Database Develop

SM-N920F (Actually SM-N920A) on 3 UK - updating from 5.1.1 to MM and beyond

*Utter noob alert!*
tl;dr - can i update to MM 6+ without totally screwing my phone and entering a whole world of pain?
Proud owner of mongrel SM-N920A purchased from HK via eBay. Device has no branding on hardward / software other than Samsung.
Settings > System > About Device shows model number = SM-N920F. LIES!!!!!
Phone INFO *Samsung* apk shows it's really an SM-N920A
I've attached output from Phone INFO showing 'General', 'CSC', 'Firmware' and 'Android' info.
Having read over threads on Sammobile and here on XDA, it appears some people are losing anything from mobile reception & data to full on apocalyptic bricking. Most of these posts are from earlier in 2016 so I'm wondering, now we're further down the line and the dust has settled, whether there's any consensus on best way forward to get Marshmallow / Nougat and beyond - if at all.

Anyone out there able to offer help and guidance?

Please :crying:

Ah come onnn! Someone here must be able to help!?

dmlargo said:
Ah come onnn! Someone here must be able to help!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is commonly done to increase the value of the phone by tricking the buyer into thinking it's a non-US model.
Anyway, AT&T and T-Mobile are better than Verizon or Sprint if it comes to using them outside the US, because of better LTE band support.
Since an AT&T phone will only receive OTA updates with an AT&T SIM inserted, you have to sideload the MM update yourself through adb and then keep on sideloading every new build as it comes out.

murtaza02 said:
This is commonly done to increase the value of the phone by tricking the buyer into thinking it's a non-US model.
Anyway, AT&T and T-Mobile are better than Verizon or Sprint if it comes to using them outside the US, because of better LTE band support.
Since an AT&T phone will only receive OTA updates with an AT&T SIM inserted, you have to sideload the MM update yourself through adb and then keep on sideloading every new build as it comes out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...
If I can get my hands on a prepaid / payg at&t sim here in the UK I could theoretically just get an OTA update that way?
If not, I'll look into sideloading. Do you know of any instructions on how to do?
And, thanks for replying. Very much appreciated

dmlargo said:
So...
If I can get my hands on a prepaid / payg at&t sim here in the UK I could theoretically just get an OTA update that way?
If not, I'll look into sideloading. Do you know of any instructions on how to do?
And, thanks for replying. Very much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily, since the device needs to be connected to AT&Ts network, the SIM would either not work, or start Roaming in the UK.
Sideloading means you will have to get the OTA Zip files and install them on your phone using the Android Debugging Bridge (ADB).
This is the thread HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...ow-to-manually-update-to-marshmallow-t3380624
It's a very well written guide on how to update the AT&T Note 5.
Your current build number is different from the one used in the main post of the guide, so you're going to have to browse through the thread, grab a different build of Lollipop, flash that, then sideload the Marshmallow updates, one by one, till you get to a fairly new build, then what you do is, factory reset the phone, so you have a clean install of Marshmallow on your phone.

murtaza02 said:
Not necessarily, since the device needs to be connected to AT&Ts network, the SIM would either not work, or start Roaming in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course! I'm an idiot. Doesn't bode well does it! :laugh:
murtaza02 said:
Sideloading means you will have to get the OTA Zip files and install them on your phone using the Android Debugging Bridge (ADB).
This is the thread HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...ow-to-manually-update-to-marshmallow-t3380624
It's a very well written guide on how to update the AT&T Note 5.
Your current build number is different from the one used in the main post of the guide, so you're going to have to browse through the thread, grab a different build of Lollipop, flash that, then sideload the Marshmallow updates, one by one, till you get to a fairly new build, then what you do is, factory reset the phone, so you have a clean install of Marshmallow on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build number being LMY4X.N920AUCU1AOGG
Doesn't matter that bootloader, PDA,CSC and baseband versions are mostly all different?
You're a great help. Thank you! +1

dmlargo said:
Of course! I'm an idiot. Doesn't bode well does it! :laugh:
Build number being LMY4X.N920AUCU1AOGG
Doesn't matter that bootloader, PDA,CSC and baseband versions are mostly all different?
You're a great help. Thank you! +1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on AOJ1 According to your screenshot.
You need to downgrade to UPB2 Or something and then flash the OTAs from Marshmallow to your phone from PB2.
I'm out of the house at the moment, will be home very soon, and try to find a link for you.

