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Hi to everyone. I have a Samsung Tab S2 SM-T810 with Android 5.1.1 / Kernel 3.10.9 that has retail mode on, it was a demo in a store. Is there anyway to remove this from the device? I already try doing a factory reset with stock firmware and odin and it stills the same. I think it has some kind of software installed on the ROM memory that prevents it to fully restore and wipe the retail mode app. Thanks in advance.
Please do a search this has been covered plenty of times already. There is no need to repeat over.
ashyx said:
Please do a search this has been covered plenty of times already. There is no need to repeat over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it. that's why I specified re installing with odin didnt help. I checked all the forum. even this http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-sale-version-t2890171
and it stills the same.
huntejes said:
I did it. that's why I specified re installing with odin didnt help. I checked all the forum. even this http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/help/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-sale-version-t2890171
and it stills the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's simple, make sure OEM unlock is enabled in developer settings, Install twrp, factory reset with twrp, boot to download then flash stock Firmware.
Done.
ashyx said:
It's simple, make sure OEM unlock is enabled in developer settings, Install twrp, factory reset with twrp, boot to download then flash stock Firmware.
Done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't be asking for help if it were that easy. I tried doing that too. All the option in the developer settings tab are gray. I can't change them. The retail app is blocking it.
Any other idea ?
huntejes said:
I wouldn't be asking for help if it were that easy. I tried doing that too. All the option in the developer settings tab are gray. I can't change them. The retail app is blocking it.
Any other idea ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just go ahead and install twrp and continue with the previous instructions. If you get the FRP block, just flash the stock Firmware.
Also if you carry on with the attitude you're on your own.
ashyx said:
Just go ahead and install twrp and continue with the previous instructions. If you get the FRP block, just flash the stock Firmware.
Also if you carry on with the attitude you're on your own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excuse me, I didn't mean to offend. I'll try to install twrp right now.
As I expected while I was trying to install twrp it always return an error on Odin so I gave up, then after a couple of hours the table ran out of battery and since it was the first time it went off without the retail app monitoring. I decide to boot it into download mode. and that's it.
After that the twrp finally got installed and I erased everything on the tab. after that that it got stuck on the samsung logo. And I could install the stock firmware with no problem.
All thanks to you.
Ok so ive got the Sm-810 and i was experiencing the same issue of it not letting odin flash to stock OR install twrp etc. etc. and i was going to give up and i **** you not i was trying to get into the recovery to see if i could jostle some solution loose and it fixed itself !! It was booted into download mode and i unplugged the cable and pressed and held power+vol down and as soon as the screen went black i did the same thing again and then i mustve messed up cuz it booted into the os but i repeated the process from there and no kidding after 2 or 3 cycles of power+vol down i got a blue screen with an android on it and it flashed and showed a dead android with the caution! sign and the next screen showed the regular android with the word "erasing" underneath and vio'la no more retail mode. After this Odin worked and let me autoroot and so on an so forth. sorry for my long post i just though i should share
I think the major issue is that OEM is disabled and there is no way to turn it on. So most of the solutions are a no go... So any other suggestions on make this work?
huntejes said:
Excuse me, I didn't mean to offend. I'll try to install twrp right now.
As I expected while I was trying to install twrp it always return an error on Odin so I gave up, then after a couple of hours the table ran out of battery and since it was the first time it went off without the retail app monitoring. I decide to boot it into download mode. and that's it.
After that the twrp finally got installed and I erased everything on the tab. after that that it got stuck on the samsung logo. And I could install the stock firmware with no problem.
All thanks to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi huntejes,
I've a SM-T650NU unit and have the same issue you faced on the Odin step (of course I'm using the specific TWRP file for my unit) just want to know what error showed up. In my case it returned: FAIL! (Auth).
Will let the battery fully drain and after that repeat the TWRP flash. Do you remember (step by step) what you did after the battery drained? I mean charged to 30% then put on download mode? Any feedback will be appreciated.
BR\
My husband and I also ran into the problem of having our Samsung Tablet E nook 2017 model stuck on Retail Mode.. we tried EVERYTHING we could possibly think of after the 5444 password didn't work. We rooted, we downloaded "easy uninstalled" apps, did the hard reset with the 3 button deal.. nothing! Then we finally came across a few passwords we were willing to give a try.. so when you go to the retail mode bar and it prompts you for a password to uninstall try blue. The word BLUE but in lowercase.. and it worked! We were then given tons of options and finally got that crap off our paid for device. I'm 100% sure that any device purchased from Best Buy and stuck in retail mode will use the password blue. A few other passwords we came across that might be worth a shot if blue doesn't work are: galaxy and unlimited. (Each by themselves as one password) Well good luck, we know how frustrating this has been!!
