I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the model number?
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Bober_is_a_troll said:
If you are worried about remaining spyware of files, download the latest rom from sammobile and then flash with odin.
Just simply search how to use sammobile or how to use odin if you need help. Hundreds of years have posted how good and answered those questions already
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
joshw0000 said:
I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
IqD said:
Thanks for the idea. I considered this but would like to avoid just because sammobile is unofficial, so it would still leave me slightly apprehensive even if everyone is using it.
Everything I read seems to suggest that the phone was never rooted if all of the Samsung apps work and the Download KNOX counter is 0x0. Just wanting to confirm by someone more knowledgeable about this.
Thanks. I don't think it has ever been unlocked or rooted, but is there a guaranteed way to know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted). As far as checking for bootloader unlock, I'm not sure on Samsung's but on a Google Pixel once the bootloader is unlocked it'll show an unlocked lock on the bootscreen every time that you reboot the phone. North American snapdragon variants of Note 9's do not have an unlockable bootloader so if your phone is a carrier branded phone, the bootloader can't be unlocked. You can Google your model # to figure out which one you have.
You can also check that all functions work properly. Typically apps like Samsung Pay won't work if the phone is rooted. There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check. For example, I'm using an AT&T variant that's been sim unlocked and flashed with Verizon firmware and it works 100% like a Verizon phone.
I'd say, reboot the phone. If you don't see an unlocked icon it's probably not unlocked. Go into settings and take note of your model #
Then go online and research about Odin and flashing official firmware via your computer. Download the latest official firmware for your phone, flash it using Odin, and then you'll know that there's no spyware on your phone. That would essentially be the equivalent of wiping a computer and reinstalling Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
IqD said:
Sm-n960n. Korean exynos model, 512gb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
bober10113 said:
yeah.. i whouldint fall for that system/status official crap. as you can see in the screenshot i posted from my rooted n960n.
the only real way is to check if knox is tripped is in DL mode( turn phone off. hold bixby and vol down button while inserting a usb cable hooked to a computer.).
also flashing a stock firmware on an FRP locked phone wont do **** if someone has had their accounts logged in/registered on it and have not reset it correctly.
surprised you dont know this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
FYI - This phone does have an unlockable bootloader.
I'd recommend using Bobby's advice and flash the latest firmware with Odin. If the phone is not already on the latest update, you could flash one firmware less than current and then let the phone download and install an OTA to the current version. You'll know that its official if the phone successfully downloads and installs the OTA.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 07:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:31 PM ----------
Not sure why you're trying to call me out when I clearly said there are ways for it show official if it's rooted. Also, no one said anything about FRP. If the phone was FRP locked they wouldn't be able to use it at all... Unless you know how to remove an FRP lock, which I do. At that point the phone would work/be a normal phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
joshw0000 said:
Go to settings > about phone > status and it should say "official". That would tell you if the phones operating system has been modified (rooted).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
point taken on the FRP lock but the real point I was making is that the system status is bogus:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
Or this comment:
" I used to flip phones up until a couple years ago. I've bought and sold hundreds, maybe thousands of used phones, most of which had my accounts on them at one point and time. I think as long as the phone is running official firmware, isn't bootloader unlocked/rooted, and you've reset it, it should be fine. Of course you run the risk that someone has hacked it, installed spyware at the system level, and somehow overwritten the status to show as official such that the spyware persists even after a reset, but that's highly unlikely."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
And your screenshot really doesn't tell me anything. It's possible to have an unlocked bootloader AND official firmware at the same time. The operating system and bootloader are two different things. It's only when you modify the system that you have to hack the status to make it say official.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
You obviously didn't read the entire comment:
"There are ways around that where you can trick the phone into thinking it's not rooted to get those apps to work so, again, that's not a full proof way to check."
