Develop Bugs

Downgrade to emui 5

I got a Huawei mate se and didn't realize that allowing it to update to Android o would block the bootloader unlock tool. Is there anyway to downgrade my firmware so I can unlock my bootloader?

voldomart13 said:
I got a Huawei mate se and didn't realize that allowing it to update to Android o would block the bootloader unlock tool. Is there anyway to downgrade my firmware so I can unlock my bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a roll-back ROM on firmware finder. As long as it shows your IMEI as approoved, it should install.
That's the nice clean way.
There is a dirty ( possibly dangerous way ) by using the nougat service ROM. That ROM is for bnd-L21, so not sure how an unlocked bootloader will handle it. It has worked on unlocked before.

mrmazak said:
There is a roll-back ROM on firmware finder. As long as it shows your IMEI as approoved, it should install.
That's the nice clean way.
There is a dirty ( possibly dangerous way ) by using the nougat service ROM. That ROM is for bnd-L21, so not sure how an unlocked bootloader will handle it. It has worked on unlocked before.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been attempting to use firmware finder but I can't wrap my head around actually pushing the update. I heard you need an outdated version of hisuite but no one specifies what version. Any help is appreciated =)

voldomart13 said:
I have been attempting to use firmware finder but I can't wrap my head around actually pushing the update. I heard you need an outdated version of hisuite but no one specifies what version. Any help is appreciated =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Insttall firmware finder from playstore.
In the app select the "hamburger" menu, from top left corner. Select instructions. Either watch videos, or read the text guides

mrmazak said:
Insttall firmware finder from playstore.
In the app select the "hamburger" menu, from top left corner. Select instructions. Either watch videos, or read the text guides
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The mobile app as far as I can tell doesn't work on newer versions of android. They even have a disclaimer mentioning that the app only works for older devices now.

voldomart13 said:
The mobile app as far as I can tell doesn't work on newer versions of android. They even have a disclaimer mentioning that the app only works for older devices now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are not on 8.1, the app can work.
But I was only referencing the app for the guides linked inside.
You should be able to use it to flash b330. Which should work in DC

mrmazak said:
You are not on 8.1, the app can work.
But I was only referencing the app for the guides linked inside.
You should be able to use it to flash b330. Which should work in DC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad I am on 8.0 to be specific bnd-l34 8.0.0.341(c567) and as much as I've tried I can not get it to work on the phone following along on the videos. They are using the app on emui 5.0 not 8.0. It doesn't work anymore on 8.0

All there videos revolve around emui 5.0 or lower. It stopped working with 8.0

voldomart13 said:
My bad I am on 8.0 to be specific bnd-l34 8.0.0.341(c567) and as much as I've tried I can not get it to work on the phone following along on the videos. They are using the app on emui 5.0 not 8.0. It doesn't work anymore on 8.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the locked bootloader, you can only use the firmwares that are approoved.
Chances are , the only one that's approoved is the b330
And if not , then only option is the service-rom. Followed by dc-unlock, then the hwota and correct ROM
It has been done.
There should be confirmation back in the mate thread somewhere.

mrmazak said:
Because the locked bootloader, you can only use the firmwares that are approoved.
Chances are , the only one that's approoved is the b330
And if not , then only option is the service-rom. Followed by dc-unlock, then the hwota and correct ROM
It has been done.
There should be confirmation back in the mate thread somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which mate thread?

voldomart13 said:
Which mate thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm searching. I know i have recommended this process many times, and got many success responses. But I am striking out in finding threads with confirmed responses.
This search only shows 4 found matches for the search info. One does fit real good, but the author has made it sound , not real credible.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/search/forum/7100?query=unlock mate service-rom#posts

mrmazak said:
Because the locked bootloader, you can only use the firmwares that are approoved.
Chances are , the only one that's approoved is the b330
And if not , then only option is the service-rom. Followed by dc-unlock, then the hwota and correct ROM
It has been done.
There should be confirmation back in the mate thread somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about this method? https://www.getdroidtips.com/full-guide-install-stock-firmware-huawei-smartphone/

mrmazak said:
I'm searching. I know i have recommended this process many times, and got many success responses. But I am striking out in finding threads with confirmed responses.
This search only shows 4 found matches for the search info. One does fit real good, but the author has made it sound , not real credible.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/search/forum/7100?query=unlock mate service-rom#posts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This post you made here sounds doable.
This service rom so far has been only thing we found that will load with three button method (dload)
But it is not a full rom to keep on device. It needs you to follow up with flashing fullOTA of your correct version after.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid...83647474828964
1. Unzip download
2. copy the dload folder to root of sdcard
3. power on phone holding all three buttons
4. After phone finishes and reboots, unlock frp and bootloader, if needed
5. Use Huru or HWOTA to flash correct firmware for your model/ region.
Enlighten me what is huru or hwota? If I were to flash this does it boot up into android or is it non functional?