murtaza02 said:
You're on AOJ1 According to your screenshot.
You need to downgrade to UPB2 Or something and then flash the OTAs from Marshmallow to your phone from PB2.
I'm out of the house at the moment, will be home very soon, and try to find a link for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man.
For that version AOJ1 - that's bootloader version right? Just so I can differentiate what to look for.
Take it easy

dmlargo said:
Thanks man.
For that version AOJ1 - that's bootloader version right? Just so I can differentiate what to look for.
Take it easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.

murtaza02 said:
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Epic. If I take it back to 2BPE6 successfully, I'm guessing it's then just the same process to push up to 6.0.1 and beyond?

dmlargo said:
Epic. If I take it back to 2BPE6 successfully, I'm guessing it's then just the same process to push up to 6.0.1 and beyond?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, that was the process I described initially that required you to flash 2BP2 First and then onwards to Marshmallow.
The file I've linked (2BPE6) isn't an OTA. It's the entire full ROM file for the 6.0.1 update for the N920A. Once you flash this and the phone reboots, it'll go directly to Marshmallow.

murtaza02 said:
Nope, that was the process I described initially that required you to flash 2BP2 First and then onwards to Marshmallow.
The file I've linked (2BPE6) isn't an OTA. It's the entire full ROM file for the 6.0.1 update for the N920A. Once you flash this and the phone reboots, it'll go directly to Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And, more importantly, I'll hopefully have a standardised stack across csc, PDA and what not.
Like I said in op - there's unsurprisingly a lot of talk out there about note 5 on at&t when it comes to updates. I'd hoped because mine was already rooted and had a CHN / TGY csc that it kind of showed if someone in China had done stuff to it, and it still worked, then there was a possibility of moving it to 6.0.1
I'll get all files together along with your notes and have a go after getting a nandroid back up. Might be a while given time of year though.
Nice one

dmlargo said:
And, more importantly, I'll hopefully have a standardised stack across csc, PDA and what not.
Like I said in op - there's unsurprisingly a lot of talk out there about note 5 on at&t when it comes to updates. I'd hoped because mine was already rooted and had a CHN / TGY csc that it kind of showed if someone in China had done stuff to it, and it still worked, then there was a possibility of moving it to 6.0.1
I'll get all files together along with your notes and have a go after getting a nandroid back up. Might be a while given time of year though.
Nice one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CSC and everything will go back to the default ATT one and it'll have no trace of ever being a fake N920F.
Everything will show N920A and you may also have a bit of AT&T bloat ware, most of which can be disabled.
But the main point is that the phone will no longer be modified in any way and will be completely stock.

murtaza02 said:
The CSC and everything will go back to the default ATT one and it'll have no trace of ever being a fake N920F.
Everything will show N920A and you may also have a bit of AT&T bloat ware, most of which can be disabled.
But the main point is that the phone will no longer be modified in any way and will be completely stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But doesn't that mean it'll be region locked / potentially losing network connection?

dmlargo said:
But doesn't that mean it'll be region locked / potentially losing network connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Once it's unlocked, it's always unlocked.
I live in Pakistan, American carrier phones are very common here. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, all the variants of Note 5 are available here and I've flashed updates on a friends AT&T Note 5 and it didn't get re-locked. I've flashed a T-Mobile Note 4 and 5, neither got re-locked.
Point being, that re-locking crap only used to happen on phones that were unlocked using a glitch or a software based unlock.

