Related
Hi,
So I keep reading all the 6.0 threads and have yet to come up with an answer. I am thinking of moving to Marshmallow. I have a few things I would like to keep and would like help understanding if it is possible at this point.
Upgrade to 6.0
Get adblocking of some type(either though app or modify hosts in recovery)
Verizon tethering check
Android Pay
I know I can use an app for tether, so that is 1 of 3 taken care of. Can someone help me answer the other 2? Will I get boot errors saying my device has been tampered? There has been a whirlwind of activity, maybe I'm just getting a little anxious and the answers will come in time.
Thanks
To get adblock working you need root, to get Android Pay working you cant be rooted as far as I know. Which one can you live without?
I am not having an easy time finding a clear cut way to root my phone. I know that since 5.1.1 came out like 2-3 weeks ago that I need to be on 5.0.2. So I need to know how to revert back to that. And then I also know that you need to do some weird **** from what I am used to to just simply root our phones. Something with the OE2 to OF3 and some other things related to that. Really weird to me when I am used to more or less pressing a button and I am rooted...... This being said I need to know how to root my phone too. And if it is possible to root 5.1.1 then those instructions would be preferred(saying it is stable/tested/etc.
I ultimately want to be able to use either XtreStoLite ROMs. Preferably the Odex Pure Edition though but from what I've read when you do the 5.0.2 version there was some call audio problems...which is no good for a phone lol.
Last phone I really tried to do **** with was the HTC Aria. Had an S3 for awhile but didn't feel like doing anything with it since it was so old at the time I received it(almost 2 years ago now)
/startrant
I feel like XDA is way more confusing than it used to be. Either that or the community for the S6 isn't the best from other phones I've used, personally. This new UI for XDA is also weird to me as well(doubt it is very new though).
Used to seeing a clear cut:
How To Root thread(s)
List of Custom Roms thread(s)
other useful threads that make going around the phones forum so much easier than having to use the search engine.
it definitely doesn't help that more or less all other versions of the phone work with each other easily vs ATT being ****ing douchebags and can't even just release the current OS right when literally every other company does.
Conclusion.... **** ATT... Long ago I wanted to go to verizon but wasn't in a position to but figured at this point in time(3-4 years later, maybe more) that things might have changed. **** ATT
/endrant
arokace said:
<lots of complaining>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to root your phone, the bootloader is signed we don't have the keys.
In addition it would behoove you greatly if you learned to both search and to be knowledgeable as to what your 'one click' solutions do. Without knowing what your clicking you'll find it hard to fix when things go wrong.
In short though your SoL here, unless your phone is on an exceptionally early build you can't root, and I doubt it's on that early of a build unless you made an effort to keep it from updating and bought the phone close to launch.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
OP asked about reverting to 5.0.2, so it's pretty safe to assume he's on 5.1.1.
OP - at this point, as posted above, all you can do is wait and hope. There is no way to revert to a rootable build from 5.1.1, nor root 5.1.1, on an ATT branded device, at this time. If you are committed to wanting root and custom ROMs, don't buy any AT&T or VZW branded devices, and don't buy devices that are running anything other than mainstream processors. Nexus is your friend. Or revert back to your Aria - I'm still using mine, running CM11, as a media player.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
I know 5.1.1 can't be rooted but I thought 5.0.2 can be. But from the sounds of it once I have 5.1.1 installed then my bootloader is changed? And reverting back doesn't change the loader? Oh, after reading the last part of the 1st reply. It sounds like all those people that say they've rooted there 5.0.2 version was just because they purchased at launch?
As for understanding the 'one click' solutions. At the times I did know what they did. The forums for the phone(s) I was using at the time were a lot more neat and straightforward(this is apparently one word, didn't know...) to understand. Like I said, this new layout of XDA(it is new to me even if it might be 2 years old or something) isn't as nice/useful personally. And as for searching, I do but once again the searches are different than how other forums do searches. Or maybe it is just the cluttered feeling I get from the S6 forums maybe. Not sure.
P.S.(_Dennis_) No **** it is a lot of complaining...granted I basically got the phone for free because of how AT&T does there plans and ****...this still makes me hate AT&T even more than I used to...at least with my older phones there was hope for someone to make ROMs/Roots/etc for the phone, just took longer because AT&T rides the short bus... So yes I will complain. But I still genuinely had questions I wanted answers. I know you had to read what I wrote but you didn't take it in I guess. Because the only way I would have some of that info is if I was searching. I just didn't know about only the launch models basically can be rooted and no others. Which is why I was asking about reverting to 5.0.2
I will thank you both for actually posting and answering my questions though. Versus in the normal S6 forum people just completely ignored me. So I do appreciate you guys answering me.
I have gotten a few private messages plus some people have posted on the threads with the updates.
Do NOT update to 5.1.1 if you want to maintain root.
