Newbie Help: Removing carrier firmware - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

Good evening,
Some help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Note 9 (unlocked) from Three UK, and for various reasons I'd like to remove the carrier firmware and switch to the factory Samsung software (I've noticed several bugs and slowdowns and want to rule out the branded firmware).
I don't have access to a PC so i'm hoping I can do this with JOdin3 on my Mac.
My phone is version N960FXXU2CRLT
Can anyone help me with the correct unbranded files for the UK, and whether this is still possible to do on Mac?

OriginUK said:
Good evening,
Some help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Note 9 (unlocked) from Three UK, and for various reasons I'd like to remove the carrier firmware and switch to the factory Samsung software (I've noticed several bugs and slowdowns and want to rule out the branded firmware).
I don't have access to a PC so i'm hoping I can do this with JOdin3 on my Mac.
My phone is version N960FXXU2CRLT
Can anyone help me with the correct unbranded files for the UK, and whether this is still possible to do on Mac?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your one ONE UI PIE 9 ? You will need this firmware BTU as that's unbranded see this link sammoble sucks link! https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy/SM-N960F/BTU/

Thanks. Does it matter that the phone version is different?
(Mine ends CRLT)
I assume that once done, I'll be able to update OTA as normal?

Related

[Q] Kies branded my unbranded Phone

Hi,
Last week, I bought an unbranded Galaxy S on a well known French Site. The phone was unbranded.
I installed the Kies software, and when I plugged my phone Kies told me I could update the firmware. I updated the firmware, and when I restarted the phone, it was not in french anymore, but the language was set to portugese, and my phone was branded for the TMN operator in Portugal.
I'm still able to use my phone with my sim card from belgium, but my phone is full with undesired logos and apps.
I've seen that it's possible to reflash an offficial ROM in the phone, but my version of Kies won't let me do this anymore.
I'd like to update to the latest unbranded French/belgian/The nertherlands version.
Is this still possible? I've found some ProductCode, but I was unable to find a corresponding HIDSWVER.
Thanks!
Xav
xav2 said:
Hi,
Last week, I bought an unbranded Galaxy S on a well known French Site. The phone was unbranded.
I installed the Kies software, and when I plugged my phone Kies told me I could update the firmware. I updated the firmware, and when I restarted the phone, it was not in french anymore, but the language was set to portugese, and my phone was branded for the TMN operator in Portugal.
I'm still able to use my phone with my sim card from belgium, but my phone is full with undesired logos and apps.
I've seen that it's possible to reflash an offficial ROM in the phone, but my version of Kies won't let me do this anymore.
I'd like to update to the latest unbranded French/belgian/The nertherlands version.
Is this still possible? I've found some ProductCode, but I was unable to find a corresponding HIDSWVER.
Thanks!
Xav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... Sonuds to me like whoever you bought it from had flashed it so that it wiuld seem like it was unbranded but in reality it was a TMN device all along.
I believe that if you have upgraded your kies version to the _100 version then the registry trick will no longer work so you would have to flash it with odin.
If anyone else can chime in or if im wrong then please correct me.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
I doubt someone flashed it as i had an original brand new unopened box. It was certainly not second hand.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
W
xav2 said:
I doubt someone flashed it as i had an original brand new unopened box. It was certainly not second hand.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well its awfully odd that after flashing to the official froyo firmware on kies that it would just all of a sudden become branded.
Think about this... People use odin and even rhe reghack on kies to upgrade to "unbranded" firmware so it would only make sense that if you flashed using kies official firmware that it would revert the device to its original and branded status.
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
Unfortunately, that is possible We got many such a reports about phones bought in Polish markets, see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8927826&postcount=92
Is Poland some phones were debranded and re-selled by mobile operators to markets. Unfortunately phones didn't get clean ProductCode and that way Kies updated firmware using version for original mobile network operator.
What about downgrading Kies and then doing the reg hack to reflect an unbranded earlier version of the firmware for your region and flashing through Kies again??
Same happened to me, bought the international version at handtec.co.uk, got the phone shipped to Mexico, and first upgrade I did on KIES installed a TMN branded firmware.
I didn't like the branded firmware, specially with all that SAPO apps, I rooted phone, installed titanium backup and deleted all apps, now only problem I have is a dancing "t" character showing on startup and shutdown.
Haven't found the reason for this, or the way to change to a unbranded UK firmware.
PhoenixFx said:
What about downgrading Kies and then doing the reg hack to reflect an unbranded earlier version of the firmware for your region and flashing through Kies again??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should work. Check the codes for your country either that or reflash it with odin
xav2 said:
Hi,
Last week, I bought an unbranded Galaxy S on a well known French Site. The phone was unbranded.
I installed the Kies software, and when I plugged my phone Kies told me I could update the firmware. I updated the firmware, and when I restarted the phone, it was not in french anymore, but the language was set to portugese, and my phone was branded for the TMN operator in Portugal.
I'm still able to use my phone with my sim card from belgium, but my phone is full with undesired logos and apps.
I've seen that it's possible to reflash an offficial ROM in the phone, but my version of Kies won't let me do this anymore.
I'd like to update to the latest unbranded French/belgian/The nertherlands version.
Is this still possible? I've found some ProductCode, but I was unable to find a corresponding HIDSWVER.
Thanks!
Xav
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The solution is written almost in every thread on this forum in last 4-5 days:
You have to downgrade to the older version of Kies, then make changes in the registry:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Samsung\Kies\DeviceDB\4]
"SoftwareRevision"="I9000XXJF3/I9000OXAJF3/I9000XXJF3/I9000XXJF3"
"ProductCode"="GT-I9000HKDXEU"
"HIDSWVER"=""
"DEVCONINFO"=""
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Samsung\Kies\]
"LocalVer"="1.5.3.10103.100"
Then you should be offered to upgrade to unbranded JPO for UK

