New to S7 - Few Questions - Samsung Galaxy S7 Questions and Answers

I just ordered the S7 G930U, coming from S4, as I understood that it has support for more frequencies and I wanted the ability to switch between Verizon and T-mobile without a problem. I have a few questions:
Did I understand this correct, or it's based on the firmware? So If I get the G930V phone and flash the G930T firmware, would that use/open all the frequencies on the T-mobile, or the phone has hardware limitations?
I have been reading around, and I got that if I use the G930U on Verizon, I will lose the Wifi-calling and some other options, if I flash the G930V firmware on my G930U phone, would that make them work or not? Is there any way to make those options work on the G930U without changing the firmware?
I see different sub-forums for Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. How about the unlocked G930U? I don't fully understand this. Do I just use the G930V Roms on my G930U if I am using it with Verizon? Can I flash any ROM on my G930U, as it's unlocked, or I am not understanding this right?
If I flash a different Firmware, would that trip Knox/warranty?

beho86 said:
I just ordered the S7 G930U, coming from S4, as I understood that it has support for more frequencies and I wanted the ability to switch between Verizon and T-mobile without a problem. I have a few questions:
Did I understand this correct, or it's based on the firmware? So If I get the G930V phone and flash the G930T firmware, would that use/open all the frequencies on the T-mobile, or the phone has hardware limitations?
I have been reading around, and I got that if I use the G930U on Verizon, I will lose the Wifi-calling and some other options, if I flash the G930V firmware on my G930U phone, would that make them work or not? Is there any way to make those options work on the G930U without changing the firmware?
I see different sub-forums for Verizon, T-Mobile, etc. How about the unlocked G930U? I don't fully understand this. Do I just use the G930V Roms on my G930U if I am using it with Verizon? Can I flash any ROM on my G930U, as it's unlocked, or I am not understanding this right?
If I flash a different Firmware, would that trip Knox/warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash Verizon's firmware without tripping Knox if you follow the directions posted on the forums and you will have wifi calling and all other Verizon features. You must flash Verizon's software for those features to work. I'm not sure if you can flash any ROM, and I'm also not sure if you can flash T-Mobile firmware but I don't see why it wouldn't work, make sure to go to T-Mobile's sub forum and read up on it

Thanks Outbreak444. I read in XDA that the hardware is the same for G920U, G930T or G930V, it's just the firmware and you can install it, is that true? The reason I am asking is that the price changes between them.
Can someone that has the G930U confirm that you can flash different Roms on it?

beho86 said:
Thanks Outbreak444. I read in XDA that the hardware is the same for G920U, G930T or G930V, it's just the firmware and you can install it, is that true? The reason I am asking is that the price changes between them.
Can someone that has the G930U confirm that you can flash different Roms on it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, by doing a quick search I see others talking about flashing their U phones with the T's firmware and no problems arising. Make sure to read up on how to do it, download the files you need, read again and make sure you understand everything. If you don't understand a step then ask before moving forward, it will prevent headaches. If you feel good about what you need to do then follow through with it, you shouldn't have any problems and will find it's quite simple. But flashing between multiple firmwares will most likely wipe your phone every time. I could be wrong, I know I've read certain CSC files won't do that but I'm not sure if that's just from rooted or not.

Related

Convert SM-G930T to SM-G930A so I can use AT&T LTE bands.