After days of tinkering, here are your possible outcomes (none of which are what you want):
A. Continuous soft reboot after upgrading via FlashFire updates.
B. Use ODIN to flash the system/boot partitions or properly done FlashFire update... Hoorah! You're on 5.1.1, but your fingerprint sensor and LTE are dead - plus no root.
C. You try to downgrade after B, and you no longer have signal under any circumstance.
Personally, I am now just going to flash the OI2 ODIN files in full and be done with it until a new root method is available. Sorry guys, I have tried everything that I can think of. As you can see above that something in the 5.1.1 kernel/system images require the latest bootloader which is what allows us to downgrade and get root from OE2 using PingPong.
There is a possibility of a new solution soon enough... see progress here for other models of S6: UniKernel
Yeah I ended up tripping knox in my attempts at working something out. Fortunately I was able to revert but thats only because I didn't dare try and flash the bootloader or modem. Man this is like a sick mind-game. I wish I would have had more experience with Samsung and AT&T before I bought this damn phone. This is my first phone on AT&T and my first Samsung. It was the perfect **** storm... I never anticipated this bull****, after this long... And I can't even get rid of the damn thing. Nobody wants it.
wesgarner said:
I have gotten a few private messages plus some people have posted on the threads with the updates.
Do NOT update to 5.1.1 if you want to maintain root.
After days of tinkering, here are your possible outcomes (none of which are what you want):
A. Continuous soft reboot after upgrading via FlashFire updates.
B. Use ODIN to flash the system/boot partitions or properly done FlashFire update... Hoorah! You're on 5.1.1, but your fingerprint sensor and LTE are dead - plus no root.
C. You try to downgrade after B, and you no longer have signal under any circumstance.
Personally, I am now just going to flash the OI2 ODIN files in full and be done with it until a new root method is available. Sorry guys, I have tried everything that I can think of. As you can see above that something in the 5.1.1 kernel/system images require the latest bootloader which is what allows us to downgrade and get root from OE2 using PingPong.
There is a possibility of a new solution soon enough... see progress here for other models of S6: UniKernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forgive my ignorance here...I've not kept close track of the progress of unikernel. But it was my impression that without a custom recovery option, we are entirely SOL regarding custom kernels. Am I misunderstanding things, or did something change? I didn't see anything in the recent posts there that got my hopes up...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Well technically you can flash the kernel using FlashFire however a screen will stop you from booting.. Says something about at&t detecting modified software on your device please take to repair center blah blah
timde9 said:
Well technically you can flash the kernel using FlashFire however a screen will stop you from booting.. Says something about at&t detecting modified software on your device please take to repair center blah blah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Well not bootable is not useful! ?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using Tapatalk
Gah! I don't even use custom roms. Stupid Textra App has this ****ty ghost notification that does not work on 5.0.x android. I would go to 5.1 unrooted but I just can't stand the thought of not being able to get rid of annoying notifications (wifi, etc). Plus all the custom easy hacks. So lame. Never going AT&T again. Why do they make it so difficult anyways? Tmobile doesn't.
They make the majority of their money from enterprise customers. These customers desire the locked bootloader as to avoid security risks. Since this is AT&T's main source of profit this is their main consideration. In short this phone and its software was not designed with our consumer use cases in mind. We are merely an after thought. I have waited too long I am jumping ship, just ordered a Moto X Pure and as soon as it gets here I am leaving this phone behind. Had it since launch and haven't been able to accomplish my original intention since then. Never buying from AT&T and also I am staying far away from anything with an Exynos chipset. Touch Wiz is a lag fest nightmare. For this to be pretty much the most powerful chip in the mobile space and to experience such a lag on it is truly unnerving. Samsung is all too eager to jump the Android band wagon all together and probably intend to do so as soon as they feel their tizen offerings stack up. And I sincerely hope they fail miserably. They are a good hardware company but they should just give up on software. They just don't get it at all.
timde9 said:
Yeah I ended up tripping knox in my attempts at working something out. Fortunately I was able to revert but thats only because I didn't dare try and flash the bootloader or modem. Man this is like a sick mind-game. I wish I would have had more experience with Samsung and AT&T before I bought this damn phone. This is my first phone on AT&T and my first Samsung. It was the perfect **** storm... I never anticipated this bull****, after this long... And I can't even get rid of the damn thing. Nobody wants it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amen. Well said. Bravo.... I feel your pain. My first real SmartPhone was the Fire Phone with AT&T, exactly a year ago, and I took its enema for 10+ months before I finally decided to just add payments for the S6 and finally have a good phone I could root. So now I'm paying for both, and the more I search for help and answers on here, the more I feel like my kind aren't welcome. Not by the community, but by ATT and Samsung. Gee thanks.
Well, at least I have a new phone... I'm totally down to build and burn a 5.1.1 effigy with you, if you want.
