Flashing from UK Vodafone to plain unbranded firmware? - Samsung Galaxy S10 Questions & Answers

Hi is it possible to flash an S10 Exynos from the Vodafone branded firmware to the plain unbranded firmware?
If so is anybody able to point me in the right direction for a guide to doing so? The phone is already network unlocked, I just want to get updates at the same time as everyone else, at the moment I'm still on the July security patch for example.
I've searched through a lot of results but am really struggling since the words 'unlock', 'firmware', 'flash', 'stock' etc come up in so many threads.

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[Q] I9295 int'l in UK 4.2.2 to 4.4.2..how [noob]?

ok. I am not a total noob but relatively new to the latest way to flash roms etc....
I have a I9295 int model and I am based in UK on EE. Still no sign of the 4.4.2 OTA (currently 4.2.2) anytime soon after numerous calls and emails to both EE and Samsung.
XXUBMK3 / 3.4.0-2015525 [email protected] #1
I gather I can flash 4.4.2 stolck rom that is doing the rounds in Europe as the I9295 is the same phone in all regions
but the trick is finding the right guide to do this? can anyone point me in the right direction (I have searched for hours but can't single out the one I need) - or can someone suggest if this is ok to do in UK?
all help appreciated. :fingers-crossed:
diablosblade said:
ok. I am not a total noob but relatively new to the latest way to flash roms etc....
I have a I9295 int model and I am based in UK on EE. Still no sign of the 4.4.2 OTA (currently 4.2.2) anytime soon after numerous calls and emails to both EE and Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are fine fine with the Stock ROM, an update for EE customers seems to be just released.
Otherwise flashing that ROM from another source should be pretty much the same like any custom ROM. Note that you probably will void that internal counter for flashing Custom ROMs (so you will no longer receive Samsung OTA updates unless you reset that counter).

N960U1 in the UK

Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks
spears93 said:
Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the same boat (I mean, a similar situation because I'm not in the UK I'm in El Salvador). When I received my phone I started looking for the new UI, but I noticed that I had a very old android build version (I was in September security patch, I received my phone February 11) I started reading about and found out that N960U is the branded version of the note in the US. I wanted to update by Odin to one UI but I was afraid to get my phone carrier locked so after reading a lot more, I found that you can update using the right firmware for the phone (N960U) you don't lose carrier unlock and in my case after installing updates, I don't even have any bloatware.
Now, after this context history, I can tell you that the only thing that will affects is any "radio band enhance" or "carrier feature" and that's because you will not be able to install any UK carrier software to that version because N960U and N960F are different hardware, not just software.
Maybe there is another road block that is about updates, I'm on 9.0 but with January security patch, I have not received any new update. To be hones I'm not sure if there is a new one, so I need to wait to confirm that OTA updates are working for me, if not I will take the time to update by ODIN again haha so that's not something that will drive me crazy, and also related to this I think that N960U android versions are coming faster than I thought, some of my friends with N9600 are still stuck on 8.1
If you want to upgrade go to the following thread, there you will have enough information to update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/guide-upgrade-oreo-to-pie-one-ui-t3888711
Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.
spears93 said:
Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the software version that you currently running?
kevindevonwilliams said:
What's the software version that you currently running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1
spears93 said:
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version ?
spears93 said:
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI
spears93 said:
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate
spears93 said:
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU
kevindevonwilliams said:
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I did the S8+ I had to go through a pretty big list to find the BTU firmware so assumed I'd have to do the same for the N9
I might give it a go if I get a chance this week
Seeing as you have the US variant of the Note 9. You may have issues receieving connecting to certain networks outside the US. As most US Networks use a different LTE band from the EU/UK

Question on firmware

Hi,
I'm not very familiar with flashing Samsung devices so please excuse me if this is a silly question.
For awhile, I was given a Note 9 (SM-N960F) to test for work and I was able to flash the latest firmware almost regardless of the region that received the update. I'd download the 4gb file and use Odin to flash away. Very simple.
Now that I had to give the phone back, I got myself an S10 (SM-G973W) with Telus here in Canada and I'm not sure what I can safely flash. If I look at Samfirm for SM-G973W it seems rather limited, I can find the March update or the April update but that's it.
Is it because those are the only two firmwares available? Are there alternative regions I can keep an eye on for quicker updates? Is it that Canadian carries simply didn't make an update available with April security updates?
Thank you
Nic2112 said:
Hi,
I'm not very familiar with flashing Samsung devices so please excuse me if this is a silly question.
For awhile, I was given a Note 9 (SM-N960F) to test for work and I was able to flash the latest firmware almost regardless of the region that received the update. I'd download the 4gb file and use Odin to flash away. Very simple.
Now that I had to give the phone back, I got myself an S10 (SM-G973W) with Telus here in Canada and I'm not sure what I can safely flash. If I look at Samfirm for SM-G973W it seems rather limited, I can find the March update or the April update but that's it.
Is it because those are the only two firmwares available? Are there alternative regions I can keep an eye on for quicker updates? Is it that Canadian carries simply didn't make an update available with April security updates?
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"F" is the international model with European and Latin American CSCs. "W" is Canada only. No additional regions or countries will be available.
cindysmith94 said:
"F" is the international model with European and Latin American CSCs. "W" is Canada only. No additional regions or countries will be available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, looks like it's going to be waiting for OTAs for me!

