Mixed Results when ROOTING - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

Hi Gents,
ok so we all know by now that waiting 7 days unlocks the OEM option for the N8 950F, i want to root, my concern is that i have been reading and see that results are mixed, i have seen that flashing a custom FW has soft bricked some phones and you will have to flash back to official FW and wait yet again for 7 days for OEM to show up in dev options....
what i want to know is whats the sure fire way to get it to work (ROOTand CFW) because i dont wanna end up losing the OEM option and then have to restore OFW?
please let me know your thoughts and what you did to have a successful first time flash, my note model is N950F/DS.

mafioso345 said:
Hi Gents,
ok so we all know by now that waiting 7 days unlocks the OEM option for the N8 950F, i want to root, my concern is that i have been reading and see that results are mixed, i have seen that flashing a custom FW has soft bricked some phones and you will have to flash back to official FW and wait yet again for 7 days for OEM to show up in dev options....
what i want to know is whats the sure fire way to get it to work (ROOTand CFW) because i dont wanna end up losing the OEM option and then have to restore OFW?
please let me know your thoughts and what you did to have a successful first time flash, my note model is N950F/DS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't gain anything anymore from rooting that you used to. The phones are already lightning fast.
- R. Kruse Ludington:
Galaxy Note 8<-5<-3<-S3<-Nexus; Droid X; HTC HD2<-Touch Pro 2<-Tilt<-8525; O2 XDA II<-XDA

mafioso345 said:
Hi Gents,
ok so we all know by now that waiting 7 days unlocks the OEM option for the N8 950F, i want to root, my concern is that i have been reading and see that results are mixed, i have seen that flashing a custom FW has soft bricked some phones and you will have to flash back to official FW and wait yet again for 7 days for OEM to show up in dev options....
what i want to know is whats the sure fire way to get it to work (ROOTand CFW) because i dont wanna end up losing the OEM option and then have to restore OFW?
please let me know your thoughts and what you did to have a successful first time flash, my note model is N950F/DS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's cause no one knows exactly why it disappears yet or has a valid fix for it. So far it seems like people are having luck with krabman's method.
KruseLudsMobile said:
You don't gain anything anymore from rooting that you used to. The phones are already lightning fast.
- R. Kruse Ludington:
Galaxy Note 8<-5<-3<-S3<-Nexus; Droid X; HTC HD2<-Touch Pro 2<-Tilt<-8525; O2 XDA II<-XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the past, people mainly rooted for speed tweaks & themeing but those aren't the only reason for root. Speed tweaks & themeing were never the main reasons why I rooted.

Like many I spent time in jail waiting for my OEM unlock. How I spent that time was trying to work around not having root and it was a miserable failure. When talking about the need for root I think it's best that the conversation first be understood to be subjective. A person that doesn't do anything that requires root will feel that it is unnecessary, those that do will consider it vital as a means to get where they're going.
There are many, many, people who said "you don't need to do that" in regards to getting root on these devices who went down in flames. No timer on OEM unlock and not a big deal, you try again until you get it right. We get one try and getting it wrong means you have reset your timer and you're waiting a week. Wait that week and you get one try, failure means another week. A person can repeat that cycle as many times as they want, I'd suggest going all in the first time because no one knows exactly which steps are not needed yet although we have ruled a few out. One thing that is apparent is once you have the first rom install in the rest can be done following normal rom installation procedure so long as they're clean flashes. I haven't tried any dirty flashes but for the same rom I'm thinking it will work, of course when the time comes I might be proven wrong. I'm hoping someone else will get there first and I can take advantage of their experience.
That being said in general the process begins by flashing TWRP in odin. You must leave odin and go directly to TWRP, failure to stop the boot at recovery means a certain binaries error and a week wait. Once you are in recovery you must stay there until you have finished installing a rom that has been de-knoxed. Pay attention to holding the buttons on the phone while you start the TWRP flash as described in the TWRP thread. If you untick reboot in odin then the only way out is to hold volume down/ power which will tell the phone to reboot into system. You must then quickly switch to volume up/bix/power during a small window in order to get the phone to go to recovery. If you miss it nothing can stop the phone from continuing to boot and you have just got a week wait before your next try. If you don't untick restart you can try the same thing when odin automatically reboots the phone after the flash. If you miss it you will get the binaries error and be waiting a week. People have missed it both ways. There is a reason that the TWRP instructions specifically state to prepare odin, hold the vol up/bix/power buttons and continue holding them while you press the button in odin and keep right on holding those buttons all the way through until the phone boots into TWRP. This makes it a sure thing, the other way you may or may not succeed. Lastly we've proven you don't need to remove your SIMs on subsequent rom installs but it remains a question with the first install as there are conflicting reports. If it were me I'd pull them and not put them back until I was fully up and running on the other side. You will need to pull at least Sim 2 in order to put in the micro SD with your rom, verity, and root firmware for use in TWRP no matter what. Feeling frisky and you want to leave Sim 1 in then please report your results in the OEM unlock thread.
So... To install a rom you will begin by following the TWRP instructions to the letter including the format all the way through the process until the end. Some will say you don't need to flash the no-verity, ordinarily I'd agree with them as it is flashed as a part of both the SU and magisk flash but in this case we know that following those instructions in exacting detail works as a first step but not doing so has been a failure for many. Because few have followed the same steps plus or minus a detail from the known working method we don't know exactly which things are unneeded so if it's me I would just follow the known working method. As always those wanting to advance our knowledge by trying something else should report their results in the OEM unlock thread. When you reach the end of the TWRP installation instructions you will remain in recovery and flash your rom and then factory reset. Then flash either magisk or SU again depending on which rom and which root method you're using. Once root has been reflashed you can go ahead and boot to system. Finish the setup before you put the sims back in the phone.
There is a longer throw the kitchen sink method in the OEM unlock thread for those that wish to search, that is what I would do if I wanted absolutely no risk as it seems to work without fail. I've done what I describe here a good ten or more times now as I was the first reported rom install here using the first method and I've been flashing away since then and dropping some of those original steps as I went. I'm thinking it should work for others too but I cant prove it until someone does it. It may be you need the kitchen sink for the first flash, I simply cant say because I would have to go stock to try and I'm not harboring much of a hankering to do that. This being XDA and we being adults please understand that I'm sharing the information based on actual practice on my own phone but there is no guarantee. You make your choices and what happens, happens.