Hi All, I want to continue using my AT&T prepaid plan but I recently bought a locked T-Mobile Galaxy S7 SM-G930T (I'm going to try to unlock it - if that doesn't work this is all moot). I would like to flash AT&T firmware so I can use the AT&T LTE bands. Can I follow the instructions in the link below once I've unlocked a T-Mobile SM-G930T and turn it into a SM-G930A?
http://www.droidviews.com/nougat-firmware-on-att-galaxy-s7s7-edge-sm-g930a-g935a/
I've read the link below... but it seems to be only if you want to continue using T-Mobile service which I don't.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...w-to-flash-att-nougat-to-t-mobile-s7-t3553610
Changing firmware doesn't have anything to do with what bands the hardware supports. Unlock it and throw the ATT SIM in. Only difference is carrier supported features and software (wifi calling, etc). Flashing ATT modem might improve coverage but all S7 support the same bands.
Thanks buddy for the reply. I'm used to using a custom ROM on my Android phones so this is new. Mostly CyanogenMod.
That's good to know I don't need to flash in order to get the bands but I understand I need to if I want OTA updates from at&t. It seems relatively simple that you just flash the AT&T ROM over the T-Mobile with Odin and then use some update file. It doesn't even effect Samsung pay and Knox which is great.
Stupid question: is the AT&T modem included with the AT&T rom? Also, with regards to the 2nd link in the OP what is the update file that you put on the sdcard to use in recovery - is that an OTA update because your ROM is different from your carrier?
madadhd said:
Thanks buddy for the reply. I'm used to using a custom ROM on my Android phones so this is new. Mostly CyanogenMod.
That's good to know I don't need to flash in order to get the bands but I understand I need to if I want OTA updates from at&t. It seems relatively simple that you just flash the AT&T ROM over the T-Mobile with Odin and then use some update file. It doesn't even effect Samsung pay and Knox which is great.
Stupid question: is the AT&T modem included with the AT&T rom? Also, with regards to the 2nd link in the OP what is the update file that you put on the sdcard to use in recovery - is that an OTA update because your ROM is different from your carrier?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The following is the latest G930A Android 7.0 firmware file. All you need to do is flash it with Odin's AP slot to completely convert your G930T to a G930A. No other steps or files are required: G930AUCS4BQC2_CL10280464_QB12904132_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta.tar.rar
EDIT: Corrected the linked file
muniz_ri said:
The following is the latest G930A Android 7.0 firmware file. All you need to do is flash it with Odin's AP slot to completely convert your G930T to a G930A. No other steps or files are required: G930AUCS4BQC2_CL10280464_QB12904132_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta.tar.rar
EDIT: Corrected the linked file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have METROPCS Phone SM-G930T1 Nougat, already unlocked since i live in mexico...is there a international rom to flash?? i wanna convert my s7 to a non carrier rom IN ADVANCE THANKS 4 YOUR HELP!
muniz_ri said:
The following is the latest G930A Android 7.0 firmware file. All you need to do is flash it with Odin's AP slot to completely convert your G930T to a G930A. No other steps or files are required: G930AUCS4BQC2_CL10280464_QB12904132_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta.tar.rar
EDIT: Corrected the linked file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get why you would do this other than to have ATT bloat over TMO bloat (IMHO TMO has less bloat than ATT). There's no technical advantage. Am I missing something?
A0425A said:
I don't get why you would do this other than to have ATT bloat over TMO bloat (IMHO TMO has less bloat than ATT). There's no technical advantage. Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The amount of bloatware is irrelevant since you can freeze all bloatware on either build. I experienced many issues on the TMo version including issues with Android Auto, Google Assistant, and Tasker. I thought these apps were buggy but all of those issues were resolved on the AT&T version. The AT&T version seems to be a better, bug-free build.
muniz_ri said:
The amount of bloatware is irrelevant since you can freeze all bloatware on either build. I experienced many issues on the TMo version including issues with Android Auto, Google Assistant, and Tasker. I thought these apps were buggy but all of those issues were resolved on the AT&T version. The AT&T version seems to be a better, bug-free build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read that in a different thread you posted to after I responded. I think it's very YMMV though. But if you saw improvement then ??
Hi, did anyone ever complete this flash from SM-G930T to SM-G930A? I'd like to do this solely to try and get the wifi calling feature since my workplace has poor cell service but great wifi. I bought the T-Mobile phone, unlocked it, put the ATT sim in and everything but wifi calling works fine. I appreciate the reply!
This is much later in the year (11-8-2021) and ATT has posted the list of phone they say will work and it only shows G930A. It seems their test of working means it must have been sold by ATT. They say My G930T won't work. So Will ATT continue to use customer's unlocked phones it they were not orginally sold by ATT. They have the records. Will ATT refuse to use one of their SIMs even if the phone is Flashed to ATT logo. I do not want to throw away my G930T phone.
muniz_ri said:
The following is the latest G930A Android 7.0 firmware file. All you need to do is flash it with Odin's AP slot to completely convert your G930T to a G930A. No other steps or files are required: G930AUCS4BQC2_CL10280464_QB12904132_REV02_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT_meta.tar.rar
EDIT: Corrected the linked file
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello and thank you. You posted this information and link back in 2017 and so much has changed. Mostly ATT is now working hard to get rid of all 3G towers and firing up 5G. They said my Galaxy S7-GM930T would not work so I think they link you posted will help me convert the phone back to a GM930A or U or U1. My question is,..Has anything in your post changed since 2017 and if so could you please advise me of what I need to do. Thanks very much.
trigger1937 said:
Hello and thank you. You posted this information and link back in 2017 and so much has changed. Mostly ATT is now working hard to get rid of all 3G towers and firing up 5G. They said my Galaxy S7-GM930T would not work so I think they link you posted will help me convert the phone back to a GM930A or U or U1. My question is,..Has anything in your post changed since 2017 and if so could you please advise me of what I need to do. Thanks very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They sent you a message saying the phone won't work?

