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Hello Fellow XDA Users!
Some of you might remember me from over the years or maybe just from SamPWND root on the S8/S8+. I have had a number of devices since SamPWND with a few being Sammy's. I have been real busy with life and work but of course every spare time I get has been breaking Samsung devices!
I've found some exploits I never released publicly due to the devices being "unpopular" but figured since I am close now as well as what I have found so far most likely works on most Samsung devices (I've only tested on Tab S4 and N9 from Big Red) that I wouldn't keep this one away from everyone.
With that being said, I do not have FULL root yet but am very close. I wanted to create this thread as I don't have let's of free time these days to hopefully bounce ideas around to achieve our end goal a lot faster.
I am going to spare all the specific details to the masses but will let you know what I got so far. I prefer to collaborate over other applications that are more "real time" if there are any developers that read this then PM me and we can share contact info. If you just want to toss ideas in here then that is ok. I just don't want to have someone potentially take my hard work and claim it as their own before I can achieve root. I have been almost non stop since the N9 was released so you can understand hopefully why I want to be the one to bring root to you all!
With that being said, I will begin telling my story and what I have so far.
Some time last year I was working on another Sammy device after SamPWND as I wanted root of course. I spent weeks and weeks trying to find exploits until I finally did! For this time I wanted to see what Sammy would offer for it as it was a tablet, the XDA forum was deserted etc. They did pay out a 2500$ reward so it was ok.
The reason I bring this up is because the exploit plays a factor here as well. The exploit was a mix of SamPWND and SamFAIL as I used the same rooting script as SamPWND but with a custom partition that wasn't checked for integrity when flashing in ODIN.
On this partition there were some init rc scripts. I noticed these scripts could be executed on combo firmware as root user. This means I could mount the partition in Linux, modify the scripts to my liking, sparse it back up and flash in ODIN. Then I could execute them. Believe it or not, they were executed by entering a simple setprop command in ADB. So from start to finish I simply extracted this partition, modified the scripts to install root as well as packaged the root package in with the image, flash it and then execute an adb command and viola! I felt like a loser it took me so long to find yet was so simple to exploit.
This ties in to where I am at now. I spent months looking through various attack vectors with no luck due to enhanced security not just with Sammy but Android also. So one day last week I decided to take a look at combo firmware again. In no time I found something interesting and then I slapped myself for spending months again when I should have looked at init scripts first.
I found it on my Tab s4 initially but wanted to see if the same file was on my N9 on combo and it was!
The first script runs as system user. For some reason the entire folder it is in is world readable/writable which means there is a script I can modify. This one is not an init script but is a script none the less that runs as system user that I can modify and execute with a simple adb command. Of course we want root, not system so I keep looking.
So I started writing all sorts of scripts/commands and executing it as system user since it's better than running as shell user right? One day I decide I am going to try and change permissions on the entire device. To my surprise it actually changed permissions to ALOT of partitions/files including EFS. I start messing with efs but don't want to break my phone so I settled with backing it up, enabling hidden menu, changing my sales code, enabling factory test mode etc. Etc.
One day I decided to see if I could access the same scripts I used previously. The partition was not readable (perms denied) so initially I thought it was a dead end. Then for some reason I tried to go into the sub-directory where I knew the scripts were and guess what!? The parent directory perms were not changed but its sub directories were! Now I am somewhere I have been before and now I have some scripts that I know are executed by init and as root and how to trigger them.
I spent over a week and all my spare time trying to gain full root but progress is slow moving due to new security. I can make a script that backs up every partition on the device, mounts "most" partitions as rw, dd magisk boot images (of course secure check fail due to locked bl but I had to try lol), create folders and push files to roots etc. Etc. Its basically like having full root but you have to run it in a script for everything you do.
Since we have locked bootloaders, we cannot boot modified boot.img. There's also more security causing me to have issues with system root. One of those issues is the fact that system, vendor and odm partitions cause the kernel to panic instantly as soon as they are mounted.
