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[I9500] Easy way to downgrade from official Lollipop 5.0.1 to official KitKat 4.4.2

If you are having trouble doing the downgrade from Lollipop (5.0.1) to KitKat (4.4.2), like no IMEI (baseband) or directly fails when flashing via Odin, here's the solution (worked for me ):
1) Download the following firmware: www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/40444/I9500UBUGNJ1_I9500UUBGNJ1_ARO
2) Before flashing the firmware via Odin, make a full wipe to the device (works best with a custom recovery, making wipe data/cache, format system, preload, modem, internal sd card, dalvik, etc). This is the custom recovery that i used: www.mega.co.nz/#!PNZHQSRA!CCnUXXAyCX8tpvc6riBI-mfRj0U3peESpchIYGFC_XY
3) After making a full wipe, reboot into download mode and flash the downloaded firmware, it should make the process without problems.
4) When the process completes successfully (Odin says PASS), wait the device to restart till the Samsung logo appears.
5) Do a hard reboot to the recovery mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons at the same time.
6) Then make a format factory reset, finally reboot normally.
This process has worked for me, making a downgrade from the official update 5.0.1 (SER - Russia) to this official version 4.4.2 (ARO - Argentina).
Hope it works for you too. If it helped, don't forget to hit the thanks button and comment bellow :good:

It's 100% neccesary to wipe the modem?

martin_carpio17 said:
It's 100% neccesary to wipe the modem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No 100% necesary, but really recommended. I did it along with a full wipe and the downgrade was succesfull, without any issues

elias_gabriel said:
No 100% necesary, but really recommended. I did it along with a full wipe and the downgrade was succesfull, without any issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
any one tried ???

Yes please. Another feedback would be awesome ?
At this point I'm wasting my s4 hardware with lollipop

As you said, you were on 5.0.1 official stock, how did you wipe everything as you mentioned because that can only be done by custom recovery. Did u install custom recovery on 5.0.1?
---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
skchattha said:
As you said, you were on 5.0.1 official stock, how did you wipe everything as you mentioned because that can only be done by custom recovery. Did u install custom recovery on 5.0.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
currently i am on official 5.0.1 India ROM, no custom recovery , no root, just official. How should i start? pls suggest. Just want to make sure every step is correct when doing.

skchattha said:
As you said, you were on 5.0.1 official stock, how did you wipe everything as you mentioned because that can only be done by custom recovery. Did u install custom recovery on 5.0.1?
---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
currently i am on official 5.0.1 India ROM, no custom recovery , no root, just official. How should i start? pls suggest. Just want to make sure every step is correct when doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've installed a custom recovery (CWM 6.0.50) to do all those wipes, btw if your warranty void counter is on 0 and you want to keep that, don't install this and proceed doing the common wipes on stock recovery (format data - factory reset/wipe cache), and try then flashing the recommended firmware. As I said, I recommend to wipe ALL through a custom recovery before flashing the firmware, cause my counter was in 1 and through this method i was able to do a succesfull downgrade

I've uploaded the custom recovery that I used to do a full wipe. Install via Odin (only for people with warranty void counter 1, or which don't care losing warranty / set the counter to 1):
www.mega.co.nz/#!PNZHQSRA!CCnUXXAyCX8tpvc6riBI-mfRj0U3peESpchIYGFC_XY

Thanks a lot my friend, i will try. Fingers crossed..hope all goes well.
---------- Post added at 11:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 PM ----------
elias_gabriel said:
I've uploaded the custom recovery that I used to do a full wipe. Install via Odin (only for people with warranty void counter 1, or which don't care losing warranty / set the counter to 1):
mega.co.nz/#!PNZHQSRA!CCnUXXAyCX8tpvc6riBI-mfRj0U3peESpchIYGFC_XY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you also pls confirm what you all selected in Odin? Thanks

skchattha said:
Can you also pls confirm what you all selected in Odin? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, what do you mean exactly? Is that i don't understand the question...

