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Good day everyone! I've had the HTC One for over a year now, and about six months ago I stopped paying the phone bill on the phone because for some reason Sprint said I owed them $500+; I continued to use it as a WIFI-only device though. Recently, a family member allowed me to come on their Sprint plan and they even bought me a Galaxy S4; unfortunately the screen cracked a month ago(stupid samsung). So I placed the LTE sim from the S4 into the HTC One and I was able to receive LTE and 3G; though there were drawback such as having to turn airplane mode on then back off again every hour or two. I recently flashed the new lollipop ROM, and for some reason I don't have LTE/3G; the icons are there but when I try to look up something it performs as if I have no internet. When I flashed back to the previous KitKat ROM and restored my data, I had Internet again. I believe that because I used the same ROM when I had service is the reason I can use LTE/3G; some system app is probably holding my account information. I'll also note I can't activate the phone when I flash the lollipop ROM because I have no service, though after the self-service app gives up and allows me to access the phone, the LTE/3G icons are up there; just no internet. I can't recovery restore my Kitkat data into the lollipop ROM, because I'll enter an inescapable, never-ending boot loop until the phone dies. So I'll have to titanium backup my data, I just don't know where my account information data is located; any help?
It sounds like you didn't update the radios and firmware. If you try to run a lollipop ROM with older ones, you won't get data.
coal686 said:
It sounds like you didn't update the radios and firmware. If you try to run a lollipop ROM with older ones, you won't get data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I updated my phone using the firmware that excludes boot and recovery; that's why I can even boot into lollipop.
Edit: I'll update radio only and try my luck.
austrie said:
I updated my phone using the firmware that excludes boot and recovery; that's why I can even boot into lollipop.
Edit: I'll update radio only and try my luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that firmware comes with the updated radios. Just to make sure, I'd update using the full firmware and then reflash recovery. That way you know everything is up to date.
ODIN FLASHABLE STOCK FIRMWARE
For the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 - SM-T817P
**** UPDATE: JUNE 30, 2016 - For personal reasons, I am unable to continue to host the flashable tars or any other files for this device. Links have been removed. Moderators, please delete this thread or freeze it.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
These are untampered, unaltered, original firmware in the event that you need to recover from a soft brick or otherwise desire to / need to restore to out-of-box.
NOTE THIS WILL NOT RESET THE KNOX WARRANTY VOID COUNTER.
This will only restore original Samsung firmware
I will add links to new versions when they are released.
DOWNLOAD LINKS:
USE PASSWORD: XDAdevelopers
Password is case sensitive
5.1.1 - OL1 - Released December 23rd 2015 - Link Deleted
5.1.1 - OJ5 - Released November 11th 2015 - Link Unavailable
5.1.1 - OH6 - Initial Version Released September 11th 2015 - Link Deleted
Use ODIN 3.10.7 which can be downloaded at http://androidcentral.us/2013/11/download-odin/
** IF RESETTING, OR RECOVERING FROM A SOFT BRICK, After Flashing, boot to recovery and perform a factory reset or manually wipe /data and /data/media **
Thanks for this, alwwys good to have a copy of the stock firmware on hand.
**** UPDATE: JUNE 30, 2016 - For personal reasons, I am unable to continue to host the flashable tars or any other files for this device. Links have been removed. Moderators, please delete this thread or freeze it.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
**** UPDATE: JUNE 16 2016 - For personal reasons, I will soon be unable to host the flashable tars or any other files. June 30 I will be removing download links. I encourage you to download now. If anyone else wants to host or start a new thread, be my guest. If you host, I would be more than happy to link here.
Otherwise, June 30th, All links will be removed and I will be asking XDA Mods to close and/or delete this thread. Sorry for the inconvenience.
What's the difference between the Sprint version and the normal SM-T815? Is it possible to flash the Sprint firmware on a normal SM-T815?
