Database Info

Galaxy S4 i9500 Origin

In July I went to New York and bought an Galaxy S4 i9500 and messing around with the device I corrupt the EFS folder losing my IMEI.
Since it wasn't bought on my country (Brazil) I don't have any support nor warranty so I send it to a friend who owns a service box ( octopus probably) and flashing the ROM he asked me what is the country of origin of my device, since I bought in the US and this model in particular isn't supposed to be selled there I don't know wich country it came from and can't fix my device. The back label says it was made in china but i guess every other phone in the world was made there too .
(I bought it from the Samsung stand in the 5th ave Best Buy so it is original)

No problem
In phone setting option there is baseband version and build number from there you can find out where the device is from originally manufactured.
But now I think you have flashed other firmware and that original information is gone.Corruption of efs folder can be from many ways either flashing roms or wiping full internal memory by not following appropriate methods corectly.
You could have make efs backup in first place before experimenting with the phone.
But now you can try the following methods.
Try to flash latest modem to see if it help through odin.
One other method is that you can find your country of origin by your imei no which is on the box. Just call or email Samsung customer service in your country, I did in my case and they can tell you from the imei number the country of origin.

alifarrukhsss said:
In phone setting option there is baseband version and build number from there you can find out where the device is from originally manufactured.
But now I think you have flashed other firmware and that original information is gone.Corruption of efs folder can be from many ways either flashing roms or wiping full internal memory by not following appropriate methods corectly.
You could have make efs backup in first place before experimenting with the phone.
But now you can try the following methods.
Try to flash latest modem to see if it help through odin.
One other method is that you can find your country of origin by your imei no which is on the box. Just call or email Samsung customer service in your country, I did in my case and they can tell you from the imei number the country of origin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this country of origin will be that the imei says will be one if I flash the stock firmware will fix the device?

imei
Sterkriger said:
But this country of origin will be that the imei says will be one if I flash the stock firmware will fix the device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok Try to flash stock firmware and see if it helps and do tell me if you succeed.

You should be able to flash a stock firmware through ODIN and have the phone working again.
Then as mentioned above, before doing any work on the phone you should do a EFS backup, nandroid backup.
I remember with my previous phone (Galaxy Infuse) i was learning also how to root, tweak, modify the android and also "killed it". I was able to resurrect (in a manner of speak) the phone by loading the stock firmware the phone had when i first got it.
Good luck!

My friend said he repaired the device through the octopuss box and are sending me back. He couldnt upgrade to 4.3 because he didnt know the country of origin (like I said before). I call samsung to ask if they could say to me but here in Brazil the only company that really helps trough phone is Blizzard so I ended where I started. I found a website that using your serial number or IMEI can say where your device are from and I for my surprise it is indeed a chinese Galaxy S4. In Sammobile I found the CHN firmware that matched the time of fabrication (July) and probably its the stock firmware that I was looking for and one of the ones that I didnt tried to flash at the time.
The thing is now I'm too scared to try flashing this one to my mobile and ending ruining the device again and once more being forced to use my old ****ty iPhone. Any sugestions for me guys? (The device didnt arrive yet... i knew the serial and IMEI 'cause i noted down)

You don't have to flash firmware for country of origin. I'm in New Zealand and flash firmware from all over the world, the latest was UK firmware, with a modem extracted from Austrian firmware.
Just go to sammobile and make sure it's for i9500 and you'll be fine mate
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app

What is the serial number of your phone? You can find it by beneath the battery or in settings, about device, status.

raj_p said:
What is the serial number of your phone? You can find it by beneath the battery or in settings, about device, status.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's below the battery, next to the IMEI. It is a combination of letters and numbers and looks like this "S/N: XXXXXXXXXXX" (X= Letter/number)

Obagleyfreer said:
You don't have to flash firmware for country of origin. I'm in New Zealand and flash firmware from all over the world, the latest was UK firmware, with a modem extracted from Austrian firmware.
Just go to sammobile and make sure it's for i9500 and you'll be fine mate
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are probably right but right now I a little afraid of flashing anything to my device since it just got home from repair.
I gonna stick with 4.2.2 a little longer

Possible to convert flash SM-G930U firmware on a SM-930P?

