signal is fine when not at home.
I have tried the following Radios without boosting the signal.
MODEM_I9000XXJF3.tar
I9000UGJH2-Modem
MODEM_I9000XXJP2.tar
bell_I9000_radio - No signal with the bell_I9000_radio
Any suggestions, or is it a lost cause?​
Is this a haiku?
PS It would help telling us what carrier you are using it on.

[Q] Will international SGS i9000 work in Canada?

I have a factory unlock international SGS version. I'll be moving to Toronto Canada soon. I would just like to know if my phone will still work when i arrive there. If not, is there a way for me to make it use 850mhz? Does is help if i'm running CM7?
Thanks in advance for the help!
mike
your phone is the international version, so it will work all around the world.
i assume your not a noob when it comes to flashing as you are currently on CM7 (not the easiest rom to install)
so if you do run into any trouble - mainly signal issues (which you shouldnt) a simple modem change should work
but i use JVO modem in UK other people use this modem in India, Australia and so on, works for them, works for me... you will be fine.
You will be ok as long as you have an 850/1900 modem
azzledazzle said:
your phone is the international version, so it will work all around the world.
i assume your not a noob when it comes to flashing as you are currently on CM7 (not the easiest rom to install)
so if you do run into any trouble - mainly signal issues (which you shouldnt) a simple modem change should work
but i use JVO modem in UK other people use this modem in India, Australia and so on, works for them, works for me... you will be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bro. The reason i'm asking here is because i read on several forums that not all SGS international phone have the hardware to support 850 band frequency. Meaning even if i change the modem that support such frequency, it won't work as there's no hardware to support it. But then again, I don't have any idea if this are true. Would you know any truth about this?
Oh by the way, at first i thought installing CM7 is hard, but once you finished reading the install instruction everything is smooth as butter.
dlockhart said:
You will be ok as long as you have an 850/1900 modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just want to ask, if i don't use modem that has these frequency (850/1900) for my cm7 sgs, would i still be able to use my phone? Please correct me if i'm wrong, these bands only lets me connect to 3g or hsdpa and has no effect in terms of making and receiving calls/sms?
Thanks again!
I don't think that is true at all, it's not a hardware issue, it is firmware, you just have to make sure your baseband firmware supports 850.
mikextr23 said:
Just want to ask, if i don't use modem that has these frequency (850/1900) for my cm7 sgs, would i still be able to use my phone? Please correct me if i'm wrong, these bands only lets me connect to 3g or hsdpa and has no effect in terms of making and receiving calls/sms?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These bands are what connect your SIM card to carriers.. so yes you need these bands. Whatever carrier you are with will depend on your band.. in Canada for example. Bell and Telus use both 850/1900 mhz bands depending on location, Rogers I believe on uses 850... so if your modem, is 1900 only and you are in an 850 area, then you will have no signal and usually recieve an error like "SIM not compatable with carrier" if you try to force a connection.... the APN(access point names) are what connect you to 3g etc..
dlockhart said:
These bands are what connect your SIM card to carriers.. so yes you need these bands. Whatever carrier you are with will depend on your band.. in Canada for example. Bell and Telus use both 850/1900 mhz bands depending on location, Rogers I believe on uses 850... so if your modem, is 1900 only and you are in an 850 area, then you will have no signal and usually recieve an error like "SIM not compatable with carrier" if you try to force a connection.... the APN(access point names) are what connect you to 3g etc..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool! Thanks for clarifying this to me bro.

[Q] Blu WinHD - change 3G bands

Hello,
I need help with a Blu WinHD: I purchased one while in the US as a replacement for my broken phone, but once back in Europe I discovered I had no 3G connection.
A quick web search and I found my model variant (W510U) only supports 3G/HSDPA at 850/1900/1700 MHz, while my Italian provider offers 900/2100 MHz bands (Vodafone IT). However, another variant does exist (W510 L), and actually supports 850/1900/2100 MHz.
