Hello XDA, it's been a long time since my last time in these forums.
It's been like a couple of hours I got my new Z3 D6603 and I have to say, the pre-installed rom has confused the heck out of me, and here's why:
I live in Greece, and here, there are 2 options for buying a phone.
1) You get one that is meant to have unlocked, Greek firmware pre-installed (Tagged as GR)
2) You get one that is destined to Balkan countries. (Tagged as EU) These are from 50 to even $300 cheaper but they come with an opened box,
and sometimes their warranty is not recognized by the official greek customer support , which I don't trust at all.
I wanted to pay a few bucks more and get the GR one from a shop with very clean reputation and I found one.
While I was unboxing it, I found out that everything was in German. I said ok, maybe the official Sony representative is in Germany (spoiler alert, nope).
I booted up the phone, and I am welcomed by a T-Telekom (I guess it's the same as T-Mobile) splash logo. The device is full of T-Telekom bloatware too.
I called the customer service of the retailer and they said, in their shop GR means it supports Greek language (like I'm a retard and I don't know Android supports Greek),
and if I want to install the official Greek firmware I will need to go to the retailer's local service. I called the local service and they said they can't do it (LOL).
I have rooted and tweaked a few phones in the past and I know it is possible, though, so I tried to find Sony's official firmware files, and here's where I got confused.
After some confusing times I finally found a file named D6603_23.0.A.2.93_Generic_20GLOBAL.ftf and I can't find a Greek one.
(Current build number after a couple of updates is 23.4.A.1.264, didn't check what it was out of the box)
Here are my questions:
What happens if I manage to install that .ftf file?
- Will it *void* my warranty (provided that Greek support is crap)?
- Will it get rid of the T-Telekom splash and be clean?
- Is that file official or there are any 3rd-party tweaks included?
Thank you for your time. Any additional information would be good to have.
Flashing a ftf doesn't affect your warranty because you'll still have your TA parition.
Flashing the global ftf will remove the carrier crap but you'll still have other bloat.
If something goes wrong you can just plug it back into Sony PC companion and it can restore back to the most recent update available for your phone.
Update: Flashed what I downloaded. Got rid of the T-Mobile crap but I can't update the phone. Got stuck in android 4 while previously I could update to 5.1.
I also used the Xperia Companion software to restore it but it didn't restore to the german version...
Related
I have a stock O2 UK O3D. LG website says update available, phone says I have the latest version (v10k) which is 2.2 so I run LG updater on the laptop and click its update history tool which says "s/w v21a" as if it thinks I have gb.
I cannot find who provides my updates, it's definitely not O2, maybe if I rooted it I could find who supplies them via a config file or else I will be stuck with Froyo forever
Dave
mistermentality said:
I have a stock O2 UK O3D. LG website says update available, phone says I have the latest version (v10k) which is 2.2 so I run LG updater on the laptop and click its update history tool which says "s/w v21a" as if it thinks I have gb.
I cannot find who provides my updates, it's definitely not O2, maybe if I rooted it I could find who supplies them via a config file or else I will be stuck with Froyo forever
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are operator locked and in the UK you will get the update december 5th.
It is due 5th of December in UK. However, you can flash the official ROM, see development forum.
According to the operator (O2) my phone is not supported by them for updates, and the phone seller has no idea who sends them. Will wait for december and see.
Thanks
Dave
I am with O2 but didn't get my O3D from them. Up until I flashed it last night it was still on 10D!
So nobody from O2 updated my handset.
I have to wait as if flash phone and mess it up cant replace it
Dave
You can try removing your sim card and selecting another country in the LG updater if your phone is not simlocked by O2.
Flashing the official rom isn't that hard either. I can't get the update either so I just followed the tutorial for kdz flashing and had GB on the phone in about 15 minutes without losing apps and messages/contacts etc.
If you're not sure about flashing then it's probably best to just wait. The update will be provided by LG themselves eventually through the update utility.
