CSC and Flashing Questions for N960N Korean Variant - Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers

It's been 8 years since my last Samsung phone (S1 Vibrant) and I just got a SM-N960N Korean Unlocked variant. Spent the last decade with the Nexus 5 and LG V20.
Planning to use Cricket (ATT MVNO) with it in San Francisco, CA. I know that not all the bands are supported but what is the deal with the csc?
Does it only effect wifi calling and voip or are there other carrier customizations I'm forgetting?
It wouldn't change supported bands of the modem?
And the detonator tool for changing csc doesnt work for the N960N, if I needed to change it can it manually edit it using a root file manager?
Also, I'm confused by why rom devs link odin flashables while not touching on them in the instructions.
Is it expected to odin flash the model's bootloader and modem before or after following instructions for wipe and rom install in twrp?
Thank you! It is nice returning to the phone that has almost everything

Related

Possible to convert N920A to N920C?

Hello XDA!
I'd like to buy a Note 5 to use on AT&T but I'd like to have all carrier logos and bloatware removed without rooting. I found that the N920C has no carrier branding or any applications, however it has some LTE issues on AT&T.
I know this post is under the Note 5 but here's what I experienced with an S7.
I wanted to acheive the same goal on my S7 by flashing the unlocked firmware, and it worked. I installed G930U firmware on a G930A by flashing CP & BL from the A firmware and AP & CSC from U, given that they both are on the same version. (I downloaded the G930U firmware off Sammobile which said G930U AT&T, so I'm assuming it contains the AT&T modem and bootloader, since it mentions AP and CSC to be G930U). I've been using it since, and I get LTE just fine, even LTE+, though I lost a few carrier features like VoLTE and WiFi calling.
I read that the reason why this worked is because the hardware is identical across all S7s, and that the software is what enables certain radio bands. Is this true? I've always had the notion that different carriers have different hardware. I also read that the bootloader is locked. Would that be a concern while flashing official firmware? It's worked for me so I'm a bit confused.
Anyways, my main question is: will this work on a Note 5? Is it possible to buy an N920A and flash N920C AP & CSC with CP & BL from the ATT firmware? Will the modem inside the N920A designed for the AT&T frequencies be enabled while under the N920C + ATT modem & bootloader hybrid?
On the subject of hardware, if all Note 5s are the same internally, could I do this to any other carrier phone like a N920P instead of an N920A?
Apologies for the wall of text. I wanted to provide as much information as I can.
Update
I ended up buying an N920i as other users here have reported compatibility with AT&T.

Galaxy S9/S9+ Firmware links?