Well I have already given up on this phone. See my post above. My sister has already agreed to take over the line and the phone payment and I just bought a Moto X Pure outright yesterday. Just waiting for it to arrive now.
I've been thinking of just doing an Odin back to stock (unrooted) and OTA update up to the newest 5.1.1 on my 925a for a week or so now. For anyone that is already on OI2, how is it working out for you? Is the phone still slow at times? Does the memory issues still exist?
I recall seeing an app a little while ago that is able to freeze/disable apps without root. What was that app? Has anyone tried doing something like this? How did it work out?
sirdizzle415 said:
I've been thinking of just doing an Odin back to stock (unrooted) and OTA update up to the newest 5.1.1 on my 925a for a week or so now. For anyone that is already on OI2, how is it working out for you? Is the phone still slow at times? Does the memory issues still exist?
I recall seeing an app a little while ago that is able to freeze/disable apps without root. What was that app? Has anyone tried doing something like this? How did it work out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package disabler. Works like a charm.
anneoneamouse said:
Package disabler. Works like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Is it the "for Samsung" one? or do you have another one in mind?
How is OI2 working out for you?
Don't have oi2, I have an s6 active, no update yet.
Hi everybody,
I’ve prereserved my Note 9, and while waiting for the release date I’m scrolling through the news and forums just to get teased a bit more
A question I’m asking myself though, is: do I really need to root this phone? I’ll lose some functionalities by rooting it (samsung pay/android pay, safetynet apps, knox...) but I’ll surely miss others too (adaway, xposed, tweaks...)
I always rooted all my devices unconditionnaly, like it’s part of my default setup, but do you guys think it’s still needed those days? Is there really a benefit, or can you live without root?
I use to be an avid 'root my phone asap' kinda guy, but the main reason was for wireless hotspot. It's included in most plans now, so I don't feel the need to. I liked getting a cleaner build, less bloatware. To each there own, but with a locked bootloader here in the US it may be a while as you'll need a unlocked version. Carriers here will have it locked down.
the first thing i'm going to do with the phone when i get it is rooting it, hopefully there is a working twrp and there is no oem timeout for unlocking the bootloader.
i can't live without adaway and titanium backup.
releasedate is thursday next week in sweden, can't wait, i have preordered the 512gb model in blue.
Not worth it anymore. Used to be mandatory when Android wasn't as feature rich and mature, but no reason for me to anymore.
In my case root would be needed only for app data transfer from the old phone. After that I don't see the need of root.
Anyway.. how about knox fuse trip and warranty?
Is this still a thing today? Was it in Note 5 7 8?
I know it was in Note 4. But what about later models?
I used to root, but not any more. I get the US unlocked version to cut down on the bloatware. Samsung has made it sooo easy to theme and skin the phone that it's pointless to root for that. Samsung pay is awesome and I use it more and more every day. Smart Switch has taken the place of Titanium back up, and it's free and very simple to use. Also with the 512gb version I ordered , not too worried about the few programs that I dont like but are included.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
I used to root the second i got a device, however since the 8 and also with the 9 i dont bother any more, all the reasons before were to get better battery life slim down etc, i just use package disable pro now and im done. Besides no point in tripping knox loosing secure folder and faffimng around to get google pay working etc. I love to tinker but the benefits are just not there any more imho
Most probably first phone i will not root. especially for warranty purpose with the know feature
Thanks for the input Now that I have some answers I can give my insights too. I think I'll (be able to) wait a few days before being tempted to root it, but I'm pretty sure there will be a day, especially when Samsung will drop updates and I'll have to use custom ROMs if I want to stay up to date or maybe get the Note 10 port
The things I would miss if I don't root are: Adaway, TWRP (flashing and full backup/restore), MyBackup Pro, debloating, Xposed probably, Viper4Android maybe.
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Flame Red said:
I have been a root on day one guy myself forever. Interesting that people here have not mentioned the privacy issues with all my carrier's supplied bloatware. That crap goes immmmmediately. That was the main reason for rooting for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ultimately, you don't necessarily have to root to debloat. You can just flash and use TWRP for this. Although when you boot into TWRP it triggers Knox and you lose those related functionalities.
This will be the second phone im not gonna root. First was the pixel 3 i need samsung pay in my life and plus im getting the locked sprint version. Im scared tho i really do want a clean build. Going with sammy since the s6. I dont want a phone with a notch so i figure i use my upgrade this year
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Brava27 said:
I will always root the 1st day. Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP, custom roms with 3minit battery, ability to customize volume buttons, VIPER4ANDROID, sooo many more reasons why. Stock is boring and dull. No reason to be on XDA if you are not rooting and using developers creations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Taebom said:
Viper4android is the only reason I still root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. Sounds so much better!