Think I will wait, have flashed phones before (put gb on my gt540) but knowing what cwn go wrong I daren't risk a contract phone as got two years til can replace it.
Dave
Same problem
I have an open phone in sweden. When uptating my phone i got v10k and i cant get v21a. Every check i updater and outside shows no possible update, but v10k. If i check update history in the updater it says v21a.
It is now a matter for the support and in the hands of the mobile phone expert. They have to solve the problem under the sales contract.
I got mine from a company that sells lots of different phones with various providers contracts so although my sim contract is with O2 in the UK the updates are not and the seller doesn't push ota updates so I have no idea how to find out where they come from.
Although I have rooted the phone now so if anyone knows a system file that stores details of where the update check connects to and replies with it I can check that
Dave
Hello guys,my friend got this (SM-J7108) phone in Romania some weeks ago from emag.ro (A trusted seller). After a time the phone got an update and he made it, now there is no more romanian language, he can't use frontal camera or flash. He made factory reset, from the android and the recovery. I wanted to flash the android with odin but i saw that the phone is for Asia market and can't find the rom, is that true? And what can i do? He sent me photos with the box, a lot of chinese things on the box but the recovery is full in english, no chinese at all. I told him to make a ticket on the seller site to solve the problem but i first want to know more details about this phone and what really happened here. Thanks ! xD
Sheldd said:
Hello guys,my friend got this (SM-J7108) phone in Romania some weeks ago from emag.ro (A trusted seller). After a time the phone got an update and he made it, now there is no more romanian language, he can't use frontal camera or flash. He made factory reset, from the android and the recovery. I wanted to flash the android with odin but i saw that the phone is for Asia market and can't find the rom, is that true? And what can i do? He sent me photos with the box, a lot of chinese things on the box but the recovery is full in english, no chinese at all. I told him to make a ticket on the seller site to solve the problem but i first want to know more details about this phone and what really happened here. Thanks ! xD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?q=j7108&order=date&dir=asc
Hk version.
OK guys, I've got a slight dilemma, I'll try and keep it short as possible but I cannot find any solution online as of yet..
I have been trying to resolve an issue with my partners S6 (G920F on ThreeUK) in which it keeps randomly freezing then rebooting (sometimes not rebooting!). At least 15-20 times a day.
It's already been repaired once by Samsung because of main board failure, and that was an absolute nightmare.(.basically took 2months and WE had to chase them up for it!)
Anyway, I've done all the noob stuff (factory reset, ALL WIPES, Odin flash the original FW it came with which I got from Sammoble..)
Correct me if I'm wrong but if it was software issue causing these hard reboots/freezes I'm sure one of the above processes would've eliminated it?
So. Last option was to flash Nougat via Odin, although it wasn't the Three branded one but the XEU UK one, I really had hoped this would've sorted it.
Nope.
Still freezing. Defo hardware yeah?
So now she wants to send it for second repair.
My concern is that I've flashed a non-brand FW on it, and it ODIN won't let me flash the original 6.0.1 back!!! (Locked bootloader I'm guessing???)
I really need to make sure (by Tues) that the phone is back to how it came as if they see that the FW doenst match up (also, the Three branded 7.0 hasn't been released yet!)
I've seen about an 'OEM UNLOCK' option in some S6 FW's..which would technically enable me to roll back....but XEU doesn't have this in dev options.
I hope someone can help. Sorry for the long post but I feel the details are necessary.
match
match_stick said:
OK guys, I've got a slight dilemma, I'll try and keep it short as possible but I cannot find any solution online as of yet..
I have been trying to resolve an issue with my partners S6 (G920F on ThreeUK) in which it keeps randomly freezing then rebooting (sometimes not rebooting!). At least 15-20 times a day.
It's already been repaired once by Samsung because of main board failure, and that was an absolute nightmare.(.basically took 2months and WE had to chase them up for it!)
