Develop Bugs

Second Hand Note II, cannot get cellular data

I apologize if i am not as clear in this post as I need to be. My dad tried to root his note 2 sgh i371 using odin but said that once he did this, he was unable to access the internet outside of connecting to wifi, he could not get any cellular data. Because of this issue, he tried to then un-root his phone by flashing 4.1.2 stock rom. Unfortunately, the issue of not being able to get cellular data persists. In his frustration, my dad bought a note 3 and gave his note 2 to me saying that if I could fix it I could keep it. This is my first android and I would like to make it my primary phone if possible. what I would like to simply to reset the phone to factory default settings by flashing the latest stock rom for the phone. I have Odin, I was hoping that someone could tell me where I could get the latest stock rom and, if they believed that flashing it would fix the cellular data issue. I do not believe my dad made a backup at all. Thank you in advance.

GreatGrizzwald said:
I apologize if i am not as clear in this post as I need to be. My dad tried to root his note 2 sgh i371 using odin but said that once he did this, he was unable to access the internet outside of connecting to wifi, he could not get any cellular data. Because of this issue, he tried to then un-root his phone by flashing 4.1.2 stock rom. Unfortunately, the issue of not being able to get cellular data persists. In his frustration, my dad bought a note 3 and gave his note 2 to me saying that if I could fix it I could keep it. This is my first android and I would like to make it my primary phone if possible. what I would like to simply to reset the phone to factory default settings by flashing the latest stock rom for the phone. I have Odin, I was hoping that someone could tell me where I could get the latest stock rom and, if they believed that flashing it would fix the cellular data issue. I do not believe my dad made a backup at all. Thank you in advance.
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Sammobile has all the stock firmwares for our phones, check there. Also check in about phone to see what it says, if it says Baseband unknown, then the EFS folder (and subsequently IMEI #, etc) have been corrupted. It's possible flashing the latest stock firmware will fix it (it includes a new modem and all), so try that first.
http://www.sammobile.com/

absinthesummer said:
Sammobile has all the stock firmwares for our phones, check there. Also check in about phone to see what it says, if it says Baseband unknown, then the EFS folder (and subsequently IMEI #, etc) have been corrupted. It's possible flashing the latest stock firmware will fix it (it includes a new modem and all), so try that first.
Thank you very much for the advice. I am downloading the firmware now. baseband version is showing i317ucama4. Right now the phone is not activated with AT&T, is there a way I could test if I will be able to get cellular data before going to AT&T and activating it?
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Click to collapse

Well you're baseband is good. Just get a little cheap prepaid sim card for testing purposes. The stock firmware should fix anything in the modem or system that could have been corrupted... So flash that and have a cheap at&t Sim handy for testing.

Just use your father's sim card. Either it connects to the GSM network or it doesn't.

absinthesummer said:
Well you're baseband is good. Just get a little cheap prepaid sim card for testing purposes. The stock firmware should fix anything in the modem or system that could have been corrupted... So flash that and have a cheap at&t Sim handy for testing.
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Click to collapse
I attempted to flash the stock rom via odin v. 307 but I get a failed message. The phone shows I have a custom binary download (12 counts), official Samsung binar but, my system status is custom and my knox warranty is void: 1. Then there is a red message stating "unsupported version" at the bottom. The date for the stock rom was Jan 2013 AT&T, US on the sammobile site. I can no longer boot into the phone's OS, I am stuck in download mode until I manually restart and then it displays a message that I need to connect to Kies recovery. Thank you for the help so far, Any chance I can salvage this phone still? I did try going into Kies, but it cannot connect with my phone for some reason?

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rangercaptain said:
Just use your father's sim card. Either it connects to the GSM network or it doesn't.
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Click to collapse
Unfortunately, I got the phone when I was visiting home, I currently live a few states away from him. It would definitely make things much simpler if I didn't right now though.

GreatGrizzwald said:
I attempted to flash the stock rom via odin v. 307 but I get a failed message. The phone shows I have a custom binary download (12 counts), official Samsung binar but, my system status is custom and my knox warranty is void: 1. Then there is a red message stating "unsupported version" at the bottom. The date for the stock rom was Jan 2013 AT&T, US on the sammobile site. I can no longer boot into the phone's OS, I am stuck in download mode until I manually restart and then it displays a message that I need to connect to Kies recovery. Thank you for the help so far, Any chance I can salvage this phone still? I did try going into Kies, but it cannot connect with my phone for some reason?
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Click to collapse
It sounds like the phone was updated previously to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, which have Knox and that pesky counter. Technically you can't directly downgrade, so be sure you're downloading firmware that is 4.3 or higher. I didn't realize sammobile only went to MA4 for US AT&T. (In a pinch you can use Canadian firmware, but we have other links for stock firmware). Also, don't worry too much about Kies. It can be helpful, but honestly I could never get my note 2 recognized by kies either.
When I get back from taking my kids to school, I'll gather some links that will help you revive this phone Links below:
@GreatGrizzwald:
More recent links to stock firmware: STOCK PACKAGES TO MK6 This is LJ2 (4.1.2), MK6 (4.3) and up. He's got all the stock firmwares, available for flashing either in recovery on via odin. I've highlighted the one I would use in the attached screenshot (MK6- ODIN)
He also has a thread for NE5 (The latest firmware, 4.4.2) HERE
So if MK6 doesn't work, try NE5. One of those two has to work. You're dad already updated to either 4.3 or 4.4.2, I don't know which so start with 4.3 (MK6) and if it doesn't work try 4.4.2 (NE5)
On those two threads, he has a TON of links that will be helpful to you in getting back to stock also.
And here's a reference page with some useful links: One Stop Shop
This one is dedicated to downgrading back to LJ2 (4.1.2) from 4.3+, it MIGHT come in handy for you: Downgrade Instructions
If you have trouble with the stock firmware, you can also try Chainfire's CF Auto Root. It's stock firmware but it's rooted. Try the other firmwares by Zen Arcade first though CF AUTO ROOT
We'll get it going for you The stock firmware will re-flash the modem and all the configuration files so you're data should work again. Then you can do whatever you want, root, recovery, flash other stuff, or leave it stock. You got this
---------- Post added at 07:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:09 AM ----------
GreatGrizzwald said:
Unfortunately, I got the phone when I was visiting home, I currently live a few states away from him. It would definitely make things much simpler if I didn't right now though.
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Also you have to figure out if it's software or hardware. I'm inclined to believe it's software so I think if you get it back to stock you'll be good. If it was hardware, it wouldn't even recognize a sim being inserted (recently repaired an htc one mini with this problem, it needed a new Sim tray, thankfully it was only $20).
But it sounds more like a bad flash corrupted some of those important files and configurations controlling data connections, it's all good, if it's software it can definitely be fixed. If it were hardware it could still be fixed it would just be a bit more time consuming.

One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.

absinthesummer said:
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
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Thank you for all this, I will start working with it today. You have been a huge help.

GreatGrizzwald said:
Thank you for all this, I will start working with it today. You have been a huge help.
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Click to collapse
No problem, I know how much of a pain it can be when things just don't seem to be working. But you have all the resources you need now and I'm gonna talk to my friend who runs the one-stop shop page to see if he will update it and add some of these resources to make it easier for you, and others with similar problems, to find what they need. Good luck!

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absinthesummer said:
One more thing, after you flash the stock firmware, and you have a sim card to test with, make sure your apn settings are correct for whichever carrier you're using. If the apn is wrong, or there is no apn listed, it won't connect. If you need assistance with that, let me know.
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Click to collapse
Hey, I was able to flash the stock rom you recommended, everything is working fine. Took the phone to AT&T and got a new sim card, everything seems to be working perfectly. Thank you again for all your assistance. could not have done this without your help.