voldomart13 said:
This post you made here sounds doable.
This service rom so far has been only thing we found that will load with three button method (dload)
But it is not a full rom to keep on device. It needs you to follow up with flashing fullOTA of your correct version after.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid...83647474828964
1. Unzip download
2. copy the dload folder to root of sdcard
3. power on phone holding all three buttons
4. After phone finishes and reboots, unlock frp and bootloader, if needed
5. Use Huru or HWOTA to flash correct firmware for your model/ region.
Enlighten me what is huru or hwota? If I were to flash this does it boot up into android or is it non functional?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, this should leave you able to boot. And with build level that should allow DC unlocked to give you the code.
Remember like I said before this is kind of a dirty way around and 'could' have issues unknown. Like what if DC does not give you a code, you would then be stuck . (Though you are stuck now)
Huru and hwota are very similar. They both use TWRP to give custom flashing control.
Hwota uses modified stock recovery to flash full ota files.
Huru repacks full ota files so that TWRP can flash them.
Since doth start with TWRP , bootloader unlock is needed.

mrmazak said:
Yes, this should leave you able to boot. And with build level that should allow DC unlocked to give you the code.
Remember like I said before this is kind of a dirty way around and 'could' have issues unknown. Like what if DC does not give you a code, you would then be stuck . (Though you are stuck now)
Huru and hwota are very similar. They both use TWRP to give custom flashing control.
Hwota uses modified stock recovery to flash full ota files.
Huru repacks full ota files so that TWRP can flash them.
Since doth start with TWRP , bootloader unlock is needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. And say dc cant get a code I would be stuck no way of recovery? Man I miss the days of samsung phones and using odin for upgrade/downgrade =/ been doing this stuff since samsung captivate days.

voldomart13 said:
I see. And say dc cant get a code I would be stuck no way of recovery? Man I miss the days of samsung phones and using odin for upgrade/downgrade =/ been doing this stuff since samsung captivate days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just spent most of the morning going back and forth with someone else with mate see, and they just did restored his device with the service ROM.
I do not now what he was restoring from, but he ended up with "unknown model" and default build number of 8.0.0.46
This is because of (probably) some data corrupt issue making the flash go bad. But he was able to run the ROM and unlock boooader.
Difference is he already had his unlock code.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/honor-7x/help/dload-method-stuck-5-t3821898

voldomart13 said:
I see. And say dc cant get a code I would be stuck no way of recovery? Man I miss the days of samsung phones and using odin for upgrade/downgrade =/ been doing this stuff since samsung captivate days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you seen this guide?
It is for "official" hisuite roll-back
I have not rolled back so do not know it it works though.(I checked with my device, it shows no downgrade available)
I know the roll-back firmwarm listed on firmware finder was listed as "bond" and not "bnd". So this means not available "officially"
https://usermanual.wiki/Huawei/EMUI...roid70OperationInstructionpdf.1621060771/help

[Question] Bricked A5 2017?

Hey, recently I booted up my phone and it said custom binary locked by frp lock, or something along those lines, since then I came a lot further/closer to fixing it. As now when I boot it up says: An error has occurred while updating the device software. Use the Emergency recovery function in the Smart Switch PC software.
When i try to download/reflash new software it fails because it's blocked by FRP lock, anyway to fix this?
Thanks in advance.

Achlyss said:
Hey, recently I booted up my phone and it said custom binary locked by frp lock, or something along those lines, since then I came a lot further/closer to fixing it. As now when I boot it up says: An error has occurred while updating the device software. Use the Emergency recovery function in the Smart Switch PC software.
When i try to download/reflash new software it fails because it's blocked by FRP lock, anyway to fix this?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can u flash original firmware via odin?

