Database Info

DON'T upgrade to Nougat by OTA!

This has already discussed in other posts here BUT I continue to see A LOT of people waiting for Nougat OTA like Santa Claus should bring to them... (or, even worse, trying to push it in their phones... )
So, I make this post just to give more visibility to all...
I'll try to write it clear...
Don't update your Z to Nougat by OTA!
Is it clear enough? :laugh:
Now some explainations...
Over the the common generic motivations (difficulties when not in full stock conditions, risk to brick it during process, OTAs that are the Evil... ), there is a strong one in this case: Nougat OTA for Moto Z (silently...) upgrades your bootloader too, from v. 90.xx to v. 91.xx...
This isn't really needed (Nougat runs flawlessly on v.90.xx too... ) BUT it introduces some tighter rules on what you can and what you can't anymore boot on it, limiting hacking and upgrading (to developed third part ROMs...) possibilities...
One of this rules is that with v. 91.xx bootloader you can't anymore boot to MM ROM!
Considering that as of today it seems that bootloader can't be donwgraded (some have soft/hard bricked their Z trying to downgrade it...), Nougat upgrade by OTA is a one way process.
If you consider that stock Nougat seems to have some bugs and issues (and, as of today, no Xposed available...!) and that some (all?) third part Nougat ROMs requires "MM" (v. 90.xx) bootloader to work, it seems not to be a great idea leave that Motorola upgrades silently your bootloader...
So?
So, at present, the best method (IMHO...) to upgrade to Nougat is that one which is described in OP of this thread: you will have a full stock Nougat BUT with older bootloader and the possibility to easily return to MM or to whatever ROM you want...

I already did nougat via ota for my moto z droid... Does this affect anything? Also how do i flash a factory nougat on my moto z droid if i want to stsrt fresh?

xterminater07 said:
I already did nougat via ota for my moto z droid... Does this affect anything? Also how do i flash a factory nougat on my moto z droid if i want to stsrt fresh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering we on the Moto Z droid don't have an unlockable bootloader and/or ability to root I don't see it effecting you negatively, other than an exploit that may be discovered for marshmallow that would allow for root. We are at the mercy of a kind developer taking on the task. I really miss my hotspot without a fee... But I can go back to my Moto X if it is necessary.

xterminater07 said:
I already did nougat via ota for my moto z droid... Does this affect anything? Also how do i flash a factory nougat on my moto z droid if i want to stsrt fresh?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with dap... proposed solution can't be used since of unlocked bootloader, BUT if I had a Droid I would have remained sticky to first SW release as long as possible because of the higher probabilities of a flaw to hack and root it...
With Nougat and newer (even more "locked"...) bootloader it will be harder...

those are a lot of steps... is there a way to just hide the nag/update screen that pops up? it keeps wanting to update or ask for a time to update or reminds me to update etc

enetec said:
So, at present, the best method (IMHO...) to upgrade to Nougat is that one which is described in OP of this thread: you will have a full stock Nougat BUT with older bootloader and the possibility to easily return to MM or to whatever ROM you want...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the method you linked to even work with the VZW variant? It looks like it used to, but the Verizon stuff is all marked through and I'm not clear on the process.

hmmmfff... I have updated mine using OTA.. now I want to back to MM... but no way to do that...

aatjitra said:
hmmmfff... I have updated mine using OTA.. now I want to back to MM... but no way to do that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello did you try to get down to MM? Thank you
regards

iron maiden said:
Hello did you try to get down to MM? Thank you
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. I didn't.
I read in other thread that bootloader v91 won't work with MM.

Moto Z ( UAE ) no OTA yet
HI,
can anyone suggest which android 7 update is to be used for UAE users and how to install manually ?

