yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Sprint LG G3] pvinodnayak:
Proper GSM Unlock LG G3 LS990 with Wi-Fi HotSpot

First off backup all data thats required from your phone.

Restore to COMPLETE stock like its out of the box, Use this LINK

Root the phone using STUMP

Install Root Explorer

Use Root Explorer only, yes its a paid app, nothing is free all the time.

Using Root Explorer go to system/priv-app/ look for LGStartupwizard.apk, rename it to LGStartupwizard.apk.bak -> Sprint users who want the handsfree activation should not do this. Its only for those who want to use the phone for GSM and get rid of "Activate Phone" notification.

Download attached carrier.rar and extract the folder on to your phone, same with apn-conf.rar & Unlock2.rar.

Remember to "REPLACE" the carrier folder and "NOT" copy its content to carrier folder.

Now copy the contents of Unlock2 folder and replace the original files from carrier/apps/ folder.

Change permissions for carrier folder is rwxrwx-x.

Please refer pic for the correct permissions. you need to change permissions of carrier folder only. [IMG="Permissions PIC"]http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3025877&stc=1&d=1416541086[/IMG]

Pop in your GSM sim and reboot to see if you are getting GSM signal . There is no APN menu but the G3 automatically detects the APN from the provider and sets it for data.

If not Install Shortcut Master Lite

In search field search for apn, make sure there is not space after apn while searching, Refer pic below.

[IMG="apn in search field"]http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3025945&stc=1&d=1416544206[/IMG]

Select the first result as shown in pic.

[IMG="Apn Selector"]http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3025942&stc=1&d=1416544206[/IMG]

Select launch as shown in pic.

[IMG="Apn Launch"]http://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3025943&stc=1&d=1416544206[/IMG]

You should get the APN menu now, Add your APN and save.

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

Hope this helps.
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
If it works, cool, but again, that's a million steps more than what is required.
[Sprint LG G3] fourgee4free:
Thanks but?????

This was very helpful however the process went through and got stuck on the factory reset screen the error message returned was (USB PORT OPEN FAIL) Any suggestions????: :confused::confused:confused:

thanks in advance.
[Sprint LG G3] pvinodnayak:
Oh Man, its a bug on the Flashtool, just press ok and let i flash !!

When you select the yellow arrow, you might get a popup saying "MilkyWay Control Port Open FAIL"

just select ok as shown below in pic.

[IMG="PORT OPEN FAIL"]http://www.rimweb.in/forums/uploads/post-81420-0-14583500-1392458292_thumb.png[/IMG]

The above pic is from a G2 thread for reference only

---------- Post added at 03:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:35 PM ----------

Nothing is easy !! some times it maybe easy !! but not all the time. You sound like you just got on Android recently !! Well try n do it, the more you do these kinda mods the more you will love Android... :)
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
If by "recently", you mean 5 years ago, then yes I suppose I "got on Android recently".

My post was saying that your method for unlocking the LS990 is overly complicated. I've done many of them and none of the steps that you posted are necessary,
[Sprint LG G3] pvinodnayak:
I did not mean to insult you in any manner, but for a person with 5 years on Android this will not take more than 10 mins :).

The build.prop edit works but has many glitches, the one which i explained does not have any glitches. Have a great weekend sir :)
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
I've been using an unlocked Sprint G3 on T-Mobile for over a month now with the build.prop edit and have had 0 issues
[Sprint LG G3] jamesb85:
Zero issues as well with the lowercase "spr" mod.

Just updated to zv6.

Re-edited build.prop.

Re-added tmobile apn.

Shortcut master lite for accessing grayed out mobile network to switch to gsm

tmo is back on! Good times..

Edit: ive never touched my carrier folder btw. Original node file here.
[Sprint LG G3] deadheadgratefully:
Is there any way you could walk me through the build.prop edit i have a ls990 with a straight talk att sim
[Sprint LG G3] deadheadgratefully:
Update: i flashed cloudy g3 and followed these steps and it is now fully unlocked running on straight talk att sim you really need to make a seperate thread
[Sprint LG G3] Gabriel51:
I did not read all of the posts;

Is it possible to unlock the Sprint G3 to work on GSM in the US?