murtaza02 said:
Nope. Once it's unlocked, it's always unlocked.
I live in Pakistan, American carrier phones are very common here. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, all the variants of Note 5 are available here and I've flashed updates on a friends AT&T Note 5 and it didn't get re-locked. I've flashed a T-Mobile Note 4 and 5, neither got re-locked.
Point being, that re-locking crap only used to happen on phones that were unlocked using a glitch or a software based unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. I'll have a look this weekend. Fingers crossed.
After that I'll have a go a re-rooting using something similar to: https://www.search4roots.com/how-to-easily-root-samsung-galaxy-note-5-sm-n920a-marshmallow-6-0-1/

murtaza02 said:
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a very similar situation ( AT&T re-custom Note5 ) , followed the procedure and everything went straight
so thanks to both of you for this thread and pretty straight guide
really
the only "issue" is that quite many thing ( graphically speaking ) changed from Lollipop , not in a "good" way , and I'm not sure wheter they're supposed to change for Marshmallow or for the AT&T bloatware/customization ..what is sure is that the phone was running bit cleaner before . ( i.e. no extra icons , no recording or "AT&T video call " icon available on phonecall screen when calling ..just an example among some things i noticed besides some at&t apps in the home screen )
is there a way to know it and to remove any of it , besides rooting the phone ? - which I'm not sure can be done on a n920a

boodi said:
I had a very similar situation ( AT&T re-custom Note5 ) , followed the procedure and everything went straight
so thanks to both of you for this thread and guide
the only thing is that quite many thing ( graphically speaking ) changed from Lollipop , not in a "good" way , and I'm not sure wheter they're supposed to change for Marshmallow or for the AT&T bloatware/customization
is there a way to know it and to remove any of it , besides rooting the phone ? - which I'm not sure can be done on a n920a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package Disabler Pro. It's a paid app. You can use it to disable (not remove) some bloatware that's preinstalled by Samsung and AT&T.
No root possible, so you can't remove the apps.
Sent from my SM-G935F

N950F or N950N given the choice, which one is better for updates?

Hi! Former Note 4 owner here, about to switch from One Plus 3T to Note 8. It has been a sweet ride with the OP3T but I am getting Note withdrawal already ! I just realized I buy (and lose) cheap styluses (styli?) every other week as I spend a lot of time editing pictures on the fly for our home business FB and IG ads.
Have a simple question:
In my country we have 2 variants available, N950F and the Korean N950N. almost same price, gladly both Exynos which is what I want. However, I would like to know if there is any advantage for any of them regarding system updates timing from Samsung, security updates and the like. Also, any chances of Oreo being rolled out for one of them earlier than the other?
I dont feel a need to root at the moment although just in case I would like to know if there are any major differences or ease of doing that for any of them . I did some research before posting the question and looks like N950F has more dev support but correct me if I am wrong.
I just need to decide on this "XDA world problem" to pull the triger. No one I know understand my conundrum and they look at me like I am from Mars.

Garoto1973 said:
Hi! Former Note 4 owner here, about to switch from One Plus 3T to Note 8. It has been a sweet ride with the OP3T but I am getting Note withdrawal already ! I just realized I buy (and lose) cheap styluses (styli?) every other week as I spend a lot of time editing pictures on the fly for our home business FB and IG ads.
Have a simple question:
In my country we have 2 variants available, N950F and the Korean N950N. almost same price, gladly both Exynos which is what I want. However, I would like to know if there is any advantage for any of them regarding system updates timing from Samsung, security updates and the like. Also, any chances of Oreo being rolled out for one of them earlier than the other?
I dont feel a need to root at the moment although just in case I would like to know if there are any major differences or ease of doing that for any of them . I did some research before posting the question and looks like N950F has more dev support but correct me if I am wrong.
I just need to decide on this "XDA world problem" to pull the triger. No one I know understand my conundrum and they look at me like I am from Mars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Updates will be released in tandem. One after other. So not much delay

950N , yes I said it.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Limeybastard said:
950N , yes I said it.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol...you might as well give OP a reason why you suggest one over the other

sefrcoko said:
Lol...you might as well give OP a reason why you suggest one over the other
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It believe you have better color options and memory?plus made in Korea. LOL
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

n950n = no possible OEM jail time issue. F's are a hit or miss. Uk seem ok but the rest of asian and Oceania seem to have the dreaded 7 day jail time.

bober10113 said:
n950n = no possible OEM jail time issue. F's are a hit or miss. Uk seem ok but the rest of asian and Oceania seem to have the dreaded 7 day jail time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Why is there no possibility of "jail time" on the SM-N950N? Kindly elaborate.