Skapino said:
Hi huntejes,
I've a SM-T650NU unit and have the same issue you faced on the Odin step (of course I'm using the specific TWRP file for my unit) just want to know what error showed up. In my case it returned: FAIL! (Auth).
Will let the battery fully drain and after that repeat the TWRP flash. Do you remember (step by step) what you did after the battery drained? I mean charged to 30% then put on download mode? Any feedback will be appreciated.
BR\
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, I have a SM-t560nu and I feel your pain. For months I was trying to find a solution and had to deal with obnoxious fools who couldn't get it thru there heads that this was NOT the usual Samsung Retail Mode but a special piece of software that puts the tablet into a rolling cycle of 2-10 minutes, shuts off all developer options, locks frp and basically makes anything you do null and void. I tried every password Imaginable including "BLUE," "5444" and the oft repeated "M729Q16K8546" all to no avail.
Here's the deal: this IS unique software and you'll find it at retailsamsung.com. (I can't post the actual url because of the new user rules, which is kind of funny because I've been a member for about 10 years but I don't think I've ever posted anything.)
Go there, search your device and download 2 items: One will be your installation package (for instance "Samsung_Retailmode_Global_Common _141006.apk") and the other will be called "RetailMedia.main." Download both to na sd card, put the sd card in your device, move the programs from the sd card to the download area ON the device. Now start your device, got to the download area and tap on the first program, the apk. Enter 5444 as your password, follow the instructions. the second password will be "M729Q16K8546." This will remove the Retailmode software and most likely trigger a Samsung lock. Go to Sammobile, download the original firmware and congrats, your new tablet is finally working right.
I was wary of downloading software from such a plain site, especially one I've never heard of but I figured after 6 months of no luck and my new tablet just sitting in a drawer, unusable, what did I have to lose? Well, it works, i'ts awesome and it's like new.
Hope this helps.
Mfb5159, You Are Awesome! A friend entrusted me to remove the Retail Mode from her Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7. I tried Everything. The passwords that can be found everywhere online, circumventing the FVP (of course that was useless), downloaded & installed the firmware with Odin in download mode... nothing. Then I ran across this forum. Tried two versions of retail mode from RetailSamsung.com and the second one worked. I had to open the retail app I installed, enter the generic passwords (5444 & the M729Q16K8546), then it gave me the option to factory reset the device. I chose yes & it worked! No sign of Retail Mode on the tablet. It's like a brand new tablet!! The .apk file that worked for me was SamsungRetailMode_GlobalCommon_141006
Thank you So Much for your help.
I hope I'm not posting on a dead thread. I saw a good deal on a T813 in retail mode (will provide link if needed, it's on a very popular and legal south american online store). The thing is, as explained by the vendor, someone attempted to remove the retail app and now is stuck on a countdown in the lock screen. After some time it reboots itself. I've been reading a lot about the topic and the main problem seems to be the OEM unlock off. Now apparently I won't be able to access any feature of the device at all. I thought maybe I could reinstall the retail mode and get back the app or just boldly odin flash twrp and a stock rom risking myself to an FRP lock.
However I thought better ask advice first, so what do you think? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Well, I bought it and first day has been no success. I can access guest user, could log in to my ggl account and downloaded some apps. OEM, third party apps and developers are out of reach and cannot access main account. No sign of retail app.
Flashed new stock rom, FRP asks for a password, tryed 5444 Mz$%"#$%& blue galaxy unlimited with no luck. Attempts to flash twrp via odin fail due qst (?) error. I guess because is OEM locked. Flashed some older rom and still a countdown that doesn't let me in in main account.
So far, this is my progress with it. Any advice to flash twrp, remove frp lock and/or remove retail mode? Thanks in advance
_Iffer_ said:
Mfb5159, You Are Awesome! A friend entrusted me to remove the Retail Mode from her Samsung Galaxy Tab A 9.7. I tried Everything. The passwords that can be found everywhere online, circumventing the FVP (of course that was useless), downloaded & installed the firmware with Odin in download mode... nothing. Then I ran across this forum. Tried two versions of retail mode from RetailSamsung.com and the second one worked. I had to open the retail app I installed, enter the generic passwords (5444 & the M729Q16K8546), then it gave me the option to factory reset the device. I chose yes & it worked! No sign of Retail Mode on the tablet. It's like a brand new tablet!! The .apk file that worked for me was SamsungRetailMode_GlobalCommon_141006
Thank you So Much for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the same, although I had to use the older ap_SamsungRetailMode_Global_Tab_A_L_v1.0.4_15031100_M15031100_P0.apk with my SM-T550 (Galaxy Tab A (2016) 9.7") - I also had to stop the existing RetailMode Service from running by opening applications, swipe across to Running Applications, and tap on the Retail Mode executables to disable the "Sta" service. Annoyingly if you accidentally get the password wrong then it'll reset itself and delete the newer APK and you have to start the whole process over again
Could anyone at least point me in the right direction please? I can't access the main user of the tablet because there's a lock on the screen saying "Try again in 1440 minutes" which is a day. It self reboots every 5 minutes and each time the 1440 minutes thing resets. I booted in safe mode, now it doesn't reset and countdown is set for the next 4 hours.
