Change country software without tripping knox - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

Hello all,
I'm asking a question for a friend that is trying to make his Note 8's mirror link working in his car, unfortunately this doesn't work.
Other phones with older android versions works well. We tried to update the car's radio to latest version, etc.
I'm guessing there could be a lot of reasons, but last one that comes to my mind is that he's got a Note 8 that cames from Spain with the Spanish software etc, and that his car is a belgian car. (Maybe a sort of country reestriction in Mirror Link?)
So i'm wondering if there was a way to flash the beligan software on his Note 8 without tripping that damned Knox?
Also his Note 8 is a dual sim model and in Belgium there isn't a version for that phone. Will this make any difference? He doesn't have 2 sim cards so i suppose there won't be any difference for him...
Thanks for your replies.
Have a nice day.

veronesi.n said:
Hello all,
I'm asking a question for a friend that is trying to make his Note 8's mirror link working in his car, unfortunately this doesn't work.
Other phones with older android versions works well. We tried to update the car's radio to latest version, etc.
I'm guessing there could be a lot of reasons, but last one that comes to my mind is that he's got a Note 8 that cames from Spain with the Spanish software etc, and that his car is a belgian car. (Maybe a sort of country reestriction in Mirror Link?)
So i'm wondering if there was a way to flash the beligan software on his Note 8 without tripping that damned Knox?
Also his Note 8 is a dual sim model and in Belgium there isn't a version for that phone. Will this make any difference? He doesn't have 2 sim cards so i suppose there won't be any difference for him...
Thanks for your replies.
Have a nice day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I m not aware about your friend s issue but regarding the software, he can flash another one with odin. And this won t trip knox. The only thing can trip knox is root or flash a custom recovery like twrp. He can grab the belgium firmware and flash it with odin. I don t know if this will solve his problem. Remember that the only thing can trip knox is flash of magisk (root) or custom recovery (twrp)...i can t help a lot. Sorry. For the rest, wait an answer from another person who have more knowledge to solve the car issue.

jkr192 said:
I m not aware about your friend s issue but regarding the software, he can flash another one with odin. And this won t trip knox. The only thing can trip knox is root or flash a custom recovery like twrp. He can grab the belgium firmware and flash it with odin. I don t know if this will solve his problem. Remember that the only thing can trip knox is flash of magisk (root) or custom recovery (twrp)...i can t help a lot. Sorry. For the rest, wait an answer from another person who have more knowledge to solve the car issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, that's already part of the solution

veronesi.n said:
Thank you, that's already part of the solution
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I presume that you already know how and where to grab the firmware and how to flash it. If no, don t hesitate to ask and i will explain. have a good day

jkr192 said:
I presume that you already know how and where to grab the firmware and how to flash it. If no, don t hesitate to ask and i will explain. have a good day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, I already know where and how to flash through Odin. I just wanted to be sure not to mess with my friend's phone.
Thanks and have a nice day too

