Hey guys,
I've been up and down the forums looking for answers and come out thoroughly confused, so thought it would be best to ask for help from the professionals.
I am in New Zealand and have recently purchased an imported S10 from the states (site never said it was imported, would have gone local had I known), model SM-G973U. I've since realised that the phone will not update, and has been stuck on the June security patch since I got it. Contacted Samsung NZ and they said that because the phone isn't approved by my local carrier (Spark) no updates are getting pushed through.
I've thought of flashing a Spark-based version of the phone so I can receive updates but because the local versions of this phone are a different model (SM-G973F) I'm worried whether this will even work or if it will brick my phone entirely.
Is this something I can safely do, or will I have to resort to flashing updates manually?
Thanks guys, these forums really are great.
NikolaiA said:
Hey guys,
I've been up and down the forums looking for answers and come out thoroughly confused, so thought it would be best to ask for help from the professionals.
I am in New Zealand and have recently purchased an imported S10 from the states (site never said it was imported, would have gone local had I known), model SM-G973U. I've since realised that the phone will not update, and has been stuck on the June security patch since I got it. Contacted Samsung NZ and they said that because the phone isn't approved by my local carrier (Spark) no updates are getting pushed through.
I've thought of flashing a Spark-based version of the phone so I can receive updates but because the local versions of this phone are a different model (SM-G973F) I'm worried whether this will even work or if it will brick my phone entirely.
Is this something I can safely do, or will I have to resort to flashing updates manually?
Thanks guys, these forums really are great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi dude,
Don't try to update your G973U with a G973F firmware coz SoC of those devices are different ! Your model has a snapdragon but G973F (international S10 version) has an Exynos (Samsung made chipset).
What you can do if you really want to update it is to download this firmware and flash it through latest Odin (google or youtube this if you don't know how to proceed).
P.S. Firmware I linked here is the USA unbranded one, idk really know if this CSC will support your local carrier so make a backup of your device before processing !
Hey sorry I've been too caught up in life to try this until now, but I gave that firmware a go, flashed it with the latest odin and it's worked without a hitch, carrier settings intact and all.
Thanks for the guidance!
Tagdu17 said:
Hi dude,
Don't try to update your G973U with a G973F firmware coz SoC of those devices are different ! Your model has a snapdragon but G973F (international S10 version) has an Exynos (Samsung made chipset).
What you can do if you really want to update it is to download and flash it through latest Odin (google or youtube this if you don't know how to proceed).
P.S. Firmware I linked here is the USA unbranded one, idk really know if this CSC will support your local carrier so make a backup of your device before processing !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NikolaiA said:
Hey sorry I've been too caught up in life to try this until now, but I gave that firmware a go, flashed it with the latest odin and it's worked without a hitch, carrier settings intact and all.
Thanks for the guidance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, I'm glad it worked for you !
Related
Hi guys
Just a quick one, I'm trading in my Note 8 against new Note 9 with Samsung.
The phone is absolutely pristine, the only thing that's worrying me a little is that it was originally a Taiwan import SM-N950F/DS on BRI CSC and I flashed it onto the official O2UK firmware so I could get voLTE and voWIFI.
I have now flashed the phone back to the latest version of its original International firmware after removing my Samsung and Google accounts etc etc etc.
Samsung state in their T's & C's for trade in that the device must not have had it's firmware modified. Does flashing official Samsung firmware count as modifying it?
Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been answered previously, I did a quick search but couldn't find anything specifically answering this - I know it won't trip KNOX but am wondering if Sammy will count flashing official firmware as a firmware modification?
p.dixon0 said:
Hi guys
Just a quick one, I'm trading in my Note 8 against new Note 9 with Samsung.
The phone is absolutely pristine, the only thing that's worrying me a little is that it was originally a Taiwan import SM-N950F/DS on BRI CSC and I flashed it onto the official O2UK firmware so I could get voLTE and voWIFI.
I have now flashed the phone back to the latest version of its original International firmware after removing my Samsung and Google accounts etc etc etc.
Samsung state in their T's & C's for trade in that the device must not have had it's firmware modified. Does flashing official Samsung firmware count as modifying it?
