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My original GS5 had a broken gyroscope and I had it replaced a few weeks ago. I didn't expect or realize that Asurian, the company that does At&t's insurance, would send me one running Lollipop, still in original packaging no less. After trying and failing to downgrade to 4.4.2 for hours, I found out that it's not possible.
So, with no exploits to work with, a locked and encrypted bootloader, and some Xposed Modules no longer working from the looks of some forum posts, is GS5 rooting officially dead? Is there some other option that hasn't been considered to acquire root? Since I'm out of warranty, I don't care about tripping KNOX.
Is it possible to completely remove all the software on the phone and replace it with rooted software? I know it may sound idiotic, but I'm no developer, just a guy who likes tinkering with tech, so go easy on me please. I only ask this because I was thinking of getting some outside help to possibly decrypt the bootloader. I've read on other forums that trying to decrypt a phone bootloader is a worthless endeavour but it didn't stop me from looking. As it turns out, even with an extensive Google search, there is no explaination of the subject of bootloader decryption, no software to use, no experts in the field explaining their experience or anything at all helpful.
I'm very much pissed that my first dive into the Android (customizable) experience with the GS5 was first stilted by At&t and now killed. I have not seen any updates indicating any progress on rooting and I'm hoping it's only because I missed it. Considering the time elapsed and the bounty for decrypting the software never being claimed, shall I lose hope and wait out this crappy device until I can buy a new one? Or, is root still of some concern?
Hey, I'm sorry to hear about your loss of root. As far as I know it's dead for now unless someone comes up with something. Not sure if anyone has tried flashing a boot loader from another carrier or not but, that might work. Only thing is, if it doesn't you lost your phone.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Yeah, that will brick the phone. Can't flash bootloaders from other carriers to a locked bootloader.
chadderbox said:
Yeah, that will brick the phone. Can't flash bootloaders from other carriers to a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Guess we may need to raise another $18,000 for developing a root. Is there no other geobot out there talented enough?
fleece said:
Guess we may need to raise another $18,000 for developing a root. Is there no other geobot out there talented enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or just not buy phones from carriers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
If I could find a SM-G800M at a decent price, I would! It's the only mini model with all four of the same LTE and LTE-A bands that AT&T operates.
unixasaurusrex said:
Or just not buy phones from carriers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be following that advice in the future!
Furious over the forced 5.0 FOTA upgrade with ATT's bootloader and no way to flash 4.4.2. or a custom rom...
---------- Post added at 21:53 ---------- Previous post was at 21:49 ----------
fleece said:
Guess we may need to raise another $18,000 for developing a root. Is there no other geobot out there talented enough?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll donate large sums to this cause just on principle.
ATT hasn't completely locked down their Galaxy Notes (it can be flashed back to their 4.4.2 stock rom from 5.0.1)... Just primarily their S5...
Maybe a dev can look into this for a possible root...
http://www.networkworld.com/article...-a-simple-mms-message-or-multimedia-file.html
There is a part of the article that mentions root access is possible, now if it could be a permanent root is the real question.
johnkirchner said:
Maybe a dev can look into this for a possible root...
http://www.networkworld.com/article...-a-simple-mms-message-or-multimedia-file.html
There is a part of the article that mentions root access is possible, now if it could be a permanent root is the real question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posed the same question, whether the devs thought stagefright could be used to facilitate rooting the ATT Note 4 and @graydiggy was awesome at explaining the exploit may only work on phones without write protection (the Nexus line).
Wonder if Joshua Drake (who discovered the flaw) would be willing to assist xdaers with this ATT S5 root issue should a proper bounty be offered. Seems Google paid him only about $1500 for reporting the problem and for the patches he created and sent (to Google)...
Currently, @Kingxteam gets mad respect for developing a tool to root otherwise unrootable phones. They have yet to add ATT's galaxy S5 (SM-900A) to their list of supported phones but I suspect they're working on it. Maybe PM them?
Hope is good thing... maybe the best of things.