Related

[Q] Fully Stock HTC One M7

So I have a fully stock HTC One and have spent all night trying to unlock the bootloader. Nothing seems to work I have never rooted this phone, everything I have read makes it seem as if it's impossible. I've tried the adb/fastboot, htcdev, and changing CID methods. Plus I have read of various other ways that already require a root. Which I cannot do seeing how I am still locked and S-ON.
To be honest I'm at the edge and I think I'm just going to give up. I'm on 4.2.2 - hboot 1.54. I was a previous owner of the Thunderbolt which was not a bad phone, I rooted that and everything no questions asked. Although I do remember HTC taking the longest for OTA updates, not a huge fan of HTC.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to unlock the bootloader I will be fine from there. I'm positive I have all the right equipment and prerequisites just not sure if I really am at the end of the road.
Anything useful goes a long way right now.
Thanks.....
xxshererxx said:
So I have a fully stock HTC One and have spent all night trying to unlock the bootloader. Nothing seems to work I have never rooted this phone, everything I have read makes it seem as if it's impossible. I've tried the adb/fastboot, htcdev, and changing CID methods. Plus I have read of various other ways that already require a root. Which I cannot do seeing how I am still locked and S-ON.
To be honest I'm at the edge and I think I'm just going to give up. I'm on 4.2.2 - hboot 1.54. I was a previous owner of the Thunderbolt which was not a bad phone, I rooted that and everything no questions asked. Although I do remember HTC taking the longest for OTA updates, not a huge fan of HTC.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to unlock the bootloader I will be fine from there. I'm positive I have all the right equipment and prerequisites just not sure if I really am at the end of the road.
Anything useful goes a long way right now.
Thanks.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what exactly is happening when you try and unlock the bootloader?
xxshererxx said:
So I have a fully stock HTC One and have spent all night trying to unlock the bootloader. Nothing seems to work I have never rooted this phone, everything I have read makes it seem as if it's impossible. I've tried the adb/fastboot, htcdev, and changing CID methods. Plus I have read of various other ways that already require a root. Which I cannot do seeing how I am still locked and S-ON.
To be honest I'm at the edge and I think I'm just going to give up. I'm on 4.2.2 - hboot 1.54. I was a previous owner of the Thunderbolt which was not a bad phone, I rooted that and everything no questions asked. Although I do remember HTC taking the longest for OTA updates, not a huge fan of HTC.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to unlock the bootloader I will be fine from there. I'm positive I have all the right equipment and prerequisites just not sure if I really am at the end of the road.
Anything useful goes a long way right now.
Thanks.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is urs the AT&T One? Then the bootloader unlock process is different. If urs is the standard international SIM unlocked, then ideally you should see a splash after you run the bootloader unlock command, which prompts you to unlock the bootloader. Please state what exactly ur issue is when u try to bootloader unlock
I'm with Verizon but it just gives me a 1 line error message doesn't run through anything else or load up anything. I type in "bootloader oem unlock" or whatever after clearly identifying my device is connected with "adb device" and nothing happens. It takes about 0.14 sec and says something along the lines of "[ERRORR] ......" after running again it takes 0.00 sec and says same thing, I can screenshot if you think it would be more helpful.
Please help, I appreciate both responses. Just really want this to work.
xxshererxx said:
I'm with Verizon but it just gives me a 1 line error message doesn't run through anything else or load up anything. I type in "bootloader oem unlock" or whatever after clearly identifying my device is connected with "adb device" and nothing happens. It takes about 0.14 sec and says something along the lines of "[ERRORR] ......" after running again it takes 0.00 sec and says same thing, I can screenshot if you think it would be more helpful.
Please help, I appreciate both responses. Just really want this to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahahaha Verizon is REALLY REALLY BAD when it comes to dev. support. Ideally, you shouldn't be posting this in this forum. Post it on the Verizon forum. But, I can help you.
http://rumrunner.us/downloads-2/
Download the package. Extract the zip and run the 'soju.exe' program. Please read ALL the pre-requisites mentioned in the instructions tab.
P.S. From next time if you're asking for help, please state that you're on Verizon
raghav kapur said:
Hahahaha Verizon is REALLY REALLY BAD when it comes to dev. support. Ideally, you shouldn't be posting this in this forum. Post it on the Verizon forum. But, I can help you.
Download the package. Extract the zip and run the 'soju.exe' program. Please read ALL the pre-requisites mentioned in the instructions tab.
P.S. From next time if you're asking for help, please state that you're on Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worked like a charm, but now I am having trouble with the recovery portion of all this.
I have downloaded and installed the TWRP Manager app and then went to install the recovery and it said my device is not supported, this same problem happened with CWMR.
xxshererxx said:
Worked like a charm, but now I am having trouble with the recovery portion of all this.
I have downloaded and installed the TWRP Manager app and then went to install the recovery and it said my device is not supported, this same problem happened with CWMR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you'll find more help here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one