GreatGrizzwald said:
Hey, I was able to flash the stock rom you recommended, everything is working fine. Took the phone to AT&T and got a new sim card, everything seems to be working perfectly. Thank you again for all your assistance. could not have done this without your help.
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Click to collapse
That is great news! I'm so glad it's working for you. Enjoy your (new-to-you) note 2 and keep those files on hand in case you need them in the future!

absinthesummer said:
No problem, I know how much of a pain it can be when things just don't seem to be working. But you have all the resources you need now and I'm gonna talk to my friend who runs the one-stop shop page to see if he will update it and add some of these resources to make it easier for you, and others with similar problems, to find what they need. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I can ask one more question, the phone keeps trying to download and install a software update however, it is unable to complete the update. Could this be because my counter was tripped? or could I be missing something that I should have flashed along with the stock firmware?

GreatGrizzwald said:
If I can ask one more question, the phone keeps trying to download and install a software update however, it is unable to complete the update. Could this be because my counter was tripped? or could I be missing something that I should have flashed along with the stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a few reasons it won't flash. If it still says custom in download mode, for instance, from when your dad tried to root it. You can check in your about phone section to see if it says modified or official. It should say official there but when you're in download mode it will tell you your status:custom.
Something like
Model : SGH-i317
Binary count:
Firmware: Samsung official
Status: Custom (it should say official to receive OTA)
Knox warranty bit: 0x1 (from where your dad tried to root)
^Either of those last two can prevent an OTA from completing. The update checks for certain things and then continues or rejects based on those checks.
Also (and this shouldn't apply to you) if you have a custom recovery installed or you've rooted and removed pre-installed apps, it won't flash. Check those things and your OTA should work. If it still doesn't, you can download the ne5 firmware I linked you to before. That's official 4.4.2 firmware and it will update you to the latest via Odin if you can't take the OTA for whatever reason.
The firmware you flashed should have taken everything back to stock for you, but it wouldn't really reset the Knox counter & custom status... and that very well could would an OTA. It seems it does anyway, so just update yourself with Odin.
Lastly, if you really want to reset completely, and be able to OTA, you can do that downgrade method I linked before to completely reset your phone and allow you receive OTAs again. (It would take you ALL the way back to 4.1.2 and you would OTA back to 4.3-4.4.2. Personally, I wouldn't do all that unless I planned to sell it, because the firmwares that are released for OTAs are usually available on here to flash with Odin within a day of release, so you'll always be able to have the latest firmware regardless.
Hope that helps you didn't miss anything, it's just the nature of the OTA.
---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------
Edited to add, you can also go about it another way: root it and use triangle away to reset your custom status & flash counter and then reflash the same firmware you did yesterday. Then you should be able to OTA. (Although I'm not 100% on whether or not the Knox counter will interfere with the OTA update, I think it's just the flash counter that trips it).
And if you want the OTA notice to stop completely, you can root it and turn off the notifications entirely. I wasn't sure on whether you wanted to take the update or not... if you do, I'd just update with the latest via Odin. It's the simplest way to update and you wouldn't have any issues or surprises that people tend to get with OTAs.

absinthesummer said:
There are a few reasons it won't flash. If it still says custom in download mode, for instance, from when your dad tried to root it. You can check in your about phone section to see if it says modified or official. It should say official there but when you're in download mode it will tell you your status:custom.
Something like
Model : SGH-i317
Binary count:
Firmware: Samsung official
Status: Custom (it should say official to receive OTA)
Knox warranty bit: 0x1 (from where your dad tried to root)
^Either of those last two can prevent an OTA from completing. The update checks for certain things and then continues or rejects based on those checks.
Also (and this shouldn't apply to you) if you have a custom recovery installed or you've rooted and removed pre-installed apps, it won't flash. Check those things and your OTA should work. If it still doesn't, you can download the ne5 firmware I linked you to before. That's official 4.4.2 firmware and it will update you to the latest via Odin if you can't take the OTA for whatever reason.
The firmware you flashed should have taken everything back to stock for you, but it wouldn't really reset the Knox counter & custom status... and that very well could would an OTA. It seems it does anyway, so just update yourself with Odin.
Lastly, if you really want to reset completely, and be able to OTA, you can do that downgrade method I linked before to completely reset your phone and allow you receive OTAs again. (It would take you ALL the way back to 4.1.2 and you would OTA back to 4.3-4.4.2. Personally, I wouldn't do all that unless I planned to sell it, because the firmwares that are released for OTAs are usually available on here to flash with Odin within a day of release, so you'll always be able to have the latest firmware regardless.
Hope that helps you didn't miss anything, it's just the nature of the OTA.
---------- Post added at 09:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:02 PM ----------
Edited to add, you can also go about it another way: root it and use triangle away to reset your custom status & flash counter and then reflash the same firmware you did yesterday. Then you should be able to OTA. (Although I'm not 100% on whether or not the Knox counter will interfere with the OTA update, I think it's just the flash counter that trips it).
And if you want the OTA notice to stop completely, you can root it and turn off the notifications entirely. I wasn't sure on whether you wanted to take the update or not... if you do, I'd just update with the latest via Odin. It's the simplest way to update and you wouldn't have any issues or surprises that people tend to get with OTAs.
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Click to collapse
Awesome, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks again.

Hey I forgot you don't have custom recovery. Anyway, I sent you PMs,and you can do a search of this very forum- use the search term "update" or "ota" and you will find a LOT of threads on boot failures after OTA. Most people got their phones back.
If you can't get into DL mode (Vol-, Home, Power), try getting into the stock recovery (Vol+, Home, Power) because you should/could be able to factory reset the device from there. Also hold the button combo longer than usual. If one recovery option (DL mode) isn't working, than theoretically the other should still be accessible, through which you can adb sideload to the device or try factory reset. I know it's frustrating, but you're not the first nor the last to have an OTA go wrong ;/ We'll get ya back up & running.
You're not the only one in trouble after that update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-2-att/help/todays-update-soft-bricked-phone-t2939649

Seriously need some help. At the end of my patience with trying to update this thing

I'm really frustrated. I've been trying to update this Galaxy S3 for days now with no success. Currently I am running on Slimkat 7.0. It's sometimes slow and buggy and needs some updating.
For reference, this is the phone at its current state:
- Bootloader: i747ucalh9 (literally taken from the fail message when trying to update to any other bootloader)
- Modem/firmware (?): I747UCLH9
Here's what has happened, greatly summarized (note I'm using CM6.0.4.7 for all of these operations, and when I say "update", I mean "flash"):
- I tried updating to Slimkat 9 but received no signal. I gave up on it entirely for a while
- I tried installing various LP ROMs, including CM12.1.
- I had 12.1 running for a bit, but I had no connectivity. LTE, 3G,H+ nothing.
- I tried installing a newer modem (this thread. Finally at MJB, I could actually get connectivity in some of the newer ROMs (including Slimkat 9)... but it was very erratic. It would just randomly oscillate between LTE and 3G and H+. This also broke CM12.1 entirely.
- Again, the above problem was always present. Most of the LP ROMs would just bootloop me, though. The only one that worked was Cyanide L... which I didn't really like.
- I thought maybe the issue was the bootloader. My bootloader is still i747ucalh9. So I tried updating it to various bootloaders from here, but none of the updates will work. Literally, they give me error 6 or 7 and pretty much essentially tell me that I can't do it.
- So after repeating the cycle of "let me try to update this" several times and having the update fail on me, I'm still stuck at Slimkat 7 as the only thing that worked on LTE (note the past tense). Worse yet, I tried simply downgrading my modem to match my current bootloader version, but that made things worse than better. I am now stuck at 3G... which just recently went back to LTE. Talk about erratic.
- I also tried going full stock by flashing this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2363882 But it expects 5 arguments for format, and got 3... or something. Failed hard.
So, I'm pretty much at the end of my rope here. I really might just go and grab a new phone at this point. I just really don't want to because this thing still works fine.... I guess I got unlucky and am at a version of the bootloader that is difficult to update from. I can't seem to go anywhere with this thing. Anyone have any ideas? Do I need to use a different recovery?
Thanks...

