One of the unexpected surprises of Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 is the inclusion of a region lock which prevents you from being able to buy one of these phablets and use it with SIM cards from other locations (something that is common among importers). Well, with RegionLock Away It is possible to remove this easily.
The truth is that many users do not like this because they do not understand why this happens, especially with the free models. Well, thanks to the aforementioned application, this can be done with extremely high effectiveness and very few complications. The development has been carried out Chainfire (@Chainfirexda) a member of the XDA Developers forum.
What is Samsung's regional lock and how to disable it?
Samsung introduced a system that prevents the phone from being used with SIM from other geographical areas until the device is first activated with a SIM from the region where it was sold. Technically it is based on a kind of network blacklist associated with regions. Once properly activated, the device can be used with cards from any country.
If you buy a European Note 3, the first SIM inserted must be from a European operator and it is necessary to complete a voice call of at least 5 minutes via the mobile network (not via VoIP like Skype or Viber). After this initial use, the regional lock is automatically deactivated. If the device has already been locked with a SIM from another region, there are solutions detailed below.
Then we leave a video in which you can see how the process is carried out on a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and, therefore, check its usefulness. Furthermore, this recording also serves as a magnificent Step by Step for using RegionLock Away:
Institutional
How can you see in the video, there are only three steps that you have to perform to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 unlocked, so it takes very little to complete the entire process and, best of all, you only have to press three buttons without having to perform complicated actions. However, as the developer himself indicates, using this application is sole responsibility of the user.
Methods available to remove region blocking
1) RegionLock Away (requires root). The Chainfire utility quickly removes the region lock from the Note 3. You will need root access (tools like CF-Auto-Root have been used by the community) and grant superuser permissions when running the app. It does not remove the operator SIM lock (SIM Lock); its function is only regional blocking.
2) SIM Unlock Code. Enter a SIM network unlock PIN valid, which can be purchased on the Internet, allows you to unlock the operator and, according to user reports, can also remove the regional blockAdvantage: No root required. Chainfire himself recommends this route if you don't intend to root your device just because of the regional lock.
3) Samsung Service Center. If you cannot use a SIM from the region to deactivate it and do not want to root it, it is possible to request a Official technical service to deactivate it. The brand doesn't always specify whether it involves additional costs or documentation requirements.
Compatibility, requirements and important warnings
- Compatible model: The app was designed for the Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 with firmware MI7 (European model). Other variants or firmware may not be supported.
- Firmware updates: After updating, regional blocking may occur reactivate, having to repeat the process.
- Do not confuse blockages:
- Regional: limits by geographic area. This is what RegionLock Away removes.
- SIM/operator: Prevents the use of SIM cards from other carriers. Resolved with an unlock code.
- Bands/frequencies: It's a hardware and network support issue; no app can solve it.
- Factory reset: does not remove the regional lock and may activate Device protection (FRP) linked to your Google account. Only use it if you know what you're doing and remember your credentials.
– If your Note 3 does not ask for a code when changing SIM, it may already be spirit, has modified software, or doesn't recognize the card. In this case, check the SIM card, check the coverage, and if the problem persists, consult a specialized service center.
To get the application (APK) you can access this link and, as you can see, the development is not particularly heavy since it occupies only 40 KB. It is not necessary to pay absolutely nothing and it is very important to note that the compatibility is exclusive with the Galaxy Note model. SM-N9005 (with MI7 firmware), which corresponds to the European model. If you want to follow the evolution of this creation, you can do it in this thread from the XDA Developers forum..
With these options, you can avoid the Note 3's region limitations and maintain the flexibility to change SIMs when traveling or importing the device, always considering compatibility, risks and the non-root alternative using code.