Factory reset - Problem.

Greetings everyone!
Few weeks ago, I gave my device to a friend of mine to manually update it. Something went wrong so he decided not to go any further. Yday i tried to "Factory reset", after reset some error pop'd in the left upper corner of the phone.It says:
[LGE_SECURITY] ERROR: boot image signature
Critical failure: Unable to start kernel.
Unrecoverable bootloader error (0x00000002).
Anyone had any similiar or even the same problem as i am facing right now? Thanks in advance.
best regards, Milan
Guy didn't know what he was doing apparently. Your handset is still locked and he apparently tried installing a 3rd party ROM, lemme guess, you wanted a newer version of Android than 4.1., which is a reasonable enough thing. Problem is that out of the box you can't do that because it only boots images signed by LG and they abandoned development after releasing 4.1 and a couple of minor point releases. You aren't totally screwed but if you were having somebody else do it for you, you might need to get some help. You can find the details elsewhere here, or more likely point a more skilled friend at it, but here it is in a nutshell.
You need to get LG's official updating software (from the LG website) and you need to fiddle with it a bit until you get it to do a rescue because it expects to have already paired up with the phone while it was still working. If you already had it installed, great because it will make it easier. Anyway, you will probably have to manually pick your model and input the IMEI since it won't already know those things and it will go out and fetch the most recent image. You will push VOL Down and insert the USB cable from a powered down state, it will then do the rest. Good chance you will even retain your data unless that 'factory reset' you mention actually succeeded.
Of course that will only get you back to stock 4.1. Read around for the official way and several un-official ways to unlock your boot loader. Once that is done you can install a better recovery and then a newer version of Android. But the first step is to restore the stock software since you have to have a running phone to be able to unlock it.
And no, nobody has ever been able to explain WHY they lock them, but every single manufacturer seems determined to do it, chipmakers put a lot of work and ad copy into how extensive and unbreakable the locks on their newest chip is, etc. And then they either bow to customer demand and add an unlock feature or we here at xda do it for them... as a courtesy of course. Truly we do live in the asylum. Wonko the Sane was onto something.