Anyway, I've done all the noob stuff (factory reset, ALL WIPES, Odin flash the original FW it came with which I got from Sammoble..)
Correct me if I'm wrong but if it was software issue causing these hard reboots/freezes I'm sure one of the above processes would've eliminated it?
So. Last option was to flash Nougat via Odin, although it wasn't the Three branded one but the XEU UK one, I really had hoped this would've sorted it.
Nope.
Still freezing. Defo hardware yeah?
So now she wants to send it for second repair.
My concern is that I've flashed a non-brand FW on it, and it ODIN won't let me flash the original 6.0.1 back!!! (Locked bootloader I'm guessing???)
I really need to make sure (by Tues) that the phone is back to how it came as if they see that the FW doenst match up (also, the Three branded 7.0 hasn't been released yet!)
I've seen about an 'OEM UNLOCK' option in some S6 FW's..which would technically enable me to roll back....but XEU doesn't have this in dev options.
I hope someone can help. Sorry for the long post but I feel the details are necessary.
match
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All international (g920F) variants have their bootloaders unlocked, so you don't need to go through any process for that. What I will say though is newer bootloaders, Samsung implement something in them that prevents downgrade from one os version to another.
But alas as aslong your knox counter is intact (meaning you haven't rooted) having a different firmware on there shouldn't stop them from attempting to repair the phone.
P.s try installing the 3 branded nougat firmware.
sofir786 said:
All international (g920F) variants have their bootloaders unlocked, so you don't need to go through any process for that. What I will say though is newer bootloaders, Samsung implement something in them that prevents downgrade from one os version to another.
But alas as aslong your knox counter is intact (meaning you haven't rooted) having a different firmware on there shouldn't stop them from attempting to repair the phone.
P.s try installing the 3 branded nougat firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ok. Unfortunately I am unable to roll back meaning the phone is stuck with an international unbranded firmware, which I'm hoping Samsung will not pick up on...another big giveaway is that there is no '3' logo boot animation as you would get with the 3 branded FW.
If only the 3 Nougat was out that would be my next step but typical of Three, they take the longest to release the newest update...so unless they release it before Tues morning then the phone will be sent off with the unbranded FW. hopefully you are right in saying that it shouldn't effect any warranty issues etc...
match_stick said:
Ah ok. Unfortunately I am unable to roll back meaning the phone is stuck with an international unbranded firmware, which I'm hoping Samsung will not pick up on...another big giveaway is that there is no '3' logo boot animation as you would get with the 3 branded FW.
If only the 3 Nougat was out that would be my next step but typical of Three, they take the longest to release the newest update...so unless they release it before Tues morning then the phone will be sent off with the unbranded FW. hopefully you are right in saying that it shouldn't effect any warranty issues etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's going straight to Samsung then aslong as knox is intact they won't care it has an unbranded firmware, the only thing that would stop them would be a phone which has been rooted, so I'm sure there shouldn't be any issues with this.
sofir786 said:
If it's going straight to Samsung then aslong as knox is intact they won't care it has an unbranded firmware, the only thing that would stop them would be a phone which has been rooted, so I'm sure there shouldn't be any issues with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is intact, all legit apart from the one time ODIN flash of XEU.
So you mean if I flash a different stock nougat on a g920t1 it will continue to boot up even with frp lock on? This prevents the phone from booting up witj official metro pcs nouhgat
sofir786 said:
If it's going straight to Samsung then aslong as knox is intact they won't care it has an unbranded firmware, the only thing that would stop them would be a phone which has been rooted, so I'm sure there shouldn't be any issues with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. Took phone into Samsung Support shop to see if they can repair...
Half hour we get phone call saying to come back as they have discovered 'some interesting things..' (me, sh*tting myself...)
The tech guy says that the phone has the wrong software on
(me looking shocked..)
After explaining that the phone has been previously repaired by Carphone Warehouse, the tech guy said ' they shouldn't have taken it for repair as it was a 3UK branded phone, so they've obviously replaced mainboard and installed unbranded FW instead of 3 brand...