FaisalR29 said:
Can u flash original firmware via odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, because I get blocked by the frp lock

Extract the firmware with a different archiver.
Ensure the download hasn't been interrupted and download it with something else.
Otherwise, the firmware might actually not be original. It has to be a stock touchwiz/samsung experience rom to pass FRP (in Odin). Not a custom rom.

Bryan48765 said:
Extract the firmware with a different archiver.
Ensure the download hasn't been interrupted and download it with something else.
Otherwise, the firmware might actually not be original. It has to be a stock touchwiz/samsung experience rom to pass FRP (in Odin). Not a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, it could be that, but do you have any idea on where to get stock firmware with speeds higher than 15 Kbps

Achlyss said:
Hmm, it could be that, but do you have any idea on where to get stock firmware with speeds higher than 15 Kbps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even though 15 is written, actual speeds should be much higher than 15 and resumable.

Bryan48765 said:
Even though 15 is written, actual speeds should be much higher than 15 and resumable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just found another way to download the firmware, and it worked! Thank you so much, although now i don't have a proper excuse to buy the OnePlus 6T

Achlyss said:
I just found another way to download the firmware, and it worked! Thank you so much, although now i don't have a proper excuse to buy the OnePlus 6T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have same problem bro... please help me how you fixed it?

Ulic said:
I have same problem bro... please help me how you fixed it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, i just downloaded the official firmware, and flashed it regurarly through odin, you have to make sure the firmware is stock, otherwise it will not work.

Hey, could you tell me where you downloaded the firmware faster?

Hifty said:
Hey, could you tell me where you downloaded the firmware faster?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this tool https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-s/general/tool-samfirm-samsung-firmware-t2988647 even though it says its deprecated it still worked fine for me.

Updato.com

USA Unlocked N10+ to Carrier Firmware/Radios and Removing Bloatware. Check my work?

Hi all,
Just want to make sure I am doing this correctly and ask a few questions on the way. I have ordered an unlocked Note 10+ direct from Samsung because I really wanted Aura Blue (plus totally bonkers pre-BF discounts). My understanding is that, as I use T-Mobile, the radios are not going to be optimized for T-Mobile's network, leading to crappier call quality, and some features will not work.
1. Is this correct?
If so, my understanding is that I can use Odin to flash the T-Mobile firmware without rooting or unlocking the bootloader, and this will allow the phone to work as though I purchased it from T-Mobile. Assuming that I have this right so far, I need to download and install Odin, download the most recent T-Mobile firmware from here: https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note-10-plus/firmware/SM-N975U/TMB/
and install according to the instructions on the page for "5 Files" (https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/g...e/SM-N975U/TMB/download/N975USQS2ASJ8/299552/).
2. So far so good? Do I have this right so far?
3. Sometimes my wifi gets wonky and file downloads get corrupted. Is there a way to ensure the integrity of the file before I install it onto my phone?
4. I understand that there will be a lot of Samsung and T-Mobile Bloatware. To remove this, I just follow these instructions via ADB, is that right?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...msung-galaxy-note-10-note-10-debloat-t3964027
or these: https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/disable-bloatware-for-free-your-galaxy-note-10-10-0207598/
5. Anything I'm missing?
Thanks in advance for the help. I haven't used these programs since my Galaxy S3 so I'm quite rusty.

The directions look pretty accurate, but there's a few other things you will need to do.
Don't use the home_csc when flashing the Tmobile firmware to the device. Also you will want to place the userdata file into the correct spot on the odin flashing tool. The userdata contains all the carrier specific stuff.
Do a factory data reset before you flash the Tmobile firmware (to remove the FRP lock). After flashing the Tmobile firmware be sure to do another factory data reset to ensure things (OTA, etc) work properly.
As for the download you could try using samfirm and having it check the CRC32. Checking the CRC will double check the file integrity. I don't have samfirm anymore on my PC because I upgraded to the Note 10+, but someone else may have a link to a download (or you can google search it to locate it.. Which is what I did to obtain the app before).
As for the bloat I just uninstalled what apps I could that I didn't need, and for the others I used an app from Google Play Store to disable them. I do suggest that you try disabling apps first and not trying to remove them. If you remove the wrong app you will undoubtedly encounter issues/problems.

