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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!
I have been reading all sorts of threads for the past week on how to do this correctly. I think I got it down, just need some confirmation.
I got an international Note 8 SM-N950F 128GB.
I updated to the latest SW via the OTA - Baseband: N950FXXS4CRG6, Build Number: R16NW.N950FXXS4CRG6.
During Setup, I did not put in my SIM at all, I Logged in to the samsung and google accounts.
Waited 7 days and now have the OEM unlock option available.
I want to use the device on USA T-mobile, and root the device and install Xposed and Viper.
Can this be confirmed as the correct work flow?
I will be following Dr. Ketan's Guide to Root and Backup EFS. https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-how-to-root-note8-efs-backup-t3677038
1) Flash TWRP via Odin
2) Flash the OEM Unlock Fix, which should also install Magisk.
at this point, I shall boot into the Stock ROM and ensure the OEM Unlock is available, and Backup the EFS partition using the app from Dr. Ketan's post.
Question is: at this point, after backing up the EFS, I can flash a custom ROM, correct?
3) Backup EFS
4) Install Custom ROM.
- I am thinking https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/development/rom-lightrom-t3768385
5) Flash the Tekhd Tmobile CSC Detonator https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ent/n8-s8x-s9x-oreo-t-mobile-efs-csc-t3772374.
A lot of Roms state they support Multiple CSC's. So, would this CSC Detonator be needed?
5) At what point in time Can I update Magisk or TWRP to the latest ones?
I just want to end some confusion I have. If you all on T-mobile can tell me the steps you took to get this working, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks for all your help.
nubie said:
5) Flash the Tekhd Tmobile CSC Detonator https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...ent/n8-s8x-s9x-oreo-t-mobile-efs-csc-t3772374.
A lot of Roms state they support Multiple CSC's. So, would this CSC Detonator be needed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hello,
any update from your effort to get volte ?
i think if you are on oreo, just need to flash the current detonator version for note 8 and see if it works. you can only use 1 CSC file (either multi or not) per phone.
mailistman said:
hello,
any update from your effort to get volte ?
i think if you are on oreo, just need to flash the current detonator version for note 8 and see if it works. you can only use 1 CSC file (either multi or not) per phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does this work to get wifi calling and volte?
I would like to do the same thing. thanks in advance.
Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
LennartL said:
Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash it using modded or patched ODIN to the U1 non-carrier firmware to get rid of the T-Mobile boot animation. It will also remove the T-Mobile video calling dialer though but WiFi Calling will still work.
What he said^^^ flash the U1 firmware. Note your device will be wiped.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
LennartL said:
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use the one labeled TMB U1. That firmware isn't official and could potentially break OTA's. You want to use the U1 XAA with the same version or newer bootloader than what your device currently has. The the first character of the last five characters of the build number contains your bootloader version. I don't believe the Note 9 has a v2 bootloader yet, but I have only really followed ATT U firmware, U1 firmware, and TMB U firmware. When you flash, do not use the HOME_CSC! remember your device will be wiped and factor reset so back up what you want before starting.
I'm running the TMB U1 firmware. No bloat or boot screens and I get OTAs around the same time as the U t mobile devices. I honestly dont see a real difference from the XAA u1 vs the TMB U1 firmware to be honest
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
LennartL said:
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The non-branded firmware is the U1. The reason the modded or patched ODIN is needed is to skip the check that you are flashing the same carrier firmware. The hardware for the US and Canadian models are exactly the same. The firmware on Sansung's page isn't meant for flashing in ODIN.
Although I have only seen one user experience issues with the TMB U1, which for some reason, gave him a modded software warning when they tried to check for updates. I would stick to using the actual non-carrier specific firmware, which has T-Mobile's WiFi Calling and still has band 71 enabled.
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
LennartL said:
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
LennartL said:
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct! The U1 non-carrier firmware is like a stepping stone, If you want to move from one U firmware to one from a different carrier, you need to flash to U1 first and always make sure you never use the HOME_CSC. The HOME_CSC doesn't wipe the device, which can cause a number of issues when converting. Being on the U1 though, makes it very easy to go back to any U firmware because you are already at the point where you could just straight flash to any U or W firmware as long as the bootloader version is the same or newer than what your device has at that time.