Hey guys!
Yesterday I got a Sprint carried S7 SM-930P as a gift. The only problem is that although it works flawlessly on my sim cards (I'm not in the US), I found out that the 930P won't get the 7.0 update. Is it possible to flash the G930U firmware without messing my phone up?

theevilpotato said:
Hey guys!
Yesterday I got a Sprint carried S7 SM-930P as a gift. The only problem is that although it works flawlessly on my sim cards (I'm not in the US), I found out that the 930P won't get the 7.0 update. Is it possible to flash the G930U firmware without messing my phone up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't do it unless your absolutely sure, I wouldn't be so sure if it's for a different model number. If they were able to have the same firmware flashed Samsung would just release it, they obviously didn't because it requires extra effort, pointing towards the conclusion that the firmware is not flashable on 930P

dylanneve1 said:
I wouldn't do it unless your absolutely sure, I wouldn't be so sure if it's for a different model number. If they were able to have the same firmware flashed Samsung would just release it, they obviously didn't because it requires extra effort, pointing towards the conclusion that the firmware is not flashable on 930P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash it, i have done it myself. There are many guides over here that tell you how. All S7s in the USA are the same exact thing hardware wise, only the software (firmware) is different. Am currently running SM-G930U firmware on an SM-G930VL S7. @op the sprint s7 (SM-G930P) already has android 7 as of last 3 weeks

SM-G930P
micallan_17 said:
You can flash it, i have done it myself. There are many guides over here that tell you how. All S7s in the USA are the same exact thing hardware wise, only the software (firmware) is different. Am currently running SM-G930U firmware on an SM-G930VL S7. @op the sprint s7 (SM-G930P) already has android 7 as of last 3 weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Guys. I just wanted to make sure i can do this to. Since i have the sprint version which I've already unlock. I don't mind the few bloatwares. But my issue is i can only hotspot to one device with my S7
If i flash a 930U firmware. Do you think it will solve my issue ?thanks in advance.. yeah btw since I'm not in the usa, So im not using sprint. I can't change that hotspot plan. If i want to make more devices connect..

Barniedjfuze said:
Hi Guys. I just wanted to make sure i can do this to. Since i have the sprint version which I've already unlock. I don't mind the few bloatwares. But my issue is i can only hotspot to one device with my S7
If i flash a 930U firmware. Do you think it will solve my issue ?thanks in advance.. yeah btw since I'm not in the usa, So im not using sprint. I can't change that hotspot plan. If i want to make more devices connect..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it will, i am in belize with the U firmware and hotspot works great.

i was not able to to flash u firmware of s7 in sprint model g930p can any one help?
i use odin, u firmware of os 7 ,from sammobile,,, using odin i flash it ,, can any one help
pls help

SM-G930P converted to SM-G930U
Hey guys. I was able to flash the sm-g930u firmware downloaded from sammobile... the problem I have now.. I have a blank csc. No product code.. and on software updates it fails to register my device. Also in settings . I have some weird options. Which some of them are repeated. I will upload screenshots.. Also there's a system UPDATE option and also software option. Which one of them fails to register and the other only works with Wi-Fi. Should I revert back to my stock sprint firmware. If so do I need to wait for a firmware with same build date or newer. Because on sammobile haven't uploaded a firmware with a build date on par with the current install. Then I would have to wait right. ? If using a older firmware it will brick or do something to my phone ?​