Please, any light on the matter will be great. I have 4 days to return and I wouldn't like to do it cause it was extremely cheap unless, but I don't want to end with an expensive brick either.
Huntejes,
I had the same experience as you with my SM T810. The particular version of the Samsung Retail app (com.samsung.sta.retailagent.lite 6.9.20161101) installed on my unit didn't have a 'configuration settings' option; instead an option called 'Store Settings' prompted a password entry - but admin passwords 5444, blue, galaxy, unlimited all failed.
So then I went the Odin/flash stock firmware route. Unfortunately, despite two rounds of that, the Retail Mode application and restrictions remained. However, what did arise from this seemingly pointless process was the ability to enable installation of third party apps under Settings - all other admin access and functions (i.e. factory reset, program uninstallation, etc.) remained under the restricted control of Retail Mode. I went through that process about a year ago, assuming I had failed - the restrictions remained, and I was out of ideas/options.
Two days ago, I decided to revisit the problem, having to reeducate/remember what I had done previously along the way. Eventually, I came up with a novel workaround that hadn't occurred to me before - side-loading an apk file containing a different version of the Retail Mode software. Ironically, this worked. After installing and running the alternative Retail Mode app, using admin password 'blue' I was able to uninstall the original (i.e. problem) Retail Mode app, enable factory restore, and execute a complete wipe, which was successful.
I know this thread has been silent for a while, but it was one of only two threads that I thought took the larger conversation beyond the first basic step and I thought that contributing to it would be a small way to express my thanks.
Cheers.
---------- Post added at 04:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------
It now seems that others (SeriousEion) have used the approach I mentioned above to successfully bypass Retail Mode in several of the most troublesome cases - it's very interesting to me that this thread only reactivated last month after having gone dark by the time I came across it in 2016.
---------- Post added at 05:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 PM ----------
It now seems that others, namely mfb5150's post from 20-07-2017, have used the approach I mentioned above to successfully bypass Retail Mode in several of the most troublesome cases - I can confirm that the approach he outlines also works for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (SM T810) using the apk files available from samsungretail.com
So thank you, mfb5150, for your post - had I seen it earlier you might have saved me an hour or two of trial and error. It's interesting to me that this thread has finally reactivated after having gone dark by the time I came across it back in 2016. I'm not a developer, and have no programming/coding experience, so I hope that this thread continues to be a resource for any others like me out there.
Hi guys,
I have a galaxy tab and sm-t561, which presents the problem of retail mode that you can not remove in any way even with odin, I wanted to ask, how do I install a version of retail mode via apk? I downloaded the new version of retail mode but how do I install it?
whchapma said:
Huntejes,
I had the same experience as you with my SM T810. The particular version of the Samsung Retail app (com.samsung.sta.retailagent.lite 6.9.20161101) installed on my unit didn't have a 'configuration settings' option; instead an option called 'Store Settings' prompted a password entry - but admin passwords 5444, blue, galaxy, unlimited all failed.
So then I went the Odin/flash stock firmware route. Unfortunately, despite two rounds of that, the Retail Mode application and restrictions remained. However, what did arise from this seemingly pointless process was the ability to enable installation of third party apps under Settings - all other admin access and functions (i.e. factory reset, program uninstallation, etc.) remained under the restricted control of Retail Mode. I went through that process about a year ago, assuming I had failed - the restrictions remained, and I was out of ideas/options.
Two days ago, I decided to revisit the problem, having to reeducate/remember what I had done previously along the way. Eventually, I came up with a novel workaround that hadn't occurred to me before - side-loading an apk file containing a different version of the Retail Mode software. Ironically, this worked. After installing and running the alternative Retail Mode app, using admin password 'blue' I was able to uninstall the original (i.e. problem) Retail Mode app, enable factory restore, and execute a complete wipe, which was successful.
I know this thread has been silent for a while, but it was one of only two threads that I thought took the larger conversation beyond the first basic step and I thought that contributing to it would be a small way to express my thanks.
