[Q] Bought 2 unlocked SG4's - Galaxy S 4 Active Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Received 2 Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Google Android 4.4 Quad-Core 1.9GHz 16GB 5" Smartphone - GSM Unlocked
Model: SGH-I537
Current phone was/is ATT version of SG3 but as far as I can tell, it's just a matter of SIM card swap and all should continue to work as normal
ATT of course can no longer push updates but plan on updating via Kies
Anything else to consider ?

nobody else on forum with an unlocked SG4 Active ?
any words of wisdom, suggestions, comments on device itself or how best to deal with carrier (ATT) ?
picked also up couple Otterbox Defender cases for the phones.

xdafly said:
nobody else on forum with an unlocked SG4 Active ?
any words of wisdom, suggestions, comments on device itself or how best to deal with carrier (ATT) ?
picked also up couple Otterbox Defender cases for the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A few things:
The phone is not waterproof, if you submerge it in water you have a high likelihood of getting water damage. Water damage is not covered under the warranty and Samsung will reject your claim. Some people have mentioned that they will do a one-time replacement for water damage, but why risk it.
The bootloader is locked so you cannot flash custom ROMs. You can flash TouchWiz-based ROMs with SafeStrap, but that's it.
You cannot use Kies to update the phone, you have to use Odin to flash stock firmware, and stock recovery to flash OTA updates.
Once you update from 4.2.2 to 4.3 or 4.4.2 you cannot downgrade to a previous version of Android, the locked bootloader prevents you from doing so.
Other than that just search for answers to your questions, it's all here in the forums.

The phones are already running 4.4 as that is how they were delivered. My assumption is/was that ATT doesn't or can't push any updates as the SIM is pegged to a SG3 device on their system side but that I could do home WiFI (not ATT) connected updates including apps from Google store.
At least that is how my Samsung tablets work
Perhaps too many assumptions on my part

xdafly said:
The phones are already running 4.4 as that is how they were delivered. My assumption is/was that ATT doesn't or can't push any updates as the SIM is pegged to a SG3 device on their system side but that I could do home WiFI (not ATT) connected updates including apps from Google store.
At least that is how my Samsung tablets work
Perhaps too many assumptions on my part
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an AT&T sim card in the phone then you will receive AT&T updates. Also, the updates will only download over WiFi, presumably because their so large and AT&T didn't want to take up bandwidth on their towers.

Devo7v said:
If you have an AT&T sim card in the phone then you will receive AT&T updates. Also, the updates will only download over WiFi, presumably because their so large and AT&T didn't want to take up bandwidth on their towers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received 2 more unlocked, unrooted, ATT SGH-i537 SG4A phones, completely ATT stock image.
They are running Android 4.3 I537UCUBML2 and both find just fine the ATT update file, 444 MB using System Update.
After download, they reboot, start Update process and fail at 29 percent *Update failed* but no other diagnostics.
So, these can not be updated via Kies and can not be updated via ATT WIFI Update.
What next ? Would a manual Stock recovery update make it worse ? I have the I537UCUCNE3 file sitting on a microSD card. Just contemplating what may be best as these are still under full warranty.
Don't need root, just wanted to update to 4.4

Related

[Q] Not receiving OTAs?