So. Don't think that they overlook anything like This, they knew exactly what happened. Odin flashing does void warranty.
match_stick said:
Ok. Took phone into Samsung Support shop to see if they can repair...
Half hour we get phone call saying to come back as they have discovered 'some interesting things..' (me, sh*tting myself...)
The tech guy says that the phone has the wrong software on
(me looking shocked..)
After explaining that the phone has been previously repaired by Carphone Warehouse, the tech guy said ' they shouldn't have taken it for repair as it was a 3UK branded phone, so they've obviously replaced mainboard and installed unbranded FW instead of 3 brand...
So. Don't think that they overlook anything like This, they knew exactly what happened. Odin flashing does void warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way really? I've had phones repaired from them before with different firmwares and it's been fine, I suppose it depends on the tech who's looking at it. What was the end result? Was they not willing to repair it?
sofir786 said:
No way really? I've had phones repaired from them before with different firmwares and it's been fine, I suppose it depends on the tech who's looking at it. What was the end result? Was they not willing to repair it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
End result is we've taken it back to Carphone Warehouse for second repair, which was recommended by Samsung guy as he believes they were the ones who flashed unbranded FW after main board replacement (even tho it was me but no one needs to know that lol)
If CarphWhs come back saying "can't touch it as FW doesn't match" then obviously we can argue that the phone came back with that FW from first repair...I can't imagine they will.suspect that my misses has Odin flashed her phone with odd FW...
Lesson learnt - I will not intervene or use ODIN unless it's on MY PHONE.
Ultimately I tried to fix it with Nougat flash, thinking that I could revert back to 6.0.1 three brand FW if that didn't fix issue.
It's funny to see the Samsung guy baffled at how this FW ended up on the phone, Carphone Warehouse can be the scapegoat for my errors hopefully
Phone came back. Fixed and with UNBRANDED nougat lol
Win win.
Wow I remember this problem lol
I reently became a happy owner of black XZP and i love it but there is one thing that irritates me, it came with Orange branded software. My question is, can i flash original unbranded software (when flashtool will provide this option) without loosing IMEI,DRM keys, bravia engine and such ? And where can i find this kind of software ?
Also i heard from SONY centre Poland, that even if i do this myself somehow, it will return to the branded software with next software update as the software is tied to phones IMEI...
Would be gratefull for some extended explanation on this. Thanks.
Probably not since it probably locked to the Orange. You will need to get the network unlock code first before flashing a generic firmware.
Well I know that the XZ Premiums in Australia aren't locked, my friend got one from Telstra and then uses an Optus SIM in it.
Flashing generic FW won't cause you to lose DRM keys, etc, since only unlocking the bootloader will cause that stuff to be affected.
Also, even if the phone is network locked, I don't see why generic FW would affect that - That should only impact what carrier SIM you can use on the phone.
I used newflasher to flash customized UK version on my Vodafone branded version a couple of days ago, and received update for customized UK version this morning, updated ok, no probs.
Renesco said:
I reently became a happy owner of black XZP and i love it but there is one thing that irritates me, it came with Orange branded software. My question is, can i flash original unbranded software (when flashtool will provide this option) without loosing IMEI,DRM keys, bravia engine and such ? And where can i find this kind of software ?
Also i heard from SONY centre Poland, that even if i do this myself somehow, it will return to the branded software with next software update as the software is tied to phones IMEI...