Thanks in advance and sorry if this has been answered previously, I did a quick search but couldn't find anything specifically answering this - I know it won't trip KNOX but am wondering if Sammy will count flashing official firmware as a firmware modification?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The filmware was from Samsung, you have nothing to worry about.
It's only if you have EVER rooted it or flashed a custom recovery, which trips Samsung Knox. Flashing stock filmware on a previously rooted phone will not fix Knox, that's a motherboard replacement.
Nice one, thank you! Just hoping they don't try to screw me over as the phone is in absolutely perfect condition!
UPDATE: Samsung have honoured my exchange and I got the full value for the phone ?
Congrats!!
Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks
spears93 said:
Hi all,
I bought an unlocked note 9 from eBay which arrived today. I got it set up and went to begin installing a different firmware to be able to get the one UI update - only to find out it's a N960U1! I'm in the UK so was expecting/hoping for a N960F.
It's all working, calls work, I've pulled over 3GB of data today all nice and fast, texts working etc. If I was the 'average user' I wouldn't know that it's not a UK one...
My question is, am I likely to hit any road blocks? As long as the radios all work I can't imagine there being any and the play store has all the apps I use available. I'm just wondering if I'm at any advantage/disadvantage?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the same boat (I mean, a similar situation because I'm not in the UK I'm in El Salvador). When I received my phone I started looking for the new UI, but I noticed that I had a very old android build version (I was in September security patch, I received my phone February 11) I started reading about and found out that N960U is the branded version of the note in the US. I wanted to update by Odin to one UI but I was afraid to get my phone carrier locked so after reading a lot more, I found that you can update using the right firmware for the phone (N960U) you don't lose carrier unlock and in my case after installing updates, I don't even have any bloatware.
Now, after this context history, I can tell you that the only thing that will affects is any "radio band enhance" or "carrier feature" and that's because you will not be able to install any UK carrier software to that version because N960U and N960F are different hardware, not just software.
Maybe there is another road block that is about updates, I'm on 9.0 but with January security patch, I have not received any new update. To be hones I'm not sure if there is a new one, so I need to wait to confirm that OTA updates are working for me, if not I will take the time to update by ODIN again haha so that's not something that will drive me crazy, and also related to this I think that N960U android versions are coming faster than I thought, some of my friends with N9600 are still stuck on 8.1
If you want to upgrade go to the following thread, there you will have enough information to update.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/guide-upgrade-oreo-to-pie-one-ui-t3888711
Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.
spears93 said:
Awesome, nice one dude
I used Odin on my previous S8+ to be able to install the one UI beta and that worked fine. Though it did come with a couple of apps that were a part of that carriers firmware (three UK)
I'm aware that the F uses an exynos processor whereas the U is Snapdragon and have seen a couple of guides already. Though they use AT&T firmware and, from what I've seen, have bloatware that would literally be useless to me.
I'll have a look at the guide you linked.
I'd like to have one UI again, but can happily live with the Samsung experience UI if I had to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the software version that you currently running?
kevindevonwilliams said:
What's the software version that you currently running?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1
spears93 said:
8.1 with Samsung experience 9.5
Build number ends ARL1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Option1:
You can flash the Pie beta since you're running U1, there isn't an official release of Pie as yet.
Option2:
You can switch your device to the U firmware and flash the latest OTA however you would have to manually update each time because you won't be getting an update automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version ?
spears93 said:
How come the U firmware wouldn't get OTAs?
My S8+ was flashed to get the beta and that received OTA updates.
If I'm to go onto one UI I'd want it to get OTA updates still. If that means waiting for an official release then so be it
On a different note, I installed an app to get the FM radio working today. Can't do that with the UK exynos version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Because on the U most OTA comes from the carrier (ATT & VZW) while the rest comes from Samsung.
U1 all updates come from Samsung but U1 updates are months behind.
Advantage of running U firmware is you always get to be on the latest OTA as one is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI
spears93 said:
So correct me if I'm wrong but to simplify what you're saying:
The U gets the latest updates sooner but comes with carrier bloat
The U1 gets non bloated updates but Samsung doesn't release then until months later?
I'll leave it and wait if that's the case. I'd be more bothered about having bloat than One UI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.
kevindevonwilliams said:
Well yes the U comes with bloatware but the amount varies according to carrier, but since you're in the UK. Your CSC will read as XAA/XAA so therefore I doubt you would have any bloatware.
