I bought a t-mobile S4 and discovered it came rooted already. Is this normal? It was from an authorized t-mobile reseller. I don't mind the fact that it's rooted, but what precautions can I take that some malware/spyware isn't installed? Is running a scan with malwarebytes good enough? The reseller said it was rooted to remove some bloatware, but how can I make sure nothing bad was installed? Since the phone is rooted, that also means I can't receive OTA updates, is that right?
Thanks for any info.
It's not normal if you got it from a T-mobile store. An independent but authorized site is different. Maybe someone rooted it but returned it or traded in. If you're really concern just Odin flashed the stock firmware.
☞ Sent from here☜???
baseballfanz said:
It's not normal if you got it from a T-mobile store. An independent but authorized site is different. Maybe someone rooted it but returned it or traded in. If you're really concern just Odin flashed the stock firmware.
☞ Sent from here☜???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odin back to stock would deffinately work.
But you don't really have to do that. You could just put on a custom recovery, and flash any rom.
Any spyware that a previous user put on the device you have to reside in th esystem partition. Flashing any other rom would wipe out the system partition and installing a fresh one over top.
re: Unrooting
pcglue said:
I bought a t-mobile S4 and discovered it came rooted already. Is this normal? It was from an authorized t-mobile reseller. I don't mind the fact that it's rooted, but what precautions can I take that some malware/spyware isn't installed? Is running a scan with malwarebytes good enough? The reseller said it was rooted to remove some bloatware, but how can I make sure nothing bad was installed? Since the phone is rooted, that also means I can't receive OTA updates, is that right?
Thanks for any info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes a rooted phone will not be able to update using OTA or KIES.
There is another easier way to Unroot the phone, just click on superSU
then click on the settings tab and scroll down til you see "Full Unroot"
"cleanup for permanent unroot" (you still will be able to re-root the phone).
That way there is no reason to flash any roms unless you don't like
what you already have, also even without root you still can use
a custom recovery if that's what you want to do.
After unrooting you will no longer be able to use any apps or
anything else which requires root access.
Good luck!
Skipjacks said:
Odin back to stock would deffinately work.
But you don't really have to do that. You could just put on a custom recovery, and flash any rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would I be able to use tmobile's wifi calling if I use a rom other than stock?
Thanks everybody for the help and useful info!
pcglue said:
Would I be able to use tmobile's wifi calling if I use a rom other than stock?
Thanks everybody for the help and useful info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as it's a TouchWiz rom based on the T Mobile Stock ROM.
Skipjacks said:
As long as it's a TouchWiz rom based on the T Mobile Stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I just found out some other disturbing info. The IMEI on my S4 is 0. It's obviously different from the sticker on the back. And on 2 other S4's I bought at the same time, the IMEI's look valid, but are different from the stickers on the back as well.
I bought these from an independent tmobile store. Why would the phones I bought be rooted and have non-matching IMEI's? Do I have stolen/black market/refurbished phones? I thought I got a discount because of the quantity I bought (5 total, it was for 2 families), but now I think there's something shady about these phones. I don't have ready access to the last 2 phones I bought in this batch, but I suspect they are rooted with non-matching IMEI's as well.
What are the implications of this? I would think these phones are not under Samsung or Tmobile warranty, even though the guy at the store says they are. And in the future, would Tmobile help me (unlocking or I don't know what else) if I am using these phones? They should still help with account/plan changes, but I imagine there are probably some things they won't help with. I'm thinking of returning these phones to avoid future hassles now. Or am I being too paranoid?
pcglue said:
I bought these from an independent tmobile store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is where your worries should stop.
You bought these from a store. You have a receipt. Take them back to the store and tell them to fix it.
If they won't, take the matter up with T Mobile and tell them that one of their authorized retailers (if it says T Mobile it's an authorized retailer, even if i'ts an independantly owned shop) is selling stolen phones. I promise you that T Mobile will take this very seriously, though you may have to get past the front line customer service rep to find someone who cares.
If it's not a T MObile authorized retailer and it's just a random genric cell phone shop, then T Mobile isn't going to care. But the cops will.
I'd also file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency.
It's one thing is a back ally deal from a guy in a trench coat who started the transaction with "Pssst....hey, buddy...wanna buy a cheap cell phone?" goes south. It's another thing entirely when it's a legitimate store that's ripping you off and cahrging to sale taxes and stuff on tope of your purchase.
And if they didn't know what they were doing when they sold you stolen / broken / semi-refurbished goods, well quite frankly that's their problem. It's not your problem. They told you they were selling you new phones. If they sold you not new phones, they have defrauded you. It doesn't matter if they knew or not.