Related

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

SM-N960F/D Odin flashing - blunder after blunder.... :(

Ok... So where to begin...
I've searched the threads for a few days now and tried several flashing methods and tools, but I'm having no luck. So please bare with me, and I will get into it...
I recently purchased a new Note 9 international unlocked model. I was super excited and ready to get it running. Except, I started it up and then no Bixby Voice. Unlike most, I prefer to use it and find it helpful to me regularly, so I'd like to keep it. Anyway, when pressing the button I received the much noted "Bixby Voice is not available in your country" message. Well, I found from Samsung support live chat, that this is because of two reasons. One, I currently live in Japan. Two, the phone is a Singapore model phone. My immediate thought was "Oh, ok well, I'll just flash it with another country's firmware then". Seemed easy enough. I flashed it with firmware baring an OXM csc, and after booting up I noticed the the VoLTE feature that was not select-able before was now able to turned on. "Ooow, extra win!" I thought, but of course same issue with bixby. So I searched and found a csc for a location that has bixby is available and is also a carrier unlocked Exynos chipset firmware (XEU). I flashed this, but guess what... still no Bixby Voice. Frustrated, I began looking into changing the Sales code. Using the *#272*IMEI# code and found that MM1 was the sales code for some reason. I changed this to XEU and the phone rebooted. I restored and then tried Bixby Voice again... same. Except, I noticed I also lost the VoLTE option completely. It doesn't even show in the menu bar anymore. I tried the code again to change the sales code back, but now I get error "Connection problem or invalid MMI code." So now, I lost that too. "To hell with it", I thought. I'll flash it back to the old firmware... nope. Now I get:
SW REV. CHECK FAIL. DEVICE: 2, BINARY: 1
This will sometimes change slightly if I try to flash a single part of the new firmware, BL, AP, CSC, etc...
I have done some research and found via the serial number that the firmware I should have installed is: N960FXXU1ARH5_N960FOXM1ARGD_N960FXXU1ARGC_N960FXXU 1ARH5_XSP (according to the Chimera Mobile tool)
I've obtained this, but I still get the same Revision error. I found that the one last one I successfully flashed is a newer version than the others. So now what can I do? Is it possible I can just manually manipulate the CSC details? I rooted the phone and got ES Explorer going, set all the access rights to R/W but I cant find the /System/CSC folder that people keep going on about. Did they do away with that on the Note 9?
It looks like I also have some regional troubles with the Play store too.
WTH... I'm really not sure what to do here. Can anyone please help? I'll be satisfied if I can just get it back to the stock firmware...
Decoding SW REV. CHECK FAIL. DEVICE: 2, BINARY: 1 come out to: Software Revision check fail, you have 2 and it's expecting 1.
That does indeed sound like you've installed a newer version and it's not letting you roll back the device. You may now need to wait for Singapore's stock firmware to be updated to the same or newer and get a copy of that.
who uses bixby use google assistant for peats sake!!!"!!!!
willhemmens said:
Decoding SW REV. CHECK FAIL. DEVICE: 2, BINARY: 1 come out to: Software Revision check fail, you have 2 and it's expecting 1.
That does indeed sound like you've installed a newer version and it's not letting you roll back the device. You may now need to wait for Singapore's stock firmware to be updated to the same or newer and get a copy of that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi willhemmens! Thanks for replying back.
I was also speculating the same thing about having to wait for the revision, but I know the people here are significantly more knowledgeable, so I thought I'd try to pick some brains. My first though was that there must be something in one of the package files that identify to the phone what "version" it is, and then perhaps that can be modified and then re-packaged. But if that were the case, this would be the best place on the planet to verify that. I have tools to un-package and repackage, maybe I'll make a duplicate copy and tinker around in it.