First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.

jason2678 said:
First and foremost, verify your bootloader. Install the Samsung phone info app, or in a terminal app or adb shell enter:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
If you're on any of the older bootloaders (the ones that do not end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1) there are two ways you can go (you probably will be given the age of your modem). If you're on any of the ones that end in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 you've got to be a lot more careful because downgrading them will hard brick your phone (Odin back to stock is not an option anymore).
Option 1: If you're on the older bootloaders, you can go to sammobile.com, grab the 4.1.1 firmware from there and flash it with Odin. Do not do this if your bootloader ends in MJB, NE4, or NJ1 (can't stress that enough). This will reset your phone completely to stock. You should now start getting OTA updates. They will be incremental updates, you'll have to take at least three or four to get up to date on bootloader and modem and they're big downloads. They will come every 24 hours, but you can cheat that by setting your system time forward 1 day to make them a little more rapid fire. This is a nice, safe way to get your firmware current. Once you're up to NJ1 firmware you can use Odin to flash a custom recovery and get back to custom ROMs; I'd recommend TWRP 2.8.6 if you're going to be flashing newer ROMs as CWM and Philz aren't as up to date and sometimes give problems with newer ROMs.
Option 2: I'm pretty sure your version of CWM is a big part of your problem. If you're going to be flashing lollipop you ought to update your recovery to TWRP 2.8.6; easiest way to get it is just use the Flashify app. I'd get that recovery up to date before messing with bootloaders too. Next get your firmware up to date. If your bootloader version is before MJB, then you have to start with MJB. Then update to NE4. Then update to NJ1. It has to be done incrementally, and the bootloader and modem must match on the newer firmwares, or you'll hard brick. This thread has recovery flashable MJB and NE4 bootloaders/modems; the bootloader and modem are packaged together in the same zip so you can't get out of sync. This thread has recovery flashable NJ1 bootloader/modem. This will get your firmware all up to date, and data should start behaving on newer kitkat and lollipop ROMs. This route is a lot more risky than the OTA route described above because of all the manual steps you have to take, but you could get it done quite a bit faster if you're confident in your abilities. Just read those linked threads very, very carefully and make certain you understand.
Good luck.
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Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for the help! I actually did/tried a majority of this an hour or two before you posted that, except the latest firmware update link you supplied. I knew it existed and I had seen that thread before, but I couldn't dig up the link again before I had to go to work. Thing is I kind of wanted to avoid Odin for some reason but I finally gave up and used it. And yeah I already knew my bootloader version. The phone told me when it failed to update the bootloader lol.
Here's what happened thus far:
- I used Odin to flash the sammobile 4.1.1. The flashing worked just fine, but booting into it did not. It hung on the Samsung logo. So, OTA updates were out the window.
- I have no idea why, so I just used Odin to flash TWRP onto it afterwards (from here)
- I tried one of the ROMS. Data still didn't work.
- I used the thread you linked to update to MJB bootloader and whatnot. The update went fine.
- Tried another few ROMs. Data worked, but LTE was still erratic.
- Updated to NE4 and then grabbed the deoxed stock ROM.
- The deoxed stock rom failed to boot (stuck at ATT globe logo). For some reason my phone can't use stock ROMs.
- So again used Odin to put TWRP onto the phone
- Installed various LP ROMS. Again the data was erratic and plus the battery life was horrid.
- Tried getting the ktoonsez kernel. My service was murdered.
- Gave up on LP. Tried Slim 9.0. Erratic data.
- Tried Liquidsmooth 4.4.4 instead.
Currently that's kind of where I'm at. The LTE data works fine (takes a bit to get up and running after reboot though) and thus far everything is okay (though that can quickly change considering I haven't done much of anything), so I don't even know if I want to mess with it anymore. It looks like this specific ROM includes a custom kernel. So I'm guessing it's an incompatibility between the kernel and the firmware version on the other ROMs. It seems like most of the LP roms have horrible battery life (back of my phone feels like a furnace on them), so I'm not even sure if I want to do that last firmware update to use them.
It'd be kind of nice to use the OTA but apparently my ability to go stock in any form or fashion is just totally borked.
Thanks for the post though, that's pretty gold. I'm sure someone in a situation like me where they have a super old firmware will find this thread of some use as it has actual instructions and links to what you need to do to get up and running. Before you posted that, I had to go digging around pretty much everywhere figuring out what and where was going wrong.

Glad you've got it mostly working.
You might have been able to get that stock ROM to boot if you had booted into the stock recovery and run a full wipe. Touchwiz ROMs can be tough to get running after being on AOSP. As a general progression try to format internal storage with TWRP (the wipe where you have to type "yes" to confirm), if that doesn't work try a wipe with Philz, and if that doesn't work nothing, not even Odin, is effective as a wipe in the stock recovery.

Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

mrkhigh said:
Thanks for typing all this out I believe it will help me put cm12.1 official on a friends phone.
Are these the steps?
1) verify latest software
2) twrp via Odin
Alt 2) root via apk then use rashr or similar to flash twrp
3)wipe
4)In twrp install official d2att from cm website
5) install current gapps
6) profit
I'm not new to this at all but I've never even touched an att gs3 and I know most devices have their quirks and I don't want to brick.
Also does towel root work on this? I don't mind Odin but I can do this on the fly I think if I can attain root.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. You've got it. If you're on the latest and greatest firmware I think the towelroot exploit has been patched, unless geohot has retaken the lead in that arms race.
Easiest way to root on this phone since the bootloaders are unlocked is to just use Odin to flash a custom recovery then use the custom recovery to flash SuperSU. There's just a little trick to it. Store SuperSU.zip somewhere on your phone before flashing the custom recovery. Uncheck everything but f.reset time when you use Odin; don't let it auto reboot. Upon success pull battery. Replace battery and boot straight into recovery with vol up + home + power. If you mess up and boot into unrooted stock ROM with a custom recovery it will get overwritten with a stock recovery and you'll have to Odin custom recovery back onto it and try again.
I would do this to root your stock ROM just to execute this command in a terminal app or adb shell before any more serious flashing:
Code:
su
reboot nvbackup
That fixes a derp and gives you a working efs backup on a few backup partitions built into your phone instead of a blank one. Highly recommended before doing any ROM flashing. This will just look like a pretty normal reboot. You might see a quick flash of tiny blue text if you're watching for it.
Then you're ready to make a nandroid backup (just in case), wipe, and flash away. Take a look at LiquidSmooth if you're looking for a good lollipop ROM.

Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Thanks for the suggestion on the ROM but I think I'll stick to official cm12.1 it's not my phone and that should be a nice readily updatable bland flavor of lollipop.
Sent from my DROID RAZR M using XDA Free mobile app

mrkhigh said:
Nice... So the recovery partition gets rewritten every boot up until a custom ROM is installed and the efs can disappear... This is why you always ask questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the Android 4.3 update it was noticed that flashing a custom recovery would be overwritten by the stock recovery on the initial reboot unless following the method Jason described. Another solution was to delete two lib or .so files. On devices still on stock recovery, stock recovery does not overwrite itself.
There is a blank EFS partition on the device intended for a backup. The nvbackup command populates that partition with an image which will rebuild your EFS if it is lost during a modem update or ROM flash. The loss of EFS does happen. I believe wanam, of the xposed module fame, created an EFS backup tool for Samsung devices. I don't believe he updates it any longer because he rolled the functionality into a partition backup tool, the later is in the PlayStore listed under a different creator name, yet it's still him.

