Database Develop

[Q] Bought a seemingly rooted phone on Swappa and I'm concerned...

OK, I'm going to start by saying I know pretty much nothing about rooting and I may come across as a paranoid conspiracy nut, but here goes.
I recently bought a Note 3 on Swappa. In the description, the seller said that he had removed all of the AT&T Bloatware, but the phone was not rooted. He also stated that a system reset would restore the AT&T apps. Well, the first thing I did was a system restore, but the AT&T apps were still gone. Not that I care about the apps really, but it seemed weird.
Today, I downloaded the "Root Checker" app on the Play Store and it told me that my phone was, in fact, rooted. I also downloaded SuperU and it verified that as well. I've also gotten Titanium Backup (Root) and it shows I'm rooted.
I posted a message on my sale page at Swappa mentioning this, but the seller is adamantly denying that the phone is rooted. He says they use their "own process" to remove the bloatware.
My question in all of this is is this: Is this something I should be concerned about? The seller seems less than honest about the phone being rooted. He is a "trusted seller" which is one reason I bought from him, but I'm super paranoid that there might be something on my phone that I'm unaware of. (a keylogging app, etc...) Is there any way to tell this? How do I go about truly returning my phone back to its original state? I system reset didn't unroot it.
Any advice from people out there much more knowledgeable than me about this?
EDIT: well, I took andygev35's advice and restored back to factory. However, I enjoyed playing around with the things that being rooted allowed, so I re-did it. A huge waste of time? Maybe, but at least I have some peace of mind over the whole thing now. Thanks to everyone!

If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®

andygev35 said:
If you're worried about anything unsavory that may be hidden on your phone, you could always restore back to factory condition using the guide and files in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2838117
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, and holy crap - just glancing at that it looks like a total pain in the ass. This is why I never bothered to root in the first place. Do you think I'm being too paranoid? Or is is worth doing all this?

It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®

andygev35 said:
It's actually quite simple. I know it may look overwhelming at first glance, but there's really nothing to it. Basically the easiest method is to use the all-in-one file. Just download that, put your phone in download mode, plug it into your computer, run the Odin program, place the all-in-one file in the AP slot in Odin and click start.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I may do this when I get home. Thanks.

Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

mrkhigh said:
Honestly though I do feel you're probably worrying over nothing.. But I'd go back to stock so you can obtain updates if you desire
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®

Don't Worry, Be Happy
Why wouldn't anyone want access to the root files in THEIR phone ???
You have root access to your PC or Mac, why would anyone want a provider to lock down their phone making things inaccessible.
You're not renting the phone, it's Yours (always try and have root access if possible).
google up moborobo and download it, its free and gives u full access to your phone, please download it and check it out -
You will love all the stuff you can do with a rooted N3 -

andygev35 said:
I agree it's probably nothing to worry about, but if he's anything like me, any doubt I have will always be there somewhere in the back of my mind nagging at me [emoji15]. Restoring wipes out any of that doubt.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.

Since we now have nc2 Odin files you are relatively safe in doing a restore.
Sent from my XT907 using XDA Free mobile app

ThePorter said:
I guess what bugs me the most is that the seller INSISTS that it wasn't rooted, when it clearly is. Its a "methinks he doth protest too much" situation. If he just owned up to it, I'd be less paranoid. If he can't be honest about the obvious, it makes me worry about the less obvious.
I've learned a little, and I'm kind of digging some of the options available now that I know its rooted. Considering spending this Saturday to restoring it back to "normal" and then maybe re-rooting it to have some of the things that I now realize I kind of want. I'm kind of worried I'm going to funk it up though... Jailbreaking seemed to be a much easier process, and harder to screw up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too am a former Jailbreaker and am so glad I jumped the fence out of Apple's walled garden. I do have to say, at least Apple readily provides the latest firmware for their devices. I can't understand why AT&T won't let Sammy publish our Odin files. As @mrkhigh stated, we DO now have the Odin files (probably gained in some nefarious manner by a sympathizing Best Buy employee), so now you can safely let the experimenting begin without worry.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk®

I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.

graydiggy said:
I'm curious to find out if it is actually a clone... The HDC Galaxy Note 3 is a damn good clone of the real thing and it ships rooted. They are pretty cheap and can fool almost anyone... If it is a clone, he might have been selling it to make more than he spent and didn't know it's rooted.
If it's not, it is possible that he either bought it from someone else and didn't know that it is rooted, or it is a stolen device.
I would call AT&T and give them the IMEI number to check that. Do not mention root or anything like that, just ask them to check it to see if it's flagged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it's a real AT&T - I took it to the store and had them check the IMHO when I had it activated. I finally just uprooted and flashed the 4.4.2 stock on it (I'm learning the terminology here so hope that's right) from the first post.
The guy is a trusted seller and has sold tons of phones in Swappa. He advertises on all the Samsung at&t phones that he removes the bloatware but does NOT root the phone. But, it was.
In the end, I'm happy with the phone. Seller was less than honest about his process and hopefully he didn't steal all my bank info, haha, but the phone works great.