I managed to force some stuff quickly before the crash but they also have something called "secure write protect" which basically backs out anything you might have written before it reboots. I have tried installing chains systemless root and even tried to install magisk without modifying the boot but I am just getting frustrated and tired.
One thing I am currently trying is a safestrap recovery. The end goal is to try and get a GSI on that is pre rooted. Yes, I also tried to dd a gsi and tried with a file manager... it appears to write but it doesn't. I think there is some security going on as it along with odm and vendor are "protected" partitions.
I can modify rootfs and just about every other partition on the device with ease but haven't successfully gained root via su or magisk etc. Some stuff will cause device to boot with good old custom unlock splash screen and even say custom and custom binary in ODIN. That plus it being project treble certified indicates we shouldn't have any issues using GSI's and more soon as we can get ot nailed down!
So in a nutshell, I now have the ability to do almost anything as root user using init scripts on our locked bootloader devices but we only have a little bit left to go in figuring out how to get su binaries onto the device thanks to sammy and googs enhanced security updates.
Hopefully this gets the convo going and I wanted everyone to know that it's not "impossible" and now seems like a guarantee! Let's get some ideas going in here on this last hurdle! If you are a developer please also PM me as I tend to forget to check xda sometimes plus I like a more real time conversation when it comes to this stuff.
We are almost there!
Donation Link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/donatetome.php?u=3812611
Forgot as a reminder that I can confirm the scripts there on tab s4 and n9 combos.. it's very likely they are present on S9/S9+ also and potentially other devices but they will need to be confirmed once we get to that point.
Was just barely reading up on Samsung defex security.. hope that's not the problem since only fix I can find requires hex patching the boot.img
so i noticed you gave quite a lot of info without going too much into details. i understand that you don't want anyone to steal your ideas and take credit.
would be a shame to get root.
and not get the credit where it is due..
now, that being said, isn't making these statements public open up the door for samsung to notice these possible exploits and patch them up for good? thus rendering all your efforts in vain? As even if the details were kept at a minimum from kangers to use them, the samsung devs can probably read through the lines quite easily.
anyways, hope your effort will bare fruit for as long as it is possible.( samfail lasted what 3 or 4 months? before patches made it too difficult to keep up)
Regards
bober10113 said:
so i noticed you gave quite a lot of info without going too much into details. i understand that you don't want anyone to steal your ideas and take credit.
would be a shame to get root.
and not get the credit where it is due..
now, that being said, isn't making these statements public open up the door for samsung to notice these possible exploits and patch them up for good? thus rendering all your efforts in vain? As even if the details were kept at a minimum from kangers to use them, the samsung devs can probably read through the lines quite easily.
anyways, hope your effort will bare fruit for as long as it is possible.( samfail lasted what 3 or 4 months? before patches made it too difficult to keep up)
Regards
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I can see where youre coming from but I dont think they can glean exactly what I have as theres are probably hundreds of scripts throughout the system.
Also, this approach is far from new. People have been using init scripts for rooting purposes for many years.
I also tried it with newer firmware and it actually didnt work. So it already requires an older frmware and I expect Sammy will increment bootloaders soon making it unavailable to those who have updated at that poimt in time. I figured best to put out the word on progress now and those can choose to wait or not.
Exploits never last very long. The only way to ensure longevity is to remain on old firmware. There was SamPWND before there was SamFAIL. This could be the perfect time. Unless I am the only one working on this device there will be other exploits to be found.
With that being said, only you have posted all day and no devs have reached out to join in the fun so at this rate by the time full root is achieved it most likely will already be patched.
Thats just my thoughts though.
elliwigy said:
I can see where youre coming from but I dont think they can glean exactly what I have as theres are probably hundreds of scripts throughout the system.
Also, this approach is far from new. People have been using init scripts for rooting purposes for many years.
I also tried it with newer firmware and it actually didnt work. So it already requires an older frmware and I expect Sammy will increment bootloaders soon making it unavailable to those who have updated at that poimt in time. I figured best to put out the word on progress now and those can choose to wait or not.