scottusa2008 said:
Don't use the home_csc when flashing the Tmobile firmware to the device. Also you will want to place the userdata file into the correct spot on the odin flashing tool. The userdata contains all the carrier specific stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, so use CSC_*** rather than HOME_CSC? Will Odin tell me about how to place the userdata into the correct spot?
scottusa2008 said:
Do a factory data reset before you flash the Tmobile firmware (to remove the FRP lock). After flashing the Tmobile firmware be sure to do another factory data reset to ensure things (OTA, etc) work properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will I still need to do the factory data reset if I basically take it out of the box, make sure it works, and then flash it? Can't hurt, I guess, I just want to be clear about my timeframe on installation.
scottusa2008 said:
As for the download you could try using samfirm and having it check the CRC32. Checking the CRC will double check the file integrity. I don't have samfirm anymore on my PC because I upgraded to the Note 10+, but someone else may have a link to a download (or you can google search it to locate it.. Which is what I did to obtain the app before).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what it was! Checking the CRC32 hash. I remember now.
scottusa2008 said:
As for the bloat I just uninstalled what apps I could that I didn't need, and for the others I used an app from Google Play Store to disable them. I do suggest that you try disabling apps first and not trying to remove them. If you remove the wrong app you will undoubtedly encounter issues/problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. Do you recall which app you used? I guess I could just hide them in a launcher app, too, but I am particularly miffed about the fact that Facebook apparently comes pre-installed and can't be uninstalled on the unlocked N10+ (though I do not have one in my hands and obviously can't confirm myself as a result).
Thanks!

XanRules said:
Okay, so use CSC_*** rather than HOME_CSC? Will Odin tell me about how to place the userdata into the correct spot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes use the CSC_*** and not the HOME_CSC when flashing.
For the userdata you should see it when you look at the Odin interface. Essentially as you place the 5 individual parts into each appropriate spot in Odin, you should see the 6th spot labled userdata.
XanRules said:
Will I still need to do the factory data reset if I basically take it out of the box, make sure it works, and then flash it? Can't hurt, I guess, I just want to be clear about my timeframe on installation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you just take it out of the box, turn it on and do not add a Google Account to it then you can just skip the factory data reset.
If you just take it out of the box, turn it on and add a google account to it then you will want to factory data reset it before flashing it with the carrier firmware.
XanRules said:
Gotcha. Do you recall which app you used? I guess I could just hide them in a launcher app, too, but I am particularly miffed about the fact that Facebook apparently comes pre-installed and can't be uninstalled on the unlocked N10+ (though I do not have one in my hands and obviously can't confirm myself as a result).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use CCSWE App Manager for disabling apps I don't want to use. It's a paid app, but it doesn't cost that much if I recall correctly (think a few bucks... It's been a while since I bought it).

scottusa2008 said:
Yes use the CSC_*** and not the HOME_CSC when flashing.
For the userdata you should see it when you look at the Odin interface. Essentially as you place the 5 individual parts into each appropriate spot in Odin, you should see the 6th spot labled userdata.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool. And what I do with that field will be self explanatory?
scottusa2008 said:
I use CCSWE App Manager for disabling apps I don't want to use. It's a paid app, but it doesn't cost that much if I recall correctly (think a few bucks... It's been a while since I bought it).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great, I see it. Thanks!

XanRules said:
Cool. And what I do with that field will be self explanatory?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If by "self explanatory" you mean the firmware file with the word USERDATA as part of it's name goes into the the spot on odin labled "USERDATA"... Then yes
XanRules said:
Great, I see it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem

@scottusa2008 Can you clarify this for me? In SM-N975U1 and SM-975U both have T mobile(TMB).
1. Can you explain why are we flash use file from U version instead of U1?
2. Do I download the latest version of the file?
3. If I want to flash back to original for return or warranty which file do I need?
I need to confirm these information so I purchase the phone tommorow