You have to root to remove all bloatware...
---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:32 AM ----------
Good to know though. *cheers*

Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.

ThePorter said:
Yeah, I asked him about that and he said they "have their own process to remove bloatware" that does not require root".
Like I said, he was a little squirrely about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im sure its probably because he sells a lot of devices and didn't realize the one he sold had root.
Then when he talked to u he realized that u r uneducated about the subject so he thought he would bs u.
Of course one would have to have root access to remove root files.
I still don't understand why ur making such a big fuss?
If u don't feel like u lucked out, (like the rest of us do) just send the flipping thing back!
Did you download free moborobo?

Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.

graydiggy said:
Before he downloads that app... Excuse me... Complete PC suite.
Why do you think he needs it? I haven't seen anything on XDA about it, other than from you. And most everything I find on google/YouTube is Arabic, Chinese and Japanese.
It seems you are trying to advert it to new users that are unknowing and willing to take advice from most anyone.
I can give 2 things right now that are the same thing and one of them does not require a full PC suite.
Oh... And they are well known on XDA to be safe to use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you're right. I looked at it but it seems to be completely unnecessary.

Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.

Stryke_the_Orc said:
Just a general reminder, use of unknown applications can be dangerous. Please use caution in downloading, using or recommending anything you don't know to be safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me but this is not an unknown app, it has been around for years and works wonderfully !!!
I have been using it since I got my N3 at thanksgiving and it works great, installs downloaded apk files in a snap, allows you easy navigation to your entire phone.Doesn't spam you. It just works great. I'm only recommending it because I have USED it for 9 months, (and you guys can't even google it?)
Since when do mods and forum gurus recommend staying away from something they have never used it, or even spent 10 secs researching ????
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=moborobo+review
I was only trying to help OP out. it is a great and FREE app for rooted devices, sorry for wasting ur time OP -
(ps - I found the software while trying to transfer my contacts and sms messages from my 4s to N3, which worked perfectly and easily, (after trying other stuff). It was after that I discovered how nice it manages everything)

AT&T Lollipop update releaed..

Lucky me, just got my Note 4 yesterday and checked for software updates just now and low and behold I'm receiving Lollipop, its a 1161.38mb download..

you sure it's lollipop? i know my note 4 received two updates in the past month.

Getting an update on SM-N10A(stock. not rooted) on ATT network. . Its a 1161.38 MB file. Will update on which version does it get updated to shortly.
Update 1: 2.20PM CT: LOL. Installation failed. Try again in 21 hours. Sigh!

SeraldoBabalu said:
you sure it's lollipop? i know my note 4 received two updates in the past month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T started rolling out 5.0.1 this morning to Note 4.

Stupid me
I checked for an update last night and now have to wait 9hrs before being able to check again. Oh well. At work anyways.

sherpa said:
AT&T started rolling out 5.0.1 this morning to Note 4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nice. hopefully not much longer for the canadian releases.

SeraldoBabalu said:
nice. hopefully not much longer for the canadian releases.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just sent a tweet to Rogers telling them AT&T rolled it out now and asking how long it will take for us to get it. I'm not holding out much hope for a reply.

spexwood said:
Stupid me
I checked for an update last night and now have to wait 9hrs before being able to check again. Oh well. At work anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can manually change your date/time to sometime tomorrow and get the update today.

TheIgster said:
Just sent a tweet to Rogers telling them AT&T rolled it out now and asking how long it will take for us to get it. I'm not holding out much hope for a reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will just point you here.
HTML:
http://communityforums.rogers.com/html/assets/OSUpgrade.html
And tell you it's TBD. My old co-worker who now works at Rogers looked into it and apparently Samsung isn't releasing that information. As he said it's policy it classify devices that don't get support as TBD as to not piss off customers. Aka it's a coin toss if they are going to release it.
AT&T isn't the same as our devices. The closest we can get is T-Mobile. If and when TMO gets the update we won't be far behind. At least we shouldn't.

Yeah, I know of that link and they have pointed me there before. I've had a dialog going with them actually. I would like to rattle their cages "in public" as much as possible and Twitter is a good way to do that. I really was surprised to just get the Note 4 about 2 weeks ago, thinking it was the current flagship phone and then find out they have no idea when they are going to release Lollipop on it. Just bizarre.
A coin toss? How can a phone that hasn't been out for even 5 months yet not get Lollipop?