Would be gratefull for some extended explanation on this. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a happy owner too, yesterday :highfive: , Wanted to flash EU firmware but flashtool is not working, found newflasher thread but have no idea how to use it, anybody point me to the instructions? Also it would be great if somebody give me a link for download, found this https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...ewflasher-xperia-command-line-t3619426/page33 but booth files contain malware https://www.virustotal.com/sr/file/...57fcac8e88f48e8ab00a1cc61c9081d8f47/analysis/
pawnstar said:
I got a happy owner too, yesterday :highfive: , Wanted to flash EU firmware but flashtool is not working, found newflasher thread but have no idea how to use it, anybody point me to the instructions? Also it would be great if somebody give me a link for download, found this https://forum.xda-developers.com/cr...ewflasher-xperia-command-line-t3619426/page33 but booth files contain malware https://www.virustotal.com/sr/file/...57fcac8e88f48e8ab00a1cc61c9081d8f47/analysis/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed mine two days ago on Windows 10 v1607.
I used the "old" version linked in the other thread. It is right that virus total show that there is some malware but only 2 of 64 AV product say that, I think that is a false positive.
First download your firmware with XperiFirm, pay attention on device version (single or dual sim)
Download Sony companion app and try to make a software repair (until it ask you to shutdown the phone and connect it with volume down button pressed), it will download and install Sony official flash driver (needed for flash the firmware with newflasher).
After that abort Sony software repair and download newflasher.
Go to the firmware folder extract partition.zip (this will allow new flasher to flash partition layout)
Also move away from the folder sim-lock.ta for security purpose (new flasher should have a check but bug can exist)
Copy newflasher.exe to the firmware folder
Shutdown the phone, press volume down button and plug-in the usb cable (Same instruction of Sony companion app), you should see windows driver configuration.
Wait driver configuration to finish and then run newflasher.exe as administrator
Wait until it finish (some system files flash can take minutes to flash don't worry) and check if there are errors in log.
Had problems with yellow triangle in driver but after using companion software per your instruction drivers got installed and everything went ok, flashed central eu version 1 and I'm happy now Many thanks!
Trout777 said:
I used newflasher to flash customized UK version on my Vodafone branded version a couple of days ago, and received update for customized UK version this morning, updated ok, no probs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im on three and want to flash to uk customised ?
got sorted guys well pleased
Hi all,
Yesterday I bought an S10e under the impression that it is sm-g970F.
Trying to flash Android 11 I discovered that it is actually sm-g970N.
Is there really a difference between them?
Should I be worried that some functions will be missing/unavailable?
Also, in the settings, it appears as g970F. How did the seller change it??
I have the same problem i tried to update the phone to the latest sm-g970f rom (figured if it's already installed it's possible)
And non of the roms flashed only when i decided to try latest sm-g970n rom it flashed however i bricked the phone and i have no idea what to do now.
almogkm said:
Hi all,
Yesterday I bought an S10e under the impression that it is sm-g970F.
Trying to flash Android 11 I discovered that it is actually sm-g970N.
Is there really a difference between them?
Should I be worried that some functions will be missing/unavailable?
Also, in the settings, it appears as g970F. How did the seller change it??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after digging into the issue since i have the same problem here are my conclusions:
1. The phone is a Korean Variant G970N it is probably a renewed phone and not a new one.
apparently it's okay for an importer to take used phones (from Korea in this case) and replace all the cosmetics but of cause leaving the used MB.
Now here is what you should worry about, in order to flash the G970F Fixed Rom (there is no way you have updates) they used a Custom Kernel which means the phone was rooted and now Knox is tripped (this not reversible).
(Download Phone Info from play store and check knox if it shows 0x1 then your phone warrenty is void and some features won't be available any more for example - Samsung Pay).
So what should you do?
Well if you still have the option i would have demanded my money back!!
One thing that i am perplexed about is how in hell is this legal?!!!
If you no longer have this option or you want to keep the phone you have two option:
1. Flashing Korean Unbranded Firmware (KOO) which is pretty good it doesn't have bloatware or issues as far as i can tell, i only found one down side for it, the phone language selection is small but if you only need English (like any normal Human) then you are golden.
2. Keep the G970F ROM but bare in mind it will receive no updates and no security patches.
I am still looking for a proper way to flash G970F Firmware over G970N for now i haven't found any internet source that will confirm it's even possible.
