Related
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=61672737&postcount=622
By autoprime
DON'T OTA
going to post this once... please spread the word into the other G4 subforums and any related posts anywhere.
I'm not sure if this is cause for alarm... but just putting the warning out there... based on viewing the latest USCC and T-Mobile files... these recent OTAs for USA carriers seem to be implementing "antirollback" which means you can never "go back" to a lesser version. To simplify things... fresh out of the box all of your phones were at "0" and now after the OTA they're at "1". Both the TMO and USCC KDZ file's are based on the OTA which is a "1" so there's no concern of flashing an older KDZ by mistake... at least for now. Not sure what will happen with future updates.
Can only confirm this on the TMO H811 and USCC US991... Still waiting on Sprint users to grab the OTA URL or zip name for me so I can inspect that... but I suspect all of the recent OTAs from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon also used the "1" update. The European/Asian/Etc variants still seem to be using the "0" version.. even after the recent updates. [Not every OTA will bump up the "version"]
I can't say what this means as a whole just yet... Maybe nothing at all. But perhaps for those who wish to stay at that fresh "0" for now... try your best to avoid the OTA update. I know the intl phones can disable updates but this option has been removed in USA variants. There are talks of an app that allows you to disable apks on your phone... I haven't used it myself but perhaps for those who want to maybe block the OTA app (LGDMSClient.apk)... worth checking out. This is said app: http://forum.xda-developers.com/andr...bloat-t2998294
apks to attempt to disable:
/system/priv-app/LGDMSClient/LGDMSClient.apk (not in all phones)
/system/priv-apps/LGUpdateCenter/LGUpdateCenter.apk
Again.. I don't really know what any of this means just yet... just reporting what I do know. Spread the word.
And for those who were forced to OTA.. or saying this post has come too late.. everyone knows to never ever OTA.. and the app to disable OTA has been around for a bit now. I'm sorry but..
Cross fingers and hope I'm wrong
Phones with "v1" status confirmed:
H811 10H
US991 10C
Seems to work
Thanks for the heads-up. Tried this on my H811 and it seemed to work. It is not able to block the apps, but it can disable them. Hopefully that is enough to stop an OTA.
I did get a message from ES File Explorer that the LG World app had been removed and asked me if I wanted to delete it's folder. So that is a good sign.
After reboot the Update Center in app settings has all options, including force stop, grayed out. So that leads me to believe that it is no longer running. Also, all changes stuck per the debloater program after reboot. :good:
Quick question: How do we tell if the phone has taken an OTA update? This generation has been pretty sneaky about running updates without asking thus far. I am currently on build LMY47D, but I am not sure if that is any different than what originally came on the phone.
funkbuqet said:
Thanks for the heads-up. Tried this on my H811 and it seemed to work. It is not able to block the apps, but it can disable them. Hopefully that is enough to stop an OTA.
I did get a message from ES File Explorer that the LG World app had been removed and asked me if I wanted to delete it's folder. So that is a good sign.
After reboot the Update Center in app settings has all options, including force stop, grayed out. So that leads me to believe that it is no longer running. Also, all changes stuck per the debloater program after reboot. :good:
Quick question: How do we tell if the phone has taken an OTA update? This generation has been pretty sneaky about running updates without asking thus far. I am currently on build LMY47D, but I am not sure if that is any different than what originally came on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For T-Mobile the software version of the latest update is H81110h. Find this under software, in About Phone. If you have that you took the FOTA/OTA from T-Mobile.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
That's the one that updated itself by force. H81110H
jnclocker said:
That's the one that updated itself by force. H81110H
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well damn, looks like I was a bit too late. At least I can avoid the next one.
I have the latest software. It didnt ask me just installed it, before I even got phone setup.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
I purchased my g4 the evening before the pre-order for tmobile started .... So may 27th ish early. The girl on The phone said i was The first one to order it. Got it 3days later. When i first powered it on i was careful to not let it update, Which it didn't. Since I've had the phone it has never updated. When i checked software version I'm on h811 10h of lmy47d. I think it came installed with 10h.