The IMEI's on the stickers on the phones should match the receipt. That will be proof that you're not pulling a switcheroo on the store.
If they don't match the receipt and you left the store with them anyway, there is a certain amount of Caveat Emptor that applies. (Latin for "Let the Buyer Beware"). You might be out of luck.
Related
Hi Guys,
I'm from the UK. I've previously owned a IPhone and I decided to try out Android and I love it. So I then purchased a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from a local phone shop. I bought the phone brand new and I was the first one to open the seals.
I had the phone for 2 days and today I was getting a message saying mobile network unavailable, emergency calls only, so I restarted the phone and that didn't fix the issue. I then decided to try my friends sim card and that didn't work, so I came to the conclusion that the phone is blocked or blacklisted or reported stolen.
So I went for a trip to the phone shop where I bought it from. The manager tried another sim card and still it wouldn't make a phone call. The manager said he would flash the phone and do a factory reset. So I was waiting for about 45 mins and he came back and the phone had SuperSu installed.
What is SuperSu all about?
is it a illegal software?
Thanks
SuperSu is there when the phone is rooted. I suppose the guy has the phone rooted.
A Heppieboeddah says, the phone has been rooted and while there is nothing illegal or wrong with that (most of us on XDA do it as soon as we get a new phone so we can remove bloatware, install custom ROMs etc), it's not something I would expect a legit phone shop to do as arepair.
I would ask for a refund as it sounds like the IMEI has been blocked, usually meaning it has been reported lost or stolen like you say. Even if it hasn't the phone isn't fit for purpose so you're well within your rights to request a full refund.
Then go buy a new phone from Carphone Warehouse or Phones4U etc, somewhere reputable.
EDIT: I wrote my initial reply on the assumption that you haven't modified the phone in any way and it is 100% stock, but I should have asked first, have you done anything to the phone... like installing custom ROMs? Is so then SU is just part of the rooting process and it may be that you have done something to cause the problem yourself. It would also mean that if you do need to return the phone then you will need to follow certain steps to return it to an unmodified state. Talk us through what, if anything, you have done since buying the phone.
Hi, the phone is stock, I didn't install any custom roms or software. As I was new to Android, I wasn't too sure about rooting.
But I don't understand why he put SuperSu on the phone.
keebb9 said:
Hi, the phone is stock, I didn't install any custom roms or software. As I was new to Android, I wasn't too sure about rooting.
But I don't understand why he put SuperSu on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SuperSU is part of the rooting process like CitizenLee said take phone back demand a refund and go to somewhere reputable and buy a Note 2
curious. after this "repair" the bloke did, could you then make phone calls?
i dont suppose you looked in the settings, about phone, status and noticed if you still had an imei number did you? before and after the "repair"
regardless, i agree with the previous posts and would definitely take it back, get a refund and get one from a known phone shop.
Hi guys I had flashed hellybean on my n7100 (UK phone on orange network) 2 weeks ago and then stupidly without thinking flashed an add-on which wasn't compatible with the rom. Unfortunately it corrupted my imei or I did something wrong when flashing various bits. I can confirm the rom was working brilliant until I started playing around with it. I cannot remember which add-on I flashed as I tried a couple of different kernels as well before I noticed what had happened. I didn't have a backup of my imei stupid me... (it changed the imei to the fake 004 number) as assumed from reading other posts and help topics I didn't have any service or network coverage. After a few days of trying my hardest to find a solution I had to give up and give into a warranty repair. So I reverted back to stock while using Triangle Away and Odin to put my correct regional stock non rooted rom into XXDMB2 and sent it back to Samsung.
Now they have cancelled the repair and are sending it back to me with broken imei no explanation given just cancelled and returning the phone.
Question is when it has been returned is there anyway I can inject the imei like the U.S. qualcomm version? (I know UK based n7100 doesn't have the qualcomm chip before anyone rips into me about it) I'm completely out of my depth with this one and I am assuming I have ruined my note 2 forever.
Any help will be much appreciated.
Well try to contact the user cvxcvx.
this is SPARTAAA
UtkarshGupta said:
Well try to contact the user cvxcvx.
this is SPARTAAA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already been there thanks anyway I received an email from him, I read his post via a link he sent to me here on XDA and he cannot do it as it didn't work according to the testing he carried out quite recently.
Now I am totally lost and clueless, shall I just accept Ive killed my note 2 (as a phone anyway) through my lack of common sense by not backing up the efs
I have been searching but there is no solution to my problem that I can find anyway.
How have other users overcome this problem assuming they have managed to fix/inject/restore their imei number?