Nexus 6 Motorola Help Needed

Hi - apologies first of all if this is covered elsewhere in the forums.
I purchased a brand new Nexus 6 directly from Motorola this week as they had slashed the price down to just £309 for the 64gb. It arrived Monday. I turned it on, signed into my network etc. it starting updating apps. Then it said that Android 5.1.1. was available so I downloaded it and proceeded to install. About halfway through the installation it crashed. My phone is now stuck on continually booting up and saying 'optimising xxx apps'. After a bit of research, I found that this was a common problem as 5.1.1. was trying to update and some apps were incompatible. So I read many forums and booted into Recovery mode, wiped the cache, wiped data and did a factory reset, but it still won't work.
I called Motorola who told me that they have had many of their Nexus 6s do this and all they could do was to refund me the phone as they now are out of stock.
Further research led me to read about 'flashing' the phone so I downloaded Wugfresh but I cannot get into the phone to enable me to debug. After many hours today I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be able to use my new phone which I am gutted about.
My question is, is there anyway to flash the phone without enabling debugging because I cannot get into the main menu because all if does is just keep optimizing apps?
Many thanks for reading and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
bacon_roll said:
Hi - apologies first of all if this is covered elsewhere in the forums.
I purchased a brand new Nexus 6 directly from Motorola this week as they had slashed the price down to just £309 for the 64gb. It arrived Monday. I turned it on, signed into my network etc. it starting updating apps. Then it said that Android 5.1.1. was available so I downloaded it and proceeded to install. About halfway through the installation it crashed. My phone is now stuck on continually booting up and saying 'optimising xxx apps'. After a bit of research, I found that this was a common problem as 5.1.1. was trying to update and some apps were incompatible. So I read many forums and booted into Recovery mode, wiped the cache, wiped data and did a factory reset, but it still won't work.
I called Motorola who told me that they have had many of their Nexus 6s do this and all they could do was to refund me the phone as they now are out of stock.
Further research led me to read about 'flashing' the phone so I downloaded Wugfresh but I cannot get into the phone to enable me to debug. After many hours today I have come to the conclusion that I am never going to be able to use my new phone which I am gutted about.
My question is, is there anyway to flash the phone without enabling debugging because I cannot get into the main menu because all if does is just keep optimizing apps?
Many thanks for reading and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
draa2711 said:
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he can't try, he has his bootloader locked.
OP, this thread is a classic case of why the first thing anyone should do with this device, even if not planning to root or otherwise modify it, is to enable developer options in settings and enable both USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Without both enabled there's no way to resolve your problem, and unfortunately you'll need to contact Motorola and arrange a return, since they are out of stock.
Once you get your money back, look on Swappa for a used device. You may be able to get a device that way at a lower price than what Motorola offers.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
OP, this thread is a classic case of why the first thing anyone should do with this device, even if not planning to root or otherwise modify it, is to enable developer options in settings and enable both USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. Without both enabled there's no way to resolve your problem, and unfortunately you'll need to contact Motorola and arrange a return, since they are out of stock.
Once you get your money back, look on Swappa for a used device. You may be able to get a device that way at a lower price than what Motorola offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your advice, but I had no idea, probably like so many others who aren't as clued up on Android that USB Debugging even existed. I just bought a phone that I wanted that now is no good to me having never been able to use it because of a bug in 5.1.1. I am returning to Motorola for refund.
Without wanting to raise false hopes, there is a thread in this forum where the OP says he recovered his device even though the bootloader was locked (he was certain of it, he said...), other people replying that this was impossible, and yet they eventually seemed to accept that it might be. My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
I'll see if I can find the thread for reference, but in the meantime does anyone recognise the thread I mean?
bacon_roll, since I'm vegetarian I shouldn't be helping you but have you tried Wugfresh's option of "Phone is bricked/bootlooping"? I think all it does is to reboot the device into bootloader anyway, but I think this might be worth a go if you haven't already tried it. You did mention that you've booted into recovery, but you don't mention bootloader mode.
draa2711 said:
You could try and flash a flash a factory image via fastboot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As per my post, I can't because the phone is locked.
dahawthorne said:
My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could check in the About Phone menu to see what version you're on.
Both Android 5.x and Android 6.x have an OEM Unlocking toggle in Development Options. I know because I followed my own advice given above in my previous post in order to flash the latest Android 6.0.1 ROM to the device, and then checked Developer Options afterward.
dahawthorne said:
Without wanting to raise false hopes, there is a thread in this forum where the OP says he recovered his device even though the bootloader was locked (he was certain of it, he said...), other people replying that this was impossible, and yet they eventually seemed to accept that it might be. My bootloader has been unlocked since day one, and I don't remember if there was an "Allow OEM unlock" option in Settings - the same thread had discussion about Marshmallow not having it. I suppose this N6 is still on Lollipop, so maybe a red herring...
I'll see if I can find the thread for reference, but in the meantime does anyone recognise the thread I mean?
bacon_roll, since I'm vegetarian I shouldn't be helping you but have you tried Wugfresh's option of "Phone is bricked/bootlooping"? I think all it does is to reboot the device into bootloader anyway, but I think this might be worth a go if you haven't already tried it. You did mention that you've booted into recovery, but you don't mention bootloader mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi - please get my hopes up, I really want to keep this phone if I can