Which US (Qualcomm)S7 to get?

I'm looking at upgrading from my Moto E4 and settled on the Galaxy S7 over the Pixel due to the MicroSD slot. I now have questions as to which version to get.
I understand that it's relatively simple to flash the unlocked firmware on any of the devices. Could I just simply find the cheapest, good shaped S7 and flash the unlocked firmware and be satisfied?
I'm currently on Sprint's 1-year free service promotion until September 2018. So Sprint compatibility is needed for a while. After that, I want the freedom to be able to hop back to AT&T or Verizon (or one of their MVNOs).
Should I just buy a Sprint S7 now, then when my service is up, flash the new firmware then? Or should I buy a T-Mobile version and flash the 930U firmware right away? The universal unlocked model is significantly more expensive, so I just want to make sure I'm covering all my bases.
Depends on your goals. Flashing via Odin is quite simple and easy for the S7, but the US models all have a locked bootloader. That means you can only flash stock firmware files, and nothing custom. No ROM's and no TWRP.
If you're happy with than then you're set, if not you'll need the international Exynos model, as it can be unlocked and flash custom.
Beanvee7 said:
Depends on your goals. Flashing via Odin is quite simple and easy for the S7, but the US models all have a locked bootloader. That means you can only flash stock firmware files, and nothing custom. No ROM's and no TWRP.
If you're happy with than then you're set, if not you'll need the international Exynos model, as it can be unlocked and flash custom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no ROMs is OK with me. the exynos version won't work on my current provider, so can't go that direction anyway.

