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OK I'm a complete newbie here. I bought the 8" S2 International unlocked version from Amazon and will take it to AT&T to activate it tomorrow. It's on 5.0.2 and is not seeing any OTA updates. Does anyone know if there's a way to get 5.1.1 OTA? If not, does anyone know if Samsung has commented as to whether they'll release 5.1.1, or even Marshmallow, for this device or will I have to go to a custom ROM?
Also, is there an absolute beginners guide to this site? I've been reading through the threads and keep seeing terms like odin, twrp, and many others that I don't know what they mean and I'd like to figure out.
Thanks.
CincyTriGuy said:
OK I'm a complete newbie here. I bought the 8" S2 International unlocked version from Amazon and will take it to AT&T to activate it tomorrow. It's on 5.0.2 and is not seeing any OTA updates. Does anyone know if there's a way to get 5.1.1 OTA? If not, does anyone know if Samsung has commented as to whether they'll release 5.1.1, or even Marshmallow, for this device or will I have to go to a custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i just received the same device yesterday and so far, it's working just fine on at&t: including data full phone features (i wasn't aware that this version of the Tab S2 had a full fledged phone). i inserted my nano sim from my dual-sim note5 and the S2 configured everything automatically. also, i didn't see an OTA when i checked yesterday and there's nothing at sammobile.com which is where one can generally find firmware (stock ROM) for Samsung devices. any custom ROM right now will likely be 5.0.2.
CincyTriGuy said:
Also, is there an absolute beginners guide to this site? I've been reading through the threads and keep seeing terms like odin, twrp, and many others that I don't know what they mean and I'd like to figure out..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin = Windows based application used to flash firmware to Samsung devices.
TWRP = a custom recovery that - once your phone is rooted (similar to admin privileges on windows pc) - allows one to flash a custom ROM or other components/features not on a stock device. you can also create backups/nandroids of your device so you can restore your device if something goes wrong (similar to resorting a windows system image to a new hard drive). always, always backup when trying things out. tutorials are here, but sometimes not easily located via search. :good:
I've got a S6 Active that when I received it was on Lollipop. I was able to flash MM (using thread here on XDA) to it before it was officially released from the carrier. Then I was able to flash back to stock Lollipop and then received the MM 6.0.1 update from the carrier. I wanted to flash back to Lollipop for testing purposes but was unable. I think it's because the bootloader is locked?
I've read a bunch of threads saying that the S6 active has nott been rooted? Has a locked bootloader? Can't run custom roms?
Can someone please give me the scoop on this. I'd like to go back to lollipop for testing but I don't think its possible. Is that the case? Thanks.
Roveer
roveer said:
I've got a S6 Active that when I received it was on Lollipop. I was able to flash MM (using thread here on XDA) to it before it was officially released from the carrier. Then I was able to flash back to stock Lollipop and then received the MM 6.0.1 update from the carrier. I wanted to flash back to Lollipop for testing purposes but was unable. I think it's because the bootloader is locked?
I've read a bunch of threads saying that the S6 active has nott been rooted? Has a locked bootloader? Can't run custom roms?
Can someone please give me the scoop on this. I'd like to go back to lollipop for testing but I don't think its possible. Is that the case? Thanks.
Roveer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi
yes it's not possible to downgrade your rom or your bootloader because of the locked bootloader that prevents any try to modify the device...
is this typical of most phones? I've read of others frutrations about the S6 active still having a locked bootloader. Did I just pick a bad platform? Is S6 the same way? How about S7 series? Thanks.
roveer said:
is this typical of most phones? I've read of others frutrations about the S6 active still having a locked bootloader. Did I just pick a bad platform? Is S6 the same way? How about S7 series? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked bootloaders are often the case for phones provided by carriers. While a phone purchased directly from the manufacturer is usually able to have its bootloader unlocked, carrier phones are locked by the carrier themselves, preventing any tampering by the end user. A custom ROM is any modified version of Android not developed by the company that made your phone. Think of it like a third party system. To get these custom ROMs onto your phone you must "flash" (simply, install) the ROM from your computer to your phone. However, a locked bootloader prevents this. While in some cases there are ways to get around carrier locked bootloaders, it is generally futile. If you purchased the S6 Active in hopes of tinkering around with custom ROMs, I'm afraid you have picked the wrong phone. The S6 Active, as of currently, is permanently locked to Samsung's and AT&T's "stock ROM"
EDIT: as for going back to Lollipop, the reason this is generally not possible is due to the fact that the Marshmallow update also updated critical parts related to the bootloader. It is impossible to roll back these changes once they have been made as they are strictly one way.