So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..

coolwhipp420 said:
So I'm finally going to take the plunge, and update my boot loader/modem.. I never messed with it because all the Roms I used always worked.. I want to try lollipop, but due to old bootloader my phone won't boot with those Roms..
I'm on UCDLK3 bootloader/modem.. I know I have to upgrade to MJB, NE4, then NJ1 in that order in increments..
So my question: can I upgrade from LK3 straight to MJB with out any problems?? Or is there something I need to flash before I can get to MJB?? I think I can go straight to MJB, but better safe then sorry..
I know downgrading after upgrade most likely will brick.. Any information is appreciated... Oh, its an ATT I747..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on LK3 you may want to considr applying the free sim/carrier unlock method before upgrading; that is if you are on stock LK3 and you have not previously carrier unlocked your device.
There was an OTA release for the MG2 stock ROM, I believe that was 4.1.2. You may want to go to that before MJB. Did you make the nvbackup suggested by Jason?

Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..

coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a command to manually trigger the restore routine. I think it's
Code:
reboot nvrestore
but don't hold me to that. I'd never execute that command except if in dire need. The problem with this phone is there is an automatic routine that can be triggered in the event of a bad flash that will overwrite your nvram with the backup, even if the backup is blank. I don't think the backup stores anything modem specific, but I've never been able to confirm that. So I've always done it again after updating modems (only had to once).
Having the phone sim unlocked can be nice if you plan on traveling internationally. Otherwise, potential future carrier hopping or added resale value are the only reasons to do it.

coolwhipp420 said:
Why would I do a carrier unlock, if I'm not switching carriers?? And if I do it, will I be able to use the same carrier?? Just seems like a waisted step for me.. But idk..
Jason's first post, option 2 is how I was planing to update.. And no, I haven't done the nvbackup yet.. How would I apply that backup if things go wrong? Not really sure what a nvbackup is..
Any information is appreciated..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you will never be switching carriers, nor ever sell/give/trade the phone to someone who will switch, then it is an unecessary step to do the carrier unlock.
I see Jason beat me to answering both of your questions.

[ROOT] N920A - 7.0/6.0.1/5.1.1 - [The Current State 7/5/19]

