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Hello, I'm a tmobile customer that just purchased an unlocked galaxy s8 from the Samsung website. I'm wondering if going to the store and getting the tmobile firmware on it installed is really necessary. I mainly want to do this because of the software updates, but then I thought the the unlocked version might get updates from a different source? Am I right? I'm sorry about this being such a general question, but I just want to do what's best for my new phone. Would you recommend me installing this firmware? Or should I just keep the stock unlocked firmware it came with? Are there any drawbacks associated with not installing the tmobile firmware on it?
EDIT:
To start, will Tmobile even do this in the first place? I'm totally clueless whether they offer installing their software on customer phones or not.
Thank you.
Hi there. Unfortunately, you are going to be really hard pressed to find a T-Mobile rep anywhere that could/would flash firmware w/ Odin. Not saying that there aren't some reps out their that don't know about this stuff (there are a lot that really have no clue though), but this is well outside of what most of them are trained for, plus Odin is only supposed to be used by Samsung. Also, historically (at least the last couple of years), for whatever reason Samsung's unlocked US models have been getting updates slower than the carrier versions, which really doesn't make any sense because there is less to go through to get them updated. That being said, there are several threads in the T-Mobile S8 forum here as well as the general S8 forum dedicated to carrier switching, which can guide you in turning your unlocked model into a T-Mobile model, for all intents and purposes.
oscarm003 said:
Hello, I'm a tmobile customer that just purchased an unlocked galaxy s8 from the Samsung website. I'm wondering if going to the store and getting the tmobile firmware on it installed is really necessary. I mainly want to do this because of the software updates, but then I thought the the unlocked version might get updates from a different source? Am I right? I'm sorry about this being such a general question, but I just want to do what's best for my new phone. Would you recommend me installing this firmware? Or should I just keep the stock unlocked firmware it came with? Are there any drawbacks associated with not installing the tmobile firmware on it?
EDIT:
To start, will Tmobile even do this in the first place? I'm totally clueless whether they offer installing their software on customer phones or not.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The guy that replied first is really correct! T-Mobile store won't flash any phone, don't go beyond simple troubleshooting. It is easier to fly to Mars, than talk about flashing a device with rep. I do hope there are some T-Mobile reps that do really know about flashing, but I just haven't seen one yet.
I am with Unlocked S8 and use it on T-Mobile. I don't have any signal specific issues for example and features such as WiFi Calling, Band 12 and VoLTE all work well. There are few thing that flashing to T-Mobile firmware could give you:
Video calling(to specific phones only)
Advanced Messaging(believe other phone needs to support it)
DIGITS service will be built into the phone dialer.
I was also debating about doing it, but all 3 mentioned features are not wildly available and don't work across all devices and networks. On top of that you will get few T-Mobile apps pre-installed + Lookout app + T-Mobile logo when booting up the phone.
We can flash practically anytime we want, so I would suggest you to wait and see how Samsung will treat unlocked devices and how fast updates will arrive. If T-Mobile will do them much better than Samsung, then I will flash myself or when those 3 features above will work across all devices.
Sorry for reviving this thread, but my unlocked s8 gets slower upload and download speeds than my friends tmobile s8, we are both in NYC and he's getting 100mbps and I'm getting 30-40mbps. I assume they also have specific settings hardbaked in their rom that allows for optimized carrier usage?
joey4321 said:
Sorry for reviving this thread, but my unlocked s8 gets slower upload and download speeds than my friends tmobile s8, we are both in NYC and he's getting 100mbps and I'm getting 30-40mbps. I assume they also have specific settings hardbaked in their rom that allows for optimized carrier usage?
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Click to collapse
the t mobile firmware comes with 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM. which leads to better signal and faster download speeds.
Can I flash just the modem or CSC to get the benefits without flashing the whole tmobile rom?
joey4321 said:
Can I flash just the modem or CSC to get the benefits without flashing the whole tmobile rom?
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Click to collapse
This is a question I'd like the answer to. I'd like to keep all the Samsung default software features but get RCS, which is the most important thing, and one of the main reasons I'm still using my LG G6.
raduque said:
This is a question I'd like the answer to. I'd like to keep all the Samsung default software features but get RCS, which is the most important thing, and one of the main reasons I'm still using my LG G6.