Helpful
Thanks for sharing, this will save life of many users !!

skchattha said:
As you said, you were on 5.0.1 official stock, how did you wipe everything as you mentioned because that can only be done by custom recovery. Did u install custom recovery on 5.0.1?
---------- Post added at 01:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 AM ----------
currently i am on official 5.0.1 India ROM, no custom recovery , no root, just official. How should i start? pls suggest. Just want to make sure every step is correct when doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this worked for you, please confirm?

codehtm said:
Thanks for sharing, this will save life of many users !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope so, you're welcome

any one have kitkat frimware indian version? plz share on google drive!!! need it!!!
---------- Post added at 04:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:43 PM ----------
followed your steps failed!!!!

rinkulsk said:
any one have kitkat frimware indian version? plz share on google drive!!! need it!!!
---------- Post added at 04:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:43 PM ----------
followed your steps failed!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thats pretty strange, cause worked perfectly on my device. Actually i'm on this official 4.4.2 ARO

I downloaded ins firmware and followed your steps but failed!! I want 4.4.2 kit kat can some one mirror on Google drive ?
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

rinkulsk said:
I downloaded ins firmware and followed your steps but failed!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you flashed the recommended ARO firmware or another 4.4.2? One more time, this is recommended to downgrade from the russian 5.0.1, I've tested with this one, I don't know if it will work with the indian version.

But I need to be on Indian version bud!
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

rinkulsk said:
But I need to be on Indian version bud!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me understand... Were you on the indian/russian 5.0.1 and you want to downgrade to an indian 4.4.2? I think it's no possible, like I said, the only firmware that worked for me was the latest ARO I9500UBUGNJ1 firmware.

Am on Indian 5.0 1 and want to downgrade to kitkat
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

How to debrand SM-G955F from Telstra

Hello,
I bought a S8+ from Telstra in Australia but I'm not sure how to debrand it.
I downloaded a XSA firmware from samfirmware but when I try to flash it, it doesn't work.
Does anyone know how to do it?
Thanks!

brunopiovan said:
Hello,
I bought a S8+ from Telstra in Australia but I'm not sure how to debrand it.
I downloaded a XSA firmware from samfirmware but when I try to flash it, it doesn't work.
Does anyone know how to do it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should flash no problem i have done it without any issue
Guide me through your steps?

skinza said:
It should flash no problem i have done it without any issue
Guide me through your steps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I deleted the firmware I used, could you tell me which one did you use?

brunopiovan said:
I deleted the firmware I used, could you tell me which one did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used QE5 xsa
Try this
Download the latest xsa
Back up your phone
When your on odin put each file where it must go but dont use home csc use the OTHER one (your phone will factory reset)
Put phone into download mode then hit start
---------- Post added at 03:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------
brunopiovan said:
I deleted the firmware I used, could you tell me which one did you use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know how to flash firmware using odin?

Thanks I'll give it a try.
Yes I know how to flash it, thanks!
skinza said:
I used QE5 xsa
Try this
Download the latest xsa
Back up your phone
When your on odin put each file where it must go but dont use home csc use the OTHER one (your phone will factory reset)
Put phone into download mode then hit start
---------- Post added at 03:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:46 PM ----------
Do you know how to flash firmware using odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Could try it just now and it worked. Finally unbranded!
Thanks!

brunopiovan said:
Could try it just now and it worked. Finally unbranded!
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this trip the Knox counter and void the warranty?

bbegg said:
Will this trip the Knox counter and void the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you flash OFFICIAL firmware: NO . . .

Help! How to root blu dash g

I've been trying ever method I can find online and all I've gotten is failure and I'm running out of ideas so if anyone out there has any ideas of how to root one I'm all ears (I will try anything)

Hi bro, I have the same cellphone I rooted with magisk 14.3v zip, I flash it with a custom recovery, I cook it for blu dash g,
---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 PM ----------
Hahaha I can't send u the link, I'm new, so if u can cook a recovery do it with CMW, because TWRP the touch scream is not working, and then flash the recovery with SP FLASH TOOL or adb, unzip the magisk 14.3v zip, download the the magisk manager and that's it. U are root

Hi, what's the process to get you to root this phone for me? I have a Blu Dash G.
Darwin O. Valle said:
Hi bro, I have the same cellphone I rooted with magisk 14.3v zip, I flash it with a custom recovery, I cook it for blu dash g,
---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:59 PM ----------
Hahaha I can't send u the link, I'm new, so if u can cook a recovery do it with CMW, because TWRP the touch scream is not working, and then flash the recovery with SP FLASH TOOL or adb, unzip the magisk 14.3v zip, download the the magisk manager and that's it. U are root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------
Did you succeed with the rooting?
Malikking said:
I've been trying ever method I can find online and all I've gotten is failure and I'm running out of ideas so if anyone out there has any ideas of how to root one I'm all ears (I will try anything)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Malikking said:
I've been trying ever method I can find online and all I've gotten is failure and I'm running out of ideas so if anyone out there has any ideas of how to root one I'm all ears (I will try anything)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
D.Aux said:
Hi, what's the process to get you to root this phone for me? I have a Blu Dash G.
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:30 PM ----------
Did you succeed with the rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
is it a Blu Dash G D490L??
if you can't really find a custom recovery, and your device has a lolipop+ frimware
you may try to get the stock frimware
and then use magisk to patch the stock bootloader
and then, if the bootloader is unlocked or unlockable ( ill look into this ) you can flash the patched boot.img
then you will have root