** STOP & DO NOT ** ​
Pass Go (... or collect 200 dollars ...)
Attempt this without reading the first page entirely at least
Attempt this without knowledge of how to recover from softbrick status
Flash any non official Firmware if you're banking on a warranty claim later {It may or may not work}
Post in this thread, any super negativity, disbelief, or naysaying.
Blame any Project/Thread contributor(s) for what YOU did, when YOU flashed your device. Please, no one forced you to press start in ODIN.
Preface
*****
[FOR THE LATEST UPDATE: GO TO POST #185 for the next steps towards rev 4/5 bootloaders.]
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=79764173&postcount=185
Bootloader v3 and v4 devices currently on MM or Nougat can use the Factory Binary for their particular bootloader version in order to install a 5.1.1 based ROM that can have an untethered full root. To downgrade back to 5.1.1 use the combination firmware available for your bootloader revision. From there you CAN root 5.1.1 un-tethered.
** I do believe using the Binary 5 Combination Firmware, you can still root using the method for the v4 Bootloader, if you don't mind downgrading back to 5.1.1 and being on the combination firmware.
** I still haven't got a root method for fully rooting 6.0.1, or rooting 7.0 at all. These root methods will have your device ending up on a 5.1.1 build of Android.
For rooting Bootloader v4, please see @droidvoider 's Post #110, Post #110
Since there have been many threads scattered throughout the N920A forums about how to root 6.0.1/5.1.1, and how to downgrade the AT&T Galaxy Note 5 MM Builds back to LL builds, I've decided to collect up all the information I've had time to gather. This thread pertains to downgrading marshmallow builds to lollipop builds, and it covers gaining a tethered root system. What I am also going to cover is what I've discovered about the Factory Binary Firmware for this device. This includes what I call the Eng Modem & Eng Sboot, and how the PB2 Eng Kernel can be used with all three of the above.
Throughout all of my testing on the device, I have never once tripped my KNOX counter. The warranty remained valid on the device and it has been persistently rooted.
@TechNyne66 has outlined {proven} instructions for attaining a Tethered Root. I know there are already a few threads circulating the forum here about Root Status & Progress of the Note 5, and I hate just adding one more to the mix, but this isn't meant to be a general discussion thread.
I spent a lot of time reading over the last two years about the Exynos7420 SoC and I am always trying to learn more than high level google searches can give to me. There are a lot of hardware level topics involved I need more information on, hopefully the devs on XDA with this kind of knowledge would contact me. Because google does not always have the answers we search for when it comes to mobile hardware. It is in the minds of the devs here, and not always posted publicly. Not everyone in the world who wants the abilities granted by root access, is ready/able to deal with the potential hazards and security risks to their Device & Personal Lives. But they never will be ready, if we cannot study what those risks are in the first place.
Just remember, there is a reason things like SuperSu exist in the first place. Without a method to manage access to root privelages by installed apps, you'd be using an Open Source Universal Remote that knows everything about you, its surrounding environment, and knows how to manipulate said data. Given the nature of the Exynos7420's 64bit Architecture, all known variants of the SM-G920, SM-G925, and SM-N920 should theoretically be able to run or boot any code we could ever write for a computing device. We have the build-tools. It's just a matter of using a specific version of a particular tool depending on the timing & current context. Ideally.
My Device Results
*****
The firmware that was initially installed on my particular AT&T Note 5 when I first got it, was the August 1st 2016 build "UCS3BPH4". I have the Full ODIN Package, as well as the OTA.zip that upgrades PE6 to PH4. I also have the OTA.zip for upgrading PB2 to PE5.
I really need, if anyone has some, any unreleased official OTA updates for adb instead of just all ODIN files. I'd also like some advice on how examine how the bootloader loads a kernel, and what it looks for when it does. The update chain of OTAs to the PE5 build would be great. The N920A is odd in the sense that AT&T released two different update paths for their devices. Some devices ended up on the left path, and some on the right path.
When I flashed the Unlocked PH4 Modem, my device became carrier unlocked and opened the APN Editor. I consider it an Eng Modem.
When I flashed the Eng PH1 Sboot.bin from the Factory Binary and the Eng PB2 Kernel, I became able to Flash+Root a Lollipop Build that would stick on rebooting. Using a device with a Version 3 Bootloader. If there are other ways to downgrade to lollipop from marshmallow without using the Eng Sboot, please tell me.
I'm not trying to say at this point that the 3APH1 Firmware is actually a real eng binary like they found for the S8. But the system image on the firmware does have some interesting tidbits I haven't seen in any other Factory Binary I've messed with. It's more than normal.
If you cannot find any of the items I'm referring to in the links below. PM Me.
*****
What I understand about 3BPH4
Included Files in Full ODIN Package:
AP_N920AUCS3BPH4_CL7563702_QB10603229_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
BL_N920AUCS3BPH4_CL7563702_QB10603229_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
CP_N920AUCS3BPH4_CL7563702_QB10603229_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
CSC_ATT_N920AATT3BPH4_CL7563702_QB10603229_REV00_user_low_ship.tar.md5
NOBLELTE_USA_ATT.pit
If I remember reading correctly, ODIN FW whose CSC file does not include a 'hidden.img' in their Cache.img are technically Unbranded ROMs. If this is still true today, then this firmware minus CSC is actually unbranded but uses the AT&T multi-cert CSC. Unless I didn't look hard enough, I did not find a hidden.img when I used CacheRipper to unpack the Cache.img -- I don't remember what post I read this in, I read many threads all the time, I can't confirm at this moment this assumption still holds in modern builds or this device series. Still testing other theories.
I'm not sure about other N920a's, but I have a multi-CSC cert on the device, meaning it should be able to accept any firmware compatible within the same series. At least that's how I remember it being. Same goes for my VZW S5 & S6 Edge. -- I don't know how common Multi-CSC certs are still. I honestly can't remember NOT having a Multi-CSC on any of the Samsung Devices I've owned. Mine all have them. I just have some intuitive feeling the Multi-CSC is basically a requirement for Unlocking.
I have successfully downgraded the AP file many times to earlier builds by flashing the AP by itself. I have successfully done a full cold boot after downgrading the PH4 AP file to PB2, OJ1, and OGG. I successfully flashed the PE6 AP file as well.
I have successfully downgraded the CSC file many times when downgrading the AP file as well. I cannot remember at this moment if I had success downgrading the CSC by flashing only the earlier FW CSC file. The One time I can remember, I flashed only the '.PIT' file included with PH4 & the CSC file of the earlier FW. I do know that I've downgraded the AP file and not the CSC with no errors. I have NOT yet tried to downgrade the CSC file by itself to an earlier version than the Installed AP. -- It remains to be tested in more detail how the AP File and PIT File affect the flashing of a different CSC.
The PH build series is the first publicly available FW for the N920A to use a Level 3 Bootloader Binary. I notice this change from Binary 2 to Binary 3 on most devices going from 5.1.1/6.0 to 6.0.1 Builds on Samsung Devices. With the Exception of Verizon, who has been using a Level 4 Bootloader Binary for quite some time, most Carriers are just now getting around to Level 3 Binaries in their Firmware. Leading many people to believe it is completely locked to a level 3 and can never boot anything designed for an earlier binary. -- While I have so far not been able to test a method for fully downgrading all parts of the BL File from Binary 3 to Revision 1 or 2, a Revision 3 bootloader can still boot a Binary 2 ROM. Although I'm told it is possible to fully downgrade all parts of the PH4 bootloader to an earlier version, but have not successfully done so.
I have successfully downgraded the 3BPH4 sboot.bin included within the BL File of the Full ODIN Package. I did it by packaging the earlier sboot.bin into a tar by itself and flashing in the BL slot of ODIN (3.10.6). Anytime I try to flash a full revision 2 bootloader it quite expectedly fails the flash at param.bin. It trips the alarm in Download Mode by stating the error Binary 2 Device 3. In my successes here, Download Mode still showed Official Device Status, Valid KNOX Bit/Warranty Status, Passing DM-Verity Verification. In all my flashes thus far I've never tripped KNOX. Once, the device status changed from Official to Custom, but KNOX was still showing valid. It wouldn't boot due to an error about invalid kernel length, but everything was valid status under the hood. -- The two downgrades I'm referring to, are the downgrades from
N920AUCS3BPH4 sboot -> N920AUCU3APH1 engsboot
Using the Bootloader from the Factory Binary, we can downgrade from Android 6.0.1 to 5.1.1. I also have the N920C_XXU3API1_ENGSBOOT, but ODIN wouldn't even start to flash it before failing. I don't have the param.bin or cm.bin for either of the ENGSBOOT files. If they even exist publicly or privately.
N920AUCS3BPH4 sboot -> N920AUCU2APB2 sboot
Like I mentioned above, I downgraded the sboot from a binary 3 to a binary 2, by flashing only the sboot.bin and not trying to downgrade the param.bin or cm.bin. But I think having the stock PH4 param.bin & cm.bin could be what is leading to a couple roadblocks. While the flash to PB2 sboot went off without a hitch, and did successfully do a full boot, it only lasted for about 20 minutes. When more tests caused it to stick in a bootloop to prevent itself from tripping the KNOX warranty bit due to invalid kernel length causing failed boot. This is also the only time in all my tests that my Device changed from Official to Custom status. Reflashing the Full PH4 package returned everything back to Stock. I also flashed Systemless Root (Which worked btw! But Verity Caught it, hence why the session lasted only 20 minutes or so) during this test session which could have also done it potentially.
My Best experience flashing most of the files I've tried successfully, came from using ODIN v3.10.6, and it does not seem to be a standard ODIN. Instead of just Odin3.exe & Odin3.ini, these are the files that came bundled inside the Odin zip:
Odin Downloader Release Notes.xlsx
Odin3 v3.10.6.exe
Odin3.ini
S1PlugIn.bundle_141117.zip
SS_DL.dll
But it seems like this version of ODIN has some kind of FTP mode within it for grabbing something I have no idea at this moment. So insights from someone smarter than me would be nice. I think FTP mode was enabled by connecting the Device to odin, while in RNDIS USB Mode. If not, I know that connecting to ODIN in that connection mode did something odd in one of the ODIN versions I have. ALSO, what are all the modded versions running around supposed to be used for exactly? And how were they modded? Often times they fail to flash simple things this v3.10.6 flashes successfully without blinking.[/color]
*** *** ***
Rooting/Downgrading Files Involved
I.Note5 Online Repo - https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4PoJYLnmv1BNzY2OXB3QlFfcVk
** This is the folder where I'm keeping all files referenced here + other N920A related material.
II. Binary 3 Lollipop Bootloader (N920AUCU3APH1 sboot.bin, FRP eng Bootloader) - https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4PoJYLnmv1BQ19qeVFUd2cxaWM
** This sboot can be flashed overtop of the Stock PH4 sboot.bin and IT WILL NOT trip KNOX. This is the only "binary 3" bootloader for our device I've found that will boot 5.1.1 based ROM's or Kernels. Using this bootloader, you can flash 5.1.1 based ODIN AP Firmware Files (ROMS) & continue to have Official Device status for Warranty/KNOX Purposes.
III. 2APB2 Lollipop Eng Kernel - https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B4PoJYLnmv1BQVBfQUdYeE5IR1U
** This is a 5.1.1 based, rooted kernel. As far as I know this is a leaked Engineering Kernel from the 2APB2 build. Flashing this Kernel and the PH1 eng sboot, overtop of Stock PH4, gives access to an ADB Root Shell during the bootloop/failure. Flashing this kernel overtop of a stock LL based Kernel allows a bootable rooted system.
IV. Metalcated g920a 5.1.1 Root v4 -
** This is Metalcated's Root Method for the Galaxy S6. This zip is used for the Root-Install & Root-Boot script files. The Root-Install command should be ran once the PB2 Kernel has been flashed and successfully rebooted the first time. Afterwards, the Root-Boot command should be ran during the device's next boot process, to continue using the PB2 Kernel & maintain a bootable system.
*** *** ***
6.0.1 Downgrading Instructions (tested using full Stock PH4 FW)
1.) Enable Developer Options
2.) Enable OEM Unlock
3.) Enable USB Debugging (For a safe bet I make sure to "always remember the device" by saving the RSA Key)
4.) Power Off then Boot into Download Mode
5.) Flash the Binary 3 Lollipop Bootloader using the "BL" slot in ODIN. (Listed Above)
6.) Once Bootlogo Appears, reboot into download mode by holding, VOL Down + HOME + POWER
7.) Now Flash the AP File of the Lollipop FW you want to install. (The OGG ROM, has no DM-Verity in Recovery Mode)
8.) Boot into Recovery Mode
9.) Wipe Data/Factory Reset
10.) Reboot
*** *** ***
5.1.1 Tethered Root Instructions (tested on PB2 & OJ1 ODIN AP FW/ROM's)
1.) Enable Developer Options
2.) Enable OEM Unlock
3.) Enable USB Debugging (For a safe bet I make sure to "always remember the device" by saving the RSA Key)
4.) Power Off then Boot into Download Mode
5.) Flash the PB2 eng Kernel (Listed Above)
6.) Once Booted, recheck steps 1-3, then run the "root-Install" script (.cmd for Windows, .sh for Linux) from Metalcated's zip archive.
7.) During Device Boot Up, make sure the device the connected to your PC, and run the "root-Boot" script from Metalcated's zip archive. And the device should finish booting successfully with the PB2 eng Kernel still intact.z

removed outdated information about Note 5 source codes.. Please see links by Delgoth for updated info

** too many words on someone elses thread **

I think the main problem for you is that you are on a binary 4. I have not tested any of this using a device that starts on binary 4.
But thank you for this, and I will go over these a little later today. I do already have the MM sources for the N920A/V/C and am working on that this week.
Flashing the PB2 flashed a LL rooted kernel, thats why on a device with MM installed it will hang. But during that hang plug it into the pc and open ADB
See if you have root shell.