TheIgster said:
Yeah, I know of that link and they have pointed me there before. I've had a dialog going with them actually. I would like to rattle their cages "in public" as much as possible and Twitter is a good way to do that. I really was surprised to just get the Note 4 about 2 weeks ago, thinking it was the current flagship phone and then find out they have no idea when they are going to release Lollipop on it. Just bizarre.
A coin toss? How can a phone that hasn't been out for even 5 months yet not get Lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are these phone updates of which you speak? Yes, I'm on Verizon.

cyprian64 said:
What are these phone updates of which you speak? Yes, I'm on Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol...yeah, I guess it's not just those of us in Canada. Really missing my Nexus 5 right now with updates right away straight from Google.

TheIgster said:
A coin toss? How can a phone that hasn't been out for even 5 months yet not get Lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was referring to the 5.0.1 update. It's very possible they will just lazily skip it and go for 5.1
If thats the case we most likely won't see a LP update this year. Remember Samsung had the oportunity to start LP in June and it has taken them 9 months just to get to this point. Considering no Canadian Carriers have been informed of the update even arriving, meaning they have not tested them and that in turn could create another month or two of testing. It's also been disclosed that Samsung has no plans on working on 5.1 at the moment. Let's assume that they wait to give us 5.1 instead of pushing 5.0.1 out. Since they have not even started 5.1 we can assume they might start in two months (Highly doubt it would be that quick). Then if we take the first time frame we add another 9 months plus the fact they wait a month after they build (check the build logs) we are at a total time frame of 12 months out for a single update. Skipping 5.0.1 would mean a total of 21 months of development time before the first actual LP update.
Of course remember this is all assumptions and theory based on what we have seen so far and I could be totally off. At least I hope I am.

airwa1kin7 said:
Of course remember this is all assumptions and theory based on what we have seen so far and I could be totally off. At least I hope I am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure hope you're wrong. LOL. I would be pretty pissed off if they don't send out a Lollipop update this year.

SeraldoBabalu said:
you sure it's lollipop? i know my note 4 received two updates in the past month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it sure was
Showing as Android version 5.0.1

TheIgster said:
Yeah, I know of that link and they have pointed me there before. I've had a dialog going with them actually. I would like to rattle their cages "in public" as much as possible and Twitter is a good way to do that. I really was surprised to just get the Note 4 about 2 weeks ago, thinking it was the current flagship phone and then find out they have no idea when they are going to release Lollipop on it. Just bizarre.
A coin toss? How can a phone that hasn't been out for even 5 months yet not get Lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'd think that right
How can one of the newest flagships not be on a higher priority?
Sent from my SM-N910W8 using Tapatalk

Are more bloatwares included in this update?

sherpa said:
You can manually change your date/time to sometime tomorrow and get the update today.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I know. It's OK though. I was at work with no wifi anyways (and I dont work a desk job either). I have the update downloading now though.

LTE-X said:
Are more bloatwares included in this update?
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Click to collapse
Just the usual AT&T crap... Google Service needs to be updated after Lollipop installs, GS took multiple attempts to finally install, otherwise you keep getting a notice that the update is required.. Not sure if was just me but I had to reboot a few times to finally get the Install option to pop up..
So far I'm liking Lollipop, Visually much more appealing..

Captpt said:
Just the usual AT&T crap... Google Service needs to be updated after Lollipop installs, GS took multiple attempts to finally install, otherwise you keep getting a notice that the update is required.. Not sure if was just me but I had to reboot a few times to finally get the Install option to pop up..
So far I'm liking Lollipop, Visually much more appealing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just updated to lollipop and I am experiencing memory leak. I performed a factory reset and is doing much better now.

Is the S5 still a good phone to get in 2016?

About to get warranty replacement phone thru my carrier tomorrow.
Was offered S5 and an alternate to my G3 since they were out of stock.
If you were in my shoes, which phone would you get?!
Thanks in advance

S5

The S5 is still a very capable phone. The display is top notch. It would really depend on what carrier you are with though. I know the att variant cant be rooted or unlocked currently and verizon has theirs locked down too, but as long as it comes with lollipop (5.x.x) software the verizon variant can be unlocked all the way to the bootloader.
as far as i know they are the only two providers who secure the s5 like fort knox. I could be wrong though. I have a verizon variant (900V) and its fully unlocked and rooted. I dont think you'll find a better phone in the same price range.

S5 is still a great phone. Only issues ive had with it over the 28 mos that ive had it is the low light blurryness with the camera and the fact that you have to swipe your thump across the fingerprint scanner. Having to do that nowadays kinda makes it feel dated. Other than those 2 issues, its a great phone!!

I just got an S5 to replace my S4 and I love it. I'm on AT&T and got the Tmobile version for the unlocked bootloader. I would totally get this phone again.

Its a great phone!