Greetings,
I have an AT&T S6 Edge and I have not received a single OTA since I bought the phone at full price and used it on Straight Talk. I apologize in advance if this is a known issue, but what can I do to resolve? Samsung Smart Switch says the device is unsupported, and the Software Update just says, "no updates available". I do not want to trip KNOX as I'd like to keep the Samsung warranty intact if at all possible. If I switch to AT&T Go Phone will I then receive OTAs? It's only about $15 a month more, and to me that's worth the added cost if I can receive the OTAs, and receive better customer service as Straight Talk is absolutely horrendous for customer service.
digital4282 said:
Greetings,
I have an AT&T S6 Edge and I have not received a single OTA since I bought the phone at full price and used it on Straight Talk. I apologize in advance if this is a known issue, but what can I do to resolve? Samsung Smart Switch says the device is unsupported, and the Software Update just says, "no updates available". I do not want to trip KNOX as I'd like to keep the Samsung warranty intact if at all possible. If I switch to AT&T Go Phone will I then receive OTAs? It's only about $15 a month more, and to me that's worth the added cost if I can receive the OTAs, and receive better customer service as Straight Talk is absolutely horrendous for customer service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nothing new for AT&T! My S3 only got one OTA notification ever...all the other times I had to manually update when I saw the announcements on here after waiting for over a month.
digital4282 said:
Greetings,
I have an AT&T S6 Edge and I have not received a single OTA since I bought the phone at full price and used it on Straight Talk. I apologize in advance if this is a known issue, but what can I do to resolve? Samsung Smart Switch says the device is unsupported, and the Software Update just says, "no updates available". I do not want to trip KNOX as I'd like to keep the Samsung warranty intact if at all possible. If I switch to AT&T Go Phone will I then receive OTAs? It's only about $15 a month more, and to me that's worth the added cost if I can receive the OTAs, and receive better customer service as Straight Talk is absolutely horrendous for customer service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that being on Straight Talk would possibly stop the updates. Since during the OF3(July update) flashes the bootloader, recovery, and modem. You could try to take out the sim and then check for updates BTW what build number are you on? If on OE2(Last 3 of the build number) then the OF3(Last 3) should be coming soon.
Same here. I got on the phone with someone at AT&T, and they had me install a new app on my phone and PC, apparently a replacement for Kies, and it allows you to update the OS as well instead of OTA. While on the phone, we went to the system builds released for this phone, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge through AT&T, and apparently, Samsung has released 4 updates since I got my phone, but it won't update to any of the other builds, at least until AT&T is ready to roll it out, which really sucks. I can't believe my phone has 4 updates that have been released, but I can't update to any of them. I called initially asking about Samsung Pay, which I couldn't find or install, and they sold me the functionality comes through with an update. A day or so ago, Samsung Pay can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, but even after downloading it and installing it, the app still won't work because it says I need an update. I understand if some companies want to hold off initially to test the next build before releasing it to everyone, but 4 updates is ridiculous.
Rolldog said:
Same here. I got on the phone with someone at AT&T, and they had me install a new app on my phone and PC, apparently a replacement for Kies, and it allows you to update the OS as well instead of OTA. While on the phone, we went to the system builds released for this phone, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge through AT&T, and apparently, Samsung has released 4 updates since I got my phone, but it won't update to any of the other builds, at least until AT&T is ready to roll it out, which really sucks. I can't believe my phone has 4 updates that have been released, but I can't update to any of them. I called initially asking about Samsung Pay, which I couldn't find or install, and they sold me the functionality comes through with an update. A day or so ago, Samsung Pay can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, but even after downloading it and installing it, the app still won't work because it says I need an update. I understand if some companies want to hold off initially to test the next build before releasing it to everyone, but 4 updates is ridiculous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was having the same issue on my unrooted/unmodified and locked AT&T edge also so I finally just used this thread and updated with odin. It wipes your phone so be prepared to reinstall/configure everything but it was worth it to get to 5.1.1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...l/stock-odin-tar-files-g925aucu3boi2-t3213356

Android newbie looking for more in-depth rooting gotchas and unlocked s6edge on AT&T.