There are a lot of ways to check. I pointed out some of the simpler ways. None of which are truly bullet proof. Hell, back in the day we could reset knox counters so if someone is going to the extreme to install some spyware and they're smart enough to install anything that would persist a factory reset, even checking knox isn't a full proof method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
edit
and the photo of my device status was just a way to show how i know device actual status and bootlaoder state aren't linked. especialy when rooted devices can spoof software status but none cane spoof fuse state in DL mode. so not sure why you are trying to convince me of something i just proved. u can say u agree next time.
bober10113 said:
fine but i mean, why ask a user to validate the state of their device via the worst possible method of them all?
he even already posted in OP that he went to DL mode to check the knox fuse status so would supersede by far the need to check via software/status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
IqD said:
I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a troll.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
joshw0000 said:
What a troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's the spirit!
bober10113 said:
lol. but i did read he went to download menu which i think we can interpret it as download mode. but hey i might wrong. can you show me anywhere in the OS where download menu is?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
joshw0000 said:
No actually he didn't. He never said he went to DL mode, he just said the knox counter says 0x0. That can be checked via apps from the phone. If the phone was rooted, it could be manipulated to show 0x0 when it's really not.
You're focusing on one sentence dude. Get your panties out of a wod and read the whole comment.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no confusion on my part. i read and understood you correctly the 1st time around.
at first glance your device looks ok but...
additionally, there are ways to check if the device is off a lease with a ESN check. meaning if someone sold you a device still on contract. some sell contractual phones and after a period of time they will get blacklisted since the contract is never payed off fully. so device would appear to work fine and one day they just stop getting a signal and esn/imei get blacklisted.
side note:
surprised that this was not brought up earlier in the conversation as a factor to watch out for by some "experianced in the field flipping devices" user instead of stating the obvious like device status and the unreliable means to check it. especialy since, said user stated buying and selling hundred and even thousands of phones...!? ESN state would be no. 1 in the check list if things to watch out for.
anyways back to the current case, there are ESN/IMEI check services in the web to see status of device: stolen, still on contract...etc. i cannot provide any suggestion to these services unfortunately. this is something you need to check yourself or ask around.
good luck
IqD said:
I had been looking for a new phone for awhile. Settled on a Note 9 because I wanted to try using the S Pen for work and dislike the Note 10 design. However, they are still sold at full price where I live, so I bought one secondhand. Everything seems generally fine with it, minus some freezing or weird reactions when it charges for awhile or restarts. But I have been skeptical of throwing passwords (personal and for work) on it to this point. Thats because I read an article about potential root level or firmware level spyware that remains after a reset.
I did a reset AND even took it to an official service center to flash new firmware (but they said they cannot do it there, but they did some kind of more advanced reset?). I checked my Knox counter in the Download menu and it reads 0x00000, maybe more or less zeros. Samsung pass, pay, health, and secure folder all seem to work (I can register for them, use the bio sensor). That all sounds like it has not been tampered with in any way, correct?
Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading this thread I've come to the conclusion that you should sell your rootable and boot unlockable device and buy a locked down USA model.
Thank me later. Least you'll be able to sleep well now.
Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
IqD said:
Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to the Download mode by hitting the mentioned buttons on restart. The KNOX reads 0x0000. Also, it says OEM Lock: On. Then you are both saying the phone is safe?
Also, when I first got it, it did find an update OTA and installed it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's about as safe, in terms of spyware, as you'll ever get from a used phone. I would assume you checked the ESN before buying it but if not, run a check with swappa.com/esn and checkesnfree.com to make sure it's clean. Screenshot the results and save them. Depending on your carrier you can likely run a check on their website and/or call support and ask them as well. As with any unlocked phone, know that you may not get all of the features that a carrier branded phone would have (i.e. I couldn't get WiFi calling working on a Korean S10 on Verizon).
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Related
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
This is what I did. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=64251984
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk
Edit: oops wrong thread
jpruett79 said:
I have spent 2 days looking for info on this phone and can't find a thing. It is possible I have been looking in the wrong place but here is what I have. I purchased what was supposed to be a brand new g900a. While the phone is in new condition it has no att apps, no att logo on the back and no att boot logo. The phone also has many features missing from the att version like the ability to turn of lte, native call recording and additional controls in the quick access bar.
The bootloader shows official firmware and Knox has not been tripped but the baseband version shows the exact version of the fully bloated att version.