Green Bastard said:
The S5 is still a very capable phone. I have a verizon variant (900V) and its fully unlocked and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a s5 900v like you (verizon) & got it 12 days ago. . When did you root yours? I *had* lollipop until last Thursday after accidentally pressing the screen through my pocket....which proceded to accept the update I was avoiding. Now I have marshmellow and I'm not happy ???*
Been fishing through XDA and haven't found anything about rooting s5 on mm. Anyone have something to share with me? Thanks

http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
That's for bootloader unlocking, some Google searching should get you root too
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app

youdoofus said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...t/rd-unlocking-galaxys-s5-bootloader-t3337909
That's for bootloader unlocking, some Google searching should get you root too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the root method (link within the thread u posted) about a week ago & had problems. To make a long story short, check out my remarks on pages 1-2 in this thread.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/help/to-root-t3330514/page2
I'm just looking to root my g900v s5. I don't want to mess around with the bootloader (not yet anyway). I just want root before Marshmellow or verizon release another update to patch the *open* vulnerability.
If the dumb MM update didn't happen I would've had time to find lollipop root. I never had a problem w/ my s4 where the screen would allow a touch through pants or shirt pocket. Thought these things were sensitive to the touch of skin not clothing?? Cause of my problem was losing my s4 over July 4th weekend that I rooted w/ towelroot in 05/2014 (that I just paid off in May over 24 months w/ verizon)

Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot

youdoofus said:
Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is.
---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 PM ----------
youdoofus said:
Right on. Well, if the bootloader unlock is there, root has to be possible too. I'll see what I can find later. We are busy as hell on Mondays at work
Sent from my SM-G900P using XDA Free mobile app
---------- Post added at 10:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 AM ----------
have you tried kingroot? not kingoroot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is. Thanks

Lane W. said:
[/COLOR]
Root looked do-able by what @painiac put together, which is similar to @jkrause's is in the link you shared.
Kingroot: no go
OneClick: no go
Towelroot: no go
The root (sorry, couldn't resist) of my problem is that I can't get a PC to recognize my s5 as removable storage. Since they don't this has prevented me from going any further. Take your time and pass on whatever you can...whenever that time is. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CLEVER!!! LoL! No, that was actually pretty funny! But oneclick and towel doesnt surprise me, but kingroot has been the "if nothing else works" as of late. I have a root program on my computer that i cant recall the name of off hand, and it does look like a malware program, but its been the go-to when all else fails. Ill look at my desktop icons and remind myself what it is when i get home. Its some chinese .exe is that helps in the interim
found it, its called "v root"
it looks like its malware, but the one i got works fine
here is a bit of an older article that lists it first as a good program to root stuff
http://www.3ptechies.com/9-best-software-apps-to-root-android-devices.html

tiguy99 said:
About to get warranty replacement phone thru my carrier tomorrow.
Was offered S5 and an alternate to my G3 since they were out of stock.
If you were in my shoes, which phone would you get?!
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd stay clear of Samsung from my experiences:
- issues with warranty and knox
- not easy to customise / flash / fix OEM issues with bloatware, root, other ROM issues that require root
- many variants mean even after 8 years of flashing ROMs, I still can't find what I need in the SGS5 section. I don't know what ROMs can be flashed to my device, the information is sparse and not easy to follow or understand
I'm looking to go back to HTC - they don't mind you rooting / customising (unless this has changed in the last couple years).

dieselboy said:
I'd stay clear of Samsung from my experiences:
- issues with warranty and knox
- not easy to customise / flash / fix OEM issues with bloatware, root, other ROM issues that require root
- many variants mean even after 8 years of flashing ROMs, I still can't find what I need in the SGS5 section. I don't know what ROMs can be flashed to my device, the information is sparse and not easy to follow or understand
I'm looking to go back to HTC - they don't mind you rooting / customising (unless this has changed in the last couple years).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disagree with this (respectfully). I've never had to return a Samsung because of warranty related issues or return one period, so warranty and Knox are all but irrelevant. Customization is a snap, flashing is a breeze, and bloatware (which is caused by the carrier most often) is easily solved with titanium backup. There are many variants, yes, but all the Roms are cross compatible as long as you flash the snapdragon based processor ones on a snapdragon powered device. The only sgs5s that were problematic were the at&t and (of course) vzw ones because of the carriers deciding to lock the @&$%/!? Bootloaders. Sprint and tmob sgs5s have always been an absolute cakewalk. Hell, I've bricked mine intentionally just to see if I could actually kill it. It's actually harder than one would think to seriously screw up a sgs5 esp a g900p