OxyEthane said:
Can you clarify this for me? In SM-N975U1 and SM-975U both have T mobile(TMB).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My responses in this thread pertained to the OP asking about flashing U firmware onto his/her U1 model phone. Even if "both" have it (and I used both) I only got the full functionality available from the carrier when I flashed the carrier firmware.
Otherwise I got generic one size fits all functionality with the U1 firmware... Which was fairly decent, but the U firmware was a better performer for Tmobile IMHO.
But flash what you want and see what changes. If you did research onto the subject then you should be aware of the bootloader version (explained further below).
OxyEthane said:
1. Can you explain why are we flash use file from U version instead of U1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure why this is still a problem to understand? It's been answered before and even on different threads/forums if you search for knowledge. Or go ahead and try it to find out... Either way here's how I understand it (and from past experience).
Unless things have drastically changed (which I have not heard have or seen) firmware for the U1 model is unbranded firmware. It's has a carrier bloat free experience, configured to obtain updates through samsung with a generic one size fits all carrier compatibility pending on what sim card is installed. Once installed the phone configures itself based on what sim card settings are present and (from poking around on my last rooted phone and from what I can remember) some configuration scripts on the phone (enabling/disabling bands and etc). This is why some features won't work and some will, but again it depends on the carrier and what the carrier requires.
Unlike the U1 firmware the U firmware is carrier specific and contains customizations/tweaks for said carrier by that carrier. The firmware also will contain changes made by the carrier and any carrier specific apps.
OxyEthane said:
2. Do I download the latest version of the file?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your going to flash firmware then you flash either the U1 firmware or the U firmware. You shouldn't mix and match firmware parts.. Just pay attention to the bootloader version of the firmware. You can only flash firmware that has a bootloader version equal too or greater then that of what is currently on the phone.
OxyEthane said:
3. If I want to flash back to original for return or warranty which file do I need?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if the bootloader is equal to or greater then what is currently on the phone then yes.
OxyEthane said:
I need to confirm these information so I purchase the phone tommorow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry I could not get back sooner but had to work to pay the bills. As a side note you can find all of your answers on the internet. None of this is special access private information, it's been covered quite extensively.

all about official firmware and where to find it

This wil be a list of firmware sources and a bit of explanation in different firmware versions and builds. This information has been gathered over the past few weeks, mainly by helping others to find the proper stock roms.
First of all, there seem to be multiple regions that have different firmware’s, and there seem to be different software channels per region or per region per provider. ( for instance vfeu vs reteu )
The phone model is XT2041-X where the X can stand for 1 to 4
The development name / moto name is called: Sofiar ( XT2041-1/3)
the development name for the US name is: Sofia ( xt2041-4 )
The easiest way to find the proper firmware would be via the Lenovo rescue and smart assistant ( LMSA)
you can download it from here: https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles/rescue_and_smart_v5.0.0.25_setup.exe
Since a few days support has been added to rescue the g8 power
you can download the current firmware for your device via the rescue page.
Manual selection of firmware sources:
So far, every source on the internet points to the lolinet mirror
see https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/sofiar/official/
US version: https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmware/moto/sofia/official/
a 2nd source would be the moto updates tracker, but I expect that everything you find here Will appear on lolinet
US: https://t.me/s/MotoUpdatesTracker?q=#sofia
The rest of the world: https://t.me/s/MotoUpdatesTracker?q=#sofiar
so far I have not been able to find any other sources. I hope this helps a bit in downloading / finding the stock firmware for your phone.
If you find any other / better source, please let me know, I'll add it to this first post.

Thanks
I successfully updated mine and regained root.
I will post manual update guide later.
A side note: the following must be flashed in fastbootd (fastboot reboot fastbootd or adb reboot fastboot)
boot.img, recovery.img, vbmeta.img, super, dtbo.img

@mingkee Pls can you share manual update guide? THX

endva3 said:
@mingkee Pls can you share manual update guide? THX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a simple method using LMSA rescue method, but make sure you backup your phone because your phone will be wiped during the process.

Hi, I'm running into a little problem. I used the lolinet link to download the factory ROM for my Moto G Power (Best Buy unlocked, on Verizon). I downloaded the sofia VZW factory ROM first (thinking because I'm on Verizon). I used Magisk to patch the boot.img and fastbooted it. After reboot, I lost the touch screen and cell service -- could not unlock the phone. So I thought no big deal, I'll just reflash the unpatched boot.img from the sofia retus ROM this time. However, I still do not have touch screen. Does anyone have the factory boot.img for QPM30.80.50-1 that originally came with this G Power? Thanks in advance.

quangtran1 said:
Hi, I'm running into a little problem. I used the lolinet link to download the factory ROM for my Moto G Power (Best Buy unlocked, on Verizon). I downloaded the sofia VZW factory ROM first (thinking because I'm on Verizon). I used Magisk to patch the boot.img and fastbooted it. After reboot, I lost the touch screen and cell service -- could not unlock the phone. So I thought no big deal, I'll just reflash the unpatched boot.img from the sofia retus ROM this time. However, I still do not have touch screen. Does anyone have the factory boot.img for QPM30.80.50-1 that originally came with this G Power? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have patched unmatched build number.
Solution: flash full ROM
LMSA rescue is the simplest method but it will wipe the phone

Thanks! That was what I ended up doing.