Since both phones feature the same SoC (Qualcomm MSM8212 - Snapdragon 200), will it be possible to change the 3G band used by my version? I was thinks about flashing the other variant firmware, or trying some dial string and see whether I can change Cell Network settings...
Any tips?
pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=6801&view=1&c=blu_w510l_win_hd
pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=6802&view=1&c=blu_w510u_win_hd
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mobile_network_operators_of_Europe#Italy
I'm looking for the same
A quick search online gave me this:
http://www.clangsm.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=375734&pid=1525955&st=0&#entry1525955
BLU_W510l_V9059_GENERIC_Retail_20140903.rar
You need to be a VIP to download that. But still, I don't know which flashing tool should be used :/
Don't forget to reply if you find anything relevant!
anthonws
I'm not sure. But the 3G bands always had been a hardware thing. So you can't change it changing firmware or something. It's not like unlock, it just doesn't have them.
@anthonws Wonderful, I'll try to decompile this firmware in order to discover whether there are some dial strings that could help. But of course, being able to flash it at once would have been better. I'll look for any other flashing options as well.
@m1k3_ I was thinking the same at first, but later on I couldn't explain myself how could that be possible with the very same SoC on both model variants: if the SoC embeds the radio controller, what else can pilot the 3G bands? I would have better to get the chance to read the detailed datasheet of the Snapdragon 200...
Unfortunately, I finally got a reply from BLU Support Service, stating that 3G bands are actually hard-coded, so no software change can actually modify them....
I'm very sorry about that, I got to like this phone very much....
unsafecode said:
Hello,
I need help with a Blu WinHD: I purchased one while in the US as a replacement for my broken phone, but once back in Europe I discovered I had no 3G connection.
A quick web search and I found my model variant (W510U) only supports 3G/HSDPA at 850/1900/1700 MHz, while my Italian provider offers 900/2100 MHz bands (Vodafone IT). However, another variant does exist (W510 L), and actually supports 850/1900/2100 MHz.
Since both phones feature the same SoC (Qualcomm MSM8212 - Snapdragon 200), will it be possible to change the 3G band used by my version? I was thinks about flashing the other variant firmware, or trying some dial string and see whether I can change Cell Network settings...
Any tips?
pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=6801&view=1&c=blu_w510l_win_hd
pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=6802&view=1&c=blu_w510u_win_hd
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mobile_network_operators_of_Europe#Italy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I brought BLU HD W510U as well. But my question is : does your W510U have iuminous backlight for back key, home key, search key at night time?

Is it possible to change radio/baseband to different variant, eg. from APAC to US?

TLDR:
Bought a new phone in NZ but I live in US, it lacks all 3g and LTE bands for T-Mobile
Tried flashing stock firmware to overwrite with US variant radio; didn't work, still Asia Pacific (APAC) radio
Is is possible to "change the variant" from XT1805 to XT1806 to get US radio? Or otherwise install US radio version?
If not, does anyone have experience unlocking additional bands with QPST/QXDM on this model?
Finally, can anyone confirm if any custom ROMs contain a radio/modem worth trying?
The details:
While traveling my Nexus 5x bootlooped, so I bought a Moto G5S Plus (XT1805, dual-SIM, 3/32 edition, software repo is retapac) in New Zealand, naively thinking that it would work in the US since it's also sold in the US. Got back from my trip and the phone cannot connect to anything better than 2g (EDGE) (but oddly on layover in San Francisco LTE worked). I'm a T-Mobile customer and found that this phone lacks the key T-Mobile bands UMTS1700/2100 (band 4) for 3g and LTE1900 (Band 2) LTE1700/2100 (Band 4) LTE700 (Band 12) LTE1700/2100 (Band 66) for LTE. Now I'm pretty sure the hardware support is there, I just need to switch the radio to the US variant (XT1806). Of course I can't return the phone now, and Motorola reps were worthless (level one rep insisted no US phones work overseas at all!)
