Root SM-T707A on Lollipop with SuperSu - Xposed & Debloated - Part I
The purpose of this thread is to provide several guides (written by myself) to achieve the following on the SM-T707A tablet:
* Part I: Flash Stock Lollipop 5.0.2 <---- YOU ARE HERE!
* Part II: Gain Root access for Lollipop with SuperSU.
* Part III: Flash Xposed Framework thru Flashfire.
* Part IV: Debloat the tablet from both AT&T and most of Samsung stuff.
* Part V: Improve usability and aspect with Xposed Modules.
But first, some words of our sponsors: NO, I'm NOT resposible for any consequence originated from the use of this guide, being that the death of your tablet, your phone, North Korea launching a nuclear strike or the Sixers winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Whatever happens to your tablet, it's ON YOU.
Introduction (recommended reading - not mandatory):
Four weeks ago I managed to capture this tablet for a very decent price on eBay. After buying an HTC 10, my bank account was in ashes and I was growing impatient with my unstable iPad mini 2. I wanted to live the full android experience on a tablet, while spending a mere $ 150.00. Buying a Pixel C was clearly out of the question. So, after some research, the T707A had the 8 cores, 3gb of RAM and also the AWS LTE neeeded for my country (Uruguay). Perfect match!
I was already drooling about installing CM and all the stuff to take this beast to the next level. With the tablet in my hands, just 5 minutes of -late- XDA reading made me realize that...CM wasn't happening (Locked BL). The consolation prize was to root the tablet with the infamous kingoroot and use Xposed to eviscerate as much bloat and touchwiz as possible. Sadly, that same kingoroot paired with a not-so-good battery life and the inability to use xposed almost put me back on the market for another tablet.
But...(there's always one) last monday, after several weeks of failures, there was a breakthru. SuperSU was breathing. Minutes later, Xposed modules where flying off the shelves and suddenly, the T707A was back into the game with more speed and less touchwiz feel. Since most of my objectives were met on Monday, if AT&T releases MM and someone helps us pulling that, I would love to achieve the same over MM. But, what didn't worked in this case (updating a rooted device), will have to in MM to manage the same results. At least we can enjoy lollipop in the meantime.
Part I: Flashing Stock Lollipop
If you're standing on Kitkat or, in Lollipop but messed too much with the system and want a fresh start, over the following lines we'll comment on the process of flashing stock kitkat (with odin), and afterwards applying the OTA zip files to reach Lollipop. We can't flash straight to Lollipop because we don't have the firmware for that. So, if you're already on Lollipop and only want SuperSU root, you can use my next guide BUT I STRONGLY SUGGEST you to flash kitkat first and update to lollipop with this guide to raise your sucess chances. Remember that doing that you are going to lose all your files, the flashing process ERASES EVERYTHING. So please BACKUP!
You'll need to download the following files, have an external MicroSD card (on your tablet), a PC and a microUSB cable.
* Odin 3.09
* BL file
* AP file
* CP file
* CSC file
* Update.zip
* Update2.zip
For Odin to work properly, you might need the Samsung USB drivers. Chances are you already have them installed in place. You'll know that in a minute.
Flashing KitKat 4.4.2 with Odin
Extract the Odin.zip in some handy place. Also, move the BL,AP,CP and CSC files to the same folder where Odin was extracted. Last, copy the Update.zip and Update2.zip to your EXTERNAL MicroSD card that's mounted on your tablet.
With your tablet disconnected from the USB cable, open Odin3 v3.09.exe.
We have to put the tablet in Download Mode. Make sure the tablet was turned OFF first. Now press and mantain the HOME and VOL DOWN buttons and then press the POWER button. All 3 buttons at the same time until the screen turns on with a Warning!! message. Now release the 3 buttons and just press the VOL UP to access download mode.
The Android robot will appear with the legend "Downloading...Do not turn off target!!".
Connect the USB cable to your computer and tablet. If done correctly, the Odin screen will show this legend below ID:COM:
"0:[COM1]" (the numbers on this legend are not relevant, and may differ).
If 0:[COM1] appears below ID:COM, we are good! If not, you have to try installing the Samsung USB drivers, or changing the USB port on your computer (use rear ports please!).
The last part of this segment is to choose the 4 files we have copied to our Odin folder. You have to select them on the Odin screen on the right "Files (Download)".