Is it possible to change fw xt2041-3 (PAHF0004PL) to XT2041-3 (PAHF0006GB)? I'm on the PL version (andoid security January 2020) and the GB version is May 2020. If possible, the bootloader must be unlocked? Can it be changed via any tool (mototool) or via adb commands?

Anyone have the boot.img for QPMS30.80-51-3?
I cant download the latest May update from their server. Some reason the link to download expired a few days after. So if anyone has another link or can just hook it up with the boot.img please
I couldnt get it with the rescue app either it was a lower version.
EDIT
Found it here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=82865201&postcount=73

Some lessons learned
pjottrr said:
The easiest way to find the proper firmware would be via the Lenovo rescue and smart assistant ( LMSA)
you can download it from here: https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/mobiles/rescue_and_smart_v5.0.0.25_setup.exe
Since a few days support has been added to rescue the g8 power
you can download the current firmware for your device via the rescue page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, you in fact cannot exactly download the "current" firmware via the rescue page - the phone's updater app thinks QPM30.80-51-3 is the latest version, but the rescue app installs the newer QPM30.80-109. Both are 5/1/2020 security patch level, but the boot.img files are most certainly not interchangeable.
I ended up in a bootloop which I had to rescue the phone to escape. I'd advise anyone wanting to root this phone to just rescue it first.
Also it's essential that you install the Motorola Device Manager/USB drivers in addition to LRSA, otherwise LRSA will incorrectly insist your phone is not in fastboot flash mode if you have to resort to rescuing from fastboot mode.
Finally, the rescue process will not work from a Windows VM under KVM, whether you have the USB device redirected or shared with the host. You need Windows running on bare metal.
Hope this saves someone the hours of annoyance I just went through trying to unbrick the damn thing.

Can jump from a carrier Rom to a unlocked version? And if yes, what's the unlocked phone rom? Cause I only see carrier versions.

Mikael1013 said:
Can jump from a carrier Rom to a unlocked version? And if yes, what's the unlocked phone rom? Cause I only see carrier versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Switching from a carrier rom to an unlocked version won't SIM unlock a phone (at least not to my knowledge), if that's your objective. But if you're looking to switch the retail flavor rom, try RETUS, specifically XT2041-4_SOFIA_RETUS_10_QPM30.80-13-2_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip.

rlrevell said:
In my case, you in fact cannot exactly download the "current" firmware via the rescue page - the phone's updater app thinks QPM30.80-51-3 is the latest version, but the rescue app installs the newer QPM30.80-109. Both are 5/1/2020 security patch level, but the boot.img files are most certainly not interchangeable.
I ended up in a bootloop which I had to rescue the phone to escape. I'd advise anyone wanting to root this phone to just rescue it first.
Also it's essential that you install the Motorola Device Manager/USB drivers in addition to LRSA, otherwise LRSA will incorrectly insist your phone is not in fastboot flash mode if you have to resort to rescuing from fastboot mode.
Finally, the rescue process will not work from a Windows VM under KVM, whether you have the USB device redirected or shared with the host. You need Windows running on bare metal.
Hope this saves someone the hours of annoyance I just went through trying to unbrick the damn thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also a good word of advice before flashing a boot.bin
run the command
fastboot boot boot.bin
or whatever your boot.bin is called
Then you can test your patched file before patching it. Also even better once you get into Android you can open MAGISK and use direct install

TNS201 said:
Also a good word of advice before flashing a boot.bin
run the command
fastboot boot boot.bin
or whatever your boot.bin is called
Then you can test your patched file before patching it. Also even better once you get into Android you can open MAGISK and use direct install
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never actually had this work on any device I've tried to root. Command not implemented or some such error was always the result. Does it work for you on this device?

