Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
LennartL said:
Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash it using modded or patched ODIN to the U1 non-carrier firmware to get rid of the T-Mobile boot animation. It will also remove the T-Mobile video calling dialer though but WiFi Calling will still work.
What he said^^^ flash the U1 firmware. Note your device will be wiped.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
LennartL said:
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
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Click to collapse
Do not use the one labeled TMB U1. That firmware isn't official and could potentially break OTA's. You want to use the U1 XAA with the same version or newer bootloader than what your device currently has. The the first character of the last five characters of the build number contains your bootloader version. I don't believe the Note 9 has a v2 bootloader yet, but I have only really followed ATT U firmware, U1 firmware, and TMB U firmware. When you flash, do not use the HOME_CSC! remember your device will be wiped and factor reset so back up what you want before starting.
I'm running the TMB U1 firmware. No bloat or boot screens and I get OTAs around the same time as the U t mobile devices. I honestly dont see a real difference from the XAA u1 vs the TMB U1 firmware to be honest
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
LennartL said:
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The non-branded firmware is the U1. The reason the modded or patched ODIN is needed is to skip the check that you are flashing the same carrier firmware. The hardware for the US and Canadian models are exactly the same. The firmware on Sansung's page isn't meant for flashing in ODIN.
Although I have only seen one user experience issues with the TMB U1, which for some reason, gave him a modded software warning when they tried to check for updates. I would stick to using the actual non-carrier specific firmware, which has T-Mobile's WiFi Calling and still has band 71 enabled.
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
LennartL said:
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
LennartL said:
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct! The U1 non-carrier firmware is like a stepping stone, If you want to move from one U firmware to one from a different carrier, you need to flash to U1 first and always make sure you never use the HOME_CSC. The HOME_CSC doesn't wipe the device, which can cause a number of issues when converting. Being on the U1 though, makes it very easy to go back to any U firmware because you are already at the point where you could just straight flash to any U or W firmware as long as the bootloader version is the same or newer than what your device has at that time.
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
LennartL said:
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HOME_CSC prevents wiping while flashing. If you skip the wiping part, you risk having no data, no potential cellular connectivity, no different unlocked bands for the firmware you are flashing to, etc. You pretty much put yourself in a position where you have to flash again, but actually use the other CSC to ensure your device works properly.
Any unlocked USA note 9s willing to upload there modem files somewhere wanna try and make a sim unlock
Help on Flashing Tmobile firmware on Unlocked Note 9
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
lguti46 said:
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. Use ODIN to flash the T-Mobile firmware. It's that simple. You don't need an unlocked bootloader or root. No it won't trigger Knox.
If you need detailed instructions, they have been posted in some of the firmware threads here, o you can go to the Note 8 forums and read through the carrier switching thread. Just follow the steps for flashing carrier firmware. The steps are all the same, you just make sure you're using the right firmware for your device.
Thank you so much! I was able to successfully flash to T-Mobile using the forum threads.
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
LennartL said:
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because U1 XAA is on ARJ9. There won't be a U1 Firmware with an ARH6 build number.
Verizon is my carrier and I am upgrading to an S10 from an S7. I bought a new S10 loaded with the first Verizon version of Android 10, G973USQS2CSL1. I want to get rid of the bloatware and go back to Android 9. My plan is to flash the U1 firmware, G973U1UES2BSIV, using all 4 of the U1 files. Then flash the Verizon CSC file from this firmware, G973USQS2BSIV, so I can get the "Advanced Calling" for Verizon. I was going to try to do that on my S7 but never got around to it. Here's a thread I created on the S7 forum that said that's what I would need to do to run the unbranded firmware on the S7 but also have Verizon's Advanced Calling (wifi calling, video call, hd calling). https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/install-verizon-advanced-calling-g930u-t3997525
I noticed the S10 Verizon firmware now has a 5th file, a USERDATA file. Will I need to also flash that?
I wanted to point out, my new phone is currently locked, but Verizon automatically unlocks it after 60 days. https://www.verizon.com/about/consumer-safety/device-unlocking-policy Will it be a problem if I flash the unbranded firmware on a phone that is still locked? Since Verizon is my carrier, I will obviously be using a Verizon SIM card.
Thank for the help.
You can flash any firmware to your phone as long as it's for the U or U1 models as the "U" means Universal. Bought a phone from AT&T? Flash the Sprint or T-mobile firmware without issues. Same for Verizon and other U.S. carriers firmware.