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Click to collapse
joey4321 said:
Can I flash just the modem or CSC to get the benefits without flashing the whole tmobile rom?
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Click to collapse
i think you'll need the whole firmware to be able to use RCS and the tmob features. i personally think the tmob firmware is better since it has 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM enabled. so better signal and service
guaneet said:
4x4 MIMO and 256QAM enabled. so better signal and service
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Click to collapse
I don't care about any of that. I value the Samsung unbranded experience more. All I want from the Tmo FW is RCS.
Alternately, if they ever support it using the unlocked S8 FW, i'll switch back to my S8 in a heartbeat. My G6 seems to get tons better battery life anyway for some reason.
Can someone provide a link to a thread for flashing the Unlocked s8 to T-Mobile?
Thanks.
C3cars said:
Can someone provide a link to a thread for flashing the Unlocked s8 to T-Mobile?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are multiple sections, but I believe you need to look under: Flashing Standard Firmware, but do ask, just in case.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817
Charkatak said:
There are multiple sections, but I believe you need to look under: Flashing Standard Firmware, but do ask, just in case.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817
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Click to collapse
I believe you have to use the "flashing unlocked firmware" because the prince's version of the ODIN will bypass the ROM checksum and let you flash any variant you want. if you use the normal ODIN and you are going from unlocked to t-mobile (950U1 to 950U) ROM it will fail.
I used to be on the unlocked but now I'm running t-mobile rom to have multi-line baked in to the native dialer. and my service provider SW ver. shows TMB/TMB/XAA
All is good and I'm happy with the ROM after few days the battery life seems the same as the unlocked version.
i just want to know if i can keep the bloatware free and just flash the modem from tmobile firmware.
i just want wifi calling, volte, 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM. i dont care much for the multi line feature cause not useful on my end and idk about rcs because the person on the other end needs to have it and i dont really see it as useful.
lol s7 bloatware free firmware was so easy to flash compared to this xD
im running the att variant but im sure all the hardware is the same. so i dont see why the unlocked firmware wouldnt support this out of the box.
ImaUseBT said:
i just want to know if i can keep the bloatware free and just flash the modem from tmobile firmware.
i just want wifi calling, volte, 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM. i dont care much for the multi line feature cause not useful on my end and idk about rcs because the person on the other end needs to have it and i dont really see it as useful.
lol s7 bloatware free firmware was so easy to flash compared to this xD
im running the att variant but im sure all the hardware is the same. so i dont see why the unlocked firmware wouldnt support this out of the box.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I had my S7 Edge I was able to mix and match different ROM with different modem files ie I would be on the unlocked ROM with the tmobile modem and was able to use the unlocked firmware with t-mobile radios. This is what you want but I have not tried it with the my S8 you can try if it dont work use the prince's ODIN to take you back to stock.
kdoweb1 said:
When I had my S7 Edge I was able to mix and match different ROM with different modem files ie I would be on the unlocked ROM with the tmobile modem and was able to use the unlocked firmware with t-mobile radios. This is what you want but I have not tried it with the my S8 you can try if it dont work use the prince's ODIN to take you back to stock.
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Click to collapse
yea thats what ive been doing. i just want a blotware free phone but use the tmo features apart from multi line. i just flashed the u1 firmware now so lets see what happens
ImaUseBT said:
yea thats what ive been doing. i just want a blotware free phone but use the tmo features apart from multi line. i just flashed the u1 firmware now so lets see what happens
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you will have wifi calling and volte but not 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM. i think MIMO is activated in the modem itself.
kdoweb1 said:
I believe you will have wifi calling and volte but not 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM. i think MIMO is activated in the modem itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm i could try to flash the tmobile modem onto this firmware. but yea i do have volte and wifi calling. idk how to check for 4x4 mimo and 256qam
kdoweb1 said:
I believe you have to use the "flashing unlocked firmware" because the prince's version of the ODIN will bypass the ROM checksum and let you flash any variant you want. if you use the normal ODIN and you are going from unlocked to t-mobile (950U1 to 950U) ROM it will fail.