Hit the BL button and select the BL file. Do the same for the other 3 files. BE PATIENT!. After selecting every file, do not touch anything else until Odin shows the route of the file to the right of the button you pressed. The AP button may take up to 20 seconds to display the route after choosing the AP file.
The 4 files are set, so you just hit START and wait for 6 minutes. By the end, you'll have stock KitKat, and your tablet will show you the Samsung first use wizard. PLEASE don't touch anything during those 6 minutes!!!. A green "PASS!" will show in ODIN when its finished.
Flashing the OTAs for Lollipop 5.0.2
The tablet will boot and show Samsung first use wizard. Disconnect your USB cable and power OFF the tablet. Now we have to access Recovery Mode. Hold the HOME and VOL UP buttons and press the POWER button. When the GALAXY TAB logo appears, release only the POWER button while maintaining the VOL UP and HOME buttons pressed.
You're faced with Recovery Mode. Using VOL DOWN, move the cursor and highlight "apply update from external storage" and press the POWER button. Now move the cursor again to highlight "Update.zip" and press the POWER button. This will flash the first update file. When finished, the tablet will reboot itself. That will take you again to the Samsung first use wizard, so once more power OFF the tablet.
We need to enter "Recovery Mode" again (HOME + VOL UP + POWER). And again we have to apply an "update from external storage" but this we do apply file Update2.zip. Now Lollipop is being flashed. Ignore any error that might appear in red letters on your tablet.
After yet another automatic reboot, the tablet will boot the Samsung Wizard but now in Lollipop. Before putting your fingers on the display, PLEASE don't conect to your WiFi or use Internet over your Data Plan. Remove your simcard and don't use your Wifi until I tell you.
Now that you know that, head to our second guide to continue (here).
Special Thanks:
* @frizzdizzle27 for providing both KitKat and Lollipop firmware/files. He was/is key for us SM-T707A users.
Part 4 and 5
I followed your tutorial and it worked perfectly for my Galaxy Tab S. I was hoping to see an update on the Xposed modules and debloating...do you have any updates you can share? thanks in advance.
Anyone able to find the marshmallow ota?
Related
This guide shows you how to revert the Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3100 to Android 4.0.4 ICS (stock official firmware).
Warning
*. The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the SamsungGalaxy Tab 2 7.0, model number GT-P3100. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
*. The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
*. Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
*. Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.
Requirements
*. Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 GT-P3100
*. A Windows PC
*. Install drivers on the PC. You may install the drivers by installing Samsung Kies "or"
Download here : http://drivers.softpedia.com/get/MOBILES/Samsung/SAMSUNG-USB-Driver-for-Mobile-Phones-1590.shtml
*. Enable USB debugging.
*. Disable antivirus, firewall, and other security software. Also disable Samsung Kies and other software that accesses your phone.Such software can interfere with the procedure in this guide.
*. Download the following files to your computer:* Proper ICS for your country eg. For India, "INU" for your Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 GT-P3100 here : http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=GT-P3100
*Odin, latest version here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2189539
*. Make sure your device¡¯s battery still has at least 70% power. You don¡¯t want the device to shut down in the middle of the procedure.
*. Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
Instructions
1. Using ZIP extraction software, extract the *.tar.md5 file contained in the firmware update package.
2. Extract the contents of Odin to your computer.
3. Turn off your tablet. Make sure it is not hooked up to your PC.
4. Run Odin on your computer by double-clicking Odin
5. Click the PDA button in Odin and load the *.tar.md5 file contained in the firmware update package that you unzipped.
6. Do not change any other setting in Odin. Make sure that the checkbox for ¡°Re-partition¡± is not ticked.
7. Reboot the tablet into Download Mode by holding down the Volume Down and Power buttons until you see the warning screen. Press the Volume Up key to continue to Download Mode.
8. Connect the tablet to your PC via USB cable. You should see an ¡°Added!¡± message on the Odin window.
9. Click the Start button in Odin to begin flashing the firmware to your tablet. When installation completes and succeeds, Odin will display a ¡°PASSED¡± message in one of its boxes. The tablet will also automatically reboot.
10. If, on rebooting, the screen gets stuck at the Samsung logo, try resolving it by doing the following:
*. Turn off the tablet.
