Preparing an arbitrary LTE modem to work with a SIM card for the Yota modem using the example of Huawei E3272

Unlocking the Yota 4G LTE modem: step-by-step instructions

Today, many companies offer users services for connecting to the global Internet at their dachas in the Serpukhov region. Yota is one of the popular and popular operators that offers subscribers, when connecting to high-speed 4G Internet at a dacha in the Moscow region, to receive a modem from the manufacturer. At the same time, the modem has firmware installed that allows it to be used only for one operator (actually, Yota). Let's consider whether it is possible to unlock the Yota modem yourself in order to be able to connect to other operators.

Entering AT commands into the modem using PuTTy

The AT command is necessary to control a number of modem functions. It is entered through certain programs or utilities built into Windows.

PuTTY is the most common and popular client for remote access protocols, in particular:

With its help, you can enter AT commands into the modem node:

1. ATI/
2. Manufacturer:huawei/
3. Model^E3272
4. Revision: 21.436.05.00.209
5. IMEI: 867503013090647
6. *GCAP: +CGSH, +DS, +ES
7. OK
8. AT^CARDLOCK?
9. ^CARDLOCK: 2,10,0
10. OK

Device Description

The modem supplied to Iota customers has the following advantages and disadvantages:

• During development, the modem is configured to work only with the Yota operator; it is blocked from using SIM cards from other companies. But there are several options on how to unlock it.
• The device comes with a SIM card from the manufacturer.
• Has a point for connecting a Wi-Fi network via a special USB port.

Experts classify the Yota 4G LTE modem as a modem-router without a battery. Several devices can connect to it at once; it supports WAN and LAN standards, as well as work in the 4G network. For the Yota 4G LTE modem, unlocking will be required not only when changing the operator, but also in cases where the software of your computer is old and has not been updated for a long time, if you want to remove Internet speed restrictions in the dachas of the Dmitrovsky region, set by the operator.

Understanding IMEI and TTL

First of all, you need to figure out how to reinstall SIM cards from one device to another.
For example, we need to move a SIM card from a smartphone to a modem. In order for us to gain access to the Internet at a smartphone rate, we need to change the IMEI of the modem to the IMEI of the smartphone. The same is done with tablet PCs. But you need to remember that replacing IMEI is not a completely legal operation! Next, we need to figure out what TTL is, and we will try to explain it “on the fingers”. The TTL number represents the lifetime of traffic packets. By default it is 64 (for most operating systems). That is, when connecting to the operator’s network, the device sends it a default value, for example, 64 or 128.

That is, by distributing the Internet through a smartphone, we force it to work as a router - the network sees this and takes action, cutting down the speed. It can be raised for a fee, but inquisitive minds want a freebie, using all imaginable and inconceivable technologies for access. Now let’s look in more detail at how to bypass the Yota speed limit on certain devices.

What does flashing the modem give?

The manufacturer Yota has developed the firmware for its subscribers in such a way that you can work with only one operator. To use SIM cards from other providers, the device must be unlocked. To do this, you need to change the operator’s firmware to another one supported by the device.

The Yota operator is a fairly popular company, but it is new to the Russian market; the coverage area is not available in all regions. Therefore, many subscribers want to unlock the Yota router in order to have access to providers with greater network coverage.

To successfully flash the firmware and continue to use SIM cards from other operators, you should act carefully. In the future, you will be able to use the device even after terminating the contract with Yota.

Entering the unlock code using AT commands

In order to enter an AT command, you need to change the following:

1. ATI
2. Manufacturer: Huawei
3. Model: E4520
4. Revision: 22.446.06.00.208
5. Revision: 22.446.06.00.208
6. IMEI: 837501013090647
7. +GCAP:
8. +CGSM,
9. +DS,
10. +ES
11. OK

Note! Using the ^CARDLOCK command, the unlock response occurs. After this, it becomes possible to use operator SIM cards.

Do-it-yourself firmware – is it legal?

In order for the Internet to work normally in the private sector and for good Wi-Fi signal transmission, the modem requires special software. The built-in software will ensure uninterrupted operation of the equipment and the performance of all intended functions. In order for the modem to work flawlessly and properly, it requires constant updating, and equipment from Yota is no exception. Special software provides specific functions, and when flashing it will be modified and configured to work with other operators.

To reconfigure the firmware, you should find suitable software, which may be on the official website of your provider. Suitable software can also be found on the Internet. All citizens have access to paid and free codes that are needed to unlock equipment. Therefore, we can conclude that it is completely legal to carry out independent firmware.

You should download software updates very carefully; not all sites are legal. Therefore, experts recommend working only with trusted sites.

Restrictions when distributing from Yota

Changing the TTL on the device will also help you bypass restrictions from your phone. In order to distribute mobile Internet to a computer or laptop, you must either get root rights to your smartphone or use the Terminal Emulator for Android application, which can be downloaded for free from the Play Market.

When the access point is turned on, the subscriber on the mobile phone may not suspect anything. However, problems begin when connecting other devices (it doesn’t matter whether it’s a computer or a phone).

When you open any resource through a browser, three ways to gain access to the Internet appear on the display:

1. Free for 30 minutes with a low speed of 128 MB/sec;
2. For a day at maximum speed for 190 rubles per hour in Moscow and 150 in other regions;
3. For 2 hours without restrictions for 90 rubles in Moscow and 50 in other cities of Russia.

This significantly spoils the experience of the operator, whose main slogan is “I don’t limit you in anything.” However, thanks to the craftsmen on the Internet, it is quite possible to bypass it.