[FIRMWARE] G950U1 Unlocked AT&T QK2

As of this writing (11/29/2017) this is the latest firmware for the G950U1 att unlocked S8 . I'm leaving this here for reference so people can return to it if/when they need it.
Download, extract, remove .md5 file name off the end of each file, flash.
G950U1UEU2AQK2 (This WILL update your bootloader so after this, no going to QH3 or before. Not that you'd have a reason to)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gvQ0kaZTwbEYe2jvuIa05pCvwkS4ddtg
joe3681 said:
As of this writing (11/29/2017) this is the latest firmware for the G950U1 att unlocked S8 . I'm leaving this here for reference so people can return to it if/when they need it.
Download, extract, remove .md5 file name off the end of each file, flash.
G950U1UEU2AQK2 (This WILL update your bootloader so after this, no going to QH3 or before. Not that you'd have a reason to)
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gvQ0kaZTwbEYe2jvuIa05pCvwkS4ddtg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you donnt need to remove the .md5
you will need modded odin though.
mweinbach said:
you donnt need to remove the .md5
you will need modded odin though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to no, but it speeds up the process. I'm just posting firmware not making a hand holding tutorial. There's enough of those around
Thanks Joe I was tired of returning all the way back to the beginning and getting all those new updates on my unlocked S8
joe3681 said:
You don't need to no, but it speeds up the process. I'm just posting firmware not making a hand holding tutorial. There's enough of those around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah and on a Mac you do need to, or it freezes Odin completely
If I flash unbranded FW on a carrier specific device, loke tmo or att for example, would it sim unlock the phone?
If I flash tmo FW on an att s8 would it in turn allow me to use the att original device on tmo? I ask these questions because I feel like it would work for both my questions since flashing the FW flashes both boot, kernel and baseband/radio. The which is needed for signal. Just some theories but would love to know the answers.
Btw, I have a F model S8+ and was planning on buying some US branded devices so I was curious.
this.guy.lol said:
If I flash unbranded FW on a carrier specific device, loke tmo or att for example, would it sim unlock the phone?
If I flash tmo FW on an att s8 would it in turn allow me to use the att original device on tmo? I ask these questions because I feel like it would work for both my questions since flashing the FW flashes both boot, kernel and baseband/radio. The which is needed for signal. Just some theories but would love to know the answers.
Btw, I have a F model S8+ and was planning on buying some US branded devices so I was curious.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it will not unlock the phone (Note: Verizon phones are factory unlocked and remain that way after a firmware flash)
Yes, you can flash any carriers FW to a US S8 and use it with a different carrier.
So I understand, your saying if I flash att FW to a T-Mobile s8 I can use it on tmobile? If that is the case, to me that's an unlock of sorts tiny book lol. Just wanna make sure is all
Deleted
this.guy.lol said:
So I understand, your saying if I flash att FW to a T-Mobile s8 I can use it on tmobile? If that is the case, to me that's an unlock of sorts tiny book lol. Just wanna make sure is all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash att firmware and use it on TMobile but it will still be locked to TMobile. Just running att firmware.
joe3681 said:
You can flash att firmware and use it on TMobile but it will still be locked to TMobile. Just running att firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just realized the typo.....what I meant was, if I flash ATT on a TMO variant I can use ATT while locked to tmo? I'm very unfimiar with combination fw and always opted for the UK models for alot of reasons. Sorry for the confusion of my op question. I know on the s7 and edge if you flashed the US unlocked firmware it not only removed AOL bloat but it unlocked the device. So that is why I ask.
this.guy.lol said:
Just realized the typo.....what I meant was, if I flash ATT on a TMO variant I can use ATT while locked to tmo? I'm very unfimiar with combination fw and always opted for the UK models for alot of reasons. Sorry for the confusion of my op question. I know on the s7 and edge if you flashed the US unlocked firmware it not only removed AOL bloat but it unlocked the device. So that is why I ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a TMobile S7 edge and flashing unlocked firmware never unlocked the device. That's handled by TMobile servers so...
Flashing unlocked firmware will give you just that. The smoother, bloat free firmware from another device but not the actual sim unlock.
I bought an unlocked device and wanted wifi calling so I flashed the g950usqs1aqf7 att firmware with Odin and it worked to enable wifi calling but I'm unable to get any ota updates and I hate the bloat. Is it possible to get WiFi calling with an unlocked firmware like this one? Also what is the difference between the U and U1 firmware variants?
maquino1985 said:
I bought an unlocked device and wanted wifi calling so I flashed the g950usqs1aqf7 att firmware with Odin and it worked to enable wifi calling but I'm unable to get any ota updates and I hate the bloat. Is it possible to get WiFi calling with an unlocked firmware like this one? Also what is the difference between the U and U1 firmware variants?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of threads on this, but I don't think anyone was ever successful. I flashed att Oreo to my u1 and got the options, but can't get my company to change my imei back.... My personal phone sim works fine. Quit at that point since it's an Ims registration error. You can try merging the wifi calling apks, but I'm pretty sure it's baked pretty deep in the os. The Verizon guys got some of it working. You can try their threads and see if any of it applies to us.
twizt3d said:
There are plenty of threads on this, but I don't think anyone was ever successful. I flashed att Oreo to my u1 and got the options, but can't get my company to change my imei back.... My personal phone sim works fine. Quit at that point since it's an Ims registration error. You can try merging the wifi calling apks, but I'm pretty sure it's baked pretty deep in the os. The Verizon guys got some of it working. You can try their threads and see if any of it applies to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Some threads made it sound possible but inconclusive. I'll just assume it doesn't work.
BTW, can you link to the att oreo fw? And what do u flash that with Odin or comsey?
The thread right below this one entitled Oreo ota has all the details and it needs to be side loaded through adb. Not Odin. But you will need to Odin the 950u base to get off u1
twizt3d said:
The thread right below this one entitled Oreo ota has all the details and it needs to be side loaded through adb. Not Odin. But you will need to Odin the 950u base to get off u1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks. I need to flash anyways because I'm having terrible battery issues and just debating whether to go to a newer version of 950u or back to U1 and losing WiFi calling. In your opinion is oreo beta worth it
So just to confirm, I have read everything, but I am just a bit confused. If I flashed the unlocked firmware via modified odin on a locked AT&T S8 it will remove a lot of the carrier bloat and give my my wifi hotspot back, but remove wifi calling. Similar to when I flashed the T-Mobile firmware on my AT&T S7 and got rid of a ton of the AT&T bloatware but was able to activate my wifi hotspot but lost wifi calling. I stay locked to AT&T which is fine that is not my purpose for flashing
---------- Post added at 07:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:01 AM ----------
and can you re-upload the link is dead now
The links don't work. Any chance you've still got the firmware? I've been overseas since october. I have an unlocked AT&T phone that I intend to keep using when I get back, so I want to keep it AT&T FW.
Hi.
I have a G955U Galaxy S8+ AT&T Factory Unlocked on Android 7.0
Baseband Version: G955USQU1AQD9
Android Security Patch Level - April 1, 2017
I no longer live in the US, and currently in the Philippines. Phone works great and the signal is too and all, but I cannot get OTA updates.
Can I just download the firmware file in this thread and flash straight through ODIN, or do I need to follow another guide?

