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Hi all I'm confused I got a galaxy S5 on Wed with Lollipop already installed. I've read multiple posts and still have one question, "Can this phone be rooted?" I keep finding different answers. If not can I reload an older version of android that can be rooted, I need root for my anti-theft and Titanium Backup. Not to mention root is needed for removing Bloat(crap)ware that Samsung and AT&T install.
Thanks
Zb
ZKornecki said:
Hi all I'm confused I got a galaxy S5 on Wed with Lollipop already installed. I've read multiple posts and still have one question, "Can this phone be rooted?" I keep finding different answers. If not can I reload an older version of android that can be rooted, I need root for my anti-theft and Titanium Backup. Not to mention root is needed for removing Bloat(crap)ware that Samsung and AT&T install.
Thanks
Zb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As this time, no, the G900A with the completely stock 5.x load can not be rooted.
Since the bootloader is locked, and they bumped one of the counters with the 5.x loader, you can not install a previous version. You're welcome to try but if it fails you will likely have an unrecoverable brick - unless the AT&T Store or Samsung Experience Store has the complete ODIN file to re-flash your device with.
Until someone determines a way of rooting the stock L load, you're stuck without.
Regards.
ZKornecki said:
Hi all I'm confused I got a galaxy S5 on Wed with Lollipop already installed. I've read multiple posts and still have one question, "Can this phone be rooted?" I keep finding different answers. If not can I reload an older version of android that can be rooted, I need root for my anti-theft and Titanium Backup. Not to mention root is needed for removing Bloat(crap)ware that Samsung and AT&T install.
Thanks
Zb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im in thesame boat as u. I have been told by a bunch of high ranking devs that it will come its just a matter of time. If u downgrade im almost positive u will end with a very expensive paper weight. Just relax it will come
somebody can check language on 5.0 ? can be enabled multilanguage with language enabler or more locale etc ?
C0derbear said:
As this time, no, the G900A with the completely stock 5.x load can not be rooted
...snip......Until someone determines a way of rooting the stock L load, you're stuck without.
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply. I'll wait as I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone cracks this version or a compatible ROM is published
I only root to get rid of bloatware. While lollipop seems to be handling the ram and battery usage better, it still makes me angry when I see one of those crap apps running that I can't uninstall.
One would think the FCC would make AT&T and others allow this stuff to be uninstalled when the consumer owns the phone.
Kingo root method
just watched a video on WWJOSHDU youtube page, about kingo rooting at&t devices any idea whether that includes the S5 with lollipop?
I found on my wife s5 which I had to unroot and return to stock for warranty when I got the replacement & upgraded to lollipop that in app settings you can disable all the bloat
Doubclub said:
just watched a video on WWJOSHDU youtube page, about kingo rooting at&t devices any idea whether that includes the S5 with lollipop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
Zoey2014 said:
I only root to get rid of bloatware. While lollipop seems to be handling the ram and battery usage better, it still makes me angry when I see one of those crap apps running that I can't uninstall.
One would think the FCC would make AT&T and others allow this stuff to be uninstalled when the consumer owns the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download PackageDisabler.apk and disable all bloatware. It also fixed the "Unauthorized Actions......." recurring prompt after the latest security update by disabling all KNOX related packages.
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
This is what I did. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64251984
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Edit: oops wrong thread
jpruett79 said:
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Rakuu said:
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
jpruett79 said:
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Rakuu said:
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
jpruett79 said:
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Rakuu said:
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured root and the bootloader being unlocked are a long shot.
I think I could live without root considering this phone doesn't have much bloatware to remove. And I love the extra features that are not normally enabled.
What I can't figure out is how it has the att rom but no other trace of att. I am hoping to learn the difference in the build numbers as they relate to the baseband version.
