Rooting an AT&T SMG973U with Android 11 - Samsung Galaxy S10 Questions & Answers

I want to root this phone but I fear I will not get good news.
I got these firmware codes from the phone:
AP: G973USQU5GUCH
CP: G973USQU5GUCH
CSC: G973UOYN5GUCH
I've found this firmware for other regions USC, CHA, VZW, & CCT, but not ATT.
Does everything have to match exactly?
I read that USC means unbranded, can I use that?
Does one even exist for AT&T USA?
Thanks

AFAIK, you must be on BL (bootloader) 4 or older to root a Snapdragon phone. And once rooted, you cannot upgrade past that BL level, which means you'd be stuck on an older version of Android anyway. You also cannot downgrade the BL in any way. Basically, you're stuck. (BL version is the 5th digit from the end... "5" in your case.)
If you wait, they may find an exploit to get root on BL 5, but current versions are BL 6, so if you update then you'll be another step away. Of course, there's not guarantee of ever getting root on BL5 or BL6...

schwinn8 said:
AFAIK, you must be on BL (bootloader) 4 or older to root a Snapdragon phone. And once rooted, you cannot upgrade past that BL level, which means you'd be stuck on an older version of Android anyway. You also cannot downgrade the BL in any way. Basically, you're stuck. (BL version is the 5th digit from the end... "5" in your case.)
If you wait, they may find an exploit to get root on BL 5, but current versions are BL 6, so if you update then you'll be another step away. Of course, there's not guarantee of ever getting root on BL5 or BL6...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a feeling that was going to be the outcome. I guess that's why they use these as insurance replacements ... Appreciate your help.

Related

Question Unlock S21 Ultra Bootloader Unlock - SM-G998U

Has anyone used ADB and Fastboot Tool to unlock there bootloader on a US Verizon S21 Ultra -
SM-G998U
Baseband version: G998USQS4AUFD
I found this on :
How to Unlock Bootloader on Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G? OEM Unlock!
Hey, there in this guide, I will show you the easiest method to Unlock Bootloader on Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G. This smartphone was recently launched,
www.rootingsteps.com
Verizon devices do not and likely will never have an unlockable bootloader. Can probably be said about any Samsung phone bought through Verizon but 100% will not work on Verizon s21 ultra. If you purchase the phone through Samsung, carrier unlocked, the bootloader can most likely be unlocked (assuming it hasn't had firmware updates past v1 I think)
I just got an unlocked s21 ultra from Samsung I was under the impression I still couldn't unlock? Which digit in the software name Is bootloader version? 5th from the right? If so that means I have bootloader v4
Seems like bootloader v4 is not unlockable or ever will be. Might sell might phone and buy an unlocked version.
U and U1 models *can* be bootloader unlocked, but only if they're on bootloader v1
Yep. You'll have to wait until your next phone before you can unlock the bootloader since you're not on the first bootloader version with your S21U =/.
Due to an unfortunate event, I'm in the same boat. Luckily enough for the both of us, we can hang onto this phone for now, pay it off, and then do an exchange with Google in order to get the Pixel 6/6 Pro for $500-$600 less than it's rumored retail price of $1100-$1200 (that's for the 6 Pro; the 6 regular will probably be like $200-$300 less).
Hopefully that works out as my S21U is the least reliable phone that I've ever used (so many features don't work and I have to restart it multiple times per day to keep it working, otherwise certain apps stop functioning even when force closed and I lose cell service until I reboot). I've even done a full device wipe and reinstalled Android and I still have the same problems. I thought that my LG V20 from 6 years ago was bad, but my S21U takes the cake there with how instable it is... But hey, there have been tons of posts here with others facing similar problems. It has taught me that Samsung tends to always make manufacturing mistakes... I mean, remember the good ol' Note 7? That phone was super nice until it started a bonfire LOL.
I am not having that many issues with it. I am curious how it would run rooted with a different ROM on it.
I haven't had any problems with mine either. I've only had it about a week but I would consider myself a power user when it comes to my phone's and have run it through just about everything
iBowToAndroid said:
U and U1 models *can* be bootloader unlocked, but only if they're on bootloader v1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can you tell?
Mathias1378 said:
How can you tell?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader level is the 5th character from the end, in either the Build Number or Baseband Version
iBowToAndroid said:
Bootloader level is the 5th character from the end, in either the Build Number or Baseband Version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Baseband version is G998USQS5CVGA
Mathias1378 said:
My Baseband version is G998USQS5CVGA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well then you already know what your bootloader level is
iBowToAndroid said:
Well then you already know what your bootloader level is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is mine Bootloader v5 or v1??
Mathias1378 said:
So is mine Bootloader v5 or v1??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where is there a 1 in your Baseband Version....?