Is it possible I have come up with a g900a that came directly from the factory and never made it to att? If so is it possible the bootloader never got locked?
I have done a factory reset. I haven't dared try updating. I refuse to turn on wifi until I know more to avoid any possible att updates.
Anyone have any ideas on what I have? I have thought about trying to install some of the klte roms but I want a recovery image and more information before I try.
Just to add a bit more information the build number is "dongchao.a725"
I have found other references to dongchao stating they are fakes but I do not think that is the case here but it may not be a us release.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Rakuu said:
Whatever model it says in Odin mode is the actual model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
jpruett79 said:
Odin does show this
Product Name: SM-G900A
Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Reactivation lock(kk): Off
Knox Warranty Void: 0X0
Qualcomm SecureBoot: Enable (CSB)
RP SWREV: S1, T2, R1, A4, P1
Secure Download: Enable
Based on my limited knowledge it was what i expected to see.
I have since determined that it must be a refub. I didnt catch this till about an hour ago but the S/N: on the back does not match the S/N: under phone info. I dont know how since the IMEI match in both places.
I did try the phone info app and it said the phone is not a refub?
I do have the opportunity to get my money back but I love not having all the att bloat on my phone. Plus this phone has features enabled that are not normally available.
I guess my big question now is How safe and secure are the DONGCHAO builds from a privacy standpoint? I have been unable to confirm the bootloader status. The phone is not currently rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Rakuu said:
Can you post a screenshot of the about phone page from settings.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
jpruett79 said:
First of all THANK YOU for your help and input on this.
Is this the info you are after? I can provide more if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Rakuu said:
Well you're on lollipop, so I think you're screwed for root or anything, that's the att firmware so I'd assume bootloader is locked also, I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this , I personally say wait for a second opinion on this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured root and the bootloader being unlocked are a long shot.
I think I could live without root considering this phone doesn't have much bloatware to remove. And I love the extra features that are not normally enabled.
What I can't figure out is how it has the att rom but no other trace of att. I am hoping to learn the difference in the build numbers as they relate to the baseband version.
The seller has sent me a return label to send it back but they will provide no information regarding the phone or its origins. I have a few more days to decide and ship it back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
jpruett79 said:
Here are some screenshots from phoneinfo. Hopefully they will help clear up this puzzle. I don't know why the build number in phone info would disagree with the number in the about setting but they do.
Phone info also shows I have root but SU and root checker seem to disagree.
I would be happy to share this Rom if we can figure out how to extract it. I really love the having a phone with no AT&T crap on it.
Edit:
Phone does appear to be rooted after all. After a reset SU is not installed. Before installing SU i checked root with two separate apps and both said i had root. Once installing SU i checked again and access was denied but SU was not promoting me for access. I changed the default access to allow and once again root checker showed root access.
There may be hope for this phone yet but i really want to get to the bottom of the DONGCHAO build if anyone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for the dongchao deal I have no clue. You do have root though if its saying you do with no su manager installed or with the default access set to allow which is extremely interesting because you don't have the KK bootloader which is how it's usually done, so either the previous owner rooted it and updated the bootloader or you have a weird version, I do agree you should get a dump of it though. Like I said though, id wait for a second opinion first and in this case so it can be determined if what you have maybe opens an opportunity to get root while on lollipop.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
jpruett79 said:
I'm working on trying to get a rom dump but i'm not sure how to do that without custom recovery. I have not tried to install that yet based on fear of loosing official status and making it harder to return the phone if need be. I have no issue giving up official status if i can figure out what i have because i will keep it.
I have been thru kies and smart switch both show this as a Chinese build. They show OF2 (CHN) Unfortunately this is still vulnerable to stagefright and there are no available updates. I have checked the build for malicious software and all 5 apps i have tried give it a clean bill of health.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case is it possible the bootloader may be unlocked. If so would it be worth trying to load another rom if I could find one for a g900a.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
shakatu said:
It's possible someone modified the build.prop to make it look like the AT&T version through about device. It's really, really easy to do.