The seller has sent me a return label to send it back but they will provide no information regarding the phone or its origins. I have a few more days to decide and ship it back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
jpruett79 said:
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for the dongchao deal I have no clue. You do have root though if its saying you do with no su manager installed or with the default access set to allow which is extremely interesting because you don't have the KK bootloader which is how it's usually done, so either the previous owner rooted it and updated the bootloader or you have a weird version, I do agree you should get a dump of it though. Like I said though, id wait for a second opinion first and in this case so it can be determined if what you have maybe opens an opportunity to get root while on lollipop.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
jpruett79 said:
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case is it possible the bootloader may be unlocked. If so would it be worth trying to load another rom if I could find one for a g900a.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modifying the build.prop doesn't change what it says in download mode, that will always say what the actual model number is.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I didn't realize how far behind I was until I started looking into this phone. I may be way off base with this but if we assume this is a Chinese refurbished and I'm sure it is at this point. Wouldn't it still show a g900a in download mode but the software could be different. Could they have take their rom and changed the build.prop to look like the art version. That would explain why I have att numbers but no trace of anything AT&T.
If that's all the case should I consider it a blessing to have a debloated/rooted lollipop. Or should I run from it like the plague.
I'm trying to install twrp now and I'm having trouble getting twrp manager to download the image so the bootloader may still be locked. I may still try installing with Odin in the morning.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Hi,
I have sm920c and live in india. I was using samsung pay by downloading the latest fw and apk from sammobile. 2 days ago i received nougat update and thought of doing clean install thus i had to reinstall the fw and apk but unfortunately I get error while registering my icici card again (i tried my dad's card and it works). Don't know the issue exactly but as we all know sammobile has us version apks and indian apk has more features/offers like paytm, etc. So looking for the latest version released in India. Can somebody please share them?
If you rooted your phone, you tripped knox. If you tripp knox you can't use samsung pay. I assume you have rooted your phone, since you're on a xda forum. Your dad most likely didn't root his phone, therefore he can use samsung pay.
sir0knightfall said:
If you rooted your phone, you tripped knox. If you tripp knox you can't use samsung pay. I assume you have rooted your phone, since you're on a xda forum. Your dad most likely didn't root his phone, therefore he can use samsung pay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, nope. Neither I am rooted, nor tripped. I checked my dad's card on my phone itself. It is just that during my card it throws "failed to connect to issuer's server" error. I have done couple of transactions on 6.0.1 with same fw and apk version. Might just be server error only, i contacted bank and waiting for their response. However, i m more interested in indian version and never know my card will just work in new version.
What? So my Knox count is 1x1 then even u install official fw I can't use Samsung pay?
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
Even my icici debit card isn't working...guess there is some problem with the card.
All other cards are getting registered successfully.
nvrmndryo said:
What? So my Knox count is 1x1 then even u install official fw I can't use Samsung pay?
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't understand your question properly but as per my experience with spay, if your regional device doesn't support spay officially, u have to sign up with early-access(if available) which links with ur device, imei and samsung account, only then u can use spay, otherwise even if u have sideloaded app, it won't proceed the welcome screen.
vaib said:
Even my icici debit card isn't working...guess there is some problem with the card.
All other cards are getting registered successfully.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just received their email saying international payments should be enabled on ur card. It can be enabled by calling customer care.
md_farhan_memon said:
Didn't understand your question properly but as per my experience with spay, if your regional device doesn't support spay officially, u have to sign up with early-access(if available) which links with ur device, imei and samsung account, only then u can use spay, otherwise even if u have sideloaded app, it won't proceed the welcome screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant is, I am using custom rom and have rooted my phone. So if I unroot my phone and install official firmware then can I use spay? Once we root aur phone our Knox count changes, so does it matters?
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
nvrmndryo said:
What I meant is, I am using custom rom and have rooted my phone. So if I unroot my phone and install official firmware then can I use spay? Once we root aur phone our Knox count changes, so does it matters?
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, i matters a lot, spay is secured through knox. Once rooted, knox counter resets and so spay can't be used. I am waiting for a rooting method where knox counter remains intact :fingers-crossed:
md_farhan_memon said:
yes, i matters a lot, spay is secured through knox. Once rooted, knox counter resets and so spay can't be used. I am waiting for a rooting method where knox counter remains intact :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, thts sad news.
Sent from my SM-N920G using Tapatalk
Found Apk Files - Please check and let me know if it works.