Android newbie looking for more in-depth rooting gotchas and unlocked s6edge on AT&T.
Hi everyone, and thanks for all the great info here. Let's assume I have my "how to root" links bookmarked and ready to go, but like a good boyscout I want to understand the gotchas/subtleties before I cliff jump. I'm also within my 15 days to exchange my s6edge AT&T for an unlocked one at Best Buy, which I plan to do today... :highfive:
(I'm technically savy, but a real newb in the world of android versions, manufacturer changes, and carrier versions and conflicts...) :crying:
1) How do I do a full ROM-level backup before beginning my adventures in rooting? Titanium Backup is no good since I need root to use it. I'd like an iPhone-style backup that I can just restore should I brick my phone.
2) After I exchange my phone I'm going to immediately airplane-mode it to prevent autoupdates (my current phone already autoupdated to unrootable OF4)... once I root how do I effectively get-latest? I'd obviously like the latest security updates, and 5.1 if I can manage it, and to maintain root.
3) AT&T doesn't have 5.1.... but if I go unlocked then can I run 5.1 on AT&T? (I've been iPhone forever -- carriers messing with you is really foreign to me). On a related note, can AT&T send some update/profile-change OTA to my phone that will conflict with updates I'm doing locally? If so any tips to avoid this?
4) An unlocked phone will perform just as well on AT&T as an AT&t phone, right?
Thanks for any info, help, and/or pointing me to resources where I can find the info, in advance. I'm technically savy, but a real newb when it comes to the gotcha-ridden ground of android and carriers.
Thanks again.
- Jason
JasonS6Edge said:
Hi everyone, and thanks for all the great info here. Let's assume I have my "how to root" links bookmarked and ready to go, but like a good boyscout I want to understand the gotchas/subtleties before I cliff jump. I'm also within my 15 days to exchange my s6edge AT&T for an unlocked one at Best Buy, which I plan to do today... :highfive:
(I'm technically savy, but a real newb in the world of android versions, manufacturer changes, and carrier versions and conflicts...) :crying:
1) How do I do a full ROM-level backup before beginning my adventures in rooting? Titanium Backup is no good since I need root to use it. I'd like an iPhone-style backup that I can just restore should I brick my phone.
2) After I exchange my phone I'm going to immediately airplane-mode it to prevent autoupdates (my current phone already autoupdated to unrootable OF4)... once I root how do I effectively get-latest? I'd obviously like the latest security updates, and 5.1 if I can manage it, and to maintain root.
3) AT&T doesn't have 5.1.... but if I go unlocked then can I run 5.1 on AT&T? (I've been iPhone forever -- carriers messing with you is really foreign to me). On a related note, can AT&T send some update/profile-change OTA to my phone that will conflict with updates I'm doing locally? If so any tips to avoid this?
4) An unlocked phone will perform just as well on AT&T as an AT&t phone, right?
Thanks for any info, help, and/or pointing me to resources where I can find the info, in advance. I'm technically savy, but a real newb when it comes to the gotcha-ridden ground of android and carriers.
Thanks again.
- Jason
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's likely any replacement phone you get at this point will have OF4, or at least OF3 on it. It will likely be unrootable out of the box.
There is no current bootloader unlock for ATT branded devices - if you are lucky enough to get a rootable device, you can run a the two roms in the ATT section. You can run XtreStoLite v 1.5 from the regular S6 section, and maybe other 5.0.2 roms from there as well, I'm not aware of any others being tried.
In either case, we will not have 5.1.1 until after ATT releases it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Thanks for the info -- this is where I get confused. If it's a 925F, and I put my AT&T sim in it, it isn't an "AT&T branded device", right? So the bootloader shouldn't be all locked up by AT&T? I should be able to put any GSM sim in there and run on that network... so can't I just do what I want with the hardware at that point without AT&T controlling me?
dandrumheller said:
It's likely any replacement phone you get at this point will have OF4, or at least OF3 on it. It will likely be unrootable out of the box.
There is no current bootloader unlock for ATT branded devices - if you are lucky enough to get a rootable device, you can run a the two roms in the ATT section. You can run XtreStoLite v 1.5 from the regular S6 section, and maybe other 5.0.2 roms from there as well, I'm not aware of any others being tried.
In either case, we will not have 5.1.1 until after ATT releases it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about a simpler version...
- Can I use the "download booster" function (that AT&T removed) if I have an unlocked 925F on AT&T? Can I use 5.1 on AT&T with a non-AT&T edge?
I'm trying to work out if AT&T controls all phones or just the AT&T branded phones (925A).
Thanks.
Oh, guess I misunderstood your situation. Since you have an F model, you should be able to do whatever you want in terms of root/rom, just follow the instructions over there. I think as long as your APN is set up correctly, you should be set. As long as its working now, worst case would be full factory reflash of what you're currently running. Just remember if you root in a way that trips Knox, it's tripped forever.
I think I've seen people posting that they had download booster enabled while on ATT, but I don't recall seeing any comments about whether or not it actually worked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk

Updating unlocked ATT Galaxy S5 now on T-mobile network

I assume my idea would work but here is the issue:
My wife has an unlocked ATT Galaxy S5 that we are now using on T-Mobile. Obviously she can't get the recent security updates and marshmallow when it comes out. I don't really want to go the odin route with her phone and risk our marriage (lol) with wiping her data. If I put a sim card from ATT from a friend in her phone, it should then allow it to receive updates correct? I assume our old sim card, which is not associated with a number on the ATT network would not work.
I'm not sure. I'm on AT&T and I can't get the last two or three updates to even register on my phone. Usually someone uploads an OTA zip that you can boot into recovery mode and install, but the latest ones have been neglected. Hopefully someone with more knowledge of the situation can give you a better answer, though.
I'm currently using Net 10 service on my Att S5 active and seem to get OTA updates.
Pajar0913 said:
I'm currently using Net 10 service on my Att S5 active and seem to get OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmmm that's interesting. Maybe, then, we don't need to worry about them coming eventually.
Unfortunately not seeing the Marshmallow update via my ATT S5 running on T-Mobile. The phone says it is "up to date"......
Redhawk2000 said:
Unfortunately not seeing the Marshmallow update via my ATT S5 running on T-Mobile. The phone says it is "up to date"......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. It's really a bit of a shame. I'm thinking of selling line on swappa just to turn around and buy the t-mobile variant so I can root
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If I can I'm going to try a friends att sim card in it to see if it can then download it.
If you throw an AT&T sim in, make sure its from an android device with LTE. Cruise the web a little a make a phone call. reboot after 15 minutes so AT&T's systems recognize your model and software before trying the software update.
Although the best bet would be taking it either to a AT&T service center or a Samsung shop in Best Buy, they can flash the update for you w/o wiping it
you can backup the device with Samsung smart switch on a laptop and keep most of everything just in case anything happens.
Flash PA2 firmware through ODIN and then these through recovery:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...les-tested-update-to-marshmallow-ph2-t3450223