youdoofus said:
I disagree with this (respectfully). I've never had to return a Samsung because of warranty related issues or return one period, so warranty and Knox are all but irrelevant. Customization is a snap, flashing is a breeze, and bloatware (which is caused by the carrier most often) is easily solved with titanium backup. There are many variants, yes, but all the Roms are cross compatible as long as you flash the snapdragon based processor ones on a snapdragon powered device. The only sgs5s that were problematic were the at&t and (of course) vzw ones because of the carriers deciding to lock the @&$%/!? Bootloaders. Sprint and tmob sgs5s have always been an absolute cakewalk. Hell, I've bricked mine intentionally just to see if I could actually kill it. It's actually harder than one would think to seriously screw up a sgs5 esp a g900p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate, of course this is a difference of opinion and I'm not posting here to argue with you so much as to give reasons for my post above.
When I say warranty issues, I mean in a sense that if you flash anything to your samsung then you've voided your warranty. If you customise on day 1, knox efuse are blown and it's impossible to revert what you have done. In this case your warranty is voided and samsung can refuse to honour any warranty issues irrelevant to your flashing. Basically you make changes to software on your device and later there is a hardware issue such as microphone not working - samsung don't have to honour that claim.
Flashing is a complete pain in the bum, to be honest. What makes it harder is these forums don't contain all of the information you need in once place. Compared to my previous devices such as HTC, you simply do a wipe and install the new rom. With the samsung you need to do the same PLUS find and flash the correct bootloader and modem. And this isn't even taking into consideration the knox trip issue. The roms aren't cross-compatible unless I've missed that bit of information? You technically can flash a g900F ROM to a g900i but to get it to boot you need to do additional steps. NFC and call recording wont work, though. So, no you can't really flash that way. Samsung may have made it easier for you guys in the USA, not sure.
I disagree about the bloatware statement, samsung have their own rubbish in there as well and most of it is redundant and not necessary. There's a samsung app store and a samsung account thing that lets you find your phone - google has all of that.
Lastly, when you trip knox this actually physically prevents some functionality on your phone, but I've never tried using that functionality anyway (although I did want to try it out). From memory this is a secure parition on the phone that you set up for your work, which is completely separate from the personal things on your phone which can be seen to make it more secure.
All the best,

dieselboy said:
Hi mate, of course this is a difference of opinion and I'm not posting here to argue with you so much as to give reasons for my post above.
When I say warranty issues, I mean in a sense that if you flash anything to your samsung then you've voided your warranty. If you customise on day 1, knox efuse are blown and it's impossible to revert what you have done. In this case your warranty is voided and samsung can refuse to honour any warranty issues irrelevant to your flashing. Basically you make changes to software on your device and later there is a hardware issue such as microphone not working - samsung don't have to honour that claim.
Flashing is a complete pain in the bum, to be honest. What makes it harder is these forums don't contain all of the information you need in once place. Compared to my previous devices such as HTC, you simply do a wipe and install the new rom. With the samsung you need to do the same PLUS find and flash the correct bootloader and modem. And this isn't even taking into consideration the knox trip issue. The roms aren't cross-compatible unless I've missed that bit of information? You technically can flash a g900F ROM to a g900i but to get it to boot you need to do additional steps. NFC and call recording wont work, though. So, no you can't really flash that way. Samsung may have made it easier for you guys in the USA, not sure.
I disagree about the bloatware statement, samsung have their own rubbish in there as well and most of it is redundant and not necessary. There's a samsung app store and a samsung account thing that lets you find your phone - google has all of that.
Lastly, when you trip knox this actually physically prevents some functionality on your phone, but I've never tried using that functionality anyway (although I did want to try it out). From memory this is a secure parition on the phone that you set up for your work, which is completely separate from the personal things on your phone which can be seen to make it more secure.
All the best,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't trying to argue either. It's rather hard to express tone over text I've just never had any trouble with flashing stuff on a Samsung since the epic touch 4g. Htcs have that goofy bootloader unlock that has to be done via htcdev.com. The newest Samsung I'd be willing to use is the S5 anyways because of the removable battery, external storage and waterproofing. The s6 sucks and the s7 has that dumb encrypted storage that made root hard for a while. Samsung's are far from perfect, and I'd likely be looking at a OnePlus or a Huawei in the future if I was shopping for a phone, but for those looking at either the second hand market, refurbs or a new one available for stupid cheap, S5s are great phones still.
Again, 0 arguing from me, like you said, just a differing opinion. Cheers mate! Btw, judging my the terms you used, I take it that you're in the UK, and thank goodness Jeremy Clarkson and the boys are back!!

youdoofus said:
CLEVER!!! LoL! No, that was actually pretty funny!
found it, its called "v root". it looks like its malware, but the one i got works fine
here is a bit of an older article that lists it first as a good program to root stuff
http://www.3ptechies.com/9-best-software-apps-to-root-android-devices.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I use the links in this "older article" to possibly get to vroot? Or do you have something more current? Thanks