Heyy Guys, there are 2 updates to share.
Firstly, I was able to add my icici card after a couple of days and use it, it was probably the error on their server only.
And secondly, I found APKs from sammobile, spay apk version is 2.6.14 and spay framework version is 2.7.31.
For me, spay framework couldn't be installed as I am on v2.7.38 and thus it failed to downgrade. Spay app installed smoothly but failed to run probably cuz of framework incompatibility. So I thought of sharing them with you guyz and if you are able to install them properly let me know if it works for you or not.
Spay Framework
Spay App
Anybody tried this on Dr.Ketan's N5 Nougat ROM?
t-dominique said:
Anybody tried this on Dr.Ketan's N5 Nougat ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is needed for custom roms, and once rooted, knox is disabled and so spay can't be used anyway.
Hi I have an SM N920C running Nougat and have a problem with Samsung Pay. It says it isn't available in UAE (purchased it from there) I live in India. Any idea how to go about.
PS : I havent rooted or flashed it, ever.
Trssg said:
Hi I have an SM N920C running Nougat and have a problem with Samsung Pay. It says it isn't available in UAE (purchased it from there) I live in India. Any idea how to go about.
PS : I havent rooted or flashed it, ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First u need to signup for early access at uae's samsung website. Once registered ur imei number will be registered with ur samsung account and u will receive email for apk downloads. I stall them and you are good to go ?
md_farhan_memon said:
First u need to signup for early access at uae's samsung website. Once registered ur imei number will be registered with ur samsung account and u will receive email for apk downloads. I stall them and you are good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would it work with Indian cards ?
Trssg said:
Would it work with Indian cards ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it is working for me. I told u what I did. U just need your phone registered, ultimately the database and servers for spay are all connected so it doesn't matter from where u get it registered.
md_farhan_memon said:
First u need to signup for early access at uae's samsung website. Once registered ur imei number will be registered with ur samsung account and u will receive email for apk downloads. I stall them and you are good to go
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do when they asked you for a UAE mobile number??
Clint2001 said:
What did you do when they asked you for a UAE mobile number??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...in that case there's a pretty fumbled hack i used. Actually, I had tried early access india page first and registered myself with sm920g and my indian mobile number..thus my number was registered and then i entered random numbers on uae's early access page. (I don't think they verify number). Voila!
Link to registeration site please.. mine gives an error saying invalid sim card after installing the above mentioned apk files.
Sent from my SM-N920C using Tapatalk
Greetings from germany,
a buddy of mine got a Note 8 from a shady seller and it turned out that it had a custom rom:
Basisbandversion: N950FXXU1AQHB
Kernel-Version: 4.4.13-theGreatDream-v1.0.0
[email protected] #1
But he couldn't do any updates with it and quite a few apps didn't work because they said: "device is rooted and because of security policy etc..." (crudely translated from german)
such as the samsung and banking apps.
So we tried to go with the guide on how to flash and restore the device to stock firmware with odin.
For that i downloaded the N950FXXU1AQH9 version which is for the region germany and that seemed to be the most reasonable choice in the vast variety of approx. 200 available versions.
We did everything exactly as described in the guide and everything seemed to work perfectly. Updates were working again and also the banking app worked.
But the day after he wanted to try the Samsung Health app and it reported to not work because "security policy, can't open on a rooted device" (crudely translated from german again)
and others like the banking app also stopped working and reported the same.
Although we installed the N950FXXU1AQH9 version it now says in the softwareinformation that N950FXXU2BQKG is installed Oo
Strangely he also tried some apps to root/unroot like superSU etc. and they all told him "your device isn't rooted"
So regular apps tell "can't work because device is rooted" and root apps tell "can't unroot because device isn't rooted"
So i ask humbly: where is the error in this mess? What shall we do to make this device into a perfectly funtioning unrooted freshly fabricated note 8 again?
