My 1st Samsung Device. - Galaxy S6 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean

Chocolina said:
Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat wondering the same things. Are you on T-mobile? They offer device unlock and I'm wondering if I should do that.

SammyTRK said:
I'm in the same boat wondering the same things. Are you on T-mobile? They offer device unlock and I'm wondering if I should do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a few extensive questions for T-mo. They said you need to have a T-mo account/service for 40+ days before you can start requesting unlocking.
I'm not sure if you can unlock phones already on a plan, or phones that have been fully paid off. If you're happy with T-mo, then unlocking is pretty much pointless, but it does give you more selling options down the line. T-mo has a "no hassle" upgrade service where for an extra $10 a month on your bill, you can trade up to another device by trading in your current one at half-value. This would mean if I wanted a Note 5, they would only give me half the value of the S6 to apply to the new phone. Alternatively if you had an fully-financed unocked S6, you could sell it for much more down the line. I'm expecting to sell my S6 for around $700-$750 in a few months.

Chocolina said:
Anyone mind telling me the terms necessary for Samsung mods/roots/etc...
On HTC I had things like S-Off
On LG I had things like Download Mode
What does Samsung have?
Any words or uh-ohs I should look out for. I don't know what things like Knox or Odin mean
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i havent used Samsung since the galaxy nexus so im trying to figure things out again too. S-off is an unlocked bootloader? I think most carrier versions of the S6 have an unlocked bootloader with the exception of Verizon and AT&T. Samsung also has download mode but you need to use a program call Odin. There's also Samsung Kies and Smart Switch used for backup, restore and flashing back to stock carrier firmware.

Related

Verizon just gave us the middle finger.

http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/samsung-brings-out-galaxy-s-iii-developer-edition-for-verizon/
Q&A
Who is this for?
Samsung and Verizon Wireless recognize that there are many enthusiasts and professional developers that are interested in customizing their device with third-party ROM software. Unlocking the bootloader can put the stability of the phone in jeopardy; therefore, only experienced developers should attempt to unlock the bootloader.
What about the other carriers?
Other versions of the Galaxy S III are sold with a user-unlockable bootloader as a standard feature. Those models are available directly from the respective carriers.
Where can I buy the Galaxy S III Developer Edition?
The Developer Edition will be sold online directly from Samsung. When the device is available for purchase, it will be sold through the Samsung developer portal at developer.samsung.com
Why is Verizon Wireless' version locked?
Depending on the device, an open boot loader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. Unlocking the device also voids the warranty.
Has Samsung always unlocked the bootloader on its phones?
While not all previous Samsung Android devices have had an easily unlockable bootloader, all of our other current Galaxy S III flagship lineup, and all Nexus-branded devices, support the standard bootloader unlocking procedure.
What happens if I load custom software and damage ("brick") my phone?
Problems caused by your unlocking the bootloader and installing custom software will not be covered by the warranty. Problems with third-party and customized bootloader software can cause irreparable harm to the Galaxy S III. Users interested in performing these actions should proceed with caution and at their own risk. Out of warranty Galaxy S III Developer Edition devices will be serviced directly through Samsung, and service charges will apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who's up for burning down some Verizon stores?
agreed. an absolute joke!?!?
Does NOT belong in the development forum!
Sent from my Galaxy S III
Normally I'd say it doesn't belong on the development forum, but this is obviously a very hot development-associated topic, and devs and followers are all interested in any updates regarding the bootloader status. This is important because it has implications for devs working to unlock the regular citizen's version--with an unlocked phone to play with, they'll be able to attack from the other side as well.
Boy did they give the the middle finger. So unlocked bootloaders and difrrent roms mess up the system, So they give us a locked bootloader and say its Samsungs falt but then let them sell us a unlocked bootloader phone and say its ok to use on your network. Thats some ****ed up ****
if samsung did this right tho, they would give us the key to unlocking the bootloaders for the verizon phones that have locked ones. leaving us with a $249-$300 phones that have unlocked bootloaders, compared to almost full retail. but that could never happen could it? (;
cadams122593 said:
if samsung did this right tho, they would give us the key to unlocking the bootloaders for the verizon phones that have locked ones. leaving us with a $249-$300 phones that have unlocked bootloaders, compared to almost full retail. but that could never happen could it? (;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe this is samsungs way of saying f-u verizon lol
Locked
Damn I really feel bad for you guys.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda premium
Mr.Highway said:
Locked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unlocked
yeah, that really sucks. looks to me like jumbo mumbo they are making up to they 'gave a response'
Let them know what you think of their policy with your wallet. I will never be a Verizon customer.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
Any chance devs can take the boot loader from this dev phone and put it on the regular S3?
K.AuthoR said:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/10/samsung-brings-out-galaxy-s-iii-developer-edition-for-verizon/
Who's up for burning down some Verizon stores?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please retain from smoking bath salts. That's all I ask.
dreamsti said:
Any chance devs can take the boot loader from this dev phone and put it on the regular S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suppose that's the million dollar question. If that happens, great. Then everybody sort of comes out happy with their phones.
cadams122593 said:
if samsung did this right tho, they would give us the key to unlocking the bootloaders for the verizon phones that have locked ones. leaving us with a $249-$300 phones that have unlocked bootloaders, compared to almost full retail. but that could never happen could it? (;
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What if Samsung, doesn't have the keys to give us? What if Verizon generated the keys, signed the boot, and then flashed our phones?
I just wanted to say how TROLOLOL this is, I feel bad for you guys on Verizon but I do find it kind of amusing, Verizon pulled this same sh*t with the Droid Razr, that shipped with a Locked BL and what was the answer have Moto offer a no warranty Dev Version...same thing just a diff manufacturer.
I do think its stupid of VZ for locking it down the way they did. But, it is a device thats used on their network, and if thats what they want to do, than so be it.
We all have seen it time and time again, a warranty claim for a bricked phone. We drove them to doing this. And, there will be a developer phone.
I will miss all the flashing I use to do. Even stock, this phone rocks. I dont think they are giving us the finger, I think they looking out for their best interests for the most part.
they should unlock it for us if we ask them and sig somthing saying if we **** it up then were ****ed and have to buy a new one. i have no proubs with that