Thanks for the explanation. I didn't buy the phone for the express reason for changing android versions but rather to use as my daily driver. We are a BES 12 (Blackberry Enterprise Server) shop and I have found a bug that causes the VPN portion of the software to drop after an hour or so. Simply hitting the home button (waking the phone up re-establishes the vpn and mail flow continues). I'm working with BB to determine what's going on. I've disabled all power saving and doze settings yet still the problem. They are going to activate some other phones on my system to see if they see the problem. My reason for wanting to go back to lollipop is that I don't believe I saw this problem when I was on that OS so I was hoping to go back to confirm that behavior. I like the "active" phones for their ruggedness but don't have an unlimited budget to be buying handsets.
Roveer
roveer said:
Thanks for the explanation. I didn't buy the phone for the express reason for changing android versions but rather to use as my daily driver. We are a BES 12 (Blackberry Enterprise Server) shop and I have found a bug that causes the VPN portion of the software to drop after an hour or so. Simply hitting the home button (waking the phone up re-establishes the vpn and mail flow continues). I'm working with BB to determine what's going on. I've disabled all power saving and doze settings yet still the problem. They are going to activate some other phones on my system to see if they see the problem. My reason for wanting to go back to lollipop is that I don't believe I saw this problem when I was on that OS so I was hoping to go back to confirm that behavior. I like the "active" phones for their ruggedness but don't have an unlimited budget to be buying handsets.
Roveer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the software you are referring to is something provided by blackberry, perhaps they need to patch their software for compatibility with Android Marshmallow. While not all software is broken by a major Android update, there are definitely some that are. Of course enterprise level software is entirely foreign to me (I'm only 17), so getting a second opinion on this issue would definitely be a good idea.
OK, I understand locked bootloader preventing from flashing any custom roms etc. Even preventing previous official android. Here's another question: Is there a way to flash current android version? I'm on G890AUCS4CPF3 which is an AT&T build. What is the carrier's method to reflash current OS when there has been some corruption to the version that is on the phone. Not just wipe, but reload entire android, re-create file system etc... That's what I want to try next. Blackberry has activated a Samsung S6 on my server and it (so far) is not exhibiting the same problem as my S6 Active. This leads me to believe that it my be a problem with my hardware. I want to do a reload at this point. Any ideas how I can do that? Odin flash? Is there a repository for the G890AUCS4CPF3 ROM?
Thanks,
Roveer
roveer said:
OK, I understand locked bootloader preventing from flashing any custom roms etc. Even preventing previous official android. Here's another question: Is there a way to flash current android version? I'm on G890AUCS4CPF3 which is an AT&T build. What is the carrier's method to reflash current OS when there has been some corruption to the version that is on the phone. Not just wipe, but reload entire android, re-create file system etc... That's what I want to try next. Blackberry has activated a Samsung S6 on my server and it (so far) is not exhibiting the same problem as my S6 Active. This leads me to believe that it my be a problem with my hardware. I want to do a reload at this point. Any ideas how I can do that? Odin flash? Is there a repository for the G890AUCS4CPF3 ROM?
Thanks,
Roveer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Carriers can tell if your Firmware is theirs or not because official Firmware is digitally signed by Samsung and AT&T.
As for using Odin, that would be your most viable option. However, I am not aware of any Odin images for the Marshmallow update on the S6A. As far as I know, Odin cannot get around the restriction of having a newer Bootloader, so you cannot flash down.
One thing you can try is to wipe cache partition. If that fails, factory reset from within the bootloader. Just make sure you've backed your data up.
EDIT: Take note that there is a difference in Firmware between the S6 vs the S6A.
EDIT 2: In your other thread you stated you can't flash back to lollipop due to a locked bootloader. This is actually due to, as stated before, the newest bootloader tha to the latest Android Marshmallow update.
FevenKitsune said:
Carriers can tell if your Firmware is theirs or not because official Firmware is digitally signed by Samsung and AT&T.