Question about flashing firmware from a different region

Hey guys,
I've been up and down the forums looking for answers and come out thoroughly confused, so thought it would be best to ask for help from the professionals.
I am in New Zealand and have recently purchased an imported S10 from the states (site never said it was imported, would have gone local had I known), model SM-G973U. I've since realised that the phone will not update, and has been stuck on the June security patch since I got it. Contacted Samsung NZ and they said that because the phone isn't approved by my local carrier (Spark) no updates are getting pushed through.
I've thought of flashing a Spark-based version of the phone so I can receive updates but because the local versions of this phone are a different model (SM-G973F) I'm worried whether this will even work or if it will brick my phone entirely.
Is this something I can safely do, or will I have to resort to flashing updates manually?
Thanks guys, these forums really are great.
NikolaiA said:
Hey guys,
I've been up and down the forums looking for answers and come out thoroughly confused, so thought it would be best to ask for help from the professionals.
I am in New Zealand and have recently purchased an imported S10 from the states (site never said it was imported, would have gone local had I known), model SM-G973U. I've since realised that the phone will not update, and has been stuck on the June security patch since I got it. Contacted Samsung NZ and they said that because the phone isn't approved by my local carrier (Spark) no updates are getting pushed through.
I've thought of flashing a Spark-based version of the phone so I can receive updates but because the local versions of this phone are a different model (SM-G973F) I'm worried whether this will even work or if it will brick my phone entirely.
Is this something I can safely do, or will I have to resort to flashing updates manually?
Thanks guys, these forums really are great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi dude,
Don't try to update your G973U with a G973F firmware coz SoC of those devices are different ! Your model has a snapdragon but G973F (international S10 version) has an Exynos (Samsung made chipset).
What you can do if you really want to update it is to download this firmware and flash it through latest Odin (google or youtube this if you don't know how to proceed).
P.S. Firmware I linked here is the USA unbranded one, idk really know if this CSC will support your local carrier so make a backup of your device before processing !
Hey sorry I've been too caught up in life to try this until now, but I gave that firmware a go, flashed it with the latest odin and it's worked without a hitch, carrier settings intact and all.
Thanks for the guidance!
Tagdu17 said:
Hi dude,
Don't try to update your G973U with a G973F firmware coz SoC of those devices are different ! Your model has a snapdragon but G973F (international S10 version) has an Exynos (Samsung made chipset).
What you can do if you really want to update it is to download and flash it through latest Odin (google or youtube this if you don't know how to proceed).
P.S. Firmware I linked here is the USA unbranded one, idk really know if this CSC will support your local carrier so make a backup of your device before processing !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NikolaiA said:
Hey sorry I've been too caught up in life to try this until now, but I gave that firmware a go, flashed it with the latest odin and it's worked without a hitch, carrier settings intact and all.
Thanks for the guidance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, I'm glad it worked for you !

Question Need advice for the G998U/DS and living in France

Hi guys,
I need advice for the s21 Ultra that i bought on Rakuten. In the description the seller said it was an international/US version and at this time I didn't know that it could cause problems knowing that I live in France. I have the G998U/DS version
For now the phone is working perfectly. I don't have all the problem i can see in other thread like the broken GPS, a poor network, wallet broken etc. Everithing is ok.
But i need advice for the last update with Android 13. Actually i get the Android 12. And of course the phone does not offer me any updates. I know this is because i have a US version and i live in France.
So question 1 : Do you think I will eventually get the update in the future ?
Question 2 : If I install the update by flashing the phone, won't I have all the problems that others have with this us version and living in France ?
Thanks for your support fox.
azralth said:
Hi guys,
I need advice for the s21 Ultra that i bought on Rakuten. In the description the seller said it was an international/US version and at this time I didn't know that it could cause problems knowing that I live in France. I have the G998U/DS version
For now the phone is working perfectly. I don't have all the problem i can see in other thread like the broken GPS, a poor network, wallet broken etc. Everithing is ok.
But i need advice for the last update with Android 13. Actually i get the Android 12. And of course the phone does not offer me any updates. I know this is because i have a US version and i live in France.
So question 1 : Do you think I will eventually get the update in the future ?
Question 2 : If I install the update by flashing the phone, won't I have all the problems that others have with this us version and living in France ?
Thanks for your support fox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
If everything is working out of the box, then you shouldn't worry much. It's always better to install the update via OTA. It doesn't matter where you live/use the device, as long as there's an update for your device (Snapdragron chipset and CSC), it should automatically show up. If you want to install the update manually, then it's better to download the official update via Frija and install the update via Odin.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your answer. It help me a lot.
About the update, i read everywhere that where we live/use the device is impact the update. For now i don't have any update that show up. I am in Android 12 and i should have the android 13 update.
Lot of people said that i probably never had the update because it's an import us version and live in France.
What about that ? Do you thinks i will get the update in the future ?
Thanks again
It seems you are on a March update. I have a feeling your device's was a locked device which was then unlocked...I could be wrong through...https://samfrew.com/model/SM-G998U/ Here's what I could pull up regarding your device's update. You need to careful on which file you download as I don't see any OXM ROMs for US devices...they are provided by carriers.
Ok,
I think in my case, update will not be possible. I'll stay in Andoird 12 until next phone. Never buy again in Rakuten ahah.
Thanks for all your help.
Remove SIM, use VPN to connect US and try update over wifi.
olafsand said:
Remove SIM, use VPN to connect US and try update over wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try and not working but that was a good idea
When i chek on Frija, he give me this :
What do you think about this update ?
Edit : this firmware contains these files
If you are sure of the CSC, go ahead. The reason is yours is not OXM rom so you have to be extremely careful when choosing the files.
amirage said:
If you are sure of the CSC, go ahead. The reason is yours is not OXM rom so you have to be extremely careful when choosing the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks, i think i'll do the update.
To be sure, you mention a OXM ROM but i can see that i have o OYN rom like you see in this screen :
I really can't place the device's region. There's no region called GCF in Samfrew. I feel it's a subset of another region. Dunno
Finally I did not dare to flash my phone, I am too afraid that I can not use it anymore
Anyway, thank you very much for your help

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