Unlocked Samsung Stock Firmware on AT&T Note 8 Questions - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

Hey All -
As a newbie I'd like to get some clarity as it's a little unclear to me still....I almost purchased a Note 8 from my carrier (AT&T) and
prefer to remove all the bloat so I wanted to get more details before finalizing my purchase. So the phone would be a Snapdragon CPU and carrier locked - which isn't a big deal for me. My goal would be to install pure Samsung firmware and be able to receive updates from Samsung without waiting for the carrier and remove the bloat.
Btw, I did a forum search and found something close but it was a Verizon related topic.
So my questions:
1) Is this possible without tripping knox?
2) What is lost between stock firmware and carrier firmware other than bloat? I'm assuming all the bands and network features keep working as before.
I'm also assuming since the IMEI number is an ATT branded phone Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE is not lost or is CSC uploading still required with stock firmware?
Thanks!

mark1210a said:
Hey All -
As a newbie I'd like to get some clarity as it's a little unclear to me still....I almost purchased a Note 8 from my carrier (AT&T) and
prefer to remove all the bloat so I wanted to get more details before finalizing my purchase. So the phone would be a Snapdragon CPU and carrier locked - which isn't a big deal for me. My goal would be to install pure Samsung firmware and be able to receive updates from Samsung without waiting for the carrier and remove the bloat.
Btw, I did a forum search and found something close but it was a Verizon related topic.
So my questions:
1) Is this possible without tripping knox?
2) What is lost between stock firmware and carrier firmware other than bloat? I'm assuming all the bands and network features keep working as before.
I'm also assuming since the IMEI number is an ATT branded phone Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE is not lost or is CSC uploading still required with stock firmware?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't much bloat on them anymore these days. Yes, anything you do will prompt Knox. You can disable almost any app now without rooting the phone, so no root is needed at all for that purpose. Just disable it in settings, or if not allowed on a specific app to do that, just install "BK Disabler" from the play store.
- R. Kruse Ludington
Galaxy Note 8

I've flashed the stock rom through Odin and fairly certain it didn't trip Knox or any issues that aspect since my company verifies Knox compliance.
With the stock rom I get my hotspot through AT&T which I couldn't on the AT&T rom, I just used the tutorial on here to flash it with no problems. I will get the updates for the U1 when it gets pushed down and have got security updates just fine. You can disable a lot of apps already though on AT&T stock
Oh and you don't lose anything other than the AT&T pre installed garbage that nobody really uses
**edit just checked and yes I'm 0x0 on Knox so it didn't trip it
Sent from my SM-N950U1 using Tapatalk

Yes you absolutely can install the unlocked 950U1 firmware on your ATT device. All the 950U devices are identical and the firmware is 100% interchangeable and will NOT trip KNOX. I'm running for T-Mobile firmware on a Verizon Note8 right now. KNOX is only tripped when you flash unofficial firmware, such as custom recovery and ROM.
There's really not much of a reason to do it though. Theres very little bloat on these, and you will lose VoLTE and WiFi calling by flashing the unlocked firmware.
But if you still want to flash the unlocked firmware, follow this post:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-sm-n950u-u1-t3685884

Did you guys who flashed stock firmware get stuck with the 80% battery issue? Cause I thought about it just to get Oreo early but I don't want to lose 20% of my battery. Also have any of you tried to flash a regular update to a carrier note 8 using the update from SD card option?

ZerosMadness said:
Did you guys who flashed stock firmware get stuck with the 80% battery issue? Cause I thought about it just to get Oreo early but I don't want to lose 20% of my battery. Also have any of you tried to flash a regular update to a carrier note 8 using the update from SD card option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You only lose battery capacity if your root a snapdragon. Not just by flashing official firmwares.

Gizmoe said:
You only lose battery capacity if your root a snapdragon. Not just by flashing official firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I was confused. Thanks for clearing that up for me. I hope they find a fix for that eventually.

Don't hold your breath!