It looks like everyone is complaining about it. It's been a while since I rooted a device (7 years maybe?), so I hadn't realized Samsung took a dump in the downgrade pool. I also found some other new 'glorious' features they've graced us with-after the fact of course. Now, when I un-root... it's still flagged as modified! Woohoo. ....Fricken' KNOX. Now all of the nifty Samsung apps are blocked. Is it just me, or has Samsung turned a little extra Ass-hat recently?
Anyway, I guess I'll have to deal with this lame iOS quality version of Oreo until then... By the way, off the top of your head do you know where I can go to keep an eye out for that update to happen? All I know is SamMobile.com
Thanks again.
mikey_sk said:
who uses bixby use google assistant for peats sake!!!"!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mikey! Yeah, I suppose your right. I've just been using it a lot and have gotten accustomed to it. Plus I enjoy creating my own custom Bixby voices, attitudes, and responses. Bixby on my Note 8 has split personality.
Luckily she doesn't randomly laugh in the dark like Alexa. If she did she'd fly out the window like a Note 7.
csc was omc and now odm.
bober10113 said:
csc was omc and now odm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HI Bober10113! Thanks for your reply. I was able to find my way there, but It seems the csc feature files are encrypted now. I'm still looking through the threads for something about how to decrypt/encrypt them, but I haven't found anything yet.
VetteMike69 said:
HI Bober10113! Thanks for your reply. I was able to find my way there, but It seems the csc feature files are encrypted now. I'm still looking through the threads for something about how to decrypt/encrypt them, but I haven't found anything yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I just found a video on YouTube where Yakapa40 is able to unpack the xml files using some "cscfeature" executable.
@yakapa40
Is there any chance you might be willing to share your "cscfeature.exe" file for unpacking the feature XML files in the CSC?
VetteMike69 said:
Actually, I just found a video on YouTube where Yakapa40 is able to unpack the xml files using some "cscfeature" executable.
@yakapa40
Is there any chance you might be willing to share your "cscfeature.exe" file for unpacking the feature XML files in the CSC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah sorry, nevermind... I was able to make a ps1 for it instead. I'm good one decoding and encoding the XMLs now.
@VetteMike69
if you need it , you have an automatic encode/decode feature here in post 5 : https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/n960f-n960n-n960u-n960u1-n960w-n9600-t3833721
regards
edit : sorry no licence , but you can make your own patch file
yakapa40 said:
@VetteMike69
if you need it , you have an automatic encode/decode feature here in post 5 : https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/n960f-n960n-n960u-n960u1-n960w-n9600-t3833721
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you made the exe with freeware(advance bat to exe converter)that only works on your PC. read the software policy.. its clearly written that what you compile only works on 1 computer.
anyways for everyone else, here is a proper tool:
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AhXVLDDj8g3Agdl8B0jk3H1dqccrXw
bober10113 said:
you made the exe with freeware(advance bat to exe converter)that only works on your PC. read the software policy.. its clearly written that what you compile only works on 1 computer.
anyways for everyone else, here is a proper tool:
https://1drv.ms/f/s!AhXVLDDj8g3Agdl8B0jk3H1dqccrXw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi bober, don't know where else to post this, so posting it here...I have seen a bunch of your posts and it seems you've figured out a way to use Canadian CSC on the 960 F/DS...i have a few questions:
1- First step is install TWRP?
2- then root?
3- do I have to change the actual firmware of the device? Mine is a singapore unit