I used to be on the unlocked but now I'm running t-mobile rom to have multi-line baked in to the native dialer. and my service provider SW ver. shows TMB/TMB/XAA
All is good and I'm happy with the ROM after few days the battery life seems the same as the unlocked version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't "flashing unlocked firmware" means that you have a carrier provided phone and want to flash unlocked firmware on it?
Charkatak said:
Isn't "flashing unlocked firmware" means that you have a carrier provided phone and want to flash unlocked firmware on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, but it also works the other way around. Anytime you want to change variant you must use the modified version of ODIN as it bypass the checksum or the flash will fail.
Thanks Peeps!
I just got off the chat with Samsung and they said the latest update for our device should be out in the next couple of days. Samsung is way slower than the carriers. I have an unlocked Note 8 running the ATT firmware. Will this update wipe my device or put me back to the unlocked carrier firmware?
Thanks for the info. I'm on the same boat. Hope they roll out soon!
It is crazy that we get it last. I mean, Samsung has to provide the update to the carriers, then the carriers tweak the update for their own devices, then they deploy it. Why aren't we getting it first?!
MarineSSGT0629 said:
It is crazy that we get it last. I mean, Samsung has to provide the update to the carriers, then the carriers tweak the update for their own devices, then they deploy it. Why aren't we getting it first?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I thought the same. I don't think I will be buying another unlocked carrier phone anymore. Not worth it. Right now I have the ATT firmware running on my Unlocked carrier version. So I still ended up debloating the OS.
What's best way to add carrier firmware? Sprint added there version of volte and unlocked version doesn't have it and I don't think it will get it
vincey2kr1 said:
What's best way to add carrier firmware? Sprint added there version of volte and unlocked version doesn't have it and I don't think it will get it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably wont get it unless you flash the carrier firmware. Here is a link to the thread on how to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/guide-sm-n950u-u1-t3685884
Well, as the title says, when I enter settings and then system updates, it starts to search for an update, but the after like 20 secs it stops and says "We have troubles authenticating your device, please try again later"
My note 9 is model SM-N960U and it's original carrier, is Verizon. I'm in Mexico tough, but it is unlocked, maybe that has to do with the problem? Any help appreciated.
I have a unlocked 960U1 with Verizon and am in the US. No update available. Maybe it is rolling out to Mexican customers only?
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Fast-T said:
I have a unlocked 960U1 with Verizon and am in the US. No update available. Maybe it is rolling out to Mexican customers only?
Sent from my SM-N960U1 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the September security patch, but I had to flash it with Odin. Bc when I search for an update that happens
Up
TonyGzl92 said:
Up
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Click to collapse
most carriers require you to be on there network to get ota from them. you could flash the u1 firmware and get ota from samsung
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/stock-sm-n960u1-usa-unlocked-firmware-t3833566
jerrycoffman45 said:
most carriers require you to be on there network to get ota from them. you could flash the u1 firmware and get ota from samsung
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/stock-sm-n960u1-usa-unlocked-firmware-t3833566
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what I thought, but if I do, I'll lose things like VoLTE or any software features?
TonyGzl92 said:
Yeah that's what I thought, but if I do, I'll lose things like VoLTE or any software features?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you will lose carrier features like volte and wifi calling
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
jerrycoffman45 said:
Yeah you will lose carrier features like volte and wifi calling
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't lose VoLTE on unlocked firmware unless you have ATT. Think OP said he was on Verizon. It works fine. Wi-Fi Calling would be lost (which is weird since they got that working on unlocked with S9 series, too).
Not sure what carrier he is on he said it was a Verizon phone that's unlocked but he was in Mexico so he might be able to get it I am on att and didn't know other carriers let you have volte thanks for the correction
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
CrazyApe18 said:
You don't lose VoLTE on unlocked firmware unless you have ATT. Think OP said he was on Verizon. It works fine. Wi-Fi Calling would be lost (which is weird since they got that working on unlocked with S9 series, too).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jerrycoffman45 said:
Not sure what carrier he is on he said it was a Verizon phone that's unlocked but he was in Mexico so he might be able to get it I am on att and didn't know other carriers let you have volte thanks for the correction
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Oh maybe that's where I should've started. Sorry.