Cheers.
---------- Post added at 04:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:46 PM ----------
It now seems that others (SeriousEion) have used the approach I mentioned above to successfully bypass Retail Mode in several of the most troublesome cases - it's very interesting to me that this thread only reactivated last month after having gone dark by the time I came across it in 2016.
---------- Post added at 05:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:56 PM ----------
It now seems that others, namely mfb5150's post from 20-07-2017, have used the approach I mentioned above to successfully bypass Retail Mode in several of the most troublesome cases - I can confirm that the approach he outlines also works for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (SM T810) using the apk files available from samsungretail.com
So thank you, mfb5150, for your post - had I seen it earlier you might have saved me an hour or two of trial and error. It's interesting to me that this thread has finally reactivated after having gone dark by the time I came across it back in 2016. I'm not a developer, and have no programming/coding experience, so I hope that this thread continues to be a resource for any others like me out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just follow your instructions and awesome mine is unlock now and downloading the update to android 7.0 thanks bro
I recently had to replace the motherboard on my Nexus 6. I could only find refurbished ones, and bought one on AliExpress, with item description clearly specifying as unlock. I installed it, and it appears it is actually locked status 2. Looks like demo version used in T-Mobile retail network. Some settings inaccessible u such as developer mode or Apps. Trying to get refund but both AliExpress and the vendor are in denial mode.
I have 7.0, NBD92G installed. Very hard to unlock as I cannot access developer mode to allow usb debug. Pressing build nr several times won't help. I get message "you're already a developer" but actually usb debug does not work.
Anybody can help?
Go download factory image from Google and flash it manually by using the command prompt.
@ShernDog: He can't as his bootloader is locked. He can however download an OTA and sideload it.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@ShernDog: He can't as his bootloader is locked. He can however download an OTA and sideload it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. You are right, bootloader is locked too. Would there be any instructions somewhere on your proposed solution (sorry I am rather inexperienced user).
FYBRU said:
Thanks. You are right, bootloader is locked too. Would there be any instructions somewhere on your proposed solution (sorry I am rather inexperienced user).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I figured out how to do this but the other question is whether I won't be stuck afterwards being requested to enter the only registered user's login which I do not have (I cannot register a second user, as this setting screen is locked too). Do I need to sideload the OTA corresponding to current version / build or can I sideload an older one?
Download the oldest OTA available, as long as it is a full system OTA (easily detectable by size). You're going to have to bypass Factory Reset Protection to be able to resolve this, and the older the OTA, the better.
If this doesn't work, you're going to have to fight with the place you got the motherboard from, and file a chargeback with your credit card company if need be.
Ultimately I can go for the refund, but there is no place where I can find 64 GB MBs outside China, which means I'll have to wait again for something like 3 weeks with poor backup device, and with no certainty I don't receive again a locked MB.
I tried with 6.0 OTAs (page with instructions I followed: https://developers.google.com/android/ota#shamu) and even with just older versions of 7.0, I got every time abortion after about 45% installation, with the msg that I cannot update with older versions.
I am a bit confused now, I just tried to install same build as what I had installed (https://dl.google.com/dl/android/aosp/shamu-ota-nbd92g-2b65257b.zip), it worked but it looks like absolutely nothing has changed on my phone. I thought it would have erased pretty much everything. Am I missing something?
OTA updates don't wipe system. That's why nothing changed.
Ultimately, I think you're going to have to go for the refund and take the risk that the next motherboard you get is going to be locked. Unless the version of Android you're on can have its FRP bypassed - and I don't think it can - you're stuck.
Thanks, bad news. Would it be worth trying wipe data / factory reset accessible from the recovery mode + power/volume up menu ?
You can try it, but it won't help. Doing a factory reset will cause Factory Reset Protection to kick in, meaning you'd need to know the original owner's account information.
Surprisingly it worked. I could log in with the google account I used before the reset. Everything works, but indeed I was expecting some more difficulties
@FYBRU: This is one of those times where I'm pleased to be wrong. LOL.
Glad you got it resolved.
So I bought this phone from eBay, like many before it. But this time it came with a twist: when I booted the phone, initial setup ran and all wend fine until I got to the register Google account screen.
There, the phone says: "This phone was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced on this device".
No matter what account I use, I always get a Toast message saying "Unable to sign in to device due to a unknown error. Please try another account or try to sign in again after 24 hours.".
I'm guessing this is some kind of theft protection where entering a previously synced account "proves" that you're the legit owner. The authorised service here told me that I need some kind of proof that I'm the legit owner and surely enough the eBay seller has issued no invoice containing the phone's IMEI (or any similar document).
