Update Options - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S8+ Questions & Answers

So a few months after the phone was released, I was able to flash onto the original unbranded firmware without bloat and whatnot, but was still somehow able to keep VoLTE and Wifi-Calling from the CSC features.
I'm still on bootloader V1 and would like to keep it that way if at all possible. Is there a way for me to upgrade to Oreo with the same bootloader version? Second, I have no idea how CSC codes work to enable features, so how much would I be able to customize? I'm on T-Mobile's network and my phone's unlocked. Finally, is there a way to keep/backup my app data? I'm pretty sure Odin will wipe data on a new flash, but was wondering if there was an alternative.
I'd appreciate any advice on how to proceed. Thanks!

Related

SGH-M919N

Hi. i have a Galaxy S4 SGH-M919N version 4.2.2 From Metro PCS.
I live in Denmark. I cannot use the phone here because it's locked to Metro PCS' network
So how can i unlock it?
Can i install the latest U.S. firmware for the phone, or is there any way to install a Nordic firmware through Odin?
If there are any Nordic Firmwares for the phone that are compatible with this phone i would be so thrilled if you would share the solution with me.
:fingers-crossed:
You can just try calling MetroPCS for an unlock code, which they should give if the phone meets the requirements:
https://www.metropcs.com/terms-conditions/phone-unlock-policy.html
http://www.wikihow.com/Unlock-a-MetroPCS-Phone
Since you're on 4.2.2 I believe there might be another way to do it, maybe try
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2283068
or
http://www.brainchamber.com/2013/10/14/sim-unlock-galaxy-s4-t-mobile-sgh-m919-att-sgh-i337/
I have a small problem. I by mistake upgraded to 4.4.4 KitKat
And all i can find on the internet is version 4.3
Are there any chance that you know where i can find the 4.2.2 firmware for my phone again so that i can downgrade it through odin.
I think that theres a difference between the SGH-M919 and the SGH-m919N versions.
I tried to enter the system menu by dialing *#0011# but the menu that shows up are not the right one, then i tried to write Q1 instead, then i got into the UMTS menu but when i try to do changes it goes right back to the main screen.
Patrickhtx53 said:
I have a small problem. I by mistake upgraded to 4.4.4 KitKat
And all i can find on the internet is version 4.3
Are there any chance that you know where i can find the 4.2.2 firmware for my phone again so that i can downgrade it through odin.
I think that theres a difference between the SGH-M919 and the SGH-m919N versions.
I tried to enter the system menu by dialing *#0011# but the menu that shows up are not the right one, then i tried to write Q1 instead, then i got into the UMTS menu but when i try to do changes it goes right back to the main screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you'll be able to downgrade because 4.4.4 likely has a knox bootloader, but I could be wrong. I personally have a T-Mobile M919 but am assuming hardware is same.
Perhaps try setting up a US-based VOIP number via google voice or ring.to or the like, and try calling MetroPCS for the code during business hours. As long as the phone was originally used on their service for 90 days you should be ok.
I searched the internet, and for what i can see the SGH-M919N came with 4.2.2 so any chance that you or anyone else in here know where i can get the 4.2.2 stock rom? Will it maybe help to flash a custom rom to my phone, will that remove the network limits?
And by the way. YOu wrote that i couldn't downgrade because of the Knox Bootloader, if i can manage to root my phone Knox will automatically be deactivated on the phone, shouldn't it then be possible to downgrade?
Patrickhtx53 said:
And by the way. YOu wrote that i couldn't downgrade because of the Knox Bootloader, if i can manage to root my phone Knox will automatically be deactivated on the phone, shouldn't it then be possible to downgrade?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox won't be deactivated; it will be "tripped" and you can never go back to "untripped" knox. But that won't matter; the thing is, your Bootloader now has Knox, and as I understand it, you cannot downgrade from a Knox bootloader to a non-knox bootloader. Doing so will possibly brick the phone. I'm fairly certain about this..
Knox won't affect your ability to unlock the phone in the traditional way (i.e. getting the unlock code from the original carrier). Honestly, you should just try calling MetroPCS first, if you can get an unlock code that way then you won't have to worry about any of this other stuff.
You can also just buy an unlock code for like $14 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unlock-Code...-M819N-SGH-T599N-T399N-MetroPCS-/221595996855 which is worth it if you're going to spend more than an hour trying to figure this out. Because I assume an hour of your time is worth more than $14
If you want to do things the hard way, this forum likely contains all the knowledge you need to figure out how to solve your problem. Just do some searching in general, Q&A, and development sections.