Exploits never last very long. The only way to ensure longevity is to remain on old firmware. There was SamPWND before there was SamFAIL. This could be the perfect time. Unless I am the only one working on this device there will be other exploits to be found.
With that being said, only you have posted all day and no devs have reached out to join in the fun so at this rate by the time full root is achieved it most likely will already be patched.
Thats just my thoughts though.
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the note 9 kinda missed the party bus.
ive had almost all Sammy's devices and i have to unfortuanly say this is by far the most bleek state of development ive ever experienced.
but back in the day, there was far less android competition.
edit:
and i think that if not the competition, the fact that alot of people feel content with what stock samsung is offering. when the device came out, the forums were littered with Shakespearean: 'to root or not to' type of threads.
This is great news. Hopefully some devs contact you. Loved your work with the S8.
Yeeeeeeeesssssss!
Very exciting! If we're updated to Pie, are we out of luck then though, regarding the firmware?
I remember you doing some great stuff but I don't recall the phone... Galaxy S3? Note5? Note7? Note8? HTC M8? EVO 4G LTE? OG EVO? Anyway, I am excited to see you here. ?
Wow, this is very interesting, and I loved reading your detailed post. I am super exited, and can't thank you enough for all your work elliwigy! :good:
Full on beast!
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
PsiPhiDan said:
Yeeeeeeeesssssss!
Very exciting! If we're updated to Pie, are we out of luck then though, regarding the firmware?
I remember you doing some great stuff but I don't recall the phone... Galaxy S3? Note5? Note7? Note8? HTC M8? EVO 4G LTE? OG EVO? Anyway, I am excited to see you here.
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I wanna say s8/+ and the note 8.. both of which root solutions I used.
Word brotha ?? thank you for your diligence. I love that your hobby can help out so many who don't have the time, will, or discipline to learn it.
PsiPhiDan said:
Yeeeeeeeesssssss!
Very exciting! If we're updated to Pie, are we out of luck then though, regarding the firmware?
I remember you doing some great stuff but I don't recall the phone... Galaxy S3? Note5? Note7? Note8? HTC M8? EVO 4G LTE? OG EVO? Anyway, I am excited to see you here. ?
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Click to collapse
you should be fine as long as you remain on rev1 firmware..
PsiPhiDan said:
Yeeeeeeeesssssss!
Very exciting! If we're updated to Pie, are we out of luck then though, regarding the firmware?
I remember you doing some great stuff but I don't recall the phone... Galaxy S3? Note5? Note7? Note8? HTC M8? EVO 4G LTE? OG EVO? Anyway, I am excited to see you here. ?
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Click to collapse
lol ive had a lot of devices thats for sure but most my work is on samsung
teknowiz23 said:
I wanna say s8/+ and the note 8.. both of which root solutions I used.
Word brotha ?? thank you for your diligence. I love that your hobby can help out so many who don't have the time, will, or discipline to learn it.
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Yeeeeeeeesssssss!
You are always the loveliest "Rev1 firmware baby"
elliwigy said:
you should be fine as long as you remain on rev1 firmware..
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So.. I had to get a replacement via Asurion, and before setting it up I installed the earliest unlocked firmware. Sm-n960u on Verizon plan. I understand that this should work as long as I don't update, correct?
teknowiz23 said:
So.. I had to get a replacement via Asurion, and before setting it up I installed the earliest unlocked firmware. Sm-n960u on Verizon plan. I understand that this should work as long as I don't update, correct?
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Yes, just make sure you stay away from anything that says N960UxxU2 or S2
Jammol said:
Yes, just make sure you stay away from anything that says N960UxxU2 or S2
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Mine says Rev 1.1. Does that mean game over for me?
PsiPhiDan said:
Mine says Rev 1.1. Does that mean game over for me?
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Click to collapse
No that's for hardware revision. Is normally for when a device has had a hardware fix that changed something from the original design. So if they realized the fingerprint readers on rev1 were crappy and changed it out for future ones, they would show rev1.1 or whatever numbers they want to classify it as.