[Q] Advice welcome on trying to flash unlocked AT&T device

Probably against my better judgement, I've bought a 'new' S4 active off of Ebay here in the UK...it turns out its an unlocked AT&T device. While the phone works, it has AT&T branding all over it, and has an AT&T firmware updater rather than the stock android one, which is stuck on 4.3
Is it possible to flash this device with standard UK 4.4.2 firmware? I've attached a screenshot from the device showing what it's running. CSC information is:
Original CSC: XSG
Firmware CSC: ATT
Active CSC: XSG/ATT
CSC Country UAE
CSC Country ISO : AE
Using Phone info it shows:
Baseband I537UCUBML2...but in standard phone settings Baseband I9295XXDMK1??
PDA: I9295UCUBML2 / I537UCUBML2
I think stock UK firmware is BTU CSC, so I've downloaded that from SAMMOBILE.COM, but when I try to flash that with Odin, it just give me a fail with "Complete(Write) operation failed". I've tried different ports, cables and making sure no Kies processes are running (as I've read these can affect it), but still fail.....So my question is, is what I'm trying to do even possible....it is possible to turn an unlocked AT&T device into a stock UK device? If it is maybe I just have to keep trying different PC's and ports and cables till I strike lucky!
Many thanks for any help
Vince
vincexda said:
Probably against my better judgement, I've bought a 'new' S4 active off of Ebay here in the UK...it turns out its an unlocked AT&T device. While the phone works, it has AT&T branding all over it, and has an AT&T firmware updater rather than the stock android one, which is stuck on 4.3
Is it possible to flash this device with standard UK 4.4.2 firmware? I've attached a screenshot from the device showing what it's running. CSC information is:
Original CSC: XSG
Firmware CSC: ATT
Active CSC: XSG/ATT
CSC Country UAE
CSC Country ISO : AE
Using Phone info it shows:
Baseband I537UCUBML2...but in standard phone settings Baseband I9295XXDMK1??
PDA: I9295UCUBML2 / I537UCUBML2
I think stock UK firmware is BTU CSC, so I've downloaded that from SAMMOBILE.COM, but when I try to flash that with Odin, it just give me a fail with "Complete(Write) operation failed". I've tried different ports, cables and making sure no Kies processes are running (as I've read these can affect it), but still fail.....So my question is, is what I'm trying to do even possible....it is possible to turn an unlocked AT&T device into a stock UK device? If it is maybe I just have to keep trying different PC's and ports and cables till I strike lucky!
Many thanks for any help
Vince
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have bad news for you, currently it is impossible. About the only thing you can do is flash i537 firmware and then use UK modems, since it seems like that is what was already done. Sorry, you bought a phone with a locked bootloader and there's nothing that can be done until somebody figures out how to unlock the bootloader on Samsung phones.
Thanks for the reply....I had a bad feeling this was going to be the response, at least now I don't have to waste any more evenings trying to do this, that's the risk of ebay I guess!! Not sure if I'm brave or experienced enough to know how to get hold of the latest 4.4.2 AT&T firmware, flash that, and THEN install UK modems without risking a bricked device!
vincexda said:
Thanks for the reply....I had a bad feeling this was going to be the response, at least now I don't have to waste any more evenings trying to do this, that's the risk of ebay I guess!! Not sure if I'm brave or experienced enough to know how to get hold of the latest 4.4.2 AT&T firmware, flash that, and THEN install UK modems without risking a bricked device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try to make people's lives easy, check out the i537 Firmware Guide. At some point in the future I'm going to put together a post on how to flash modems so you can wait for that if you want, but it is really easy to flash modems with Odin and there is pretty much no risk to bricking, the only risk you'll run in to is that your radios won't work until you properly flash the modem. Good luck.
That looks like a great source of information thanks....so it should be possible to install the latest 4.4.2 AT&T firmware, then re-install the UK modems ....I wasn't what the risk of flashing modems was, but it seems like you just use Odin again with the correct file. So as long as I can get hold of those I should be OK.
Many thanks again for the assist.

How to get firmware to flash a Samsung SM-G973U1 (unlocked) to T-Mobile

I've seen a couple of threads about this here, but I'm confused about where I can get the firmware to flash an unlocked S10 (SM-G973U1) to T-Mobile firmware, and they've not really told me where to download the firmware that I need. One thread pointed at S10+ firmware, not useful to me, and the other didn't give any URL for downloading firmware.
Can anyone help me find the right firmware? I've used Odin before, and am fine with that. I also know that I have to have the right firmware for this to work *smile*.
Also, the firmware to flash back from T-Mobile to unlocked would be very useful, since I may want to change back to unlocked at some point. The reason that I want to flash T-Mobile firmware is since I'm still on the May 1 "monthly" Android security update on my unlocked S10. That doesn't make me happy, more than a quarter behind by this point...very disappointed.
Thanks!
There's a firmware thread here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/how-to/s10e-g973u-g973u1-firmware-links-t3905852
RogerSC said:
I've seen a couple of threads about this here, but I'm confused about where I can get the firmware to flash an unlocked S10 (SM-G973U1) to T-Mobile firmware, and they've not really told me where to download the firmware that I need. One thread pointed at S10+ firmware, not useful to me, and the other didn't give any URL for downloading firmware.
Can anyone help me find the right firmware? I've used Odin before, and am fine with that. I also know that I have to have the right firmware for this to work *smile*.
Also, the firmware to flash back from T-Mobile to unlocked would be very useful, since I may want to change back to unlocked at some point. The reason that I want to flash T-Mobile firmware is since I'm still on the May 1 "monthly" Android security update on my unlocked S10. That doesn't make me happy, more than a quarter behind by this point...very disappointed.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the phone is SIM unlocked, the Firmware you want is the USC or XAA firmware... That way it will switch carriers apps and bloatware when you change sim cards...
Search for samfirm on google....
Have Fun!!