Decided to jump ship..

Thanks for all the help on here guys. I loved my S4 but it was time to upgrade. Even though I have been stuck on Samsung phones for years, I decided to switch to the Nexus 6. With carriers locking everything down I figured I might as well. I'm extremely happy with this device so far.
And thanks Muniz_ri, you made my time with the S4 bearable.
dankhar said:
Thanks for all the help on here guys. I loved my S4 but it was time to upgrade. Even though I have been stuck on Samsung phones for years, I decided to switch to the Nexus 6. With carriers locking everything down I figured I might as well. I'm extremely happy with this device so far.
And thanks Muniz_ri, you made my time with the S4 bearable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T is the one that locks bootloaders on Samsung!!!! NOT Samsung...
Reread what I said. "With CARRIERS locking everything down." Never said Samsung was doing it. I was just saying I've always used a Samsung phone, but since they are all being locked on my current carrier I switched to the Nexus.

			
				
tailgunner9 said:
AT&T is the one that locks bootloaders on Samsung!!!! NOT Samsung...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T had to get Samsung's approval to modify the bootloaders to lock them, so Samsung was complicit in it, they could have easily said no.
They make the most popular phone on earth, I doubt AT&T or Verizon would have stopped carrying them and have their customers buy them elsewhere if they were threatening to drop the phone from their plans.
Apoplectic1 said:
AT&T had to get Samsung's approval to modify the bootloaders to lock them, so Samsung was complicit in it, they could have easily said no.
They make the most popular phone on earth, I doubt AT&T or Verizon would have stopped carrying them and have their customers buy them elsewhere if they were threatening to drop the phone from their plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does AT&T lock them on all their phones??? Think I have read that T-Mobile did not lock their Samsung phones, not sure on others at T-Mobile.
tailgunner9 said:
Does AT&T lock them on all their phones??? Think I have read that T-Mobile did not lock their Samsung phones, not sure on others at T-Mobile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe so, yes. AT&T has been on the record as stating that they refuse to support any phone with a non-locked bootloader (though, I have no idea where they stand on the new Nexus 6, which I don't believe has one and they do carry).
tailgunner9 said:
AT&T is the one that locks bootloaders on Samsung!!!! NOT Samsung...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't stop HTC from providing unlockable bootloaders on the M7/M8. They allow you to unlock your bootloader in exchange for your warranty, even on AT&T,but Samsung doesn't. I think LG will start unlocking bootloaders soon as well.
If I could afford it or should I say the wife wouldn't pitch a fit I think the Nexus 6 would be my choice as well. I have been on T-Mobile for over 10 years but got the AT&T S4 for free or I wouldn't be in this locked mess.
Yeah. So far I have been using the Nexus since I made this post. Unlocking and rooting were easy and I love 5.0.1. It was a big change from Samsung's S4 having no real buttons and such. But so far I have no complaints. Not gonna lie it did take a few days yo adjust to it. Still glad I made this switch though. I may use a Samsung device again someday, but if I do I would have to go the Developer route.
You know you could just get a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 or S5 since it has no locked bootloader and then SIM unlock it to work on AT&T.
I got lucky with my Galaxy S4, as it came with the MDL firmware. As soon as I realized it, I froze all the OTA crap so I can take advantage of the LOKI exploit and install Clockwork mod recovery.
Yep without the loki exploit, I dont think gs4 is worth it... I dont safestrap.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
StoneyJSG said:
You know you could just get a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 or S5 since it has no locked bootloader and then SIM unlock it to work on AT&T.
I got lucky with my Galaxy S4, as it came with the MDL firmware. As soon as I realized it, I froze all the OTA crap so I can take advantage of the LOKI exploit and install Clockwork mod recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heard they use different LTE freq. Cannot say for sure.
tailgunner9 said:
Heard they use different LTE freq. Cannot say for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They use the exact same LTE bands.
TMobile:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SGH-M919ZWATMB-specs
AT&T:
http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SGH-I337ZWAATT-specs