Cave Canem said:
...Currently, @Kingxteam gets mad respect for developing a tool to root otherwise unrootable phones. They have yet to add ATT's galaxy S5 (SM-900A) to their list of supported phones but I suspect they're working on it. ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go Kingxteam !!! All glory and honor and praise to you all -- especially if you can "tame this wild horse" with a root. :victory:
I'm new to all this rooting and don't understand any of the language yet but would like to start rooting. Unfortunately the phone I have seems to be unrootable. Anyone know if I can root my memo pad 7 on AT&T don't know model number but I do know it's running kk4.4
Just got this phone a week ago and returning/exchanging isn't an option for me. I really hope there are still some ambitious devs out there looking for a solution to rooting the lollipop OC4 version, although I fear the majority have moved on. :crying:
There isn't much talk here about the zenfone 2 laser and everything all info I can find on XDA and other websites about routing the ZF2L seem to be registered to the non US version or discuss only the non laser version.
XDA forum has post for joining the WhatsApp group, but I'm not seeing the point of joining a phone app for a phone that I am going to be rebooting while looking to troubleshoot things with the phone. Maybe they have a solution, and if so post it up here as well as a link.
Has anyone made any headway with rooting this device? Let's get a single thread to focus efforts on getting a workable root for the ZE551kl US version of the Zenfone 2 laser.
It sure would be nice to rid this device of all that bloatware.
I'll be checking back here for good news I hope soon.
Same here. Placing my order soon, and this is the ZF2L model that I want.
I've been poking around for information about the ze551kl also. Mine came yesterday. So far it doesn't seem like anyone is working on root for it yet, but that's probably due to the fact that not very many people own one. The good news is it has been selling out on Amazon and Newegg, so hopefully someone will be able to figure it out soon.
From everything I've gathered so far, the process to root it should be nearly identical to the ze550kl since the hardware is so similar. I imagine that once someone who knows what they're doing looks at it, they'll be able to figure it very easily.
Also, Asus will likely release a bootloader unlocking tool at some point in the coming months. The unlocker for the ze551ml was released sometime around 6 months after the phone came out.
bennettj1087 said:
I've been poking around for information about the ze551kl also. Mine came yesterday. So far it doesn't seem like anyone is working on root for it yet, but that's probably due to the fact that not very many people own one. The good news is it has been selling out on Amazon and Newegg, so hopefully someone will be able to figure it out soon.
From everything I've gathered so far, the process to root it should be nearly identical to the ze550kl since the hardware is so similar. I imagine that once someone who knows what they're doing looks at it, they'll be able to figure it very easily.
Also, Asus will likely release a bootloader unlocking tool at some point in the coming months. The unlocker for the ze551ml was released sometime around 6 months after the phone came out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asus will only release the bootloader unlock when someone from xda discovers it.
Selling out doesn't mean more ownership. Chances are they are only selling a few units to test the waters.
Posted using my phone.
Root Zenfone 2 laser ZE551KL
Agreed.
drapnea said:
There isn't much talk here about the zenfone 2 laser and everything all info I can find on XDA and other websites about routing the ZF2L seem to be registered to the non US version or discuss only the non laser version.
XDA forum has post for joining the WhatsApp group, but I'm not seeing the point of joining a phone app for a phone that I am going to be rebooting while looking to troubleshoot things with the phone. Maybe they have a solution, and if so post it up here as well as a link.
Has anyone made any headway with rooting this device? Let's get a single thread to focus efforts on getting a workable root for the ZE551kl US version of the Zenfone 2 laser.
It sure would be nice to rid this device of all that bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picked one up yesterday for my pop's. I, too, am hoping that a root may be possible in the near future. I don't like the bloatware and the OS at all. Wish I can slap CM on it.
Subscribed to thread. I hope something turns up eventually. Phone seems very fluid but it comes with loooooots of extra apps, hoping for a CM build soon.
I'm getting exceptional battery life with factory rom- 60% left at end of day yesterday- thats 2 days with same results. Imagine what could happen without bloat! So far- I love this device.
same here ... want root access lol
---------- Post added at 10:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:17 PM ----------
found only ZE550KL images that give root, but it doesn't exactly work fine on ZE551KL (touchscreen issues due to different density)
http://www.asus-zenfone.com/2015/10/how-to-root-asus-zenfone-2-laser-ze550kl.html
any ideas?