Without sounding like a complete nerd, what is the difference between recovery and bootloader mode?
When I scroll through the options with both arrows pressed and power button, I have START, RESTART BOOTLOADER, RECOVERY MODE, POWER OFF, FACTORY, BARCODES, BP TOOLS, QCOM & BOOTLOADER LOGS
I have done factory wipe/cache/restart bootloader etc.
How do I boot into bootloader mode please.
Thank you.
Overly simplistic reply here, but it should be enough to answer the question.
The bootloader prepares the system for booting. Once it's done its work it hands off control of the system to Android's kernel. Recovery is a mini operating system used to initiate low level functions such as wiping the on-board storage. The screen you describe I believe is the bootloader interface, hence why you have a "Restart Bootloader" option instead of "Start Bootloader".
You can probably save some serious money by returning and buying off swappa really. I just broke my N6 and couldn't find one in stock but, used swappa to find one around $260 that was only used for 2 weeks.
If you already have Wugfresh's Nexus Root Toolkit installed, use the "Install & test drivers" button to make sure that you have all your drivers installed properly. If all is ok, although I know this won't be popular advice, then start with the "My device is soft-bricked", then try the "Unlock" button and then "Flash stock" button. If the phone is already a paperweight then I don't believe it can possibly do any more harm, and you might even hit it lucky...
If none of this works, grab Motorola's refund offer with both hands...
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Overly simplistic reply here, but it should be enough to answer the question.
The bootloader prepares the system for booting. Once it's done its work it hands off control of the system to Android's kernel. Recovery is a mini operating system used to initiate low level functions such as wiping the on-board storage. The screen you describe I believe is the bootloader interface, hence why you have a "Restart Bootloader" option instead of "Start Bootloader".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thank you.
I downloaded and installed Wugfresh, followed all the instructions. It won't work once it goes to flash because it can't see my phone connected. My PC recognises it as Nexus 6 but on the 'bootloader' screen at the bottom, it says Connect USB Data Cable, even though the phone says Battery OK (Charging). I tried to install latest USB drivers but apparently the latest are installed.
I am giving up now as I don't believe I can try anything else. Just strange that Wugfresh won't see the phone, yet my PC does.
Thanks.
Oh well...
You did try the Wugfresh "Test drivers"? It has a really helpful walkthrough on deleting and installing drivers. I'd give it a go before you give up.
dahawthorne said:
Oh well...
You did try the Wugfresh "Test drivers"? It has a really helpful walkthrough on deleting and installing drivers. I'd give it a go before you give up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok I don't often use this phrase because I think it's very over rated but O M G - IT WORKED!!
I followed the driver guide in Wugfresh as you suggested, downloaded the CORRECT drivers, flashed it, unlocked bootloader, enabled usb debugging (just in case ) and then restored it then finally relocked the bootloader. It worked flawlessly and after setting up it is now 6.0.1 with the 1 Jan 2016 security patch applied - OTA.
I can't think you enough for your suggestion and advice, I really appreciate it and glad that I persevered with it.
Have a great weekend.
Thanks.
Bacon_Roll (vegetarian version)
That is absolutely fantastic news. I'm almost as pleased as you are. Remote assistance across the ether - you can't beat it with a big stick...
But as your attorney I advise you to go back into bootloader, check the connection (fastboot devices) and unlock again (fastboot oem unlock). This will wipe your device, but I reckon in the last 25 minutes you won't have been able to install much.
There are so many threads on this forum where people have been told "You're stuffed" because they have a problem and have a locked bootloader. Just this afternoon in another thread I read, literally in capital letters "DON'T RELOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER" for this very reason - without it you don't have recourse to the recovery tools you may one day need.
(P.S. Another person whose thread I followed also managed to get a result with NRT after all else had failed. I suggested to him that he might like to thank the developer, Doug Cohen/Wugfresh, more tangibly by donating a few dollars, which you can do through Paypal on his website. After all, he just saved your £300 phone... ).
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
dahawthorne said:
That is absolutely fantastic news. I'm almost as pleased as you are. Remote assistance across the ether - you can't beat it with a big stick...
But as your attorney I advise you to go back into bootloader, check the connection (fastboot devices) and unlock again (fastboot oem unlock). This will wipe your device, but I reckon in the last 25 minutes you won't have been able to install much.
There are so many threads on this forum where people have been told "You're stuffed" because they have a problem and have a locked bootloader. Just this afternoon in another thread I read, literally in capital letters "DON'T RELOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER" for this very reason - without it you don't have recourse to the recovery tools you may one day need.
(P.S. Another person whose thread I followed also managed to get a result with NRT after all else had failed. I suggested to him that he might like to thank the developer, Doug Cohen/Wugfresh, more tangibly by donating a few dollars, which you can do through Paypal on his website. After all, he just saved your £300 phone... ).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understood! I will take your advice on both counts but I was going to donate anyway as it really is a fantastic tool.
Thanks again
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help over the thread Strephon - much appreciated.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
@dahawthorne: I'll have to look into Wugfresh's utility. Not that I need it for anything, but it would be good to have in the unlikely event something goes wrong over here. Meanwhile, bacon_roll should take your advice to heart, because it will save him a lot of trouble in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FFS, it's not a magic wand, people! It can't do anything that fastboot and adb can't. Don't start a religion here instead teaching people to do stuff with their phones, Christ!
Some people were lucky enogh that their phones came with 5.0, and some early 5.0s didn't check yet for the Enable OEM Unlocking switch. You could have typed fastboot OEM unlock and achieved the same.