*. Boot into Recovery Mode by holding down Power and Volume Up buttons together until the screen turns on. When the Samsung logo appears, let go of the Power button but keep holding down the Volume Up button until the device boots into recovery.
*. In Recovery Mode, select Wipe data/Factory reset and select Yes on next screen.
*. Select Reboot system now to reboot the tablet
Congratulations! You¡¯ve successfully reverted your Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 to Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.
HIT THANKS!!!
Thanks , the steps worked perfectly..
Vibro feedback OFF
Anybody knows how to turn off fcking vibration feedback / haptic feedback on P3100 (stock 4.2.2) without root??
hi..i wanna back to ICS 4.0.3 XME p3100 XXBLH1..but cant find it
Can't find the US firmware
markapplelover said:
Can't find the US firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.sammobile.com/
I did that and US does not show in list of countries
Samm off server..
link death
please mirorr link ics
roehan said:
please mirorr link ics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have a look here http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model
WARNING! ONLY USE THIS ON THE GT-I9195 MODEL!
Hello all S4 Mini owners!
I'm happy to finally release ClockworkMod recovery and an insecure kernel for the GT-I9195. With these two installed on your device, obtaining root is easy.
Attached to this post is the necessary files needed for this task. Download the following files:
Odin_v3.09.zip (if you don't have it already)
recovery-clockwork-6.0.5.1-serranoltexx.tar.zip
S4Mini_RootKit_v2.zip (contains SuperSU v1.89 and BusyBox v1.21.1) ONLY FOR STOCK ROM! NOT FOR CM OR OTHER AOSP BASED ROMS!
Extract recovery-clockwork-6.0.5.1-serranoltexx.tar.zip file to your computer.
The procedure is as:
Copy the " S4Mini_RootKit_v2.zip" to your device SD card.
Turn off the phone.
Press and hold home, volume down and power. Download screen should appear.
Connect USB cable, and press volume up.
Start Odin, uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click AP button.
Select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.5.1-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file that you previously extracted, and press Start button. The phone will reboot when finished.
After the phone resets (it vibrates) IMMEDIATELY hold volume up and home buttons to boot into recovery mode.
Select the option to install the ZIP file you have previously copied to your device and begin flashing it.
After flashing using CWM, reboot into system and enjoy your rooted device.
Optional: Flash GT-I9195_Kernel_v1.zip (Only for Android 4.2.2, not KitKat) to use a custom stock kernel, which might fix battery drain for some.
Kernel changelog: https://github.com/arco/android_kernel_samsung_msm8930-common/commits/stock
If you get warnings about applications doing not permitted actions, delete the following files from system/app, or let SuperSU fix it for you.
KNOXAgent.apk
KNOXStore.apk
ContainerAgent.apk
arco68 said:
Hello all S4 Mini owners!
I'm happy to finally release ClockworkMod recovery and an insecure kernel for the GT-I9195. With these two installed on your device, obtaining root is easy.
Attached to this post is the necessary files needed for this task. Download and extract them into the same folder. The procedure is as follows:
Turn off the phone.
Press and hold home, volume down and power. Download screen should appear.
Connect USB cable, and press volume up.
Start Odin, uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click PDA button.
Select "GT-I9195_MF5_870901_kernel.tar.md5" file, and press Start button. The phone will reboot when finished.
After boot is finished, power off your phone and repeat step 2 and 3.
In Odin, select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.3.3-serranoltexx.tar.md5", and press Start button.
After boot is finished, power off your phone.
Press and hold home, volume up and power. Phone will boot into recovery. When you exit recovery, it will ask if you want to root the device. Select yes.
All you need to do now, is to download the Superuser app from the Play Store, and you're set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked a charm, many thanks
Arne, great work again!
[OFF-TOPIC] What do you think about releasing a second CM9/CM10 EOL for our old Galaxy W to include the MasterKey exploit patches? I don't think it's a good idea to leave us with security risks [/OFF-TOPIC]
Just continue doing great work, I wish you the best luck porting CM10.1 to the Galaxy S4 Mini!
arco68 said:
Hello all S4 Mini owners!