<Deleted>
Youssarian said:
Confirmed. I just received one that shipped with 10h and know of one other.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But my point was that I received one of the first ones that were commercially available in the United States. I was three first person to get one thru t mo pre-order. Right the second they became available, and it was 10h
<Deleted>
Those greedy bastards just dont want us to experience happiness. (i.e. root, unlock boot). They want us to just be calm in their regime, so they can 'monitor' what we 'do'. Lg......jeez Its just a damn phone, gimme the unlock bin.
got mine on the 8th, before i walked out of the store it was updating to 10h (didnt know about this till now). i think the sales girl did the update while she had it in her grubby little hands
so if i understand, once you get to 10h you cant go back a version, is that right? didnt this same thing happen with the g2?
It auto updates during the setup process unfortunately. I'm sure she didn't care much about it. I'm a rep and I'm pretty sure nobody that is a rep besides me (out of everyone is talked to) knows much about stuff like this. I'm annoyed that we don't have the unlocked bootloader like the g3. :/
Sent from my LG-H811 using XDA Free mobile app
What app was at this link? http://forum.xda-developers.com/andr...bloat-t2998294 I just ask cause the link is dead and I'm getting my phone soon.
TekGadgt said:
What app was at this link? http://forum.xda-developers.com/andr...bloat-t2998294 I just ask cause the link is dead and I'm getting my phone soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean this link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
its the debloater tool you can use without root
Just purchased a G4 myself and saw it updating at the counter. Pretty sure it updates during the setup process and we have no choice. Current software version in my hands is H81110h. Is this not the original version? Do we have a KDZ in which is older that we can attempt to use to go backwards? Thanks!
thenewbigmack said:
Just purchased a G4 myself and saw it updating at the counter. Pretty sure it updates during the setup process and we have no choice. Current software version in my hands is H81110h. Is this not the original version? Do we have a KDZ in which is older that we can attempt to use to go backwards? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Original was whatever it says on the box label next to "S/W:". Most phones shipped with 10d.
Midnight_Rider said:
you mean this link?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/debloater-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294
its the debloater tool you can use without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funny. Your link worked, but the one the OP used gives me a 404 error. Weird.
I'm getting a g4 this week most likely does this mean I can no longer root my device
Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk
[email protected] said:
I'm getting a g4 this week most likely does this mean I can no longer root my device
Sent from my SM-G386T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is old... You can root with the current update.
Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk
Hi guys, up until now, i have been using Package Disabler to ignore the mandatory AT&T updates that are forced unto my unrooted S6E. Unfortunately, package disabler has stopped working for me, and I've also heard rumors that the developer was asked to unpublish the app. If you guys know of any other way to block these AT&T updates, please share your methods to me. If possible I would like to avoid resorting into rooting my phone in order to accomplish this.
The current build/baseband version on my phone is: G925AUCU2AOF3
Due to this unfortunate turn of events, I'm afraid of turning my phone on and having a mandatory AT&T update install only to lower its performance.
Prandals said:
Hi guys, up until now, i have been using Package Disabler to ignore the mandatory AT&T updates that are forced unto my unrooted S6E. Unfortunately, package disabler has stopped working for me, and I've also heard rumors that the developer was asked to unpublish the app. If you guys know of any other way to block these AT&T updates, please share your methods to me. If possible I would like to avoid resorting into rooting my phone in order to accomplish this.
The current build/baseband version on my phone is: G925AUCU2AOF3
Due to this unfortunate turn of events, I'm afraid of turning my phone on and having a mandatory AT&T update install only to lower its performance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you've already taken the 0F3 OTA update you don't have to worry about root because you can't root that update.
s6freak said:
if you've already taken the 0F3 OTA update you don't have to worry about root because you can't root that update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanted to disable any future OTA updates. is that possible?
Prandals said:
I just wanted to disable any future OTA updates. is that possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not unless you're rooted
s6freak said:
not unless you're rooted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He can use Package Disabler Pro. That let u freeze any & all apps without root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
XRange said:
He can use Package Disabler Pro. That let u freeze any & all apps without root.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call I didn't know that thanks
My situation is similar to the OP's. I just bought my S6 and it came with OF3. Since there is no root currently, I want to block any new OTAs and wait for a root on OF3.