Flashing the unbranded firmware will get rid of the bloatware, but will also get rid of other features like wifi calling, advanced calling, etc. The user data file is just all of Verizon's bloatware and info crap.
As for going back to Android 9, you can do that as long as you're still on the v2 bootloader. If you've upgraded to the v3 bootloader via OTA, you won't be able to return to Android 9.
StoneyJSG said:
You can flash any firmware to your phone as long as it's for the U or U1 models as the "U" means Universal. Bought a phone from AT&T? Flash the Sprint or T-mobile firmware without issues. Same for Verizon and other U.S. carriers firmware.
Flashing the unbranded firmware will get rid of the bloatware, but will also get rid of other features like wifi calling, advanced calling, etc. The user data file is just all of Verizon's bloatware and info crap.
As for going back to Android 9, you can do that as long as you're still on the v2 bootloader. If you've upgraded to the v3 bootloader via OTA, you won't be able to return to Android 9.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on v2 bootloader. Have you heard of flashing the VZW CSC file on top of the U1 unbranded firmware? Apparently people have done it on older devices, like the S7, that only took the 4 files when flashing. I'm trying to run unbranded firmware but still have the Verizon Advanced Calling (wifi calling, HD calling, video call).
Okay if you're on bootloader v2 then you can go back to Android 9. I haven't heard of flashing the carrier CSC file with the unbranded U1 firmware. It might work or might also brick your phone.
For those who aren't already aware, G998U is the model number of all of the US carrier versions of the S21 Ultra. The G998U1 is the model number of the same device, but sold by Samsung SIM unlocked and with no carrier bloatware. Firmware is 100% interchangeable among these models: any U or U1 firmware version can be flashed to any U or U1 device at any time, assuming that you're not trying to downgrade the bootloader. A "U to U" or "U1 to U1" flash does not require a factory reset, but changing from one firmware to the other will require one. Also, U firmware is identical for the 4 base files (AP, BL, CP, CSC) for each individual build, no matter which carrier it comes from. So if you download 2 different carrier versions of the exact same build, the 4 base files will be identical. Where the firmware differs is in the USERDATA file - that's where the carrier bloatware and customizations reside.
Manual Odin flashing is designed for those who:
- want to manually update to a newer version of U firmware on their U device, either because they don't want to wait for their carrier's OTA or because OTAs aren't working on their device, or a different carrier got a new feature/patch before they did
- want to flash U1 firmware to their U device
- want to convert from U1 firmware to carrier U firmware
- want to convert from one carrier's U firmware (with all apps and bloatware) to a different carrier's U firmware (with all apps and bloatware)
For those who aren't already aware, anyone can now download firmware for almost any Samsung device any time that they want, via the various firmware download tools posted here on XDA like SamFirm or Frija. There are threads and info about them here on XDA so I won't waste time explaining - do a search if you're not already familiar with these tools. But they only provide whatever the latest/newest/current version is - nothing older. I pay for a subscription to a site that gets the official releases (usually) before they hit the firmware download tools, so that's where my files come from.
This is not a "beginner's guide to Odin flashing" -type post/thread, so I won't list basic, step-by-step flashing instructions. My threads are geared towards those who already know what they're doing. If you're new to manually flashing Samsung firmware (or haven't done it in a long time), I recommend you consult one of those "beginner's" guides- there are tons of them here on XDA.
Happy flashing!
U firmware: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=322089
U1 firmware: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=322090
Notes:
- DON'T QUOTE THE OP WHEN YOU REPLY, kthx
- I have lots of threads just like this one for other Samsung flagships, if it interests you. For those who have already made use of my previous threads for a different device and are upgrading to an S21, welcome back
- My zips are compressed extra small for space and bandwidth savings. The default Windows extractor can't handle it, so you'll need a 3rd party tool like 7zip, WinRAR, etc
- it's quite time consuming to download the files, zip them up, and upload them to AFH. And, I do threads like this for every single Sx and Note x model, so I won't be uploading every single version. The only full builds that I upload are ones where I get access to a new bootloader and/or Android version early, before they hit the firmware download tools.
- My naming method for folders on AFH is: build - bootloader - Android version
So "SAT - 1 - 9.0" means the full build number ends in SAT, it's bootloader version 1, and it's Android 9.0. When bootloader and Android versions increment, the first build to have those changes will have its folder notated appropriately.
