yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Sammy, in their never-ending quest to make sure they've pissed off every single one of their customers at least once, have decided to region lock their latest model devices. This means for example that you cannot use a European device with an American, Middle Eastern, Asian, ... , SIM card. You'd still be able to use the European SIM all over the world, but you would not be able to use a local SIM card while travelling outside of Europe - which would of course be much cheaper.

Sammy claims you can use any SIM card in the world after you've 'activated' with a SIM card from the region the device is from (in our example, Europe), but this has been proven by various (angry) Note 3 owners to not actually be the case.

The region lock is implemented in the form of a network blacklist. Beware that this is not exactly the same thing as a SIM lock, even though they are somewhat related. This blacklist blocks a number of whole countries and carriers, while a SIM lock whitelists one specific carrier. This app clears the network blacklist (region lock), but it may or may not remove the SIM lock, if present. Some have reported it works for them (for example: T-Mobile US Note3 on AT&T network: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2471742), but this should be considered a side-effect.

While removing the region lock does not necessarily affect the SIM lock, various users have reported that inputting a proper SIM unlock code does remove the region lock as well. You can purchase SIM unlock codes at various places on the internet for 20 bucks or so. A benefit of using such a code is that you do not need to root your device or use this app. If you are not rooting your device already for other reasons, I would personally not root it to just region unlock, and buy an unlock code instead.

Compatible devices

- Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 (MI7, MJ1, MJ3 firmwares)

Future

Right now, this has only been tested on Note 3's, and found working. Rumor has it Sammy will be bringing the region lock to a lot of devices, even backporting it to devices sold in the past (aren't there laws against this?). There's no way for me to know at this time if this specific method will keep working on the Note 3, or if it will work at all on other devices. Maybe the app will need updating, maybe Sammy will block this hack altogether, etc. Only time will tell.

In theory this hack can be done without rooting or voiding warranty with some device flashing and app modding, but I'm not currently working on that because it would be highly model-specific and I'm a root user anyway.

Relapse

It is not currently known exactly when the network blacklist is updated. Beware that for example updating your firmware may cause the region lock to reactivate.

Google Play

Support my efforts (or buy me a beer) and get this app from Google Play (or download it for free from the next post)

Crappy video

[YOUTUBE]cE7wrCBUs_Y[/YOUTUBE]
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Download

This download is identical to the Google Play version, the only difference is you're not buying me a beer :)

(v1.0: 9070; v1.2: 135)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Changelogs

2013.11.04 - v1.3

- Added option to relock using backed up files

2013.11.03 - v1.2

- Support for multiCSC ROMs - if it didn't work before, try again now!

2013.10.05 - v1.0

- Initial release
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] beautyangel:
thanks brother.

As always you R the BOSS bro. Thanks for all what you are doing and done. :good:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Hendrickson:
Great work this is going to be very useful for many, Samsung should have never put the lock on the first place. We buy an unlocked device only to find it regional locked, shame on them. Do you think it will be permanent or Samsung could patch it?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kamso:
Thanks, thanks and thanks for this. You are the boss.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Sammath:
Even though I don't need it, there is really no limit to what you can achieve chainfire. Thanks for your contributions to the community!
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Mikegrmn:
I currently have no need to do away with the region lock but I was feeling treated unfair as a buyer of an unlocked phone. So I'm glad someone came up with this. I followed some threads on these forums and so I had good faith that this will happen. Once I've rooted my phone I'll buy you a beer. Cheers.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] samaliset:
Great and thanks

I don't know if I am going to needed but still a nice peace of art with thanks again.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] claudioita:
I bought specifically the Note 3 to use it in Europe (with european sim) and south america (with south american sim, otherwise I go bankrupt with roaming charges).

I will test it. No need for root right?