To be clear, the phone is from Verizon. The active CSC is VZW, as I mentioned, the phone is unlocked and I use it in Mexico with TELCEL carrier, i DON'T have VoLTE nor wifi calling (TELCEL only has VoLTE) the model is N960U. Do you think there is a way to get VoLTE and/or flash an 960U1 software even though mine is 960U?
Thanks for your responses
TonyGzl92 said:
Oh maybe that's where I should've started. Sorry.
To be clear, the phone is from Verizon. The active CSC is VZW, as I mentioned, the phone is unlocked and I use it in Mexico with TELCEL carrier, i DON'T have VoLTE nor wifi calling (TELCEL only has VoLTE) the model is N960U. Do you think there is a way to get VoLTE and/or flash an 960U1 software even though mine is 960U?
Thanks for your responses
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can flash the u1 firmware just be sure to back up your data because the flash will erase your phone
So I'm planning to buy an unlocked S10e from Samsung's official site, but I've heard that on the unlocked versions you get slowest updates, no RCS, no wifi calling, nor VOLTE. I've used Andriod for years but I've never used any other samsung product besides my Galaxy S3. I've heard you can flash firmware but I needed some questions answered. Would this break anything like knox? Would I get updates normally ? besides bloat any problems with doing this ?
Ak7J4 said:
Would this break anything like knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unless you like using mobile hotspot for free (if that's still a thing on the unlocked firmware).
Ak7J4 said:
Would I get updates normally ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you will receive updates from whichever firmware provider you install. If you have Samsung's unlocked then you'll get it directly from Samsung and if you flash T-Mobile, for example, then you will receive updates from T-Mobile in the future.
Ak7J4 said:
besides bloat any problems with doing this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than possibly having to pay to use mobile hotspot, as addressed above, I don't believe you could introduce any other issues not mentioned.
Outbreak444 said:
No, unless you like using mobile hotspot for free (if that's still a thing on the unlocked firmware).
Yes, you will receive updates from whichever firmware provider you install. If you have Samsung's unlocked then you'll get it directly from Samsung and if you flash T-Mobile, for example, then you will receive updates from T-Mobile in the future.
Other than possibly having to pay to use mobile hotspot, as addressed above, I don't believe you could introduce any other issues not mentioned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. This is really helpful. I believe that the hotspot should be free on T-Mobile ? (My LG V20 can use it free). Also do you have a guide for flashing the T-mobile firmware ?
Ak7J4 said:
Thank you. This is really helpful. I believe that the hotspot should be free on T-Mobile ? (My LG V20 can use it free). Also do you have a guide for flashing the T-mobile firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check this thread where similar question to yours was recently covered:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/help/accidentally-bought-g970u-instead-g970u1-t3922033
Ak7J4 said:
So I'm planning to buy an unlocked S10e from Samsung's official site, but I've heard that on the unlocked versions you get slowest updates, no RCS, no wifi calling, nor VOLTE. I've used Andriod for years but I've never used any other samsung product besides my Galaxy S3. I've heard you can flash firmware but I needed some questions answered. Would this break anything like knox? Would I get updates normally ? besides bloat any problems with doing this ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At&t is only carrier where wifi calling and Volte won't work for unlicked units. It has to do with the imei.
Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk
Hey 5G Pioneers,
I am wondering can I flash the sm-g 977b firmware onto the sm-g 977n device through the Odin? Did someone make it?
Since these two models are all using the same Exynos 9820 chips
And from my previous experience of using my galaxy s8, Samsung actually enabled me to flash the firmware in different regions only if the devices were using the same chip version.
I am currently in Australia. The Korean version of 977N is much cheaper, and it seems that is the only network unlock version that I could buy from the market.