So how did those importers\sellers did it, they probably flashed it with a Cellphone Lab Software (not Odin solution) and used a custom Kernel to fool Knox, like i said before this is practically a crime and i don't understand how can they sell used phones as new and get away with it!!!!
I had the same suspicions....
I'll try going to the lab that sold the previous owner the device and deal with them tho it looks like I just got scammed...
Sorry to bring this up again but I've just had an idea following JerryRigEverything's video:
What if I transplant SM-G970F components from a broken device that no longer works or in use in my SM-G970N which is supposedly new.
My N device is now bricked for some reason I couldn't solve, though my suspicion is that it has to do with incompatibility with the SIM card I use.
When my device did work, it worked great! ...besides battery issues that are most likely a result of the incompatibility aforementioned.
Will this work? If so, what components do I need? I already know I'll need the logic board but as seen in the video, there are several more antennas, should I just copy what Jerry did?
Vegetto32 said:
I have the same problem i tried to update the phone to the latest sm-g970f rom (figured if it's already installed it's possible)
And non of the roms flashed only when i decided to try latest sm-g970n rom it flashed however i bricked the phone and i have no idea what to do now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Vegetto,
I am from India and buy a galaxy S10e from UAE, It is showing G970F in the Phone's about but the problem is It is a G960N. Now, When I see in Sam Phone Info app there is Bootloader version - G970N, PDA Version - G970F, CSC G970F.
It is also a Knox tripped phone. Knox 0/1.
But if I see in Samsung code by typing in keypad *#12580*369#
it showing like all option in Odin:
BL: G970F
AP: G970F
CP: G970F
CSC: G970F
Does this means I can flash new Firmware on the list of SAM Mobile website, with G970F series firmware, It also showing in SAM Phone Info App that there latest firmware G970FXXSEFUL1/G970FOXMEFUJ2/G970FXXSEFUJ2.
I am in India right now.
Please help me, My email Id is -- [email protected]
It actually means you cannot flash SM-G970F the only roms you can flash are G970N.
Also if you want the phone to get security updates you must flash the original phones bootloader version, my suggestion download the G970N KOO firmware it's a global firmware. As for the knox it is tripped and there is nothing you can do about it.
Vegetto32 said:
It actually means you cannot flash SM-G970F the only roms you can flash are G970N.
Also if you want the phone to get security updates you must flash the original phones bootloader version, my suggestion download the G970N KOO firmware it's a global firmware. As for the knox it is tripped and there is nothing you can do about it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I flash the original phone's bootloader version?
Where from I can download the original phone's G970N KOO Firmware and is it official Samsung Firmware?
How are they able to flash G970F? Is it custom Rom or do they use the original one?
I searched that my phone is using G970FXXS4BTB3 firmware which Vietnam XXV and same number found at https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-s10e/firmware/SM-G970F/XXV/download/G970FXXS4BTB3/322678/ in an old update in 2020.
So see the attached screenshot, can I flash its latest version with odin. Of course, there is a chinese written in recovery mode installed when I go to its recovery mode for flashing with Odin.
I have a similar problem right now on my Korean S10E. Device is SM-G970N. I need it to be in Turkish. Only Themes item in Settings is in Turkish- very interesting- The rest is in English. App names are mostly Turkish Settings app name is in English.
The bootloader is unlocked but the phone is not rooted, Knox seems not tampered.
Could not start OTA update at first, I have upgraded a few versions from PC via Smartswitch. Just then noticed OTA also started downloading. The rest of the updates went on from the phone until upgrading to 12, there was a message like "All of the updates were not succesful." OTA update no longer responded. This time I turned back to Smart Switch. Update finished this time and finally I am at the latest version.
I only need Turkish in Settings. I used some ADB commands and an app called MoreLocale2. It did not work either. This has to be simple. Turkish exists. Keyboard is Turkish but not Settings. Quick links and most other things are strangely mixed English and Turkish.
How can I enable full Turkish?