What I've tried:
I unlocked the bootloader and reflashed the latest (SANDERS_NPS26.116-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip) stock firmware from the firmware center. Upon rebooting, even though the firmware notes indicated a US version, it must somehow see that the phone is XT1805 and flashing the modem and baseband still resulted in APAC radio bands and no LTE signal. I tried also flashing the SANDERS_NPSS26.116-45-5_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC version, which worked except the gpt.bin file didn't install since it's an older version of what was already on the phone (validation failed due to not allowing a downgrade). After reboot and setup, I'm still on retapac with no LTE service. None of the firmware versions indicate a specific region, and this long thread leads me to believe the firmware is for all variants, so somehow it recognizes the variant on install.
Other Options
I know it's possible to also root with TWRP and Magisk and then install a custom kernel/ROM and use some special tools (QPST and QXDM) to modify the NVram to unlock additional radio frequency bands via this thread. I'm willing to try this, but I know it's risky and not fully documented for Moto phones (guide is for Sony). In the end, I don't really care about keeping the APAC bands - I'd be happy to just switch the radio bands to the US version.
I've read over 100 web pages and forum threads in the last few days researching this and looking for solutions. I'd much rather find a way to install the US version of the radio/modem and baseband, but if that's impossible, I'd be happy for anyone to share experience with unlocking bands on this phone. Finally, if these are not good options, can anybody confirm a custom ROM for this phone that includes a radio/modem so it doesn't use the existing stock radio/modem?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, just wanted to provide as much information as possible. Thanks!
Ryan
rpavery said:
TLDR:
Bought a new phone in NZ but I live in US, it lacks all 3g and LTE bands for T-Mobile
Tried flashing stock firmware to overwrite with US variant radio; didn't work, still Asia Pacific (APAC) radio
Is is possible to "change the variant" from XT1805 to XT1806 to get US radio? Or otherwise install US radio version?
If not, does anyone have experience unlocking additional bands with QPST/QXDM on this model?
Finally, can anyone confirm if any custom ROMs contain a radio/modem worth trying?
The details:
While traveling my Nexus 5x bootlooped, so I bought a Moto G5S Plus (XT1805, dual-SIM, 3/32 edition, software repo is retapac) in New Zealand, naively thinking that it would work in the US since it's also sold in the US. Got back from my trip and the phone cannot connect to anything better than 2g (EDGE) (but oddly on layover in San Francisco LTE worked). I'm a T-Mobile customer and found that this phone lacks the key T-Mobile bands UMTS1700/2100 (band 4) for 3g and LTE1900 (Band 2) LTE1700/2100 (Band 4) LTE700 (Band 12) LTE1700/2100 (Band 66) for LTE. Now I'm pretty sure the hardware support is there, I just need to switch the radio to the US variant (XT1806). Of course I can't return the phone now, and Motorola reps were worthless (level one rep insisted no US phones work overseas at all!)
What I've tried:
I unlocked the bootloader and reflashed the latest (SANDERS_NPS26.116-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip) stock firmware from the firmware center. Upon rebooting, even though the firmware notes indicated a US version, it must somehow see that the phone is XT1805 and flashing the modem and baseband still resulted in APAC radio bands and no LTE signal. I tried also flashing the SANDERS_NPSS26.116-45-5_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC version, which worked except the gpt.bin file didn't install since it's an older version of what was already on the phone (validation failed due to not allowing a downgrade). After reboot and setup, I'm still on retapac with no LTE service. None of the firmware versions indicate a specific region, and this long thread leads me to believe the firmware is for all variants, so somehow it recognizes the variant on install.
Other Options
I know it's possible to also root with TWRP and Magisk and then install a custom kernel/ROM and use some special tools (QPST and QXDM) to modify the NVram to unlock additional radio frequency bands via this thread. I'm willing to try this, but I know it's risky and not fully documented for Moto phones (guide is for Sony). In the end, I don't really care about keeping the APAC bands - I'd be happy to just switch the radio bands to the US version.