Thanks
[Sprint LG G3] ramdesai:
Yes, you will be able to use it on att, t-mo etc. I am using it on ATT
[Sprint LG G3] veekay:
Which T-Mobile networks are you able to connect to? 3G/H/LTE?
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
Up to HSPA+
[Sprint LG G3] Ducalion:
Hi. Im in Tokyo and just got my G3 rooted it and using a custom rom. I tried this method to unlock tge sim but does not work for me. Im with kddi. Any help would be appreciated.....
[Sprint LG G3] Gabriel51:
wrong thread
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
Unlock code sites can only generate codes for GSM phones. Sprint phones are not GSM and do not use unlock codes
[Sprint LG G3] Gabriel51:
Did not see the "Sprint" word anywhere in his post?

BTW: The last time I called Sprint and asked for a unlock code they knew exactly what it was and provided it
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
1. We are in the SPRINT LG G3 forum and this is a thread about unlocking the SPRINT G3.

2. Sprint phones do not use unlock codes. The code they give out is the MSL (also called SPC) which only allows for CDMA programming and does nothing for GSM use. There is no way to force a prompt for a GSM unlock code on a Sprint phone because a code doesn't exist.
[Sprint LG G3] Gabriel51:
Hello "his post" and he is in Toyko. It may not apply to his need or model but I reserve the right to share.

I'm telling the extent of my experience with sprint and using it for GSM in Europe.

They provided the code and it worked there .

Call it what you like, Sprint called it the "Unlock code", so unless your were there or clairvoyant? well you know.

I'm done with this, I'm not on the entertainment committee, have a nice day....
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
There is no GSM unlock code for Sprint phones and no way to force the prompt that asks for one. You were a Sprint customer using the phone on a Sprint line and you requested that they unlock it and they did so over the air, which enables the phone to be used on GSM in other countries, not the US. The code they gave you was not used in the unlocking process whatsoever.
[Sprint LG G3] jannmedia:
Not workin

It doesn't work, will show me ERROR loop, until I turn on the Airplane mode

---------- Post added at 06:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 AM ----------

Thank you, it works now
[Sprint LG G3] treezy26:
Can someone help me out here? I have the ls990 and my sprint account is almost over and I can't afford to start a new contract. Will I be able to use this method with metropcs? Do I need to start an account with metro first or can I do this method and then set up the account?
[Sprint LG G3] jamesb85:
According to this search i did for you id say you do what i did.. And just buy a tmobile starter sim kit.. (30 bucks) at walmart. That is if metro truly runs off tmobiles towers... Cutting out the middle man.
[Sprint LG G3] treezy26:
How exactly does that work?
[Sprint LG G3] 1619415:
Check my post out one person reports my method working on t-mobile and reported getting 4G (12 millibyes down)
[Sprint LG G3] MikeDroid:
I appreciate the completeness of the "Proper" unlock and the simplicity of the buildprop edit to "spr". To me it appears the difference is that the "proper" unlock allows you to simply switch out sim cards, anytime and often, due to the addition of the Unlock and APN's zip. Whereas the buildprop edit requires manual apn entries. Is that a fair assessment? Is LTE/4g an issue with either? Back to the "proper" unlock, I don't understand why the carrier.zip is necessary as that's just customer specific profile information like zip code, billing date, postpaid, prepaid, etc. found in Carrier/omadm/subscriber . I'm thinking about getting a used Sprint LG G3 as an unlocked back up for bad sprint coverage and international travel, but would like some more input from the subject matter experts.
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
Maybe he wants Metro due to the plans they offer. At any rate, to answer him, it's your choice as to whether you purchase service before or after the unlock. Keep in mind that you do need to give the IMEI to Metro for activation - it is not true plug-and-play like other GSM carriers. So might want to contact them first to ensure that they'll allow the IMEI on their network.