Related

Galaxy S9/S9+ Firmware links?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who ordered the S9 from Samsung direct with the intentions of flashing it to the carriers firmware. I checked on updato and don't see it there, does anyone else know where to get the firmware? I want to use it on Sprint so I believe the CSS is SPR for Sprint.
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/SM-G960F/ here you go
for now there is only 1 german firmware available for download
And in case you find SamMobile too slow, I've uploaded the S9 firmware update (DBT) to AFH for having a mirror HERE
Thanks, I am in need of the US version for Sprint which the CSS I believe is SPR. I'll keep checking updato I know sammobile is super slow but if it's there and I start it now it may be done by the time I get my phone tomorrow.
Never done a carrier flash to an unlocked version. Few questions:
1. After flashing do you start getting the carrier OTA updates? And all carrier functions particularly wifi calling, visual voicemail, HD video calling start working?
2. How does the carrier fw dump work? Someone with sprint fw would have to do a carrier dump and uploads it (presumably without tinkering the content)?
3. If the file is tinkered with, since it's a signed file, the checksum would change and it wouldn't let you flash, right?? Sorry for the noob questions, just haven't done carrier flashes.
testinguser said:
Never done a carrier flash to an unlocked version. Few questions:
1. After flashing do you start getting the carrier OTA updates? And all carrier functions particularly wifi calling, visual voicemail, HD video calling start working?
2. How does the carrier fw dump work? Someone with sprint fw would have to do a carrier dump and uploads it (presumably without tinkering the content)?
3. If the file is tinkered with, since it's a signed file, the checksum would change and it wouldn't let you flash, right?? Sorry for the noob questions, just haven't done carrier flashes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct you are flashing the carriers version with their wonderful bloatware on top of it. Unfortunately for now that's the only way to get WiFi calling, VVM, and VoLTE. I just got the unlocked version today and currently downloading the Sprint firmware because without it I don't have those features. Hell LTE doesn't work on the stock version of the firmware.
GrandMstrBud said:
That is correct you are flashing the carriers version with their wonderful bloatware on top of it. Unfortunately for now that's the only way to get WiFi calling, VVM, and VoLTE. I just got the unlocked version today and currently downloading the Sprint firmware because without it I don't have those features. Hell LTE doesn't work on the stock version of the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the carrier. I know the s8 wifi calling and volte worked on tmobile with the unlocked firmware.
I used the SamFirm application and downloaded the Sprint firmware but yet after flashing it I still have the stock samsung firmware. I don't see any sprint software on it at all nor do I see LTE calling plus or WiFi calling. Plus on the stock firmware it will not give me any LTE data and when looking at the APN there are 2 listed but none are checked and you can't check any. It was like this out of the box before I even attempted to flash the so called Sprint variant version. I spent a good 4 1/2 hours between going to the Sprint store to get a new SIM, to calling in, and the online chat and nobody had a clue it was the same old troubleshooting steps and the best they could do was file a ticket and have someone get back to me between 24 and 48 hours. I went through this same BS when I activated the unlocked S8, the iPhone 8, and when I switched back to the S8, plus when one of our phones broke and had to switch, and now this. They can never get anything activated correctly. At least on the S8 after flashing the Sprint firmware I was able to have all the customization's but I'm not seeing it on here.
My unlocked s9 from samsung.com works on sprint lte just fine....
I do however want to flash the sprint one to get the fake VoLTE and voicemail working.
I have SM-G965U Verizon. So it I flash this will all the Verizon Boatware will be removed? And logo
Why is there NO countries G960FD (for dual SIM) ie the better version of any model?
roosta said:
Why is there NO countries G960FD (for dual SIM) ie the better version of any model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The F firmware always flashes fine on the FD.
Goronok said:
The F firmware always flashes fine on the FD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are missing the point here. Why would anyone with dual sim phone flash a ROM for single sim?! Makes no sense. Missing functions or features in the rom for the 2nd sim...
roosta said:
You are missing the point here. Why would anyone with dual sim phone flash a ROM for single sim?! Makes no sense. Missing functions or features in the rom for the 2nd sim...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I think you're missing the point
The F rom flashes on the FD and carries all dual sim capabilities.
Goronok said:
Nope, I think you're missing the point
The F rom flashes on the FD and carries all dual sim capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you done this to verify?
roosta said:
Have you done this to verify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many times.
My wife had a dual sim s8 and hated the dual sim features - found them annoying as she only uses one sim. I legitimately could not find a way to disable them. I flashed every rom I could find and dual sim features always carried over.
Goronok said:
Many times.
My wife had a dual sim s8 and hated the dual sim features - found them annoying as she only uses one sim. I legitimately could not find a way to disable them. I flashed every rom I could find and dual sim features always carried over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you confirm if the root is hustle firmware\OS based or system based? I don't like the idea of having to flash updates every couple of months and then re rooting the device or in my current case, I need to re unlock the boot loader and re root the phone if I update the firnware...which is bloody stupid. Proper root should be regardless the firmware.
Dpo you think we will get there with the s9? Xposed framework installed and running smoothly on Oreo?
Hi guys first sorry for my bad english
I try flash my sm-g960f after stop working and stuck at logo samsung.
how can i find combination firmware ? i don't have csc and pda number i can't boot to recovery mode i only can boot to download mode.
Details from download mode:
PRODUCT NAME SM-G960F
FRP LOCK ON
OEM LOCK ON
RP SWREV B:2 K:2 S:2
I try last firmware from sammobile etc but always come secure boot fail or block by frp at screen mobile i use last oddin ver.
Please guys Help i try flash with 14 or more diffrent firmware. how can i check correct firmware? Thanks