How can i disable the OTA Update app opening all the god damn time? I mean seriously, every time i lock the screen and turn it back on, it annoys me by saying i need to update to Android 7, I DON'T ****ING WANT TO! Can someone PLEASE tell me how to disable this?

yanniclord said:
How can i disable the OTA Update app opening all the god damn time? I mean seriously, every time i lock the screen and turn it back on, it annoys me by saying i need to update to Android 7, I DON'T ****ING WANT TO! Can someone PLEASE tell me how to disable this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't. The only thing you *can* do is tap the "Later" and then "Done" buttons. That will defer it for another 24 hours since it automatically fills in the phone's current time for the next check.
It's annoying, but it's only once a day.
EDIT: I thought you were referring to the VZW variant. If you're not and your phone is rooted, you might be able to disable or remove "Motorola Update Services". To do so, go to Settings > Apps > select "Show system" from menu (3 dots at top right) > scroll down and tap "Motorola Update Services"
I can't disable it on my VZW unit, but you might be able to. Or maybe you can remove the app via root (though I have no idea if that will cause further problems).

I too can confirm thr disabling motoservice in settings method. But you have to do it everytime you reboot your phone, it does t hurt me doing that.

I found a simple fix, get Titanium Backup and freeze that crap app, done.

yanniclord said:
I found a simple fix, get Titanium Backup and freeze that crap app, done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is another way for users with root eventually...

saif_khans said:
HI,
can anyone suggest which android 7 update is to be used for UAE users and how to install manually ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply use the method linked in OP. It uses retmx sw.

True, I updated via Ota and now I can not install custom roms, will in the future have a solution to this problem? Because we all know that by unlocking the bootloader we lose the warranty, but we do this because we want to have options to install on our devices.
Could any dev have managed to fix this in the future roms?

sam564 said:
True, I updated via Ota and now I can not install custom roms, will in the future have a solution to this problem? Because we all know that by unlocking the bootloader we lose the warranty, but we do this because we want to have options to install on our devices.
Could any dev have managed to fix this in the future roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which variant do you have? @erfanoabdi suggested in another thread that they might have root figured out for the VZW variant in the next couple of days. No idea if what they're working on will be applicable to the Nougat.

rczrider said:
Which variant do you have? @erfanoabdi suggested in another thread that they might have root figured out for the VZW variant in the next couple of days. No idea if what they're working on will be applicable to the Nougat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Variants doesn't matter all moto z is using same kernel source (I have Chinese moto z)
Let me explain, I'm trying to port farm-root for moto z
Here's the source : https://github.com/freddierice/farm-root
If anyone knows how to deal with ndk and other Stuffs, can install TWRP with this version of farm-root
But I'm trying to make it easier and here's big barrier called SELinux

rczrider said:
Which variant do you have? @erfanoabdi suggested in another thread that they might have root figured out for the VZW variant in the next couple of days. No idea if what they're working on will be applicable to the Nougat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope it happens. The phone (accidentally?) Downloaded the update and is now asking to install. I'm afraid one day it'll just automatically update on it's own.. I can't seem to find where the system update got downloaded to, otherwise I'd delete it

Huawei wants to stop users from rooting?

A tweet from John Wu a person who created Magisk:
"I am informed that a new Huawei OTA will make installing Magisk unable to boot at all. At this point I might just simply ignore this brand even exists."
First they stopped providing us codes for unlocking bootloader and now we won't be able to root our phones?
Is root necessary for flashing custom ROMs on our device? As I remember I only needed to unlock bootloader to do that on a Samsung phone.

Pomaraczowy said:
A tweet from John Wu a person who created Magisk:
"I am informed that a new Huawei OTA will make installing Magisk unable to boot at all. At this point I might just simply ignore this brand even exists."
First they stopped providing us codes for unlocking bootloader and now we won't be able to root our phones?
Is root necessary for flashing custom ROMs on our device? As I remember I only needed to unlock bootloader to do that on a Samsung phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already in AL varient.Won't boot after magisk installation.As for now we can flash custom roms but I read that Honor is going to remove FRP lock switch,which will make you unable to flash at all.To be honest this brand is nothing but rubbish in terms of Android tweaking etc.
Sent from my Honor 9 using XDA Labs

hujialun2002 said:
Already in AL varient.Won't boot after magisk installation.As for now we can flash custom roms but I read that Honor is going to remove FRP lock switch,which will make you unable to flash at all.To be honest this brand is nothing but rubbish in terms of Android tweaking etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what now? Even if we're going to get Android Pie update, we can't install it cause it would turn our phones into useless Chinese spying bricks?