I'm sure I'm not the only one who ordered the S9 from Samsung direct with the intentions of flashing it to the carriers firmware. I checked on updato and don't see it there, does anyone else know where to get the firmware? I want to use it on Sprint so I believe the CSS is SPR for Sprint.
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/SM-G960F/ here you go
for now there is only 1 german firmware available for download
And in case you find SamMobile too slow, I've uploaded the S9 firmware update (DBT) to AFH for having a mirror HERE
Thanks, I am in need of the US version for Sprint which the CSS I believe is SPR. I'll keep checking updato I know sammobile is super slow but if it's there and I start it now it may be done by the time I get my phone tomorrow.
Never done a carrier flash to an unlocked version. Few questions:
1. After flashing do you start getting the carrier OTA updates? And all carrier functions particularly wifi calling, visual voicemail, HD video calling start working?
2. How does the carrier fw dump work? Someone with sprint fw would have to do a carrier dump and uploads it (presumably without tinkering the content)?
3. If the file is tinkered with, since it's a signed file, the checksum would change and it wouldn't let you flash, right?? Sorry for the noob questions, just haven't done carrier flashes.
testinguser said:
Never done a carrier flash to an unlocked version. Few questions:
1. After flashing do you start getting the carrier OTA updates? And all carrier functions particularly wifi calling, visual voicemail, HD video calling start working?
2. How does the carrier fw dump work? Someone with sprint fw would have to do a carrier dump and uploads it (presumably without tinkering the content)?
3. If the file is tinkered with, since it's a signed file, the checksum would change and it wouldn't let you flash, right?? Sorry for the noob questions, just haven't done carrier flashes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct you are flashing the carriers version with their wonderful bloatware on top of it. Unfortunately for now that's the only way to get WiFi calling, VVM, and VoLTE. I just got the unlocked version today and currently downloading the Sprint firmware because without it I don't have those features. Hell LTE doesn't work on the stock version of the firmware.
GrandMstrBud said:
That is correct you are flashing the carriers version with their wonderful bloatware on top of it. Unfortunately for now that's the only way to get WiFi calling, VVM, and VoLTE. I just got the unlocked version today and currently downloading the Sprint firmware because without it I don't have those features. Hell LTE doesn't work on the stock version of the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the carrier. I know the s8 wifi calling and volte worked on tmobile with the unlocked firmware.
I used the SamFirm application and downloaded the Sprint firmware but yet after flashing it I still have the stock samsung firmware. I don't see any sprint software on it at all nor do I see LTE calling plus or WiFi calling. Plus on the stock firmware it will not give me any LTE data and when looking at the APN there are 2 listed but none are checked and you can't check any. It was like this out of the box before I even attempted to flash the so called Sprint variant version. I spent a good 4 1/2 hours between going to the Sprint store to get a new SIM, to calling in, and the online chat and nobody had a clue it was the same old troubleshooting steps and the best they could do was file a ticket and have someone get back to me between 24 and 48 hours. I went through this same BS when I activated the unlocked S8, the iPhone 8, and when I switched back to the S8, plus when one of our phones broke and had to switch, and now this. They can never get anything activated correctly. At least on the S8 after flashing the Sprint firmware I was able to have all the customization's but I'm not seeing it on here.
My unlocked s9 from samsung.com works on sprint lte just fine....
I do however want to flash the sprint one to get the fake VoLTE and voicemail working.
I have SM-G965U Verizon. So it I flash this will all the Verizon Boatware will be removed? And logo
Why is there NO countries G960FD (for dual SIM) ie the better version of any model?
roosta said:
Why is there NO countries G960FD (for dual SIM) ie the better version of any model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The F firmware always flashes fine on the FD.
Goronok said:
The F firmware always flashes fine on the FD.
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Click to collapse
You are missing the point here. Why would anyone with dual sim phone flash a ROM for single sim?! Makes no sense. Missing functions or features in the rom for the 2nd sim...
roosta said:
You are missing the point here. Why would anyone with dual sim phone flash a ROM for single sim?! Makes no sense. Missing functions or features in the rom for the 2nd sim...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I think you're missing the point
The F rom flashes on the FD and carries all dual sim capabilities.
Goronok said:
Nope, I think you're missing the point
The F rom flashes on the FD and carries all dual sim capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you done this to verify?
roosta said:
Have you done this to verify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many times.
My wife had a dual sim s8 and hated the dual sim features - found them annoying as she only uses one sim. I legitimately could not find a way to disable them. I flashed every rom I could find and dual sim features always carried over.
Goronok said:
Many times.
My wife had a dual sim s8 and hated the dual sim features - found them annoying as she only uses one sim. I legitimately could not find a way to disable them. I flashed every rom I could find and dual sim features always carried over.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you confirm if the root is hustle firmware\OS based or system based? I don't like the idea of having to flash updates every couple of months and then re rooting the device or in my current case, I need to re unlock the boot loader and re root the phone if I update the firnware...which is bloody stupid. Proper root should be regardless the firmware.
Dpo you think we will get there with the s9? Xposed framework installed and running smoothly on Oreo?
Hi guys first sorry for my bad english
I try flash my sm-g960f after stop working and stuck at logo samsung.
how can i find combination firmware ? i don't have csc and pda number i can't boot to recovery mode i only can boot to download mode.
Details from download mode:
PRODUCT NAME SM-G960F
FRP LOCK ON
OEM LOCK ON
RP SWREV B:2 K:2 S:2
I try last firmware from sammobile etc but always come secure boot fail or block by frp at screen mobile i use last oddin ver.
Please guys Help i try flash with 14 or more diffrent firmware. how can i check correct firmware? Thanks

Note 9 T-mobile possible to get rid of bootlogo?

Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
LennartL said:
Well i have a Note 9 128gb T-mobile unlocked N960U that is carrier unlocked
Is it possible to reflash it with clean firmware from samsung for n960u so i can get rid of The T-mobile logo every time i start the mobile ?
i don't want to try to root i know it's not possible just want original firmware if it works hope someone can answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash it using modded or patched ODIN to the U1 non-carrier firmware to get rid of the T-Mobile boot animation. It will also remove the T-Mobile video calling dialer though but WiFi Calling will still work.
What he said^^^ flash the U1 firmware. Note your device will be wiped.
Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
LennartL said:
Well that doesn't matter to me. Have never used it yet so it doesn't matter if I wipe it. But will I get regular updates if I flash it with u1 firmware ?
And which firmware should I select it exists a few on this page or do I need to take the tmb one for T-Mobile but I'm not using T-Mobile and will probably never do
Here is the page samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SM-N960U1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use the one labeled TMB U1. That firmware isn't official and could potentially break OTA's. You want to use the U1 XAA with the same version or newer bootloader than what your device currently has. The the first character of the last five characters of the build number contains your bootloader version. I don't believe the Note 9 has a v2 bootloader yet, but I have only really followed ATT U firmware, U1 firmware, and TMB U firmware. When you flash, do not use the HOME_CSC! remember your device will be wiped and factor reset so back up what you want before starting.
I'm running the TMB U1 firmware. No bloat or boot screens and I get OTAs around the same time as the U t mobile devices. I honestly dont see a real difference from the XAA u1 vs the TMB U1 firmware to be honest
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
LennartL said:
Well that's it's not a problem haven't started to use the device yet. But it's not any risk that I'm brick my phone when flashing with u1 firmware.
One thing I noticed it exists unbranded firmware what I can see on Samsung's page for n960U can I not use that firmware ?
But I should not flash home_csc ? I'm guessing that contains special files for u1 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The non-branded firmware is the U1. The reason the modded or patched ODIN is needed is to skip the check that you are flashing the same carrier firmware. The hardware for the US and Canadian models are exactly the same. The firmware on Sansung's page isn't meant for flashing in ODIN.
Although I have only seen one user experience issues with the TMB U1, which for some reason, gave him a modded software warning when they tried to check for updates. I would stick to using the actual non-carrier specific firmware, which has T-Mobile's WiFi Calling and still has band 71 enabled.
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
LennartL said:
ok so the SM-N960U is carrier branded and the SM-N960U version ubranded i thought it was some more technical difference between the different models.
Well the phone i have is new just carrierd unlocked but it's coming from t-mobile but i'm not going to use it in usa right now. So unless i need to have t-mobile's software i gladly skip it and use unbranded and that is the "U1 XAA" i need to use ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
LennartL said:
Ok so with other words i can use the unbranded XAA firmware and keep OTA now. But if i ever want to use T-mobile or AT&T further on i just install corresponding firmware for that carrier right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's correct! The U1 non-carrier firmware is like a stepping stone, If you want to move from one U firmware to one from a different carrier, you need to flash to U1 first and always make sure you never use the HOME_CSC. The HOME_CSC doesn't wipe the device, which can cause a number of issues when converting. Being on the U1 though, makes it very easy to go back to any U firmware because you are already at the point where you could just straight flash to any U or W firmware as long as the bootloader version is the same or newer than what your device has at that time.
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
LennartL said:
ok thanks for all advice
just to be curious because i don't know but wish to learn. Why should u never flash hone_csc and what does that file do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HOME_CSC prevents wiping while flashing. If you skip the wiping part, you risk having no data, no potential cellular connectivity, no different unlocked bands for the firmware you are flashing to, etc. You pretty much put yourself in a position where you have to flash again, but actually use the other CSC to ensure your device works properly.
Any unlocked USA note 9s willing to upload there modem files somewhere wanna try and make a sim unlock
Help on Flashing Tmobile firmware on Unlocked Note 9
jcsww said:
The U is carrier specific, the U1 is a generic non-carrier specific firmware that should work with most US carriers, and the W is the Canadian equivalent of the U1. The hardware for all three is exactly the same.
The unbranded and non-carrier specific firmware does have its advantages. No carrier bloat, it works well with T-Mobile, and if you switch carriers, the phone will reconfigure for the SIM inserted. The only time the U firmware is recommended is if you need a specific feature for a particular carrier that isn't available in the U1 firmware. Video Calling for T-Mobile, WiFi Calling on AT&T, and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
lguti46 said:
Hello all. I am new to this community. I have read several of the posts that mention that the US Snapdragon variant of the Note 9 cannot be flashed with TWRP or custom roms. However I see that based on this post regarding T-Mobile that the U1/ublocked variant can be flashed with any of the other U variants as long as the bootloader is the same. Does this mean that I can flash the T-Mobile firmware on my unlocked note 9? If so can anybody guide me on how to do this? I am trying to go back to having T-Mobile's built in multiline and voicemail functionality which I lost after going from the T-Mobile branded Note 8 to the unlocked Note 9. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can. Use ODIN to flash the T-Mobile firmware. It's that simple. You don't need an unlocked bootloader or root. No it won't trigger Knox.
If you need detailed instructions, they have been posted in some of the firmware threads here, o you can go to the Note 8 forums and read through the carrier switching thread. Just follow the steps for flashing carrier firmware. The steps are all the same, you just make sure you're using the right firmware for your device.
Thank you so much! I was able to successfully flash to T-Mobile using the forum threads.
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
LennartL said:
Hi there again i have Little bit trouble to locate the exat firm i need. The baseband my phone is using seems to be N960USQS1ARH6 i do understand i should use xaa but i dont find any baseband N960USQS1ARH6 xaa im litte bit lost can someone help please ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because U1 XAA is on ARJ9. There won't be a U1 Firmware with an ARH6 build number.