As for using Odin, that would be your most viable option. However, I am not aware of any Odin images for the Marshmallow update on the S6A. As far as I know, Odin cannot get around the restriction of having a newer Bootloader, so you cannot flash down.
One thing you can try is to wipe cache partition. If that fails, factory reset from within the bootloader. Just make sure you've backed your data up.
EDIT: Take note that there is a difference in Firmware between the S6 vs the S6A.
EDIT 2: In your other thread you stated you can't flash back to lollipop due to a locked bootloader. This is actually due to, as stated before, the newest bootloader tha to the latest Android Marshmallow update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I wiped the cache partition and factory reset within the bootloader and tried my app again. It continued to fail. I even found the MM image in the S6 Active MM thread and sideloaded it. It was only 400+ megs though. Still the app doesn't work so I'm starting to doubt that my problems are related to my particular S6 but its always a possibility. I'm trying to get Blackberry to dig up their own S6A and test on their own. They've been testing with a S6 for the past 2 days (on my BES server) and haven't seen the same problems, so it's either my device or a problem with the S6A (which as has been pointed out does use a different firmware version than the S6), but until I can get another S6 Active device to test I won't know.
Roveer
*Utter noob alert!*
tl;dr - can i update to MM 6+ without totally screwing my phone and entering a whole world of pain?
Proud owner of mongrel SM-N920A purchased from HK via eBay. Device has no branding on hardward / software other than Samsung.
Settings > System > About Device shows model number = SM-N920F. LIES!!!!!
Phone INFO *Samsung* apk shows it's really an SM-N920A
I've attached output from Phone INFO showing 'General', 'CSC', 'Firmware' and 'Android' info.
Having read over threads on Sammobile and here on XDA, it appears some people are losing anything from mobile reception & data to full on apocalyptic bricking. Most of these posts are from earlier in 2016 so I'm wondering, now we're further down the line and the dust has settled, whether there's any consensus on best way forward to get Marshmallow / Nougat and beyond - if at all.
Anyone out there able to offer help and guidance?
Please :crying:
Ah come onnn! Someone here must be able to help!?
dmlargo said:
Ah come onnn! Someone here must be able to help!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is commonly done to increase the value of the phone by tricking the buyer into thinking it's a non-US model.
Anyway, AT&T and T-Mobile are better than Verizon or Sprint if it comes to using them outside the US, because of better LTE band support.
Since an AT&T phone will only receive OTA updates with an AT&T SIM inserted, you have to sideload the MM update yourself through adb and then keep on sideloading every new build as it comes out.
murtaza02 said:
This is commonly done to increase the value of the phone by tricking the buyer into thinking it's a non-US model.
Anyway, AT&T and T-Mobile are better than Verizon or Sprint if it comes to using them outside the US, because of better LTE band support.
Since an AT&T phone will only receive OTA updates with an AT&T SIM inserted, you have to sideload the MM update yourself through adb and then keep on sideloading every new build as it comes out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So...
If I can get my hands on a prepaid / payg at&t sim here in the UK I could theoretically just get an OTA update that way?
If not, I'll look into sideloading. Do you know of any instructions on how to do?
And, thanks for replying. Very much appreciated
dmlargo said:
So...
If I can get my hands on a prepaid / payg at&t sim here in the UK I could theoretically just get an OTA update that way?
If not, I'll look into sideloading. Do you know of any instructions on how to do?
And, thanks for replying. Very much appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily, since the device needs to be connected to AT&Ts network, the SIM would either not work, or start Roaming in the UK.
Sideloading means you will have to get the OTA Zip files and install them on your phone using the Android Debugging Bridge (ADB).
This is the thread HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...ow-to-manually-update-to-marshmallow-t3380624
It's a very well written guide on how to update the AT&T Note 5.
Your current build number is different from the one used in the main post of the guide, so you're going to have to browse through the thread, grab a different build of Lollipop, flash that, then sideload the Marshmallow updates, one by one, till you get to a fairly new build, then what you do is, factory reset the phone, so you have a clean install of Marshmallow on your phone.
murtaza02 said:
Not necessarily, since the device needs to be connected to AT&Ts network, the SIM would either not work, or start Roaming in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course! I'm an idiot. Doesn't bode well does it! :laugh:
murtaza02 said:
Sideloading means you will have to get the OTA Zip files and install them on your phone using the Android Debugging Bridge (ADB).
