Change firmware on an S8+ (SM-955F) from Claro Puerto Rico to T-Mobile's. - Samsung Galaxy S8+ Questions & Answers

Hello.
-(Backstory, boring) I recently financed an SM-955F through Claro PR since T-Mobile rejected me back in Nov '17. I'm very happy with the phone, but Claro's signal is trash, to paint it lightly. I've decided to cancel my line with Claro, pay the phone and continue with T-Mobile since I never closed my line with them. I don't want to take a new phone with T-Mobile since obviously I'd be losing money by doing so.
-(question) Therefore, I'd like to change carrier firmware on my SM-955F to T-Mobile's. I already carrier unlocked the phone. But Claro's firmware is trash and doesn't work 100% with T-Mobile (ie, VoLTE). I've searched and the only thing I've found is for other S8 (ie, 950W) models so I haven't taken the risk of following those instructions. I'd appreciate help on this. Eventually changing ROMs, maybe. But definitely Rooting in the near future, I assume it's needed to change carriers anyways.
Thanks for your time,
Estebandido1232

Estebandido1232 said:
Hello.
-(Backstory, boring) I recently financed an SM-955F through Claro PR since T-Mobile rejected me back in Nov '17. I'm very happy with the phone, but Claro's signal is trash, to paint it lightly. I've decided to cancel my line with Claro, pay the phone and continue with T-Mobile since I never closed my line with them. I don't want to take a new phone with T-Mobile since obviously I'd be losing money by doing so.
-(question) Therefore, I'd like to change carrier firmware on my SM-955F to T-Mobile's. I already carrier unlocked the phone. But Claro's firmware is trash and doesn't work 100% with T-Mobile (ie, VoLTE). I've searched and the only thing I've found is for other S8 (ie, 950W) models so I haven't taken the risk of following those instructions. I'd appreciate help on this. Eventually changing ROMs, maybe. But definitely Rooting in the near future, I assume it's needed to change carriers anyways.
Thanks for your time,
Estebandido1232
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The T-Mobile variant has a Snapdragon SoC, the SM-G955F has an Exynos SoC. You cannot flash the firmware for T-Mobile on that device. Only thing you can do is root and flash the T-Mobile CSC. You can find the guide by searching on the threads.

aromerblz said:
The T-Mobile variant has a Snapdragon SoC, the SM-G955F has an Exynos SoC. You cannot flash the firmware for T-Mobile on that device. Only thing you can do is root and flash the T-Mobile CSC. You can find the guide by searching on the threads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you provide a link or the correct wording I should use to find it?

Related

AT&T or T-Mobile for unlocked S8+ ?