The download link for the latest Google Fi firmware works again if anyone wants to grab it before it expires...again heh.
SOFIA_RETAIL_QPMS30.80-51-3

CodyF86 said:
The download link for the latest Google Fi firmware works again if anyone wants to grab it before it expires...again heh.
SOFIA_RETAIL_QPMS30.80-51-3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have stock boot IMG by any chance? Thx in advance

freddienuxx said:
Do you have stock boot IMG by any chance? Thx in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sofia_80-51-3boot.img

CodyF86 said:
sofia_80-51-3boot.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx man

rlrevell said:
I've never actually had this work on any device I've tried to root. Command not implemented or some such error was always the result. Does it work for you on this device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea when you are in bootloader with phone attached to the PC it should work
It worked on my pixel 2 xl and this phone

Does anybody have this file available? (Sorry for the spaces, I can't post a link...). The download link has expired.
t.me /motoupdatestracker/ 2752
filename: SOFIA_RETAIL_QPMS30.80-51-5_subsidy-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_CFC.xml.zip
What's the difference between that and RETUS on lolinet? Is there any? Reason I'm asking is that I don't have any radios after that OTA (Google Fi) and flashing the boot.img from RETUS QPMS-30.80-51-5.

Samsung Galaxy s9 Demo Security Error

Hello! This is my first post on any forum ever, so please be gentle.
Recently I dumpster dove behind a U.S. Cellular that had just gone out of business and I found this neat Samsung Galaxy S9 Live Demo phone. It was originally flashed with an SM-G960XU Firmware, but I wanted to de-demo mode it, so I thought I would flash an SM-G960U firmware on it instead.
This failed miserably and I now have the following error: "Security Error: This phone has been flashed with unauthorized software...". A picture of the error, as well as the other information I have been able to glean from the locked phone is attached.
Unfortunately, I knew nothing about androids before attempting to flash the phone, so I have no other data about the phone other than what is in the pictures.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much,
Oronto

Meh... you have a parts queen, less the mobo.

Demo unit should be missing the baseband chip hardware inside, so even if you could flash the stock firmware you would be limited to using it with wifi.
Apart from that, what happens if you try to flash again with odin? i would try flashing the precedent firmware G960XU

effry said:
Demo unit should be missing the baseband chip hardware inside, so even if you could flash the stock firmware you would be limited to using it with wifi.
Apart from that, what happens if you try to flash again with odin? i would try flashing the precedent firmware G960XU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi effry,
Thank you for your response. I would love to reflash it with its original firmware but I can’t find it anywhere on the internet! I did not realize I was supposed to back up the firmware before flashing it which was quite the mistake. Do you happen to know where I might be able to find this firmware?
Thank you very much,
Oronto

Start from here and check the exact phone model with the IMEI, it is printed on the bottom of the back of the phone (use a strong light, it's a small and light text)
Check Samsung IMEI information in SamFw.com
You can check Samsung IMEI information like Model, Region. And you can choose the exact firmware
samfw.com
After that you can use the same site to search for the correct firmware , donwload it and flash it with Odin

blackhawk said:
Meh... you have a parts queen, less the mobo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Blackhawk,
Thanks for the response. What do you mean by a parts queen? Do you mean I should sell it for parts on eBay?
Thanks,
Oronto

Oronto said:
Hi Blackhawk,
Thanks for the response. What do you mean by a parts queen? Do you mean I should sell it for parts on eBay?
Thanks,
Oronto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A hangar queen is the actual terminology. An aircraft used for donor parts to keep others flying.
The display, frame, battery, C port pcb, cam module should be good. The mobo is useless for use as a phone except as noted with wifi.
So if you have another phone of the same model... you now have an Android queen

effry said:
Start from here and check the exact phone model with the IMEI, it is printed on the bottom of the back of the phone (use a strong light, it's a small and light text)
Check Samsung IMEI information in SamFw.com
You can check Samsung IMEI information like Model, Region. And you can choose the exact firmware
samfw.com
After that you can use the same site to search for the correct firmware , donwload it and flash it with Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi effry,
Thank you again! I input the model’s serial number into the website you linked and it returned that the firmware is SM-G960XZKUXAR. Unfortunately, that website doesn’t have the firmware that it tells me the phone is supposed to have. I checked elsewhere on the internet but I can’t seem to find it. Is there an obscure website you know of that might have it?
Alternatively, do you think it is possible that I could flash it with another equivalent firmware? If so, what might you suggest?
Thank you very much,
Oronto

blackhawk said:
A hangar queen is the actual terminology. An aircraft used for donor parts to keep others flying.
The display, frame, battery, C port pcb, cam module should be good. The mobo is useless for use as a phone except as noted with wifi.
So if you have another phone of the same model... you now have an Android queen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi blackhawk,
Thank you for your insight into which parts seem useful for scrapping. It is looking like I might have to do that. Unfortunately, I do not have an equivalent model, so I will have to sell it for parts if it comes down to that.
Thanks again,
Oronto