Sent from my SM-T520 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Modifying the build.prop doesn't change what it says in download mode, that will always say what the actual model number is.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I didn't realize how far behind I was until I started looking into this phone. I may be way off base with this but if we assume this is a Chinese refurbished and I'm sure it is at this point. Wouldn't it still show a g900a in download mode but the software could be different. Could they have take their rom and changed the build.prop to look like the art version. That would explain why I have att numbers but no trace of anything AT&T.
If that's all the case should I consider it a blessing to have a debloated/rooted lollipop. Or should I run from it like the plague.
I'm trying to install twrp now and I'm having trouble getting twrp manager to download the image so the bootloader may still be locked. I may still try installing with Odin in the morning.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Another interesting development! You can flash the firmware from the U model of the S7 Edge to the AT&T model. Do not know if this is possible for the T-Mobile, Verizon, etc. models. It should be. If anyone tries it and finds out, let me know and I’ll update the post accordingly.
Edit: Root is possible using previously posted method for 935A. Working on a method that doesn't require the engboot file for the U firmware but no promises yet.
The major advantage here to some will be that there is less bloatware. There is zero carrier bloat. None. Nada. Zip. The Samsung bloat is still there, however you can uninstall (yes, uninstall, not disable) most of it. There are 4 it seems that remain and can’t be uninstalled. These are Samsung Pay, Galaxy Apps. Clock, and Calendar (S Planner).
The menus are different. I think the menus are an improvement to be honest. Everything is there aside from the AT&T specific stuff (since this is the U firmware, it's not carrier specific). If you rely on AT&T specific items/bloat, they are not present here.
Frequently asked things I have tested:
Hotspot – Working fine here.
Samsung Pay – Bit the bullet and tested because I knew it would be asked, even though I don’t care to use Samsung Pay. My device was rooted previously. I flashed this and am no longer rooted. Samsung pay works fine. Tested it at the store this morning. IF YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE PLEASE UPDATE ME, AS THIS SEEMS TO BE THE MOST ASKED QUESTION.
Update - I have now heard from 7 other users besides myself confirming that Samsung Pay works in store and haven't heard a single report of it failing so far. I'm now confident to call this working across the board, however do keep in mind there's always a risk.
Everything else seems to work as normal. User experiences are different. You may use things that I don’t, so you may find something that’s broken. If you do, please let me know and I’ll update this post for everyone. Please note the firmware also installs Instagram and Whatsapp by default in addition to Facebook, and they are both removable. Facebook however, much like on the AT&T version, is not. You can still turn it off though.
How to install:
Put your phone in download mode.
I personally had success with this version of Odin: http://www.mediafire.com/download/2t2sjqxtogbkafk/odin_3.12.3.rar
However another user couldn’t get it to work and used this version: http://d-h.st/gsDA
Flash the 4 files in this zip to your phone using Odin. All 4 of them: https://www.mediafire.com/?fm3oxddajta1k07
Put the BL in the BL slot, AP in it's slot, and so on. Flash all 4 at once through Odin.
When using the second version of Odin, I encountered an issue where the phone would crash during setup just after the wifi screen. If you have any problems with either, please report back and let me know. Either way, this seems safe to try on the AT&T version of the S7 Edge. I am able to go back to the stock AT&T firmware I’ve uploaded in my other thread just fine. So if this doesn’t work for you, it’s possible to go back. I have went back and forth 4 times now, and met with success going to and from the stock AT&T firmware to this one each time. However as always, try at your own risk.
Again, since many people are asking about carrier specific features - This is the SM-935U firmware. U meaning unlocked. It's not carrier specific. Anything AT&T does to modify the firmware WILL NOT BE PRESENT.. Use this solely if you want a more pure Android experience. No carrier bloat, being able to remove almost all Samsung bloat completely without having to root to do so, and getting updates before carrier specific models. If you rely on AT&T specific modifications to the S7 Edge, this is not for you unless/until someone finds a way to add them (which then defeats the purpose of the U firmware, meaning you might as well stick to the stock firmware).
FAQ
1. Does Samsung Pay work? – Yes. As long as you don’t root the 935U firmware (which is possible using the method currently available for the 935A) Samsung Pay works fine.