I prefer to use the phone for a couple of weeks (to make sure no need for warranty) and then root it. MAybe by theat time the crap KNOX is solved
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] boramat:
big boss of android world

thanks
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] dingolino:
You need a rooted device as far as I understood chainfires posts

Best regards

dingolino

Sent from Galaxy Note with Tapatalk
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] ~wolverine~:
Well that didn't take long. Excellent work Chainfire. :good:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] mermaidkiller:
Well done so quick after Sammy blocked foreign SIM cards.

Maybe I need it on my Note 2 when the KitKat will roll out for that device.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] tigerkaiwoods:
Yeppa

THX Chainfire.

And WTF Samsung: Dont do this **** again. This is ridiculous. There is no need for it. You want the same structure like Apple?

Big Thx to our Genius on earth CF
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] claudioita:
"In theory this hack can be done without rooting"
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bilal1979:
Great achivment
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] dingolino:
Yes, this is what chainfire was saying, but than he said that most likely he will not dig into it because it would be a lot of device specific work and he is a "root guy" anyway.

So here and now and today my understanding is that his app 1.0 needs a rooted device. And this was your question?

Best regards,

dingolino
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] claudioita:
my questions are:

- does this program work on a unrooted device

- what happens if I install and run this program on an unrooted device (beside working or not, may it cause damages and/or void warranty?)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kamso:
I want to know the same thing but unfortunately I think yes this app needs a rooted device. In the video you can see superuser request launching the app.

Envoyé depuis mon HTC One avec Tapatalk
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] aamirjamal91:
I tried everything.

Yes, my device has full root access. I followed every single step that you mentioned above but looks like there's something wrong with it. I get the prompt that region lock may or may not have been applied and there's an option to reboot now or reboot later. Whatever I choose, the phone restarts and the Network Region Unlock pin screen shows up again.

Since it's a really costly phone, I don't wanna end up bricking it by doing something stupid. Hence I'm waiting for something that works perfectly. I'm sure Chainfire will come up with a fix sometime.

I got my fingers crossed :fingers-crossed:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] dhaneht:
It unlocks my S4 I337. Thanks.

I just try this to see it might unlock ATT S4 even you said it will not help on sim unlock. It's my lucky day.

It actually unlocks the phone and now I use T-Mobile sim on this ATT Galaxy S4. Wooooooo hooooooo.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] marley183rd:
Worked on ATT s3 mini sm-g730a

I can confirm that after rooting on MH4 build, using this app unlocked my att s3 mini SM-G730a. Chainfire you are the F***ing Man! Thanks......
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
Just upgraded to J1, my device is still region unlocked. Please dial in your phone *#1234# and post the results here. Did you flash any CSC different than the original which came with your device?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] suchevent:
please ignore. problem solved.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] aamirjamal91:
Details

PDA: N9005XXUBMJ1

CSC: N9005OXABMJ1

I did flash the MI6 CSC once then tried running the RegionLock Away app but that didn't work. So I reflashed the original CSC i.e. MJ1.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
Did you flash just the MI6 without the AP (MI7)? If you were running on the J1 firmware but with MI6 CSC I can imagine RegionLockAway won´t work. Try a factory reset and wipe cache, rollback to the MI7 firmware with MI6 CSC, check if you still got root access (root again if necessary), make sure you got the Saudi Arabia SIM inserted, install RegionLockAway-v1.0, reboot, power off your device, put in the Indian SIM, power on your device. Region lock should be gone now.

In case if it is not, use RegionLockAway-v1.1 instead and follow the rest of the steps.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] as_usual150:
I bought my n9005 from germany, I accidentally upgrade it through OTA and now it is running latest firmware MJ2 baseband, mj3 build. Now I want to use it in Turkey but it is region locked. What Can I do? Can I downgrade to MI7 or do I have any other option? I really need your help, Thanks in advance
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] BETEP0K:
After flashing J1 modem everything become perfect. Phone is Italian with ITV firmware. I`m from Moldova.

