Galaxy S3 unlocked "Not registered on network"

Avose

So I recently bought a phone second had, and its locked to the O2 network.

First thing I did was root it, and use the "GalaxSim Unlock" app. The app says the phone is unlocked completely, but I cant get my damn SIM to work.

When I turn on the phone, it can call/send messages but it tells me Im roaming. Then it stops working after 5 minutes. When I try call somebody, I get the message "Not registered on network". I cant manually choose my operator either, I just get an error message. Im trying to use a Three sim, and it works in other phones.

I open to any suggestions you guys have. Would flashing a new ROM help?
Any ideas?

Riesen_Meal

Sounds to me that the phone may be blacklisted?

If it may have been stolen or blacklisted by the network - chances are either someone did not fulfill contract and cancelled it?

Sometimes when phones are IMEI banned they may work for a few weeks, then slowly your signal drops, then you can't receive calls, then only texts work, then nothing...

From there it will only work in a different country...

That may not be the case either though, so let's hope its not, if you look up the GS3 forum on xda you may find a software answer to unlocking the sim - I think there is a root toolkit and sim unlock program...

I'm not a fan of using standalone apk apps to root any phone... (Seems to end in disaster in most cases)

Riesen_Meal

Have a look at this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAVbYx68WI4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Avose

I checked the IMEI and it said it wasnt blacklisted/blocked.

Whats the difference between using the method you linked and using the application?

Another weird thing is that when i try use the *#7465625# nothing happens. Its supposed to tell me whether or not the handset is unlocked, but it doesnt do anything on my phone.

I also tried installing a new ROM. I went to Click (the computer shop), and I was told the lock was on the software, so installing a new ROM would fix my ussue. Still nothing.

Ill give the method above a go tomorrow. Any other suggestions if that doesnt work? Would it be worth my time taking it to get 'unlocked' in a phone repairs shop?

Another weird thing is that when i try use the *#7465625# nothing happens. Its supposed to tell me whether or not the handset is unlocked, but it doesnt do anything on my phone.

EDIT: That was due to the custom ROM. Flashed the stock one and it works. Tells me Network Lock [OFF], which means it's unlocked. Whats the problem then??

Riesen_Meal

According to this thread on xda :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1747871

It does appear to be a custom Rom issue, as the custom ROMs can apparently dick with your imei to a generic one....

So is it working now on stock at least and you are unlocked?

ChriisM

Could be that you have lost your EFS folder (contains your IMEI) i think that unlock app backs it up prior to flashing.

is your IMEI this number ?


353314050417508

irishpancake

Just to be sure, re IMEI....

does the IMEI returned by *#06# match that physically written under your battery....

if so, then it is OK, make sure to do a Nandroid back-up which includes EFS....

TWRP recovery does this, not sure of other recoveries

Avose

Turns out the tool I used to check the IMEI wasnt accurate. I brought the phone to a repair shop to see if they had any suggestions, and we used checkmend.com to check if it was blocked.

The phone has infact been blacklisted. Dissapointing result, but i contacted the seller and im getting a full refund, thank god. Decent seller.

Thanks for all the help and input everyone, if nothing ive at least gained experience

Riesen_Meal

At least your getting a refund! Phew!

My gut told me it was blacklisted,due to what you described.

I'm open to correction but it should work anywhere but in Ireland- not sure about the UK but if it was O2 it may stretch to UK...