Lane W. said:
Should I use the links in this "older article" to possibly get to vroot? Or do you have something more current? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vroot has a site. Lemme look
http://vrootdownload.info/download/

youdoofus said:
Vroot has a site. Lemme look
http://vrootdownload.info/download/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic, thanks. Just to be sure, I want to use the one click root APK the part at the top under the first description, correct? The second section, as far as I can tell, is for iroot via a PC?
Is Titanium compatible with this method of root? What about recovery? Does Vroot have its own method or could I use TWRP or SafeStrap? Have you had any complications with the modem or WiFi using your device with Vroot?
Thank you!!

youdoofus said:
I wasn't trying to argue either. It's rather hard to express tone over text
...
Again, 0 arguing from me, like you said, just a differing opinion. Cheers mate! Btw, judging my the terms you used, I take it that you're in the UK, and thank goodness Jeremy Clarkson and the boys are back!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I said that I wasn't arguing for that very reason - I didn't want my second post to come across in a negative way. I could see that your post had come across in a good light and wanted to keep it that way
I am from UK but living in Australia at the moment. I last heard that Chris Evans has gone from the new Top Gear - thank F... for that, he's the biggest pleb going and watching the first couple of episodes were extremely painful and cringy. A number of things Chris said in the first show were somewhat not completely correct and I eventually switched it off.
Really looking forward to watching Clarkson and the gang - they're entertaining. Their top gear was more like a sit-com, which is what it's grown into and it works pretty well. Anyone in the family can watch it even if they know nothing about cars - I'll have to google for it because I don't know any details about their new show.

Any news on the Urbane 2 LTE update to Wear 2.0?

The stories said LG committed to May and it is May 29th- Anybody heard anything new lately?

aaronc_98 said:
The stories said LG committed to May and it is May 29th- Anybody heard anything new lately?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope...... still waiting..... and waiting

angry
anybody else ticked off that the urbane has 2.0 but not the v2....what kind of crap is that?

predheadtx said:
anybody else ticked off that the urbane has 2.0 but not the v2....what kind of crap is that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really, the complaint level of AW2 is so high, of laggy performance, we may be having a favor done for us as tuning is being done before we get. There was an update for earlier released watches this last day which is getting positive feedback. So that is making me think we'll get it very soon now, I think tomorrow.

nigelhealy said:
Not really, the complaint level of AW2 is so high, of laggy performance, we may be having a favor done for us as tuning is being done before we get. There was an update for earlier released watches this last day which is getting positive feedback. So that is making me think we'll get it very soon now, I think tomorrow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol swing and a miss. The wear 2.0 developer preview got taken down though, so either its coming soonish or we're just getting f***** on this one. All the indications are there.why would we buy the watch sport if we can flash the 2.0 developer preview?

tooandrew said:
Lol swing and a miss. The wear 2.0 developer preview got taken down though, so either its coming soonish or we're just getting f***** on this one. All the indications are there.why would we buy the watch sport if we can flash the 2.0 developer preview?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded and saved the most recent AW1.5 and AW2 DP. I tried AW2 DP and it was awful, so went back to AW1.5 which I saved in case when AW2 officially released it is still awful.
We're being done a favor getting AW2 late but now I see happy noises on the June release, I'm seeing less reason to wait. But if there is a reason its no bad thing. The only thing I can't do is Android Pay.
If anyone does have the time to try AW2 then by all means flash DP and realize its a totally different everything interface, as I've been on AW now >2 years I find it awkward interface, noobs would take less retraining.
Someone likely has the googleapis link, I just have the file locally backedup.

Android Wear 2.0 fow the W200* is finaly here (well via OTA in Korea... For us via adb sideload )
Here it is the file: http://android.googleapis.com/packa.../af88cfbc96ad65e7b728e27c2decbdc6fb0e08e8.zip
P.S. It works perfectly! Android pay too!!!

Anyone tried the Korean firmware ? I didn't think 2.0 was that bad at all. Few things to fix but added a lot.

SuperlativeB said:
Anyone tried the Korean firmware ? I didn't think 2.0 was that bad at all. Few things to fix but added a lot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated earlier today. Made my first successful Android Pay purchase this afternoon. I never tried the preview so I'm still learning all the tricks/quirks of 2.0.

Sweet . Very cool , are you a US model though ? And did you use an OTA update or use PC with unlocked bootloader to flash it ?

SuperlativeB said:
Sweet . Very cool , are you a US model though ? And did you use an OTA update or use PC with unlocked bootloader to flash it ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have the AT&T model, W200A. I used the minimal adb and fastboot tool to sideload the zip file from my PC. I didn't have to unlock the bootloader.

i updated my w200a today with the korea version. however it felt more like another preview than a final release. Lag is present like on the preview, overheats somewhat easily and the battery drains way faster when you are using it than when you are on 1.5. At least this is my case on the w200a. I did a fsctory reset to see if that solved but no. Same result.