The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
mweinbach said:
Either and flash the OS on it with ODIN. It is the same hardware so it doesnt matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
SBERG117 said:
No unlocked bootloaders on u.s.a. Carriers....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Interceptor777 said:
Yes and also if the T-Mobile version is going to have an unlocked bootloader, flashing T-Mobile firmware should allow you to unlock it through the OS.
But it's highly unlikely it will have an unlocked bootloader, although T-Mobile have supported it, I don't think it's happening.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Phredeee said:
The backstory.... Preordered an ATT Note 7 and had many headaches with delivery / billing. I am now living with my old Note3 using Goggle Voice/Hangouts because of my weak signal (all carriers) at home. I'm using a pre-paid Straight Talk plan when away from home.
I've been waiting patiently for the S8+ and now need to decide between AT&T and T-Mobile for a GSM phone. I plan on paying full cash price and having it unlocked to use a 3rd part prepaid plan (Straight Talk or ?).
I considered a factory unlocked phone (Best Buy, May 9th??) but I am told that those will also have a locked bootloader. Up until the Note 7 I always ran rooted with custom ROMS. I became a big fan of Samsung Pay which I think also means a locked bootloader with no root is needed. Of coarse, bloatware sucks. I had good luck with Package Disabler Pro on my Note 7. I will be using my Google number, if only for forwarding to another number. WiFi calling is a must one way or another.
My Note 7 from ATT let me run Mobile Hotspot at the same time WiFi was enabled. This made it easy for giving my Android head unit in my car Internet access. The T-mobile version at the time needed to be turned on and off.
I'm leaning toward T-mobile only because of my bad blood with ATT. ATT coverage is marginally better in my area.
Thoughts, comments.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Phredeee said:
If I flash via ODIN does that kill Samsung Pay? What about Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long you are flashing official firmware from Samsung nothing will break. Knox will not be tripped and Samsung Pay will work.
954wrecker said:
I'm in a similar situation and my first concern is what bands both phones support. Online it seems AT&T covers both GSM providers perfectly. The info on T-Mobile and its bands is extremely lacking. My second concern is the process of unlocking either fully paid off phone for use on the other. I think I can have TMobile unlock it for me but I'm not sure how it works with AT&T. The easiest solution is the unlocked version but thats not even got a release date set in writing anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Phredeee said:
It is my understanding that all US (Snapdragon) phones cover all bands, including CDMA. That means you could even take an unlocked AT&T phone to Verizon. I'm not used to that! It even has LTE-U which TMo is supposed to be soon supporting.
I am an ex AT&T customer. They unlocked my Note 7, and again with the replacement, without issue. I seem to remember there was a wait period at first. 7 or 14 days?
The thing I'm considering is also the VR incentives for pre-ordering. I can tell you AT&T messed up my Note 7 pre-order. They shipped it on the release day by a slow method. I ended up going to a store and buying one outright and returning the unopened one once it arrived. That caused a billing nightmare that I had to call them every months until I finally turned it in and closed my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Phredeee said:
I get that if you buy a carrier phone and then unlock it. But what about the factory unlocked phones sold in the US?
I've heard that the bootloader on those phones is also locked, but not from a real good source of info. I've also heard international versions do not have a locked bootloader and do not support Samsung Pay. They also do not support CDMA (which doesn't bother me at all).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're missing what I'm saying... There will be no unlocked bootloaders on any Samsung S8 phones for the USA. You cannot get one from carrier or factory.
I think you may be mixing up Bootloader unlock and Sim unlock....
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do remember that it was a story about FCC approval of the factory unlocked (SIM) phone. Keep that in mind that it may be the unbranded, factory unlocked phone only, but the article did say they were all the same. The locked carrier phones may not be so flexible.
Other things I've found.. Best Buy SIM unlocked does not get the incentives. Best Buy, and their cheaper price, does not seem to offer a T-Mo phone.
The VR incentive is attractive to me, but is not a must have. At this moment, until I can find out for sure if Samsung Pay will work on an international version, I am leaning towards a T-Mo pre-order. But that is me and my preferences YMMV. I have a major dislike for AT&T.
Looking for where I read it. In the mean time this may be interesting to you.
Model numbers http://techbeasts.com/list-of-samsung-galaxy-s8-galaxy-s8plus-model-numbers/
Frequencies https://www.frequencycheck.com/models/OyqBp/samsung-sm-g955a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
The link is for the AT&T model search for other models.
954wrecker said:
Can you recall where you read the carrier versions support all the bands just like the unlocked versions? All the info I found from the carriers shows different bands on each model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It appears that going by this information the factory unlocked and the AT&T are NOT the same https://www.frequencycheck.com/compare-devices/6MQWs05y/samsung-sm-g950a-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream/samsung-sm-g950f-galaxy-s8-td-lte-samsung-dream
You're correct that it seems T-mo info is evasive.
Hello,
I would like to know, if it posible to buy the Galaxy S8 from the samsung web page (att version), then unlock it and after that flash the unlocked rom flashing it with odin.
Can someone help me?
thanks.
Just ordered the 955F from Clove...
I'm hoping that missing bands won't hurt my AT&T usage much. Or any prepaid sims I may throw in there.
Will see if the 955U info comes out before my phone, and will decide if I want to cancel.
:good::angel:

Unlocked Version vs Carrier Specific

I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Somebody mentioned the carrier specific ones may get updates more frequently. Regardless, the only unlock that really matters to me is bootloader unlock. US Snapdragon S8/S8+ are not bootloader unlocked--regardless whether the model is carrier unlocked or not. Only the Chinese and Hong Kong Snapdragon S8/S8+ bootloaders can be unlocked so far. My recommendation is to pre-order the Note 8 as you were interested in that phone, but that if you were planning on sticking with the same carrier and wanted updates more frequently, getting a carrier specific Note 8 might be best.
I'm in the same situation. I currently with att prepaid, they have LTE+ (LTE advanced). I did speed test twice, getting 127mb down, 30mb up, 115mb down, 28mb up. I'm not sure if unlocked version note8 has all the LTE bands. I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
netnerd said:
I thinking of just getting att version and if I want to switch carrier in the future, I just pay for those unlock service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful about those assumptions, make sure the AT&T variant has all the bands needed for full rate.
Recently switched from ATT to Verizon, and ended up getting a new phone (not *really* complaining since it's the GS8+) because my 1 yr old GS7edge AT&T model didn't have support for the correct LTE bands to work properly with the Verizon network.
I'm planning on staying with the same carrier, I just figure I'd get update faster, have less bloat ware, and have more lte bands (with the unlocked version)
Isn't that all accurate?
ALL the US versions have the same exact hardware and support the same exact bands. The ONLY difference is the carrier specific firmware. And you can change that by flashing whichever firmware you want through ODIN.
brendan4t said:
I was looking to buy the Galaxy Note 8, and is it worth buying the Unlocked version over the ATT version? I know I will save a little money, and also have less bloatware. I could not find much info on the basebands of these phones, there would not really be any basebands the unlocked version wouldnt have that the ATT version has? I assume that it would just be smarter to get the unlocked version?
Someone correct me if I am wrong
Sorry this is somewhat unrelated to the S8+
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both S8 T-mobile and S8 unlocked. They have identical LTE bands. Moreover, when inserting SIM cards from different providers the CSC is changed to that provider and some specific options are enabled. I put in T-mobile SIM card and used it without any issues. Put in Vodaphone Europe SIM card and CSC changed from TMB to XAA (unlocked) and phone still had all LTE bands available and worked. I'm sure it's the same for ATT. Also, from previous experience if you get ATT version and change providers you'll not get updates anymore unless you go to Samsung to have your phone updated, as all OTA's go through ATT servers.
Go for unlocked.

Relearning... software version questions?

Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....
For others' benefit: OYM is multi - covers multiple options depending on what SIM you toss into it. And the OTA question was answered a few minutes ago when I picked up the US Unlocked update from Samsung.
redoregon said:
Some of you might recognize me, used to be pretty active in the root/mod/ROM game back from the days of the OG Droid on, but have been away for a while. Now I've got a new Samsung S10E, and I don't quite get the relationships with the versions and trigraphs, etc.
My phone is a G970U1 - which I understand is a non-carrier specific unlocked model? But the Service Provider SW ver. reads SAOMC_SM-g970U1_OYM_TMB_PP0022 with TMB/TMB/SPR tags? What's the OYM? And what's up with the two T-Mobile tags followed by the Sprint tag? I did some digging around but couldn't see where there might have been a guide/explanation in this forum... pointers would be fine if it's too much of a pain to explain the whole thing here.
Also, OTAs? Would those come from TMO because of the tags, or from Samsung because of the U1 instead of the U?
Thanks....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.
Charkatak said:
If you have an unlocked S10e model, then you shouldn't have SPR at the end. It should be XAA. For example if you put T-Mobile sim in your unlocked phone, it should read: TMB/TMB/XAA, meaning that you have an unlocked US model(U1). If you put another US carrier sim in the phone, then first 2 TMB/TMB will change to that sim, such as ATT, VZW, USC...but the third XAA will stay the same. If your phones shows SPR, then it should be Sprint branded model that was flashed with U1 unlocked firmware. Basically US carrier firmware has OYN in the Service Provider SW ver. and unlocked is OYM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...
redoregon said:
Thanks! That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was looking for.
So... my phone was somehow hijacked from Sprint and reflashed as unlocked somehow? It arrived in factory shape, including all the little plastic protective bits that you have to spend fifteen minutes peeling off, tearing open, etc., etc., etc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't an issue if the phone was flashed. So if you were planning to buy a factory unlocked model, then it isn't the case but nothing to worry about.
Back when S8 was a Samsung flagship, there was a news that Samsung is planning to make the firmware more universal(at least in US) and if you have a carrier branded phone and you put another carrier's sim, then it would automatically apply that carrier's settings + download any bloatware.