Demand answer for what reason they are cancelling the warranty repair and or try to force them if you can. Go to citizens advie borough and get documents with regards to consumer rights etc. If they think you ll give them a headache they might just get it done just to avoid issues. Ask your local paper to publish an article about it. Its all to do with how much you wanna push. Worst scenerio get them to repair it and pay the bill
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
So the story unfolds as to why it has been cancelled, the screen has been cracked in transit to the service centre aaarrrrggggghhhhh. They have quoted me £138 for the repair of the screen before they look at the imei fault. So in having it returned and putting a claim in through my insurance absolute nightmare this is cannot believe this has happened. Thanks for the replies anyway.
Get insurance then get imei fixed
this is XXXDDDAAA
Are you sure it is the N7100? - Orange UK provide the N7105 AFAIK (That's what they sent me anyway!)
If it is the LTE version (The N7105) then your missing IMEI number is most likely due to having a Kernel for a N7100 installed. This is exactly what happened to me - took me hours to find and download the legit firmware for EE to flash with Odin - If you need it, let me know and I will upload it somewhere for you!
ruskairabbit said:
Are you sure it is the N7100? - Orange UK provide the N7105 AFAIK (That's what they sent me anyway!)
If it is the LTE version (The N7105) then your missing IMEI number is most likely due to having a Kernel for a N7100 installed. This is exactly what happened to me - took me hours to find and download the legit firmware for EE to flash with Odin - If you need it, let me know and I will upload it somewhere for you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cheers mate im 100% its n7100 I had it from orange as soon as it was released iv checked to be certain it wasn't n7105 in case I mucked up somewhere it defo n7100 though thanks for the offer anyway
iamsloany said:
the screen has been cracked in transit to the service center
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding my Notes return from a Samsung repair .... the packaging was a joke. One postage sized stamp of bubble wrap in what looked like a bright yellow medical waste bag without the hazard emblem. I was stunned this thing survived its transit back undamaged.
Try to claim from post office
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Just got it back from samsung in the hope they may have repaired imei out of goodwill but there hopes and theres dreams and neither came true. Spoke to mobile phone insurance just had to email some paperwork off to them and it will be sent to them to sort out. FML
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Latest update from my problem finally got mobile phone insurance to sort the problem out (for anyone in the u.k stay away from peotect my bubble.com USELESS) had a new phone sent to me today. only took a couple of months to sort the problem out.
So im with my note 2 once again forgot how big and lovely it was lol. Bit dubious about flashing roms snd will always backup efs from now on. will root it later got the latest update over wifi soon as I turned it on.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Hey guys
My country(Pakistan) does not have 4g yet so samsung did not officially release the 4g model. However, as I read a lot about how much the 4g version is better than the regular version, I decided to get one even if it meant no warranty.
I looked around the local markets and found only the t-mobile version available. I asked the retailer about it and he insisted that it is factory unlocked. I bought it and had to leave the country for 2 weeks.
So here I am in a foreign country with my new phone. I buy an internet sim card and use the 4g network. It works fine. I find out my phone has supersu installed. This makes me suspicious. Out of curiosity, I check t-mobiles imei check service. Turns out my device has been blocked by t-mobile. I can only guess it has been unlocked through software.
Other than this, the phone seems to be working great. It looks brand new with box/original accessories et al. In my one and a half week of usage, it seems to be working fine too. Only problem I found was that upon trying to update, I got the message that it was unable to do that because my software has been modified.
Once I return to my country, I will definitely have a word with the retailer, however the chances of him accepting and returning the phone are slim. Chances are, I'm stuck with the device.
My question, how bad of a position am I in? Will I be unable to flash future updates even manually? Is there risk that I could lose the software unlock?
I ask this because even if the retailer returns the device(1% chance), I will still need to go through the trouble of looking for another device. And as I said, this one seems to have no other defect. The silverlining though, is that this device came rooted...which saves me the trouble to do it myself.
Please guide me as to what my best course of action would be.
Thank you in advance =)
The reason it won't allow you to update is because it's rooted. That's what it's talking about when it says it's been modified. All you have to do is use Odin to flash back to complete stock and you will be able to update. If the phone is sim unlocked, flashing or updating the phone should not effect the unlock.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk 4
Ok. But the phone's IMEI appears as 'blocked' on t-mobiles imei verification website. Doesnt that mean this is a phone that has not been factory unlocked but software unlocked? Why else would someone root a brand new phone?
Also, given I do not want to lose my root, how should I update to new versions of android without losing my unlock?
The reason why the IMEI is blocked is probably because the device was stolen/taken.
The reason why it will not update automatically is because the device is rooted.