I personally stopped rooting since the Note 7 / S7E. I now find Samsung experience to offer me more than enough to keep from rooting. I've rooted all my phones since from the Dream G1 to Galaxy S1, Note 2, to the Note 4.
I root day 0 or I don't buy. Phone is worthless without Titanium backup, ad-away, TWRP.
i'm leaning towards no root. but it may be difficult to swallow at first, i think i've rooted the last 4 galaxies i've had... before that was a Nokia. I will undoubtedly miss ad-away, and i've made good use of Xposed on my recent Note5, but many people mention TitaniumBackup and i just don't use it much anymore. I have done a couple full backups with TWRP and used restore from it a couple times, but lets face it... those are things i wouldn't need if a hadn't broke something in a Root function in the first place! All in all, hoping for the best without Root - I want Knox intact. If you guys don't hear from me in the next week or two, i drowned in advertisements.
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Dayzee said:
I've not rooted since my note 5, after being an instant root and Rom girly. It was previously much more needed, but these days not at all for me.
Best things I've found about not rooting -
- No worries at all about trading in, selling on, warranties, insurance etc.
- No worries about keeping the system ROM up to date, and over the air updates are sooooo easy
- No glitches or issues with radios and hardware etc from non standard roms
For me, the level that the current software and hardware is at has wiped out the need for rooting and flashing custom roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS!
I'd rather have the option, but, no such animal for US Samsung devices.
I can deal w/o it on Samsung devices, thanks to Package Disabler Pro & the ad blocking app Block-This.
Is it a perfect substitute for root?
No, but, this gives me the best of what's important to me with the minimum of compromises.
No interest in non-Samsung based ROMs for this phone, why bother picking up a Note to strip it of its unique features........
Currently using a VZW Note 5 using Package Disabler Pro & Block-This..... Doing just fine, the pragmatic part of my twisted mind (on life support, LOL) tells me to save my money & wait until next year, but, I bought this particular phone in great condition @ a great price, to use solely as a trade-in for T-Mobile"s $500 bill credit.....
Sent from my Galaxy Note 5 using XDA Labs
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
MethudMann said:
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
ethical_haquer said:
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
I'll monitor more closely so let me know if you need any other info
MethudMann said:
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
ethical_haquer said:
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the research and yes I do have questions if its not too much of an issue:
1.) Carrier bloat is like the usual and can just be deleted anyways correct?
2.) In what scenarios (in case everything was working fine with OTA updates) would the phone have downloaded a version without bloat?
3.) Would updating to the non-bloated version cause any issues since the phone is still carrier locked?
4.) Lastly, for the firmware, would I need to download multiple updates until that point or just straight to the firmware?
If not, I can research the answers as I have been on it on and off for a month with research but other than that, you're a god send.
By the way, if #1 is true, I'll just take the bloatware no doubt just to be as safe as possible.
Thanks again for all the help @ethical_haquer
Been busy researching in the Samsung Note 8 ATT threads and I was able to find the answer to number 4 in that using Full ODIN files is a complete flash and different than just an update which requires the previous updates.
The answer to number 3 from what I have seen no. The only thing is that certain features may NOT work such as VoLTE; pretty much you already answered 3 and I was literally too dumb to see that until I started writing this message. *face palm
Question 2 is pretty much inconsequential so don't worry answering that. Its was just curiosity. But for anyone who does see this possibly, my speculation is that NO, the carrier version would never download the non-carrier version. The non-branded update is for those unlocked phones that receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that were not associated with any carrier, in other words buying a phone directly from samsung's website.
For 1, I am guessing it is "Yes" since I was able to do that in the past with all my other phones. But either way it is not a make it or break it so it doesn't matter.
I have been able to find some full ODIN files for the updates I was looking for, so will be attempting my first flash soon. Will be posting all my findings to the thread I was reading just to potentially help anyone else (though rare since this device is getting real old) who has the same questions I had and I can get them up to speed without having to search everything
Just finished flashing the ATT Note 8 to and the Answer to Number 1 is that NO, you cannot Uninstall the bloatware
Again, will post all these findings to the proper thread in after completed
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
ethical_haquer said:
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're all good!
I may but I actually have to find one more update I am looking for (Full ODIN FILES). My daily driver note 8 is on N950USQS7DTE5 and it is a T-Mobile Version (though it bein g TMO is inconsequential at the moment. Just thought I might mention it).
That is the update I would like for ATT just so that I know there wont be any differences (or less differences) between my daily driver and this.This is me being picky at this point but isn't the point of life getting what you want? I found one update above that but different bootloader. So for whatever reason may happen, no going back.
What I currently flashed to was N950USQS3BRA8 so it's still on Android 7.1.1 but I did this just to test to the process (my first flashing). Now I am ready.
So I will look for that then flash it and update as usual
Just found, or couldnt find, that ATT has the same update so will just go with what I have. Close as I can get