This is the thread HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...ow-to-manually-update-to-marshmallow-t3380624
It's a very well written guide on how to update the AT&T Note 5.
Your current build number is different from the one used in the main post of the guide, so you're going to have to browse through the thread, grab a different build of Lollipop, flash that, then sideload the Marshmallow updates, one by one, till you get to a fairly new build, then what you do is, factory reset the phone, so you have a clean install of Marshmallow on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Build number being LMY4X.N920AUCU1AOGG
Doesn't matter that bootloader, PDA,CSC and baseband versions are mostly all different?
You're a great help. Thank you! +1
dmlargo said:
Of course! I'm an idiot. Doesn't bode well does it! :laugh:
Build number being LMY4X.N920AUCU1AOGG
Doesn't matter that bootloader, PDA,CSC and baseband versions are mostly all different?
You're a great help. Thank you! +1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on AOJ1 According to your screenshot.
You need to downgrade to UPB2 Or something and then flash the OTAs from Marshmallow to your phone from PB2.
I'm out of the house at the moment, will be home very soon, and try to find a link for you.
murtaza02 said:
You're on AOJ1 According to your screenshot.
You need to downgrade to UPB2 Or something and then flash the OTAs from Marshmallow to your phone from PB2.
I'm out of the house at the moment, will be home very soon, and try to find a link for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man.
For that version AOJ1 - that's bootloader version right? Just so I can differentiate what to look for.
Take it easy
dmlargo said:
Thanks man.
For that version AOJ1 - that's bootloader version right? Just so I can differentiate what to look for.
Take it easy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.
murtaza02 said:
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Epic. If I take it back to 2BPE6 successfully, I'm guessing it's then just the same process to push up to 6.0.1 and beyond?
dmlargo said:
Epic. If I take it back to 2BPE6 successfully, I'm guessing it's then just the same process to push up to 6.0.1 and beyond?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, that was the process I described initially that required you to flash 2BP2 First and then onwards to Marshmallow.
The file I've linked (2BPE6) isn't an OTA. It's the entire full ROM file for the 6.0.1 update for the N920A. Once you flash this and the phone reboots, it'll go directly to Marshmallow.
murtaza02 said:
Nope, that was the process I described initially that required you to flash 2BP2 First and then onwards to Marshmallow.
The file I've linked (2BPE6) isn't an OTA. It's the entire full ROM file for the 6.0.1 update for the N920A. Once you flash this and the phone reboots, it'll go directly to Marshmallow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And, more importantly, I'll hopefully have a standardised stack across csc, PDA and what not.
Like I said in op - there's unsurprisingly a lot of talk out there about note 5 on at&t when it comes to updates. I'd hoped because mine was already rooted and had a CHN / TGY csc that it kind of showed if someone in China had done stuff to it, and it still worked, then there was a possibility of moving it to 6.0.1
I'll get all files together along with your notes and have a go after getting a nandroid back up. Might be a while given time of year though.
Nice one
dmlargo said:
And, more importantly, I'll hopefully have a standardised stack across csc, PDA and what not.
Like I said in op - there's unsurprisingly a lot of talk out there about note 5 on at&t when it comes to updates. I'd hoped because mine was already rooted and had a CHN / TGY csc that it kind of showed if someone in China had done stuff to it, and it still worked, then there was a possibility of moving it to 6.0.1
I'll get all files together along with your notes and have a go after getting a nandroid back up. Might be a while given time of year though.
Nice one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CSC and everything will go back to the default ATT one and it'll have no trace of ever being a fake N920F.
Everything will show N920A and you may also have a bit of AT&T bloat ware, most of which can be disabled.
But the main point is that the phone will no longer be modified in any way and will be completely stock.
murtaza02 said:
The CSC and everything will go back to the default ATT one and it'll have no trace of ever being a fake N920F.
Everything will show N920A and you may also have a bit of AT&T bloat ware, most of which can be disabled.
But the main point is that the phone will no longer be modified in any way and will be completely stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But doesn't that mean it'll be region locked / potentially losing network connection?
dmlargo said:
But doesn't that mean it'll be region locked / potentially losing network connection?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Once it's unlocked, it's always unlocked.