*UPDATE* Bootloader v3

Just FYI, it appears with the new Blv3 firmwares, the device will only accept official firmware. Meaning, no more flashing U1 firmware on the carrier models, or vice versa. No more flashing U or U1 firmware to the Canadian W models. Flashing between carrier firmwares is fine as long as it's on a carrier branded device (running TMB on a VZW device, etc). But running 950U firmware on a 950U1 will result in a brick, that is this far unrecoverable.
If your currently are running U1 firmware on a U device, vice versa, or running W firmware on a U or U1 device, or vice versa, you need to flash back to the firmware version that shipped with your device BEFORE you accept any OTAs that take you up to Blv3. Currently the S series is still on BlV2, but may go to Blv3 like the Note series just did.
This has been tested and confirmed.
Credit goes to @me2151, @FatalONEM8 for discovering this and warning people. I didn't find the issue or test, it just passing on the info to hopefully save some bricks.
Update from @mweinbach:
"EDIT: After being tested by XDA Senior member me2151, it turns out cross region flashing does work. Prince Comsy Odin is working, but we can not test if the factory binary flashing will hard brick your phone. So flashing US unlocked onto a US carrier device should work."
To expand a bit on what @mweinbach*just said, @me2151*did some more testing, and he was able to successfully carrier switch from a 950U to 950W using Comsey ODIN. So it looks like Comsey ODIN is not patched as we originally thought. Not sure exactly what caused the tester's phone to brick, but it HARD BRICKED and had to be RMA'd at his expense. So we jumped on the forums here to warn others until more testing could be done. @mweinbach*wrote the article and @xdanilvaand I began posting here.*
We may have overreacted, but wanted to err on the side of caution to protect people from hard bricks.*
The Blv3 factory binary has not been tested, so still unsure if/how we will be able to use it, or if it will cause issues.*
For now, carry on as usual, but understand we still don't know the full implications of the Blv3 patches. One person has already HARD BRICKED, and @me2151*almost hard bricked testing all of this for us.
There is currently a group working on a fix for bricked devices, but for now consider it a hard brick. Don't chance it.
Is Oreo for the S8/S8+ a Blv3 firmware or is it BLV2?
just curious as I flashed my Verizon branded GS8 to U1 firmware to take the Oreo beta..
So If I own a Sm-G950U1 but I have been running G950U Tmobile Oreo beta and upgrade to the stable oreo I'll brick my phone? In order to prevent this I'll have to first go back to G950U1 on nouget and then go up to oreo?
I don't really want to do this because I am loving using the T-Mobile variant because it gives me multiuser (digits) since it's built in.
Does the same apply to exynos devoces?
As far as I know, if you are on the Oreo beta, at least on the Snapdragon US variant, you are still on v2 (the number after the U in the build number is the bootloader version). Do not accept any OTAs and only update if you are completely certain you want to be stuck.
ironbesterer said:
As far as I know, if you are on the Oreo beta, at least on the Snapdragon US variant, you are still on v2 (the number after the U in the build number is the bootloader version). Do not accept any OTAs and only update if you are completely certain you want to be stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this mean that we can update to a build with Bootloader v3, but don't expect to be able to change carriers afterwards? For example, I switched my S8 from ATT to XAA to get rid of the bloat. Should I restore to ATT on Nougat or can I stay on Oreo beta on the unlocked U1 firmware?
vimerate said:
Does this mean that we can update to a build with Bootloader v3, but don't expect to be able to change carriers afterwards? For example, I switched my S8 from ATT to XAA to get rid of the bloat. Should I restore to ATT on Nougat or can I stay on Oreo beta on the unlocked U1 firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can stay on the unlocked firmware for now, but once you switch to one of the carrier firmwares with v3, you cannot go back to anything other than a carrier firmware with v3. You should be ok for now, but just be sure that the next time you update that it is not on v3 or you'll be stuck permanently or until a fix is found.
ironbesterer said:
You can stay on the unlocked firmware for now, but once you switch to one of the carrier firmwares with v3, you cannot go back to anything other than a carrier firmware with v3. You should be ok for now, but just be sure that the next time you update that it is not on v3 or you'll be stuck permanently or until a fix is found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My question is I have an ATT unlocked device on Cricket Wireless running the oreo beta since I flashed it to unlocked firmware. Should I revert back to Nougat before the final oreo build or just stick with it?
Mr. Orange 645 said:
If your currently are running U1 firmware on a U device, vice versa, or running W firmware on a U or U1 device, or vice versa, you need to flash back to the firmware version that shipped with your device BEFORE you accept any OTAs that take you up to Blv3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what you're saying is, I'm running U1 on my Note8, if I take an OTA with BL3, it will brick?