I bought the phone today. It is very fast and fluid.
waiting for good news to obtain root access.
any way to change the green color of the icon of the sim 1?
phone itself is great, I like it so far, but ... I noticed the stock firmware (5.0 still here) the push notifications do not work ever for apps like CNN news, BBC news, UPS delivery manager, not sure yet what blocks them still, I even made sure to allow them auto-start in asus manager thingy.
Also Google Calendar widget doesn't refresh current date, content gets updates, not the date on it lol, ASUS messed up something in stock firmware or some bloatware is interfering.
Also it kinda sucks that phone's wifi card doesn't support 5GHz band at all and no 802.11AC speeds ... my old Samsung Galaxy S3 could run 5GHz band, this one can't.
oh, but I love the LTE speeds now, got almost 50/28 Mbps here around NYC through T-mobile.
Other than that, I love it, I need a root too ...
Really was hoping to root this phone bummed there isn't one for this model. Hopefully someone will come along and save the day.
Following.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk
Count me in.. Would also love to see if there will be a CM12 for it.
Not sure if its of any interest; I can't check it out as I don't have the phone yet. asusdotcom slash zentalk slash forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=9340
wykydwyrm said:
Not sure if its of any interest; I can't check it out as I don't have the phone yet. asusdotcom slash zentalk slash forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=9340
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the link, but that's actually for a different phone model. We are specifically looking for rooting the ze551kl (zenphone 2 laser w/1080p screen and 3GB memory.)
What I did find, is that asus has posted the kernel sourcecode for this phone model. It can be found via the support and downloads page on their site.
i'm waiting too
altometer said:
Thanks for the link, but that's actually for a different phone model. We are specifically looking for rooting the ze551kl (zenphone 2 laser w/1080p screen and 3GB memory.)
What I did find, is that asus has posted the kernel sourcecode for this phone model. It can be found via the support and downloads page on their site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, now we only need someone to help us with this. If I am not mistaken, the Kernel needs to be set as Permissive (if ASUS phones works the same as Samsung) - then will we be able to get root...
Anyone knows anyone that can help us with this?
bert269 said:
Anyone knows anyone that can help us with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If nobody responds by tomorrow afternoon, I'll dive in to the world of "custom rom making" and see what I can do. I have some programming and some Android experience.
Anyone work atm on a port of TWRP for Note 8? I cannot wait anymore for a custom rom hehe
Can we use the twrp from S8??
I think its the same hardware. Only more RAM.
Why would you want it on a note? If you want to root and run other os, get a s8+. Wouldn't the s pen become a paperweight?
ZiprLips said:
Why would you want it on a note? If you want to root and run other os, get a s8+. Wouldn't the s pen become a paperweight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Huh? Why would that be? I haven't had a note for a while but had twrp and root on my note 4, spen worked perfectly and saw daily use.
Edit: oh I see what you mean. You mean ported version from the s8 right?
ZiprLips said:
Why would you want it on a note? If you want to root and run other os, get a s8+. Wouldn't the s pen become a paperweight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP is a recovery image and a direct S8 TWRP port wouldn't affect the operating skin, so no S-Pen functionality would be lost.
But twrp don't give root.. I say let start a bounty
ZiprLips said:
Why would you want it on a note? If you want to root and run other os, get a s8+. Wouldn't the s pen become a paperweight?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you've either misunderstood the question or don't understand the concept.
TWRP doesn't affect the OS at all but you can use TWRP to install a customised version of the OS that has more features, less bloat and still keeps all of the functionality of the official OS.
Before I had to move to a Lineage OS based ROM on my Note 3, I used ROMs that were based on Samsung firmware and the S-pen worked just fine.
Torquemada288 said:
I think you've either misunderstood the question or don't understand the concept.
TWRP doesn't affect the OS at all but you can use TWRP to install a customised version of the OS that has more features, less bloat and still keeps all of the functionality of the official OS.