I live in Pakistan, American carrier phones are very common here. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, all the variants of Note 5 are available here and I've flashed updates on a friends AT&T Note 5 and it didn't get re-locked. I've flashed a T-Mobile Note 4 and 5, neither got re-locked.
Point being, that re-locking crap only used to happen on phones that were unlocked using a glitch or a software based unlock.
murtaza02 said:
Nope. Once it's unlocked, it's always unlocked.
I live in Pakistan, American carrier phones are very common here. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint, all the variants of Note 5 are available here and I've flashed updates on a friends AT&T Note 5 and it didn't get re-locked. I've flashed a T-Mobile Note 4 and 5, neither got re-locked.
Point being, that re-locking crap only used to happen on phones that were unlocked using a glitch or a software based unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. I'll have a look this weekend. Fingers crossed.
After that I'll have a go a re-rooting using something similar to: https://www.search4roots.com/how-to-easily-root-samsung-galaxy-note-5-sm-n920a-marshmallow-6-0-1/
murtaza02 said:
I happened to come across the 2BPE6 Marshmallow ROM file for the N920A Note 5.
Here's the link: https://mega.nz/#!8Ep0DRZA!jXd4QtMcmN47QIOQSHV8h0CqAc7aVMB5aR4VA_Zw1Pw
You can flash it with Odin, a bit easier to use than ADB, so it'll be better for you as well.
The file is zipped, once you extract it, there'll be 4 different files, one containing system and the main ROM, the other will contain the BL (Bootloader), another with the modem (Radio) and the last with the CSC (Customer Sales Code). Match each file to it's respective field in Odin, the BL file will have BL in the filename so add the BL file to the BL tab in Odin, the CP file to the CP tab, the AP file to the AP tab and the CSC file to the CSC tab.
Then turn your phone off, once it's completely off, hold Power + Home + Volume Down, it'll ask Continue or Cancel, press Volume Up to Continue. You'll be in Odin / Downloading mode, from here, just connect your phone to your PC, flash the Odin files, the phone will reboot itself a few times, not to worry, and it'll eventually boot to the marshmallow start screen.
As for grabbing Odin, I'd recommend the latest version 3.12.3, it supports the newest devices up to S7 and S7 Edge, and it has all the bug fixes as well, so it should work fine on your phone. Link here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/odin-3-12-3-worlds-att-s7-odin-firmware-t3401470
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a very similar situation ( AT&T re-custom Note5 ) , followed the procedure and everything went straight
so thanks to both of you for this thread and pretty straight guide
really
the only "issue" is that quite many thing ( graphically speaking ) changed from Lollipop , not in a "good" way , and I'm not sure wheter they're supposed to change for Marshmallow or for the AT&T bloatware/customization ..what is sure is that the phone was running bit cleaner before . ( i.e. no extra icons , no recording or "AT&T video call " icon available on phonecall screen when calling ..just an example among some things i noticed besides some at&t apps in the home screen )
is there a way to know it and to remove any of it , besides rooting the phone ? - which I'm not sure can be done on a n920a
boodi said:
I had a very similar situation ( AT&T re-custom Note5 ) , followed the procedure and everything went straight
so thanks to both of you for this thread and guide
the only thing is that quite many thing ( graphically speaking ) changed from Lollipop , not in a "good" way , and I'm not sure wheter they're supposed to change for Marshmallow or for the AT&T bloatware/customization
is there a way to know it and to remove any of it , besides rooting the phone ? - which I'm not sure can be done on a n920a
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Package Disabler Pro. It's a paid app. You can use it to disable (not remove) some bloatware that's preinstalled by Samsung and AT&T.
No root possible, so you can't remove the apps.
Sent from my SM-G935F
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!
Good day.
I use the Samsung S10 G973U variant. I've been unable to flash the U1 firmware into it using odin. It always fails.
Attached is my current software info
Also, I never get OTA updates. I don't live in the US.
McWelling said:
Good day.
I use the Samsung S10 G973U variant. I've been unable to flash the U1 firmware into it using odin. It always fails.
Attached is my current software info
Also, I never get OTA updates. I don't live in the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be sure to look at this thread, it's all about the S10 and xflashing.
But, having done this just today, I can tell you a few things; 1) Your device appears to originally be a vzw version. That means it's a G973U, and because that variant is the 'carrier' one, there will never be updates if you have the U1 firmware (xaa) on it.