I'm happy to finally release ClockworkMod recovery and an insecure kernel for the GT-I9195. With these two installed on your device, obtaining root is easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question before I root it, what do you mean by "insecure"? Certainly not shy, but as in unstable or as in unsafe?
charliebigpot said:
Quick question before I root it, what do you mean by "insecure"? Certainly not shy, but as in unstable or as in unsafe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Insecure is needed for rooting, not unsafe or unstable. As far as I know, it removes some security-thingies added by Samsung. For normal use, this shouldn't make a difference.
Correct me if I'm wrong please
SGWUser said:
[OFF-TOPIC] What do you think about releasing a second CM9/CM10 EOL for our old Galaxy W to include the MasterKey exploit patches? I don't think it's a good idea to leave us with security risks [/OFF-TOPIC]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there will be new releases of that soon. But keep that discussion to the Galaxy W forums.
charliebigpot said:
Quick question before I root it, what do you mean by "insecure"? Certainly not shy, but as in unstable or as in unsafe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An insecure kernel has disabled the root prevention checks that Samsung added. Other than that it's the same as stock kernel. Although in this kernel I also made two minor changes to allow apps to read the kernel log and the full logcat.
arco68 said:
Yes, there will be new releases of that soon. But keep that discussion to the Galaxy W forums.
An insecure kernel has disabled the root prevention checks that Samsung added. Other than that it's the same as stock kernel. Although in this kernel I also made two minor changes to allow apps to read the kernel log and the full logcat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, thanks. One last noobie-like question - is this procedure going to delete what I have on the phone right now?
charliebigpot said:
Great, thanks. One last noobie-like question - is this procedure going to delete what I have on the phone right now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, all your stuff will still be there.
Thanks for the effort! I'm building a similar package for the I9192 (the dual sim variant, a.k.a "serranods") and I was wondering if you made any serious changes to the kernel except the usual ramdisk rooting changes (ro.secure, adbd binary, su binary etc.)
I'm going to release an insecured kernel based on the dual sim stock kernel, but I'm probably going to reuse the recovery. I expect the two platforms to be very similar in terms of recovery support (drivers, libraries, recovery kernel, partition layout etc.) and I know you can't make any implicit or explicit claims that the recovery won't brick any another model or variant than the one you made the release for. However, I expect no issues whatsoever as the hardware is identical except the modem, so I'll let you guys know.
Cheers,
C.
great staff arco!
ill give it a go when i have my mini within the next month.
i cant understand why dont xda do a sub section for s4 mini.....i dont even know which forum to look for s4 mini...
Yes, hats off! Good to hear your work is here goodluck with yer device Sir!
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 5.0.203 Alpha
1700Mhz A15 and 1500Mhz A7 running together with 640Mhz PowerVR SGX.
thanks alot. now the fun starts give me your link for sending you a beer.
Waiting patiently.
Sent from my GT-I9192 using xda premium
fenerbuuh said:
thanks alot. now the fun starts give me your link for sending you a beer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to sir arco's profile. And you will see the link for paypal donation. Cheers
Sent from my CM10.1 Kernel 3.4 Wonder by arco using xda premium
arco68 said:
WARNING! ONLY USE THIS ON THE GT-I9195 MODEL!
Hello all S4 Mini owners!
I'm happy to finally release ClockworkMod recovery and an insecure kernel for the GT-I9195. With these two installed on your device, obtaining root is easy.
Attached to this post is the necessary files needed for this task. Download and extract them into the same folder. The procedure is as follows:
Turn off the phone.
Press and hold home, volume down and power. Download screen should appear.
Connect USB cable, and press volume up.
Start Odin, uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click PDA button.
Select "GT-I9195_MF5_870901_kernel.tar.md5" file, and press Start button. The phone will reboot when finished.
After boot is finished, power off your phone and repeat step 2 and 3.
In Odin, click PDA button and select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.3.3-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file, and press Start button.
After boot is finished, power off your phone.
Press and hold home, volume up and power. Phone will boot into recovery. When you exit recovery, it will ask if you want to root the device. Select yes.
All you need to do now, is to download the Superuser app from the Play Store, and you're set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I follow the first steps but I always get stuck at the beginning. I only get a screen with "downloading.... Do not turn off target!!" it does not matter what buttons I push. On top it says "odin mode" in red, some product info and then it says "Wrtie protection: Enable".
Any suggestions?