Anyway, here I am with this gorgeous phone on my hands which is little more than a brick due to this.
Is there any way I could get it to work again? Returning it will just generate more costs for me and I'd like to avoid that.
I've seen guides on youtube where they managed to bypass this security measure, but both methods I've seen failed for me. I guess the version running on my phone is just too recent and plugged all the holes.
Do I have any way of downgrading the software at least? Note that this is a fully locked phone and I can't even start TWRP from fastboot.
Anything else?
Edit: Now that I'm re-reading this post, it occurred to me that there's very little chance that this phone wouldn't be a stolen one. Had it not been, the seller would easily issue me an invoice.
Leaving this post only because my searching hasn't turned up anything on XDA. Probably also reporting the guy on eBay.
velis74 said:
So I bought this phone from eBay, like many before it. But this time it came with a twist: when I booted the phone, initial setup ran and all wend fine until I got to the register Google account screen.
There, the phone says: "This phone was reset. To continue, sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced on this device".
No matter what account I use, I always get a Toast message saying "Unable to sign in to device due to a unknown error. Please try another account or try to sign in again after 24 hours.".
I'm guessing this is some kind of theft protection where entering a previously synced account "proves" that you're the legit owner. The authorised service here told me that I need some kind of proof that I'm the legit owner and surely enough the eBay seller has issued no invoice containing the phone's IMEI (or any similar document).
Anyway, here I am with this gorgeous phone on my hands which is little more than a brick due to this.
Is there any way I could get it to work again? Returning it will just generate more costs for me and I'd like to avoid that.
I've seen guides on youtube where they managed to bypass this security measure, but both methods I've seen failed for me. I guess the version running on my phone is just too recent and plugged all the holes.
Do I have any way of downgrading the software at least? Note that this is a fully locked phone and I can't even start TWRP from fastboot.
Anything else?
Edit: Now that I'm re-reading this post, it occurred to me that there's very little chance that this phone wouldn't be a stolen one. Had it not been, the seller would easily issue me an invoice.
Leaving this post only because my searching hasn't turned up anything on XDA. Probably also reporting the guy on eBay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the Settings / About, what is exact (full) build name/number?
Generally, if you are on Nougat then IMO, rolling back to MM should completely reset your phone.
You cannot flash TWRP without unlocking Bootloader. But that will not help much for resetting Google protection.
Btw, enable Developer's menu, does it allow you to unlock FRP/OEM Unlocking - in that case you will be able to reset all from EMUI recovery.
zgfg said:
From the Settings / About, what is exact (full) build name/number?
Generally, if you are on Nougat then IMO, rolling back to MM should completely reset your phone.
You cannot flash TWRP without unlocking Bootloader. But that will not help much for resetting Google protection.
Btw, enable Developer's menu, does it allow you to unlock FRP/OEM Unlocking - in that case you will be able to reset all from EMUI recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He can't get passed the setup screen
Twisted Prime said:
He can't get passed the setup screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- Boot to Recovery (switch off, press and keep pressing Vol+ and Pow). Does it boot to stock Recovery and does it allow there to Factory reset (it should but if FRP was unlocked)
- Boot to Fastboot (switch off, connect by USB to PC, press Vol- and Pow), do you see Phone (Bootloader) and FRP locked or unlocked?
zgfg said:
- Boot to Recovery (switch off, press and keep pressing Vol+ and Pow). Does it boot to stock Recovery and does it allow there to Factory reset (it should but if FRP was unlocked)
- Boot to Fastboot (switch off, connect by USB to PC, press Vol- and Pow), do you see Phone (Bootloader) and FRP locked or unlocked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is stock recovery. I don't recall the option for factory reset. In fact there's no options at all, save for reboots.
Fastboot says everything is locked as it should be.
Don't know how to downgrade to MM.
velis74 said:
It is stock recovery. I don't recall the option for factory reset. In fact there's no options at all, save for reboots.
Fastboot says everything is locked as it should be.
Don't know how to downgrade to MM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rollback instructions are here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=72153575&postcount=2
But not sure would it allow you to setup.
That is Factory Reset Protection (FRP/OEM Unlocking) - if it was unlocked you would be allowed to reset from recovery.
You can ask seller - maybe he can login to his Google account and remotely remove Google account from the sold phone.