- HOME CSC file keeps data intact; using the other CSC will wipe data. Flashing USERDATA will also wipe data.
- Since AT&T doesn't allow their firmware to be publicly available (for any of their devices), I'll try to always upload at least one USERDATA per bootloader increment for AT&T (and Cricket, if they get this model). I'll also upload any full builds if AT&T is the only carrier to get that specific build, because you won't be able to find the files anywhere else.
- For identifying USERDATAS, and to know what region/CSC to use in the firmware download tools if you're downloading yourself:
AIO = Cricket (not available via firmware download tools)
ATT = AT&T (not available via firmware download tools)
BST = Boost Mobile
CCT = Xfinity Mobile (Comcast)
CHA = Spectrum Mobile (Charter)
DSH = Dish Network
SPR = Sprint
TMB = T-Mobile
TMK = Metro PCS
USC = US Cellular
VZW = Verizon (available via firmware download tools, but Manual Entry is required - Auto will not work)
XAA = U1 firmware
- the correct procedure for switching from one carrier's firmware to another carrier's firmware is:
1. Flash full U1 firmware package including non HOME CSC
2. Upon boot, insert a SIM of the carrier whose firmware you want
3. Watch for the popup that says "reboot to apply new carrier settings" etc, and do it
4. After that restart completes, reboot back to Download mode and flash the full U firmware package, with the USERDATA file of the carrier whose firmware you want
Flashing the U1 right away when my Devices arrives
Polishow said:
Flashing the U1 right away when my Devices arrives
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I post it
That, and so that anyone interested can dig through the firmware for anything interesting.
I'm uploading in order of model number, so Ultra is last unfortunately - and my upload speed is only 10 Mbps. Should be up in the next few hours though
Initial U firmware and AT&T USERDATA are posted, along with U1 firmware. U firmware is not yet accessible in the firmware download tools like SamFirm and Frija, but if anyone wants a different carrier's USERDATA (for flashing bloatware to a U1 device or for converting a U device from one carrier's bloatware to a different one), let me know and I'll get it for you
Are anyone know if Is the version SM-998U or SM-998U1 have or not dual SIM?
Thanks for doing this ! My phone arrives Wed and of course I wanna flash the U Home CSC to my unlocked U1 device so I can get the AT&T calling features. Are the ones you've uploaded the latest firmwares?
And thanks again for always taking time to do this!!!
Sorry for the possible silly question, but I am coming back to the Galaxy after 4 years on the Pixel and haven't been flashing for a while.
I am getting an Ultra from T-Mobile. If I flash the U1 (to remove the bloat) and then follow the instructions above, it says it will put the carrier files on there. Will that just put the bloat back on? I guess I was wondering if it would make it "stock" going forward. I just wanted to figure that out before I set the phone up since it requires a factory reset. Thanks!
crowax said:
Sorry for the possible silly question, but I am coming back to the Galaxy after 4 years on the Pixel and haven't been flashing for a while.
I am getting an Ultra from T-Mobile. If I flash the U1 (to remove the bloat) and then follow the instructions above, it says it will put the carrier files on there. Will that just put the bloat back on? I guess I was wondering if it would make it "stock" going forward. I just wanted to figure that out before I set the phone up since it requires a factory reset. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's not what it says - I think you're mis-reading. Flashing U1 removes bloat, period. If you want the bloat gone, you have no need to do anything else other than simply flashing U1 firmware
iBowToAndroid said:
No, that's not what it says - I think you're mis-reading. Flashing U1 removes bloat, period. If you want the bloat gone, you have no need to do anything else other than simply flashing U1 firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh perfect. I checked again after your post and my confusion was at
"the correct procedure for switching from one carrier's firmware to another is". I was thinking it was the procedure to switch from a carrier firmware to any other firmware including U1. So the re-adding of the carrier files didn't make sense.
Thank you very much for your quick answer!
OP Requested my linked deleted
bANONYMOUS said:
Here are links to both Canadian and US official samsung firmwares without bloat
Samsung Official Unlocked Firmware:
Canada = XAC
United States = XAA
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Click to collapse
Go create your own thread if you're going to post links other than the ones in my OP
I do have my own thread about these firmwares, I was just including the Canadian bloat free firmware because you only have the US firmwares. The links are to samfw because they update them regularly so people can get the latest releases where as your links are the current version you linked so if you don't update them then they'll be out of date versions. Do you get paid from your Android File Host links or something? What's the issue? No need to be hostile, just trying to help provide information
EDIT:
Also, when you're flashing between different carrier firmware's, you should only use CSC and not HOME_CSC because keeping the user data sometimes includes the bloat apps preinstalled.