P3CO said:
What's the difference between the Sprint version and the normal SM-T815? Is it possible to flash the Sprint firmware on a normal SM-T815?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO absolutely not. I assume by "normal SM-T815" you mean WiFi Only? The image for the T817P contains both the radio for the 3G/4G LTE/Spark and Wifi, and is specifically meant for that specific model. If you try to flash it to yours, it might potentially HARD BRICK - as in no way to recover. It becomes a $400 - $800 (depending on what model) paperweight. Always only flash the OEM software for your specific model only.
If you're unable to find the firmware for your device, PM me and I can locate, host and send you a link for it.
What specifically is your model number? after the T-815 is there a letter? T-815X... what is X?
typefortytardis said:
NO absolutely not. I assume by "normal SM-T815" you mean WiFi Only? The image for the T817P contains both the radio for the 3G/4G LTE/Spark and Wifi, and is specifically meant for that specific model. If you try to flash it to yours, it might potentially HARD BRICK - as in no way to recover. It becomes a $400 - $800 (depending on what model) paperweight. Always only flash the OEM software for your specific model only.
If you're unable to find the firmware for your device, PM me and I can locate, host and send you a link for it.
What specifically is your model number? after the T-815 is there a letter? T-815X... what is X?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T815 is actually the LTE model, so not much different to the t817p.
Don't know why anyone would want to flash carrier firmware to an international model anyway unless they are attempting to use it with that network?
Unfortunately this is not always possible due to differences in the radio.
I'm adding a password due to bots downloading the file.
The Password is: XDAdevelopers
P3CO said:
What's the difference between the Sprint version and the normal SM-T815? Is it possible to flash the Sprint firmware on a normal SM-T815?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some firmware for the international LTE model T815 is in the thread for the stock firmware collection here, and in my posts like this one and this one. Also see the very useful tool in this thread.
The stock firmware for T815 is still 5.0.2, not 5.1.1, if that was the reason for your question.
GidiK said:
Some firmware for the international LTE model T815 is in the thread for the stock firmware collection here, and in my posts like this one and this one. Also see the very useful tool in this thread.
The stock firmware for T815 is still 5.0.2, not 5.1.1, if that was the reason for your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your tool was not able to decrypt the update it downloaded unfortunately. The update hasn't been pushed to Samsung Smart Switch yet so I can't grab and host the MD5 yet. And I have not been able to trick the OTA into downloading it yet even using xposed and wanam to set a fake system status. If you are able to update the decryption method, do let me know and I'll give it another go
typefortytardis said:
Your tool was not able to decrypt the update it downloaded unfortunately. The update hasn't been pushed to Samsung Smart Switch yet so I can't grab and host the MD5 yet. And I have not been able to trick the OTA into downloading it yet even using xposed and wanam to set a fake system status. If you are able to update the decryption method, do let me know and I'll give it another go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not my tool, I was just pointing to the thread of the tool I used to download the firmware for the T815.
For T817P, SPR, the OJ5 seems indeed to be known in OTA mode, but not available for download yet; this also happened for T815 and that delay lasted about a day.
Does anyone have a OJ5 stock odin tar for SM-t817? I have twrp but the boot.img provided put me in a boot loop & I didn't make a backup like a noob.
Edit : Actually I think it was the super su zip (BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip)
The tablet is not usable @ all & it's actually a Christmas present for my son that I just wanted to setup & get going. So plz anyone with the file can use smart switch to download it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advanced
Nvm, I'm on OJ5 (sprint variant t817p) & everything including boot.img & su zip work on the latest update. :highfive:
I'm bricked. I have a sprint t817p on latest firmware, and i keep getting frp lock fails on anything i flash in odin and i cant get to recovery, and it will not boot. I cant find the latest tar file, and all the older ones fail. Can anyone assist?
liquidhaste said:
I'm bricked. I have a sprint t817p on latest firmware, and i keep getting frp lock fails on anything i flash in odin and i cant get to recovery, and it will not boot. I cant find the latest tar file, and all the older ones fail. Can anyone assist?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have not had a chance to update mine. I am not certain why, but newer softwares for a lot of samsung devices have been hard to come by lately *suspiciously looks at Samsung*. Also I am out of town til the 20th of January.
As far as frp lock, or "Factory Reset Protection", you forgot to go into developer settings and enable "OEM Unlock".