Before I had to move to a Lineage OS based ROM on my Note 3, I used ROMs that were based on Samsung firmware and the S-pen worked just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I've just been relatively happy with touch wiz so I never considered going that route. The last phone I ran a diff OS on was the n3 or n4.
My only complaints would be I'd like to be able to download torrents right to the sd card, and for them to fix the vpn bug.
ZiprLips said:
I guess I've just been relatively happy with touch wiz so I never considered going that route. The last phone I ran a diff OS on was the n3 or n4.
My only complaints would be I'd like to be able to download torrents right to the sd card, and for them to fix the vpn bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the stock software suits you, that's all good. But you have to understand that it doesn't suit everyone and many people want to have more control over how their device looks and behaves based on their needs and personal preferences.
I'll probably keep my Note 8 stock until I either get fed up with TouchWiz or some fancy custom ROM catches my eye, but even then, I'll probably root it and install TWRP as soon as the opportunity arrives.
Torquemada288 said:
I think you've either misunderstood the question or don't understand the concept.
TWRP doesn't affect the OS at all but you can use TWRP to install a customised version of the OS that has more features, less bloat and still keeps all of the functionality of the official OS.
Before I had to move to a Lineage OS based ROM on my Note 3, I used ROMs that were based on Samsung firmware and the S-pen worked just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Torquemada288 said:
If the stock software suits you, that's all good. But you have to understand that it doesn't suit everyone and many people want to have more control over how their device looks and behaves based on their needs and personal preferences.
I'll probably keep my Note 8 stock until I either get fed up with TouchWiz or some fancy custom ROM catches my eye, but even then, I'll probably root it and install TWRP as soon as the opportunity arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your absolutely right. This is one of those moments when I commented without anything of substance to add. My bad, carry on gents lol.
How many retarded Noobs are going to post and ask questions and rooting and roming on a locked bootloader N8? It's locked down, don't buy it than. ****, I ****ing can't stand members that don't read. We might get root in a couple months.....maybe. roming, well pretty much forget about it. I've been with xda for 10+ yrs, modding phones for 12 yrs, android for 7 yrs and haven't been without root for pretty much more than a couple hrs. But this note 8, even stock is amazing.
Death-Dealer said:
How many retarded Noobs are going to post and ask questions and rooting and roming on a locked bootloader N8? It's locked down, don't buy it than. ****, I ****ing can't stand members that don't read. We might get root in a couple months.....maybe. roming, well pretty much forget about it. I've been with xda for 10+ yrs, modding phones for 12 yrs, android for 7 yrs and haven't been without root for pretty much more than a couple hrs. But this note 8, even stock is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm getting the international Note 8, so I'll be having all the modding fun.
Death-Dealer said:
How many retarded Noobs are going to post and ask questions and rooting and roming on a locked bootloader N8? It's locked down, don't buy it than. ****, I ****ing can't stand members that don't read. We might get root in a couple months.....maybe. roming, well pretty much forget about it. I've been with xda for 10+ yrs, modding phones for 12 yrs, android for 7 yrs and haven't been without root for pretty much more than a couple hrs. But this note 8, even stock is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I could not agree more. Every new phone I buy I don't expect a BL unlock. Especially Samsung. I expect someone will come up with a root method for the Note 8 eventually but if not, I'm still happy with my Note 8. I still have my unlocked Pixel XL to play with for ROM testing etc. I just wish Samsung would push Oreo out. I was in the beta and I think Oreo is much better than Nougat. I know it will likely be a month or more before we see it on the Note 8.
Death-Dealer said:
How many retarded Noobs are going to post and ask questions and rooting and roming on a locked bootloader N8? It's locked down, don't buy it than. ****, I ****ing can't stand members that don't read. We might get root in a couple months.....maybe. roming, well pretty much forget about it. I've been with xda for 10+ yrs, modding phones for 12 yrs, android for 7 yrs and haven't been without root for pretty much more than a couple hrs. But this note 8, even stock is amazing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why locked... I use the exynos version? crapdragon US version is locked, but with the F exynos version, bootloader is open and no problem to install TWRP / Custom rom so far^^
TWRP should be literally around the corner. Release date is this week, so TWRP and ROOT should be very close. ONLY FOR N950F and N950FD versions, EXYNOS. Snapdragon or USA or Canada variants are out of luck, just like the S8 snapdragons.