2. Does it have Enhanced LTE? – No. Enhanced LTE is a carrier specific feature. This is the U (unlocked) firmware. Anything unique to any carrier is absent. Period. Confirmed by testing against an actual SM-G935U.
3. Does it work with any other carrier than AT&T? – I have had people reporting success with T-Mobile and Verizon versions of the 935. I do not have one, so going from what they say – it works, but attempt at your own risk or search for their posts and ask them personally.
4. How does it perform compared to the 935A firmware? – It benchmarks noticeably higher. It also has a measurable advantage in terms of battery life. It performs better stock than the 935A rooted and tweaked, and when the U firmware is rooted and tweaked, it performs even better still. It’s all around superior to carrier specific firmwares.
5. Can you uninstall the Samsung bloat? – All but 3 apps. Yes, uninstall, not disable, and no, you don’t need to root the U firmware to do it.
6. Can I still revert back to my stock firmware? – Yes. If you have the stock firmware, it’s easy to flash back to it. It won’t trip knox or break Samsung Pay.
7. Will you be modifying it to have the AT&T features? – Likely not. That would entirely defeat the purpose of going to the U firmware. If you want the carrier bloat and features, you’re ahead to just stick to the carrier firmware.
8. Does this work for the regular S7 or the S7 Active? – I have no idea. I don’t own either phone, and cannot test it. I’m going to assume not. If you are brave and test it, do let us all know.
9. Do you have access to the S7 flat or S7 Active U firmwares? – No.
10. It shows the security patch from May. Is it out of date? – As of 7-7-2016 I have an actual 935U as well as my 935A with the U firmware. Neither has an update currently, so it seems the May security patch is the latest out for the U model so far. If I get an update on my actual 935U, I will let you know if it shows on the 935A with the U firmware or not.
And for those wondering about all the U files floating around...
gtg465x said:
For what it's worth, I downloaded three versions: the one from the first post, one labeled an ATT version posted by someone else in the thread, and an XXA one from SamMobile that was a different size zip file, and all three zips contained the exact same firmware, as verified by md5 check, but the SamMobile version was missing the CP and CSC files and was compressed differently.
Here are the md5s of the various firmware files:
AP_G935UUEU2APEH_CL8086184_QB9638174_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
md5: 0d736fd16ea372e21019a5640b54d965
BL_G935UUEU2APEH_CL8086184_QB9638174_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
md5: bd4d93a5387abcac2ba8737a95989fa3
CP_G935UUEU2APEH_CL8086184_QB9638174_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
md5: abf5821c3edeed42b752329b301ab01e
CSC_OYM_G935UOYM2APEH_CL8086184_QB9638174_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
md5: 7aa4025b7a02dfee0d0470cd3ddc98d2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are a few screenshots. I hadn’t installed all my stuff yet, however I had uninstalled several of the Samsung bloat apps already.
great write-up
Dumb question but this will only work on the edge and not flat AT&T variant, correct?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
brianray14 said:
Dumb question but this will only work on the edge and not flat AT&T variant, correct?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea to be honest. I only have the AT&T Edge. But I will update the post if anyone tries it!
I can't wait to try this... i am gonna install the stock 935a firmware you posted first to see which one i am gonna like better my bets on the 935u though that mobile data toggle icon alone is swinging my vote
Cool, thanks! Would love to have this option for flat S7 as I only have interest in debloating at this stage
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
malcomp87 said:
I can't wait to try this... i am gonna install the stock 935a firmware you posted first to see which one i am gonna like better my bets on the 935u though that mobile data toggle icon alone is swinging my vote
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
935U is also showing better geekbench scores and so far the battery drains less. (nothing disabled, testing it just as it comes aside from uninstalling the Samsung bloat that's uninstallable. Nothing disabled, greenify not installed.)
brianray14 said:
Cool, thanks! Would love to have this option for flat S7 as I only have interest in debloating at this stage
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd love for it to work too! And on the Active! So if anyone tries it and confirms or denies that it works for sure I will let you all know!
i ended up using the modded odin(2nd one). mainly because i had it already loaded up because i ended up having a faulty cord when trying your odin version. so im sure your version odin wouldve worked also if i had my good cord at the time.