4- Once I change CSC, how are updates handled after that if I want to keep using stock firmware?
5- If I can't do OTA, then how will I update to the latest version and security patches? Do I download these for the Canada version? or the Singapore version?
Any help would be highly appreciated!!
hkalltheway said:
Hi bober, don't know where else to post this, so posting it here...I have seen a bunch of your posts and it seems you've figured out a way to use Canadian CSC on the 960 F/DS...i have a few questions:
1- First step is install TWRP?
2- then root?
3- do I have to change the actual firmware of the device? Mine is a singapore unit
4- Once I change CSC, how are updates handled after that if I want to keep using stock firmware?
5- If I can't do OTA, then how will I update to the latest version and security patches? Do I download these for the Canada version? or the Singapore version?
Any help would be highly appreciated!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think you should weigh in what you want to achieve by changing csc and if it really is worth rooting for.
i rooted for custom roms, sound mods and just sheer control over my device.
but this comes with a price:
no samsung pay ( yet)( can always unroot)
tripped knox fuse, so probably no warranty. depends.(once tripped, this cannot be reverted)
misc apps detect root and might no longer root.(can always unroot)
so you should read up and get informed on what you need and if you need root/twrp.
concerning updates once rooted:
either use custom roms. BL and CP can be manually updated via stock firmware while custom rom keeps the system up to date.
or flash full stock firmware each time then re-root.
in both cases above, firmware files to be used are for exynos F devices. forget the canadian firmware, you cant flash that since it's for snapdragon devices.
yakapa40 said:
@VetteMike69
if you need it , you have an automatic encode/decode feature here in post 5 : https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/n960f-n960n-n960u-n960u1-n960w-n9600-t3833721
regards
edit : sorry no licence , but you can make your own patch file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @yakapa40!
Thank you, this looks like it'll be a bit more convenient than the one I made previously. I'll put it on record for next time. Luckily I was able to find what prevented me from flashing the older revision CSC and modify that. So now I was able to use Odin to drop down my PDA and CSC while keeping the newer Bootloader and Baseband. I guess it's a bit of a Frankin'-Firm now. Whats weird though, is that now my knox sometimes shows tripped and sometimes doesn't; sometimes root checker fails and sometimes it passes.
I wonder if I grazed on something that's related to the knox handler... Nagh... probably just wishful thinking. Still weird though.
bober10113 said:
i think you should weigh in what you want to achieve by changing csc and if it really is worth rooting for.
i rooted for custom roms, sound mods and just sheer control over my device.
but this comes with a price:
no samsung pay ( yet)( can always unroot)
tripped knox fuse, so probably no warranty. depends.(once tripped, this cannot be reverted)
misc apps detect root and might no longer root.(can always unroot)
so you should read up and get informed on what you need and if you need root/twrp.
concerning updates once rooted:
either use custom roms. BL and CP can be manually updated via stock firmware while custom rom keeps the system up to date.
or flash full stock firmware each time then re-root.
in both cases above, firmware files to be used are for exynos F devices. forget the canadian firmware, you cant flash that since it's for snapdragon devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @hkalltheway!