I have the at&t urbane 2 LTE (unlocked)
Until today I was running developer preview (nemo-nvf41u-factory-e269c504)
I had an update come through which has given me:
build number NXH20E
(ANDROID WEAR 2.0.0.159006699)
with security patch 1st May 2017.
The top and bottom buttons are working (re programmed through the options)
Android pay works.
I am in the UK.

furfuxacheman said:
I have the at&t urbane 2 LTE (unlocked)
build number NXH20E
(ANDROID WEAR 2.0.0.159006699)
with security patch 1st May 2017.
The top and bottom buttons are working (re programmed through the options)
Android pay works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the US and I updated using ADB and the file captured from the ota in Korea and these numbers match exactly to mine.
Found any bugs/issues yet? I've had an occasional lag or two. Android Pay is working and I've successfully tracked runs with GPS using ghostracer paired to the phone through cell data (my main usage requirement).

Not found any bugs on mine.
I have a few side loaded apps that may have been causing the odd glitch now and again whilst on the developer preview, but nothing since the update.
(Side loaded es file explorer so I could use MP3 ringtone on the watch & Google drive to download / upload)

I'm in the US with ATT version. Just got OTA last night. So far so good.

[WARNING] Exercise Caution Flashing T-Mobile Variant

Hey everyone!
Not to cause any fear mongering, but as we get closer to unlocks coming back from OnePlus, I'd like to make sure that everyone exercises some caution.
According to what little information we have we know that the Modem is likely signed by T-Mobile.
Everyone is eager to try to get the Global ROM working on the T-Mobile version and we'll do our best! But please exercise caution. As of now we do not have any factory images, or stock images for the T-Mobile variant.
If you softbrick your phone, it may be a few days before it can be fixed!
Flashing an unsigned modem may result in your phone not being able to function properly from a network standpoint!
If you rely on your phone on a daily basis, please do not "Guinea pig flash." No one wants their new device nonoperational.
As always, do what you want to do! Just please be wary, and know that there are risks until we can properly assess the differences!

Is there a program oneplus uses to flash firmware? I've always been familiar with LG and Samsung devices, but anyway I know we can most likely flash anything that isn't signed with different RSA keys. Don't know if oneplus is similar. Submitted for my unlock bin at midnight so I should be receiving mine soon. I'll try and pull as much information as I can so we can compare.

Addiso said:
Is there a program oneplus uses to flash firmware? I've always been familiar with LG and Samsung devices, but anyway I know we can most likely flash anything that isn't signed with different RSA keys. Don't know if oneplus is similar. Submitted for my unlock bin at midnight so I should be receiving mine soon. I'll try and pull as much information as I can so we can compare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, just adb as it should.

Addiso said:
Is there a program oneplus uses to flash firmware? I've always been familiar with LG and Samsung devices, but anyway I know we can most likely flash anything that isn't signed with different RSA keys. Don't know if oneplus is similar. Submitted for my unlock bin at midnight so I should be receiving mine soon. I'll try and pull as much information as I can so we can compare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This phone uses the standard fastboot to flash.
This is like the Nexus, Pixel and Essential phones.
Typically you cannot flash to a locked partition unless the omg file is signed correctly.
That means that you will typically get a failure message if you can't flash a particular partition.

Addiso said:
Is there a program oneplus uses to flash firmware? I've always been familiar with LG and Samsung devices, but anyway I know we can most likely flash anything that isn't signed with different RSA keys. Don't know if oneplus is similar. Submitted for my unlock bin at midnight so I should be receiving mine soon. I'll try and pull as much information as I can so we can compare.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only one that I'm aware of is MsmDownloadTool. However, I haven't seen much mention of it in context to the 6T. I know it was used for the OnePlus 6. But I believe it's more used to simply recover from soft bricks.

There is so much false information in the OnePlus site forums. People telling others that once they unlock they'll be able to flash the international version without a problem. I posted that they can't rush into anything and to stop spreading false info or people are going to end up with bricks.

justibasa said:
There is so much false information in the OnePlus site forums. People telling others that once they unlock they'll be able to flash the international version without a problem. I posted that they can't rush into anything and to stop spreading false info or people are going to end up with bricks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very much so. I mean maybe things will work just fine.... But it is not wise to ever just jump into something. Like mentioned, we don't even have factory or stock images for the T-Mobile variant. Something goes wrong and you don't know what you're doing and you're dealing with a brick until development catches up. I know everyone is eager, but people need to be smart about it too.