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
LennartL said:
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HOME_CSC prevents wiping while flashing. If you skip the wiping part, you risk having no data, no potential cellular connectivity, no different unlocked bands for the firmware you are flashing to, etc. You pretty much put yourself in a position where you have to flash again, but actually use the other CSC to ensure your device works properly.
Any unlocked USA note 9s willing to upload there modem files somewhere wanna try and make a sim unlock
Help on Flashing Tmobile firmware on Unlocked Note 9
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
lguti46 said:
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. Use ODIN to flash the T-Mobile firmware. It's that simple. You don't need an unlocked bootloader or root. No it won't trigger Knox.
If you need detailed instructions, they have been posted in some of the firmware threads here, o you can go to the Note 8 forums and read through the carrier switching thread. Just follow the steps for flashing carrier firmware. The steps are all the same, you just make sure you're using the right firmware for your device.
Thank you so much! I was able to successfully flash to T-Mobile using the forum threads.
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
LennartL said:
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because U1 XAA is on ARJ9. There won't be a U1 Firmware with an ARH6 build number.
I am noob when it comes to flashing Samsung devices i have done it in past on my Redmi,google,Motorola.
I have Samsung galaxy note 8 T-mobile US Unlocked Network officially from T-Mobile it self.
I am currently on Build: R16NW.N950USQS5CRL1 JANUARY 1 ,2019.
QUES??
1. Can I Flash Stock Firmware "N950USQS5CRL1"
2. If Yes Will it Trip Knox or screw up in any way?
3. How can i do it?
4. Most Important will it relock Network, will i need to unlock it again?
Please Answer If Possible In Detail!!
1. Yes, though it's redundant. Why re flash the same fw?
2. No, offical software won't trip anything.
3. Read the firmware guide.
4. Firmware flashing isn't related to SIM unlock.
The T-Mobile Note8 is bootloader locked which means you cannot trip Knox by definition. You need an unlocked bootloader (which is not possible on any US Snapdragon models at this time) in order to flash software that can trip Knox. If your phone is paid off, then you are not SIM locked to Tmo and you can use phone with any network (SIM) you wish. SIM lock is different from bootloader lock.
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL
Ace42 said:
1. Yes, though it's redundant. Why re flash the same fw?
2. No, offical software won't trip anything.
3. Read the firmware guide.
4. Firmware flashing isn't related to SIM unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am talking about the Unbranded Rom or stock rom as iam on t mobile rom!
yash1410 said:
I am talking about the Unbranded Rom or stock rom as iam on t mobile rom!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said CRL1, which doesn't exist for the U1 XAA. What you need is CRL2 (Dec) or CSA1 (latest w/ Jan) for 950U1.
Read all the steps for using unlocked firmware. Setup will need SDK tools, a PC, etc.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-sm-n950u-u1-t3685884
Ace42 said:
You said CRL1, which doesn't exist for the U1 XAA. What you need is CRL2 (Dec) or CSA1 (latest w/ Jan) for 950U1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have SM-N950U not U1!
Note 8s in US are all the same. N950U1 just has the unbranded FW. N950U have the branded FW.
All Samsung original FW is called stock ROM, whether branded or not. Don't mix branded and stock.
The are several threads that describe I detail how to switch from branded to unbranded FW, use forum search and start reading and learn.
yash1410 said:
I have SM-N950U not U1!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I'm well aware of that. If you read the thread I linked you'd understand why I mentioned U1. CRL1 corresponds to carrier branded fw, but your post is asking how to flash the U1's software. That's why flashing CRL1 is redundant.
Ace42 said:
Yes, I'm well aware of that. If you read the thread I linked you'd understand why I mentioned U1. CRL1 corresponds to carrier branded fw, but your post is asking how to flash the U1's software. That's why flashing CRL1 is redundant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can i contact you at DM
yash1410 said:
I have SM-N950U not U1!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is answering your question. We know you have the N950U. You are asking about the unbranded/unlocked firmware, which is for the N950U1.
The N950U (carrier-locked Note 8), N950U1 (factory unlocked Note 8), and the N950W (Canadian Note 8) are all the same exact device hardware-wise. The firmware for any of them is compatible with all of them.
If you want to get on the unlocked, unbranded firmware, you will have to flash the N950U1UES1CRL2 build. You will need patched ODIN, and it may wipe your device.