I've read over 100 web pages and forum threads in the last few days researching this and looking for solutions. I'd much rather find a way to install the US version of the radio/modem and baseband, but if that's impossible, I'd be happy for anyone to share experience with unlocking bands on this phone. Finally, if these are not good options, can anybody confirm a custom ROM for this phone that includes a radio/modem so it doesn't use the existing stock radio/modem?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, just wanted to provide as much information as possible. Thanks!
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did ya try this
Dial *#*#4636#*#* to get to field service menu
Hit menu - upper right - then select band, I think, you'll see it - first option
Select usa - I think that was it - you'll see what I mean
But, I can't remember of hand what bands are supported by this device. Google will remember though, ask him!
Here's a link to specs for all versions of the g5s plus... https://m.gsmarena.com/motorola_moto_g5s_plus-8699.php#xt1805
*You could always switch to the greatest US carrier ever: Sprint!
I think Sprint uses bands 25, 26, & 41 for lte(per this link: https://www.phonearena.com/news/Che...on-T-Mobile-and-Sprint-use-in-the-USA_id77933) & the xt1805 supports bands 26 & 41.
Yes, I am joking - but I thought I'd throw that out there as a possible last resort
Great question about the qpst tool to switch bands. I was wondering that myself as well. Last time I checked based on our chipset(msm8953) I didn't find too much...but I didn't look too hard TBH. I would search other device forums that share our chipset for that info...maybe you'll get lucky.
Phazmos said:
Did ya try this
Dial *#*#4636#*#* to get to field service menu
Hit menu - upper right - then select band, I think, you'll see it - first option
Select usa - I think that was it - you'll see what I mean
But, I can't remember of hand what bands are supported by this device. Google will remember though, ask him!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this was one of the things I tried. That code takes me to the 'testing' menu., where the first option is 'Phone information'. Entering that menu shows my IMEI, phone number, signal strength and a bunch of other options. My preferred network type is LTE/UMTS auto (PRL). In the menu in the upper right (the three dots), the first option is Select Radio Band. However, choosing this only shows one option, 'United States'. Selecting this does not change anything.
Thanks for recommending this though - I forgot to mention it as one of the things I tried.
Ryan
startswithPendswithOOH said:
Here's a link to specs for all versions of the g5s plus... [link scrubbed due to me not having 10 points ]
*You could always switch to the greatest US carrier ever: Sprint!
I think Sprint uses bands 25, 26, & 41 for lte(per this link: [link scrubbed due to me not having 10 points ]) & the xt1805 supports bands 26 & 41.
Yes, I am joking - but I thought I'd throw that out there as a possible last resort
Great question about the qpst tool to switch bands. I was wondering that myself as well. Last time I checked based on our chipset(msm8953) I didn't find too much...but I didn't look too hard TBH. I would search other device forums that share our chipset for that info...maybe you'll get lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha thanks, but my wife and I share a plan If I end up trying the QPST/QXDM route, I'll post with the results.
rpavery said:
Yes, this was one of the things I tried. That code takes me to the 'testing' menu., where the first option is 'Phone information'. Entering that menu shows my IMEI, phone number, signal strength and a bunch of other options. My preferred network type is LTE/UMTS auto (PRL). In the menu in the upper right (the three dots), the first option is Select Radio Band. However, choosing this only shows one option, 'United States'. Selecting this does not change anything.
Thanks for recommending this though - I forgot to mention it as one of the things I tried.
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, what I didn't notice is you have the 1805. Mine, bought in the us, is 1806, and I have 5 options (if I remember correctly). Oh well.
rpavery said:
Yes, this was one of the things I tried. That code takes me to the 'testing' menu., where the first option is 'Phone information'. Entering that menu shows my IMEI, phone number, signal strength and a bunch of other options. My preferred network type is LTE/UMTS auto (PRL). In the menu in the upper right (the three dots), the first option is Select Radio Band. However, choosing this only shows one option, 'United States'. Selecting this does not change anything.
Thanks for recommending this though - I forgot to mention it as one of the things I tried.