Bober10113 is absolutely right on this. Really, you need to know what exactly you are rooting the device for. If you don't have a set reason, it may be better not to root it. You can flash stock firmware and CSC all day long without needing a root. But if you want to customize the features (there's not really a lot right now by the way) and setup custom menus, layouts, or run CFW... Then you'll have to go the way of rooting. But again, there is currently no definitive way to "untrip" your knox. As he said, you can "unroot" but you cannot "technically" regain your unmodified status; even though you can revert back to a stock rom. By loosing this status you loose access to Pay, Secure Folder, and a few other things. I think there is a mod out there to get Samsung Health working again, but as far as I'm currently aware, that's the only one you can re-gain. Most of them validate against your knox value.
Regarding your questions.
YES! You should always install TWRP first before doing any 'messin'. This is your ultimate line of recovery and the best mulligan your gonna get from your device. Always follow the two step wonder on this:
1. Install TWRP
2. Boot into TWRP and create a full backup of your partitions (Before anything else). I do this to the SD card in the tray. That way it's always handy.
After this, feel free to play around, but keep in mind what versions/revisions your flashing. If you jump to a new one, it's not easy to downgrade -it'll take hours to download and rewrite the firmware you need and trick the phone into thinking it's flashing the latest update.
Regarding a changed CSC and the updates... You should have no problem getting updates. But Samsung sends out updates to devices based on the CSC. So, if you flash the CSC, the updates you get will come at the same time interval of the country and location of the CSC that you flashed. For example, you have a Sin model with Sin CSC just like me, but if you flash to a UK CSC, then you will get your updates at the same time that the UK get their updates. Etc, Etc...
For the OTA Updates, if your on a stock firmware you should get these fine. If they do not automatically update you can just tap the update button manually in settings to check for new updates and then download them. Some have said you need to turn off automatic updates, and some say you do not. This, I'm not 100% sure on this one. Also, you can manually update by flashing the newest version through Odin as the come in. Usually SamMobile.com is good about keeping up to date firmware that you can download with all 4 packs, nicely labeled for you.
Hopefully that helps you out a bit.
VetteMike69 said:
Hi @hkalltheway!
Bober10113 is absolutely right on this. Really, you need to know what exactly you are rooting the device for. If you don't have a set reason, it may be better not to root it. You can flash stock firmware and CSC all day long without needing a root. But if you want to customize the features (there's not really a lot right now by the way) and setup custom menus, layouts, or run CFW... Then you'll have to go the way of rooting. But again, there is currently no definitive way to "untrip" your knox. As he said, you can "unroot" but you cannot "technically" regain your unmodified status; even though you can revert back to a stock rom. By loosing this status you loose access to Pay, Secure Folder, and a few other things. I think there is a mod out there to get Samsung Health working again, but as far as I'm currently aware, that's the only one you can re-gain. Most of them validate against your knox value.
Regarding your questions.
YES! You should always install TWRP first before doing any 'messin'. This is your ultimate line of recovery and the best mulligan your gonna get from your device. Always follow the two step wonder on this:
1. Install TWRP
2. Boot into TWRP and create a full backup of your partitions (Before anything else). I do this to the SD card in the tray. That way it's always handy.
After this, feel free to play around, but keep in mind what versions/revisions your flashing. If you jump to a new one, it's not easy to downgrade -it'll take hours to download and rewrite the firmware you need and trick the phone into thinking it's flashing the latest update.
Regarding a changed CSC and the updates... You should have no problem getting updates. But Samsung sends out updates to devices based on the CSC. So, if you flash the CSC, the updates you get will come at the same time interval of the country and location of the CSC that you flashed. For example, you have a Sin model with Sin CSC just like me, but if you flash to a UK CSC, then you will get your updates at the same time that the UK get their updates. Etc, Etc...