@charliebigpot: That's normal. When that screen appears, connect your device and start ODIN. Then, in ODIN, your device should be detected and you can start flashing. If you still need more info, please search the forum. In any event, you don't have a problem (yet)...
Cheers,
C.
Thank You for the hard work, it work perfectly for me.
I was able to restore my Angry Birds Stars wars Backup which is a life saver for me .
One little thing, I keep getting a notification that says :
"Device Information :
The device as detected an application attempting unpermitted actions. To protect your device, it is recommended you reboot."
So I hit reboot and it reboot in "recovery mode" instead of normal boot.
So I hit reboot in recovery mode and get back on the system, but the notification comes back a few minutes later.
Can somone help me fix that ?
Frem.
PS : The only actions I did after rooting is installing "supersuer" app, then using "ES file explorer" activate root access, to copy angry birds backup, then deactivate "ES file explorer" root access
dsixda's Android Kitchen files
THANKS MATE FOR GREAT JOB!
Now, if some1 can produce dsixda's Android Kitchen files for i9195, it would be awesome!
---------- Post added at 10:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ----------
frem said:
Thank You for the hard work, it work perfectly for me.
I was able to restore my Angry Birds Stars wars Backup which is a life saver for me .
One little thing, I keep getting a notification that says :
"Device Information :
The device as detected an application attempting unpermitted actions. To protect your device, it is recommended you reboot."
So I hit reboot and it reboot in "recovery mode" instead of normal boot.
So I hit reboot in recovery mode and get back on the system, but the notification comes back a few minutes later.
Can somone help me fix that ?
Frem.
PS : The only actions I did after rooting is installing "supersuer" app, then using "ES file explorer" activate root access, to copy angry birds backup, then deactivate "ES file explorer" root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Delete KNOX apps (containing KNOX in their name), I think there are 3 of them, in system/apps, that would do it. You can use ES file explorer of course with root permissions
Delete KNOX apps (containing KNOX in their name), I think there are 3 of them, in system/apps, that would do it. You can use ES file explorer of course with root permissions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you jba.33a that worked perfectly .
One last question a friend of mine told me that "rooting my phone" will stop it from getting the samsung "official updates".
Is that true ?
If it is true, is there a easy way around it like rooting it back ?
Thanks again for the hard work arco68.
Thank you arco68 works perfectly donation coming your way!
Sent from my GT-I9195
Says it should work with all N900 devices. Wondering if those smarter then I can answer if this will work for us or if it would brick our phones?
Galaxy Note 3 N900 – Guide to Update with Official Lollipop 5.0 OS {Without Losing Warranty}
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 N900 Android smartphone can now be updated with the latest firmware of Android 5.0. The best part of this update is that this is the Official firmware version released by Samsung. Applying this update won’t root the device in any manner. Also, while Samsung takes few months from now for pushing this update, you can till then apply this Android 5.0 release in your device in simplest possible manner. This update can be applied to all the devices of Galaxy Note 3 N900 irrespective of the current firmware version. So let’s check out in detail on how to safely root your Galaxy S4 so that you can then make the most of the same.
image-galaxy-note-3-Android-5.0
Info: Applying this update won’t root / void the warranty.
Quick Pre Requisites:
•Create a backup of all the data present in your device using below mentioned steps;
SMS – Download SMS Backup & Restore app and create the backup. Once done, transfer the backup file to your computer,
Call Log – Download Call log Backup & Restore app and create the backup. Once done, transfer the backup file to your computer,
Local Files – Transfer all the data like photos, downloads, music files, videos etc. to your computer.
•Your Galaxy Note 3 N900 should have a minimum of 50% or above,
•Navigate to Settings> Developer Options> check the USB Debugging option to enable the same.
Note: This is the Official Firmware released by Samsung and NOT the custom ROM or Beta firmware.
Assuming that you have followed all the above mentioned pre requisites, let’s check out on what are the instructions with which you can apply this firmware update.
Procedure to Safely Update Galaxy Note 3 with Lollipop 5.0 Android OS:
•Download Odin and also the Android 5.0 Firmware Package from here to your computer.
•Once done, turn Off your Galaxy Note 3 so that it can be entered in the Download Mode.
•Galaxy Note 3 can be entered in the download mode by holding the Volume Up button + the Home key button (the middle button). While holding these both buttons, you need to switch ON your device.