I'm not sure what they may have changed on the Note 9 though. Could have been camera or even something internal such as memory or radio chip.
What you want to stay away from is any changes to the attached image. Don't update to anything that says U2 or S2 at that section of the firmware.
Thank you for your hard work on this .
All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.
CrackyRaps said:
. I really do miss it.
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But why?
CrackyRaps said:
All I read is negative on the topic of the US Snapdragon Galaxy S10 receiving root/an unlocked bootloader as I understand Samsung has kept these variants locked since the S7 series.
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
And if it is completely impossible, why is this? Are people actively working on it/is there any potential we will receive root in a way similar to the SamFails exploit for the S8 series?
Of course, I'm just a consumer. I'm not exactly sure what goes into this. It would be helpful to gain some insight on what is and is not possible for my S10.
Kind of disappointed I'm unable to afford a Canadian or other foreign variant because I do payment plans. But I really would love the feeling of having root again. I really do miss it.
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You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.
raduque said:
But why?
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Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?
raduque said:
But why?
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Tel864 said:
You should have purchased another phone, because it's not going to happen on this one.
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This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
CrackyRaps said:
This is the sort of thing I'm talking about. I don't know how you can definitively say this other than for the fact that nobody seems to even be giving a ****.
And that's how it goes, nobody gives a **** until it's figured out.
I'm sure a lot of people had the same exact mindset when the S8 got root without tripping Knox, but it got it eventually.
Maybe if more people had been working on it, it would've come about much earlier than it did.
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
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Click to collapse
Wait wait wait lets clear this up. the s8 got root within a month or two of it being out. However, this was NOT because "people worked on it hard enough" It was because an engineering boot/build got leaked. This was not matter of working to root the thing then they had a magic breakthrough due to hard work. It was rooted because of the leaked engineering build.
I hope that they end up having the same thing happen there too, I really do. However, I would not keep your hopes up. Samsung is very good about locking their devices down when they want to. The level of dedication and work that a team would have to put in would have to be the equivalent or bigger than the team samsung has working to lock these things down. The problem with that? any team that has that time and money is not going to be working to root a samsung device. they are going to be taking paid jobs and if they did find a security flaw to exploit, they would probably turn it into samsung for a payout.
CrackyRaps said:
So what is your reasoning other than "well Samsung made it hard to do so nobody attempts it?"
Nothing is impossible to break into.
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Click to collapse
LOL, welcome to the real world, because things can be made impossible to break into. I'm still amazed at people buying a phone they know can't be rooted, get buy it anyway.
Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050
ait1071 said:
Hey guys I agree with the OP of this thread. I am by no means a dev but want to try and help where I can. I posted a thread on galaxy s10+ forum regarding the eng bootloader from Pakfirmware. If you are interested check it out https://forum.xda-developers.com/s10-plus/how-to/eng-bootloader-t3914050
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Click to collapse
Good dialog here. One question, is the Exynos version the same in every way as the Snapdragon, especially the having the same 3G/4G LTE Bands?
If so, why not just buy the Exynos version Unlocked from an overseas website?
The only disadvantage would be if they fail to include the newer bands like 23, 66,71,14....etc...
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
CrackyRaps said:
But is it not true that anything that can be locked can be unlocked? It's impossible to have a truly unbreakable lock, hardware or software, no?
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Click to collapse
That locked down phone is a selling point. They'll sell far more phones to people that don't care about rooting... and that's before the corporate and government sales.
Can it be unlocked? It's possible. It could happen today, or it could take two years like the Verizon Note4 and require such a convoluted process that many people will screw their phones up in the attempt. In the case of the Note4, it took so long that many developers had long moved on to newer devices.
Are there people working on the unlock? Undoubtedly. But I've found that this work goes on quietly, less the unwashed masses try incomplete methods and end up making their phones useless. (I hesitate to use the term "bricked," because that implies a phone that cannot be fixed by anyone. It is an overused term on these forums.)