Trouble updating Galaxy Note 9

Hi i am new here and need help with updating my Samsung note 9 i still have a baseband N960USQS1ARI5 but will like to update to the latest firmware. i'm using an unlocked AT&T phone. can anyone guide me? I'm not sure if updating the firmware will lock the phone and the process to update, do I just update the firmware in stages as the updates were released till i get to the latest update or can i update straight up to the latest? I am thinking of using Odin, is that a safe way to do this? any help will be appreciated. Lastly, can I change from the AT&T firmware to lets say a none carrier based firmware so as to stop seeing the AT&T logo on boot up? Maybe switch to a firmware that supports global or international? Does anyone have links to an unlocked firmware update i can use, as well? Please help!
I must state that the phone never updates automatically as it always says the software is up to date.
mtrackerbeyond said:
Hi i am new here and need help with updating my Samsung note 9 i still have a baseband N960USQS1ARI5 but will like to update to the latest firmware. i'm using an unlocked AT&T phone. can anyone guide me? I'm not sure if updating the firmware will lock the phone and the process to update, do I just update the firmware in stages as the updates were released till i get to the latest update or can i update straight up to the latest? I am thinking of using Odin, is that a safe way to do this? any help will be appreciated. Lastly, can I change from the AT&T firmware to lets say a none carrier based firmware so as to stop seeing the AT&T logo on boot up? Maybe switch to a firmware that supports global or international? Does anyone have links to an unlocked firmware update i can use, as well? Please help!
I must state that the phone never updates automatically as it always says the software is up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to your last point, at&t phones are notoriously bad at updating
factory unlocked phones will remain forever unlocked and phones unlocked that are bespoke to a specific carrier will also remain unlocked even with Odin flashes providing that the method employed to unlock it was legitimate. Some unlock methods employ root and only trick the phone into thinking its unlocked. Well, once you remove root, and thusly the trick, the unlock is gone. I have ran across rare examples where the person swore up and down that they unlocked their phone with a legit unlock code and that it relocked to a carrier once the sim was inserted and initial programming completed, but i dunno. Sounds weird to me, but every person who said this also said that the phone locked to a carrier other than the one it came from originally. Take that for what its worth, but i still mostly stand by the first couple lines of this section of my diatribe
If you want the at&t crap gone, get the N960U1 firmware and flash it in Odin. You will need the modified version of Odin to flash it so it can ignore the 255 errors the phone throws up from flashing firmware for a carrier (or, in this case, no carrier) on to a phone that it wasnt originally designated (not designed) for
go to sammobile.com/firmwares, get the info for the firmware you want to d/l, get the Frija tool or Samfirm and download the firmware thru one of those as theyre literally 5x faster and flash it
mtrackerbeyond said:
Hi i am new here and need help with updating my Samsung note 9 i still have a baseband N960USQS1ARI5 but will like to update to the latest firmware. i'm using an unlocked AT&T phone. can anyone guide me? I'm not sure if updating the firmware will lock the phone and the process to update, do I just update the firmware in stages as the updates were released till i get to the latest update or can i update straight up to the latest? I am thinking of using Odin, is that a safe way to do this? any help will be appreciated. Lastly, can I change from the AT&T firmware to lets say a none carrier based firmware so as to stop seeing the AT&T logo on boot up? Maybe switch to a firmware that supports global or international? Does anyone have links to an unlocked firmware update i can use, as well? Please help!
I must state that the phone never updates automatically as it always says the software is up to date.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, my phone is a Note 9 ATT factory unlocked.
Below is the link for my post
I've updated my phone using the link , and still unlocked and working Ok.
I hope it can help you .
https://www.google.com/amp/s/forum....note-9-att-rom-update-sept-2019-t3979303/amp/

Flashing firmware from a different region

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.

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