•In Odin, enable Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time check boxes in Odin and also alternatively make sure that the Re-Partition checkbox is ticked.
•Post connecting your deice to the computer in Download Mode, you will see that ID:COM section will turn Blue which indicates that device drivers are successfully installed.
•Click on “AP” to select the rooting tar file and then click on “Start” to start the process of firmware update. Post update, device will be rebooted automatically. It typically takes around a 5 – 6 minutes for whole process.
•Navigate to the path “Settings > About Phone” to know the firmware version which is present in your device. The firmware version will be mentioned as Lollipop 5.0.
Note (Only if your device doesn’t boot or gets in the boot loop mode): If your device doesn’t boot, then just enter your device in the recovery mode. Recovery Mode in Galaxy Note 3 can be entered by holding the Volume Up button + the Home key button (the middle button) and select the appropriate options to factory reset the device.
No, it's not for the carrier variant.
Thank you
pre4speed said:
No, it's not for the carrier variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah thank you for answering this and thank you to who moved this thread. I tried to move it after I originally posted it as I realized it was in the wrong spot. Like everyone else I just have to keep waiting.
I goofed and updated my Verizon Galaxy S6 Edge (32gb) to Nougat. I'd like to attempt downgrading it back to 6.01 (Marshmellow?) I'm new to modifying my cell phone and would like to outline what I think I should do, and hopefully someone with experience will catch any goofs before they occur.
General Information:
G925V
Build # G925VVRS4DQD1
Hardware # G925V.04
1. Downloaded Samsung Switch, backup everything I can. This step should also place the samsung usb drivers on my pc? (window 10 64bit)
2. Prepare phone? Little foggy on this step, some guides recommended factory restore and erase cache partion first. Remove Sim card.
3. Download firmware from sammobile, I downloaded G925VVRS4CQA3, newest available 6.01. Does it matter that the last four digits don't match the last four of my Build #?
4. Put phone in download mode (reboot, home+power+volume down, volume up to accept)
5. Open Odin (v3.12.5) verify .tar file. I saw the AP file that needs pulled over, guessing there might be other files, firmware download still going.
6. Connect phone, check connection in upper left window of Odin hit start and don't unplug anything
7. When Odin finishes, reboot phone into Recovery mode, select factory reset all user data?
Am I overlooking anything major?
Thanks,
Cole
coleauden said:
I goofed and updated my Verizon Galaxy S6 Edge (32gb) to Nougat. I'd like to attempt downgrading it back to 6.01 (Marshmellow?) I'm new to modifying my cell phone and would like to outline what I think I should do, and hopefully someone with experience will catch any goofs before they occur.
General Information:
G925V
Build # G925VVRS4DQD1
Hardware # G925V.04
1. Downloaded Samsung Switch, backup everything I can. This step should also place the samsung usb drivers on my pc? (window 10 64bit)
2. Prepare phone? Little foggy on this step, some guides recommended factory restore and erase cache partion first. Remove Sim card.
3. Download firmware from sammobile, I downloaded G925VVRS4CQA3, newest available 6.01. Does it matter that the last four digits don't match the last four of my Build #?
4. Put phone in download mode (reboot, home+power+volume down, volume up to accept)
5. Open Odin (v3.12.5) verify .tar file. I saw the AP file that needs pulled over, guessing there might be other files, firmware download still going.
6. Connect phone, check connection in upper left window of Odin hit start and don't unplug anything
7. When Odin finishes, reboot phone into Recovery mode, select factory reset all user data?
Am I overlooking anything major?
Thanks,
Cole
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.) From http://www.samsung.com/us/support/smart-switch-support/#!/faqs "The first time you connect your Samsung device to your computer, it will automatically locate and install the necessary drivers. (This process can take a few minutes to complete.) After the drivers are installed, the device will appear in the Smart Switch application.
If the drivers do not install automatically, go to the Samsung Support site and visit your device's support page. Click Manuals & Downloads to download the drivers for your device."
2.) Yeah, I am guessing prepare phone means prepare for total data loss (lol) when you perform a wipe data/factory reset from the recovery mode/menu (which formats /data, /cache and /sbfs partitions).
3.) The last 4 digits are different because you are on the first build of Nougat now (DQD1).