Check list if I want to buy a S10 with the intention of rooting

I am looking for a phone to replace my rooted S5. One of the candidate is a second hand S10.
It is crucial that I am able to root the phone, and I was wondering how tricky the process is on this phone, and whether there are models where it might be impossible (perhaps Snapdragon based?), or if the baseband is above a certain version, or anything there are anything else that might impede the process I should pay attention to.
If anyone has successfully rooted their device in 2021 (ideally recently), please let me know.
Thanks.
A few fellow XDAers have done this recently. I assume you're speaking about a Snapdragon phone, which is where it gets tricky. The process requires payment to someone to perform the actual unlock... there are two providers (that I know of) that offer this service.
For the device, the bootloader revision is what's important - it needs to be old enough to allow this to work. In addition, once unlocked, it must REMAIN on this older bootloader otherwise you lose root. I believe you must be on BLv4 or older, which means it cannot be updated past Februrary of this year. The 5th character in the PDA/Phone build number (a number) from the right is what shows this version. For example, the March update for Verizon on the SM-G975U is G975USQU5GUBH, so that "5" means it's BL5.
My recent purchased phones were 5 and 6. I'm giving up on getting root, as I don't need it anymore. Sure, I'd prefer to have it, but it's getting too difficult and expensive to get it and I don't NEED it...
The two unlock providers I know about can be seen here (I have used neither myself, of course):
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
Samsung Development | SamPWND
Unlock your bootloader on USA Model Samsung Galaxy devices! Visit https://www.sampwnd.com and have the SamPWND team help you!
www.sampwnd.com
schwinn8 said:
A few fellow XDAers have done this recently. I assume you're speaking about a Snapdragon phone, which is where it gets tricky. The process requires payment to someone to perform the actual unlock... there are two providers (that I know of) that offer this service.
For the device, the bootloader revision is what's important - it needs to be old enough to allow this to work. In addition, once unlocked, it must REMAIN on this older bootloader otherwise you lose root. I believe you must be on BLv4 or older, which means it cannot be updated past Februrary of this year. The 5th character in the PDA/Phone build number (a number) from the right is what shows this version. For example, the March update for Verizon on the SM-G975U is G975USQU5GUBH, so that "5" means it's BL5.
My recent purchased phones were 5 and 6. I'm giving up on getting root, as I don't need it anymore. Sure, I'd prefer to have it, but it's getting too difficult and expensive to get it and I don't NEED it...
The two unlock providers I know about can be seen here (I have used neither myself, of course):
[Android][UNSAMLOCK] Bootloader Unlock for Samsung US/Canada Devices
This thread is @svetius approved Important notice: Do not update to April 2023 security update (XXXXXXXXXXWCX) or later. Examples: G998USQS6EWCA, N986USQU4HWD1. Samsung has patched the bootloader unlock again on those updates. NOTE: The OneUI...
forum.xda-developers.com
Samsung Development | SamPWND
Unlock your bootloader on USA Model Samsung Galaxy devices! Visit https://www.sampwnd.com and have the SamPWND team help you!
www.sampwnd.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Does the Bootloader 5 restriction also applies on Exynos devices? I am uessing that might be why I had difficulties my recently purchased Tab S4.
Another question, can a bootloader be updated while the OS stays on an older version, or do they usually get updated together? For instance, if I find a phone that is still on Pie, is it likely be on an older baseband, or can a phone be on Pie AND be on a new baseband?
I don't know much about Exynos systems, but from what I gather they may be "normally rootable"... I don't believe there are as many restrictions on that platform (it seems to be a USA/EU thing to prevent rooting, primarily).
BL and OS seem to get upgraded together, generally speaking.
xAxB said:
Thanks. Does the Bootloader 5 restriction also applies on Exynos devices? I am uessing that might be why I had difficulties my recently purchased Tab S4.
Another question, can a bootloader be updated while the OS stays on an older version, or do they usually get updated together? For instance, if I find a phone that is still on Pie, is it likely be on an older baseband, or can a phone be on Pie AND be on a new baseband?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope- those can be unlocked whenever
they still can't be downgraded though damn...
I have both phones...snapdragon IS slightly better

All CPUs can unlock?

Like with the S9 only Exynos CPU can BL unlock but not Snapdragon, is this the same for S10? When looking at diff phones here on XDA is there somewhere to first look for this info?
Yes. S10 Snapdragon is locked down (at least in the USA). For older BLs, there was an exploit, but once unlocked on the older BL you cannot upgrade to a newer OS or BL, otherwise it relocks. So, you'd be stuck on the older OS to maintain unlock/root. The process also costs money to have it done.
I tried finding an S10+ with the older BL, but I was not successful, so I gave up. Honestly, for my needs, I don't seem to need root, so I'm working fine without it.