I know this because I myself had own a US device while using in the UK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate
spears93 said:
Right, I'm with you, thanks.
My current carrier software version version is XAA/XAA and theres no bloat so I know what I'm hunting for now
Cheers for your help mate
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU
kevindevonwilliams said:
Right so even if you switch to U firmware it would still remain XAA/XAA because that would be the default CSC code for Unbranded for American model. F model is normally XEU or BTU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I did the S8+ I had to go through a pretty big list to find the BTU firmware so assumed I'd have to do the same for the N9
I might give it a go if I get a chance this week
Seeing as you have the US variant of the Note 9. You may have issues receieving connecting to certain networks outside the US. As most US Networks use a different LTE band from the EU/UK
dose anyone have any idea about how to transform Samsung s10 live demo to regular phone ???
because i already buy a phone and i discover that it's a live demo converted to regular phone
the version was G973XZWUPAP and after the flashing become G973USQU1ASD3 with CSC (XAA)
my phone is SM-G973U Snapdragon.
so anyone have any ideas about this issue ?
ah ... by the way the phone still on android pie 9 and didn't receive any OTA update some people say because i'm in Belarus and the update is not supported in this country and others say that i can flash the phone with another ROM but i don't know which ROM is good for my phone.
This guy had the same issue and I think he fixed it. Go here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/help/scammed-craigslist-s10-live-demo-phone-t4028827
mrgilany said:
dose anyone have any idea about how to transform Samsung s10 live demo to regular phone ???
because i already buy a phone and i discover that it's a live demo converted to regular phone
the version was G973XZWUPAP and after the flashing become G973USQU1ASD3 with CSC (XAA)
my phone is SM-G973U Snapdragon.
so anyone have any ideas about this issue ?
ah ... by the way the phone still on android pie 9 and didn't receive any OTA update some people say because i'm in Belarus and the update is not supported in this country and others say that i can flash the phone with another ROM but i don't know which ROM is good for my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
I bought an S10 Live Demo Unit SM-G973XU and I 'm looking to get it out of retail mode
I'm going to flash files to remove the demo version but i don't know which firmware is suitable for my device.
Can you give me some advice?
Thanks and sorry for my bad English!
S10 and above demo units are easily repairable.
This may or may not help you:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s10/help/scammed-craigslist-s10-live-demo-phone-t4028827
I'll admit I'm a noob, but I was wondering if there were guides or a way to flash the official T-Mobile carrier firmware on an unlocked s21 ultra by chance? If anyone can point me in the right direction please. Thank you and sorry if it's a dumb question.
fil.lujan said:
I'll admit I'm a noob, but I was wondering if there were guides or a way to flash the official T-Mobile carrier firmware on an unlocked s21 ultra by chance? If anyone can point me in the right direction please. Thank you and sorry if it's a dumb question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SM-G998U1 is Multi-CSC Device (OYN). Change the CSC to TMO by entering the following code on the TouchPad. *#272*YOURIMEINUMBER# Select TMO then install.
varcor said:
The SM-G998U1 is Multi-CSC Device (OYN). Change the CSC to TMO by entering the following code on the TouchPad. *#272*YOURIMEINUMBER# Select TMO then install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had tried that, it states "unable to process request" Appreciate your help though.
fil.lujan said:
I had tried that, it states "unable to process request" Appreciate your help though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a US Device (Snapdragon)?
varcor said:
Is it a US Device (Snapdragon)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Sm-g998u1
fil.lujan said:
Yes. Sm-g998u1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently I read with android 11 changing csc isn't allowed?
fil.lujan said:
Apparently I read with android 11 changing csc isn't allowed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case you can download Tmobile firmware and flash to your device.
downloading/flashing Tmobile firmware to S20Ultra unlocked
I really want Tmobile's advanced messaging feature back. I downloaded Frija (to download the firmware images) My assumption is that since I have model number SM-G988U1 and want to flash tmobile's firmware I need to use SM-G988U with CSC as TMB to download the correct firmware. Is this...
forums.androidcentral.com
fil.lujan said:
Apparently I read with android 11 changing csc isn't allowed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't read that, this post may help.
