Hacking the ZTE MF627
Its been a while since I’ve done a good hack article. so again I’m back onto my favourite topic of 3G modems. Thanks to the generous promotions at 3dongles4free I’ve been able to pickup a new Three dongle for next to nothing. As I’ve already got my E160G I didn’t really need this to be on the Three network.
After a quick search around and a few suggestions from existing mailing lists I’ve found out that a hacked firmware exists and these cheap and cheerful dongles can be flashed to allow any SIM card to be used. This should be a simple job of updating the software and using the new SIM card.
First of all, grab the software pack from Rapidshare, due to the questionable nature of this copy of the firmware no one has been willing to host it on their own hosting, and I’ll keep to that idea. Extract the files from the RAR and you should have a firmware upgrade, and a installation folder for the connection software. As the existing Three connection software is very limited, the software package includes the Telstra version which allows you to define your own settings.
Before you attempt the software upgrade, you need to remove any existing Three software, install the Telstra version and remove your SIM card from the dongle, then simply plug it in and run the firmware upgrade. This process will take around 15-25 minutes and once it’s done it’ll give you a prompt. During the upgrade do not power off your PC or remove the dongle from the USB socket. This will brick your dongle rendering it completely useless.
Now, put in your non-Three SIM card and plug it back into your PC, the Telstra software should start-up and try detect the device, you need to configure the software for your provider’s APN settings, but the PDF document included with the software package will give you all the details you need.
Remember, I take no responsibility for people bricking their equipment, you have been warned.
I’m not sure I got this right. I know that on the Huawei e220 you can, besides unlocking the device, also pernamently change the software (dashboard) for example from a branded one to an unbranded one (Mobile Partner)for easy plug and play instalation on any pc. Am I correct saying that with ze ZTE you can’t do that and you need to have the Telstra software on a separate cd (or on a miniSD plugged into the modem card reader)??
Jake
21 Jun 09 at 2:12 pm
The software still stored on the stick is the same, it doesn’t actually get modified. The problem is that the Three software is locked only to use their APNs, hence why you need to use the Telstra software to allow full editing of profiles.
Andrew Williams
22 Jun 09 at 8:12 am
Thanks, I understand why we need the Telstra software. I just wanted to make sure i’m right thinking that the 3 soft is irreplaceable on the ZTE stick itself, comparing to the Huawei where it can be replaced. Is that correct?:)
Jake
22 Jun 09 at 10:01 am
Hi there, I tried the flash update, it disables the “3″ dashboard software’s installation or loading, but you still need to install the Telstra software manually… Just wondering if there is anyway to get the Telstra software to auto-run from the device itself? Thank you…
Andrew David
24 Jun 09 at 8:28 pm
Not that I know of, I assume that the files are provided from a flash area on the device but I’ve never seen an update for them. All you can do is have the installation on a SD card inserted into the device and use that when you plug it in.
Andrew Williams
25 Jun 09 at 1:44 pm
Can this modem be used with non G3 sim cards ? like standard GSM card? will it work like G3 modem or GPRS modem ?
Tim
30 Jun 09 at 12:03 pm
@Tim
I’m not sure, i’ve not tested a non-USIM card in this device. I assume the device can switch to GPRS/EDGE.
Andrew Williams
30 Jun 09 at 4:54 pm
Anyone know if you can use a british dongle payg in France? Have asked everyone but no-one seems to know. If not can you simply take out sim card and buy french payg sim? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
l.a.wain
2 Jul 09 at 10:38 am
thanks for this tutorial, I’ve successfully open line my zte mf627 locked by pldt weroam, I able to use now my globe, sun cellular, and smart buddy sim now, thanks man
emay
1 Aug 09 at 4:35 pm
Hey guys,
Got myself one of these dongles and gonna try the hack now.
Once I’ve created the new profile, does it mean I can just take my o2 3G sim out of my phone and use it in the dongle?
Cheers!
Tom
31 Aug 09 at 11:04 pm
the software that was bundled along with the zip is the telstra software but when you flash your zte mf627, the software bundled along with the modem itself is the globe visibility , now i ask , can we change or modify the files so that other software like the smart bro or sun cellular software can be placed ?( which probably has the same interface but i need it for some special purpose) please email me at kevmonzon(at)yahoo(dot)com
sora021
3 Sep 09 at 5:40 am
pls. send me the complete guide in how to unlock my ZTE mf627. i really need this coz i’m in the remote area that has no internet connection. pls. help me
waterboy
15 Sep 09 at 3:47 am
hi guys.. i bought a zte 627 in jarir bookstore saudi arabia when i went ther for a 3 months vacation.. then i went back here in the philippines.. how can i use the usb broadband here?
dj santiago
29 Sep 09 at 7:37 am
it is possible to have the software backup…
search for QPST in google…
this is before flashing!!
install and run the QPST COnfiguration
select your usb modem
COM(XX) – USB diagnostic…
go to START CLIENTS > EFS explorer
select your modem
then you would see a file called ZTEMODEM.iso
copy that to safe place…
unlock your modem..
then open EFS explorer again and replace the ZTEMODEM.iso with your backup…
voila !! its back to its original software….
benj
3 Oct 09 at 9:04 am
It is required internet connection while upgrading the firmware?
jay
17 Oct 09 at 5:56 am
Hi, as a reverse problem, I have bought an E160 and it’s loaded with Telstra software. I want to use it on Three and can’t get connected. Is there a method of removing the Telstra software and installing the 3 software, please?
John
8 Nov 09 at 7:19 am
I have a ZTE-MF627 and am struggling to get it to work with Windows 7, do you know of any issues regarding this?
Thanks in advance,
Tron
Tron
11 Nov 09 at 8:06 am
Hi, got a ZTE-MF627 a couple of weeks ago to take us through house move, worked fine (not as fast as I would have hoped) Now, I can’t find anywhere to stop 3’s direct debit. Can anyone advice?
Helen
24 Nov 09 at 11:18 am
In Windows 7 just use “Compatibility Mode” to install, in other words, right-mouse-click the autostart.exe file, choose compatibility mode and follow the wizard. The suggested WindowsXP Sp2 option works at once.
Cheers
Jake
25 Nov 09 at 6:25 am
There is no need to uninstall your modem. Leave the modem inserted in the PC and run the drivers tool.
http://www.zte.com.au/downloads/software/Win7_Driver_Tool.zip
Br,
Acun@koepoekoepoe.com
Acun
27 Nov 09 at 8:15 pm
i have modem zte mf627 & it only can connect with celcom broadband, how to unlocked that modem.because i want to connect to digi?
need your help,thank you
madier
10 Dec 09 at 6:57 am
http://k-dezign.ru/load/soft/drajver_modema_zte_mf627_dlja_windows_7/8-1-0-194
driver for Windows 7
Котик
28 Dec 09 at 6:23 am
i am using celcom broadband… but my problem is it always show “SIM card not Accepted” … why? should i flash the firmware also???? please reply to my email julien_kid@yahoo.com .
thank you
lau
19 Jan 10 at 11:21 am