MrElectrifyer said:
Really? Why is there no possibility of "jail time" on the SM-N950N? Kindly elaborate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
because the OEM unlock is there by default. My first attempt at a note 8 was a dual sim 950F and OEM unlock was not there. Not being able to root/flash twrp for 7 days and possibility of jail time every time a new rom or csc is flashed is not my cup of tea.

bober10113 said:
because the OEM unlock is there by default. My first attempt at a note 8 was a dual sim 950F and OEM unlock was not there. Not being able to root/flash twrp for 7 days and possibility of jail time every time a new rom or csc is flashed is not my cup of tea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then, that makes me better appreciate my 256GB SM-N950N.
I was on the lookout for the 256GB SM-N950FD 'cause I wanted a globally unlocked, Multi-CSC supported, and unbranded bloatware-free Exynos device with support for OTAs. The Dual SIM support is a welcome added bonus. However, never came across a 256GB version of the SM-N950FD, only 64GB version, which I'm not willing to settle for, especially as I plan on keeping this device (my first ever Samsung Smartphone) for the next 5+ years (unless something a whole lot more useful becomes available) and I'm using it more and more as a full-fledged Pocket PC.
After you've rooted, do you always clean install via Odin in order to install the monthly security updates? Or how do you update the device? Please and thank you.

MrElectrifyer said:
Well then, that makes me better appreciate my 256GB SM-N950N.
I was on the lookout for the 256GB SM-N950FD 'cause I wanted a globally unlocked, Multi-CSC supported, and unbranded bloatware-free Exynos device with support for OTAs. The Dual SIM support is a welcome added bonus. However, never came across a 256GB version of the SM-N950FD, only 64GB version, which I'm not willing to settle for, especially as I plan on keeping this device (my first ever Samsung Smartphone) for the next 5+ years (unless something a whole lot more useful becomes available) and I'm using it more and more as a full-fledged Pocket PC.
After you've rooted, do you always clean install via Odin in order to install the monthly security updates? Or how do you update the device? Please and thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
for monthly updates, no need to be rooted.
If you root then chances are you have twrp and probably are on a custom rom. the dev which makes the rom will update their Rom(monthly?) and then just flash that in twrp.
only thing you need to do is maintain your bootloader and modem up to date via odin. never flash these 2 firmwares that might be provided within roms or as seperate files as they are almost always for n950F.
I too have a 256gb version and it has been nothing but smooth sailing!

bober10113 said:
for monthly updates, no need to be rooted.
If you root then chances are you have twrp and probably are on a custom rom. the dev which makes the rom will update their Rom(monthly?) and then just flash that in twrp.
only thing you need to do is maintain your bootloader and modem up to date via odin. never flash these 2 firmwares that might be provided within roms or as seperate files as they are almost always for n950F.
I too have a 256gb version and it has been nothing but smooth sailing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information. I don't have a custom ROM (frankly, I really like Samsung's feature-packed stock ROMs), I rooted so that I could switch the CSC to the Canadian Fido CSC (FMC) to enable WiFi Calling and also native call recording. Unfortunately, haven't figured out how to get either of those working yet, but also using Magisk root for other handy root applications like Titanium Backup, DisableService, etc., all while keeping Safetynet happy
In this situation, how would you suggest I do the updates without losing system data? Is there a way via PrinceComsy Odin? Thanks in advance.

MrElectrifyer said:
Thanks for the information. I don't have a custom ROM (frankly, I really like Samsung's feature-packed stock ROMs), I rooted so that I could switch the CSC to the Canadian Fido CSC (FMC) to enable WiFi Calling and also native call recording. Unfortunately, haven't figured out how to get either of those working yet, but also using Magisk root for other handy root applications like Titanium Backup, DisableService, etc., all while keeping Safetynet happy
In this situation, how would you suggest I do the updates without losing system data? Is there a way via PrinceComsy Odin? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
updates meaning CSC ? just flash the note 8 CSC pack from tkkg1994
you can also manualy extract the files to your device(dont forget to set file and folder permissions after. I acctualy post updates for the Canadian xac region file in that dev,s thread so he can incorporate them in his flashable zip.
Regarding csc options for wifi calling, unfortuantely Fido is Rogers. they blacklist foreign imei codes. meaning that you need a device sold by them which is total BS.
this is the only "downside" of having a non-carrier branded device

bober10113 said:
updates meaning CSC ? just flash the note 8 CSC pack from tkkg1994
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for the information. Sorry for not being clear, I meant entire firmware updates, like the security updates and the upcoming Oreo update. How would you flash them on the SM-N950N without losing data? I once attempted updating via Odin with HOME_CSC of the SM-N950N in the CSC slot, but it factory reset my Note 8. I then re-attempted with the HOME_CSC of the SM-N950W (the Canadian Note 8), but Odin threw back an error. Again, I'm not on a custom ROM, only changed the CSC.