Tried 5x keeps failing
Venom0642 said:
Tried 5x keeps failing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm that shows that the hash file failed verification it seems, but also verified it before that. Weird. Have you tried re-downloading it? Or if you like, I'll post the program that allows you to download the firmware straight from the source. However it downloads extra files and I'll have to tell you which to use. Let me know.
Venom0642 said:
Tried 5x keeps failing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try the other version of Odin I linked out of curiosity? Some reported failures with the first while it works for others of us.
Symphony0fLife said:
Hmm that shows that the hash file failed verification it seems, but also verified it before that. Weird. Have you tried re-downloading it? Or if you like, I'll post the program that allows you to download the firmware straight from the source. However it downloads extra files and I'll have to tell you which to use. Let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried tool where i download it myself and it fail 3x then i download it yours and still failed, so not sure why is doing this.
Running On Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge G935A Wicked Dark Carnage Edition Theme
Can't wait to see if anyone can get this on the T-Mobile variant...
Venom0642 said:
I tried tool where i download it myself and it fail 3x then i download it yours and still failed, so not sure why is doing this.
Running On Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge G935A Wicked Dark Carnage Edition Theme
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is strange! have you previously rooted the device? Just wondering. So far everyone I've confirmed this with was previously rooted, maybe that's part of it?
cybrwulf said:
Can't wait to see if anyone can get this on the T-Mobile variant...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The file is actually for T-Mobile believe it or not! However since I don't have a T-Mobile device myself I was hesitant to state it works. But I am sure someone will try it at some point!
Symphony0fLife said:
That is strange! have you previously rooted the device? Just wondering. So far everyone I've confirmed this with was previously rooted, maybe that's part of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
never rooted but worked with second option odin, its booting now!
Venom0642 said:
never rooted but worked with second option odin, its booting now!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know! That's the reason I posted both odin files. I and others had success with the first, and others still failed there and the second worked. Enjoy!
Honestly this sounds too good to be true. Remove the carrier bloat, potentially get better speed and better batter and have zero downsides. I definitely didn't want to root, because I want to use Samsung Pay, but if I can remove all the AT&T and Samsung stuff I don't use and still use Samsung Pay, that's a win win win.
Hi
I used 3.12 odin at the beginning, it complains sha-256 is not valid. Then I search internet and xda has a new fixed 3.12 version in the root package which could by pass this check. If you have not rooted, I guess you have to use the one in the root package.
By the way, samsung pay works if you jave not rooted
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!
Hello all I purchased an a71 from rent a center. I would like to root it but developer options are locked. Let me be clear, I'm not trying to remove a rent a center lock or anything like that. The phone is not locked, it is paid up and functional, I just want to root it. I've tried searching but keep coming up with conflicting info. Could anyone help me out here?
Use it for some days....the BL unlock will appear....
Addymore said:
Use it for some days....the BL unlock will appear....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Not to question your judgement, but are you sure? What's the reasoning behind this? Can I force it in any way? Thank u for the response btw. So if it shows up is it as simple as flashing with Odin yada yada?
Also let me be clear, developer options won't even appear not just OEM unlock option
oxling27 said:
Really? Not to question your judgement, but are you sure? What's the reasoning behind this? Can I force it in any way? Thank u for the response btw. So if it shows up is it as simple as flashing with Odin yada yada?
Also let me be clear, developer options won't even appear not just OEM unlock option
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEM unlock...! U know it! U cannot force it...! Sammy policies! Most OEM require that time! Just use your phone some days! It will be there....
Addymore said:
OEM unlock...! U know it! U cannot force it...! Sammy policies! Most OEM require that time! Just use your phone some days! It will be there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also while I have u here, is there anyway to get Samsung pay working on this without rooting? I can't get it from galaxy or play store, sideloading don't work either. I tried searching but can't seem to find a fix
Edit: right now rooting is secondary to Samsung pay. That's really why I want it rooted. I just want pay to work.
oxling27 said:
Also while I have u here, is there anyway to get Samsung pay working on this without rooting? I can't get it from galaxy or play store, sideloading don't work either. I tried searching but can't seem to find a fix
Edit: right now rooting is secondary to Samsung pay. That's really why I want it rooted. I just want pay to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting will completely make Samsung pay useless, it checks your knox status which will be 0x1 (blown fuse) and will make Pay not work. I think Samsung just doesn't allow Pay to work on A71.