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile

looking for "before-i-buy" details on the different versions, for using on T-mobile
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:
Sterist said:
cant seem to find exact details on in2013 / in2017 / in2020 / in2025 but i have (obviously) seen those references around while trying to research the different versions
i presume 2 of those 4 versions are international and the others USA, please do correct me if i'm wrong.... and based on the descriptions from people who are "selling" the Oneplus 8 phone(s) all of these appear to be T-mobile compatible
i've seen that there are both locked and unlocked versions of the USA models.... and i also have easy access to some unlocked international models locally from 3rd parties.... which leads me to some questions:
Question #1
is the T-mobile OTA blacklisting for bootloader unlocking limited to sprint/t-mobile models, or would an SIM-Unlocked USA model also end up blacklisted for bootloader unlocking?
Question #2
is unlocked International a bad idea for usage on USA T-mobile due to availability of bands?
appears 4g and 5g would be accessible, but i don't know to what extent the coverage would be hindered (which i've noticed can be anywhere from non existent to severe cell frequency mismatch between brands / regions / models)
Question #3
am i looking at any kind of "technical difficulties" outside of OTA block, by bootloader unlocking on OnePlus? i am very new to the brand, coming from Samsung in the era before they were locked by default :silly:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
And there is no "international version". Don't be fooled, International version is a way to lure buyers in buying chinese version but flashed with OxygenOS global. You'll buy the chinese version (with potential band mismatch), it's cheaper but you'll have issues with G-Pay and 5G (even 4G in some countries).
So #1: Carriers phone not only blacklist you when unlocking bootloader, they try to make it impossible for you to unlock it. Idk if it's the same with unlocked SIM (but I don't think so)
#2: Since international is in fact chinese with global software (and not chinese specific) I highly recommend you not to buy it (even though the price looks sexy)
#3: Unlocking bootloader requires you to wipe your phone, otherwise no issues if you follow the instructions. If you flash a ROM or install magisk modules then the stability of your phone depends on the dev's work and not the OEM anymore.
I might be wrong with the Carrier Devices banning unlocking bootloader since I'm not from America so search more on the internet.
Hope this helped, have a good day :good:
Raiz said:
Hi,
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
The USA version is different, not a pain to root or to OTA update, you keep OTA when rooting. In short that's the phone OP intended you to use. It's 5G, but not millimeter waves or things like that. I couldn't test 5G yet since I don't live in America, you have to scroll through the OP8 forums to find your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?
Sterist said:
there is definitely an IN2017, it shows on phonearena and gsmarena spec pages, but in the USA each carrier has a designated model number within a same phone model (like 900P 900T 900V) so that might be what's going on with IN2015 versus IN2017 (i'm guessing GSM model versus CDMA model)
this part through me off a little because Verizon and T-mobile are both USA versions lol... did you mean to say something different or am i misunderstanding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, I forgot to put it, IN2017 is the CDMA.
And CDMA are modified versions of the IN2015. That's why you can't use the same cases for CDMA and GSM versions. They added in the phone, the hardware to make their 5G technology work. So CDMA and GSM technically are all American (since they're located there), but they're different, especially for OTA. It's not OP that provides updates for CDMA phones, that's T-Mobile or other carriers, and I heard people here complaining the updates are slow to be available. I don't even know if Android 11 is available for them yet.
That's why I advices you to buy the IN2015
There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.
esjames said:
There is a MSM tool for t-mobile that is up to date with the latest firmware, 10.5.20.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?
Sterist said:
i've always been a samsung guy, i dont know if you're familiar with samsung tools, but, based on what i researched last night, it sounds like MSM is effectively "odin" right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043
esjames said:
It's kinda like odin, except it's better. MSM can fix just about anything except a hard brick.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-8/how-to/op8-unbrick-tool-to-restore-device-to-t4093043
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sounds wonderful to me i'm honing in on the decision to buy, just having a hard time finding non-retail prices, other than Swappa
would you recommend getting the T-mobile and converting (which effectively means unlocking? lol) or does that come with caveats avoidable by just buying one already unlocked?
it sounds like there's no difference but ughh... idk i'm in information overload mode trying to hit the ground running lol
If it was up to me, I would just buy the pro model if you can afford that. I ended up buying through tmobile to finance mine and had my device sim unlocked so I can unlock the bootloader.
I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
To answer your specific concerns:
#1 I've never heard of Tmobile blacklisting anyone for unlocking or rooting. Just make sure the imei is good if you buy used. Use a legit site like Swappa.
#2 Yes avoid the "international". Stick to IN2015 (Global) or IN2017 for use in the USA.
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.
sx10 said:
#3 Bootloader unlock on the IN2017 requires a clean esn/imei. You fill out a form and Tmobile gives you the unlock code a week later.
After bootloader unlock you can easily root with Magisk or flash pretty much anything. On my 2017 I've ran the tmobile rom, OOS10, OOS11, and gone back and forth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Raiz said:
Hi,
First of all, there are 4 versions of the OP8 :
IN2010 (China) IN2013 (EU) IN2015 (US) IN2011 (India)
The OP8 Prois the same, but with IN202_ instead of IN201_
There are also brand specific version: Verizon and T-Mobile. Those version are a pain (as I heard) to update even by the official version. There are some workaround to SIM unlock those, but they'll still be a pain to update and root. If you succeed in rooting that you'll be blacklisted for OTAs on those versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They say you won't get updates, but my phone has wanted to update for over a week now. Maybe security updates aren't affected? I have IN2017, unlocked bootloader and rooted.
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:55 PM ----------
Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
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https://support.oneplus.com/app/ans...-to-unlock-bootloader-for-oneplus-smart-phone
Sterist said:
i have a feeling if i walk into a T mobile store and ask them for a bootloader unlock code form, they're going to look at me like i have an alien doing a handstand on my shoulders...
havent met a single employee yet who could figure out why putting a T mobile sim in my old Sprint phone is a bad proposal for coverage lol my hopes are pretty low with them.
could you tell me a little more about who / where / how to acquire the form from?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.oneplus.com/unlock_token
sx10 said:
I have IN2017 on Tmobile and would recommend it. The Tmobile vendor rom works better on their network for obvious reasons, for example 5G standalone doesn't currently work on the Global OOS (oxygen OS) roms.
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yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom
Sterist said:
yes yes i'm re-quoting the post lol
are you saying that OxygenOS is the global rom? also, can you clarify what is being described by 5G "standalone" ?
just got my IN2017 and it's on oxygenOS 10
it is unlocked and my account is Sprint (and will remain that way) but sprint's system was too slow to reflect that this phone was activated on the account, so the T-mobile store wasn't able to put a T-mobile SIM in it (yet)
...with that said, the phone says 5G is connected and speed tests are.... pretty bad... barely meeting mid tier 4G standards... how can i definitively confirm or deny if i'm on the global rom
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Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.
crazynapkinman said:
Bro....
You will need to flash it. It doesn't come preinstalled on Sprint\tmo.
I'm using your exact setup. I too have the Sprint sim in my Tmo OP8
If you are on 10nand want to go to global, there is a thread on here that will take you through the process.
Follow the guide carefully but confidently. It does work and will not brick your phone.
You will convert to global a10... I had issues with cellular signal after converting.
HOWEVER, after upgrading to A11 global rom (local upgrade) everything works perfectly.
I'm on OOS11 Open Beta 3 with sprint sim on the IN2017.
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Click to collapse
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
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Click to collapse
Don't know what you've heard about global but it puts Tmo stock to shame
Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.
mx597turbo said:
Simple answer. Buy the phone from oneplus.com. I did and have had no issues at all on T-Mobile. Trust me, with any OnePlus devices, you absolutely want to be able to root right off the bat and install viper. Audio tends to be a big problem with oneplus phones, and only viper seems to solve the issue.
The phone is $600, and a bargain at that price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also financing from oneplus available
Sterist said:
based on what everyone's said so far about the global rom, i have zero interest in it.... i am merely trying to understand if i am on that rom now as a result of possible shady dealings from the seller on Swappa, based on how the post i re-quoted was worded. it threw me off.
but from the sound of it, i get the feeling OOS is not the global (or at least the version i have installed is as it should be -- stock TMO)
and i'm rapidly falling in love with this thing... it's so &@#%*$^ fast
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just look at the version on the about phone screen. The TMobile software builds end in IN55CB (latest is 10.5.22.IN55CB), and the global roms end in IN21AA.
About the 5g standalone, that means you can connect to the 5g signals alone. This only works on the Tmobile rom right now. You'll see NR-SA in apps like signalcheck or network signal guru. The alternative is NSA (non-standalone) 5g where the phone has to be connected to a 4g signal at the same time for 5g to work. This gives you 5g speed but with higher latency and it uses more battery. It's just like when Sprint 4g came out but early phones needed to stay connected to the 1x signal as well.