Or you can try DC Unlocker, not sure would it work
https://www.dc-unlocker.com/DC-Phoenix-flash-repair-tutorial
Well, DC unlocker ultimately worked, but not before buying a wrong package, having to ask tech support, etc, etc. Not to mention the guy really has no patience for people who don't have his level of understanding of the subject. Why does he do it then if he hates the whole thing so much?
velis74 said:
Well, DC unlocker ultimately worked, but not before buying a wrong package, having to ask tech support, etc, etc. Not to mention the guy really has no patience for people who don't have his level of understanding of the subject. Why does he do it then if he hates the whole thing so much?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So did you use DC Unlocker to unlock Bootloader or DC Phoenix to reinstall the phone?
zgfg said:
So did you use DC Unlocker to unlock Bootloader or DC Phoenix to reinstall the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DC unlocker. I wanted minimal impact on the OS as the phone is for my daughter and she doesn't do custom ROMs et al
velis74 said:
DC unlocker. I wanted minimal impact on the OS as the phone is for my daughter and she doesn't do custom ROMs et al
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for bothering but I'm interested now - when Bootloader was unlocked (and FRP too), were you just able to pass setup or you needed to do Factory reset from Recovery or how did you get the stock ROM working for you
Final resolution: the seller sent me an invoice. I guess that means that the phone wasn't stolen after all since they can only expect that this will be entered into Huawei databases.
zgfg said:
Sorry for bothering but I'm interested now - when Bootloader was unlocked (and FRP too), were you just able to pass setup or you needed to do Factory reset from Recovery or how did you get the stock ROM working for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The procedure was thus:
1. unlocker unlocked the FRP
2. phone rebooted into a factory reset (low level) mode - it specifically said "low level"
3. phone booted into normal Android where the FRP protection was no longer active. On screen where it previously demanded a previous Google account it now only demanded A (any) Google account as I'm used to from all the other phones I ever bought.
Sorry old post
I work with a private computer repair company and we often refurbish devices, like older computers and monitors. I'm attempting to refurbish an older Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet with Verizon a customer brought in, but FRP is preventing our factory reset. We've attempted calling and emailing the customer for that login information but they aren't responding, so we need to reflash the firmware. Is there anywhere we can get SM-T817V firmware? Also, if we can't find that specific firmware, i there any other version of firmware we can put on it that won't cause too many issues? We don't absolutely need LTE on the tablet, but keeping it would be a huge plus.
Iridix said:
I work with a private computer repair company and we often refurbish devices, like older computers and monitors. I'm attempting to refurbish an older Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet with Verizon a customer brought in, but FRP is preventing our factory reset. We've attempted calling and emailing the customer for that login information but they aren't responding, so we need to reflash the firmware. Is there anywhere we can get SM-T817V firmware? Also, if we can't find that specific firmware, i there any other version of firmware we can put on it that won't cause too many issues? We don't absolutely need LTE on the tablet, but keeping it would be a huge plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on the reason frp has kicked in. Does download mode state any of the partitions are custom or is the device status official?
---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------
Iridix said:
I work with a private computer repair company and we often refurbish devices, like older computers and monitors. I'm attempting to refurbish an older Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet with Verizon a customer brought in, but FRP is preventing our factory reset. We've attempted calling and emailing the customer for that login information but they aren't responding, so we need to reflash the firmware. Is there anywhere we can get SM-T817V firmware? Also, if we can't find that specific firmware, i there any other version of firmware we can put on it that won't cause too many issues? We don't absolutely need LTE on the tablet, but keeping it would be a huge plus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on the reason frp has kicked in. Does download mode state any of the partitions are custom or is the device status official?
ashyx said:
It depends on the reason frp has kicked in. Does download mode state any of the partitions are custom or is the device status official?
---------- Post added at 11:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 PM ----------
It depends on the reason frp has kicked in. Does download mode state any of the partitions are custom or is the device status official?
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FRP kicked in I can only assume because the original owner didn't properly reset the device. The current owner came in and stated it was like that when he bought it. When opening in download mode, it does state the device status as official.
Iridix said:
FRP kicked in I can only assume because the original owner didn't properly reset the device. The current owner came in and stated it was like that when he bought it. When opening in download mode, it does state the device status as official.
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In recovery mode what does it state is the current firmware build?
ashyx said:
In recovery mode what does it state is the current firmware build?
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In Odin mode:
Download speed: FAST
Product name: SM-T817V
Current binary: SAMSUNG OFFICIAL
System status: OFFICIAL
FRP Lock: ON
Secure download: Enabled
RP SWREV: B:2 K:0 S:0
Android Recovery (From top to bottom):
Verizon/gts210ltevzw/gts210ltevzw
7.0/NRD90M/T817VVRU2DQE1
I've tried different sites like Sammobile, Updato, and AndroidMTK. Only Updato has the file, but it's blocked behind a user account wall which isn't sending me an email. The other two don't have it at all. I'm skeptical that anywhere has it.