Unbranded or factory binary

Hello, i was looking for some info for my note 8 i was reading about factory binary and unbranded firmware, can someone help me understand? I don't want to root my phone i want to take out all the trash of the at&t bloatware and i was reading about this samsung official rom that it's unbranded but don't want to make anything that messed up the phone.
Thanks in advanced
@poison_snake
Here is the Guide that allow you to flash N950U1 (U1 = Unlocked by Samsung) to your AT&T Note 8:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-sm-n950u-u1-t3685884
From what I understand, in many cases where people went to N950U1 firmware, WiFi Calling is absent.
Alternately, if you don't want to flash N950U1, you can disable applications using ADB, or BK Disabler.
I have a SAMSSM-N950U dos it matter?
Hello again,
Won't make a difference whatsoever.

Note 9 flashing firmware

Im trying to change my sprint note 9 into tmobile carrier to get the most out of my device. Its unlocked using it with tmobile but just wanted to get the full potential. Ive read on the forums ive used odin before but want to know if i have to first flash tmobile or sprint ui then flash tmobile u. I understand i have to used the patched odin. But do i need to flash sprint or tmobile ui or just go straight to tmobile u.
You shouldn't have to install the T-Mobile version of the Note 9's OS just to get the most out of your T-Mobile Plan. As the T-Mobile version of the Note OS just has additional T-Mobile Bloatware. If you are having issue receiving the VoLTE reception on your device then I would suggest you speak with a T-Mobile Representative, who would be able to assist you in getting that feature on your device.
timex300 said:
Im trying to change my sprint note 9 into tmobile carrier to get the most out of my device. Its unlocked using it with tmobile but just wanted to get the full potential. Ive read on the forums ive used odin before but want to know if i have to first flash tmobile or sprint ui then flash tmobile u. I understand i have to used the patched odin. But do i need to flash sprint or tmobile ui or just go straight to tmobile u.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing you're still on Oreo, otherwise it would've just automatically switched to the T-Mobile firmware.
There's a thread here with the T-Mobile firmware (N960USQU1CSB3). Flash it with patched ODIN.
iceepyon said:
You shouldn't have to install the T-Mobile version of the Note 9's OS just to get the most out of your T-Mobile Plan. As the T-Mobile version of the Note OS just has additional T-Mobile Bloatware. If you are having issue receiving the VoLTE reception on your device then I would suggest you speak with a T-Mobile Representative, who would be able to assist you in getting that feature on your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the thing was it was a sprint note 9 and when i made a call it would switch to 3g. It wasn't tmobile it was just the fact that i needed to flash firmware u to get the tmobile radios. I ended up flashing sm-n960u1 no bloatware and now i get hd calliing, full signal, better downloads and uploads. So far so good only thing i was in android pie so i kinda downgraded to oreo i have a ota update security patch but not sure if it will mess up my phone.
timex300 said:
Well the thing was it was a sprint note 9 and when i made a call it would switch to 3g. It wasn't tmobile it was just the fact that i needed to flash firmware u to get the tmobile radios. I ended up flashing sm-n960u1 no bloatware and now i get hd calliing, full signal, better downloads and uploads. So far so good only thing i was in android pie so i kinda downgraded to oreo i have a ota update security patch but not sure if it will mess up my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad that it all worked out for you. I am surprised that the unlocked OS worked so well on a Sprint device as in the past Cell Provider Branded devices had hardware restrictions so that they could only be use on their network.