Brava27 said:
TWRP should be literally around the corner. Release date is this week, so TWRP and ROOT should be very close. ONLY FOR N950F and N950FD versions, EXYNOS. Snapdragon or USA or Canada variants are out of luck, just like the S8 snapdragons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This sound great. Many thanks for your info.
Do you have a link there we can check the availability of TWRP and/or Root for N950F/FD?
Or can you post an update here then it is available?
maverickluke said:
This sound great. Many thanks for your info.
Do you have a link there we can check the availability of TWRP and/or Root for N950F/FD?
Or can you post an update here then it is available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait 4 thread in Rom development hope twrp comes soon
Every phone I have had with a locked boot loader has gotten root eventually. Someone will get it running. Be patient the phone has not even official been released.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
What about my 950N? I'd hope that development for the European models would work on all the Exynos variants...
Bushido1992 said:
Why locked... I use the exynos version? crapdragon US version is locked, but with the F exynos version, bootloader is open and no problem to install TWRP / Custom rom so far^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well im on Sprint, and I'm not stupid enough to spend $1000+ on a phone I can't get insurance on and switch carriers too. Voiding warranty I can care less about cause I always rooted n romed right away, but no insurance......hell no. Root will be good enough when it eventually comes long. Also I like SD chips over Exynos anyways. What we need is more of the old school devs back. The Chad Goodman's of xda. I wish Samsung would offer an unlock code that we would agree voiding warranty too like HTC did before.
All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.
CrackyRaps said:
. I really do miss it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But why?
CrackyRaps said:
All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.
raduque said:
But why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?
raduque said:
But why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tel864 said:
You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
CrackyRaps said:
This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait wait wait lets clear this up. the s8 got root within a month or two of it being out. However, this was NOT because "people worked on it hard enough" It was because an engineering boot/build got leaked. This was not matter of working to root the thing then they had a magic breakthrough due to hard work. It was rooted because of the leaked engineering build.
I hope that they end up having the same thing happen there too, I really do. However, I would not keep your hopes up. Samsung is very good about locking their devices down when they want to. The level of dedication and work that a team would have to put in would have to be the equivalent or bigger than the team samsung has working to lock these things down. The problem with that? any team that has that time and money is not going to be working to root a samsung device. they are going to be taking paid jobs and if they did find a security flaw to exploit, they would probably turn it into samsung for a payout.
CrackyRaps said:
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL, welcome to the real world, because things can be made impossible to break into. I'm still amazed at people buying a phone they know can't be rooted, get buy it anyway.
Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050
ait1071 said:
Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good dialog here. One question, is the Exynos version the same in every way as the Snapdragon, especially the having the same 3G/4G LTE Bands?
If so, why not just buy the Exynos version Unlocked from an overseas website?
The only disadvantage would be if they fail to include the newer bands like 23, 66,71,14....etc...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
CrackyRaps said:
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That locked down phone is a selling point. They'll sell far more phones to people that don't care about rooting... and that's before the corporate and government sales.
Can it be unlocked? It's possible. It could happen today, or it could take two years like the Verizon Note4 and require such a convoluted process that many people will screw their phones up in the attempt. In the case of the Note4, it took so long that many developers had long moved on to newer devices.
Are there people working on the unlock? Undoubtedly. But I've found that this work goes on quietly, less the unwashed masses try incomplete methods and end up making their phones useless. (I hesitate to use the term "bricked," because that implies a phone that cannot be fixed by anyone. It is an overused term on these forums.)
I used to flash two or three ROMs a day back when I first got an Android phone in the Droid Incredible days. Perhaps it's my age, but most of the ROMs I flashed had issues I don't want to mess with anymore. While the One UI isn't a perfect experience, the only possible enticement I could see to root my phone would be a full nandroid backup.