Iridix said:
I've tried different sites like Sammobile, Updato, and AndroidMTK. Only Updato has the file, but it's blocked behind a user account wall which isn't sending me an email. The other two don't have it at all. I'm skeptical that anywhere has it.
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You either need the combo firmware or an eng boot. Neither of which seem to be available without payment.
The other option is to try one of the FRP bypass tricks.
ashyx said:
You either need the combo firmware or an eng boot. Neither of which seem to be available without payment.
The other option is to try one of the FRP bypass tricks.
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Which of those tricks do you suggest?
Iridix said:
Which of those tricks do you suggest?
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I can't recommend one, but you will find them on Google. They do work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tI...IwAHoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3l1hlLK_t6mCf53D6HPFrR
ashyx said:
I can't recommend one, but you will find them on Google. They do work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tI...IwAHoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3l1hlLK_t6mCf53D6HPFrR
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The video you recommended is in Spanish, which isn't necessarily a problem. The problem is the tool he says to use doesn't work anymore (the download link is broken, taken down by MediaFire's TOS). If you've got any other suggestions, I'd be glad to consider them.
Iridix said:
The video you recommended is in Spanish, which isn't necessarily a problem. The problem is the tool he says to use doesn't work anymore (the download link is broken, taken down by MediaFire's TOS). If you've got any other suggestions, I'd be glad to consider them.
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Like I say I can't recommend one, just got to try them. However the methods are pretty generic and I have used the method below successfully on a completely different device:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a-A-poRZPzY
That one doesn't work either. I'm currently running the device on Android 7.0 and I've found a way to get into Settings. All I need to do is find a way to get into developer options and I'm golden. But, I can't do that. If anyone can help find a way to do that, it'd be wonderful.
Iridix said:
I work with a private computer repair company and we often refurbish devices, like older computers and monitors. I'm attempting to refurbish an older Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet with Verizon a customer brought in, but FRP is preventing our factory reset. We've attempted calling and emailing the customer for that login information but they aren't responding, so we need to reflash the firmware. Is there anywhere we can get SM-T817V firmware? Also, if we can't find that specific firmware, i there any other version of firmware we can put on it that won't cause too many issues? We don't absolutely need LTE on the tablet, but keeping it would be a huge plus.
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I had the same issue and bought the files you need to do it on Odin if I can locate them on my laptop. If you are are still in need of them let me know and I will see if they can be loocated
Today I got up real pissed with Samsung for being so restrictive around ROM flashing, rooting, flashing custom firmware or even stock firmware, so wanted to create this post to help anybody considering to get a Samsung phone to stay away from it.
This post is not intended to recommend any specific brand or model of android phone, but to recommend the exact opposite, which brand and model NOT TO EVEN THINK of purchasing.
This post relates to Samsung Galaxy S9 G9600 model which is Snapdragon architecture, but since Samsung is coming up with a bunch of "security features" I tend to think this may be the case for other models as well. I browsed all around XDA and other sources for guides on how to root and install custom roms, and it turns out Samsung manages to have limitations for EVERY step of the way.
Getting a few facts straight
Reference post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga.../rom-lineageos-17-1-s9-s9-snapdragon-t4093301
Ok, so there is a solid thread about a custom firmware and looks like several users got hands on it, but they might have been able to get passed though all Samsung security crap before it came out or before it got so tightened up. I'll list below every limitation I found:
OEM Unlock
There is a step where we need to tick OEM Unlock from the phone developer settings, it turns out Samsung has put a 7-day timer for this option to even appear listed to enable. If you do factory reset of the phone, the 7-day timer restarts. There are a few posts around on how to get passed this timer, but to me they were all crap, none of them worked. STRIKE ONE!
Bootloader unlock
After 7-days, we get the OEM Unlock option to appear, at this point you may think: Hurray!! .... WRONG! Now next step is to unlock the bootloader using an utility called CROM Services... And as you may have already guessed, did not work! I'm able to install the apk, but on launch it complains about wrong android version. (Tried with Android 8 and 10) STRIKE TWO!
There are some posts and guides claiming to be able to unlock bootloader by using fastboot utility, I can't reach to understand how, since fastboot commands rely on the bootloader to be previously unlocked (?). I least that is my understanding, correct me if wrong. Needless to say fastboot did not work for me. ADB lists my device but fastboot doesn't. There are a few troubleshoot guides around to try selecting proper USB driver from windows device manager, tried all that, tried a couple of ADB installations, fastboot didn't work.
Knox and RMM state
After some lookup in the web, Samsung incorporates some security features trying to prevent device theft and such things. For us power users this is in reality just a whole load of crap preventing us to get all the juice out of our phones.