iceepyon said:
Glad that it all worked out for you. I am surprised that the unlocked OS worked so well on a Sprint device as in the past Cell Provider Branded devices had hardware restrictions so that they could only be use on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah me too. I was a bit skeptical about it at first so i started doing sum research and found out about flashing firmware. Ended it up buying it and flashed the firmware and so far everything is good. Only thing i downloaded the oreo u1 idk if they have pie. But using sammobile to download firmware was just slow on my wifi.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I'm guessing you're still on Oreo, otherwise it would've just automatically switched to the T-Mobile firmware.
There's a thread here with the T-Mobile firmware (N960USQU1CSB3). Flash it with patched ODIN.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was actually in android pie with sprint software and it didnt change boot logo. Still showed sprint well eithery way i downgraded to oreo u1 the downloaded tmobile u1 android pie and got everything working better. No more bloatware or boot logo which is fine. Now i get full signal outside, wifi calling, and hd calling works perfect. Better downloads and uploads too on lte.
timex300 said:
I was actually in android pie with sprint software and it didnt change boot logo. Still showed sprint well eithery way i downgraded to oreo u1 the downloaded tmobile u1 android pie and got everything working better. No more bloatware or boot logo which is fine. Now i get full signal outside, wifi calling, and hd calling works perfect. Better downloads and uploads too on lte.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's really weird. Pie has BYOD firmware which automatically does the carrier switching for you. Not sure why it didn't work for you when you put your T-Mo SIM in it.
I had a note 8 from verizon before i got the note 9 and on the 8 it switched from verizon boot to tmobile. Idk maybe just sprint doesnt have that. Another thing when i had the 8 i used it with metropcs even though its under tmobile network no metro boot logo but as soon as i put the tmobile tmobile bloatware downloaded automatically.
Help
timex300 said:
Well the thing was it was a sprint note 9 and when i made a call it would switch to 3g. It wasn't tmobile it was just the fact that i needed to flash firmware u to get the tmobile radios. I ended up flashing sm-n960u1 no bloatware and now i get hd calliing, full signal, better downloads and uploads. So far so good only thing i was in android pie so i kinda downgraded to oreo i have a ota update security patch but not sure if it will mess up my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you do the flash, I am in the same situation. I need to flash my unlocked Note 9 to ATT firmware so I can use the HD features. Please share me a link to steps.
Craniumbox said:
How did you do the flash, I am in the same situation. I need to flash my unlocked Note 9 to ATT firmware so I can use the HD features. Please share me a link to steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing about at&t is that they have a strict policy about hd calling i believe so the only way to get their hd calling and wifi calling is purchase a at&t note 9. Unless u wanna try flashing it with odin patched i used on mine. Dont have a note anymore but their is allot of post on odin flashing u can look up. Do ur research cant stess that enough