The rule of thumb is if you're CHANGING anything, start fresh with CSC
If you're UPDATING from the same carrier firmware to a newer version, use HOME_CSC.
So for anyone using this guide, it's not recommended to use HOME_CSC when converting over to the bloat free firmware as it's a different carrier release. Not saying it won't work, it's just not recommended, almost like a dirty flash so it could cause stability issues down the road after a few OTA's or something.
bANONYMOUS said:
I do have my own thread about these firmwares, I was just including the Canadian bloat free firmware because you only have the US firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XAC is for model G998W. The title of this thread makes it clear that this is only for models G998U and G998U1. So kindly delete your posts, and keep them in your own thread
Okay, post deleted, but it's probably worth noting that you don't know what the G998W is. Because it's the same phone as the U and U1. During the One UI 3.0 Beta on the S20 Ultra, I flashed G988U on my G988W, and when the beta continued onto the U1, I flashed those firmware files as well. The Canadian S20/S21 is just a non branded T-Mobile with more supported radio bands in the firmware.
If you actually look at the carrier info for the S20 Unlocked U/U1/W firmware, they all say XAC and XAA at the bottom no matter whether it's U/U1/W. They are all the same phone and Samsung even uses the same firmware merged, just different radio bands, and because Canadian radio bands support ALL bands, it makes the W firmware the a merge of both U and U1, so it's actually the better choice from what you have posted because it supports every U/U1/W the best. So your post is relevant to the W models whether you want to accept it or not.
That's why I included a link to the firmware, because it's the same device, same flashing process, completely same procedure, so this thread IS relevant to the W models even if you said U and U1 only, the W is also included in that even if you didn't say it was, doesn't make it true.
Also the only difference between U and U1 is U is unlocked but INCLUDES carrier bloat, U1 is unlocked and has NO carrier bloat.
So, closing info here.
U1 is unlocked, no carrier bloat, US radio bands
U is unlocked, HAS carrier bloat, US radio bands
W is unlocked, no carrier bloat, ALL radio bands
You just need to make sure it's the SM-G998W for AXC and it's the best choice with no bloat.
Just because you clearly didn't know this about the W phones, doesn't mean you gotta get all snappy, I'm just trying to help the community.
bANONYMOUS said:
Okay, post deleted, but it's probably worth noting that you don't know what the G998W is.
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Click to collapse
I'm absolutely very well aware of what W models are. Thanks.
Then why are you mad I included it when it's the same device? I don't get why you're being salty about it. I'm just trying to help out.
bANONYMOUS said:
Then why are you mad I included it when it's the same device? I don't get why you're being salty about it. I'm just trying to help out.
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Click to collapse
1. Not mad at all
2. It's the same device internally, yes. But this thread is about software - not hardware. And the software being discussed is the USA firmware, not the Canadian firmware.
sorry I've also been out of the firmware game for a while too. I have a U1 from Samsung unlocked S21 Ultra and need to put the ATT carrier firmware on it. If I'm reading this right, I'm using Odin and flashing the XAA U1 firmware without a sim, when it reboots and reads updated SIM carrier setting at reboot then I am shutting it down and immediately attempting to install the ATT U1 firmware (all BL, AP, CP, CSC (non HOME CSC)? I don't see where I would select USERDATA but I need the ATT options (was going to exchange it but I got all the incentives)
alfredtv said:
sorry I've also been out of the firmware game for a while too. I have a U1 from Samsung unlocked S21 Ultra and need to put the ATT carrier firmware on it. If I'm reading this right, I'm using Odin and flashing the XAA U1 firmware without a sim, when it reboots and reads updated SIM carrier setting at reboot then I am shutting it down and immediately attempting to install the ATT U1 firmware (all BL, AP, CP, CSC (non HOME CSC)? I don't see where I would select USERDATA but I need the ATT options (was going to exchange it but I got all the incentives)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If your phone is already running U1 firmware, there's no need to flash it again
2. If you don't see the USERDATA slot, you have a very old version of Odin
It is running U1 but I need the ATT bloatware.....I'm on FirstNet and the only way it will connect correctly is if it's running the ATT built in config files. So I'm trying to go from clean to dirty!!