Barniedjfuze said:
Hey guys. I was able to flash the sm-g930u firmware downloaded from sammobile... the problem I have now.. I have a blank csc. No product code.. and on software updates it fails to register my device. Also in settings . I have some weird options. Which some of them are repeated. I will upload screenshots.. Also there's a system UPDATE option and also software option. Which one of them fails to register and the other only works with Wi-Fi. Should I revert back to my stock sprint firmware. If so do I need to wait for a firmware with same build date or newer. Because on sammobile haven't uploaded a firmware with a build date on par with the current install. Then I would have to wait right. ? If using a older firmware it will brick or do something to my phone ?​
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you flash all file in the SM-G930U folder (AP,BL,CSC,CP)? Because i did it with T-mobile,Verzion an it work fine

Thanks for the reply. Already solve.. what happen i flash home_csc. So ir was like that. But then i made a back up.. and flash again using the csc file. And all work perfect. At first phone was with the SPT csc.. then after i restored phone and pop in my sim it did something.. and now I'm with XAA csc. Works perfect. And could receive updates (phone registered). Just waiting for the july security patch update. Btw phone works better in every way.. battery even last longer..

Barniedjfuze said:
Thanks for the reply. Already solve.. what happen i flash home_csc. So ir was like that. But then i made a back up.. and flash again using the csc file. And all work perfect. At first phone was with the SPT csc.. then after i restored phone and pop in my sim it did something.. and now I'm with XAA csc. Works perfect. And could receive updates (phone registered). Just waiting for the july security patch update. Btw phone works better in every way.. battery even last longer..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey buddy.
i need some help here with that Home_CSC.
i'm from morocco and my phone is also unlocked to use my service provider SIM card ( maroc telecom) but I'm stuck at marshmallow 6.0.1
and I need to flash the U firmware to get rid of bloats and get OTAs but i don't want to screw something.
please can you make it clear what CSC to flash with ? and how so ? I mean like Screenshots.
and forgive my Noobie questions.

CSC flashing
ZaKaRia OuH said:
Hey buddy.
i need some help here with that Home_CSC.
i'm from morocco and my phone is also unlocked to use my service provider SIM card ( maroc telecom) but I'm stuck at marshmallow 6.0.1
and I need to flash the U firmware to get rid of bloats and get OTAs but i don't want to screw something.
please can you make it clear what CSC to flash with ? and how so ? I mean like Screenshots.
and forgive my Noobie questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Buddy. I would recommend doing a full back up on your phone., using Smart Switch app
It saves all your numbers, message, etc..
Then proceed to flash the latest firmware for the Region or Provider. Using (CSC) not (home_csc) which means flashing the csc will wipe your phone data. Phone will be like new again. Proceed tru set up. Loggin in gmail. Proceed to update smart switch app if not found in apps. Then restore from the back up file. And good to go.

micallan_17 said:
You can flash it, i have done it myself. There are many guides over here that tell you how. All S7s in the USA are the same exact thing hardware wise, only the software (firmware) is different. Am currently running SM-G930U firmware on an SM-G930VL S7. @op the sprint s7 (SM-G930P) already has android 7 as of last 3 weeks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually all S7 are not the same hardware fyi. The Sm-g930p has chipsets snapdragon and uses cpu procesaor quad core but the sm-g930F has the chipset Exynos8 cpu is octa-CORE the chipsets vary from these two. Flashing firmware for one chipset to the other may cause major problems bot to mention bootloops.. but I looked up sm-g930U and it uses the same processor as the P model.snapdragon

highhacker said:
actually all S7 are not the same hardware fyi. The Sm-g930p has chipsets snapdragon and uses cpu procesaor quad core but the sm-g930F has the chipset Exynos8 cpu is octa-CORE the chipsets vary from these two. Flashing firmware for one chipset to the other may cause major problems bot to mention bootloops.. but I looked up sm-g930U and it uses the same processor as the P model.snapdragon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said all S7's in the USA are the same, which is correct. Exynos/930F isn't sold in the US, only way to get one is to grey import.
You can flash any USA model's firmware onto any other USA model because they're all the same hardware.

anyone running the 930p with current update how did you get around the binary 6 lock all the 930U firmware versions I can find are binary 4 I think t-mobile is 5. Anyone got links to a firmware we can push to sprint variants that are binary 6.