I used to flash two or three ROMs a day back when I first got an Android phone in the Droid Incredible days. Perhaps it's my age, but most of the ROMs I flashed had issues I don't want to mess with anymore. While the One UI isn't a perfect experience, the only possible enticement I could see to root my phone would be a full nandroid backup.
And if they do find a way to root, I'll be in the thread laughing my ass off at the idiots who don't know what they're doing and can't follow directions "brick" their phones. A word of wisdom: don't try to be the first. Let others screw up and get the process refined.
CrackyRaps said:
Because I enjoyed the extra features associated with it?
Superuser, flashing a ROM, even just getting rid of certain bloatware or using a PS3 controller with bluetooth.
There's just a bunch of small things that I miss being able to do, but Samsung has been progressively locking their **** up more and more.
Why does it matter why I want it?
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Click to collapse
It doesn't matter. I was genuinely curious. You might gain a few little things, but you break everything that uses Knox. Samsung Pay, S-Health, Secure Folder, apps like Adhell and Disconnect Pro. Oh, and you NEVER get those back even after un-rooting, so you have to sell it for a significantly lower price because the device is crippled.
Samsung is locking their devices down so they can provide a secure environment for US Government and company use. 97% of the consumer market appreciates the lock down as well, because it's more difficult for malware to use an exploit to gain root and use that to steal passwords, pins, numbers and so on.
If you want to be able to unlock a devices bootloader, add root access and flash community roms, you need to get another device. If you still want to root a Samsung, you need an Exynos device. But again, see my first paragraph.
If you really want to have root then probably the best thing is not to buy a phone till root has been made available. For certain type of phones this is unlikely to ever materialize. The situation is not unique to Samsung, particularly Samsung phones with Snapdragon; as also Huawei phones have become increasingly difficult/impossible to unlock and root.
I started the game rooting my G1. You know like the first Android phone and it had a physical keyboard. Promptly installing Cyanogen MOD and keeping the phone updated well past its prime. I have used ODIN and flashed boot.img, installed custom roms and then the g-suite afterward because it couldn't be included.
That being said the last phone I rooted was a Sony back in 2015.
I just got a Pixel 2 and was happy not rooting.
Had an iPhone 12 pro for a while but promptly lost it. I can't remember passwords for ****. What a waste.
Now I have a silly little Samsung Galaxy A01 (SM-S111DL). TracFone. Don't really have access to a computer. I found the rooting thread but it is for the ATT model. I am a little weary flashing the software provided in the thread because it says for that model only.
Just because I have rooted in the past doesn't mean I am up on the latest methods.
I will keep reading the forums and lurking wisely.
BTW I am 41 years old with a degree in Computer Science but never held a job past Technial Support for Nest Learning Thermostat.
Well I dabbled in consult work with developers looking to access the API for a credit card processing gateway. We worked with SmartBear and mainly ingenico card readers.
Currently unemployed.
Also, I dabble with Ubuntu Linux, which I feel is mainly Russian software, a bit of a conspiracy theorist.
Loved the Android SDK back in the day. I used to spin up one or two instances of a particular phone. Thought I would actually develop an app one day. Didn't quite pan out, kind of past my prime in the technology department.
Any way, print "Hello, World" and all that.
ZaphodBeetle said:
I started the game rooting my G1. You know like the first Android phone and it had a physical keyboard. Promptly installing Cyanogen MOD and keeping the phone updated well past its prime. I have used ODIN and flashed boot.img, installed custom roms and then the g-suite afterward because it couldn't be included.
That being said the last phone I rooted was a Sony back in 2015.
I just got a Pixel 2 and was happy not rooting.
Had an iPhone 12 pro for a while but promptly lost it. I can't remember passwords for ****. What a waste.
Now I have a silly little Samsung Galaxy A01 (SM-S111DL). TracFone. Don't really have access to a computer. I found the rooting thread but it is for the ATT model. I am a little weary flashing the software provided in the thread because it says for that model only.
Just because I have rooted in the past doesn't mean I am up on the latest methods.
I will keep reading the forums and lurking wisely.