SM-G973u1 snapdragon root

Sorry to just drop a question, but I can't find the answer. Can the snapdragon S10 SM-G973u1 bootloader be unlocked? If not is there another way to root it?
Thank you
Chris
​
HelloChris333333, just when you post on a forum the courtesy of saying hello. Yes you can root just with the firmware of your model S10 SM-G973U1 US model so not compatible with EU firmware.
meric57 said:
HelloChris333333, just when you post on a forum the courtesy of saying hello. Yes you can root just with the firmware of your model S10 SM-G973U1 US model so not compatible with EU firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure that's true, but I would love to find out I'm wrong.
In my research, the SD phones cannot be unlocked unless you are on (and remain on) an older BL version. The last unlockable BL version was 4, as I recall... if you're running updated firmware you are likely on BL 6. Even on 4, the process was not free and once you did it you could not update to a newer version of FW without losing the unlock.
For this reason, I gave up on getting root/BLunlock on my phone... and honestly, I have not missed it. This is also why I have not seen much development of FW for the SD phones anywhere.
Again, if I'm wrong, I'd love to learn how it's done!
Hello meric57
Can you share a link to the firmware I need? I just bought this phone and there is no OEM unlock option, it is a US phone. If I cannot root it I will have to sell it and get another phone.
Thanks
Chris
I guess another question would be where can I get a S10 with the Exynos chip?
Thanks
Chris
Using ADB I keep getting "waiting for device" and then I find I need to unlock the bootloader. This crap is an endless circle.
U4 can be unlocked before , I can unlock it , Special engineering documents need to be made
I'm V6 nothing available. I bought a G973F instead. G973u1 going on ebay.
Exactly, there is really no root/unlock for snapdragon phones unless you're on a very old BL (and you have to stay there so you can't update). IMO, that's not "can be unlocked" even with "special" steps, particularly since most phones today will have newer BLs (even a year ago, I couldn't find a BL4 phone)... but, yes, it's technically true to say it can be unlocked, but only in very limited cases.
@Chris33333 For this reason, I get that you may want to go to the Exynos instead... I'm curious, if you're in the US, how does that work with carriers? Does it? I've found most US carriers refuse to activate phones that don't match their list of "compatible" IMEIs... I imagine an F-series phone won't be on that list.
I'm in the US using Straight Talk with T-mobile. I've had a Galaxy S5 rooted for years. With straight talk I can use AT&T, T-mobile, or Verizon. But this international phone does not do Verizon.
And StraightTalk will activate the F-series phone without complaint or issues? If so, that's great to hear... because I know VZ and ATT typically won't...
I haven't put the SIM in it yet. Still trying to delete all the crap off the phone.
Lol
Hello Chris33333, https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s10/firmware/SM-G973U1/XAA/

Question Can the latest leak of the full international ROM be safely flashed on an NE2217 (T-Mobile)?

I've been wanting to convert to international for a while now but I heard it's very risky, I'm curious if anyone has an answer as to whether this is safe to flash since it's a full ROM
On page 2 there's a thread that should answer your questions.
Ok... Honest opinion... NO. If you are NOT sim unlocked and NOT bootloader unlocked, then when you flash to Android 13, your device will become locked completely... As in no apps will open and you will get some stupid "Contract Phone" error no matter what you tap. I'm trying to hunt down the process that activates this but it's hard considering that the only time it triggers is when you pop a TMobile sim into any other A13 firmware other than the original TMO flash. I know that they TECHNICALLY are the same model, 2217 ... 2217.... And myself am sitting here using 2215 FW on my 2217 TMobile locked phone... But I went thru nightmares and hard bricks to get mine working. I took my phone down to completely unresponsive state.... Had it revived to 2217fw, but NOT the TMO branded....and then used FB to get my unlock token for the bootloader. Once BL unlocked , I tried updating to the same 2217 android 13, and the phone did what I said earlier.... But thankfully I had FB and unlocked BL, so I just flashed the stock recovery and stock boot.img and it went back to working but on Android 13 (with A12 recovery and Boot.img). I don't recommend that at all because while yes I have had no problems doing it to several other phones with no bricks... I have had several reports that ppl didn't get the same success.... As of today I have flashed 27 ne2217 phones to 2215 then 2217. But I have had some headaches with using the exact same processes every time but getting different outcomes every time. There's SOME FILE that needs to be disabled in the system so this can be done safely, but unless you are Sim Unlocked and BL unlocked I cannot recommend you attempt this. That is the only factor I think that has made all my flashes successful, cuz ultimately it's a TMobile BRAND lock... Not region... Cuz ne2217 is NA... So the region is the same as I'm in Texas... But if it's not TMO branded fw.. the phone freaks out sometimes. But only with android 13. Kinda like how the 'Orange' state came back with the updates.... TMobile did this on purpose probably because of all the posts here about successful region swaps! Be warned! The TMO Mafia is waiting to put a brick in your hands!

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