Most people who get a Nokia N95 (8GB) from their service provider soon discover that the latter locked up some of the features to force their customers to use their network for internet access, or force them to buy ring tones exclusively from their e-shop, as custom ring tones are not recognized.
This is a guide that will provide you with help on how to debrand a Nokia N95 (8G). In this example I will be using a Nokia N95 8GB NAM-4 provided by Rogers (Canada). But can be used on any Nokia N95 models (even non-8GB), from any provider.
Software Installation
- Installation of the Nokia Software Updater is simple. Just make sure the installation completes successfully and that you reboot your system before proceeding.
While installing the Nemesis Software Suite, you will be prompted to select a specific device that you will use to connect your phone. Select Virtual USB Device. Then complete the installation.
Step 1
Connect your Nokia N95 using your USB cable to your computer. Choose PC Suite when prompted on your phone and not any other option. Wait for your computer to fully recognize your phone.
Step 2
Open Nemesis Software Suite and press on the magnifying glass in the top right corner: Scan for new device.
Step 3
After your device is found, click on the Phone Info button.
Step 4
Following this, click on the Read button. Information regarding your device should appear such as your current firmware version and serial number.
Step 5
What we are interested in is changing the product code from a Rogers (or any other provider) to a generic product code. For a list of product codes and how they vary, see the bottom of this page. In the case of Rogers, I recommend changing the code to 0561948.
Step 6
To change the product code, check the Enable box, and paste your new number over the old one, in this case 0561948. Then click on the Write button.
Step 7
After finishing the last step successfully close the Nemesis Suite. Now would be a good idea to backup your contacts, messages and data, because in the next step we are going to reinstall/update the firmware thus erasing all data on the phone.
Step 8
Disconnect and reconnect your phone via the USB cable and run the Nokia Software Updater. Follow the instructions provided. Even if you have the latest firmware available, choose to reinstall it.
Step 9
After the update, your phone will reboot, and you will instantly see that there are no more logos related to your operator, all bundled bloat-ware have been removed and any restrictions previously imposed have now been lifted.
Step 10
You can now restore your backed up contacts/files. I do not recommend restoring settings as this will restore annoying operator defaults such as colors and settings.
Step 11
From now on to update your phone, all you have to do is use the Nokia Software Updater as your phone product code will never change.
Notes
- Debranding your phone does not necessarily mean unlocking it. You will still be limited to your operator SIM card.
- This method of debranding might work on most NSeries type phones. But you will need the correct product codes for your specific phone. Using a product code for a different mode might seriously damage your phone.
- Certain product codes, after the firmware update may provide additional input languages. A middle eastern product code might enable the Arabic input option.
Tips
- Make sure your phone is not connecting while installing either the Nemesis Software Suite on the Nokia Software Updater as it might conflict with the driver installation of these programs.
- Reboot your computer after installing the Nokia Software Suite.
- Reboot your computer after installing the Nemesis Software Suite.
Warnings
- Depending on the operator, this might invalidate your warranty.
- Never disconnect your phone when reading/writing in Nemesis Suite.
- Never disconnect your phone when updating your firmware using the Nokia Software Suite.
Things You'll Need
- A branded Nokia N95 (N95-1, N95-2, N95-3)
- A USB cable compatible with your Nokia N95 (usually ships with it)
Software You'll Need
List of Product Codes
N95 8GB product codes
- 0550348 - FRANCE
- 0550352 - ALPS
- 0549487 - EURO1
- 0550359 - EURO2
- 0550370 - TURKEY
- 0550372 - SCANDINAVIA
- 0550373 - BALTIAN
- 0550798 - RUSSIAN
- 0550799 - UKRAINE
- 0550800 - BELARUS/MOLDOVA
- 0550375 - CIS, Bulgaria
- 0550378 - EURO3
- 0550379 - BALKANS
- 0550801 - GREECE, CYPROS
- 0550802 - ISRAEL
- 0555180 - SINGAPORE
- 0555181 - MALAYSIA
- 0555187 - EMERGING ASIA
- 0550455 - INDONESIA
- 0550454 - NEW ZEALAND
- 0550453 - AUSTRALIA
- 0550459 - THAILAND
- 0550457 - VIETNAM
- 0557980 - HONG KONG / CHINA
- 0557877 - MALASIA
- 0550388 - AFRICA (NIGERIA)