I have no experience with Odin myself, but I do know there are checkboxes, options and such you should do research on beforehand. For example, on sammobile's download page there are instructions saying "Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked" so just saying as there may be special procedures involved specifically when downgrading.
Another potential problem: have you found confirmation that you can downgrade -directly to- the last Marshmallow 6.0.1 build available for this phone (CQA3) -from- Nougat 7.0 (DQD1) and are you sure about it? There is a chance you may need to downgrade to an earlier build first.
Also I've had a strange experience with sammobile, as I downloaded the Nougat firmware for this phone and it is -completely- different (name, size, hash, modified date far before the public release) from other Nougat firmware I downloaded.
I recommend for any firmware build you decide to use: download from multiple sources and compare/verify with HashMyFiles or similar software to make sure it is really what they say it is.
I am awaiting response from a question for this OP; you should check it out as he mentions downgrading and provides download links (note: CQA3 is -not- in the list). https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...25vvrs4dqd1-odin-nougat-7-0-firmware-t3597591
Thank you for the information @blkt
coleauden said:
Thank you for the information @blkt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can thank me with the "Thanks!" button on my post.
Dying to know if this worked??
SpyderPalo said:
Dying to know if this worked??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked. I did end up with a bootloop bouncing between the Verizon Screen and the Samsung screen that caused a few grey hairs. Eventually I was able to get into Recovery mode and performing data and cache resets allowed me to power on fully. I had performed a cache reset before starting the downgrade process, but not a data/factory reset. I also had the sim card removed. Either of those might have contributed to the bootloop. First action after google and Samsung account login was running BK Package Disabler and blocking the two sdm packages to hopefully prevent Nougat notifications (process contributed by @wolferno ).
Some information if it helps:
*Odin version was 3.12.5.
*Firmware version was G925VVRS4CQA3_G925VVZW4CQA3_VZW from sammobile (highest 6.01)
Backup was through Smart Switch, to get it running again I had to activate Developer options, enable USB Debugging, and under USB options enable MTP.
Hope this helps!
I have successfully downgraded from Nougat on my G925V 64gb
I used the stock software G925VVRS4CQA3_VZW4CQA3_VZW_USA_Verizon_6.0.1.
I downloaded from AndroidFileHost did the md5 check
It did boot-loop between Verizon and Samsung
Pressing and holding the Volume-down then Power button brought up the Factory reset (DOS-like) screen where I could do another factory reset to get the phone to boot up into setting up the phone starting with logging into the Samsung account.
I had activated another phone before this process so I could still get and make calls if it bricked, I've signed into my Gmail account that I have all apps and setting's saved.
I will be installing a Package Disabler as soon as the apps finish loading and before I activate the phone back onto Verizon.
Much thanks to coleauden for answering a PM and blkt for clarifying with coleauden earlier!!!
Enjoy the Day,
David
SpyderPalo said:
I have successfully downgraded from Nougat on my G925V 64gb
I used the stock software G925VVRS4CQA3_VZW4CQA3_VZW_USA_Verizon_6.0.1.
I downloaded from AndroidFileHost did the md5 check
It did boot-loop between Verizon and Samsung
Pressing and holding the Volume-down then Power button brought up the Factory reset (DOS-like) screen where I could do another factory reset to get the phone to boot up into setting up the phone starting with logging into the Samsung account.
I had activated another phone before this process so I could still get and make calls if it bricked, I've signed into my Gmail account that I have all apps and setting's saved.
I will be installing a Package Disabler as soon as the apps finish loading and before I activate the phone back onto Verizon.
Much thanks to coleauden for answering a PM and blkt for clarifying with coleauden earlier!!!