And if they do find a way to root, I'll be in the thread laughing my ass off at the idiots who don't know what they're doing and can't follow directions "brick" their phones. A word of wisdom: don't try to be the first. Let others screw up and get the process refined.
CrackyRaps said:
Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter. I was genuinely curious. You might gain a few little things, but you break everything that uses Knox. Samsung Pay, S-Health, Secure Folder, apps like Adhell and Disconnect Pro. Oh, and you NEVER get those back even after un-rooting, so you have to sell it for a significantly lower price because the device is crippled.
Samsung is locking their devices down so they can provide a secure environment for US Government and company use. 97% of the consumer market appreciates the lock down as well, because it's more difficult for malware to use an exploit to gain root and use that to steal passwords, pins, numbers and so on.
If you want to be able to unlock a devices bootloader, add root access and flash community roms, you need to get another device. If you still want to root a Samsung, you need an Exynos device. But again, see my first paragraph.
If you really want to have root then probably the best thing is not to buy a phone till root has been made available. For certain type of phones this is unlikely to ever materialize. The situation is not unique to Samsung, particularly Samsung phones with Snapdragon; as also Huawei phones have become increasingly difficult/impossible to unlock and root.
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
MethudMann said:
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
ethical_haquer said:
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
I'll monitor more closely so let me know if you need any other info
MethudMann said:
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
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Click to collapse
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
ethical_haquer said:
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the research and yes I do have questions if its not too much of an issue:
1.) Carrier bloat is like the usual and can just be deleted anyways correct?
2.) In what scenarios (in case everything was working fine with OTA updates) would the phone have downloaded a version without bloat?
3.) Would updating to the non-bloated version cause any issues since the phone is still carrier locked?
4.) Lastly, for the firmware, would I need to download multiple updates until that point or just straight to the firmware?
If not, I can research the answers as I have been on it on and off for a month with research but other than that, you're a god send.
By the way, if #1 is true, I'll just take the bloatware no doubt just to be as safe as possible.
Thanks again for all the help @ethical_haquer
Been busy researching in the Samsung Note 8 ATT threads and I was able to find the answer to number 4 in that using Full ODIN files is a complete flash and different than just an update which requires the previous updates.
The answer to number 3 from what I have seen no. The only thing is that certain features may NOT work such as VoLTE; pretty much you already answered 3 and I was literally too dumb to see that until I started writing this message. *face palm
Question 2 is pretty much inconsequential so don't worry answering that. Its was just curiosity. But for anyone who does see this possibly, my speculation is that NO, the carrier version would never download the non-carrier version. The non-branded update is for those unlocked phones that receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that were not associated with any carrier, in other words buying a phone directly from samsung's website.
For 1, I am guessing it is "Yes" since I was able to do that in the past with all my other phones. But either way it is not a make it or break it so it doesn't matter.
I have been able to find some full ODIN files for the updates I was looking for, so will be attempting my first flash soon. Will be posting all my findings to the thread I was reading just to potentially help anyone else (though rare since this device is getting real old) who has the same questions I had and I can get them up to speed without having to search everything
Just finished flashing the ATT Note 8 to and the Answer to Number 1 is that NO, you cannot Uninstall the bloatware
Again, will post all these findings to the proper thread in after completed
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
ethical_haquer said:
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
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Click to collapse
You're all good!
I may but I actually have to find one more update I am looking for (Full ODIN FILES). My daily driver note 8 is on N950USQS7DTE5 and it is a T-Mobile Version (though it bein g TMO is inconsequential at the moment. Just thought I might mention it).
That is the update I would like for ATT just so that I know there wont be any differences (or less differences) between my daily driver and this.This is me being picky at this point but isn't the point of life getting what you want? I found one update above that but different bootloader. So for whatever reason may happen, no going back.
What I currently flashed to was N950USQS3BRA8 so it's still on Android 7.1.1 but I did this just to test to the process (my first flashing). Now I am ready.
So I will look for that then flash it and update as usual
Just found, or couldnt find, that ATT has the same update so will just go with what I have. Close as I can get