It is basically like Samsung's 5.0 "Reactivation Lock", except this is enabled by default and encompasses KNOX verification. It cannot be circumvented now. HOWEVER.... there are TWO THINGS I can think of you can try (If anyone else has anything to add, please do)
1.) Try using the OH6 ROM with ODIN. Yes it's one edition older but it might work. I bricked by Galaxy Note5 after going to the latest firmware and forgot to disable FRP Lock (by enabling "OEM Unlock" under developer settings). Reflashing with ODIN worked. Then Flash your recovery, go into recovery, and format /data /system and /cache and dump the Dalvik/ART cache. Then boot back to download mode and re-flash the same ROM. Upgrade to most recent via OTA, then re root.
It worked when I ran into FRP lock errors with my note 5. it might work for you. It will not let you do anything that is not official samsung. Be prepared to log in with your samsung account info once you finally boot if you registered that before you bricked.
2.) Go to a Sprint store, pretend you're a tech illiterate and say after your cousin or someone messed with it, that happened. Sprint (most locations and employees anyways - try another if one fails) stick with the original pro-development attitude towards Android and will generally look the other way - and flash back the correct software or warranty replace it for you (YES EVEN IF KNOX IS Tripped)
TRY #1 first. It fixed my note which was bricked by FRP.
*Meant to type OH6 not AA1. That was a place holder while I typed (and tried to find the version info)
I already tried to flash oh6 and it won't take it. Probably going to try the tech illiterate route. To make matters potentially worse. It wasn't even on oj5 it was the newest update released Dec 23 (don't have the build number handy), I just found that out late last night. Fortunately Knox is not tripped though, I never made it that far. I guess forgetting to check oem unlocking will prevent a flash but not prevent said flash from corrupting your boot.img? Weaksauce.
typefortytardis said:
[...] and will generally look the other way - and flash back the correct software or warranty replace it for you (YES EVEN IF KNOX IS Tripped).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I thought (and heard here and there) that once you tripped KNOX, you have no chance to make your clsims on the warranty. Please prove me wrong
Depressed T.Bear said:
Really? I thought (and heard here and there) that once you tripped KNOX, you have no chance to make your clsims on the warranty. Please prove me wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do not. Once KNOX is tripped, your warranty is void. You are no longer eligible to turn in a claim.
However, certain carriers (however they organize their purchasing contracts) have it to where they are authorized to process, handle and fulfill the warranty. Sprint is one of those carriers in the US. And a lot of times you have in store agents that either do not get paid enough to care or otherwise still hold true to the original pro development spirit of Android.
I personally replaced 3 Galaxy S5 devices that had KNOX tripped. That store started actually checking my KNOX thing and didn't let a 4th happen so Samsung probably did not credit them, but my account was never charged back. I did it a 4th time at another Sprint store.
liquidhaste said:
I already tried to flash oh6 and it won't take it. Probably going to try the tech illiterate route. To make matters potentially worse. It wasn't even on oj5 it was the newest update released Dec 23 (don't have the build number handy), I just found that out late last night. Fortunately Knox is not tripped though, I never made it that far. I guess forgetting to check oem unlocking will prevent a flash but not prevent said flash from corrupting your boot.img? Weaksauce.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then yes if you did not trip KNOX, you should have no problem pretending to be tech illiterate and having them swap it out for you or reflash it for you.
If they reflash, take it home and use Samsung SmartSwitch to do an "erase / initialization / reset" (however it is worded). Sprint might also be too lazy and just use the romfile and not the reset romfile which is equivalent to a "dirty flash". So go home and use Samsung Smart Switch to start fresh.
Then make sure you enable "OEM Unlock" under development settings next time you attempt root.
ashyx told me I should find someone with this tablet and the newest update that is still on a stock firmware, if they can possible make a backup of the boot.img and system.img using TWRP. This should help others who are stuck with the issues i'm reading on this post as well as the tablet I'm trying to fix now.
Thanks for reading
I have been looking for 3 days now for the US firmware for the SM-T550NZASXAR (might be the same as SM-T550NZAAXAR) and I can't find it. Sam mobile has the files for many countries but fails to show the US version. Am I missing something?