Not sure where are you in Australia but I bought mine from a Telstra Sales Rep (based in CBD, Melbourne) where he got a discount code and gave its to me for AUD 1400 for the 512 GB Majestic Black Version, unlocked , I'm using Optus, VoLTE, VoWIFI works fine on it.
DrearierJester1 said:
Not sure where are you in Australia but I bought mine from a Telstra Sales Rep (based in CBD, Melbourne) where he got a discount code and gave its to me for AUD 1400 for the 512 GB Majestic Black Version, unlocked , I'm using Optus, VoLTE, VoWIFI works fine on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was a great deal!
DrearierJester1 said:
Not sure where are you in Australia but I bought mine from a Telstra Sales Rep (based in CBD, Melbourne) where he got a discount code and gave its to me for AUD 1400 for the 512 GB Majestic Black Version, unlocked , I'm using Optus, VoLTE, VoWIFI works fine on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, did he unlock the phone or was it factory unlocked already?
whosaysjohn said:
Hi, did he unlock the phone or was it factory unlocked already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was already factory unlocked. I didn't have to insert Telstra SIM to activate it.
DrearierJester1 said:
Was already factory unlocked. I didn't have to insert Telstra SIM to activate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is this the exynos or Snapdragon version? I'm planning to buy the 256gb version and use in India. So wanted to check before I ask my sister to buy.
whosaysjohn said:
Thanks. Is this the exynos or Snapdragon version? I'm planning to buy the 256gb version and use in India. So wanted to check before I ask my sister to buy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exynos.
DrearierJester1 said:
Exynos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you
Hi everybody,
On Sammobile website, I found 4 firmware Korean variants. I tried getting more information on the "KOO" variant to see if its a stock Samsung firmware without Carrier Apps/Bloatware without luck. I couldn't get any detailed information whether it can be flashed over any other Korean variant. Can anyone here clarify if its possible and If yes provide further details?
Attached a snapshot.
Many thanks
DhA4G said:
Hi everybody,
On Sammobile website, I found 4 firmware Korean variants. I tried getting more information on the "KOO" variant to see if its a stock Samsung firmware without Carrier Apps/Bloatware without luck. I couldn't get any detailed information whether it can be flashed over any other Korean variant. Can anyone here clarify if its possible and If yes provide further details?
Attached a snapshot.
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the non bloatware Korean version but it doesn't allow me to flash it. I suspect you have to flash it with the userdata file also.
Thanks for the information,
I have a new phone so No issues with user data. How do I flash the firmware.
Thanks
DhA4G said:
Thanks for the information,
I have a new phone so No issues with user data. How do I flash the firmware.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use all the files in the KOO firmware including the userdata.
west2cool said:
Use all the files in the KOO firmware including the userdata.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I attempt this, Will this trigger knox? Void Warranty ? Will I be able to have OTA later on?
Thanks
I have done it several times but it seems to fail. Nothing will be triggered.
west2cool said:
I have done it several times but it seems to fail. Nothing will be triggered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I have successfully flashed the "KOO" variant once with and a second time without "userdata", however that did NOT remove any of the Bloatware/Carrier Apps.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
I disable the 3 apps then hide them from the app drawer.
west2cool said:
I disable the 3 apps then hide them from the app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I did disable the apps which is great, but there menu operator items as well!
Edit : Forgot to mention that the boot logo is of the operator as well.
I was researching something about using the PIT file along with the firmware but can't find the specific PIT file for S10 5g.
Use Odin or the modified version to flash combination firmware. Then flash your desired firmware.
This is the only way I am aware to remove all carrier bloatware and boot logos.
Dual SIM
DhA4G said:
Thanks for the information,
I have a new phone so No issues with user data. How do I flash the firmware.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am particularly interested in this as the 977N variant seems to be dual sim. I notice it also has additional bands to the 977B varient and I would like to put the telstra firmware to ensure operation of VoLTE VoWiFi RCS etc.
The main purpose is to use at home and overseas. So more bands and access to features (VoLTE, VoWiFI, RCS etc. on my telstra SIM and local overseas SIM) when overseas are the goal.
Unless someone can confirm that the 977N with vanilla firmware will support all the telstra features?
Thank you for your assistance