MrElectrifyer said:
Thanks again for the information. Sorry for not being clear, I meant entire firmware updates, like the security updates and the upcoming Oreo update. How would you flash them on the SM-N950N without losing data? I once attempted updating via Odin with HOME_CSC of the SM-N950N in the CSC slot, but it factory reset my Note 8. I then re-attempted with the HOME_CSC of the SM-N950W (the Canadian Note 8), but Odin threw back an error. Again, I'm not on a custom ROM, only changed the CSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stock csc firmware will wipe your fone at first but once its changed then it should not wipe after. it wipes when carrier/region is switched. flashing stock firmware from an F device to a N is not going to work.
logically is you flash the next korean full firmware update(bl,ap,cp,csc) it shouldint wipe. anyways if i remember right once csc was switched on your 1st attempt then it shouldint wipe on your subsequent tries. only thing that dies wipe is when sim triggers region to change.
if you have trwp then flash the CSC pack. it won t wipe that im sure of.

bober10113 said:
...it wipes when carrier/region is switched...
only thing that dies wipe is when sim triggers region to change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So given that logic, it would always wipe my Note 8. 'Cause after flashing the official SM-N950N (SKC) firmware via Odin (which makes it now the SKC CSC), I again changed CSC to FMC via @Tkkg1994's CSC Selection tool. Attempting to flash future updates would again trigger a CSC change from FMC to SKC, right?
bober10113 said:
if you have trwp then flash the CSC pack. it won t wipe that im sure of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand and can confirm that. However, that's used after flashing the official firmware updates, which results in a wipe in Odin as it's changing from FMC back to SKC, if I understood correctly. I'm looking for a way to avoid the wipe when doing the firmware update.

just don't flash csc part in odin next update. always use the CSC packs. of course since you flash AP then you have to reflash twrp each time and prolly have to format storage?
but all things put aside, you really should try his Iron man rom! make a trwp backup of your current state incase you want to go back.

So what about SM-N9500, the last update I received had Android January Security fix.

I jave the F edition.
Never went to jail. Flashed over 30 times different roms.

Maroc_Specops said:
I jave the F edition.
Never went to jail. Flashed over 30 times different roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are part of the 1%
maybe not literally 1 per cent but alot of F owners have had issues with "jail" time. there is a whole thread dedicated to the OEM unlock issue.
---------- Post added at 04:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:47 AM ----------
itsmohsink said:
So what about SM-N9500, the last update I received had Android January Security fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your on chinese snap dragon. totally different beast.
not sure if that makes updates come faster or not.

n950n just got an update 1 day before the Fs.
the rest are trailing at lest 10 days behind.
so id say the update speeds is:
Ns
Fs
U's
0's
W's
time = X quantity of space... lol

Verizon Pie update?

Anyone get it OTA yet?

Yeah im waiting on it too, trying to not go the firmscience download route.

Looking like Verizon will be the last. Who knows how long it will take. Flashed it from my SD card on my note 9 a few days ago and no issues runs great. Probably won't be pushed out on Verizon until the end of the month. They are dragging there feet on this one

It hasn't been released yet.

Updated via SD card as well. No problems here.

Don't know what people are waiting for. You can update now at firmware.science. I did it last week on my Verizon Note 9. Easy as ...... Pie. (Edit: Unless it's an unlocked Verizon variant. Then you're screwed.)
The site walks you through the process. It asks what your current Oreo version is so it can prove the correct Pie version (CSAA, btw, same as AT&T and Sprint). And if it turns out Verizon goes off script and gives us something else, just Odin back, and then take the OTA.