I'm using the Debloater app from gatesjunior - which apks/packages do I need to disable to prevent the automatic OTA updates?
Thanks
Question has been asked many times over many models of the Galaxy S phones...... here's one I found with a quick search from the S5 forum (just ignore that it says use Titanium Backup to do this)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s5/help/stop-att-software-update-t2862076
Thanks for the response, KryptosXLayer2. I'm aware that this has been asked many times before (and I've had the SII and S4 as well), but it changes for each phone, and I haven't been able to find something specifically for the AT&T S6, so that's why I asked as I wanted to be sure I got the right files. I took a look at the post you linked to, but the software that was given were the names in TB and don't match the apk or package names when filtering in Debloater. So, I'm still unsure which ones I need to disable.
shingy said:
My situation is similar to the OP's. I just bought my S6 and it came with OF3. Since there is no root currently, I want to block any new OTAs and wait for a root on OF3.
I'm using the Debloater app from gatesjunior - which apks/packages do I need to disable to prevent the automatic OTA updates?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get Package Disabler Pro. No root needed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Hello.
Does anyone know the actual contents of this OTA update that was released today 11/29/17? After the horrible time Samsung and Android gave me after the Note7 fiasco I have become very untrusting of them. The first Note8 OTA update left me with little options relating to rollback and such things.
I would like to know what is exactly in this update. The page I found is vague. The information they leave for the average consumer is always vague.
If no one knows, can anyone lead me to where I can find more information about this particular update?
So that leaves me at this point. If I install this update will it limit my options as for Odin, custom firmware, etc?
So all that Samsung tells me can be found here: http://doc.samsungmobile.com/SM-N950U1/ATT/doc.html
Thank you in advance for any and all assistance. It is always appreciated.
Have not seen any issue's so far on this OTA.
Head over to sammobile dot com, to read more.
In short:
"In addition to the November security patch, the update brings improved performance in the Calendar, Gallery, Voice Recorder, and Reminder apps, a new secure Wi-Fi function, and a fix for an unexplained Samsung DeX error. The firmware version is N950FXXU1BQK6, and at upwards of 840 MB, is among the biggest OTA updates that don’t bring a major Android version upgrade that we have seen"
Safe? It will, at least temporarily, block any attempt at root. If you're running a Substratum theme, it's best to uninstall it before running the update, based on the experience of those who got the October update. Do not reinstall apps that were backed up while running the theme.
Thank you. I am going to Sammobile right now to read more about it.
douger1957 said:
Safe? It will, at least temporarily, block any attempt at root. If you're running a Substratum theme, it's best to uninstall it before running the update, based on the experience of those who got the October update. Do not reinstall apps that were backed up while running the theme.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it designed to block rooting?
Can you still do the WiFi hotspot trick. Where you try to sing into a hotspot with wrong password then turn on hotspot and quickly turn off WiFi. Can't live without that.
ConcernedCustomer said:
Is it designed to block rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method for rooting Snapdragon phones won't work with updated firmware.
ConcernedCustomer said:
Is it designed to block rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it blocks current SamFail method. The U2 bootloader also cannot be downgraded once installed.
sefrcoko said:
Yes it blocks current SamFail method. The U2 bootloader also cannot be downgraded once installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for explaining. I was wondering if I would be able to rollback to original stock firmware after updating.
How can I get rid of this update and block all future OTAs?
This update is just sitting somewhere in my phone waiting for me to hit that button. What do I do, boot into factory tech mode and clear the cache or something?
douger1957 said:
The method for rooting Snapdragon phones won't work with updated firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I get rid of this update and block all future OTAs?
This update is just sitting somewhere in my phone waiting for me to hit that button. What do I do, boot into factory tech mode and clear the cache or something?
pospower said:
Can you still do the WiFi hotspot trick. Where you try to sing into a hotspot with wrong password then turn on hotspot and quickly turn off WiFi. Can't live without that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this about? First time I'm hearing about this. Is it like getting free internet or something? If the instructions are anywhere on this website would you be so kind as to post the link here.
ConcernedCustomer said:
Thank you for explaining. I was wondering if I would be able to rollback to original stock firmware after updating.
How can I get rid of this update and block all future OTAs?