Just wondering if anyone got anywhere with this. I know nothing about what you guys are talking about but I have N920AUCS4CPL1 and was wondering if anyone figured out a root for it

We have another thread up in the General Android Q&A Forum. I currently have adb shell with eng kernel running Lollipop U1AOGG AP running the U3APH1 eng bootloader.
I also have Busybox support, and can make persistent changes to the /system & /data directories
Droidvoider has also created a type of custom odin/heimdall flashing application used during runtime.
This is big stuff!!!
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/help/injecting-root-setting-selinux-stages-t3573036/page2

in binray 3 not working, tested

What do you mean when you say it did not work for binary 3? Which FW build did you test? And how did you use ODIN when you flashed?
What tests of yours failed specifically? Because I've successfully downgraded to Lollipop from both the PHA & PH4 builds. I haven't actually tried PJ1. But with the corrupt bootloader issue people have mentioned. It would depend on if you upgraded to a Binary 4 sboot or not.
Sent from my Galaxy Note5 using XDA Labs

Does this thread only apply to the at&t note 5?

shawtypanda said:
Does this thread only apply to the at&t note 5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes! This isn't going to work on Verizon.

Actually it could potentially work for Verizon.
If you substitute the Verizon Combination Firmware for the AT&T and apply the same principles accordingly.

So you're saying that there could be a root for the verizon version of this phone?

shawtypanda said:
So you're saying that there could be a root for the verizon version of this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I need a Verizon tester for my stuff. Your security patch level can not exceed October, 2016. Please check in Settings|Device|About what your security patch level is. If your patch level is 2017, it is not likely I will be attempting to gain root. Unless there are reports of issues such as battery drain, or if enough people complain about not being able to switch carriers again. freddierice connected the dots with his tools which I have altered to be mine.
Greyhat Root Project - Root Console is a tool which executes commands from a text file, not a root shell
trident is freddierice's tool exactly being converted for the Note 5 (yes verizon also) It is a root shell so to speak, but I'm still working on sepolicy injection (read no context hack yet, limited by context)
Greyhat Root Project -- Root Console
Build a cmd_list.txt to issue commands as root. It also replaces screencap with dirtycow so you can use dirtycow with the two contexts. root + system_server or install_recovery. From install_recovery I am able to switch to init context, maybe a couple others, this feature is being finalized today. But ultimately until I finish trident we don't have reload init, can't reload policy
trident Note 5 version
This is still being converted it does work but the INIT_OFFSET needs to be worked out still, then it should reload init which will reload sepolicy correctly.
edit
The binaries for Greyhat Root Project -- Root Console are specific to each build of Android. You can certainly try the Android 6 or Android 5 toolbox / applypatch on your device but if it fails I need to compile a version specifically for your build. Please PM me with build number, obtain as follows
1. Plug in your device and ensure you can connect to adb shell
2. adb shell getprop ro.build.id
(if you're in the shell already leave off the adb shell) getprop ro.build.id
3. PM me that number, should look like MMB29K

I'm on the latest ota update so I'm assuming I don't qualify but if there's a way for me to downgrade or something so I can test this then I will. But how's the progress? I'm curious

What's this funny stuff about us being able to root our EQC6 (Did we have this update? I don't remember) firmware lol ?? I'm not sure this is even close to the truth, I can already see the bricks happening to mislead ppl. Check it out and tell me (us) what we really wanna hear or give us the sad but real truth
http://www.teamandroid.com/2017/05/...d-70-att-galaxy-note-5-n920a-nougat-firmware/

If someone need I can test verizon version if it ever will be..

I'm on 5.1.1. Was waiting for root, but now thinking of upgrading to nougat. Would be a good idea if waiting for root, or should just stick with 5.1.1

Aurey24 said:
What's this funny stuff about us being able to root our EQC6 (Did we have this update? I don't remember) firmware lol ?? I'm not sure this is even close to the truth, I can already see the bricks happening to mislead ppl. Check it out and tell me (us) what we really wanna hear or give us the sad but real truth
http://www.teamandroid.com/2017/05/...d-70-att-galaxy-note-5-n920a-nougat-firmware/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that looks to be an auto generated page.
I think we're almost done. Basic Shell root is achieved. I had SuperSU half installee before I reflashed. On MM builds.
But on the Note 5 and S6 edge it is coming quickly. Ive just been too busy the last two weeks to check out the signatures.

just recently got my hands on a Note 5 but didn't realise that the N920A was near impossible to root. I was just about to update this phone to the stock nougat but then found this thread today and it looks promising.
Currently running the PB2 firmware. If this root ends up being successful, will it only allow for a permanent root on 5.1.1 or 6.0.1? Or will you be able to flash a ROM like Nougat Nemesis and everything will be okay? Understandable that time will only tell. I'm currently using the Nemesis Nougat on my s6 Edge as my daily driver but would much rather use the Note 5 with Nemesis as my daily driver.
I can see why people love the Note. It truly is a great phone.

is this still a thing?

Odin flash gets: Device:2 Binary:1

Hi Guys,
When trying to downgrade/flash below firmware via Odin I'm getting error:
SW REV. CHECK FAIL(BOOTLOADER) DEVICE: 2, BINARY: 1
Or if BL disabled following some recommendations:
KERNEL REV. CHECK FAIL. DEVICE:2, BINARY:1
Current version: (got via OTA)
G960FXXU2BRG6
Service provider OXM_XEF_00_0025 ... XEF/XEF, XEO/DBT - but this has probably nothing to do with that.
Returning to:
DBT-G960FXXU1BRE5
History of the phone is that I've received it on Saturday (manufactured on May 21), dual SIM + SD Card was working, got notification about OTA, and did proceed (silly me), got message that "no downgrade" will be possible - thought that it is for normal user, not the one with Odin magic, though have a feeling it has something to do with that. It was unusual message though thought it is something new on S(, but not really blocking me to downgrade with Odin.
Is there any way to downgrade? I really need to do that as thanks to Samsung I cannot use dual SIM + SD Card, described here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...o-sim-card-t3822368/post77193881#post77193881
Thanks!