BTW I am 41 years old with a degree in Computer Science but never held a job past Technial Support for Nest Learning Thermostat.
Well I dabbled in consult work with developers looking to access the API for a credit card processing gateway. We worked with SmartBear and mainly ingenico card readers.
Currently unemployed.
Also, I dabble with Ubuntu Linux, which I feel is mainly Russian software, a bit of a conspiracy theorist.
Loved the Android SDK back in the day. I used to spin up one or two instances of a particular phone. Thought I would actually develop an app one day. Didn't quite pan out, kind of past my prime in the technology department.
Any way, print "Hello, World" and all that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad to have an old timer!
Welcome officially
First off, yes i have searched thru the forums for an answer but none of those that I found are direct to my questions...
I just placed an order for S21 Ultra Exynos. Should be arriving within the next 2 days or so..
My questions are: (this will be my first Samsung phone)
1) Is one UI good enough? or is it worth it to flash a custom from (previously I used to flash custom from for better battery life and also advance customization.
2) If I unlock the bootloader, will I still receive firmware updates?
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life, camera, and performance.
And also because Samsung promised 3-4 years for firmware updates. I believe this phone will last for at least 3 years.
And I'm thinking of unlocking the bootloader on day 1 itself before even setting up anything. That way I would save my time from losing stuff by resetting after unlocking BL.
3) and also, did anyone get the Samsung care+ extended warranty? Is it worth it?
I have never broken a phone before in my life thus far. But since this is gonna be the most expensive phone I have ever bought, I would prefer to secure my investment. (another reason why I'm considering not to unlock bootloader/root as of yet).
Thank you soo much.
Have not done rooting for a long time. Lost touch will all this stuff.
Hence the noobie questions.
1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.
enigmaamit said:
1. One UI is quite good. There aren't a ton of custom ROMs out there for this phone. Even the most popular ones that exist are still based on one UI.
2. and 3. contradict each other. If you're bothered about warranty AT ALL, don't unlock your bootloader. You can never return to 100% stock on Samsung. Knox will remain tripped so bye bye warranty. Unless of course your country has laws allowing this and you can fight Samsung. They tend to deny warranty if you've modified your phone software. YMMV. I don't have Samsung Care so I don't know about that.
Since you asked for suggestions, mine would be not to be hasty and play around with the device to see if you need to unlock/root/flash etc.
Rooting on day 1 just so you can avoid having to set up phone again is pretty lazy and dangerous. Especially since you've been out of the game for a while.
Baby steps buddy. Better safe than sorry.
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Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI
RSGI said:
Isn´t it sad, that we spent more than 1000 bucks on a device, that in the end, we will never truly own?
I´ve been thinking about this issue since i got my Note 9 (3 years ago)...
The balance between, what we want the device to do for, and what we are allowed to do in the device, without losing support in case of hardware failure...
I, mainly, used to root for 3 reasons: 1 - Ads removal from software; 2 - Control/modification of the system files and 3 - Easy backup and restore with TWRP
And as we all are aware, a few changes in a system file, can avoid the installation of a third party software (e.g. Call Recording) so it seems to be more efficient to root... but then come the brands claming that we can´t do it because that would ruin the user experience that they planned for the device...
The Knox feature as been buffed up to a point that is increasingly harder to install a custom recovery. Something that a few years ago was a solution for a big number of users, now its just a work for those "geeks" that live for the challenge... The risks of brincking a VERY EXPENSIVE device are becaming bigger than the advantages that we would get with root... I guess we are playing into brands plans...
To be fair, brands also understood that they would have to give what users wanted if they wanted to avoid software alterations (except maybe Apple, who just gives what Apple consideres users should have)...
Customizations and bigger control of the software are trends that are growing up in Android skins (like OneUi).
I got my S21 Ultra a few weeks ago, and normally it would rooted and with a custom recovery by now, but the problems i faced with that in my Note 9, are still present in my mind... and i don´t want to face them again...