The digitizer keeps losing the touch sensing ability but I'm pretty sure it's a software problem as it comes back after maybe 15 minutes then it stops again after about 20 minutes of use. I want to try and re-install the OS with Oden and see if it clears whatever is going on. I'm hoping it's just bad cache or something.
The Canadian version is usually the same but double check just in case
Sent from my SM-T350 using XDA Free mobile app
Same Issue. I been also looking for US firmware for my SM-T350 Samsung Galaxy Tab A. I see it available for all other countries but not for USA. For all people that live in the US like me. We need to all nag Samsung & complain cause obviously they only support it for all other countries & not US. It pisses me off & it's so unfair. I need the firmware for part of the procedure to fix my rooted tab that's in bootloop
Upset with T-350 firmware situation
I've experienced the same disatisfaction with the non-availability of firmware. I'm also having trouble finding TWRP dedicated for this, kingrooted, device (sm-t350). Any insight? I've read the xda thread on compiling twrp on my own but I'm thinking that's still a bit over my head. I bought multiple cool apps since rooting my device only to find out I need twrp (or cwm) to make use of what these app have to offer.
Thx
weaselleaf said:
I've experienced the same disatisfaction with the non-availability of firmware. I'm also having trouble finding TWRP dedicated for this, kingrooted, device (sm-t350). Any insight? I've read the xda thread on compiling twrp on my own but I'm thinking that's still a bit over my head. I bought multiple cool apps since rooting my device only to find out I need twrp (or cwm) to make use of what these app have to offer.
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.thegalaxytabforum.com/index.php?/topic/33026-recovery-twrp-2871-tab-a/
Twrp tested on sm-t350
weaselleaf said:
I've experienced the same disatisfaction with the non-availability of firmware. I'm also having trouble finding TWRP dedicated for this, kingrooted, device (sm-t350). Any insight? I've read the xda thread on compiling twrp on my own but I'm thinking that's still a bit over my head. I bought multiple cool apps since rooting my device only to find out I need twrp (or cwm) to make use of what these app have to offer.
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
twrp for SM-T350 is file name twrp-28.71-t350.tar
I can't link or i would link you it. Just google search that file name and there is one from android file host
Flash with Odin 3.10.7
Tested and works perfect
Seth50 gets all the credit just confirming it works
WOW! i have been messing with this for hours and cant believe that the samsung smart switch offered such an easy solution.
i made the mistake of flashing a rooted firmware file before unlocking the bootloader and soft bricked it. the smartswitch asks for the model# (SM-T350) and the serial number (no, im not putting mine here), tells you to enter odin mode and then it does all of the dirty work for you... amazing!
one thing to keep in mind is that the install for smart switch will not work on newer machines unless you install legacy software that you can find here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=5582
qixiixiq said:
WOW! i have been messing with this for hours and cant believe that the samsung smart switch offered such an easy solution.
i made the mistake of flashing a rooted firmware file before unlocking the bootloader and soft bricked it. the smartswitch asks for the model# (SM-T350) and the serial number (no, im not putting mine here), tells you to enter odin mode and then it does all of the dirty work for you... amazing!
one thing to keep in mind is that the install for smart switch will not work on newer machines unless you install legacy software that you can find here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=5582
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize this is an old thread, but looking for help. Purchased a Wifi-only Galaxy Tab A, and looking for the stock 6.0.1 ROM. The Smart Switch software doesn't downgrade it anymore. They've since updated the software to remove that capability, but even older versions still reapply Nougat. Sammobile.com doesn't seem to have it. Has anyone had success finding the stock MM US ROM for this tablet? If you're asking why, adb restore doesn't work on Nougat and I'm trying to restore backups without root. I have a second SM-T350 fresh out of the box, and restore is working. So, want to downgrade to official MM to restore, then maybe upgrade again if I feel like it....
Edit: Embarrassingly, it's in this same forum.... Download it now...I'll see myself out....