Exynos Note 10+ (SM-N976B) - now unlocked from Vodafone UK - One UI 2.1 firmware

Hi, this is my first post/question. Sorry if it's a dumb one.
I'm in the UK and I have a Galaxy Note 10+ (SM-N976B).
The phone is from Vodafone (was locked to Vodafone) and is the Exynos (EU/UK) chip version of the phone.
It is currently on the 01-Mar-2020 patch level with One UI 2.0.
Now that I have officially unlocked it from Vodafone (Vodafone sent me the unlocked codes and they worked - I am now using it with a non-Vodafone SIM ), I wanted to know if I still have to wait for the Vodafone firmware release of One UI 2.1 (which I know is out for other Galaxy S10/Note10 variants); OR, whether I can get an "unlocked"? version of the One UI firmware for Exynos Note 10+ phones?
What is the normal policy regarding carrier locked [Samsung] phones that have been officially unlocked - are you still tied to the original carrier's timetable of firmware/security-patch releases for the phone?
Regards,
psb01
you will still be on Vodafone's software and release schedule, I have an unlocked phone in the UK direct from Samsung and the update is already out for a phone using the standard software, Vodafone were always slow on updates, had this problem way back with the Nexus phones taking that long to update through Vodafone i ended up rooting and flashing the original software.
so unless you can flash the standard software from the unlocked phones you are likely stuck on Vodafone's time table, unfortunately I haven't had to flash a different firmware on mine so I'm unable to help on if it's actually possible to move away from the Vodafone software.
Yes, you should be able to dl the but firmware and flash.
Look through the news section for the N976b fw posts. In there are all the links you need and very detailed instructions.
Good luck.
Sent from my SM-T835 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 10:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...9&share_fid=3793&share_type=t&link_source=app
Sent from my SM-T835 using Tapatalk
Belimawr said:
you will still be on Vodafone's software and release schedule, I have an unlocked phone in the UK direct from Samsung and the update is already out for a phone using the standard software, Vodafone were always slow on updates, had this problem way back with the Nexus phones taking that long to update through Vodafone i ended up rooting and flashing the original software.
so unless you can flash the standard software from the unlocked phones you are likely stuck on Vodafone's time table, unfortunately I haven't had to flash a different firmware on mine so I'm unable to help on if it's actually possible to move away from the Vodafone software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, it is useful to know this.
I may have to look into getting an proper factory unlocked version if Vodafone don't pull their finger out for One UI 2.1 by end-May-2020.
Yes, I agree, Vodafone do seem to be slow on these things.
I will look into whether it's possible to replace my Vodafone firmware with official factory-unlocked firmware now my phone is officially unlocked.
(However, I don't want to have a rooted phone permanently as my banking apps won't work on it if it's rooted.)
Regards,
psb01 said:
Thanks for the reply, it is useful to know this.
I may have to look into getting an proper factory unlocked version if Vodafone don't pull their finger out for One UI 2.1 by end-May-2020.
Yes, I agree, Vodafone do seem to be slow on these things.
I will look into whether it's possible to replace my Vodafone firmware with official factory-unlocked firmware now my phone is officially unlocked.
(However, I don't want to have a rooted phone permanently as my banking apps won't work on it if it's rooted.)
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the latest BTU version of the firmware using either Samfirm or Frija and flash it to your phone using Odin. You will then receive over the air updates as they are released. This is NOT rooting your phone and all banking apps will work as they should.
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
Painman1963 said:
You can download the latest BTU version of the firmware using either Samfirm or Frija and flash it to your phone using Odin. You will then receive over the air updates as they are released. This is NOT rooting your phone and all banking apps will work as they should.
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AHH, okay. So I assume "BTU version" is the factory-unlocked version that phones direct from Samsung come with?
Also, will doing this wipe all my data and leave me with a factory-fresh phone (with latest firmware/OS) that I have to set up from scratch?
If so, could I backup my phone's data (in its entirety - calls, SMS, apps & data) that I can restore after the firmware flash? What backup method is recommended?
(I used to have Pixels before my Note 10+ and I am used to using the Google's backup to GDrive. I note now with Galaxy phones that they want to backup to Samsung's [cloud drive?] own area/method and don't do Google backups. I use my Google apps/services quite a lot and don't rely/use Samsung's services where I can avoid them.) Any advice for me in this regards?