Thanks in advance
puzzlednerd said:
Greetings from germany,
a buddy of mine got a Note 8 from a shady seller and it turned out that it had a custom rom:
Basisbandversion: N950FXXU1AQHB
Kernel-Version: 4.4.13-theGreatDream-v1.0.0
[email protected] #1
But he couldn't do any updates with it and quite a few apps didn't work because they said: "device is rooted and because of security policy etc..." (crudely translated from german)
such as the samsung and banking apps.
So we tried to go with the guide on how to flash and restore the device to stock firmware with odin.
For that i downloaded the N950FXXU1AQH9 version which is for the region germany and that seemed to be the most reasonable choice in the vast variety of approx. 200 available versions.
We did everything exactly as described in the guide and everything seemed to work perfectly. Updates were working again and also the banking app worked.
But the day after he wanted to try the Samsung Health app and it reported to not work because "security policy, can't open on a rooted device" (crudely translated from german again)
and others like the banking app also stopped working and reported the same.
Although we installed the N950FXXU1AQH9 version it now says in the softwareinformation that N950FXXU2BQKG is installed Oo
Strangely he also tried some apps to root/unroot like superSU etc. and they all told him "your device isn't rooted"
So regular apps tell "can't work because device is rooted" and root apps tell "can't unroot because device isn't rooted"
So i ask humbly: where is the error in this mess? What shall we do to make this device into a perfectly funtioning unrooted freshly fabricated note 8 again?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that once rooted and Knox has been triggered the banking apps and certainly Samsung Pay will never work! I'm not thinking of rooting my SM-N9500 (I don't think I can anyway as it's Snapdragon), I used to root to get rid of adverts but Samsung have an app for that!
Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk
Once KNOX hasa been tripped its a can't be restored... You might b able to trick some of the apps into working by using a custom kernel but secure folder and KNOX are gone like the dinosaurs...
You should be able to find out about the custom kernels & how to flash by doing some reading.
robmeik said:
I think that once rooted and Knox has been triggered the banking apps and certainly Samsung Pay will never work! I'm not thinking of rooting my SM-N9500 (I don't think I can anyway as it's Snapdragon), I used to root to get rid of adverts but Samsung have an app for that!
Sent from my SM-N9500 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this, I know that once rooted, some apps will not work anymore on that particular device, regardless of what you will plan on doing with that device.
knox is tripped.
the phone has most likely been successfully unrooted, but rooting it permanently makes alterations to a chip on the motherboard.
some apps will never trust this phone again, unless you can hide the knox fuse status.
so to get full use of the phone again you'll have to root it again and look into some root hiding apps/mods.
unfortunately I can't help you any further with that, I haven't rooted a knox-enabled device since the note 2.
Firstly thanks for all the enlightening answers. Now we are getting a bit closer.
I have just started with those topics on modding (rooting) of smartphones a few days ago and none of the guides i read mentioned anything about knox.
But yeah everything is gonna be more complex than anticipated. I will have to start digging deeper into this matter and try out a lot more of modded kernels and root hiding tools etc. to restore funtionality.
I will keep you updated on my progress... or lack of it :]
puzzlednerd said:
On another matter: The guy that "sold" my buddy this Note 8 seemed to be very eager to give it to him. At first he made an offer on local ebay and said that he didn't want his note 8 because it is rooted and modded etc.
My buddy made an agreement with him to exchange his older less worth samsung, which was all original and unrooted, for the sellers note 8. The seller complied although the difference in worth was approx. 250 Euro.
My buddy was happy that he made great deal... at first...
Later we found out that the same seller is selling my buddies old phone on local ebay again and surprise surprise it's rooted and modded again and offered for a much smaller price than what it's worth.
Now... is it possible to root and hack those phones with lets say... keyloggers and give them to unsuspected customers that enter all their account data and banking information?
Otherwise i have no idea why this seller is practically almost giving them away for nothing and is rooting formerly unrooted devices and sells them with the point that he doesn't want rooted devices and losing money with every trade.
Scam detected? What do you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we think it does not belong here. create your own thread on another forum and the topic of speculation-conspiracy
Then please pardon me dear sir. above part moved to offtopic:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/off-topic/scam-detected-topic-speculation-t3740922
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.
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What's the model number?
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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bober10113 said:
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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.
Click to expand...
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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