[GUIDE] Change your CSC on any Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 10 or older - will also work in Android 11 for builds older than January 2021
Hello everyone! I made this video tutorial regarding changing the CSC on your Samsung Galaxy device. This method will work for Android 10 and older, and Android 11 (builds older than January 2021). Credits to...
forum.xda-developers.com
varcor said:
If that's the case you can download Tmobile firmware and flash to your device.
downloading/flashing Tmobile firmware to S20Ultra unlocked
I really want Tmobile's advanced messaging feature back. I downloaded Frija (to download the firmware images) My assumption is that since I have model number SM-G988U1 and want to flash tmobile's firmware I need to use SM-G988U with CSC as TMB to download the correct firmware. Is this...
forums.androidcentral.com
Haven't read that, this post may help.
[GUIDE] Change your CSC on any Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 10 or older - will also work in Android 11 for builds older than January 2021
Hello everyone! I made this video tutorial regarding changing the CSC on your Samsung Galaxy device. This method will work for Android 10 and older, and Android 11 (builds older than January 2021). Credits to...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your input, I'll check those out. Appreciate you writing and posting these.
fil.lujan said:
Thank you for your input, I'll check those out. Appreciate you writing and posting these.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once last question, forgive my ignorance. Once I flash from the unlocked version to the T-Mobile branded firmware, will I need to manually flash each update that comes out for T-Mobile do you know?
fil.lujan said:
Once last question, forgive my ignorance. Once I flash from the unlocked version to the T-Mobile branded firmware, will I need to manually flash each update that comes out for T-Mobile do you know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You SHOULD receive Tmobile updates once you're on Tmobile firmware and network but I don't think it's something that can be guaranteed. Your Primary CSC can't be changed to TMO and therin lies the problem. In the last couple of years Samsung has complicated firmware and CSC transitions on it's numerous array of devices. Lots of potential users lean to an unlocked device thinking they'll have more freedom of choice but it won't always end up as a benefit. I always recommend buying your service provider's device for full functionality but it doesn't always work out since some users tend to swap service provider's on a regular basis.
I'm on T-mobile's network, month to month, no long term commitment which adds flexibility but even being on their network I didn't aquire their Branded Device. I have the Hong Kong SM-G9980 variant. I couldn't care less about 5G, to me it's the biggest marketing scam since light beer. The only other feature I lose is Carrier Aggregation which much like 5G enables faster download speeds. I can easily have my laptop handle this and transfer files or data to my device. So there's no carrier bloatware, the bootloader is unlocked, I get updates from Samsung typically sooner than US devices and still have Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE via Tmobile. Most users don't do much research to define which device is best suited for their needs. "I got this great deal on an S21 Ultra but..." We can point the finger at Samsung as well, way too many variants leads to a lot of problems.
varcor said:
You SHOULD receive Tmobile updates once you're on Tmobile firmware and network but I don't think it's something that can be guaranteed. Your Primary CSC can't be changed to TMO and therin lies the problem. In the last couple of years Samsung has complicated firmware and CSC transitions on it's numerous array of devices. Lots of potential users lean to an unlocked device thinking they'll have more freedom of choice but it won't always end up as a benefit. I always recommend buying your service provider's device for full functionality but it doesn't always work out since some users tend to swap service provider's on a regular basis.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One last question. In order to go from the Samsung unlocked version to flash the TMobile firmware, does the bootloader need to be unlocked? Sorry for the numerous questions
fil.lujan said:
One last question. In order to go from the Samsung unlocked version to flash the TMobile firmware, does the bootloader need to be unlocked? Sorry for the numerous questions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No
varcor said:
No
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for all your help. I do appreciate you.
Hello did it work out?