(Cant remember and not sure how to tell if mine is unlocked variant or not) So if I bought my note 9 from Verizon its most likely unlocked and I cant update from firmware.science correct??

jam2315 said:
(Cant remember and not sure how to tell if mine is unlocked variant or not) So if I bought my note 9 from Verizon its most likely unlocked and I cant update from firmware.science correct??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think if it's an N960U1 then it's unlocked. Just go to About phone in Settings.
Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to use this site for an unlocked variant.

We are all playing the waiting game.
Does anyone know if hotspot mod works for Verizon like it does sprint?

jam2315 said:
(Cant remember and not sure how to tell if mine is unlocked variant or not) So if I bought my note 9 from Verizon its most likely unlocked and I cant update from firmware.science correct??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RGardner said:
I think if it's an N960U1 then it's unlocked. Just go to About phone in Settings.
Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to use this site for an unlocked variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The N960U1 is the factory unlocked version purchased directly from Samsung. You could also purchase it from Best Buy IIRC.
If purchased from Verizon, you have the carrier branded N960U. Verizon devices are also carrier unlocked, though that has no bearing on whether or not you can apply the update.zip from firmware.science.
If you're still confused as to what version you have...restart the phone. Do you see about ugly Verizon boot animation? If so, you have the carrier branded N960U.
As long as you are on N960USQS1ARL1, which you should be if you received the most recent OTA from Verizon in December, then you can absolutely apply the update zip from firmware.science. It's the same exact file Verizon will be pushing out via OTA. The same goes for ANY carrier branded device.
You can NOT use that update zip on the N960U1. It's different firmware.
With that said, you absolutely CAN use firmware.science to download OTAs for the N960U1...as they become available. As it stands, the only OTA files available for the U1 is the Pie beta files.

I have an N960U and I ran the update and it worked!

I sideloaded also. No issues.

I updated it through the SD card and it was super easy and I'm absolutely loving pie

I ran into an error while doing this method, I downloaded the update to the sd card and everything was going well, but when it rebooted it stayed stuck in the Verizon logo, i freaked out because it was bootlooping, eventually it gave me a prompt to start the phone in safe mode, so I did and it asked me to perform a factory reset in order to apply the update correctly. Long story short, I had to factory reset in order to properly update. Thankfully i had just performed a backup the day before.

For those doing the verizon pie update from firmware science, any issues, wifi calling work? Did it get rid of the verizon boot logo? etc?
Thank you!

ars0n said:
For those doing the verizon pie update from firmware science, any issues, wifi calling work? Did it get rid of the verizon boot logo? etc?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope! Everything is the same.

No Verizon OTA update yet. I checked about 20 times today.

Issue with Firmware.Science Update Method
Hello guys, I've been trying to update via the firmware.science route with no luck. First I tried the sdcard method but for some reason in the recovery menu it says something along the lines of "could not mount /sdcard" and therefore fails to even start the update. Next I tried adb (my usb drivers and everything are up to date, I am running adb as an administrator and I know for a fact that this exact setup works for Odin to flash stock Oreo) but adb hangs around ~70%. On the phone it says "patching system image after verification" and neither adb or my phone have changed status for about 20 min now. Does anybody have any idea why I'm having issues with either of these methods? Thanks!
---------- Post added at 05:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:54 AM ----------
CheeseburgerChad said:
Hello guys, I've been trying to update via the firmware.science route with no luck. First I tried the sdcard method but for some reason in the recovery menu it says something along the lines of "could not mount /sdcard" and therefore fails to even start the update. Next I tried adb (my usb drivers and everything are up to date, I am running adb as an administrator and I know for a fact that this exact setup works for Odin to flash stock Oreo) but adb hangs around ~70%. On the phone it says "patching system image after verification" and neither adb or my phone have changed status for about 20 min now. Does anybody have any idea why I'm having issues with either of these methods? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update: Re-downloading the firmware from the firmware.science website seems to have fixed the adb issue and I'm booted up into Pie now. Still not sure why my sdcard wouldn't mount in recovery though, but whatever

Root needed?
I have a new locked Note 9 without a root. Can I do this update on my phone?
Model # - SM-N960U
Baseband Version - N960USQU1ARL1
I got out of rooting phones but waiting impatiently for this update lol.