Reference: https://www.goandroid.co.in/unlock-bootloader-of-galaxy-s9-plus-snapdragon/84688/
TWRP Recovery
Next step would be to flash a custom recovery such as TWRP with Odin or adb/fastboot, but since we are not able to unlock the bootloader in previous step, this is not doable at all. STRIKE THREE! OUT!
Fastboot utility doesn't recognize the device in download mode, so we can't send any commands to the phone.
Odin complains it is only able to flash signed stock roms, so since TWRP is not, we cannot flash it.
Rooting
Needless to say that if we don't have TWRP, we cannot flash the corresponding packages to root. Although this step may not be needed to install custom firmware, rooting has not been possible.
Stock ROM Flashing
Ok, so let's stay out of custom firmware - let's play around with stock firmwares. At this point, since flashing stock firmwares is kind of allowed by Samsung I was able to try out a couple from android 8 to 10 with Odin
Stock ROM Source: https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s9/firmware/#SM-G9600
But watch out! Once you get to install a specific build version, you cannot go back or downgrade to ROMS with previous Android build version. So now that I got Android 10 cannot go back to 8 or 9, this is probably because locked bootloader and unable to unlock. Here, Odin complains with FAIL! (AUTH) message.
STRIKE FOUR! EVEN OUTTER!
SIM Unlock
Ok, let's stay out of Samsung S9 G9600 model, let's crash it to the wall and throw it away to the garbage! Ok no, let's have it carrier unlocked and sell. Unlockbase is a well known and trusted sim unlock provider, I purchased a license to unlock by USB cable, but... GUESS WHAT! G9600 is not supported for unlocking operator network with this software... what a surprise!! I was able to apply for a refund and got my money back, so no worries here.
Note that flashing carrier free ROM does not unlock sim to use with any network operator.
I'll be trying to unlocking by code soon, as this is based on IMEI number, I may think this is independent to the phone model and edition, so I hope I have more luck with this option.
Conclusion
G9600 is a really crappy phone to mess around with. I may have ran low on luck with this specific Samsung Galaxy model since I got it as a gift, which is the latinamerican crappy edition. I wonder if other S9 editions and other Samsung models run with better luck than mine on this scenery... But as a lesson to myself, I will stay away of any Samsung smartphone in the foreseeable future.
OEM Unlock
The 7-day lock prevents stolen phones from being factory reset, leaving the thief with a phone permanently protected by your account. While a minor inconvenience, it's actually effective and not the worst compared to other manufacturers.
Bootloader Unlock
After OEM Unlocking, flashing TWRP through ODIN is effectively unlocking the bootloader. This is possible on both exynos and snap.
Knox and RMM
While this is an inconvenience, from Samsung's point of view, it's worth it. It makes the phone look more secure in the eyes of potential customers. If you really wish for NFC payments, I'm still able to use GPay with Magisk on a custom ROM.
TWRP Recovery
TWRP is flashed through ODIN, not fastboot. Look up an actual guide before complaining.
Root
Yes you can
Stock ROM Flashing
The one thing I could agree on with you is Samsung disabling OTA updates when OEM unlocking. I don't see the point really, but you're free to flash whatever you want through ODIN. Downgrading shouldn't be an issue. Not sure what's up with that.
Before buying a phone, how about you do some research before crying on forums. As a power user coming from the Oneplus One, I don't regret going for Samsung in the least.
Thanks for your reply, I had dropped all hope after several attempts over last few weeks. Found this option and I was able to get past my blocking issue with TWRP and moved on.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...er-development/g9650zhu6dta7-android-t4051751
I have G960F and have to admit I totally disagree with your original post. I've been using custom ROMs on nearly every phone I ever had and don't think S9 (G960F) is bad in terms of unlocking. Just did an OEM unlock, waited a week, flashed TWRP through Odin, booted straight to TWRP and immediately flashed a custom ROM from it (because a boot to the stock ROM would replace TWRP back with the stock recovery IIRC). In the end I got sick of all the problems with Magisk and non-working google pay that I went back to the stock ROM - making S9 the first phone I use with a stock ROM even though it can be flashed. I think it's a great phone for power users.
And as far as SIM unlock goes - Samsung is not to blame, the carrier the phone was made for (and purchased from) is. Phones that Samsung itself sells are unlocked. I wonder why there's still some countries where SIM locking remains legal.
This thread is a prime example of how people end up with bricked devices. So much misinformation in one page LOL
I had the 9650 and most of what I'm doing here is user error. This was one of the best devices I've ever owned. I mention of fast boot and such you obviously just do not know samsung devices. You can't blame samsung on your own ignorance