raduque said:
So what you're saying is, I'm running U1 on my Note8, if I take an OTA with BL3, it will brick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe so. We are still looking into it. It may just be flashing with Comsey ODIN does it.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Yes I believe so. We are still looking into it. It may just be flashing with Comsey ODIN does it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I think that the latter is what does it. Are y'all flashing from a fully OTA'd BLv3 Carrier FW to the BLv2 U1 FW using Comsey?
There isn't a U1 FW with BLv3 yet, right?
raduque said:
Honestly, I think that the latter is what does it. Are y'all flashing from a fully OTA'd BLv3 Carrier FW to the BLv2 U1 FW using Comsey?
There isn't a U1 FW with BLv3 yet, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is not.
And I haven't personally tested it, but Comsey is required to flash U1, so we know it will brick the phone once it does reach Blv3.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
There is not.
And I haven't personally tested it, but Comsey is required to flash U1, so we know it will brick the phone once it does reach Blv3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So somebody flashed a full Odin U/carrier FW onto an actual U1 device and it bricked?
raduque said:
So somebody flashed a full Odin U/carrier FW onto an actual U1 device and it bricked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No on a U1. They tried to carrier switch on either a U or a W.
Ok... so they tried to go from a device running a Carrier fw on blv3 to... what? A carrier fw on blv2?
I know this is still early, but the more questions and answers I see, the more confused I am.
Do we know if all of these scenarios will have the same result?
a) I have a AT&T (950U) branded device. I flashed it to become unlocked software (950U1). The device currently updates OTA with unlocked updates. A BLv3 OTA will brick the device. True/false/not yet known?
b) I have a AT&T (950U) branded device. I flashed it to become unlocked software (950U1). The device currently updates OTA with unlocked updates. Assuming a) is FALSE. Device will operate as normal U1 phone, but I will never be able to put 950U carrier branded software on it (via modded Prince Comsy), because that will brick it. True/false/not yet known?
c) I have a AT&T (950U) branded device. I flashed it to become TMobile (950U) device. It now get updates via Tmobile. Future OTAs will continue as normal and I can even use Odin to flash other carrier software (950U), but I can NEVER use modded Odin to flash unlocked software (950U1)? True/false/not yet known.
Based on what I've read right so far. It seems that the answers all remain theoretical, thus not yet known, but based on the Note8 update, the answers would be a) False. b) True. c) True.
Am I far off base???
The thing right now that I understand the least is the scenario a). I don't understand why if I have a phone that was 950U but is now 950U1, why it would get bricked. I do understand that attempts to change it once BLv3 hit are currently DOA, but that's different than simply keeping your phone in the stream that it is currently.
There are some good questions in this thread, I realize that its an evolving situation... So I have to ask directly... I have a Verizon branded 950U that I followed https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3625817 to switch to XAA and flash the U1 firmware, and I have taken part in the Oreo beta.
Currently my phone has Baseband Version G950U1UEU2ZRA8. There is an OTA update pending right now that is G950U1EUE2ZRAE/G950U1OYM2ZRAE/G950U1UEU2ZRAE. From what I understand, and what I am reading about this BLV2 vs BLV3 issue, based on the numbers in this, if I take this update, I'll still be BlV2, and be ok? If I should want to return to stock Verizon firmware, I can still do it safely?
What I am unsure of is.. If the phone gets updated to BLV3 while I have the XAA/U1 setup on my Verizon branded 950U phone, will I still be able to flash back to stock Verizon, then just not change to anything else? or once I get on BLV3 I am stuck with whatever firmware I have on the phone? Or is that part still unknown for sure?
KidJoe said:
What I am unsure of is.. If the phone gets updated to BLV3 while I have the XAA/U1 setup on my Verizon branded 950U phone, will I still be able to flash back to stock Verizon, then just not change to anything else? or once I get on BLV3 I am stuck with whatever firmware I have on the phone? Or is that part still unknown for sure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am basically the same as you except AT&T beginning rather than Verizon. I currently have the ZRAE Oreo beta software running on my phone. Based on everything said so far, there is no danger yet in downloading that OTA because it is still BLv2. The danger would be if the final Oreo version drops with BLv3 and you apply it. Then we're left with these different scenarios that are still being figured out.
Absent any concrete info, I'm going to just avoid the Jan security patch on my Note8.
If I have to flash back the Verizon software to have a non-brick device, well I'll just sell this thing and buy a cheap unlocked phone with microsd, wireless charging and a nice screen.