If you have a rooted device, you have to wait for someone to post the official update and then flash it through ODIN/TWRP.
The retailer will do nothing for you, there's nothing he CAN do unless he gives you a full refund for the device.
This sort of thing happens a lot when you buy devices from people / 3rd party retailers.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Well I doubt it was stolen. It was brand new with box and all accessories. He had dozens more in stock. More likely someone is buying contract phones from tmobile and selling them witbkut paying the full contract.
How hard will it be to upgrade new roms for me? Could I lose my unlock in the process?
Edit: also, im reading a lot about how all versions of the n9005 come region locked. Since it isnt officially available in pakistan, does that mean I will need to unlock my phone regardless of where I buy it from?
Since it's rooted, you can always just flash custom roms based off whatever update comes out.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
If it's blacklisted then it won't work with any T-Mobile services if you're in the US or whatever. As stated, once rooted you won't be able to update the phone through the software update from the phone. However, you're now free to flash any of the awesome roms that is out for the Note 3 and use it over there.
iphantomi said:
Well I doubt it was stolen. It was brand new with box and all accessories. He had dozens more in stock. More likely someone is buying contract phones from tmobile and selling them witbkut paying the full contract.
How hard will it be to upgrade new roms for me? Could I lose my unlock in the process?
Edit: also, im reading a lot about how all versions of the n9005 come region locked. Since it isnt officially available in pakistan, does that mean I will need to unlock my phone regardless of where I buy it from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, he probably opened a bunch of accounts, payed the down payments for the phones ($0-$100) and now he's selling em full price.
And with the updating.
When a new update comes out, developers will make a rom from it, and then you can just flash the rom.
You will NOT lose unlock when flashing a rom.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
And are all note 3 region locked? If I get a refund, will I need to unlock any new phone I buy as well?
I bought a used Note 3 on ebay and wondering if
1) The seller claims the esn is clean. Is there a way that I can verify that this phone is clean (i.e.: not stolen)?
2) The phone is also rooted. I'm concerned that it's possible that rooted phone could have hidden spyware apps installed. Is there some app or tools I can use to check for possible spyware?
Thanks!
TruongKy said:
I bought a used Note 3 on ebay and wondering if
1) The seller claims the esn is clean. Is there a way that I can verify that this phone is clean (i.e.: not stolen)?
2) The phone is also rooted. I'm concerned that it's possible that rooted phone could have hidden spyware apps installed. Is there some app or tools I can use to check for possible spyware?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1.
The should be able to provide you the IMEI before purchase. Many e-bay sellers put it directly in the listing. Once you have it you can check it here :
http://www.checkesnfree.com/
2.
Whenever you get a phone, rooted or not, flash it to stock. No spyware will survive a clean flash.
TruongKy said:
I bought a used Note 3 on ebay and wondering if
1) The seller claims the esn is clean. Is there a way that I can verify that this phone is clean (i.e.: not stolen)?
2) The phone is also rooted. I'm concerned that it's possible that rooted phone could have hidden spyware apps installed. Is there some app or tools I can use to check for possible spyware?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, even if you called t mobile and they told you the phone esn is clean, it can still be blocked later for probably one of the following reasons:
The person who bought this phone on contract and sold it on ebay and later for some reason, he decided not to keep paying the installment.
The person who sold you that phone just want to screw you and can later falsely report to t mobile that his phone is stolen.
Either of the situation happens, you might end up with a phone with blaskliested imei.
wzhao14 said:
To be honest, even if you called t mobile and they told you the phone esn is clean, it can still be blocked later for probably one of the following reasons:
The person who bought this phone on contract and sold it on ebay and later for some reason, he decided not to keep paying the installment.
The person who sold you that phone just want to screw you and can later falsely report to t mobile that his phone is stolen.
Either of the situation happens, you might end up with a phone with blaskliested imei.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read that there's a way to avoid this. If its a T-Mobile device the imei can be registered on your account and in your name. Then the device can't be blacklisted later on. Granted if its a different carrier this doesn't really matter
icenight89 said:
I've read that there's a way to avoid this. If its a T-Mobile device the imei can be registered on your account and in your name. Then the device can't be blacklisted later on. Granted if its a different carrier this doesn't really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great tip, thanks
icenight89 said:
I've read that there's a way to avoid this. If its a T-Mobile device the imei can be registered on your account and in your name. Then the device can't be blacklisted later on. Granted if its a different carrier this doesn't really matter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be as long as the phone is paid off.
Hey guys and gals, there is a new OTA available. Build number AOJ1. It comes in at almost 119mb.