Samsung: worst ever for a power user!

Today I got up real pissed with Samsung for being so restrictive around ROM flashing, rooting, flashing custom firmware or even stock firmware, so wanted to create this post to help anybody considering to get a Samsung phone to stay away from it.
This post is not intended to recommend any specific brand or model of android phone, but to recommend the exact opposite, which brand and model NOT TO EVEN THINK of purchasing.
This post relates to Samsung Galaxy S9 G9600 model which is Snapdragon architecture, but since Samsung is coming up with a bunch of "security features" I tend to think this may be the case for other models as well. I browsed all around XDA and other sources for guides on how to root and install custom roms, and it turns out Samsung manages to have limitations for EVERY step of the way.
Getting a few facts straight
Reference post: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga.../rom-lineageos-17-1-s9-s9-snapdragon-t4093301
Ok, so there is a solid thread about a custom firmware and looks like several users got hands on it, but they might have been able to get passed though all Samsung security crap before it came out or before it got so tightened up. I'll list below every limitation I found:
OEM Unlock
There is a step where we need to tick OEM Unlock from the phone developer settings, it turns out Samsung has put a 7-day timer for this option to even appear listed to enable. If you do factory reset of the phone, the 7-day timer restarts. There are a few posts around on how to get passed this timer, but to me they were all crap, none of them worked. STRIKE ONE!
Bootloader unlock
After 7-days, we get the OEM Unlock option to appear, at this point you may think: Hurray!! .... WRONG! Now next step is to unlock the bootloader using an utility called CROM Services... And as you may have already guessed, did not work! I'm able to install the apk, but on launch it complains about wrong android version. (Tried with Android 8 and 10) STRIKE TWO!
There are some posts and guides claiming to be able to unlock bootloader by using fastboot utility, I can't reach to understand how, since fastboot commands rely on the bootloader to be previously unlocked (?). I least that is my understanding, correct me if wrong. Needless to say fastboot did not work for me. ADB lists my device but fastboot doesn't. There are a few troubleshoot guides around to try selecting proper USB driver from windows device manager, tried all that, tried a couple of ADB installations, fastboot didn't work.
Knox and RMM state
After some lookup in the web, Samsung incorporates some security features trying to prevent device theft and such things. For us power users this is in reality just a whole load of crap preventing us to get all the juice out of our phones.
Reference: https://www.goandroid.co.in/unlock-bootloader-of-galaxy-s9-plus-snapdragon/84688/
TWRP Recovery
Next step would be to flash a custom recovery such as TWRP with Odin or adb/fastboot, but since we are not able to unlock the bootloader in previous step, this is not doable at all. STRIKE THREE! OUT!
Fastboot utility doesn't recognize the device in download mode, so we can't send any commands to the phone.
Odin complains it is only able to flash signed stock roms, so since TWRP is not, we cannot flash it.
Rooting
Needless to say that if we don't have TWRP, we cannot flash the corresponding packages to root. Although this step may not be needed to install custom firmware, rooting has not been possible.
Stock ROM Flashing
Ok, so let's stay out of custom firmware - let's play around with stock firmwares. At this point, since flashing stock firmwares is kind of allowed by Samsung I was able to try out a couple from android 8 to 10 with Odin
Stock ROM Source: https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s9/firmware/#SM-G9600
But watch out! Once you get to install a specific build version, you cannot go back or downgrade to ROMS with previous Android build version. So now that I got Android 10 cannot go back to 8 or 9, this is probably because locked bootloader and unable to unlock. Here, Odin complains with FAIL! (AUTH) message.
STRIKE FOUR! EVEN OUTTER!
SIM Unlock
Ok, let's stay out of Samsung S9 G9600 model, let's crash it to the wall and throw it away to the garbage! Ok no, let's have it carrier unlocked and sell. Unlockbase is a well known and trusted sim unlock provider, I purchased a license to unlock by USB cable, but... GUESS WHAT! G9600 is not supported for unlocking operator network with this software... what a surprise!! I was able to apply for a refund and got my money back, so no worries here.
Note that flashing carrier free ROM does not unlock sim to use with any network operator.
I'll be trying to unlocking by code soon, as this is based on IMEI number, I may think this is independent to the phone model and edition, so I hope I have more luck with this option.
Conclusion
G9600 is a really crappy phone to mess around with. I may have ran low on luck with this specific Samsung Galaxy model since I got it as a gift, which is the latinamerican crappy edition. I wonder if other S9 editions and other Samsung models run with better luck than mine on this scenery... But as a lesson to myself, I will stay away of any Samsung smartphone in the foreseeable future.
OEM Unlock
The 7-day lock prevents stolen phones from being factory reset, leaving the thief with a phone permanently protected by your account. While a minor inconvenience, it's actually effective and not the worst compared to other manufacturers.
Bootloader Unlock
After OEM Unlocking, flashing TWRP through ODIN is effectively unlocking the bootloader. This is possible on both exynos and snap.
Knox and RMM
While this is an inconvenience, from Samsung's point of view, it's worth it. It makes the phone look more secure in the eyes of potential customers. If you really wish for NFC payments, I'm still able to use GPay with Magisk on a custom ROM.
TWRP Recovery
TWRP is flashed through ODIN, not fastboot. Look up an actual guide before complaining.
Root
Yes you can
Stock ROM Flashing
The one thing I could agree on with you is Samsung disabling OTA updates when OEM unlocking. I don't see the point really, but you're free to flash whatever you want through ODIN. Downgrading shouldn't be an issue. Not sure what's up with that.
Before buying a phone, how about you do some research before crying on forums. As a power user coming from the Oneplus One, I don't regret going for Samsung in the least.
Thanks for your reply, I had dropped all hope after several attempts over last few weeks. Found this option and I was able to get past my blocking issue with TWRP and moved on.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...er-development/g9650zhu6dta7-android-t4051751
I have G960F and have to admit I totally disagree with your original post. I've been using custom ROMs on nearly every phone I ever had and don't think S9 (G960F) is bad in terms of unlocking. Just did an OEM unlock, waited a week, flashed TWRP through Odin, booted straight to TWRP and immediately flashed a custom ROM from it (because a boot to the stock ROM would replace TWRP back with the stock recovery IIRC). In the end I got sick of all the problems with Magisk and non-working google pay that I went back to the stock ROM - making S9 the first phone I use with a stock ROM even though it can be flashed. I think it's a great phone for power users.
And as far as SIM unlock goes - Samsung is not to blame, the carrier the phone was made for (and purchased from) is. Phones that Samsung itself sells are unlocked. I wonder why there's still some countries where SIM locking remains legal.
This thread is a prime example of how people end up with bricked devices. So much misinformation in one page LOL
I had the 9650 and most of what I'm doing here is user error. This was one of the best devices I've ever owned. I mention of fast boot and such you obviously just do not know samsung devices. You can't blame samsung on your own ignorance