killerherts said:
anyone running the 930p with current update how did you get around the binary 6 lock all the 930U firmware versions I can find are binary 4 I think t-mobile is 5. Anyone got links to a firmware we can push to sprint variants that are binary 6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't get around it. It is currently impossible to "downgrade" the bootloader binary version. All US carrier variants are version 4, except Sprint that is 6. You are stuck.
The only way it would ever be possible is if (a) one of the carriers, in a future software update, increases their bootloader version to 6, or (b) if someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader for the Snapdragon models.
Neither of those options is likely to happen, ever. You might get lucky and hope the G930U unlocked version has a higher number (it hasn't been released for Oreo yet), but I wouldn't bet on it.

quasihellfish said:
You can't get around it. It is currently impossible to "downgrade" the bootloader binary version. All US carrier variants are version 4, except Sprint that is 6. You are stuck.
The only way it would ever be possible is if (a) one of the carriers, in a future software update, increases their bootloader version to 6, or (b) if someone figures out how to unlock the bootloader for the Snapdragon models.
Neither of those options is likely to happen, ever. You might get lucky and hope the G930U unlocked version has a higher number (it hasn't been released for Oreo yet), but I wouldn't bet on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well this is all very sad all this bootloader nonsense has me thinking Im done with samsung. I need to look for any phones where this nonsense isn't happening.

Removed

killerherts said:
Well this is all very sad all this bootloader nonsense has me thinking Im done with samsung. I need to look for any phones where this nonsense isn't happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Blame Sprint; there is really no reason for them to do what they did except keep users from switching their phone to another carrier. This isn't a Samsung thing. I don't believe you would be able to do this with any other Android phone, either (i.e. go backwards in bootloader versions).

[Completed] Help!! Galaxy J100H not registered on network.

Greetings, sharing here my particular problem from top to bottom just to take advice in general.
First of all, I live in Cuba, so my one and only network is Cubacel which runs GSM 900 mhz, so far so good with most phones.
I am between phones so I boorrowed this used J100h from a friend, which received it as a gift and has never been used. I performed a hard reset to wipe password, data, etc. Phone boots ok but no calls with cuban SIM.
The curious thing is that it does recognizes Cubacel network, it evens shows the changes on signal intensity. Bu when I try to manually add it, it finds and displays the network by its name, but reports an error when trying to register.
After 3 days of internet search I´ve narrowed to the following: I suspect the phone was unlocked or flashed previously, there is no network promo when turning on the phone but there is chinese rooting software installed and the cell is, or seems via root checker, rooted. Thought an extra /01 after the IMEI was a sign of corruption until I leraned about IMEI SV. Anyway, following this thought installed busybox and root explorer, checked efs folder, finding subfolders such as imei, factory app, etc, BUT NO .NV file. inside imei folder ther is a imeino1 file with the correct imei, but no .nv file outside. Is this fixable?? GSII repair doesnt work because seems theres is an error with the busy box install, what gives me doubts if the phone is really rooted, and if i need to be online to install busybox properly.
So, If I decide to try and flash stock rom and see if this fixes the problem here is my main doubt, which may seem obvious for some but i simply can figure out. Which stock rom version do I choose? the product code of the cell is ITV, and the bootloader also points to the italian version but the currently installed rom ends in AOG2, seemingly a greek version. I live in Cuba and everywhere I look people say that since the telephone is sim free you can install any rom, but the is no "any" or standard rom either in samsung firware o sammobile. Do I flash the same rom? do I flash the one matching the bootloader? Which stock rom version should I choose?
Very much appreciated if you have gone so far in this reading and have some piece of advice. Also excuse terrible English.

Hi !
I see plenty of firmwares on samsung website so pick one and see how it works , it doesn`t matter the region , you won`t damage anything , maybe the modifications that has been made on the device borked the network , clean stock firmware flash may resurrect it and try the one which matches the bootloader
You may have a look here as well https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/rom-gennxt-prerooted-stock-t3126368
Good luck !