ShaDisNX255 said:
Rooting will completely make Samsung pay useless, it checks your knox status which will be 0x1 (blown fuse) and will make Pay not work. I think Samsung just doesn't allow Pay to work on A71.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thank u for your time. In the future, if I want to root this phone can I? It seems like rent a center has knox configured so I can't get to dev options and what not. Can I flash with Odin if I can't enable USB debugging? Also I read something about checking tge option in Odin to wipe nand when u flash to disable knox and mdm and all that. Does that sound correct? I've tried searching all over the place but get conflicting info.
oxling27 said:
OK thank u for your time. In the future, if I want to root this phone can I? It seems like rent a center has knox configured so I can't get to dev options and what not. Can I flash with Odin if I can't enable USB debugging? Also I read something about checking tge option in Odin to wipe nand when u flash to disable knox and mdm and all that. Does that sound correct? I've tried searching all over the place but get conflicting info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read contradicting information on the internet regarding the "wipe NAND" option in Odin. Some say it can completely mess up your phone, some say they use it and they never have problems. I've never tried it myself so I can't say for sure, but in my opinion it makes no difference regarding "disabling knox" because wipe NAND will just erase everything on the phone and Odin flashes the firmware completely, re-installing everything (knox included).
To answer your other question, yeah you can flash stock FW via Odin without the need to activating USB debugging. So you already tried pressing 7 times on "build number" and it still doesn't activate developer options? I've never seen anything like that before, wow.
ShaDisNX255 said:
I've read contradicting information on the internet regarding the "wipe NAND" option in Odin. Some say it can completely mess up your phone, some say they use it and they never have problems. I've never tried it myself so I can't say for sure, but in my opinion it makes no difference regarding "disabling knox" because wipe NAND will just erase everything on the phone and Odin flashes the firmware completely, re-installing everything (knox included).
To answer your other question, yeah you can flash stock FW via Odin without the need to activating USB debugging. So you already tried pressing 7 times on "build number" and it still doesn't activate developer options? I've never seen anything like that before, wow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir. sennco solutions configured knox for rent a center. Developer settings WILL NOT APPEAR.
It comes with a pre-configured Knox profile and I was wondering if I can get rid of it through rooting. It basically has a customized start and shut down screen, and persistent notification telling you how generous the government is and such. I could factory reset it but sadly it doesn't do anything. Note that this should be a South East Asian/Asia model, if that matters.
Let's just hope its not a Walmart Xcover situation. Would be nice if someone could help me out, thanks. I don't mind if I can only use the stock A8 roms from Samsung, I just want the government spying out of my device.
You could try to manually flash stock ROM made for other region
nisfta said:
You could try to manually flash stock ROM made for other region
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just hope it doesn't trip knox and brick it though, iirc this is a similar system in a telco payment locked phone right?
After doing some reading I've found some tutorial on flashing a stock Samsung rom through recovery via Odin but I don't know if the pre-configured profile would go away or not though
Alright so i tried to Odin reflash it, didn't work. I think the only way is through bootloader unlock root, but I'm afraid that Knox would get in the way and brick my phone though. Anyone else can confirm? Thanks.
nisfta said:
You could try to manually flash stock ROM made for other region
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried again with a stock rom outside of knox supported region, didn't work either.
So yeah unlocking the bootloader seems to be the only way now. Again, i'm still worried about Knox interfering with the rooting process and brick the phone
coomlord said:
Just tried again with a stock rom outside of knox supported region, didn't work either.
So yeah unlocking the bootloader seems to be the only way now. Again, i'm still worried about Knox interfering with the rooting process and brick the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it would brick the device but I don't think it will work either. Knox doesn't get erased by anything the user can do AFAIK. That's why it's called "Knox Secured". It would be useless if you could get rid of it simply by unlocking the bootloader.