The "Proper" unlock really does nothing different - just extra unneeded steps. Even with the simple method, the phone is truly unlocked - SIMs can be swapped at will. I'm not sure what the "proper" unlock does as far as APNs, but all you need is an APN shortcut added to a homepage somewhere - plenty of apps in the Play Store for that
[Sprint LG G3] jamesb85:
http://m.androidcentral.com/metropcs-now-welcomes-unlocked-gsm-devices-its-network
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
That article is 18 months old. It was written back when Metro was switching over to GSM. Yes, they allow unlocked GSM devices. But you still have to have the IMEI attached to your line. It's not plug-and-play like true GSM. Hence the reason for the website checker to determine compatibility
[Sprint LG G3] Samstealth7:
so I've been doing a lot of reading and decided to give it a shot,

I used the simpler method "build prop edit to a lower case spr" changed the permissions to the correct ones followed the other steps to get the APN settings in with the Tweaker app,

long story short it does work but not fully for me,

I get edge internet, incoming and outgoing texts, incoming calls are no problem,

but outgoing calls on the other hand from the dial pad where you actually have to input the number, do not work the phone app force closes when I hit the call button.

I can however call from the recent calls menu with no issues anyone else encounter this problem or have any information on how I may fix this.

thanks in advance
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
You didn't read the whole thread. The fix for that has already been mentioned
[Sprint LG G3] Ruben32:
You can manually add the international code and it will work. There's another method but I didn't try it.

+1 for US. That's what did it for me.
[Sprint LG G3] aukhan:
This does work :) I can confirm [MENTION=5993029]Assamat[/MENTION].
[Sprint LG G3] treezy26:
What exactly is the "simple" method? And the "Proper" method? Please forgive me. I've read this thread a thousand times and I am lost. I planned on using metro but I noticed that T-mobile in my area has better towers. Would someone be kind enough to elaborate a little clearer as I am confused. This thread seems to be all over the place and I cannot afford to buy a new phone. I want to take all the right steps to avoid any confusion on my part. thanks
[Sprint LG G3] MariPestaRia:
I already follow this step.. finnaly i got signal for GSM mode..

but i cant get for "Mobile Data" - i cant browse internet..because no 3G icon, just only signal GSM

anyone can help me?
[Sprint LG G3] pvinodnayak:
As per the OP, by replacing just the 2 files did the trick for many, my phone went into a com.android.phone crash continuous, i could not come out of it, same for couple of others, had to re-flash the tot.

By replacing the carrier folder from the G2 thread and further replace the 2 files from this thread did the Proper GSM unlock, there was no need to do the build.prop edit. The phone worked with all GSM international networks and it worked like a world phone on GLOBAL mode, CDMA/GSM. APN was not needed to set as the G3 auto detected APN's somehow without the need of apn-conf.xml file. but for those whose APN's were not autoset needed to either replace the said file or use shortcut master lite app to set the APN manually.
[Sprint LG G3] sinnedone:
Hello all

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

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

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

Thanks all. :D
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
1. There is no dual functionality when unlocked. It has to be reverted in order to use Sprint.

2. T-Mobile is cheapest - $15 for the SIM card and $10 minimum account load, assuming you want to start with cheap prepaid service just for testing purposes
[Sprint LG G3] elmy2424:
hi, anyone tried to sim unlock LG G3 Vigor LS885 from sprint:confused::confused:
[Sprint LG G3] treezy26:
Can someone please write up a easy to read how to? I'm confused. This thread is crazy:what:
[Sprint LG G3] MikeDroid:
I find this thread interesting as well as I like the idea of having some carrier flexibility whether it's domestic or abroad. Although there are several methods of GSM unlock, they seem to fall under one of 2 categories:

1. A single purpose unlock, meaning we employ a workaround to allow a specific carrier GSM (ex: build prop edit of SPR-->spr method, Shortcut Master IOT / APN search). This method only works for the manually entered APN and would require additional modifications each time another carrier's SIM is swapped or when reverting back to Sprint

2. A True/Proper Unlock, meaning the phone is equal to a phone that is unlocked from the factory, or, at least, behaves in the same manner as a factory unlocked phone (ex: using the bulkier unlock method of copying files to make changing carriers is as simple as switching the SIM Card and there are no manual modifications required)

It seems to me that the method that includes the three .RAR (one of .RAR files has a pretty complete list of APNs) files is the best chance to have a truly unlocked phone that allows a SIM switch with little more than a quick refresh or reboot. The simpler build prop edit seems to work for those who aren't looking to change SIMs or revert back to Sprint.