Galaxy s7 "updates software" option missing

Hi, I have just bought a brand new galaxy S7, model SM-G930F.
Although it is an international model, it carries a snapdragon 820 processor.
I am told , that it is a USA model, built under Verizon.
SM-G930F is supposed to be a global model with exynos, does anyone knoes what is the phone I bought?
Anyway, my real problem is, that the "updates software" option is missing, in "about phone" list.
I am stuck in android 6.0.1
I checked it is not rooted and it must be a genuine phone.
Can anybody guide me through solutions?
I would really appreciate any help.
Thank you

Moving to general S7 Q&A since you say it's a SM-G930F.
Check the back of the phone and verify the phone model. You should be able to update through other options like Kies, unless they've changed that recently.

Johntri said:
Hi, I have just bought a brand new galaxy S7, model SM-G930F.
Although it is an international model, it carries a snapdragon 820 processor.
I am told , that it is a USA model, built under Verizon.
SM-G930F is supposed to be a global model with exynos, does anyone knoes what is the phone I bought?
Anyway, my real problem is, that the "updates software" option is missing, in "about phone" list.
I am stuck in android 6.0.1
I checked it is not rooted and it must be a genuine phone.
Can anybody guide me through solutions?
I would really appreciate any help.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a G930F if it has a Snapdragon processor
Commonly faked to look like G930F by editing firmware / stickers / model numbers etc, more likely to be the G930V if it's Verizon
Boot to download mode and check the model number in there, that's the only one that can not be faked
(Volume Down & Home & power)
And they likely removed the update option from settings to prevent any problems of the phone updating to either the wrong firmware, or removing their fake edits with a V update
Flash the proper firmware with ODIN 3.12.3 or newer from updato.com once you know your model S7

Galaxy s7 "updates software" option missing
Dear Durham,
Thanks for the help.
Yes, you are right; it is G930V.I have been tricked...
I have visited updato.com and found 12 variants of S7 firmware.
My bootlader version is - 6.0.1 November 20, 16 USA (Verizon) (VZW) G930VVRU4API3
Shall I download and install this one and afterwards make a manual software update or
shall I install the latest - 7.0 August 25, 17 USA (Verizon) (VZW) G930VVRS4BQH1 ?
After successful installation, will these firmware fake modifications( to G930F) disappear permanently?
I am much obliged
Thanks

Johntri said:
Dear Durham,
Thanks for the help.
Yes, you are right; it is G930V.I have been tricked...
I have visited updato.com and found 12 variants of S7 firmware.
My bootlader version is - 6.0.1 November 20, 16 USA (Verizon) (VZW) G930VVRU4API3
Shall I download and install this one and afterwards make a manual software update or
shall I install the latest - 7.0 August 25, 17 USA (Verizon) (VZW) G930VVRS4BQH1 ?
After successful installation, will these firmware fake modifications( to G930F) disappear permanently?
I am much obliged
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROMs from updato.com are full ROMs so you can just flash the latest / newest one and you'll be 100% up to date once it boots
Use CSC and not HOME_CSC though as you are going to want to reset after the flash to clear any hacks from the previous ROM (This will wipe the device so backup any important files first)
CSC, AP, BL and CP
Yes this will permanently remove any modifications from the faked ROM

Wish me luck, I will give it a go!
You have been most informative, many thanks.

Good luck :good:

Johntri said:
Wish me luck, I will give it a go!
You have been most informative, many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The good news is that the verizon edition can be rooted and is network unlocked from the factory so as long as ure carrier supports the bands it will still work for you on a side note flash the u firmware not verizon and u wont have any verizon bloatware out of the gate either

Mad scientist, thank you for your intervention.
Just to be clear, which firmware do you suggest me to install, not the verizon G930V?
Could I install the G930F for my country (Europe).
I thought they are incompatible...