I manage to get my basic needs with some non-root software, and with GoodLock and Bixby Routines and can do almost everything i would do with the root... Still can´t avoid to have to install a third party software to record calls, something that could be done better with the native system, but that´s it...
In the end, you do you...
Just keep in mind the risks, and be ready to take responsability when something goes wrong... and the possibility of that happen is getting bigger every time they launch a new device...
RSGI
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Agree. The trend for Android devices aping the Apple philosophy is disturbing. But for lack of good alternatives, we are left without too many choices. OnePlus seemed to be doing well on this front but lately they've also gone rogue. So we have to live with what we have, whether we like it or not...
guyderam said:
I'm basically buying this particular phone for its excellent battery life
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Okay so who's gonna tell him?
To be perfectly honest, the battery life is the only gripe I have with this phone. It's quite mediocre for a 5000mAh battery. Of course everyone's usage is different, but I expected better battery life. If you're not a "heavy" user you should be fine though!!
As for bootloader unlocking: I've had 2 S21 Ultras. I had the first one unlocked for a dumb reason, wanted to flash some magisk module to enable all lenses in Google Camera ports basically. Which is kinda funny because now with OneUI 4.0 all the lenses are available in GCam
back to the actual topic, now that I have my second S21U, I don't see a reason to unlock the bootloader. From what I've seen there's only one or two Exynos custom ROMs that are regularly updated. That's the first thing. The 2nd thing is, I just don't wanna trip Knox again and void my warranty.
For me unlocking the BL is not worth it (at the moment). You should consider the pros and the cons of unlocking and hopefully it'll be easier to decide then.
With that being said, enjoy your S21 Ultra, man.
jericho246 said:
Okay so who's gonna tell him?
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Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....
guyderam said:
Thank you so much for the feedback guys.... got my questions answered. Doubt ill be doing anything for now. Gonna use it as it is and see how it goes.
Sadly yes, androids used to be fully customizable and this was the main reason people used to buy them. Unfortunately, phone companies seem to be making it harder and harder for us to do anything to our phones anymore these days.
Oh well....
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But really, what do you want to do with your phone that's not already in-built. I was thinking the same but over the years Android (and it's custom OEMs) have gotten a lot better with companies baking a lot of the magisk modules (their versions) into their ROMs...I didn't root my OnePlus 7Pro, neither the S21U..don't see the need to (at least for the time being)...
A few things, updates are forfeited after root and also be aware Android 12, One UI 4.0 is far from stable. If it hasn't been preinstalled you should consider ignoring the update until the numerous bugs are addressed. I've had a number of S Series devices, only the S8+ was a Exynos variant, all others had the Snapdragon SoC's and never had a warranty issue. I wouldn't buy the Samsung Care+ but it's like any other insurance, you hate paying for it but happy you did if you ever need it. Unless you're a power user battery life shouldn't be an issue but if it is you can review numerous posts for corrective solutions. Based on what you've shared it's probably best you hold off on unlocking the bootloader, to me there aren't many compelling reasons when one considers all the consequences. I think you'll be OK with the stock device.
I consider myself as a relatively advanced user and was always playing rooted with all of the S devices I had. There were always workarounds for root detection by apps and samsung itself BUT now things have changed and I regret having rooted my S21.
As samsung is enforcing its restrictions against root, I find myself (while being rooted) unable to connect my GW4, unable to use latest Samsung Health app, unable to use Samsung Pay and lately even the samsung account keeps disconnecting for "security reasons" several times a day... What a mess !
As previously said, returning to stock with locked bootloader won't give a 100% functional device as the tripped Knox will still be there preventing you from using some samsung apps and features !
If it gets more complicated, I only have 2 choices : get a "virgin" S21 or say goodbye to Samsung.
With that said, you now know where you're going if you choose to go that way
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
MethudMann said:
Hey guys! I have been scouting around for Note 8 help but thought it was time to join myself.
Hopefully if I am able to solve my specific problem or get my questions asked it can help someone else.