On J2 modem region lock cant remove.

sorry for my English.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] as_usual150:
Can I flash J1 modem? I mean can I downgrade from Mj2? Thanks
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] yoedba:
Hi Guys, I have started a bounty thread, if you guys are interested please check it out:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2507161
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
You can but this will trip Knox (0x1). If you don't care, then just go ahead.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] as_usual150:
Actually I dont know what knox is. If its just for warranty i dont care

---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------

Should I flash MI7 or J1 for region unlock?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
For me both worked, so you should be fine with J1 as it is supposed to be more stable than I7.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
help needed

I tried a few time but it did not work i get the message:

The result of updating the modem was unexpected - can't be sure if the patch worked or not! Rebooting and trying again sometiimes fixes the problem."

i tried many times but i stil askes to enter the unlock code

i rooted my fone following your method from here

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2479952

i have uploaded the log cat please help me i need this fixed desperatly

thanks alot

ps the phone is from saudi arabia and im trying to use it in australia
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
The network blacklist is still there it seems, what is your current CSC? Did you stick to your original CSC (should be N9005OJVBMI2 for Saudi Arabia) or did you flash something else? Branded or SIM-unlocked? You are still on J1 firmware, right?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
The CSC i think is KSA. i get the following message when i go into recovery mode:

# MANUAL MODE #

-- Appling Multi-CSC...

Applied the CSC-code : KSA

Successfully applied multi-CSC.

When i rooted the phone i followed the exact instructiions from http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2479952

I only rooted the phone so i can use the RegionLock Away app

I used the following files through ODIN N9005OJVBMI2_CSC.tar.md5 & N9005XXUBMJ1_VEGA.tar.md5 and i downloaded them from the links given in the above thread after checking ad following the instuctions

I have a sim card from saudi arabia and when i plug it in the phone all is good and i get msg from the carrier STC from saudi telling me to use roamind on the australian vodafone network, but when i plug my aussie sim in it ask for the unlock code and when i dismiss it says invalid sim

when i put in *#1234#

i get this info

AP : N9005XXUBMJ1

CP : N9005XXUBMJ1

CSC : N9005OJVBMI2

which is what it was before i rooted the phone

i highy doubt that it is loked to a specific network in Saudi Arabia, i live there for almost 7 yrs and the telcos didnt really do that, and the phone was bought outright from an electronics store so its not locked to a specific network it is region locked and i have the region lock stick on the box but it is in arabic

Thanks
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
Alright, so what happens if you boot your device with the Aussie SIM card, dismiss the region lock dialogue (SIM network unlock PIN) and start unlocking? Does the SuperSU request for RegionLockAway pop up and does the modem get updated? If so, after rebooting and getting the region lock dialogue again (in case you do), did you try to reboot once more again?

If all that still doesn't work with neither v1.0 nor v1.1 then I am afraid your only remaining option is a roll back to I7 firmware and repeat the process. Upgrading afterwards back to J1 shouldn't be an issue as I did it the same way, you will just need to root again afterwards.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
Where is version 1.1 im using RegionLock Away version 1 i cant see 1.1 anywhere?

Yes it is asking for root access and obviously i grant it access

then it says updating etc then i get a pop up:

The result of updating the modem was unexpected - can't be sure if the paatch worked or not! Rebooting and trying again sometimes fixes the problem

i initilly tried with the aussie sim card in i tried a few times but no succes, i tried withe saudi sim card no success, i tried with no sim card no success :crying:

how do i roll back to previous firmware???

what files do i use - pleasebe specific cause i didnt update anything i literally opened the box when i saw it asking for the code i googled it and was directed here then i rooted from Root de la Vega and installed regionlock away thats pretty much all i have done
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
RegionLockAway-v1.1 can be found in this thread. So after you grant SU access, is there a pop-up saying the modem is being updated or is there just the "The result of updating the modem was unexpected...." message?

In case v1.1 doesn't work neither, a firmware downgrade seems to be your last ressort:

Download from Sammobile this firmware (just get registered quickly to be able to download).