This update is just sitting somewhere in my phone waiting for me to hit that button. What do I do, boot into factory tech mode and clear the cache or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not 100% sure to be honest, but you can maybe try disabling security updates in settings/security menu or maybe disabling/freezing "software update" through an app like TitaniumBackup.
Check the SamFail thread for more info:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=74074361
I have the unlocked Note from Samsung on Verizon's network. Currently, tethering works straight out the box. Can anyone confirm that this update does not break this? Thanks
I probably wont update until Oreo...
BlueFox721 said:
I probably wont update until Oreo...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm trying to hold out for. I have not as of yet experienced any glitches or problems of any kind so I don't see why an update is justified. Just give us Oreo!!! It should've been pre-built into the Note8.
sefrcoko said:
Not 100% sure to be honest, but you can maybe try disabling security updates in settings/security menu or maybe disabling/freezing "software update" through an app like TitaniumBackup.
Check the SamFail thread for more info:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=74074361
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much. I'm looking into it for more information now....
Took the update. So far so good. OpenVPN and MS RDP working fine as usual. I was a bit worried as I've read reports of updates screwing up WiFi. I've recently tried these apps on three new Samsung devices and had disconnect issues with all. Oddly, one was a dex using Ethernet - maybe this will fix that, I'll test it. Btw the other devices were a Chromebook pro and a galaxy tab a.
Ok quick question just bought new note 8 unlocked snapdragon 835 model, i am on the factory load firmware, i have checked the box for not allowing updates to firmware or software whichever you call it, i dont want anything changed its perfect the way it was born! But this new security update had a notification saying it was ready to download, but i hit closed will it keep bothering me? Or download without my permission even though i checked the i do not want any stupid updates box? Its asked me twice in a month even though i have no update checked in developer options. Some have recommended bk package disabler, however i would prefer a free method and use my computer, is there another method? Thanks for the help.
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the model number?
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Bober_is_a_troll said:
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
joshw0000 said:
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
IqD said:
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
bober10113 said:
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
Or this comment:
" I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
And your screenshot really doesn't tell me anything. It's possible to have an unlocked bootloader AND official firmware at the same time. The operating system and bootloader are two different things. It's only when you modify the system that you have to hack the status to make it say official.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
edit
and the photo of my device status was just a way to show how i know device actual status and bootlaoder state aren't linked. especialy when rooted devices can spoof software status but none cane spoof fuse state in DL mode. so not sure why you are trying to convince me of something i just proved. u can say u agree next time.
bober10113 said:
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
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joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
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Click to collapse
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
IqD said:
I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a troll.
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joshw0000 said:
What a troll.
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Click to collapse
that's the spirit!
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no confusion on my part. i read and understood you correctly the 1st time around.
at first glance your device looks ok but...
additionally, there are ways to check if the device is off a lease with a ESN check. meaning if someone sold you a device still on contract. some sell contractual phones and after a period of time they will get blacklisted since the contract is never payed off fully. so device would appear to work fine and one day they just stop getting a signal and esn/imei get blacklisted.
side note:
surprised that this was not brought up earlier in the conversation as a factor to watch out for by some "experianced in the field flipping devices" user instead of stating the obvious like device status and the unreliable means to check it. especialy since, said user stated buying and selling hundred and even thousands of phones...!? ESN state would be no. 1 in the check list if things to watch out for.
anyways back to the current case, there are ESN/IMEI check services in the web to see status of device: stolen, still on contract...etc. i cannot provide any suggestion to these services unfortunately. this is something you need to check yourself or ask around.
good luck
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
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Click to collapse
Reading this thread I've come to the conclusion that you should sell your rootable and boot unlockable device and buy a locked down USA model.
Thank me later. Least you'll be able to sleep well now.
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IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's about as safe, in terms of spyware, as you'll ever get from a used phone. I would assume you checked the ESN before buying it but if not, run a check with swappa.com/esn and checkesnfree.com to make sure it's clean. Screenshot the results and save them. Depending on your carrier you can likely run a check on their website and/or call support and ask them as well. As with any unlocked phone, know that you may not get all of the features that a carrier branded phone would have (i.e. I couldn't get WiFi calling working on a Korean S10 on Verizon).
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