It is still 5.1.1 and just general performance improvements, etc. I haven't had a chance to run it through its paces yet. I will update as I have a better idea of how it is.
Downloading mine now
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Hey guys and gals, there is a new OTA available. Build number AOJ1. It comes in at almost 119mb.
It is still 5.1.1 and just general performance improvements, etc. I haven't had a chance to run it through its paces yet. I will update as I have a better idea of how it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shut up idiot..you only know about it cause I text you and told you. Lol
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk
Software update includes
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Hey guys and gals, there is a new OTA available. Build number AOJ1. It comes in at almost 119mb.
It is still 5.1.1 and just general performance improvements, etc. I haven't had a chance to run it through its paces yet. I will update as I have a better idea of how it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How are your menu screens black? I'm assuming that is a theme?
TeldenW said:
How are your menu screens black? I'm assuming that is a theme?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's a theme. It's called fantasy dark.
Running On Samsung Galaxy Note 5 N920A
Ok... I'll jump. Already ran the Fall update on Winders 10, might as well throw my phone into early-adoption-land as well.
Not finding this update on my phone. On Cricket Wireless network running on unlocked AT&T version. Since Cricket uses AT&T network, it shouldn't matter much. Is this available via Smart Switch yet or strictly OTA?
Might be prep for Marshmallow
Does anyone have an offline copy of this or previous version that I can flash through odin? I am 2 versions behind and software update says I m on the latest.
banstro said:
Does anyone have an offline copy of this or previous version that I can flash through odin? I am 2 versions behind and software update says I[']m on the latest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contact AT&T tech support by online chat and they can push the update to your phone. (I did that for one of the Note 5s I'm helping to maintain.)
Gary02468 said:
Contact AT&T tech support by online chat and they can push the update to your phone. (I did that for one of the Note 5s I'm helping to maintain.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried the online chat. The customer rep refused to push said they have no ability to contact the phone as Cricket Wireless is servicing it. I think its all BS.. the rep didn't know what she was talking. Tried another rep, same answer. I have used TMobile Note Edge on Cricket Wireless and always got the latest OTA updates.
banstro said:
Tried the online chat. The customer rep refused to push said they have no ability to contact the phone as Cricket Wireless is servicing it. I think its all BS.. the rep didn't know what she was talking. Tried another rep, same answer. I have used TMobile Note Edge on Cricket Wireless and always got the latest OTA updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem here is that your using Cricket, even though the phone may be on an AT&T Network, AT&T will not recognize the device as being on their network. AT&T is always fairly strict with who, what, and when they roll out updates. It is also possible it just isn't available in the area you are as well. If all else fails go to a Best Buy and have them flash the device to the most current at the Samsung Kiosk. Though they are usually about a month or so behind on updates typically, at least last I recall anyway. Believe me if AT&T Execs had their way I am more than willing to bet they would lock their phones down so hard no one would be able to take their phones to another carrier. T-Mobile on the other hand is fairly open with what people do with their cellphones hence the reason most of their phones can be rooted etc.
On am on at&t with an AT&T phone and I am on old version? I called at &t and Rep says they cannot push an update? Ended up having me call asurion. Insurance company for the phone and they have no idea? Any help in this matter would be great.
malickie said:
The problem here is that your using Cricket, even though the phone may be on an AT&T Network, AT&T will not recognize the device as being on their network. AT&T is always fairly strict with who, what, and when they roll out updates. It is also possible it just isn't available in the area you are as well. If all else fails go to a Best Buy and have them flash the device to the most current at the Samsung Kiosk. Though they are usually about a month or so behind on updates typically, at least last I recall anyway. Believe me if AT&T Execs had their way I am more than willing to bet they would lock their phones down so hard no one would be able to take their phones to another carrier. T-Mobile on the other hand is fairly open with what people do with their cellphones hence the reason most of their phones can be rooted etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already been to Best Buy. They are 2 versions behind on this as well. So I have the version what Best Buy has...ending with AO16
Mine just received the update. Installed and apps are optimizing now.
Acill said:
Mine just received the update. Installed and apps are optimizing now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the baseband or are we talking about J1 ?
Running On Samsung Galaxy Note 5 N920A
Is the OTA pushed file stored somewhere on the phone? May be it can be flashed thru odin?
Chris V said:
On am on at&t with an AT&T phone and I am on old version? I called at &t and Rep says they cannot push an update? Ended up having me call asurion. Insurance company for the phone and they have no idea? Any help in this matter would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been what five hours. Just wait tell they get you.
---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:41 PM ----------
If someone tells me how i will save the file and upload it when i get home. I have the update postponed currently.