As my bootloader version G930V I think I would better stick with the V version.
Are you suggesting not to upgrade to nougat and reinstall factory installed 6.0.1 and better wait for 8?
Yes you are right, I am not good at twiking.Will I have drain baterry issues with nougat?

Dear Durham,
Emergency help!!!!
I installed it succesfully but now it does not recognize my sim card, as it is from a non USA country.
Should I reflash a different firmware? F or U ?
I am from Greece

It seems to be working...
The Verizon logo appears upon starting the phone
But in language selection, there is only English and asian languages available.
Software update finally appeared.
In order to have my langage back, should I reflash with the U ( unlocked version) or the F (global)?

No mobile data.
Maybe I am calling through Verizon.Roaming.Expensive.Scarry...!!

He means that the G930U firmware will flash fine on the G930V, it is the same firmware but without the Verizon bloatware added
You can not flash any other firmwares, it just happens that those two are compatible with each other
Flash straight to the latest

So I shall flash the G930U?
Will my sim card be recognized and mobile data be active.
Nougat 7 or MM 6-your opinion, again?
thnks

No idea if your SIM will be recognised, but if it's not working with the V firmware it's worth a try
As I said, flash the latest firmware which is Nougat
Personally I would be contacting the seller and asking for a refund / exchange for a real G930F that you paid for

firmware
I tried, but he is not cooperative.
How about F version-it worked with it before ?
(only it was modified with the dissapearance of system update.)

Johntri said:
I tried, but he is not cooperative.
How about F version-it worked with it before ?
(only it was modified with the dissapearance of system update.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No you cannot flash any other model firmware, that was NOT the G930F firmware, it was a hacked / faked U or V firmware
I think you better read a good few threads before going much further or you're going to end up with a brick
Contact the seller and request a refund

Don't suppose you can flash CSC files of the 930F on 930V?

Dear all,
Thank you for your help and interest in my problem.
This is indeed a great forum!!!
I tried to flash the F version, but thankfully odin stopped it from the beginning, presenting "failed" message.
I suppose if it continued, I would end up with a brick as Durham suggested.
Finally I flashed he U version, as mad scientist suggested, and up to now it works like a charm.
As Durham advised, I used CSC and not HOME_CSC and the hack was eliminated.
Sim card is recognized, no bloatware and mobile data working.
Let's hope it will continue like this...!!!
Only glitch, not everything is in my home language ( message icon name and in settings-the menu options-any idea how to fix it? - I removed english and left only my language as selection, but onle these remain untranslated)-small problem
I have learned a valuble lesson from my adventure.
Ebay, an organized platfrom may it be, it cannot control each individual's deceivals, so one must be extra wary when buyng from unofficial sources, nomatter good reviews from others...
Thanks again to you all for your help, I would be in serious position right now, if it weren't for you guys.

Updating problematic device from Android 6 to 8

Hello,
I bought an S7 from eBay, it was marked as a "new" and "UK" phone. I factory reset the device on receipt and apparently worked fine to start with. However, there have been a few problems (poor signal, battery life, echoes in video calls) and I noticed the device was still on Android 6, so wondered if an update to Android 8 might help (?).
There is no menu option available to update Android so I started looking into flashing firmware. On further digging, the device seemed an official SM-G930F but "United Arab Emirates" appears in the "About Phone" section.
I downloaded some stock firmware (Android 8, UK Vodafone which is the network I expect to run it on) and tried flashing with Odin 3.13 and it failed with error "unsupport dev_type" on the phone screen. Any suggestions?
I also noticed that in "Download mode" the phone said it was a "SM-G930V". I wondered if this was why the flash had failed. For the SM-G930V I only seem to be able to get USA/Verizon stock firmware. Might this work or would I have trouble using this in the UK?
Any help would be much appreciated. I'm a newbie in this area so apologies if any of these questions are answered elsewhere.
Many thanks,
Edwin