[Q]Does anyone know which variant is or is going to be the most mod-friendly?

I'm coming from a LG G3 were the mods were in overwhelming favor and support for the T-mobile version.
Just want to know if the carrier is going to matter if I'm someone interested in trying out roms
T-mobile usually don't lock down the bootloader. AT&T and Version both will be so locked down it will be months if at all before their variants will be mod-able.
Talking about US models? Sprint and T-Mobile bc they don't lock the bootloaders.
What would you personally prefer over T-mobile or Sprint?
Edit: I think its safe to asume that you prefer Sprint
Chocolina said:
What would you personally prefer over T-mobile or Sprint?
Edit: I think its safe to asume that you prefer Sprint
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on a family plan, so it's not what I prefer, it's my parents haha. Sprint coverage sucks, BUT they're customer service is good, plus they don't lock the bootloaders. I've had Sprint since it was Nextel lol (15+yrs).
Related question, if I have a Verizon plan, can I buy a Sprint S6, easily unlock the sim-restriction (if there is one) and use my verizon SIM card?
With this chip it will be hard pressed for any to really be mod friendly
zelendel said:
With this chip it will be hard pressed for any to really be mod friendly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't matter in the end. Sprint and Tmo wouldnt let me buy full-retail price of the phone without a plan
My only wish is that the S6 gets multirom (I don't know the reason why S5 didn't get it). It's a lifesaver.
Xposed will eventually be available, and root enables a number of other tweaks... but multirom. That's where I put my "prayers".
edurjbr said:
My only wish is that the S6 gets multirom (I don't know the reason why S5 didn't get it). It's a lifesaver.
Xposed will eventually be available, and root enables a number of other tweaks... but multirom. That's where I put my "prayers".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the model is depending on if the bootloader will get unlocked. Without that multirom is not an option.
zelendel said:
Depending on the model is depending on if the bootloader will get unlocked. Without that multirom is not an option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well... T-Mobile and Sprint vs come with unlocked bootloaders, right? And I believe the international vs will come the same way... that's how some people already got root in their S6, right?
With that, the first thing needed is a custom recovery and the patched kernel... that's where it might get tricky, for the exynos processor. If I'm not jumping to conclusions.
Does anyone know about the Canadian versions and their bootloaders?
edurjbr said:
Well... T-Mobile and Sprint vs come with unlocked bootloaders, right? And I believe the international vs will come the same way... that's how some people already got root in their S6, right?
With that, the first thing needed is a custom recovery and the patched kernel... that's where it might get tricky, for the exynos processor. If I'm not jumping to conclusions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes they do yes but no promises. It really all depends. As for recovery that will be up to the very few that still work on this chipset. Many of the bigger developers have walked away from Samsung because of their lies about this chip and the issues it causes with anything but touch wiz roms.

[Q&A] Anyone working on Root for AT&T?