how to change CSC on international unlocked note 8

i have a unlocked note 8 that i recently updated to pie and i am trying to change the CSC to t-mobile. i do have the options of wifi-calling and volte but they dont seem to work. my current CSC is XEF/XEF/BTU. will flashing just the CSC file from t-mobile note 8 firmware make it work or end up in a brick?
tanpan27 said:
i have a unlocked note 8 that i recently updated to pie and i am trying to change the CSC to t-mobile. i do have the options of wifi-calling and volte but they dont seem to work. my current CSC is XEF/XEF/BTU. will flashing just the CSC file from t-mobile note 8 firmware make it work or end up in a brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you'll brick your phone! To different soc's and file systems.
You'll have to root your phone and flash a csc detonator zip file with the moded csc files for usa market to work on an international SM-N950F phone.
But if you'll do root your phone you'll lose Samsung pay and secure folder for GOOD! Also it will wipe your storage so BACKUP first if you go that route.
I am already rooted and running lightrom
tanpan27 said:
I am already rooted and running lightrom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...n8-s8x-s9x-oreo-usa-t-mobile-efs-csc-t3773104
Try this thread out.
I have seen that thread but unfortunately it is for oreo and i am on pie. It seems he is working on it for TMobile so ill keep checking. Thanks.
have you tried the simcard trick?
I changed csc on my note 8 but was using BL of 5 but now there's seems to be no combo file for BL6 so no go.

Bought AT&T Unlocked Phone, looking for correct ROM

I'm currently living in Japan, but will be moving back to the US in a couple months, so I recently bought a refurbished Galaxy S20 FE 5g that claimed to be unlocked from the US and had it shipped to Japan.
It works fine with my Japanese sim, but came with AT&T bloatware installed and the model number is still SM-G781U. To my understanding, an unlocked phone should have a '1' after this, signifying that it's unlocked. Because of this, I don't get OTA updated and am still stick on Android 10 and One UI 2.5. So I figured I'd learn how to flash it and do that. It says the CSC is G781UOYN1ATIG, but then when I go to Service Provider it says ATT/ATT/ATT.
Could I just flash the firmware for the SM-G781U1, CSC: XAA onto it and be able to have a fully unlocked and updated phone? Sorry I'm a bit new to this and don't want to brick my phone. Thanks!
I did the opposite (from SM-G781U1 to SM-G781U) and worked with no problems. I needed ATT Wi-Fi calling that worked only with the ATT firmware when I was on Android 10. I suggest to do a factory reset when switching between branded and unbranded but (in theory) you should keep your phone data if you flash the HOME_CSC file.

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