ecc25 said:
Hello,
I bought an S7 from eBay, it was marked as a "new" and "UK" phone. I factory reset the device on receipt and apparently worked fine to start with. However, there have been a few problems (poor signal, battery life, echoes in video calls) and I noticed the device was still on Android 6, so wondered if an update to Android 8 might help (?).
There is no menu option available to update Android so I started looking into flashing firmware. On further digging, the device seemed an official SM-G930F but "United Arab Emirates" appears in the "About Phone" section.
I downloaded some stock firmware (Android 8, UK Vodafone which is the network I expect to run it on) and tried flashing with Odin 3.13 and it failed with error "unsupport dev_type" on the phone screen. Any suggestions?
I also noticed that in "Download mode" the phone said it was a "SM-G930V". I wondered if this was why the flash had failed. For the SM-G930V I only seem to be able to get USA/Verizon stock firmware. Might this work or would I have trouble using this in the UK?
Any help would be much appreciated. I'm a newbie in this area so apologies if any of these questions are answered elsewhere.
Many thanks,
Edwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the play store and install Sam phone info, then look at what chipset it lists, you don't want it to be Qualcomm Snapdragon, Eyxnos is what you want to see.
G930V is US Verizon firmware
Report back please.

cooltt said:
Go to the play store and install Sam phone info, then look at what chipset it lists, you don't want it to be Qualcomm Snapdragon, Eyxnos is what you want to see.
G930V is US Verizon firmware
Report back please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply! The "hardware/board" is "qcom/msm8996". Where does that leave me?
I noticed that the Bootloader & Baseband Versions begin G930VVRU but the PDA and CSC versions begin G930FXXU. Not sure if that means anything.
Thank you!

ecc25 said:
Thanks for your reply! The "hardware/board" is "qcom/msm8996". Where does that leave me?
I noticed that the Bootloader & Baseband Versions begin G930VVRU but the PDA and CSC versions begin G930FXXU. Not sure if that means anything.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the person who sold it to you is a liar for starters, it's not a "brand new UK device", it's a US S7 (G930V) Originally bought for the Verizon Network in the states. They are difficult to do anything with as the Qualcomm boot loader is locked down.
So your first option is to update the firmware to the latest Verizon Oreo, probably not worth it since that firmware is designed to work on a couple of frequencies only.
Next option is to flash unbranded US firmware with a modified version of Odin that ignores mismatch devices etc and just installs the firmware. You will need to use this version of Odin from this thread >>> here Odin 13 PatchD.zip is the one you want.
Unzip, run Odin, place phone into download mode flash firmware. You will need to download G930U from Sammobile or undato.com The 3 letter code should either be USC or XAA.
Any questions please ask.
Also before flashing please remove you google account off the phone.

cooltt said:
Well the person who sold it to you is a liar for starters, it's not a "brand new UK device", it's a US S7 (G930V) Originally bought for the Verizon Network in the states. They are difficult to do anything with as the Qualcomm boot loader is locked down.
So your first option is to update the firmware to the latest Verizon Oreo, probably not worth it since that firmware is designed to work on a couple of frequencies only.
Next option is to flash unbranded US firmware with a modified version of Odin that ignores mismatch devices etc and just installs the firmware. You will need to use this version of Odin from this thread >>> here Odin 13 PatchD.zip is the one you want.
Unzip, run Odin, place phone into download mode flash firmware. You will need to download G930U from Sammobile or undato.com The 3 letter code should either be USC or XAA.
Any questions please ask.
Also before flashing please remove you google account off the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for these detailed instructions -- much appreciated!
Presumably using this version of Odin carries a high risk of bricking the phone if I get anything wrong?
Out of interest, what's the reason for removing the Google account?
Cheers,
Edwin

ecc25 said:
Thank you for these detailed instructions -- much appreciated!
Presumably using this version of Odin carries a high risk of bricking the phone if I get anything wrong?
Out of interest, what's the reason for removing the Google account?
Cheers,
Edwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it's a further complication with FRP lock you just don't need after flashing. Just add the google account after flashing and your good to go.
With regards to flashing yes there's always a risk that something can go wrong, that's why you take your time and follow the steps exactly. In your case it's pretty straight forward and remember nothing changes on the external SD card, so anything you want to keep can be moved there before flash.
I would also mention that theoretically you could flash UK unbranded (BTU) but it's for G930F Exynos devices so best at this stage just get the device on unbranded Qualcomm and working on UK networks.
let me know how it goes.