I don't have a technical background so it's a bit challenging to follow your instructions hence I was wondering if you can do it for your price? I found this thread through a google search. It's Blu Dash G D490U
-Hope- said:
is it a Blu Dash G D490L??
if you can't really find a custom recovery, and your device has a lolipop+ frimware
you may try to get the stock frimware
and then use magisk to patch the stock bootloader
and then, if the bootloader is unlocked or unlockable ( ill look into this ) you can flash the patched boot.img
then you will have root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[CLOSED] Do not use OSTLA 6.1.2

Please, do not download and use OST LA 6.1.2 ever again.
Consider to use this instead: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...t-batch-script-replacement-of-ost-la.4282019/

Hi, this is all I see in the program here. IDK if the options are now only enabled when it goes online or if my Nokia 7 firmware isn't compatible with this version?

No need to crack.
1. Install OST LA tool
2. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\OST LA
3. Open OnlineUpdateTool.exe.config in editor
4. Change
<setting name="SutLevel" serializeAs="String">
<value>98</value>
</setting>
to
<setting name="SutLevel" serializeAs="String">
<value>99</value>
</setting>
5. Save changes and launch OnlineUpdateTool.exe, no login required.

qwertysmerty said:
No need to crack.
1. Install OST LA tool
2. Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\OST LA
3. Open OnlineUpdateTool.exe.config in editor
4. Change
<setting name="SutLevel" serializeAs="String">
<value>98</value>
</setting>
to
<setting name="SutLevel" serializeAs="String">
<value>99</value>
</setting>
5. Save changes and launch OnlineUpdateTool.exe, no login required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I've tested your method when I got the newer OST LA. But only the last option can be choosed.

No need to crack.
Sutlevel - from 98 to 99
Company name - fill any sh*t
Save
Run

hikari_calyx said:
Yes, I've tested your method when I got the newer OST LA. But only the last option can be choosed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This tool is to downgrade from Oreo public release build?
Bcz i downgraded from oreo beta by the old version just normally today

minhas729 said:
This tool is to downgrade from Oreo public release build?
Bcz i downgraded from oreo beta by the old version just normally today
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can use the old tool with Oreo beta because Oreo beta doesn't upgrade your bootloader. The official one upgrades everything

quertysmerty and Heineken 78:- hicari calyx is right. After editing online update config from 98 to 99, though it opens but only the last option (check system ap info) is there, hence one can't flash any firmware. Please could you help us fix the issue. Thanks
---------- Post added at 09:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 PM ----------
hikari_calyx said:
Yes, I've tested your method when I got the newer OST LA. But only the last option can be choosed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hilarious calyx By the way I only want to downgrade to nougat cause I couldn't root oreo. I'd appreciate if you can aid us with a tutorial on how to root official oreo release. Thanks
---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
hikari_calyx said:
Yes, I've tested your method when I got the newer OST LA. But only the last option can be choosed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hikaricalyx By the way I only want to downgrade to nougat cause I couldn't root oreo. I'd appreciate if you can aid us with a tutorial on how to root official oreo release. Thanks

Bawuro said:
quertysmerty and Heineken 78:- hicari calyx is right. After editing online update config from 98 to 99, though it opens but only the last option (check system ap info) is there, hence one can't flash any firmware. Please could you help us fix the issue. Thanks
---------- Post added at 09:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:35 PM ----------
Hilarious calyx By the way I only want to downgrade to nougat cause I couldn't root oreo. I'd appreciate if you can aid us with a tutorial on how to root official oreo release. Thanks
---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 PM ----------
Hikaricalyx By the way I only want to downgrade to nougat cause I couldn't root oreo. I'd appreciate if you can aid us with a tutorial on how to root official oreo release. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I managed to flash the recovery I used for Nougat build, it still boots, but userdata partition can't be mounted. It means the TWRP needs to be updated to adapt newer aboot.