Once I get my unlock token if things haven't already been tested I'm more than willing to volunteer my device as it's not my primary or even secondary device. Unless u know ur way around fastboot adb dd etc pls do not start randomly doin things to ur device as has been stated it could be days before we have a way for everyone to restore their devices should something go wrong.. Everyone needs to be patient as of right now logix is the only one with an unlocked tmo variant..as such plz be patient till we have more concrete info to share.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

djkinetic said:
Once I get my unlock token if things haven't already been tested I'm more than willing to volunteer my device as it's not my primary or even secondary device. Unless u know ur way around fastboot adb dd etc pls do not start randomly doin things to ur device as has been stated it could be days before we have a way for everyone to restore their devices should something go wrong.. Everyone needs to be patient as of right now logix is the only one with an unlocked tmo variant..as such plz be patient till we have more concrete info to share.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeps! I should have mine Monday morning, assuming the full 7 days from OP. We'll need to prepare a stock flashable image set before we do anything. I'll be doing a lot of testing as I have a Pixel 3 XL as well to fall back on. I have a few theories thus far on how things will go, but that also assumes that the -only- difference is the modem partition.

Dameon87 said:
Yeps! I should have mine Monday morning, assuming the full 7 days from OP. We'll need to prepare a stock flashable image set before we do anything. I'll be doing a lot of testing as I have a Pixel 3 XL as well to fall back on. I have a few theories thus far on how things will go, but that also assumes that the -only- difference is the modem partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may have mine Sunday or Monday.

What about extracting the partition images from the payload.bin and flashing everything but the modem in fastboot?
Edit: if you're rooted and have twrp couldn't you potentially make a backup for if it doesn't work?

Saythis said:
What about extracting the partition images from the payload.bin and flashing everything but the modem in fastboot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, we have no backups/stock images/factory images currently. If you were to do that and the device doesn't work, then you are stuck waiting for someone to provide a flashable solution to fix your paperweight.

Dameon87 said:
Once again, we have no backups/stock images/factory images currently. If you were to do that and the device doesn't work, then you are stuck waiting for someone to provide a flashable solution to fix your paperweight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So we can't do twrp backups currently?

Just wanted to mention that if you are able to flash the global modem. I have the dual sim from 1+ using both a TMobile and a Verizon sim with no issues on data, sms, mms, calls (verizon had to have them enable CDMA-less)
Perfect service on both now in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dameon87 said:
Yeps! I should have mine Monday morning, assuming the full 7 days from OP. We'll need to prepare a stock flashable image set before we do anything. I'll be doing a lot of testing as I have a Pixel 3 XL as well to fall back on. I have a few theories thus far on how things will go, but that also assumes that the -only- difference is the modem partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you thoughts on the pixel 3 xl vs OnePlus 6t?

madskills843 said:
What are you thoughts on the pixel 3 xl vs OnePlus 6t?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rarely touch my Pixel 3 XL, honestly. The OnePlus 6T just feels better in the hand. The in display finger print reader is awesome and saves time of having to pick up the phone constantly, and the notch on the XL drives me through the roof. I thought I'd get used to it, but every time my eyes travel to it I get annoyed lol.
It's not a bad device, though. I just find myself always picking up the OnePlus 6T.

Dameon87 said:
I rarely touch my Pixel 3 XL, honestly. The OnePlus 6T just feels better in the hand. The in display finger print reader is awesome and saves time of having to pick up the phone constantly, and the notch on the XL drives me through the roof. I thought I'd get used to it, but every time my eyes travel to it I get annoyed lol.
It's not a bad device, though. I just find myself always picking up the OnePlus 6T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's pretty much my take on that phone why I never actually got.

Hi folks, it is interesting following your developments, I wish you the best of luck! I bought the global unlocked version directly from OnePlus, and I am actually curious if I will be able to go the other way haha, Flash the T-Mobile modem onto my global device. My only reason for doing so is I am on T-Mobile but I experienced a lot of data dropouts, phone loses connection then usually reconnects after 5 or 10 seconds but one time actually required a reboot. Was wondering, if it's even possible to flash the T-Mobile modem, might this help my issue. And would I potentially be able to keep the updated ROMs from OnePlus but running with the T-Mobile modem.

No one knows currently. Until we have unlocked T-Mobile variants, the only thing we can really do is speculate.

YrrchSebor said:
Hi folks, it is interesting following your developments, I wish you the best of luck! I bought the global unlocked version directly from OnePlus, and I am actually curious if I will be able to go the other way haha, Flash the T-Mobile modem onto my global device. My only reason for doing so is I am on T-Mobile but I experienced a lot of data dropouts, phone loses connection then usually reconnects after 5 or 10 seconds but one time actually required a reboot. Was wondering, if it's even possible to flash the T-Mobile modem, might this help my issue. And would I potentially be able to keep the updated ROMs from OnePlus but running with the T-Mobile modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if the APN would have anything to do with it but did you try using T-Mobiles BYOD APN settings over the autonomic one the phone sets up?