Specifically, right now, I picked up and refurbished a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 since I have one currently that is phenominal, and wanted one in the back pocket in case anything happens but it is locked to ATT, which isnt the real problem. The real problem is that it is still on Android 7.1.1 and I would like to get it to Android 9 Pie.
I am unsure of a few things like whether I need all updates between 7 and 9, or if I can jump straight to it. But things of that sort.
It sucks that its ATT locked but I feel its worse that its on old Android since I refurbed it, (fixed screen and replaced with fresh samsung battery) but its being held back in certain functional capabilities. Either way, I am a techy, not yet able to solder, but definitely able to troubleshoot my way around a Windows Blue screen of death.
Looking forward to learnin more!
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Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
ethical_haquer said:
Welcome to XDA! As for updating your phone, could you please tell me your model number?
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Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
I'll monitor more closely so let me know if you need any other info
MethudMann said:
Yeah, sorry for long response time.
For the important info:
Model: SM-N950U
Android. 7.1.1
Build:NMF26X.N950USQU1AQH7
CSC: ATT
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Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
ethical_haquer said:
Alright, there are two versions of firmware available for your device. One is "branded" and has carrier bloat, whereas the other does not have carrier bloat but might have issues with VoLTE (probably not, but there is a chance). What one would you prefer? Let me know if you have any questions regarding the difference.
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Thanks for the research and yes I do have questions if its not too much of an issue:
1.) Carrier bloat is like the usual and can just be deleted anyways correct?
2.) In what scenarios (in case everything was working fine with OTA updates) would the phone have downloaded a version without bloat?
3.) Would updating to the non-bloated version cause any issues since the phone is still carrier locked?
4.) Lastly, for the firmware, would I need to download multiple updates until that point or just straight to the firmware?
If not, I can research the answers as I have been on it on and off for a month with research but other than that, you're a god send.
By the way, if #1 is true, I'll just take the bloatware no doubt just to be as safe as possible.
Thanks again for all the help @ethical_haquer
Been busy researching in the Samsung Note 8 ATT threads and I was able to find the answer to number 4 in that using Full ODIN files is a complete flash and different than just an update which requires the previous updates.
The answer to number 3 from what I have seen no. The only thing is that certain features may NOT work such as VoLTE; pretty much you already answered 3 and I was literally too dumb to see that until I started writing this message. *face palm
Question 2 is pretty much inconsequential so don't worry answering that. Its was just curiosity. But for anyone who does see this possibly, my speculation is that NO, the carrier version would never download the non-carrier version. The non-branded update is for those unlocked phones that receive over-the-air (OTA) updates that were not associated with any carrier, in other words buying a phone directly from samsung's website.
For 1, I am guessing it is "Yes" since I was able to do that in the past with all my other phones. But either way it is not a make it or break it so it doesn't matter.
I have been able to find some full ODIN files for the updates I was looking for, so will be attempting my first flash soon. Will be posting all my findings to the thread I was reading just to potentially help anyone else (though rare since this device is getting real old) who has the same questions I had and I can get them up to speed without having to search everything
Just finished flashing the ATT Note 8 to and the Answer to Number 1 is that NO, you cannot Uninstall the bloatware
Again, will post all these findings to the proper thread in after completed
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
ethical_haquer said:
Sorry for the late reply! I would try installing the firmware for the SM-N950U1 (notice the 1). It should work and won't have carrier bloat.
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You're all good!
I may but I actually have to find one more update I am looking for (Full ODIN FILES). My daily driver note 8 is on N950USQS7DTE5 and it is a T-Mobile Version (though it bein g TMO is inconsequential at the moment. Just thought I might mention it).
That is the update I would like for ATT just so that I know there wont be any differences (or less differences) between my daily driver and this.This is me being picky at this point but isn't the point of life getting what you want? I found one update above that but different bootloader. So for whatever reason may happen, no going back.
What I currently flashed to was N950USQS3BRA8 so it's still on Android 7.1.1 but I did this just to test to the process (my first flashing). Now I am ready.
So I will look for that then flash it and update as usual
Just found, or couldnt find, that ATT has the same update so will just go with what I have. Close as I can get