When trying to downgrade/flash below firmware via Odin I'm getting error:
SW REV. CHECK FAIL(BOOTLOADER) DEVICE: 2, BINARY: 1
same problem, my S9 Plus is AFG cant intall only can update with DBT file but his current AFG no

Make sure you're using ODIN 3.13.x
You cannot downgrade the bootloader you can only flash firmware with an equal or higher BL version
G960FXXU2BRG6 <<< BL version 2
Check in Download mode what version yours says

*Detection* said:
Make sure you're using ODIN 3.13.x
You cannot downgrade the bootloader you can only flash firmware with an equal or higher BL version
G960FXXU2BRG6 <<< BL version 2
Check in Download mode what version yours says
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks, that makes sense. I do remember message prior OTA apply "you won't be able to downgrade" but thought it was meaning that normal user won't be able to downgrade unless Odin would be used. Tough luck.
The worst part is that this is the first "U2" version for S9, so there's no path for me.
One more question - when "BL" was deselected and I've left only AP, CP, CSC - it resulted in message:
KERNEL REV. CHECK FAIL. DEVICE:2, BINARY:1
It is still in effort to downgrade the rest outside of BL, but does it seem I'm stuck on this firmware as the lowest on my phone now?
On technical side, these are all partitions on internal SDcard/memory. Why would it not be possible to overwrite it? Is it re-partitioning thing or something else? I'm trying to understand from where the limitation comes.
p.s. did some reading on bootloader process of Samsung and whilst it is clever and nice for Common Criteria, it should be possible to unlock it as in the past (Superboot tool). The good bootloader lecture is here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742287618300409 (S7 based).

Have you tried the patched Odin 13.3.1
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/for...id/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572/amp/

batfink1 said:
Have you tried the patched Odin 13.3.1
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/for...id/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572/amp/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are risks using that Odin version and pushing AP?
Should I try to push BL too?
Apologies if I'm overly cautious it is that I don't want to brick the phone.

Honestly, I'm a take your balls in your hand kind of guy.
I'm a computer technician and if I spent all my time wringing my hands being cautious I'd never get anything done.
It's pretty hard to HARD BRICK these phones as long as you don't go faffing around with the partitions option in Odin.
God I've brought mine to the brink of death and back again.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a way of taking a photo of your Odin/Download mode screen... I'll try to post mine.
I'm rooted and running a customised stock based rom on BRE5

My Odin screen

batfink1 said:
Honestly, I'm a take your balls in your hand kind of guy.
I'm a computer technician and if I spent all my time wringing my hands being cautious I'd never get anything done.
It's pretty hard to HARD BRICK these phones as long as you don't go faffing around with the partitions option in Odin.
God I've brought mine to the brink of death and back again.
Just out of curiosity, do you have a way of taking a photo of your Odin/Download mode screen... I'll try to post mine.
I'm rooted and running a customised stock based rom on BRE5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry... (at least this is my take), like with that unfortunate upgrade.
If you're that brave, why don't you upgrade to the latest one and then try to downgrade?
Attached is Download mode screenshot.

batfink1 said:
My Odin screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interestingly, your model shows 6GB, mine 4GB, but it doesn't matter...
Thanks... I'll debating if to give it a shot with that custom Odin version. Did you try it? Should BL be included?

I said brave, not freaking insane... Mine is rooted and working perfectly
I honestly DON'T want to go through the 17 days of possibly having to wait for the RMM STATE again haha
---------- Post added at 06:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:21 PM ----------
Mines an S9+, they have 6 gig compared to the S9 which only has 4 gig.
I didn't try it, no.. I just know the modded version exists.

I'm having the same problem
Hi guys I'm having the same problem with kernel rev check fail.
I had a brand firmware and tried to make it no-brand, but something went wrong.
Now when trying to flash a no-brand firmware, Odin stops during system.img
What can I do? Do I have to reinstall the same branded old firmware that I had?
Thanks!

Ma5terDevil said:
Hi guys I'm having the same problem with kernel rev check fail.
I had a brand firmware and tried to make it no-brand, but something went wrong.
Now when trying to flash a no-brand firmware, Odin stops during system.img
What can I do? Do I have to reinstall the same branded old firmware that I had?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a thought - your non-brand might be of an older release than branded software. In worst case you're stuck on working branded soft?

i tried, i doesn't work either with/without BL
batfink1 said:
Have you tried the patched Odin 13.3.1
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/for...id/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572/amp/
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Click to collapse
i tried, i doesn't work either with/without BL selected. so i guess the modified odin did not fit for the new firmware.

I Tried
Me too being the grab your balls by the hand person that likes to boldly go where no man has gone before, attempted the patch version of Odin on my s9 in an attempt to put the TMO firmware on to get RCS chat. Using BL AP CL and CSC all did not work. I got the same stupid message regarding the downgrade. I then tried AP and CSC alone. Same issue. Finally, I tried just CSC. It gave a similar error but it was difference in the sense that it says [cache]fused 2 > Binary 1.
It's super annoying that you can't move from u1 to u (unlocked to carrier) without having to do all this crap.

Hey all, dunno if you resolved the kernel error but I was getting the same thing on my S8 (SM-G950F) and ended up checking if anyone at the Samsung store could fix it (they could). Have a look at this post I wrote up, hopefully it's somewhat useful.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=77580177&postcount=18

Same problem I got. No matter if I use modded or normal ODIN... Even if I do not flash Boot, I got the message Kernel Rev. check fail...
To me, this is almost criminal from Samsung... I pay 800 Euro for the phone and I like to run a different system. I think there is no law against using a Computer (which in fact it is) with an Operating system of my choice.
To me, a restriction of "liberty".

joe535 said:
Same problem I got. No matter if I use modded or normal ODIN... Even if I do not flash Boot, I got the message Kernel Rev. check fail...
To me, this is almost criminal from Samsung... I pay 800 Euro for the phone and I like to run a different system. I think there is no law against using a Computer (which in fact it is) with an Operating system of my choice.
To me, a restriction of "liberty".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ODIN is a Samsung INTERNAL tool, you're not even meant to be using it
And you do have the freedom to run whatever OS you want, you have that choice the day you choose to buy a new phone, otherwise read the smallprint, pretty sure you agreed to Samsungs terms when you bought the phone
I don't get why people buy Samsung phones knowing how locked down they can be, knowing they don't run vanilla Android, knowing about KNOX, and then complain when they can't do anything with them.... if I wanted to mod my phone without any problems I wouldn't be buying Samsung

Anyway, honestly I accidentally updated my spare S9 to U2 forgetting it can't be rolled back and I had a little bit of trouble finding a firmware that ran fine with gravity box, but now I'm running a custom BRI3 rooted with magisk running gravity box where 99% of features work including lock screen security.
So unless the U2 bootloader is effecting you in some way... Does it matter if you can't roll back.

Well, the hardware of Samsung I actually do like.. But the software policy I do not.
For sure, never again I will buy Samsung

Error when installing stock OS: SW REV. CHECK FAIL(BOOTLOADER) DEVICE: 7. BINARY: 6

Recently I rooted my S9 and installed Lineage OS but I didnt like it and decided to swap back to the stock OS. I used Frija to get the .tar.md5 files for Odin but once I select all the files and hit start the log in Odin loads up to system.img then stops and I get the SW REV. CHECK FAIL(BOOTLOADER) DEVICE: 7. BINARY: 6 error on my phone. Any idea on how to fix this? I'd really appreciate some help as I'm going to be travelling soon and I need my phone for it and I'd prefer not to use Lineage OS. Thanks in advance.

Do you have an At&t branded phone? SM-G960U?
I am having a very similar problem. A customer came in and was having issues with device. I told them to back up, wipe, and update device. That didn't work so I tried a full flash with ODIN. Now I can't get the phone to boot at all and it says, "Secure Check Fail : Modem" and "Unauthorized software visit nearest AT&T blah, blah,..)
I think it is because AT&T has pushed out the latest update(OCT. 18th), but the Odin files are not out yet. According to:
https://www.att.com/devicehowto/tutorial.html#!/stepbystep/id/stepbystep_KM1253489?make=Samsung&model=SamsungG965U
G960USQS7CSI5 is the latest FW. If you google it, there are only four results.