When someone on the forums tells you to check out another thread, for example Ace told you to look in the carrier switching thread, it is because the answer to your question is there. In this case, you wanted detailed extensive instruction. The carrier switching thread is a very detailed guide on how to do EXACTLY what you are wanting to do.
Next time, show some patience, check out the resources you are pointed to, and so some research on your own. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with doing your own research and learning WHAT you're doing BEFORE you do it.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
He is answering your question. We know you have the N950U. You are asking about the unbranded/unlocked firmware, which is for the N950U1.
The N950U (carrier-locked Note 8), N950U1 (factory unlocked Note 8), and the N950W (Canadian Note 8) are all the same exact device hardware-wise. The firmware for any of them is compatible with all of them.
If you want to get on the unlocked, unbranded firmware, you will have to flash the N950U1UES1CRL2 build. You will need patched ODIN, and it may wipe your device.
When someone on the forums tells you to check out another thread, for example Ace told you to look in the carrier switching thread, it is because the answer to your question is there. In this case, you wanted detailed extensive instruction. The carrier switching thread is a very detailed guide on how to do EXACTLY what you are wanting to do.
Next time, show some patience, check out the resources you are pointed to, and so some research on your own. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with doing your own research and learning WHAT you're doing BEFORE you do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Hi all, I'm new to modding in general so there's many things I don't quite understand, hoping somebody can help.
I bought an S10 from a site which was supposed to just send me a refurbed (italian) S10, instead they sent me the US version, (G973U) and I believe it is carrier locked since it's stuck with Android 9 and doesn't find any update.
I have tried searching to no avail what I should flash to simply unbrand it, and allow it to receive OTA updates without tripping Knox.
The build version is the following: PPR1.180610.011.G973USQU2ASGC and the CRC is XAA/XAA/ATT
Thanks in advance.
You shall call them.
Who and what for? I'm past the point of dealing with those sellers, I just want to flash the phone.
CSC (not CRC).
XAA is a multi-region USA ROM, so I don't think it will change over properly for you in Italy. There are threads here for how you reflash a different ROM. The one I used for my S10+ was this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...e-links-and-flashing-discussion-here.3905897/ but I am sure there is one like that for your S10 non-plus... find it, follow the instructions, and you should be all set.
Thanks! I'm a newbie, what does it mean it wouldn't change properly? No OTAs? Tripping KNOX?
I have found this which seems to be the equivalent of the link you posted.
So, I should flash the U1 version right? However I see only a file "SAU - 1 - ....", and my build number doesn't end in that, furthermore I don't know which bootloader version I'm at.
lrzfc said:
Who and what for? I'm past the point of dealing with those sellers, I just want to flash the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok. I couldn't understand first.
For that, You'll flash in EDL mode. But the problem is if your device is powered by a snapdragon chip, it'll not working seamlessly.
FardinIslam said:
Oh ok. I couldn't understand first.
For that, You'll flash in EDL mode. But the problem is if your device is powered by a snapdragon chip, it'll not working seamlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I'm aware of the mode I have to enter to flash, as above I'm trying to figure out which stock rom I should flash to avoid tripping knox, and to receive OTAs. What won't work seamlessly?
Well, mods can close the thread, found the way to do it. Leaving it in case somebody ever needs it.
First, found & checked the bootloader version (5th number from the right in the build version) since you can only flash older bootloader versions apparently.
Then downloaded through Frija the rom for the unlocked phone variant (SM-G973U1) and the unbranded CSC (XAA)
Then using odin 3.13.3b flashed the rom
Watch this video
lrzfc said:
Well, mods can close the thread, found the way to do it. Leaving it in case somebody ever needs it.
First, found & checked the bootloader version (5th number from the right in the build version) since you can only flash older bootloader versions apparently.
Then downloaded through Frija the rom for the unlocked phone variant (SM-G973U1) and the unbranded CSC (XAA)
Then using odin 3.13.3b flashed the rom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, I'm in more or less same situation. When you flashed, which files did you use? All of them or just the AP_*** file?
Never mind. Flashed it anyway, now I don't see the AT&T startup screen anymore which is promising. Firmware version is now Android 11 (SM-G973U1 and not SM-G973U) on XAA CSC. Will see if I get any firmware updates later.