TonyGzl92 said:
I ran into an error while doing this method, I downloaded the update to the sd card and everything was going well, but when it rebooted it stayed stuck in the Verizon logo, i freaked out because it was bootlooping, eventually it gave me a prompt to start the phone in safe mode, so I did and it asked me to perform a factory reset in order to apply the update correctly. Long story short, I had to factory reset in order to properly update. Thankfully i had just performed a backup the day before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happened to me as well. But since doing a factory reset it has been smooth with no issues.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

No security updates

Galaxy Note 9 on Att. Most recent security update is June 2019. I've spoken to Att and Samsung, tried safe mode, reset, etc. Nothing works so far. Any suggestions? I'm concerned that if I'm not getting security updates am I missing OS updates as well?

[email protected] said:
Galaxy Note 9 on Att. Most recent security update is June 2019. I've spoken to Att and Samsung, tried safe mode, reset, etc. Nothing works so far. Any suggestions? I'm concerned that if I'm not getting security updates am I missing OS updates as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure when the camera features came out.
Did you try the Samsung computer app to update?
What about Odin and loading the newest build?
I am terrible at instructions but these 2 PC apps might get the job done.

I did try Smart Switch, it said all up to date. ATT guy said he could see updates but nothing we did could get them to load. Suggested Samsung who I contacted. Tried safe mode, etc. Finally he suggested local geek squad at Best Buy to use Smart Tool to update?? I stopped by but they said they couldn't help.

[email protected] said:
I did try Smart Switch, it said all up to date. ATT guy said he could see updates but nothing we did could get them to load. Suggested Samsung who I contacted. Tried safe mode, etc. Finally he suggested local geek squad at Best Buy to use Smart Tool to update?? I stopped by but they said they couldn't help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this site(xda) is plastered with posts on how to use Odin and download the latest firmware/software for your phone and flash/install it.
step 1 search and read about what device model you have.
step 2 download the firmware( system OS) for your device model. web sites and utilities can be used to downlaod the software. frija and sam firm tool are both utilities developed here on xda. search for them.
step 3 research about odin and how to use that tool to manualy update your samsung device with the extracted file downloaded on step 2.
xda is a do it your self type of site. usualy searching would answer all your questions.

What bober said. I have had this issue with At&t since Note 8. Don't get them on Note9 or 10. At&t is horrible at ota's. Some get them some don't. I have always had to flash them with Odin. And they are even worse at posting their firmware. I think the last N9 firmware the post was 1ARG6 or something like that.
My SM-N950U Still Rooted Note 8

I have had AT&T for awhile, and noticed once I switch to unlock phones bought from Samsung directly, I get the OTA's more consistently. Of course this is a sample size of one.i currently am on Novembers 2019 update on both my note 8(no sim, just use as mp3 player) and my Note 9(daily driver with AT&T sim). Honestly I didnt even check for updates, and just get the notice automatically about new updates being ready to install.
I would wonder if something else is wrong, like those above said. Odin to a clean install of the correct firmware and you should be good to go.
Sent from my Samsung SM-N960U1 using XDA Labs

butchieboy said:
What bober said. I have had this issue with At&t since Note 8. Don't get them on Note9 or 10. At&t is horrible at ota's. Some get them some don't. I have always had to flash them with Odin. And they are even worse at posting their firmware. I think the last N9 firmware the post was 1ARG6 or something like that.
My SM-N950U Still Rooted Note 8
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does using Odin trip the Knox of a samsung ?
I haven't gotten any update since February, 2019. I have been skeptical about using Odin to update, so as not to root my phone or trip the knox

Yommih said:
Does using Odin trip the Knox of a samsung ?
I haven't gotten any update since February, 2019. I have been skeptical about using Odin to update, so as not to root my phone or trip the knox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Odin is for flashing official Samsung firmware
So Knox remains intact.
Flashing non Samsung custom roms custom recovery and rooting will trip Knox *permanently

Thank you, I really appreciate this. I'll go download the firmware from sammobile

Samsung S10 firmware issue

Good day.
I use the Samsung S10 G973U variant. I've been unable to flash the U1 firmware into it using odin. It always fails.
Attached is my current software info
Also, I never get OTA updates. I don't live in the US.