I don't mind trying this method, but I'm worried about bricking my Note 10+ or losing all my setup/data. I'm not familiar with flashing phones but I can follow basic tech instructions. I'm guessing if it doesn't work I can re-install the Vodafone OS/firmware back on it to bring it back to how it is now?
Thanks.
psb01 said:
AHH, okay. So I assume "BTU version" is the factory-unlocked version that phones direct from Samsung come with?
Also, will doing this wipe all my data and leave me with a factory-fresh phone (with latest firmware/OS) that I have to set up from scratch?
If so, could I backup my phone's data (in its entirety - calls, SMS, apps & data) that I can restore after the firmware flash? What backup method is recommended?
(I used to have Pixels before my Note 10+ and I am used to using the Google's backup to GDrive. I note now with Galaxy phones that they want to backup to Samsung's [cloud drive?] own area/method and don't do Google backups. I use my Google apps/services quite a lot and don't rely/use Samsung's services where I can avoid them.) Any advice for me in this regards?
I don't mind trying this method, but I'm worried about bricking my Note 10+ or losing all my setup/data. I'm not familiar with flashing phones but I can follow basic tech instructions. I'm guessing if it doesn't work I can re-install the Vodafone OS/firmware back on it to bring it back to how it is now?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BTU is the UK unlocked version of the firmware. You can back everything up to Google just like you're used to. Go to settings, accounts and backup, backup and restore, Google account, Back up now.
You'll get the chance to restore it at startup if you do a full factory reset. If you don't get the option, you can restore from the same place.
When you download the file from Frija you will see 5 files. You only use 1 of the CSC files. You use HOME_CSC to keep your data and the other CSC file if you want to do a complete wipe and start again.
There is a really good guide in messages 1&2 of the following thread but be aware that this is not for our phone. Replace the input values in Frija to SM-N976B and BTU.
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...2&share_fid=3793&share_type=t&link_source=app
Finally, you probably won't be able to reflash the Vodafone firmware until after it gets updated as I'm pretty sure that they've updated the bootloader and you can't downgrade that.
Good luck
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
Painman1963 said:
BTU is the UK unlocked version of the firmware. You can back everything up to Google just like you're used to. Go to settings, accounts and backup, backup and restore, Google account, Back up now.
You'll get the chance to restore it at startup if you do a full factory reset. If you don't get the option, you can restore from the same place.
When you download the file from Frija you will see 5 files. You only use 1 of the CSC files. You use HOME_CSC to keep your data and the other CSC file if you want to do a complete wipe and start again.
There is a really good guide in messages 1&2 of the following thread but be aware that this is not for our phone. Replace the input values in Frija to SM-N976B and BTU.
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/to...2&share_fid=3793&share_type=t&link_source=app
Finally, you probably won't be able to reflash the Vodafone firmware until after it gets updated as I'm pretty sure that they've updated the bootloader and you can't downgrade that.
Good luck
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for this. It will give me a mini-project to do during this lock-down.
I think,for safety, I'm going to go back to my old Pixel so I don't risk any data and use that while I try this method to update the Note 10+.
I think I prefer the total wipe option, so there's nothing on the phone that shouldn't be there, from the start.
If it all works, I'll transfer back all my data over to the Note 10+ using the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app.
At least having a UK unlocked firmware means I'll get future updates and security patches quicker.
Regards,
psb01 said:
Many thanks for this. It will give me a mini-project to do during this lock-down.
I think,for safety, I'm going to go back to my old Pixel so I don't risk any data and use that while I try this method to update the Note 10+.
I think I prefer the total wipe option, so there's nothing on the phone that shouldn't be there, from the start.
If it all works, I'll transfer back all my data over to the Note 10+ using the Samsung Smart Switch Mobile app.
At least having a UK unlocked firmware means I'll get future updates and security patches quicker.
Regards,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds like a plan.
Have fun
Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk
glad to see someone who could help more came along. hope you get it sorted.