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

I hope some can elaborate.
[Sprint LG G3] PapaDocta:
There's new ota update for my phone.. If I update will this method still works?
[Sprint LG G3] treezy26:
Anybody able to get LTE with T-Mobile using any of the methods available?
[Sprint LG G3] aukhan:
Just call your gsm service provider and get the com settings and set them up manually and you should connect to data services
[Sprint LG G3] AlpineMan:
As far as the APN is concerned, what I've done on my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4's and Note 3's is I uploaded 1400+ worth of APN entries into my phones. This way, when I travel overseas and pop in a SIM card, chances are high that my phone already knows about the APN settings for that GSM carrier. I got the APN entries from the international version of the Galaxy Note 2. APN's are just XML files...they work with any phone. I use APN Backup & Restore app to import the APN's.
[Sprint LG G3] 1sik5Series:
everything works, but we still need a fix for the data signal its always on edge not hspa. i tried everything i can think off and still no luck... why can it be easy like for the g2 verison, it picks up hspa fast with no problem
[Sprint LG G3] iBowToAndroid:
There is no reason it shouldn't work. I get HSPA on my Sprint G3 just fine
[Sprint LG G3] golijeevankumar:
for t mobile

is there any possible for t mobile foe unlocking sim (network)
[Sprint LG G3] MariPestaRia:
i already follow step in page 1..

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

can anybody help me..
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
which way i better?

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

Also how do you use the build.prop method?

Thanks in advance!!:)
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
changed permissions but still bootloop

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

sprint ls990 zv4
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
it works, sort of

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

UPDATE: my signal bars went solid and i received missed call notifications but the solid went back to grey within 10 senconds, so it looks gsm did work
[Sprint LG G3] gillesting:
Any further updates

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

I was nearing despair when I came across your post. I tried it. To my amazement it worked!!! I am using it on LIME network in the Caribbean. It works perfectly. Don't know whether it will work in the US. Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[Sprint LG G3] ndubat@gmail.com:
You da boss

NICE ONE BOSS.....WORKED FOR ME...JUST GOT AN LGG3 SPRINT...AT ONE POINT I WAS GETTING "NO SIM CARD, SEARCHING FOR NETWORK"...BUT U NAILED IT....NOW AM CHECKING TO SEE IF IT WILL WORK FOR LOLLIPOP:good:
[Sprint LG G3] 1619415:
Please upload a revert, this broke my phone (data doesn't work with anything lg made)
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
Yes it will work with gsm networks. I used the carrier folder method , only method that worked on my ls990. No H+ or H etc, only GSM symbol with a circle when data is in use ( im sure theres a fix, doesn't bother me though). you also need to enter apn settings if your using data or else data wont work.

1.) You need root make sure you're using software ls990zv4 or else the root wont work( go to > settings> about phone> software information)

. If you have zv6 you will need to revert to zv4 using this guide (ONLY IF YOUR HAVE LS990ZV6 do this: http://xdaforums.com/sprint-lg-g3/general/guide-how-to-restore-sprint-lg-g3-ls990-t2852042

Then download stump root : http://xdaforums.com/lg-g3/orig-development/root-stump-root-lg-g3-sprint-verizon-t2850906/

install the apk, press grind (if it ask your bruteforce , go ahead) then reboot when its asks. NOW you are rooted.

2.) OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED

install TWRP and make a backup, just in case anything goes wrong in the fourth step EX s bootloop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2we1YDc5JGU

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

4.) unlock your phone for gsm. You can try editing the build.prop and changing the target carrier from SPR to spr and then changing permissions ( instructions post # 66 in this thread) < this gave me bootloops even after changing permissions. If you

have a TWRP backup to fall back on i would try editing the build.prop first, its simpler. It didnt work for me so i followed this method (post #182 in this thread) its the only method that unlocked my ls990 without bootloops.