McWelling said:
Good day.
I use the Samsung S10 G973U variant. I've been unable to flash the U1 firmware into it using odin. It always fails.
Attached is my current software info
Also, I never get OTA updates. I don't live in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to look at this thread, it's all about the S10 and xflashing.
But, having done this just today, I can tell you a few things; 1) Your device appears to originally be a vzw version. That means it's a G973U, and because that variant is the 'carrier' one, there will never be updates if you have the U1 firmware (xaa) on it.
Mine is much like yours, it had xaa/xaa/tmb, so no updates either. I used the patched odin (from above thread) and selected Home_csc and updated it, kept data, updated to latest xaa firmware. Security patch of just last month, pretty cool.
cheers

AsItLies said:
Be sure to look at this thread, it's all about the S10 and xflashing.
But, having done this just today, I can tell you a few things; 1) Your device appears to originally be a vzw version. That means it's a G973U, and because that variant is the 'carrier' one, there will never be updates if you have the U1 firmware (xaa) on it.
Mine is much like yours, it had xaa/xaa/tmb, so no updates either. I used the patched odin (from above thread) and selected Home_csc and updated it, kept data, updated to latest xaa firmware. Security patch of just last month, pretty cool.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. So would you recommend I flash a Verizon U1 firmware?
I currently use a USC G973U firmware and there are no bloatwares tho.

McWelling said:
Thanks a lot. So would you recommend I flash a Verizon U1 firmware?
I currently use a USC G973U firmware and there are no bloatwares tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no, as there is no VZW U1 firmware. The U1 device only came with xaa, it's the us open unlocked. Canada has canadian open xac but it's a U device. That would be the only 'open' you could get and get updates, on a U device.
if yer finding the USC works for you, why change? You can flash the xaa, but you'd never get updates, have to do it manually.

All the problems I have had on my S10 started when I upgraded to Android 11, and I'm currently on 12, problems have persisted, some even worsened; issues like wifi and Bluetooth not working and "camera failed" error everytime I open the camera app.
I want to downgrade it back to Android 10, hoping those issues get fixed. The bootloader is 6, and Android 10's last bootloader is 4.
Is it possible to downgrade android 12 to 10?
Help please?

Depends on WHICH S10 you have. Snapdragon bootloaders cannot be downgraded. Exynos I believe can.
I have two Snapdragon S10+ phones with A11 and they work great. I've heard of issues with A12, which is why I have avoided it.

Thank you. I have the snapdragon S10.
I guess od have to take my loss. I'm thinking of getting the S21 and am torn between going for a SD variant and not getting OTA updates or getting the Exynos, which is known to be less reliable but get updates (Exynos is what's available in my region).
What would you recommend?

Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking of?

schwinn8 said:
Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
schwinn8 said:
Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
SD is Snapdragon. Well, I guess it should be fine using Odin.
I was skeptical about using Odin before as I started having issues with my S10 as I updated from Android 10 to 11 with Odin, but I guess the problem is the software update and not the method of flashing it in.

Ahh, ok... yeah, SD = Snapdragon. I guess I was having a slow day yesterday, haha.
Odin flashes shouldn't be any worse than other methods - in fact, it's what you would do if you're having problems, so it may be better than OTA flashes, which are upgrade only so they can make mistakes...
Generally speaking a "clean" flash is always best on most devices, and you can only get that with Odin, so I think you'd be better off with a clean flash to any version if you've only dealt with upgrade-flashes to-date.
Again, I don't think the ROM is necessarily the problem here. I'm thinking you have a setting or app that's causing your issues. I would suggest clean flashing and then not restoring all your google backed-up stuff, so that you can start clean and add/adjust things manually. I might suggest just starting with the basics at first, and seeing if that eliminates the problem. And then adding things back in carefully (you may even record what you've added in a document or something) so you can see when the problem starts happening.
And, IMO, I recommend NOT installing ANY "power saving" app at all. You shouldn't need it, but if you do install it, then only install one, and record when you did that, so you can see what really happens after it's installed, and whether it's actually saving any power.