How to change the service provider software version? S20 (SM-G980F)

Hello guys!
I have a sim unlocked Galaxy S20 (SM-G980F) from Orange Romania and I want the new update (Android 12 and OneUI 4) and to get rid of the pre-installed apps from Orange. Apparently it is a known fact that some mobile network operators tend to postpone the new firmware updates (which I think it's stupid) because they have to 'test' it and load it with a bunch of useless apps that nobody needs. It wouldn't have been such a problem if this would happen in a timeframe of a few days, but usually it takes months. I contacted Orange and they said the upcoming update is being 'tested' and it will probably be released sometime in March (which again, it's just stupid).
I am looking for a way to change the Software Service Provider from ORO to ROM (or something else, to get the update directly from Samsung and not Orange); Samsung and Vodafone already rolled the update.
So, I have a few questions:
1. Can I change the Service Provider? (SM-G980F on Android 11)
1.1. If yes, how can I do it? Can you guys kindly guide me towards a tutorial?
1.2. Can I do it for free?
2. Should I just install a custom ROM? (I have seen many on this forum, but most of them seem to have problems if the high refresh rate is enabled etc... any reccomendations?)
Thank you guys! Any advice is much appreciated!
PS: I am kind of unfamiliar with these things, i used to flash custom ROMs on my old phones back when Cyanogenmod was a thing and I've used Android since 1.5. I don't know what changed and what's new so any help is welcome! Thank you!
First off, why do you even want Android 12 so badly? Early adopters catch all the bugs. And moreover, if you want to mod your phone, you'll quickly notice that a lot of popular mods aren't yet available for Android 12. As of today:
There still is not an official Magisk release for Android 12 (only Canary/pre-release builds).
Xposed module GravityBox for Android 12 has not been released.
Xposed module Firefds Kit for Android 12 has not been released.
And if you start modding, you're likely to find more things that just don't exist for A12 yet.
1. Can I change the Service Provider? (SM-G980F on Android 11)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
1.1. If yes, how can I do it? Can you guys kindly guide me towards a tutorial?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It used to be fairly easy. You could open the Preconfig dialog with a dialer code and change your CSC code. Loss of this functionality in recent software is lamented loss of this functionality in recent software is lamented here. There are many discussions about changing CSC code that make mention of the commercial software and service Samkey such as this and this; I have no personal experience with their offering so I can't recommend them. Interestingly it seems from the discussions that there is typically some lag between an Android release and support for that release from Samkey, so the trend I just referenced above is hardly an isolated phenomenon.
It's worth mentioning that the changing of CSC codes has been discussed extensively throughout the forum. One of the downsides of XDA though is that discussion is heavily segregated by device, so you can easily miss what you're looking for if you search only in a sub-forum for your device.
1.2. Can I do it for free?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With root, certainly. Otherwise, it is not so clear based on the above.
You can launch the Preconfig dialog from a root shell:
am start -n com.samsung.android.cidmanager/.preconfig.PreconfigActivity
I've noticed that in some configurations (notably when CSC code is VZW), the Preconfig dialog seems to be somehow disabled. However, with root access you can also simply edit /efs/imei/omcnw_code.dat.
2. Should I just install a custom ROM? (I have seen many on this forum, but most of them seem to have problems if the high refresh rate is enabled etc... any reccomendations?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's your choice. Browse the ROM section and see if there is anything available for your device that you like. Custom ROMs vary greatly in user experience as a consequence both the ROM's objectives and the developer's skill.
They all have a few things in common though: they will irrevocably trip the warranty void bit and cause a loss of Knox-related functionality (notably including Samsung Pay). They also will prevent you from receiving official OTA updates.
Another option is that you can simply root your device and start modding away yourself. Basically, that workflow is something like this:
OEM Unlock.
Boot into download mode with vol up + vol down + insert USB cable connected to PC.
Volume up to confirm unlock.
Flash TWRP from ODIN.
Flash Multi-disabler from TWRP.
Wipe /data from TWRP.
Install Magisk from TWRP.
Once you have root, you can not only change your CSC code as desired, but edit the read-only filesystems on your device, notably including the filesystems containing the CSC. It's even possible to blow away the CSC content completely and integrate the CSC content from the ROM of another region.
Of course, it goes without saying that you need to back up anything important on your phone before you start any experiments. Of particular importance, be sure to back up efs and sec_efs with TWRP and make sure the backups are stored somewhere safe (e.g., on a PC) before you start attempting any changes to efs partitions. A damaged efs partition is one of the easiest ways to render your phone useless. Note also that custom ROM installation almost always involves wiping /data somewhere along the way.
So, the bloatware you talk about is located in /product , /hidden or /odm depending on how your phone is configured. I can help you out contact me on telegram @cha0scl0wn. Regards.
Thank you guys so much for your replies!
I managed to launch the Preconfig dialog (dialing *#272*62826# in the stock phone app - other codes did not work, also tried the google phone app - nothing) but the only options to change the CSC are those in the picture (AMO - Orange Spain, FTM - Orange France etc). Basically I can select another Orange CSC which does not help. I want to change it to unbranded, to get the firmware updates directly from Samsung.
Now, if I root the phone, will I be able to change ORO to unbranded? But I'm a bit confused because rooting cancels OTAs, right? So I need to root, change CSC to unbranded (if possible) and then install the update myself? But then I will have to manually install every update?
If I root, change CSC to unbranded, install the update, unroot will I get the OTAs?
Rooting also kills Knox and Samsung Pay?
Thanks again guys for responding! I appreciate it! Cheers!
I managed to launch the Preconfig dialog (dialing *#272*62826# in the stock phone app - other codes did not work, also tried the google phone app - nothing) but the only options to change the CSC are those in the picture (AMO - Orange Spain, FTM - Orange France etc). Basically I can select another Orange CSC which does not help. I want to change it to unbranded, to get the firmware updates directly from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow--you got lucky: I wasn't expecting the dialer code to work based both on my own experience and reports here on the forum. The Preconfig dialog is really just a testing tool: it allows you to select other CSC codes that already exist within the firmware and see the effects of those setting changes. I don't know if there is an effective unbranded configuration included on the OXM package (i.e., similar to XAA in the OYN package).
I don't have a lot of experience with the OTA updates (all my devices are unlocked).
Now, if I root the phone, will I be able to change ORO to unbranded? But I'm a bit confused because rooting cancels OTAs, right? So I need to root, change CSC to unbranded (if possible) and then install the update myself? But then I will have to manually install every update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll still be able to select any CSC. I suppose in theory you could create your own CSC configuration for an imaginary carrier, but the route that I took was different. I stripped out all the unwanted junk out of the optics and prism images (along with de-bloating I did in a lot of other places in the ROM). I also edited all the XML configuration files that ship with the CSC to my liking (think: call recording on, shutter sound menu on, etc). After installing the resulting ROM, there was pretty much no carrier-specific software running on the device; splash screens, sounds, and other markings were also gone. I actually ended up adding a handful of carrier-specific content back to my ROM to get Wi-Fi calling working since it appears that the carrier I use (VZW) has a slightly nonstandard implementation of the feature.
But yes, once you head down this path, you'll be updating your phone by yourself, and it likely won't be the most enjoyable activity. I also don't feel the need for every single update, and I especially have no interest of moving to A12 in the foreseeable future.
Keep in mind that you should be able to pm disable bloatware packages that are really bothering you even without rooting/unlocking your bootloader.