For the OTA Updates, if your on a stock firmware you should get these fine. If they do not automatically update you can just tap the update button manually in settings to check for new updates and then download them. Some have said you need to turn off automatic updates, and some say you do not. This, I'm not 100% sure on this one. Also, you can manually update by flashing the newest version through Odin as the come in. Usually SamMobile.com is good about keeping up to date firmware that you can download with all 4 packs, nicely labeled for you.
Hopefully that helps you out a bit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
phone info tool and other root detect apps are notorious for reporting wrong Knox status.....
he wants a csc from a snapdragon to a exynos. so flashing csc from SD in odin is ill advised. so it will require root and files be either manualy modded or i have updated tkkg1994 csc pack to work on note 9. ive only added canadian region.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AhXVLDDj8g3AgdkwkPIxwDu5ZFASuQ
in twrp backup:
EFS
carrier files
then flash zip.
i wont be held responsible for anything. Ive tested on my N960N.
should work on any F or FD/DS too.
all credits to tkkg1994.
bober10113 said:
phone info tool and other root detect apps are notorious for reporting wrong Knox status.....
he wants a csc from a snapdragon to a exynos. so flashing csc from SD in odin is ill advised. so it will require root and files be either manualy modded or i have updated tkkg1994 csc pack to work on note 9. ive only added canadian region.
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AhXVLDDj8g3AgdkwkPIxwDu5ZFASuQ
in twrp backup:
EFS
carrier files
then flash zip.
i wont be held responsible for anything. Ive tested on my N960N.
should work on any F or FD/DS too.
all credits to tkkg1994.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the help guys! The only reason I wanted root was for having VoLTE and Wifi calling working in Canada. One more reason is titanium backup so I can back up the device completely so it's easy to restore. Finally, I was curious how the scene is now and what else I can play with in magisk, as I've never used it. Thanks!
hkalltheway said:
Thanks for the help guys! The only reason I wanted root was for having VoLTE and Wifi calling working in Canada. One more reason is titanium backup so I can back up the device completely so it's easy to restore. Finally, I was curious how the scene is now and what else I can play with in magisk, as I've never used it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well then root might be food for you.
have a read at Dr Ketan roms thread for the root procedure and details of what it involves.
hkalltheway said:
Thanks for the help guys! The only reason I wanted root was for having VoLTE and Wifi calling working in Canada. One more reason is titanium backup so I can back up the device completely so it's easy to restore. Finally, I was curious how the scene is now and what else I can play with in magisk, as I've never used it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what is your carrier?
because Rogers blacklists non carrier phones. i believe bell might also do that too. So even if all is there and options appear, your phones imei code will be blocked from enrolling for wifi calling.
bober10113 said:
what is your carrier?
because Rogers blacklists non carrier phones. i believe bell might also do that too. So even if all is there and options appear, your phones imei code will be blocked from enrolling for wifi calling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently with fido but thinking of switching to freedom mobile. Still too worried about all this rooting stuff that it seems the best thing to do is stay away from now and choose from one of the 2:
1- use wifi calling / VoLTE by getting the rogers/fido phone directly; that phone will not have dual sim capability
2- forget wifi calling / VoLTE and use this dual sim version, which has a lot of advantages while traveling
Seems like I'll stick to the 2nd option for now. Thanks for the help!