Oronto said:
Hi effry,
Thank you again! I input the model’s serial number into the website you linked and it returned that the firmware is SM-G960XZKUXAR. Unfortunately, that website doesn’t have the firmware that it tells me the phone is supposed to have. I checked elsewhere on the internet but I can’t seem to find it. Is there an obscure website you know of that might have it?
Alternatively, do you think it is possible that I could flash it with another equivalent firmware? If so, what might you suggest?
Thank you very much,
Oronto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By looking online it seems that flashing the firmware with odin should fix the issue. Maybe you did something wrong in the process? i would try another odin flash using this firmware
Download Galaxy S9 SM-G960U (XAS) G960USQS9FUG2 in Samfw - Samsung firmware download
Galaxy S9 SM-G960U (XAS - United States) G960USQS9FUG2 Q(Android 10) samsung firmware download all model, lastest, fast update, completely free and fast speed in Samfw.com ✅
samfw.com

If it doesn't work, i found the SM-G960X files here, this should be the full DEMO firmware
G960XUSQU3CSAB-(VZW)(Firmware 5 Files + USERDATA) (Android 9 Pie) File By (www.needromarab.Com).zip
drive.google.com
There are also some interesting download here, they say to be the complete firmware but for some reason they are just 1 gb size instead of 4.4gb like the others so i don't know
Samsung SM-G960X Combination File ROM (Flash File)
Download Samsung SM-G960X Combination File (original flash file, rom) without any password for Free. We also provide the combination file for all Samsung devices.
samsungcombinationfile.com

effry said:
If it doesn't work, i found the SM-G960X files here, this should be the full DEMO firmware
G960XUSQU3CSAB-(VZW)(Firmware 5 Files + USERDATA) (Android 9 Pie) File By (www.needromarab.Com).zip
drive.google.com
There are also some interesting download here, they say to be the complete firmware but for some reason they are just 1 gb size instead of 4.4gb like the others so i don't know
Samsung SM-G960X Combination File ROM (Flash File)
Download Samsung SM-G960X Combination File (original flash file, rom) without any password for Free. We also provide the combination file for all Samsung devices.
samsungcombinationfile.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi effry,
Thank you very much for all of these options! I will try them all when I get home and let you know if I have any success.
Thanks again,
Oronto

effry said:
If it doesn't work, i found the SM-G960X files here, this should be the full DEMO firmware
G960XUSQU3CSAB-(VZW)(Firmware 5 Files + USERDATA) (Android 9 Pie) File By (www.needromarab.Com).zip
drive.google.com
There are also some interesting download here, they say to be the complete firmware but for some reason they are just 1 gb size instead of 4.4gb like the others so i don't know
Samsung SM-G960X Combination File ROM (Flash File)
Download Samsung SM-G960X Combination File (original flash file, rom) without any password for Free. We also provide the combination file for all Samsung devices.
samsungcombinationfile.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello again effry,
I tried your firmwares and bad things have happened. It got to where the download was almost finished and then it displayed this error. Unfortunately Smart Switch Emergency Software Recovery does not register it as connected.
I believe I am boned. Thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Oronto

Oronto said:
Hello again effry,
I tried your firmwares and bad things have happened. It got to where the download was almost finished and then it displayed this error. Unfortunately Smart Switch Emergency Software Recovery does not register it as connected.
I believe I am boned. Thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Oronto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could just replace the motherboard from Ebay for around 50 bucks (USD). Make sure it's a regular unlocked version (both FRP and network), any carrier will do since you can cross flash any firmware of your choice (no need for the demo anymore). Just a heads up, demo units sometimes are missing some of the LTE antenna cables/connectors, which would prevent the good replacement main board from working on cellular.

billa said:
You could just replace the motherboard from Ebay for around 50 bucks (USD). Make sure it's a regular unlocked version (both FRP and network), any carrier will do since you can cross flash any firmware of your choice (no need for the demo anymore). Just a heads up, demo units sometimes are missing some of the LTE antenna cables/connectors, which would prevent the good replacement main board from working on cellular.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi billa,
Thanks for the advice. I’ll look into it, but I might end up just selling it for parts.
Thanks,
Oronto