Extract the md5-file (yours should be N9005XXUBMI7_N9005OJVBMI2_N9005XXUBMI6_HOME.tar.md5) using 7zip.

Open Odin v3.09 (you got this already from Root de la Vega) and put the md5-file you just extracteed into the AP-slot.

Make sure Reactivation Lock on your phohne is OFF (Settings->General->Security) and Survival Mode in SuperSU is enabled (go to Settings).

Get your device into downloading mode as you did when you rooted it (Power+Home+Volume down) and connect it to your PC using the USB-cable.

Once Odin recognised your device push "Start" and wait for it to finish flashing the firmware, your phone will reboot automatically.

Download and install Simple Root Checker and run it.

If root access was lost, root your device again with as you already did using Root de la Vega using your current AP + CSC versions (dial *#1234#).

Run RegionLockAway again as explained before.

This is exactly what I did with my device and it worked flawlessly. :)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] PyromaniacGhoul:
thanks

Thanks for everything you do Chainfire! :)
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] humphster:
Regional block clarification

No matter how hard you try to explain something, somebody won't understand. In this case, it's me.

I bought a NOTE 3 N9000 in the U.S. for use in Hungary

Barring any other action on my part,. is it correct that no matter where I bought my Note 3 that it will work as advertised but it will be locked to the region in which the phone is activated?. Further, the regional lock will prevent me from using my Hungarian sim card in, say, the US but in something called a "region" the phone will work fine.

Is that correct?

By the way doesn't anybody have a list of countries by region?

Thanking in advance for your time and patience
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] spartan805:
Were you rooted when you did this??
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
I did all f that but still no good

what can i do
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chalao:
RegionLockAway was originally written for the MI7 firmware (there are users in this thread saying it also worked for them on MJ1) so it seems strange that it would not work for you (probably there is something with Arabian N9005s which is different to European or N9005s from other regions although the firmware and modem seem to be the same). :confused:

I am afraid the only thing you can do is either bump @Chainfire here in the thread and ask for help or use a service like the one offered by puman.ru to have your device region unlocked.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] baseballfanz:
Like to report that it work to SIM UNLOCK my T-mobile GS4 M919.

☞ Sent from here☜???
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Please pull "/system/csc/customer.xml" and attach it, thanks.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kipconrad:
Hi Chainfire! I have the same problem as bdroid and im in KSA also. Maybe my customer.xml will suffice? hopefully. thanks!
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] yoedba:
Any hope for the SM-N900? Anything I can post to help the process?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
I'd also need your logcat ...
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kipconrad:
here it is. :o

hoping for the best. :D
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Can you jump onto IRC so we can talk live ?

https://webchat.freenode.net/?channels=#xda-devs
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kipconrad:
Will do. :good:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
sorry haven't replied yet Chainfire. Still haven't pulled that file yet

did you have any success with kipconrad
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kipconrad:
[MENTION=1898003]bdroid[/MENTION] try version 1.2 mate. I tried it after [MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION] coded the new version. Works like a charm! :D

Thank you so much [MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION]! :victory:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] yoedba:
Ver 1.2 didn't work

[MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION]

Strange thing just happened, I used version 1.2 on my SM-N900 which currently has:

AP:N900XXUBMJ1

CP:N900XXUBMI2

CSC:N900OJKBMJ1

and unlike before instead of getting the regular failed method I got a success method. Rebooted and still got the pin code screen, tried it again, rebooted, did the whole waiting thing, and now the phone will no longer recognize any sim card! Not my local sim card which needed the pin code, and not the original sim card which would work without a need for a pin. Tried to flash my stock rom via odin and that didn't help either.

I am re rooting now, re-installing version 1.2 and am attaching my logcat(zipped it since it was over 1 MB). I would love to chat when you get a chance.