cooltt said:
Because it's a further complication with FRP lock you just don't need after flashing. Just add the google account after flashing and your good to go.
With regards to flashing yes there's always a risk that something can go wrong, that's why you take your time and follow the steps exactly. In your case it's pretty straight forward and remember nothing changes on the external SD card, so anything you want to keep can be moved there before flash.
I would also mention that theoretically you could flash UK unbranded (BTU) but it's for G930F Exynos devices so best at this stage just get the device on unbranded Qualcomm and working on UK networks.
let me know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
I've just tried doing what you suggested (I think!) and I got a failure. Odin said "FAIL! (Auth)" and the phone said "Secure check fail: apnhlos". I tried rebooting and got a security error. So I tried Odin again and it passed.
However, now the phone won't boot, it alternates between "Samsung Galaxy S7" and a blank screen. In recovery I get:
"#fail to open recovery_cause(No such file or directory)#"
#Reboot Recovery Cause is [UNKNOWN]#
No Support SINGLE-SKU
File-Based OTA
Supported API: 3
dm-verity verification failed..."
Any ideas?
Thanks a lot,
Edwin

ecc25 said:
Hello,
I've just tried doing what you suggested (I think!) and I got a failure. Odin said "FAIL! (Auth)" and the phone said "Secure check fail: apnhlos". I tried rebooting and got a security error. So I tried Odin again and it passed.
However, now the phone won't boot, it alternates between "Samsung Galaxy S7" and a blank screen. In recovery I get:
"#fail to open recovery_cause(No such file or directory)#"
#Reboot Recovery Cause is [UNKNOWN]#
No Support SINGLE-SKU
File-Based OTA
Supported API: 3
dm-verity verification failed..."
Any ideas?
Thanks a lot,
Edwin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so try an earlier G930V firmware and please make sure you are placing the file in the right places with Odin. The US carriers have all updated their firmware and often closes the loophole which allows the patched Odin to work. Then it's just a question of waiting until someone develops a workaround again.
Also you can pick up an S7 from ebay for about £100 now, your always going to have problems with a qualcomm device on UK networks. Where about are you in the UK?

cooltt said:
Ok, so try an earlier G930V firmware and please make sure you are placing the file in the right places with Odin. The US carriers have all updated their firmware and often closes the loophole which allows the patched Odin to work. Then it's just a question of waiting until someone develops a workaround again.
Also you can pick up an S7 from ebay for about £100 now, your always going to have problems with a qualcomm device on UK networks. Where about are you in the UK?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Actually shortly after posting I found a suggesting of using CSC not HOME_CSC, which enabled the flash to work (at the expense of phone data, as expected).
The device still does have a few issues though, as you predicted. Is the radio hardware different for Qualcomm? Might need to buy another then. Any advice to avoid being scammed on eBay again?!
Thanks so much!

ecc25 said:
Thanks! Actually shortly after posting I found a suggesting of using CSC not HOME_CSC, which enabled the flash to work (at the expense of phone data, as expected).
The device still does have a few issues though, as you predicted. Is the radio hardware different for Qualcomm? Might need to buy another then. Any advice to avoid being scammed on eBay again?!
Thanks so much!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you could flash G930U which opens up all of the radios for the US and you may have less issues but US and European devices have different chips so your never going to be able to flash any EU generic firmware. I'm addition the US and Europe are different cellular regions with different operating frequencies. You can get by with what you have but never get full functionality.
I think you were just unlucky with this phone on ebay, there are plenty which are genuine EU region devices.