Question Flash S21 FE (MetroPCS/TMO) to ATT

Can I flash this variant (SM-G990U) over to the ATT, or even a stock unlocked firmware?
The goals are to enable WiFi calling, and remove the metro splash screen.
I cannot root the device as my work requires official firmware.
I am open to suggestions on what is best. I have not tinkered with flashing in quite some time.
U could try to root phone and use safynet fix if your apps requie official firmware non root. if you have (when i check model) standard S21FE phone with branding from ATT (?) you could flash stock rom with odin. I don't know where u from but you could flash your stock firmware for example for spain distribution.
I was able to flash the phone with stock firmware, changed csc to ATT and all works well now. This place has gone downhill. I remember when almost immediate replies to help. Now, not so much. Thanks for trying.

Question Have ATT Phone but using Tmobile - No OTA updates

It's been over 10 years since I flashed a custom ROM or any firmware to a phone using odin, and I remember it being super simple. I'm getting back into the swing of things with this new phone and having a hard time finding any resources about what I'm looking for.
So, my CSC region is ATT using the software info method (or OYN using *#1234# method), the model is sm-s908u and it's unlocked, and I've been looking for firmware for that combo so I can manually upgrade my phone to one UI 5.0 android13, but the latest one online hasn't been updated - ONE UI 4.1 android 12, even though there are updates for other carriers. My phone also won't update because I'm not on the ATT network. I think I can maybe go into an ATT store and using their sim to get the OTA, but I'd rather do this by my self first.
So this is a three-part question:
1. Can I switch my CSC region so that I'm not associated with ATT but rather Tmobile? And if that's possible, will I be able to get OTA?
2. Can I pick any firmware with sm-s908u and just flash it to my phone regardless of the CSC?
3. Is there a way to accomplish what I want without wiping my phone? I can do backup, but I'm a bit tired of starting my phone from scratch.
Any help is appreciated! Thanks. Man 10 years I was on here, so many memories. The community is as strong as ever!

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