Question Exynos/HK versions: AT&T LTE band question

Hey all,
I'm looking at getting an Exynos or an HK version of the S22 series. I saw none of the other versions besides the U supports bands 29 and 30 that AT&T uses. Since they seem to be the more minor bands, how much does it matter and how much does the lack of those bands impact service? And does AT&T ban those S22 versions from their 5G networks?
I'm starting to get tired of OP, but I want something I can tinker without having to deal with AT&T's Sammy versions.
Thanks!
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Paul_Deemer said:
AT&T won't support the international models on their network or so various users have said in other posts. You end up locked out. T-Mobile doesn't do this but the long range 5G and LTE band 71 is missing from the international versions which would mean no coverage in any areas using band 71. Either way you are screwed on AT&T and T-Mobile. Don't have any info on Verizon. Best suggestion is. (Don't Do It)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
I am afraid you will not be able to get the bootloader unlocked (I may be wrong there). Rooting is not possible on the US or Canadian S22. I just switched to TMO this year and so far have had no issues. I use their 5G home internet too.
dalepl said:
You might want to rethink the Exynos version and look at one of the SD versions that can be rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So is that the Hong Kong and Korea versions? Again brings up the question of if bands 29 and 30 missing impacts service and if so, how much.
If I get an AT&T BL unlocked with a paid service, can I root using the method listed in another thread?
Superguy said:
Crap. Guess my only option would be getting an AT&T version and using a paid service to unlock the BL and SIM.
We already tried T-Mobile last year and had a really bad experience with service and network quality, so they're out.
Thanks for the info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the S22 series in the list yet. So might wanna further research that.
PSA: Unlock Bootloader on Snapdragon Galaxy Devices with SamPWND (Paid Service)
SamPWND is a paid remote service that allows you to unlock the bootloader on Snapdragon Samsung Galaxy devices sold in the USA and Canada.
www.thecustomdroid.com
There are many posts on here attesting to the fact that the US models of the S22 cannot be rooted. The BL cannot be unlocked, so no root.
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
dalepl said:
May I ask what you are trying to achieve with root? Do you have something in mind or do you just want a custom ROM. There are other issues with rooting the phone. Main one is loss of Knox. This will stop the Samsung apps from working. So there is a trade-off no matter what.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are magisk mods I run on my phone as well as some Xposed mods.
Not terribly concerned about Samsung apps. I haven't had a Samsung phone in years. Last one I had was an S8 and I only got that thru insurance when I lost my OP6.
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
dalepl said:
Understand. Just wanted to let you know that things like Samsung Pay and Health Monitoring will no longer work and this can not be fixed if you change your mind. I did read that AT&T will ban any international phone from their network, so you do not want to go that way if you intend on staying with them. I think there was talk about the Korean model being SD and was missing band 71 (I think). There is no full solution out there unless a way comes along to unlock the BL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't use 71, so not a big deal. T-Mo did.
We tried T-Mo in the summer and had a horrible experience. We went running back to AT&T after 3 months.
When you say banned, are you talking about just the 5G or the entire network? I'm already blocked from 5G with my OP phones. I can't say I miss it as I wasn't impressed with it on T-Mo, and LTE does what I need it to do. Outright banning seems like a stupid thing to do, especially as a lot of foreign travelers could very well end up using AT&T while they're here. But then again, it IS AT&T ...
From what I read, AT&T will ban your IEMI if it is an international phone so it will not work on their network. They are the only ones that do this as far as I know.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...lash-official-firmware-noob-friendly.4404283/
Check this out. Long read through all the posts, but may be able to answer your questions. There are other discussions on the US models and international models, so just look around.
You ain't gonna win with the U.S. Carriers. They absolutely don't want you rooting your phone on their networks. Why do you think all U.S. models have unlockable bootloader's when shipped from Samsung? Because they demand it. They also know you will try to get around it and when you do they will screw you by banning your device. If you gotta have a rooted phone move to another country lol.

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