Q&A for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?
Some developers prefer that questions remain separate from their main development thread to help keep things organized. Placing your question within this thread will increase its chances of being answered by a member of the community or by the developer.
Before posting, please use the forum search and read through the discussion thread for Anyone working on Root for AT&T?. If you can't find an answer, post it here, being sure to give as much information as possible (firmware version, steps to reproduce, logcat if available) so that you can get help.
Thanks for understanding and for helping to keep XDA neat and tidy!
AT&T Note Edge help
I know that there is not a root for this phone yet. I'm very upset with myself for not researching this first. I now strongly regret moving from T-Mobile to AT&T. I'm having more trouble with this almost $1000 phone than I've had with $150 huawei phones. All of this AT&T bloat is ridiculous. The AT&T stuff on top of the Samsung bloat makes my phone borderline unusable. The lollipop update has made it much worse. Now it's not only freezing constantly, but the battery life is half of what it used to be and what it should be. It over heats like crazy. AT&T keeps telling me to factory reset or pay $250 for a new phone. AT&T might be the worst of allthe carriers.
Is there anything i can do to fix any of these issues at all? i've factory reset twice now just to be sure it wasn't that. I'm very close to getting rid of AT&T. The reason i prefer android is because of more options and now AT&T has taken that away from me.
root note edge
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
SM-N915A Firmware
So I am reading different things, but I understand I need the firmware for my Note Edge (AT&T) if I want to try and rooting the device. Some say the firmware has been released, but I can't seem to find it.
Anybody have information for the SM-915A firmware?
shonnick01 said:
i just bought a note edge att but i dont want to switch from s5 because no root for edge is there any way i can get wifi hotspot without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Oditius said:
Is there 2 different AT&T's? Been with AT&T for 3 years or so, had hotspot free since day 1. Guess you are still on a old plan?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T phone but straight talk service! sorry i should have mentioned that
Any news on perm root?
Any news for Root on the ATT side of Note Edge?
So, any news?
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
robandcathy said:
I'm not sure how roms are offered but no root?? sorry to ignorant but Iv been rooting for years look at my join date. I assume if roms are offered there must be a way to root. Unfortunately no one shared that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Oditius said:
There is a temp root, not sure if you can load a rom for it. But making Roms for the N915A (AT&T) isn't that hard since the N915T (Tmobile) is a close cousin. Maybe the Dev knows they are getting close?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
IceTwig said:
Actually its pretty hard.. and close to impossible, the boot loader is locked and there is currently NO chance of unlocking without the signature keys. Therefore no ROMS will be available. As for ROOT, there is a temp root but a permanent root is very difficult unless they find a way around WP (Write Protect). Tmobile and AT&T are nothing alike in software... which is the issue here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
It would seem that not sure where you get they are not alike. I can use my AT&T edge on the T-MOBILE network and visa-versa. I get LTE on both. But I do find it crappy that AT&T locked the boot loader, therefore preventing us from installing custom roms. As for what it takes to craft a custom Rom, I know very little about.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
IceTwig said:
I don't assume that.. its a fact really... the software that AT&T implements is TOTALLY different than T-Mobile, for one T-Mobile usually never locks their bootloader. Both models are GSM so yea you can interchange providers assuming the SIM is unlocked... but that goes for ANY GSM phone... LG, HTC, they can also be used on T-Mobile if they are GSM.
AT&T has locked all their bootloaders since S3 as far as I remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Oditius said:
Except for some European models won't get LTE on AT&T. I guess I should separate hardware from software. TMO hardware is what is similar to AT&T. As far as locking the bootloader, yep. But that is also different than the OS. The HTC One was finally unlocked.. I believe that someday it would be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N915A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lets hope so
downlgrade to Android v4 from Lollipop Note edge N915A
Anyone can show direction and files to downgrade Galaxy note edge N915A (ATT) from Android Lollipop to Kitkat ?
Thanks in advance
Root

[Q] Which one do I want? D:

Tried posting this in the S6 Edge forum already, but got no response, so hopefully you guys can help me out.
I'm upgrading from a very buggy Galaxy S4. (The bugs are my fault and I'm not savvy enough to fix them, so I just deal with them.) I have a few questions about which version of the S6 I should get because I'm seeing a lot of info and I'm not really sure what all of it means, so hopefully you guys can give me straight and simple answers.
1. Which version of the S6 do I want if I want to be able to switch between AT&T and Verizon? I'm currently on Straight Talk using AT&T. However, Verizon is overall the best in my area and areas I work, so if I get switched to a new client where AT&T doesn't work I may need to change back to Page Plus on Verizon quickly. I'm seeing conflicting information on these phones, some say all should work while some say only certain ones will work well (all of them seem to be speculating really, I can't find any "for sure this works" posts). At least there does seem to be hope out there that it's possible for some versions to be able to switch between the two easily, one of them being the Verizon one, which also lacks some apparently annoying features the AT&T one has.
2. An out-of-the-box, working mobile hotspot feature is extremely important to me if at all possible. My S4 is messed up primarily because my attempt at making things work, like the hotspot, didn't go so well. I've seen on these forums that some users are saying that at least the Verizon version will work if you use FoxFi, no rooting or tether file hacking required (so no risk of me breaking my phone, yay). I have the paid version of FoxFi already, so that's good news if it's true. Confirm/deny and is the same true for the AT&T version if I had to get that instead? I also just saw some mention of a file that can be downloaded to a rooted S6, but am unsure.
Thanks all!
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Sent from my risiculously powered S6 using Tapatalk
holla420 said:
I would say but the unlocked s6. U could switch the sim cards out np. Yes there is root for vzw s6 now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But which version of an unlocked S6 do I want? They all still have branding on them which can make some things work or not work from what I've been reading. Am not sure if the Verizon branded one will work for what I need or if I need a different one.
Am not really interested in rooting if I can avoid it because I might break a rather expensive device if I muck something up like I did with my S4. Just need a working hotspot and if I have to root to get it then I guess I have to, but I won't need the root for anything else.

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