Questions Regarding Locked/Unlocked Phone on Sprint

I recently purchased 4 brand new sprint note 8's from Ebay (for a small company). In hindsight I think I should of opted for the unlocked version but I'm here now. My question is what would it take to unlock the phones and flash with unlocked software? I ask because I'm a little PO'ed that sprint takes away a few features native to Samsung (looking at you Hyia caller id). There's apps that can take care of all that, but that's besides the point.
I'm looking for pro's and cons to what that would do. Coming from a rooted S6 and having played with the note 8 I didn't see any reason to root until now. But I think if I root it locks me out of other features? Samsung Pay? And sprint won't fix if I make any insurance claim?
Is there any way to go through all that and then turn root back off? Again, coming from the S6 as my last bit of rooting experience (couldn't turn knox counter off, so Samsung pay never worked....).
Any suggestions?
tl;dr, should probably go with unlocked phones next time to avoid the bs
rob.mwpropane said:
should probably go with unlocked phones next time to avoid the bs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search function in the forum. Look for carrier switching. Are you using them for sprint?
If you go to unlocked XXA you will get the other features but loose wifi-calling and sprint calling plus.
You can download the new sprint zone form play store now so thats a non issue.
If you understand how to put together your own flash-able rom you could pull the stuff for sprint and add to xxa and get both parts but its not something ive seen floating around here.
Ultimately sprint has a paid version of Samsung feature for the caller id part, if thats the only thing you want there are a ton of other free alternative. (soft fix) Sprint isn't going to fix a personal issue you have with their device setup lol, they charge for premium caller id and Samsung/sprint wont change that part, most carriers charge for it as its "premium"
I have a optimized rom for the note 8 (sprint users) but you will be limited to 80% battery charge, spay and secure folder are broken. With the new safestrap recovery you can atleast un-root and re-root from the device to get around apps that scan for root and be able to use them, with my custom rom having edits in /system you will never achieve spay etc , this is reversible by just odin to stock software again and back to stock, the current root methods do not effect knox or warranty.
If i unlocked it can i use gsm sim form Bangladesh?

Question Can't update SM-G998U att unlocked

I posted in wrong area hopefully this is right spot...
Hello, new to forum. I have a Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Model number SM-G998U It's from at&t unlocked I'm using mint mobile When I try to update I get a software Update Interrupted message try again in 24 hours. I backed up and reset phone but it didn't fix this issue. Probably because I need an at&t Sim card, not sure.
Second related question is there a non at&t neutral rom that I can download and install ? So that I'm not relevant on at&t and that hopefully won't Include at&t bloatware.
I've modified a few phones before with different roms though it's been awhile.
I'm Learning the hard way, the difference between a truly unlocked phone and a carrier unlocked one.
I just can't afford a $1,200 new phone.
Any help would be greatly appreciated and thank you.
Welcome to XDA
Personally I wouldn't worry about updates. AT&T updates can update over wifi or a special AT&T update cell tower. If the AT&T firmware is intact using wifi OTA updates might work. Otherwise a Samsung Experience center at Best Buys can do it. Or you could do it yourself.
I avoid touching the firmware on my N10+'s, this one in my hand is still running happily on Pie... lol, Samsung upgrades/updates can and do break things. Once bitten, twice shy.
having the same issue with a used unlocked ATT device that I bought recently in India. Unable to update it. Is possible to load the stock ROM and remove the AT&T one from this phone? will that help?
blackhawk said:
Welcome to XDA
Personally I wouldn't worry about updates. AT&T updates can update over wifi or a special AT&T update cell tower. If the AT&T firmware is intact using wifi OTA updates might work. Otherwise a Samsung Experience center at Best Buys can do it. Or you could do it yourself.
I avoid touching the firmware on my N10+'s, this one in my hand is still running happily on Pie... lol, Samsung upgrades/updates can and do break things. Once bitten, twice shy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, sounds like best option is best buy for me...
You can always download the latest unlocked firmware from https://samfw.com/ and flash it with Odin

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