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...m-stock-builds-sm-t350-ghost-project-t3529439
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
This is what I did. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64251984
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Edit: oops wrong thread
jpruett79 said:
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Rakuu said:
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
jpruett79 said:
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Rakuu said:
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
jpruett79 said:
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Rakuu said:
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured root and the bootloader being unlocked are a long shot.
I think I could live without root considering this phone doesn't have much bloatware to remove. And I love the extra features that are not normally enabled.
What I can't figure out is how it has the att rom but no other trace of att. I am hoping to learn the difference in the build numbers as they relate to the baseband version.
The seller has sent me a return label to send it back but they will provide no information regarding the phone or its origins. I have a few more days to decide and ship it back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
jpruett79 said:
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for the dongchao deal I have no clue. You do have root though if its saying you do with no su manager installed or with the default access set to allow which is extremely interesting because you don't have the KK bootloader which is how it's usually done, so either the previous owner rooted it and updated the bootloader or you have a weird version, I do agree you should get a dump of it though. Like I said though, id wait for a second opinion first and in this case so it can be determined if what you have maybe opens an opportunity to get root while on lollipop.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
jpruett79 said:
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case is it possible the bootloader may be unlocked. If so would it be worth trying to load another rom if I could find one for a g900a.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modifying the build.prop doesn't change what it says in download mode, that will always say what the actual model number is.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I didn't realize how far behind I was until I started looking into this phone. I may be way off base with this but if we assume this is a Chinese refurbished and I'm sure it is at this point. Wouldn't it still show a g900a in download mode but the software could be different. Could they have take their rom and changed the build.prop to look like the art version. That would explain why I have att numbers but no trace of anything AT&T.
If that's all the case should I consider it a blessing to have a debloated/rooted lollipop. Or should I run from it like the plague.
I'm trying to install twrp now and I'm having trouble getting twrp manager to download the image so the bootloader may still be locked. I may still try installing with Odin in the morning.
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I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the model number?
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Bober_is_a_troll said:
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
joshw0000 said:
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
IqD said:
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
bober10113 said:
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
Or this comment:
" I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
And your screenshot really doesn't tell me anything. It's possible to have an unlocked bootloader AND official firmware at the same time. The operating system and bootloader are two different things. It's only when you modify the system that you have to hack the status to make it say official.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
edit
and the photo of my device status was just a way to show how i know device actual status and bootlaoder state aren't linked. especialy when rooted devices can spoof software status but none cane spoof fuse state in DL mode. so not sure why you are trying to convince me of something i just proved. u can say u agree next time.
bober10113 said:
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
IqD said:
I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a troll.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
What a troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's the spirit!
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no confusion on my part. i read and understood you correctly the 1st time around.
at first glance your device looks ok but...
additionally, there are ways to check if the device is off a lease with a ESN check. meaning if someone sold you a device still on contract. some sell contractual phones and after a period of time they will get blacklisted since the contract is never payed off fully. so device would appear to work fine and one day they just stop getting a signal and esn/imei get blacklisted.
side note:
surprised that this was not brought up earlier in the conversation as a factor to watch out for by some "experianced in the field flipping devices" user instead of stating the obvious like device status and the unreliable means to check it. especialy since, said user stated buying and selling hundred and even thousands of phones...!? ESN state would be no. 1 in the check list if things to watch out for.
anyways back to the current case, there are ESN/IMEI check services in the web to see status of device: stolen, still on contract...etc. i cannot provide any suggestion to these services unfortunately. this is something you need to check yourself or ask around.
good luck
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading this thread I've come to the conclusion that you should sell your rootable and boot unlockable device and buy a locked down USA model.
Thank me later. Least you'll be able to sleep well now.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's about as safe, in terms of spyware, as you'll ever get from a used phone. I would assume you checked the ESN before buying it but if not, run a check with swappa.com/esn and checkesnfree.com to make sure it's clean. Screenshot the results and save them. Depending on your carrier you can likely run a check on their website and/or call support and ask them as well. As with any unlocked phone, know that you may not get all of the features that a carrier branded phone would have (i.e. I couldn't get WiFi calling working on a Korean S10 on Verizon).
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