Carrier Phones -Android root Vs Carrier unlock

[droid2b]

Greetings!

IOS to Android convert! and trying to see some analogy between Jailbreak(IOS) and root Android ....and baseband unlock (IOS) vs equivalent app/function in android...


What is the carrier unlock equivalent in Android phones and something that comes along with root or is an APP by itself or a simple BUT elusive unlock code...

Im sure given the diverse uptake of android ...answers may fit more than one bucket BUT some generalisation for android carrier unlock from this great forum ...appreciated!

Thanks

 

[snapper.fishes]

Root has nothing to do with unlock. Neither does flashing roms. They are completely independent.

 

[droid2b]

Thanks ..yes i gather that ..thats why the above query ...is carrier unlock a hit or miss case of unlock codes or any specific app that unlocks the modem radio software ?

Case in point the Atrix ..what i gather is unlock is more a hit and miss and has wideranging sideffects like disabling the wifi ?
>>>>>
baseband unlock (IOS) vs equivalent app/function in android...
What is the carrier unlock equivalent in Android phones and something that comes along with root or is an APP by itself or a simple BUT elusive unlock code


Thanks again!

 

[droid2b]

Maybe wondering on the reliability of a major feature -"Carrier unlock" on android Vs it being more of a hit and miss on say the Atrix

 

[snapper.fishes]

The unlock method of the Galaxy S is pretty well documented. You just need to access the file where the imei is stored.

Not sure about the Atrix.

 

[takeshi]

What is the carrier unlock equivalent in Android phones

Unlocking is unlocking. You're asking about specific unlocking processes which can vary by the specific device (even outside the Android world), not for the equivalent to unlocking for Android -- which is also unlocking.

 

[Slug]

What is the carrier unlock equivalent in Android phones

For GSM handsets this is most easily done via an unlock code specific to the serial and/or IEMI number, obtained either from your carrier or from an online unlocking service.

and something that comes along with root or is an APP by itself or a simple BUT elusive unlock code...

Root is required for some software methods e.g. my own Desire Z. An unlock code is simple to obtain and not elusive at all - a few bucks is all it costs and the device remains otherwise stock. Otoh it's perfectly possible to root an Android handset but remain 'subsidy locked'.

HTH

 

[zuben el genub]

For GSM handsets this is most easily done via an unlock code specific to the serial and/or IEMI number, obtained either from your carrier or from an online unlocking service.



Root is required for some software methods e.g. my own Desire Z. An unlock code is simple to obtain and not elusive at all - a few bucks is all it costs and the device remains otherwise stock. Otoh it's perfectly possible to root an Android handset but remain 'subsidy locked'.

HTH

Make that "subsidy locked" carrier locked. I bought a phone outright from the carrier on a non-subsidized plan. We apparently have one MVNO that is totally "bring your own phone."
I've bought used phones that were still locked to a carrier, but no subsidy.