Questions on flashing ATT firmware- unlocked S10+

Hi everyone, longtime lurker on XDA, just signed up today I recently purchased an unlocked S10+ which I would like to use with ATT. Been an ATT subscriber for almost 8 years now, and this is my first time buying an unlocked and not ATT branded phone. That being said, I have gone through the forums and have a rough idea how to flash ATT firmware on my new phone. I guess my questions are as follows:
1. I know that ATT firmware is not available without paying at most sites, but what about the user data file? I see that question being asked, do the sites hosting ATT firmwares also have user data files? If not, how to get them?
2. I'm assuming flashing firmware is still possible on the phones without needing root.
3. Should I flash the ATT firmware as soon as I receive the phone, without going through the setup process? Or can I flash after testing the phone for a couple of days.
4. Any major pitfalls by flashing ATT firmware?
I'm planning to do all this because I would like to use visual voicemail and HD voice if possible. I know that since my phone isn't whitelisted at ATT, those services may not work anyways, but I figured the first step is for me to flash the firmware, and then try to beg/cajole ATT to somehow help me with getting the phone working. Thanks in advance for your inputs and please excuse the noob questions :fingers-crossed:
samphonefan said:
Hi everyone, longtime lurker on XDA, just signed up today I recently purchased an unlocked S10+ which I would like to use with ATT. Been an ATT subscriber for almost 8 years now, and this is my first time buying an unlocked and not ATT branded phone. That being said, I have gone through the forums and have a rough idea how to flash ATT firmware on my new phone. I guess my questions are as follows:
1. I know that ATT firmware is not available without paying at most sites, but what about the user data file? I see that question being asked, do the sites hosting ATT firmwares also have user data files? If not, how to get them?
2. I'm assuming flashing firmware is still possible on the phones without needing root.
3. Should I flash the ATT firmware as soon as I receive the phone, without going through the setup process? Or can I flash after testing the phone for a couple of days.
4. Any major pitfalls by flashing ATT firmware?
I'm planning to do all this because I would like to use visual voicemail and HD voice if possible. I know that since my phone isn't whitelisted at ATT, those services may not work anyways, but I figured the first step is for me to flash the firmware, and then try to beg/cajole ATT to somehow help me with getting the phone working. Thanks in advance for your inputs and please excuse the noob questions :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an AT&T branded S10+ here.
1. The sites hosting the AT&T files that you have to pay for should have the AT&T user data file.
2. Yes, you just need a special patched version of ODIN that's here in the forums. Other versions won't work.
3. You can flash whenever as flashing will automatically do a data factor reset.
4. No pit falls, just they changed a few things from ASI6 to BSIW. BSIW is the current firmware with the November 2019 security patch.
You're not going to find AT&T firmware past SG8 or SGB I think it is here in the forums. You could flash that, then take the OTA to the current firmware. If you want the ASI6 firmware or later, you gotta pay for it.
StoneyJSG said:
I have an AT&T branded S10+ here.
1. The sites hosting the AT&T files that you have to pay for should have the AT&T user data file.
2. Yes, you just need a special patched version of ODIN that's here in the forums. Other versions won't work.
3. You can flash whenever as flashing will automatically do a data factor reset.
4. No pit falls, just they changed a few things from ASI6 to BSIW. BSIW is the current firmware with the November 2019 security patch.
You're not going to find AT&T firmware past SG8 or SGB I think it is here in the forums. You could flash that, then take the OTA to the current firmware. If you want the ASI6 firmware or later, you gotta pay for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a ton for your response StoneyJSG! I need to search for a site hosting the ATT firmware I guess.
samphonefan said:
Thanks a ton for your response StoneyJSG! I need to search for a site hosting the ATT firmware I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, let me know if you find a site that doesn't charge. I am so close to downloading the ASI6 firmware off of a pay site.
StoneyJSG said:
No problem, let me know if you find a site that doesn't charge. I am so close to downloading the ASI6 firmware off of a pay site.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just went with the BSIV uploaded here to the forums, it's one version behind the latest, BSIW. Everything is working fine mostly. Contrary to public opinion, I do indeed seem to have VoLTE, WiFi calling and visual voicemail. Checked them all and they work. No idea about HD voice, that setting is no longer showing up in the settings menu, not a big deal anyway. The only problem I see so far is that ATT video calling doesn't work (never used it anyway), and more importantly, I'm unable to OTA update to the latest firmware BSIW. Have to dig into it further. But a huge thanks to the esteemed users of XDA, couldn't have done it without you! :good::good:
Did you eventually get OTA's?
I'm thinking my next phone will be an unlocked Note 20, but flash ATT firmware (I'm a prepaid subscriber and it's easier to buy from Samsung)...
Shanghai.Knight said:
Did you eventually get OTA's?
I'm thinking my next phone will be an unlocked Note 20, but flash ATT firmware (I'm a prepaid subscriber and it's easier to buy from Samsung)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am happy to report that I did indeed get OTAs! I had to flash manually for a few months, but the last manual flash did the trick, and have been getting OTAs since then. Not sure if I would do it again, but at least it worked for me.
I actually paid to download the ASI6 firmware and haven't even used it. Kind of a mistake as I see BSIW or BSIV would have worked fine. Doh! Oh well.
StoneyJSG said:
I actually paid to download the ASI6 firmware and haven't even used it. Kind of a mistake as I see BSIW or BSIV would have worked fine. Doh! Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad, better luck next time I guess
Lol yeah. I can still flash ASI6 though as my S10 is still on an old firmware. I use my S10+ as my daily driver. It just sucks I paid like $12 for it and didn't need to.