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's strange as I've a lot of options there on Indian variant.
follow-up on modifying LTE bands
Just following up on this. After trying several ROMs (Pixel Experience, CosmicOS) I was unable to enter diagnostic mode to modify the bands, so I re-flashed stock. With stock I was able to get into diagnostic mode and tried modifying bands.
Using Windows 10, I had difficulty getting the Service Programming tool of QPST to work, and the NV viewer is deprecated in newer versions of QPST. I couldn't get a licensed version of QXDM, so I tried EFS Professional and CDMA workshop. The NVRAM value for item 1877 made no sense as the decimal was much larger than any other places I've seen and seemed to only represent three bands in binary. I decided to only try modifying NV item 6828 and 6829, since those control LTE anyway. The stock value matched the advertised bands for the phone - bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, and 41 (decimal is 1786875085013, byte-swapped hex is D5 00 0E 0A A0 01). I added bands 2, 4, 12, and 66 (T-Mobile bands in the US) which resulted in a byte-swapped hex value of DF 08 0E 0A A0 01 00 00 02 (decimal 36893489934294190303).
The good news: despite not using a custom kernel, the values stuck on reboot.
The bad news: even with the new values sticking, I did not get LTE service. So either the xt1805 is actually missing the hardware for those bands, or something else needs to also be modified which is currently undocumented.
At this point I'm going to give up. If anybody has a use for an asia-pacific version Moto G5s plus with an unlocked bootloader, please contact me as mine is now a glorified paperweight!
rpavery said:
TLDR:
Bought a new phone in NZ but I live in US, it lacks all 3g and LTE bands for T-Mobile
Tried flashing stock firmware to overwrite with US variant radio; didn't work, still Asia Pacific (APAC) radio
Is is possible to "change the variant" from XT1805 to XT1806 to get US radio? Or otherwise install US radio version?
If not, does anyone have experience unlocking additional bands with QPST/QXDM on this model?
Finally, can anyone confirm if any custom ROMs contain a radio/modem worth trying?
The details:
While traveling my Nexus 5x bootlooped, so I bought a Moto G5S Plus (XT1805, dual-SIM, 3/32 edition, software repo is retapac) in New Zealand, naively thinking that it would work in the US since it's also sold in the US. Got back from my trip and the phone cannot connect to anything better than 2g (EDGE) (but oddly on layover in San Francisco LTE worked). I'm a T-Mobile customer and found that this phone lacks the key T-Mobile bands UMTS1700/2100 (band 4) for 3g and LTE1900 (Band 2) LTE1700/2100 (Band 4) LTE700 (Band 12) LTE1700/2100 (Band 66) for LTE. Now I'm pretty sure the hardware support is there, I just need to switch the radio to the US variant (XT1806). Of course I can't return the phone now, and Motorola reps were worthless (level one rep insisted no US phones work overseas at all!)
What I've tried:
I unlocked the bootloader and reflashed the latest (SANDERS_NPS26.116-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip) stock firmware from the firmware center. Upon rebooting, even though the firmware notes indicated a US version, it must somehow see that the phone is XT1805 and flashing the modem and baseband still resulted in APAC radio bands and no LTE signal. I tried also flashing the SANDERS_NPSS26.116-45-5_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC version, which worked except the gpt.bin file didn't install since it's an older version of what was already on the phone (validation failed due to not allowing a downgrade). After reboot and setup, I'm still on retapac with no LTE service. None of the firmware versions indicate a specific region, and this long thread leads me to believe the firmware is for all variants, so somehow it recognizes the variant on install.
Other Options
I know it's possible to also root with TWRP and Magisk and then install a custom kernel/ROM and use some special tools (QPST and QXDM) to modify the NVram to unlock additional radio frequency bands via this thread. I'm willing to try this, but I know it's risky and not fully documented for Moto phones (guide is for Sony). In the end, I don't really care about keeping the APAC bands - I'd be happy to just switch the radio bands to the US version.