Unlock carrier locked bootloader Pixel [BETA]

UPDATE AS OF 16 OF MAY 2023
This project isn't working right now, but I am still working on it.
However due the complicated nature of the projects and the fact that I have little free time means this project will probably still take time to get to functional state.
If anyone has any idea please contact me, any hell is welcome!
______________________________________________________
Hi!
So I decided I wanted to flash custom software into my phone, but it's bootloader was locked so I figure a way to unlock it!
I am going to leave 2 methods:
1. It's the most risky but has more chance of working. The idea is to flash the whole firmware again to the phone, but from an unlocked model.
This is posible using the EDL mode and Sahara protocol.
The EDL mode is an emergency mode which allows user to flash firmware in case fastboot and ADB fails. It's also available in all Qualcomm devices.
It is also completly independent from the rest of the phone, and it's the first bootloader we have. If everything is ok it triggers the second bootloader(fastboot) which then boots the system(See the diagram if you want).
As we want to reflash the firmware keep in mind this could brick your phone and I won't take any resposability if it happen
Materials:
-QPST
-Qualcomm Driver
-Working USB Cable
-Fastboot and ADB set up and working
-knoledge on using ADB
Procedure:
1. Download and install Qualcomm drivers
2. Download and install QPST
4.Downlaod the MBN file
3. Reboot
4. Connect the phone to the PC, then open cmd and run "adb reboot edl".
If you are on fastboot mode, then try "fastboot oem edl", "fastboot reboot-edl", "fastboot reboot edl". One of this should work
5. Go to C:\Program Files\Qualcomm\QPST\bin\
6.Open QPST Config(it's a blue phone, see picture)
7. Click on "Start clients" and then "Software download". A new window should open
8. Now we need to select the phone image using the browser button
9. Click on start to flash ⚡️
Please be aware the method wasn't tested, so this could brick your phone.
If you decide to try it, and have questions or ru into problems during the process, please let me know.
Also remember to take a backup of your data, as it is goig to be lost. ℹ
____________________________________________________________________________
As for the second method, I tried it and it didn't work for me, but is completly safe so you may want to give it a try.
1. Enrrol on the android 12 beta program, AND MAKE A BACKUP OF YOUR DATA
2. Install the update
3. Now exit from the beta program
4. Now you should have an update, it's a rollback to the stable version of android 12. After you installed the update the phone will restart and factory reset.
5. Do the setup as normal
In the end you may have unlocked the bootloader, to check just go to developer options and check if it is enabled or not.