TwistedTester said:
Hello did it work out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did actually. Noticing my speeds are a bit faster and more consistent and getting rcs through Samsung messages to people even using Google messages on other carriers
fil.lujan said:
It did actually. Noticing my speeds are a bit faster and more consistent and getting rcs through Samsung messages to people even using Google messages on other carriers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you do? What were the steps to flashing new csc? I’m on Verizon and I wanna go over to T-Mobile
TwistedTester said:
What did you do? What were the steps to flashing new csc? I’m on Verizon and I wanna go over to T-Mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded the firmware from SamMobile and Odin then flashed it. I had the unlocked version I purchased from Samsung directly. when selecting the csc portion but it still shows the xaa portion as well. Not sure if I did it wrong but seems to be working for me. Putting it in download mode requires holding volume up/down and power. Every site I visited told the wrong directions
fil.lujan said:
I downloaded the firmware from SamMobile and Odin then flashed it. I had the unlocked version I purchased from Samsung directly. when selecting the csc portion but it still shows the xaa portion as well. Not sure if I did it wrong but seems to be working for me. Putting it in download mode requires holding volume up/down and power. Every site I visited told the wrong directions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay okay, did you have to use Sam key after to switch csc? No right cause T-Mobile already worked.
TwistedTester said:
Oh okay okay, did you have to use Sam key after to switch csc? No right cause T-Mobile already worked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No I just did the firmware. Didn't do anything else with csc. Heard that's a pain in the ass with android 11
Hi guys,
I need advice for the s21 Ultra that i bought on Rakuten. In the description the seller said it was an international/US version and at this time I didn't know that it could cause problems knowing that I live in France. I have the G998U/DS version
For now the phone is working perfectly. I don't have all the problem i can see in other thread like the broken GPS, a poor network, wallet broken etc. Everithing is ok.
But i need advice for the last update with Android 13. Actually i get the Android 12. And of course the phone does not offer me any updates. I know this is because i have a US version and i live in France.
So question 1 : Do you think I will eventually get the update in the future ?
Question 2 : If I install the update by flashing the phone, won't I have all the problems that others have with this us version and living in France ?
Thanks for your support fox.
azralth said:
Hi guys,
I need advice for the s21 Ultra that i bought on Rakuten. In the description the seller said it was an international/US version and at this time I didn't know that it could cause problems knowing that I live in France. I have the G998U/DS version
For now the phone is working perfectly. I don't have all the problem i can see in other thread like the broken GPS, a poor network, wallet broken etc. Everithing is ok.
But i need advice for the last update with Android 13. Actually i get the Android 12. And of course the phone does not offer me any updates. I know this is because i have a US version and i live in France.
So question 1 : Do you think I will eventually get the update in the future ?
Question 2 : If I install the update by flashing the phone, won't I have all the problems that others have with this us version and living in France ?
Thanks for your support fox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
If everything is working out of the box, then you shouldn't worry much. It's always better to install the update via OTA. It doesn't matter where you live/use the device, as long as there's an update for your device (Snapdragron chipset and CSC), it should automatically show up. If you want to install the update manually, then it's better to download the official update via Frija and install the update via Odin.
Hi,
Thanks a lot for your answer. It help me a lot.
About the update, i read everywhere that where we live/use the device is impact the update. For now i don't have any update that show up. I am in Android 12 and i should have the android 13 update.
Lot of people said that i probably never had the update because it's an import us version and live in France.
What about that ? Do you thinks i will get the update in the future ?
Thanks again
It seems you are on a March update. I have a feeling your device's was a locked device which was then unlocked...I could be wrong through...https://samfrew.com/model/SM-G998U/ Here's what I could pull up regarding your device's update. You need to careful on which file you download as I don't see any OXM ROMs for US devices...they are provided by carriers.
Ok,
I think in my case, update will not be possible. I'll stay in Andoird 12 until next phone. Never buy again in Rakuten ahah.
Thanks for all your help.
Remove SIM, use VPN to connect US and try update over wifi.
olafsand said:
Remove SIM, use VPN to connect US and try update over wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just try and not working but that was a good idea
When i chek on Frija, he give me this :
What do you think about this update ?
Edit : this firmware contains these files
If you are sure of the CSC, go ahead. The reason is yours is not OXM rom so you have to be extremely careful when choosing the files.
amirage said:
If you are sure of the CSC, go ahead. The reason is yours is not OXM rom so you have to be extremely careful when choosing the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks, i think i'll do the update.
To be sure, you mention a OXM ROM but i can see that i have o OYN rom like you see in this screen :
I really can't place the device's region. There's no region called GCF in Samfrew. I feel it's a subset of another region. Dunno
Finally I did not dare to flash my phone, I am too afraid that I can not use it anymore
Anyway, thank you very much for your help