Mine is much like yours, it had xaa/xaa/tmb, so no updates either. I used the patched odin (from above thread) and selected Home_csc and updated it, kept data, updated to latest xaa firmware. Security patch of just last month, pretty cool.
cheers
AsItLies said:
Be sure to look at this thread, it's all about the S10 and xflashing.
But, having done this just today, I can tell you a few things; 1) Your device appears to originally be a vzw version. That means it's a G973U, and because that variant is the 'carrier' one, there will never be updates if you have the U1 firmware (xaa) on it.
Mine is much like yours, it had xaa/xaa/tmb, so no updates either. I used the patched odin (from above thread) and selected Home_csc and updated it, kept data, updated to latest xaa firmware. Security patch of just last month, pretty cool.
cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. So would you recommend I flash a Verizon U1 firmware?
I currently use a USC G973U firmware and there are no bloatwares tho.
McWelling said:
Thanks a lot. So would you recommend I flash a Verizon U1 firmware?
I currently use a USC G973U firmware and there are no bloatwares tho.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no, as there is no VZW U1 firmware. The U1 device only came with xaa, it's the us open unlocked. Canada has canadian open xac but it's a U device. That would be the only 'open' you could get and get updates, on a U device.
if yer finding the USC works for you, why change? You can flash the xaa, but you'd never get updates, have to do it manually.
All the problems I have had on my S10 started when I upgraded to Android 11, and I'm currently on 12, problems have persisted, some even worsened; issues like wifi and Bluetooth not working and "camera failed" error everytime I open the camera app.
I want to downgrade it back to Android 10, hoping those issues get fixed. The bootloader is 6, and Android 10's last bootloader is 4.
Is it possible to downgrade android 12 to 10?
Help please?
Depends on WHICH S10 you have. Snapdragon bootloaders cannot be downgraded. Exynos I believe can.
I have two Snapdragon S10+ phones with A11 and they work great. I've heard of issues with A12, which is why I have avoided it.
Thank you. I have the snapdragon S10.
I guess od have to take my loss. I'm thinking of getting the S21 and am torn between going for a SD variant and not getting OTA updates or getting the Exynos, which is known to be less reliable but get updates (Exynos is what's available in my region).
What would you recommend?
Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking of?
schwinn8 said:
Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
schwinn8 said:
Recommendation is depending on where you are. In the US, Snapdragon is a good way to go for sure. I don't think it's as good in other countries, but I haven't really looked into that. Plus, if you ever need support in the USA, the Snapdragon would be easier as people won't be confused by the Exynos.
You may not get OTA updates, but you can always apply updates yourself with ODIN and downloads. They can also be applied as an "upgrade" in this manner, so you're not really losing anything as long as you keep up on it yourself, of course.
Honestly, I have stuck to A11 and disabled OTA updates because of the A12 concerns. I imagine I may be overthinking that, but as long as the phone works, what do I care?
What's the "SD" version you're speaking of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
SD is Snapdragon. Well, I guess it should be fine using Odin.
I was skeptical about using Odin before as I started having issues with my S10 as I updated from Android 10 to 11 with Odin, but I guess the problem is the software update and not the method of flashing it in.
Ahh, ok... yeah, SD = Snapdragon. I guess I was having a slow day yesterday, haha.
Odin flashes shouldn't be any worse than other methods - in fact, it's what you would do if you're having problems, so it may be better than OTA flashes, which are upgrade only so they can make mistakes...
Generally speaking a "clean" flash is always best on most devices, and you can only get that with Odin, so I think you'd be better off with a clean flash to any version if you've only dealt with upgrade-flashes to-date.
Again, I don't think the ROM is necessarily the problem here. I'm thinking you have a setting or app that's causing your issues. I would suggest clean flashing and then not restoring all your google backed-up stuff, so that you can start clean and add/adjust things manually. I might suggest just starting with the basics at first, and seeing if that eliminates the problem. And then adding things back in carefully (you may even record what you've added in a document or something) so you can see when the problem starts happening.
And, IMO, I recommend NOT installing ANY "power saving" app at all. You shouldn't need it, but if you do install it, then only install one, and record when you did that, so you can see what really happens after it's installed, and whether it's actually saving any power.