New SM-N950F owner here on T-Mobile

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is safe and healthy. Been out the rooting game for a bit but I decided on this. Unfortunately for me the 950U has an unlockable bootloader so I got the 950F since I still want to root and install a custom ROM. I just started reading and it seems (correct me if I'm wrong) there is a CSC mod (for Pie) to get your wifi calling and VoLTE working on the 950F if its to be used on the T-Mobile network. That's a relief since my main fear is what network specific features where going to be unusable if I went with the F instead of the U for T-Mobile usage. It seems also that (again, please correct me if I'm wrong) CSC mod is already implemented on some custom ROMs. I'm looking to try out DeluxeROM since it seems like a well stable ROM that has been out for a minute. I understand I have a TONS to read so I won't be even touching my new phone until I feel informatively ready. I'm just asking that if any of you would like to spare some of your precious time to share any info, tips, precautions, limitations (by not having a US model for T-Mobile), or anything in the matter...or if you want to say "[email protected]#k off and go read" I will welcome that too . Thank you much!
mrrobc97 said:
Hi everyone! Hope everyone is safe and healthy. Been out the rooting game for a bit but I decided on this. Unfortunately for me the 950U has an unlockable bootloader so I got the 950F since I still want to root and install a custom ROM. I just started reading and it seems (correct me if I'm wrong) there is a CSC mod (for Pie) to get your wifi calling and VoLTE working on the 950F if its to be used on the T-Mobile network. That's a relief since my main fear is what network specific features where going to be unusable if I went with the F instead of the U for T-Mobile usage. It seems also that (again, please correct me if I'm wrong) CSC mod is already implemented on some custom ROMs. I'm looking to try out DeluxeROM since it seems like a well stable ROM that has been out for a minute. I understand I have a TONS to read so I won't be even touching my new phone until I feel informatively ready. I'm just asking that if any of you would like to spare some of your precious time to share any info, tips, precautions, limitations (by not having a US model for T-Mobile), or anything in the matter...or if you want to say "[email protected]#k off and go read" I will welcome that too . Thank you much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I can't answer your specific questions my precaution advice is to make sure you read the whole OP before you flash anything, and as soon as you have flashed TWRP make sure to backup your EFS file and keep a number of copies of it. Also take note that flashing TWRP trips Knox so Samsung Pay will never, ever work again. Tripping Knox does break other things like secure folder but most custom roms (based on stock filmware) have fixed it.
Deluxe Rom is a good choice!
stonedpsycho said:
Although I can't answer your specific questions my precaution advice is to make sure you read the whole OP before you flash anything, and as soon as you have flashed TWRP make sure to backup your EFS file and keep a number of copies of it. Also take note that flashing TWRP trips Knox so Samsung Pay will never, ever work again. Tripping Knox does break other things like secure folder but most custom roms (based on stock filmware) have fixed it.
Deluxe Rom is a good choice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your response. Yes I've been fully aware of all that. That's the reason I never sporting a newest-n-greatest phone that I would have to get out in payments from T-Mobile. I always buy cash new, couple of gens back flagships for my daughter and I (I'm getting her the S9+) so I could do whatever I want to them w/o worrying about warranty service. I'm not a fan of anything Samsung when it comes to software so I do debloat most of it...including health, pay, galaxy store, knox, etc. My common sense is my own security...at the least its been so far. Yes I'm also aware about backing up the EFS files (I do keep separate TWRP backups for my devices also in my PC just in case). Again, thank you for replying and be safe .

Question Any issues with changing CSC from CHN to XAR.

I just purchased a Galaxy Tab S8 (SM-X700 WiFi) in China and I want to replace the chinese firmware with US one. Are there any special considerations I need to know or can I just follow the rooting guide in the current post? Thanks!
PMB2714 said:
I just purchased a Galaxy Tab S8 (SM-X700 WiFi) in China and I want to replace the chinese firmware with US one. Are there any special considerations I need to know or can I just follow the rooting guide in the current post? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to root to change firmware. Just re-flash your device with US firmware and if you want you can change code as well so it keeps getting US firmware updates instead of Chinese ones.
Rooting it will void warranty all together since rooting needs bootloader unlock and that trigers KNOX permanent and apps like samsung pass, secret folder will stop working permanently as well. Since they need KNOX to work, but since KNOX is broken/permanently disabled, then they won't work.
Thanks for the advice and information! I was hoping there was an option to update the region without rooting, but I wasn't sure. Cheers!
PMB2714 said:
Thanks for the advice and information! I was hoping there was an option to update the region without rooting, but I wasn't sure. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem, reason why you can flash other region is because those firmware are counted as stock. Only difference in them would be some apps that are preinstalled and such.
So as long it's stock firmware you don't need to touch the bootloader.
Might not be necessary to even flash a new firmware and loose data.
Use this tool: https://samfw.com/blog/samfw-frp-tool-1-0-remove-samsung-frp-one-click
Under adb commends get a list of CSCs, see if the one you want is there. Then you can go back to the tool's main screen and change your CSC. Takes 10 seconds + a reboot, no data loss.
Worked for me both on my Tab S8+ and S22+.

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