Changing CSC code from a different model number

Hey Guys, I am in desperate need of help.
So I bought the note 20 ultra (model N986-U) from a seller in Texas (I live in Canada). The phones original csc code was ATT/ATT/ATT. I have a rogers sim card (csc code RWC). I noticed the phone is still stuck on One UI 2.5 because I am not connected to the ATT network.
So I tried changing the CSC using SamKey. I bought some credits, followed the steps and now for some reason my CSS is XAA/XAA/ATT.
I understand now that my phones model does not have a RWC firmware. Frija can't find the software for the SM-N986U running RWC but has no problem finding the software for the SM-N988W running RWC.
Is there any way for me to update my phone without bricking it? In an ideal world I would get OTA updates. Can I download the CSC_HOME file from the SM-N986W and flash it on my SM-N986U?
I'm really sorry for the noobish questions, I read so many threads and watched so many videos but I don't have the balls to experiment with such an expensive phone.
I know you can flash U1 firmware on a U device without any issues.
That's what I did to mine.
As for flashing W software on a U/U1 device, it's technically possible considering they are identical hardware, but I cannot say for sure what impacts it might have to the phone's performance.
You can always manually flash current U firmware.
rjohnstone said:
I know you can flash U1 firmware on a U device without any issues.
That's what I did to mine.
As for flashing W software on a U/U1 device, it's technically possible considering they are identical hardware, but I cannot say for sure what impacts it might have to the phone's performance.
You can always manually flash current U firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks for the answer,
I ended up flashing the W firmware on the phone and it worked flawlessly! Now the phone shows that it's a model N986W. OTA updates still don't work tho, even though the csc shows RWC
tripleaaa123 said:
Hey thanks for the answer,
I ended up flashing the W firmware on the phone and it worked flawlessly! Now the phone shows that it's a model N986W. OTA updates still don't work tho, even though the csc shows RWC
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad it worked. Grab the latest firmware for RWC and then wait for the next update. (N986WVLU1DUB5)

Categories

Resources