Accidentally bought G970U instead of G970U1

As per the title, bought an unlocked G970U instead of U1 by mistake. Should I expect a Verizon splash screen greeting me in the bootloader? I don't wanna see any branding anywhere in my phone. Can I get rid of any of that flashing U1 firmware?
redsmith said:
As per the title, bought an unlocked G970U instead of U1 by mistake. Should I expect a Verizon splash screen greeting me in the bootloader? I don't wanna see any branding anywhere in my phone. Can I get rid of any of that flashing U1 firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which G970U phone you have bought. If it was a Verizon branded, then their logo should greet you If you bought T-Mobile variant, then its logo will be present while booting the phone. Flashing is possible and it depends which carrier you have. Also don't you have the phone in hand yet?
Charkatak said:
Which G970U phone you have bought. If it was a Verizon branded, then their logo should greet you If you bought T-Mobile variant, then its logo will be present while booting the phone. Flashing is possible and it depends which carrier you have. Also don't you have the phone in hand yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the phone hasn't arrived yet. In the pictures I can see the box has no carrier logo, but I'm guessing it's Verizon because I haven't seen a Verizon branded box yet. Also, the box definitely says G970U.
I've been a Nexus/Pixel user all my flashing life, so I'm well versed in the fastboot/adb dark arts. How does this compare to Odin? There are so many new terms that I'm still trying to understand: CSC, HOME CSC, USERDATA, etc. Is there any guide I can follow to flash my incoming phone to U1 firmware?
redsmith said:
Yeah, the phone hasn't arrived yet. In the pictures I can see the box has no carrier logo, but I'm guessing it's Verizon because I haven't seen a Verizon branded box yet. Also, the box definitely says G970U.
I've been a Nexus/Pixel user all my flashing life, so I'm well versed in the fastboot/adb dark arts. How does this compare to Odin? There are so many new terms that I'm still trying to understand: CSC, HOME CSC, USERDATA, etc. Is there any guide I can follow to flash my incoming phone to U1 firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile version is also G970U, so it can be pretty much any carrier. USERDATA file is present in carrier firmware, if you flash unlocked firmware you won't need/have this file.
Link below is for S8, but works for S10 as well. Of course you would need to use firmware files for your phone. I would also use instructions under "Flashing standard firmware" first using Standard Odin. If you get an error when staring to flash, then use (Patched) Prince Comsy's Odin.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817
Charkatak said:
The T-Mobile version is also G970U, so it can be pretty much any carrier. USERDATA file is present in carrier firmware, if you flash unlocked firmware you won't need/have this file.
Link below is for S8, but works for S10 as well. Of course you would need to use firmware files for your phone. I would also use instructions under "Flashing standard firmware" first using Standard Odin. If you get an error when staring to flash, then use (Patched) Prince Comsy's Odin.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...rrier-t3625817
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. One last question. I'm based in Mexico (we only get Exynos here), so I got a U version to get the Snapdragon CPU. Obviously I don't want any US carrier branding/blotware in the phone since I couldn't benefit whatsoever from it. What about OTA's, though? Will I get them whenever Samsung releases an update for U1? Or will that depend on my carrier? Should I update monthly using Odin? Do I have to factory reset? So many questions :silly:
The link you provided doesn't work, btw. But I've since found some other Odin guides. Thanks!
redsmith said:
Thanks a lot. One last question. I'm based in Mexico (we only get Exynos here), so I got a U version to get the Snapdragon CPU. Obviously I don't want any US carrier branding/blotware in the phone since I couldn't benefit whatsoever from it. What about OTA's, though? Will I get them whenever Samsung releases an update for U1? Or will that depend on my carrier? Should I update monthly using Odin? Do I have to factory reset? So many questions :silly:
The link you provided doesn't work, btw. But I've since found some other Odin guides. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I corrected the link in case you need it.
To answer OTA question: I had unlocked U1 model of S8 and when I flashed it with T-Mobile firmware then my phone got OTA from T-Mobile when they release it. I assume if you have carrier branded phone and flash it with U1(XAA) firmware then most likely your phone will get updates when Samsung releases them. You won't have to use Odin every time there is an update if you flash properly. Also, it would be advisable to flash using CSC file instead of HOME CSC, so your phone would be wiped. It is because you change firmware and want your software to be fully compatible. After flashing and you check your phone's software update and see that is shows "not compatible or something similar", then I would just suggest you to do "reset"(factory reset) from setting and after you setup your phone, that message will disappear. Also don't do any software update before flashing as you phone may get a fresher firmware than the one you might be trying to flash.
1) Check your current phone firmware
2) Download firmware you want, but if you can, get the firmware that is a previous one than the current one, so you will check to see how your phone gets OTAs
3) Flash using Odin
4) After that disconnect and let the phone do its thing
5) Set it up and check to see if software update section in settings don't give you any messages such as the one I outlined above, if it does, just factory reset the phone

Question S21 Ultra CSC&Firmware - Region Change

Hi. I'm planning to buy S21 Ultra 5G at my trip. It is cheaper in there then my own country. I'm lucky, there and here using both Exynos SoC.
I was away from Samsung for a long time, as I remember Samsung was locking devices with CSC and Region based firmwares. That time Samsung Knox was not that expanded, as I see now it controls all system and builded top of it. I talked a bit now let me ask my question.
Is changing CSC blocks OTA? Or changing all firmware blocking OTA? I think odin is still around, Is using ODIN tripping Knox or blocking OTA? As I see Knox have 2 different fuse; one of them trips from custom firmwares&root other one trips from Odin with official firmware. Is that true? Actually my main question is, am I able to keep Knox untouched and OTAble after changing region.
Edit: It's not carrier locked.
Thank you.
csc transfer will not be blocked OTA if you transfer using samkey.
the use of odin for flash firmware does not trigger knox it is the custom recovery installation or root that triggers it.
Changing csc does not block OTA if you have not made any software modification (root & twrp).
Thank you for this post. Actually i have and exynos model too non carrier locked. My phone originally come in XSP firmware and service software provider is XSP too.. i have tried flashing XME firmware however that did not change my service software provider it's staying the same. I used odin to flash with.

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