Thanks for everything!
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Logcat looks good - results identical to my own Note3 ... :/
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] yoedba:
I am currently more worried that the phone will not even accept a sim card? Any way to revert it back? Flash a modem or something?

Is there any other files I can send you from my phone that might be able to indicate why it didn't work?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] kipconrad:
Sorry to hear that mate.

I hope that [MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION] can look into it.

My device is N9005 with MJ1 FIRMWARE bought in KSA.

I rooted with kingoapp to preserve KNOX warranty and installed ver. 1.1 but no go.

Now with ver. 1.2 my device is region unlocked.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
Thanks Chainfire it worked perfectly. and thanks kipconrad for finishing up sending the files

just quick enquiry if I unroot the fone instalking original firmware will reset the region lock?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] tooter1:
I used this method on an AT&T i337 and successfully got my T-Mobile sim to work on MF3.

I wanted to unlock it and couldn't get any methodto work and get me back to the original stock ROM to unlock it via the service menu.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] doc_fx:
Hello there, I have a question and i am not sure if this is the right thread but excuse me and please bear with me since chainfire i can trust you i am sure and would like to know your opinion. I am asking a friend to purchase my note 3 (9005) for me since i am frm india and stuck with exynos which i dont want, he will be getting it from KSA (gulf/saudi) so if he unbox it and use his saudi sim in it will it remove the region lock and can i use it in india later on without worrying for the region lock? i read it on a thread on xda but i need to be sure cuz i am investing alot in the product. Please Advice people. Thank you.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] galaxyst:
Waiting for working this app at N900 international version. Mine is from KSA, locked, RegionalLock Away did not help.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
Get on IRC when you have time and we can look at it. What timezone are you in ?
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] doc_fx:
Was your phone activated with a saudi sim before u used another sim? or did you activate using another region sim.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] aamirjamal91:
It worked!!!!! :d :d :d

[MENTION=1898003]bdroid[/MENTION] [MENTION=4163455]kipconrad[/MENTION] Guys I was facing the exact same issue that you have been facing all along. I got my Note3, SM-N9005 from KSA too.

My device details are as follows - AP: N9005XXUBMJ1, CSC: N9005OXABMJ1.

[MENTION=5467494]Chalao[/MENTION] had been guiding me regarding the RegionLock Away app but apparently it didn't work out. I tried out v1.0 and v1.1.

Which brings me to RegionLock Away V1.2 - Just 15 minutes ago, I had my dad install it on the Note 3 and VOILA! It's UNLOCKED!!!! The Indian SIM cards are working flawlessly now :D

[MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION] - You're the man! 20 thumbs up to you :victory::victory::victory:
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] galaxyst:
No, it was not activated with Saudi sim, it arrived unopened in box, and I activated with my local sim, getting lock screen. I had no idea, that it could be locked because of no stickers about it on box
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] doc_fx:
Thats the problem of what i have been reading around from authentic android portals and websites, if you manage to activate the phone with the proper region sim the first time region lock does not set in at all, if incase it does you can take it to a service center to unlock it. its not the end of the world tho, plus as stated on this thread a couple of posts back someone just managed to free their device with CF's latest version of regionlock away, which originates from KSA.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
It would be great if people stopped spreading this information. It is indeed what Samsung says, but so far most who have tried have not succeeded unlocking their device by just using it with the original SIM for a while.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
Chainfire

If I unroot the fone and install original firmware will this put the region lock back on
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] Chainfire:
No matter how often you ask this question, I'm not going to answer it because it is covered by the first post of this thread.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] mklbndl:
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Chainfire, you truly are a master developer. With version 1.2 of your RegionLock Away app, I was able to carrier unlock my SM-N9005 which was previously network locked to Smart network here in the Philippines.
[Galaxy Note 3 Themes and Apps] bdroid:
sorry I didn't realise that

I did rwad the first post but there isnt a direct answer maybe your refering to the part when you mentioned that in theory this could work without root

anyway thanks