Enjoy the Day,
David
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Click to collapse
Nice, I didn't realize CQA3 was on AndroidFileHost as well. Which Odin version did you use? Did you remove your sim card? BTW, I think you meant Home/Volume Up/Power for recovery mode (the DOS-like menu) because volume down would put you into download mode. In recent months there have been reports (on google play reviews) of Package Disabler Pro removing the ability to disable certain packages at the request of Samsung (removed from package list, no changelog either). Maybe this has changed; I have not investigated further but there's also BK Package Disabler. Here is a helpful page with all Odin versions. http://www.droidviews.com/download-odin-tool-for-samsung-galaxy-devices-all-versions/
blkt said:
Nice, I didn't realize CQA3 was on AndroidFileHost as well. Which Odin version did you use? Did you remove your sim card? BTW, I think you meant Home/Volume Up/Power for recovery mode (the DOS-like menu) because volume down would put you into download mode. In recent months there have been reports (on google play reviews) of Package Disabler Pro removing the ability to disable certain packages at the request of Samsung (removed from package list, no changelog either). Maybe this has changed; I have not investigated further but there's also BK Package Disabler. Here is a helpful page with all Odin versions. http://www.droidviews.com/download-odin-tool-for-samsung-galaxy-devices-all-versions/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maintenance Boot Mode is what I get into with holding Down volume and holding Power button.
Odin 3.12.5
De-activated SIM still in the phone (activated a iphone for calls)
I ended up buying BK Package Disabler to block the OS upgrade/update.
SpyderPalo said:
Maintenance Boot Mode is what I get into with holding Down volume and holding Power button.
Odin 3.12.5
De-activated SIM still in the phone (activated a iphone for calls)
I ended up buying BK Package Disabler to block the OS upgrade/update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh wow, another mode I was not aware of. Thanks! This one is good to know because it is apparently accessed when the phone is still on. Confusing though, because I though volume down + power was to force reboot. The recovery mode I mentioned is done after the phone is off.
blkt said:
Oh wow, another mode I was not aware of. Thanks! This one is good to know because it is apparently accessed when the phone is still on. Confusing though, because I though volume down + power was to force reboot. The recovery mode I mentioned is done after the phone is off.
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Click to collapse
Sorry I didn't clarify......
I pressed the 2 buttons once the phone was off...
In all the times I have ever had to get into the lower (Root) areas of the phone , I've started with the phone off so I assumed this was a known practice.
Apologies
SpyderPalo said:
Sorry I didn't clarify......
I pressed the 2 buttons once the phone was off...
In all the times I have ever had to get into the lower (Root) areas of the phone , I've started with the phone off so I assumed this was a known practice.
Apologies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I thought you used it to get out of the boot loop. No worries, as this video put my brain through a boot loop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N5Q8RD5QPs
You should be able to downgrade to any firmware that is Revision/Binary 4.
You started with 4DQD1 right?
You should be able to downgrade to any firmware with like 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, etc.
This tablet sucks: it has a poor processor, poor RAM, poor internal storage, and overall poor quality...so I don't see any developers jumping on this model to do anything with it. I think it sells for $200! That is ridiculously cheap for a tablet. I just received this tablet for being a loyal Sprint customer for 5 years. It was a gift all I have to do is pay for service. I'm trying to find TWRP for setting up a custom recovery where I can flash the appropriate files to get root. I have Odin downloaded to my PC and tried a close variants TWRP in download mode after enabling OEM unlock (choosing OEM unlock in developer options will erase all your data so do a backup to an external SD card, the cloud or Google drive). After reading MANY other threads there is no need to wait 7 days for this to "stick". ....and to get download mode you have to hold power and both the volume up and down buttons at the same time. There is no home key on this model. Anyway the attempt to get TWRP failed, naturally for the first time, but I had auto reboot checked...from what I've read you need to uncheck auto reboot and press volume down plus power to get out of download mode then immediately press power plus volume up when the screen flashes blank to enter recovery for newer Tab A series tablets running 9 (pie.) I know that each model tablet/phone requires it's own, dedicated recovery, but I also know that some software designed for specific models can be used for others it wasn't intended for. Similarities in the hardware and devices software can allow for this to happen although it's not common and I doubt I will find one...
I know I downloaded the correct drivers as I can see the internal drive of my phone on my PC and when Odin is running it too can see my device. The attempt I made at TWRP said it succeeded as well. Other similar threads discuss the use of Magisk-v20.1, RMM_BYPASS_v3_corsicanu, no-verity-opt-encrypt-6.0 and of course the SuperSu zip. I'm using Odin 3 v3.13.1 and am going to try TWRP-3.2.3-0-gtanotexllte.img.tar., next. If I can manage to find a TWRP that sticks I don't know what to flash next and in what order. If I were to get root only then could this model tablet be put to any type of good use. Any advice, comments, suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.