hikari_calyx said:
Well, I managed to flash the recovery I used for Nougat build, it still boots, but userdata partition can't be mounted. It means the TWRP needs to be updated to adapt newer aboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How did you manage that? Because I followed your guide on how to root nougat. Didn't work out for me. Could you explain how I can flash TWRP. That's all I need. I have a nandroid backup I need to restore. Please I eagerly await your response.
---------- Post added at 12:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 AM ----------
hikari_calyx said:
Well, I managed to flash the recovery I used for Nougat build, it still boots, but userdata partition can't be mounted. It means the TWRP needs to be updated to adapt newer aboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you instruct me on how you managed to flash the TWRP, cause I followed your guide both on XDA and YouTube. Didn't work out for me.
---------- Post added at 12:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:45 AM ----------
hikari_calyx said:
Well, I managed to flash the recovery I used for Nougat build, it still boots, but userdata partition can't be mounted. It means the TWRP needs to be updated to adapt newer aboot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you instruct me on how you managed to flash the TWRP, cause I followed your guide both on XDA and YouTube. Didn't work out for me.

Bawuro said:
How did you manage that? Because I followed your guide on how to root nougat. Didn't work out for me. Could you explain how I can flash TWRP. That's all I need. I have a nandroid backup I need to restore. Please I eagerly await your response.,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This requires an account to OST LA 6.1.2, which I can't share.
Method is almost the same.
If someone could patch the latest version OST LA, this will be possible.

hikari_calyx said:
If someone could patch the latest version OST LA, this will be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, this weekend.

6.1.2 crack
Njoy offline. All options active

heineken78 said:
Njoy offline. All options active
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Splendid Heineken78. It worked. Thank you very much.
---------- Post added at 12:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------
hikari_calyx said:
This requires an account to OST LA 6.1.2, which I can't share.
Method is almost the same.
If someone could patch the latest version OST LA, this will be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heineken78 has patched it now.....

Bawuro said:
Splendid Heineken78. It worked. Thank you very much.
---------- Post added at 12:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 PM ----------
Heineken78 has patched it now.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New nb0 unpacker/repacker is done, but is't time to publish it yet.

heineken78 said:
New nb0 unpacker/repacker is done, but is't time to publish it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. But how about the flashing of TWRP so one can restore a nandroid backup?

Bawuro said:
Okay. But how about the flashing of TWRP so one can restore a nandroid backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
all can be done in nb0 formal (or mlf)

heineken78 said:
all can be done in nb0 formal (or mlf)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain that please. You see I have this backup I desperately want to restore. But this Oreo update won't allow me to flash TWRP custom recovery.
The nbo you refer to where can one find it please?

Bawuro said:
Can you explain that please. You see I have this backup I desperately want to restore. But this Oreo update won't allow me to flash TWRP custom recovery.
The nbo you refer to where can one find it please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hahaha if you read logs from first page..
Oreo has new oem command oem dm-veracity
so get serial number of your nokia (letters and nubers), get md5 from this string.(ex. 0d0799797899798080...)
use it on fastboot oem dm-veracity 0d0799797899798080
then fastboot flash recovery yourfile.img

heineken78 said:
hahaha if you read logs from first page..
Oreo has new oem command oem dm-veracity
so get serial number of your nokia (letters and nubers), get md5 from this string.(ex. 0d0799797899798080...)
use it on fastboot oem dm-veracity 0d0799797899798080
then fastboot flash recovery yourfile.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? I'm a noob .

December update

December update rolling..let's see if we get the memory leak fixed

Still no OTA files on essential.com

d14r1 said:
December update rolling..let's see if we get the memory leak fixed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope so. The lag is excruciating. Installing now.

https://storage.cloud.google.com/essential-static/PH1-OTA-PPR1.181005.099.zip

twrp?
can be installed with twrp?
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 AM ----------
The Jack of Clubs said:
https://storage.cloud.google.com/essential-static/PH1-OTA-PPR1.181005.099.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can be installed with twrp?

fabian01 said:
can be installed with twrp?
---------- Post added at 03:27 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:26 AM ----------
can be installed with twrp?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, just be sure to reflash the twrp installer after so you dont lose twrp after rebooting. and if you plan to install magisk, flash it after a reboot back into twrp so it installs on the correct partition.

The Jack of Clubs said:
yes, just be sure to reflash the twrp installer after so you dont lose twrp after rebooting. and if you plan to install magisk, flash it after a reboot back into twrp so it installs on the correct partition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much ?

Can vouch, memory leak still there.. After 5 days, Android System takes almost 2 GB of memory, totaling an avg of 3, 3 GB out of 4 GB

glad to still be on 8.1.