5.) Reboot, Unlocked for GSM :)
[Sprint LG G3] MikeDroid:


Are you say it won't work on rooted ZV6? Or just an FYI for unrooted users who are on ZV6 and need to revert only for the purpose of root?
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
As far as i know, there is no root for zv6 due to updated security, the stump expliot doesnt work on it. If root does come out for zv6, i dont see why the gsm unlock would not work but there is no root for zv6, only zv4 for now. So yeah, if you want root NOW use the lg flash tool to revert back to zv4.

I COULD BE WRONG THOUGH
[Sprint LG G3] kdm212:
first of all thanks to all that helped make this happen!!!

so im wondering if anyone has a fix yet for the infamous gsm circle. also, wondering what people are getting for data speeds? after my first reboot i was just above edge dl speeds. another reboot and i was 2-3mb download. by no means fast imo but better than nothing. i think for me its a compromise coming from the sony z. yes, i loose crazy fast lte but everything else smokes the data speed loss.

any tweaks you guys can suggest to bump the speeds up?

also, i wanted to mention my steps on how i got it unlocked.

after root and downloading su, rom toolbox, root browser.

deleted carrier folder and copied it from sd card

changed SPR to spr

made sure the permissions were set properly

reboot. done and done. myself i believe i over thought all of this last night when i was trying to unlock with the quickness.

one last thing i have noticed is that the phone has downloaded an update. any way to kill that? im assuming it will erase all the work done and ill have to revert.
[Sprint LG G3] MikeDroid:
True, you can't root the OTA. Revert to ZV4, then flash rooted stock ZV6 or your fav ROM.
[Sprint LG G3] ndubat@gmail.com:
Hope this is permanent?

good day Pros....am curious, is this method permanent,? because yesterday i went to see my moms...and network coverage in her part of the country wasnt so strong...i found out that my network was fluctuating, restarted my fone...and poof..."no sim..searching fopr network"...had to redo the whole process again before i got it bac, had to flash my fone first with LG Flash Tools too....so am asking, do i have to keep redoing this whenever i restart, or whenever my network disappears or fluctuates...? thanks...Good works Bros
[Sprint LG G3] vipercoyote:
Hey you all

I'm just confirming

So a sprint g3 can work with tmobile but the speeds will be slow not LTE correct?

I did read through this thread but I just want to reconfirm. Seems like we cant get fast speeds doing this or less coverage
[Sprint LG G3] vipercoyote:
anyone?
[Sprint LG G3] kdm212:
internet speeds are not slow but they are for sure not lte. that being said the only other things that get me fired up is mms. ive had some issues getting and sending pics. overall though very satisfied.
[Sprint LG G3] jass65:
The method i posted, Its permanent for sure. the only time i lost signal was in a underground parking lot...other than that full bars.It just depends on your coverage.If you dont want to redo the process again with the lg flash tool, make another backup with TWRP AFTER youve followed all steps and unlocked for gsm.If anything goes wrong afterwards, You can then restore a fully unlocked gsm g3 just by rebooting into recovery instead of following the whole process over again. :)
[Sprint LG G3] ndubat@gmail.com:
coolest!!!!!!!!

Thanks a lot boss!!!! You Da Man!!!!!
[Sprint LG G3] luongtuan93:
delete
[Sprint LG G3] AlpineMan:
For those that did the build.prop edit to switch from Sprint to GSM, do you have to revert the build.prop edit to switch from GSM back to Sprint? Or can you simply do the Shortcut Master change from GSM Only to CDMA/LTE to get back on Sprint?

Thanks!
[Sprint LG G3] nemanja1:
So, i'am from Serbia, and i have Sprint locked LG G3. I have read all posts, just to know that, but i still can't understand, is there a way to safely unlock this phone (free or not, it doesn't matter) for gsm network in my country?