What you need to know before installing the firmware

Before unlocking the Yota modem, you need to know all the subtleties and nuances of unlocking,

Understand how these actions can result:

• Make sure that the modem is charged - there should be enough charge for flashing, otherwise the device may turn off during the update.
• You must have excellent high-speed Internet to download and install all software updates without any problems.
• You only need to install the latest software, preferably downloaded from the provider’s official website.
• Do not go to unverified sites - you may introduce a virus that will block the modem.

All work with the modem firmware should be started only after studying the technical instructions and determining all the important points. If you perform the unlock incorrectly, there may be problems with connection and signal transmission.

Yota 4G LTE modem firmware update: instructions

If you have a Yota 4G router, you can unlock it yourself.

To do this you need to follow this procedure:

• Go to the official website of the operator, open the “Support” section and enter the “Software” subsection.
• From the list provided, select the modem that needs to be updated and go to the suggested tab.
• Download the installation file.
• Connect the device to your computer via USB port and use your desktop browser to open the settings interface. To do this, you need to enter https://status.yota.ru/manualupdate in the address bar. A menu will open in which you need to click on “Open”.
• In the tab that opens, you need to select the installation file that was downloaded and start the installation.
• After completing the installation process, you need to disconnect the device from the computer, wait a few minutes and connect again. This is necessary to ensure that all updates are installed.

After the modem is unlocked, you need to check the quality of the firmware. To do this, you need to go to the interface at status.yota.ru or 10.0.0.1. If the software is installed correctly, the modem settings will indicate the new version.

Entering AT commands into the modem using DC Unlocker

To use DC Unlocker, you must close other programs.

To enter an AT command into the modem you must:

1. download the latest version of DC Unlocker Client;
2. Click on the magnifying glass icon to identify the modem (you cannot click on the other buttons);
3. pay attention to the information in the program window, in particular, the number of attempts to enter the code;
4. if the attempts are completed, it is not possible to unlock using the code;
5. enter “AT^CARDLOCK=”nck code” into the window (nck is the unlock code);
6. After the modem responds OK, the unlocking occurs.

Possible problems

If, after unlocking the Yota 4G LTE modem, you find that the device does not work, the network connects intermittently, or does not function well, it means that an error was made during flashing. Often the problem is an interruption in the signal, which prevents your operator's base station from seeing your modem.

You can check how the update was installed and whether any errors were made on the official website of the Yota operator. You need to go to your personal account and open the “Software” tab. If you see an old version, it means that the software has not been updated and there has been a glitch. There is no need to try to correct the error yourself; your actions can only cause harm. Take the modem to the company's warranty service, and specialists will fix the problem.

How to unlock Yota 4G LTE modem for all SIM cards

Let's look at how to unlock the Yota modem for all SIM cards. Experts offer the following options:

• Free way. To do this, a Yota subscriber writes a statement to his provider. Attached to it is a screenshot taken in his personal account, where the IMEI of his modem is indicated. The operator must review the documents within 60 days. If the decision is positive, the subscriber will be provided with a special code to unlock the equipment.
• Paid (shareware). You can independently find the unlock code on websites on the Internet or use an unlocker program.

Some unlocker options require specifying the revision number of the modem being unlocked. The revision of your device can be found in its interface. The revision number is needed to determine the modem type. To install the code, you can use the SWF2 ReaderTool program. The modem must be connected to the computer via a network cable. Be sure to check that all unnecessary applications and antiviruses are disabled. After connecting the device, installation occurs automatically. During installation, you need to click on “ReadData”. If all steps are completed correctly, the IMEI of the modem will appear on the screen.

How to bypass Yota restrictions on your computer

Yota has not yet blocked all ways to bypass this block. The methods may stop working at any time as soon as the operator takes them into account when making improvements, but for now they are quite effective and will help distribute unlimited traffic from this operator to several devices.

For Android

This method is suitable for users of Android browser applications, as well as for Lumia-based devices.

There are isolated reviews that this method also works on Apple devices, but this is only the exception that proves the rule.

iPhone users usually have to use other unlocking methods.

The point of the method is to change the TTL indicator of a laptop to a value characteristic of a smartphone.

In this case, the operator's tracking systems will recognize your device as a smartphone and it will not become “suspicious” for them and worthy of blocking.

• As a standard, the indicator for a smartphone is approximately 64, and at the start of the distribution it drops to 63;
• It is necessary to change the indicator from 64 to 65 so that when it decreases it becomes equal to the “normal” 64 after the start of the distribution;
• For devices based on the Windows operating system, the normal value is usually 129;
• Accordingly, in this case it is necessary to replace 129 with 130 so that during distribution there is a reduction to the standard 129.

Such a change will not in any way affect the actual operation of the device, its warranty period or other indicators.

This is a software change that does not even require you to be in developer mode (have root rights).

Also, keep in mind that all changes will return to their original state as soon as you restart your device.

{amp}lt;Fig. 4 Removing restrictions{amp}gt;

To remove Internet restrictions from Yota for computers with the Ubuntu operating system, you need to:

1. Press Ctrl Alt T on your keyboard to open the terminal.
2. In the command line, enter sudo vi /etc/init.d/local.autostart and press Enter.
3. Enter the password and press the i key to enter editing mode.
4. Run the command #!/bin/bashsudo iptables -t mangle -A POSTROUTING -j TTL -ttl-set 65, which will change the TTL value to 1.
5. Finish editing by pressing the Esc key.
6. Run the command sudo chmod x /etc/init.d/local.autostart, which will set the rights to run the script.
7. And add the written script to autostart: sudo update-rc.d local.autostart defaults 80.

The operating system will automatically change the TTL on the device.