I've read over 100 web pages and forum threads in the last few days researching this and looking for solutions. I'd much rather find a way to install the US version of the radio/modem and baseband, but if that's impossible, I'd be happy for anyone to share experience with unlocking bands on this phone. Finally, if these are not good options, can anybody confirm a custom ROM for this phone that includes a radio/modem so it doesn't use the existing stock radio/modem?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, just wanted to provide as much information as possible. Thanks!
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if u r able to flash modem of us u will loose ur imei. backUp ur efs partition first
Hi! I have the similar task with my xt1804, which lacks one of European lte band b7 (available in xt1805). Is there any possibility to unlock it for my phone? Please, share your experience.
same problem
Phazmos said:
Did ya try this
Dial *#*#4636#*#* to get to field service menu
Hit menu - upper right - then select band, I think, you'll see it - first option
Select usa - I think that was it - you'll see what I mean
But, I can't remember of hand what bands are supported by this device. Google will remember though, ask him!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with tx1805.. after flash baseband from a tx1806 i think that is a hardware limitation
---------- Post added at 11:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 PM ----------
rpavery said:
TLDR:
Bought a new phone in NZ but I live in US, it lacks all 3g and LTE bands for T-Mobile
Tried flashing stock firmware to overwrite with US variant radio; didn't work, still Asia Pacific (APAC) radio
Is is possible to "change the variant" from XT1805 to XT1806 to get US radio? Or otherwise install US radio version?
If not, does anyone have experience unlocking additional bands with QPST/QXDM on this model?
Finally, can anyone confirm if any custom ROMs contain a radio/modem worth trying?
The details:
While traveling my Nexus 5x bootlooped, so I bought a Moto G5S Plus (XT1805, dual-SIM, 3/32 edition, software repo is retapac) in New Zealand, naively thinking that it would work in the US since it's also sold in the US. Got back from my trip and the phone cannot connect to anything better than 2g (EDGE) (but oddly on layover in San Francisco LTE worked). I'm a T-Mobile customer and found that this phone lacks the key T-Mobile bands UMTS1700/2100 (band 4) for 3g and LTE1900 (Band 2) LTE1700/2100 (Band 4) LTE700 (Band 12) LTE1700/2100 (Band 66) for LTE. Now I'm pretty sure the hardware support is there, I just need to switch the radio to the US variant (XT1806). Of course I can't return the phone now, and Motorola reps were worthless (level one rep insisted no US phones work overseas at all!)
What I've tried:
I unlocked the bootloader and reflashed the latest (SANDERS_NPS26.116-61_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip) stock firmware from the firmware center. Upon rebooting, even though the firmware notes indicated a US version, it must somehow see that the phone is XT1805 and flashing the modem and baseband still resulted in APAC radio bands and no LTE signal. I tried also flashing the SANDERS_NPSS26.116-45-5_cid50_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC version, which worked except the gpt.bin file didn't install since it's an older version of what was already on the phone (validation failed due to not allowing a downgrade). After reboot and setup, I'm still on retapac with no LTE service. None of the firmware versions indicate a specific region, and this long thread leads me to believe the firmware is for all variants, so somehow it recognizes the variant on install.
Other Options
I know it's possible to also root with TWRP and Magisk and then install a custom kernel/ROM and use some special tools (QPST and QXDM) to modify the NVram to unlock additional radio frequency bands via this thread. I'm willing to try this, but I know it's risky and not fully documented for Moto phones (guide is for Sony). In the end, I don't really care about keeping the APAC bands - I'd be happy to just switch the radio bands to the US version.
I've read over 100 web pages and forum threads in the last few days researching this and looking for solutions. I'd much rather find a way to install the US version of the radio/modem and baseband, but if that's impossible, I'd be happy for anyone to share experience with unlocking bands on this phone. Finally, if these are not good options, can anybody confirm a custom ROM for this phone that includes a radio/modem so it doesn't use the existing stock radio/modem?
Thanks and sorry for the long post, just wanted to provide as much information as possible. Thanks!
Ryan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem

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