Yep, the problem was the phone was on the latest FW. Newer firmware was just uploaded a few days ago.
I flashed:
G960USQU7CSJ2_G960UOYN7CSJ2_CHA
and now I'm booting again.
Your problem is that your firmware is too old. Basically, you are trying to downgrade your FW. The phone is basically saying, "Hey, I have bootloader 7, I won't let you install something lower than that."

ma777 said:
Your problem is that your firmware is too old. Basically, you are trying to downgrade your FW. The phone is basically saying, "Hey, I have bootloader 7, I won't let you install something lower than that."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^ this ^^^^
the Odin error is telling you that youre trying to flash a revision of the bootloader than was last installed on the phone. to to sammobile.com/fimrwares and get the one with the correct bootloader for your specific phone and flash that.
also download the firmware with the frija tool or samfirm. trust me, its literallt 5x faster than a direct download from the site. The 5 min it takes to get samfirm up and running is worth it, believe me on that.

I may be new to this, But I just Flashed a SM-g960u, That Had Bootloader7 locked on it, When I would go into download mode I would see FRP ON, and this Firmware G960USQU7CSK6. So I downloaded a Combination Firmware file. Used Odin Patched, Flashed it there is a guide out there. Restarted into the Settings, Turned on Developer mode, USB Debugging, and Was able to change OEM-Software install. Then I was able to load this phone after, with G960USQS7CSI5 with ease My first flash and I had to bypass a FRP and a Bootloader lock. Now I should be able to flash this to the U1 version unlocked and be good! If you need any help I did just do this last night I can guide you in the right dirrection. Litterally I had no help from here as in asking questions I am pretty savy. So you need to make sure your Version has the "7" in the Same Place. Also after I enabled those things while in the phone before Flashing it I chose the Factory Reset from within, SO it erashed EVERYTHING except Download Mode and the Combination Firm Loaded. Meaning I should have been able to flash to anything I wanted

Nightfox619 said:
I may be new to this, But I just Flashed a SM-g960u, That Had Bootloader7 locked on it, When I would go into download mode I would see FRP ON, and this Firmware G960USQU7CSK6. So I downloaded a Combination Firmware file. Used Odin Patched, Flashed it there is a guide out there. Restarted into the Settings, Turned on Developer mode, USB Debugging, and Was able to change OEM-Software install. Then I was able to load this phone after, with G960USQS7CSI5 with ease My first flash and I had to bypass a FRP and a Bootloader lock. Now I should be able to flash this to the U1 version unlocked and be good! If you need any help I did just do this last night I can guide you in the right dirrection. Litterally I had no help from here as in asking questions I am pretty savy. So you need to make sure your Version has the "7" in the Same Place. Also after I enabled those things while in the phone before Flashing it I chose the Factory Reset from within, SO it erashed EVERYTHING except Download Mode and the Combination Firm Loaded. Meaning I should have been able to flash to anything I wanted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
got no help here? how so? I see you got the info you needed to get the phone back up and running properly via asking about it here.
with regard to the bootloader version of 7 in your case, it is a very known thing that whatever bootloader version youre on, you cant go backwards from.
In either event, im very glad that you got it up and running!!

Youdoofus said:
got no help here? how so? I see you got the info you needed to get the phone back up and running properly via asking about it here.
with regard to the bootloader version of 7 in your case, it is a very known thing that whatever bootloader version youre on, you cant go backwards from.
In either event, im very glad that you got it up and running!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting no help was meant I hadn't Posted asking Questions, I read everything ya'll put up and I was able to do it on my own without continuing to ask, so Yeah I did get help here but not by asking only reading what is available

downgrade samsung sm-g570m
Nightfox619 said:
I may be new to this, But I just Flashed a SM-g960u, That Had Bootloader7 locked on it, When I would go into download mode I would see FRP ON, and this Firmware G960USQU7CSK6. So I downloaded a Combination Firmware file. Used Odin Patched, Flashed it there is a guide out there. Restarted into the Settings, Turned on Developer mode, USB Debugging, and Was able to change OEM-Software install. Then I was able to load this phone after, with G960USQS7CSI5 with ease My first flash and I had to bypass a FRP and a Bootloader lock. Now I should be able to flash this to the U1 version unlocked and be good! If you need any help I did just do this last night I can guide you in the right dirrection. Litterally I had no help from here as in asking questions I am pretty savy. So you need to make sure your Version has the "7" in the Same Place. Also after I enabled those things while in the phone before Flashing it I chose the Factory Reset from within, SO it erashed EVERYTHING except Download Mode and the Combination Firm Loaded. Meaning I should have been able to flash to anything I wanted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi Nightfox619.! I have a samsung sm-g570m and I trying to downgrade to binary 2 when I flash with odin it give me this error message "sw rev check fail bootloader device 7 binary 3" any idea how can I downgrade .??

pol1345 said:
hi Nightfox619.! I have a samsung sm-g570m and I trying to downgrade to binary 2 when I flash with odin it give me this error message "sw rev check fail bootloader device 7 binary 3" any idea how can I downgrade .??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so first you should post I'm your devices threads but that aside. Here's what's up. You can't downgrade the error shown is saying your device is on a bit 7 binary. Your trying to flash a bit 3 binary which isn't even 2 you need to find your respective firmware in a bit 7 or higher.

TheMadScientist said:
Ok so first you should post I'm your devices threads but that aside. Here's what's up. You can't downgrade the error shown is saying your device is on a bit 7 binary. Your trying to flash a bit 3 binary which isn't even 2 you need to find your respective firmware in a bit 7 or higher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks 4 answering bro and sorry 4 using this thread.! so definitely I can't downgrade 2 a lower binary than 7..?

pol1345 said:
thanks 4 answering bro and sorry 4 using this thread.! so definitely I can't downgrade 2 a lower binary than 7..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like 99.9%. That's what that error is. The bootloader is blocking downgrade

pol1345 said:
thanks 4 answering bro and sorry 4 using this thread.! so definitely I can't downgrade 2 a lower binary than 7..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, if you get a firmware version matching the one last installed on your device, itll go right thru and boot just fine. Goodlock is finally working on all modules for A10 as well. Maybe we will see more development occur with this shutdown going on. Let us know if you run into any trouble, the error you were getting is totally resolvable!

at the end I give up on it..! my internet 2 slow 4 go downloading & trying rom after rom.! i am from venezuela.

Nightfox619 said:
I may be new to this, But I just Flashed a SM-g960u, That Had Bootloader7 locked on it, When I would go into download mode I would see FRP ON, and this Firmware G960USQU7CSK6. So I downloaded a Combination Firmware file. Used Odin Patched, Flashed it there is a guide out there. Restarted into the Settings, Turned on Developer mode, USB Debugging, and Was able to change OEM-Software install. Then I was able to load this phone after, with G960USQS7CSI5 with ease My first flash and I had to bypass a FRP and a Bootloader lock. Now I should be able to flash this to the U1 version unlocked and be good! If you need any help I did just do this last night I can guide you in the right dirrection. Litterally I had no help from here as in asking questions I am pretty savy. So you need to make sure your Version has the "7" in the Same Place. Also after I enabled those things while in the phone before Flashing it I chose the Factory Reset from within, SO it erashed EVERYTHING except Download Mode and the Combination Firm Loaded. Meaning I should have been able to flash to anything I wanted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have S20+ running Android 11 with U7 Binary. I tried downgrading to Androi 10 which has Binary U5. Now I have downloaded the Binary U5 file. But in some video, he is telling that you should download the Binary File with the same number as it is currently installed in your phone, which in my case is U7. So? Am I supposed to download U7 Combination Binary file and flash it in order to downgrade to Android 10
OR
Should I flash the U5 Combination File and flash the Android 10 AP, CSC, BL, HOME ???

Someone has Combination file to G960F with bootloader SF (Version 15)?