			
				
Can we get a video of how to do this?
trzpro said:
View attachment 5491701
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you attempted one of these methods and did it work or not work.What device did you use?
trzpro said:
View attachment 5491701
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems to be a probelm with the drivers. Did you install everything properly?
You may want to uninstall them and reinstall again to see if we solve the problem. Also try to run the app with admin privileges
Let me know how if you have more issues or if this doesn;t solve the problem at all.
AtrixHDMan said:
Can we get a video of how to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can make a video, but I can only publish it on January. Untill then I think the guide is easy to understand so if you want to try the method you shouldn't have problems.
#mcl said:
I can make a video, but I can only publish it on January. Untill then I think the guide is easy to understand so if you want to try the method you shouldn't have problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand thanks
#mcl said:
这似乎是驱动程序的问题。您是否正确安装了所有内容?
您可能需要卸载它们并重新安装,看看我们是否能解决问题。还尝试以管理员权限运行该应用程序
如果您有更多问题,或者这根本无法解决问题,请告诉我
MOD EDIT: You may need to uninstall them and reinstall to see if we can fix the problem. Also tried running the app with admin rights
Let me know if you have more questions, or if this doesn't solve the problem at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
同样的问题,无法解决。
MOD Edit: Same problem, can't solve it.
Looks like this is a common issue, I will look the documentation of QPST and see if I see the cause of the problem. Thank you guys for helping up this project
So I found that that version of QPST is outdated(it's the 2.7 build 140 and the latest version is 2.7 build 460). I am leaving a zip with it here.
Try and see if this time around we manage to unlock the bootloader
MOD EDIT:
This is the latest version
这是最新版本
#mcl, I have the same problem as you have, I live in Portugal and bought a used Pixel 4 but apparently it's origin is the US, Verizon. From your original post I take it that you didn't try this method yourself and hope others will try? Or were you successful?
for anyone in the same situation, read this thread: https://android.stackexchange.com/q...ed-against-physical-tampering-in-google-pixel
My guess is: if your pixel's " OEM unlocking " is greyed out it will not be possible to unlock. Although I didn't try the EDL route I'm quit sure that at some point you will get a message "bootloader is locked"
gentle_giant said:
for anyone in the same situation, read this thread: https://android.stackexchange.com/q...ed-against-physical-tampering-in-google-pixel
My guess is: if your pixel's " OEM unlocking " is greyed out it will not be possible to unlock. Although I didn't try the EDL route I'm quit sure that at some point you will get a message "bootloader is locked"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I am quite busy recently so I haven't really had time to look more on the thread, though I believe there will always be a way, it may be hard to find but no OS is perfect, and Android is no exception. As it turns out, even if this method worked, when it connect to the internet there will be a high chance that using the IMEI of the phone it will "remember" it's a locked model and won't allow you to flash new firmware.
However I am working on a new method, which is also safer, though I have still work to do, so when It is ready I am going to publish another guide.
Good luck all untill them
Hi mcl, my problem is: I do like to change OS and I did so on my previous HTC M7 and M10. And these 2 phones still function with PixelExperience 10 or 11.
But at best I'm a simple layman with a lot of enthusiasm.
Anyway, I will keep an eye on this thread and hopefully you will find time to make this new method work!
By the way, I see that we are "neighbors", I live in Portugal.
gentle_giant said:
Hi mcl, my problem is: I do like to change OS and I did so on my previous HTC M7 and M10. And these 2 phones still function with PixelExperience 10 or 11.
But at best I'm a simple layman with a lot of enthusiasm.
Anyway, I will keep an eye on this thread and hopefully you will find time to make this new method work!
By the way, I see that we are "neighbors", I live in Portugal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahah yeah we are definitely neighbors.
Well I do want to become a software engineer though right now I am just a busy enthusiastic.
I also really enjoy custom OS, when I had my Galaxy S9 I used to have custom ROMs.
Hope I manage to find a new solution as soon as posible for all if you guys!!!

			
				
How is bootloader state protected against physical tampering in Google Pixel
A week ago my professor's Pixel 4 XL was stolen from his desk when he left it there for charging. The phone has been shut down. It had few minutes of battery left when it was plugged in charging. T...
android.stackexchange.com
any luck with that? can I backup my firmware before doing it?
darknmy said:
How is bootloader state protected against physical tampering in Google Pixel
A week ago my professor's Pixel 4 XL was stolen from his desk when he left it there for charging. The phone has been shut down. It had few minutes of battery left when it was plugged in charging. T...
android.stackexchange.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are not doing physical atack, so that is not a problem for us.
Also, I don't believe the pixel 4 XL is perfect, for sure there are errors and security vulnerabilities. We just need to find them.

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