Pomaraczowy said:
So what now? Even if we're going to get Android Pie update, we can't install it cause it would turn our phones into useless Chinese spying bricks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We have already had a taste of Pie now,so for anyone who dont care EMUI 9 they can simply do with Treble Pie GSIs.Who cares about the ugly UI of Huawei?PE 9.0 and OpenKirin Pie AOSP are both doing quite great.
Sent from my Honor 9 using XDA Labs

Pomaraczowy said:
Is root necessary for flashing custom ROMs on our device? As I remember I only needed to unlock bootloader to do that on a Samsung phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't need to have root to flash custom. But you have to have access to PC to flash it through fastboot
And i prommised to myself after that, that this was my lasy Huawei device. I paid for device that can be unlocked and rooted and now thay are taking this back from me. I wonder is it legal? Maybe we could give phones back now?

streetu said:
No, you don't need to have root to flash custom. But you have to have access to PC to flash it through fastboot
And i prommised to myself after that, that this was my lasy Huawei device. I paid for device that can be unlocked and rooted and now thay are taking this back from me. I wonder is it legal? Maybe we could give phones back now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can I update safely with OTA if somehow we get 9.0 update and then just flash recovery image through CMD and then flash custom ROM?
I kinda don't want to do it now cause it's a pretty new phone and still there's a chance that I'm gonna brick it but I really want that 9.0

Pomaraczowy said:
So can I update safely with OTA if somehow we get 9.0 update and then just flash recovery image through CMD and then flash custom ROM?
I kinda don't want to do it now cause it's a pretty new phone and still there's a chance that I'm gonna brick it but I really want that 9.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF huawei wouldn't lock anything else - yes. But on Huawei you flash ROM directly through fastboot (since all custom roms are treble ones), not in recovery.
However i wouldn't wait, because maybe next OTA will lock something else. and you will be forced to use EMUI.

streetu said:
IF huawei wouldn't lock anything else - yes. But on Huawei you flash ROM directly through fastboot (since all custom roms are treble ones), not in recovery.
However i wouldn't wait, because maybe next OTA will lock something else. and you will be forced to use EMUI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably gonna do it soon.
Thanks for help.

For now, I'm up to B372, and still able to do whatever I want, fyi.

Keep on updating... and supporting the Apple wannabees of the Android world. They learned and stole the ideas they wanted from the community and now will completely lock out the devices, bootloaders, root methods, anti-rollback measures, etc.
Oh, and as for that "spying" part? Just search for "Huawei D.U.B.A.I.". Every single aspect, action, usage and telemetry of your device is logged and sent to Huawei's Big Data Analytics servers, and it's embedded on kernel and can't be disabled. Most i could do on my kernel was disabling it on GPU framework, but the rest remains. If i turn it off on kernel or eliminate it, the mobile comms framework is killed and sim card doesn't even get activated, turning your device into a small tablet at most... so you either accept it or get yourself another phone.
Since using Treble Roms gets rid of the "system" part of EMUI, like their store, services, etc, it's possible that the Analytics part is somewhat suppressed but i can't be sure of that.
My advice is, stop updating EMUI and go Treble. Or just sell your device and get another. Or just resign to the new Huawei's reality and forget this community.

Help with downgrade?

What i have: a brand new carrier unlocked samsung galaxy s7 sm-g930w8 - came with 7.0
What Id love to do: downgrade to 6.0.1 official touchwiz rom but rooted
What im reading: that the security patch is from february of 2018, which means the bootloader is too new, which means downgrading using odin wont work ( https://www.sammobile.com/forum/threads/36282-Does-Region-Matter )
... so what can i do? i bought this phone with the sole intention of downgrading, as ive seen that it is possible for that phone model (s7) in general
i hate the look of the newer OS. They took the touchwiz out of touchwiz which i loved, although mine is a rare opinion. I want the operation and exact feel of 6.0. the menus are simpler, the notifications area isnt completely stripped of features differing from total stock android. i hate having to pull down twice to see everything. I just really want that older look and feel, but all around, not just a theme.
is there anything i can do to either downgrade or fool the bootloader into letting me carry this out? is this a true limitation, or si that info i found false/old? and if I can downgrade, which build version should I use?
ive been looking here for versions
https://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-G930W8/ but im not sure which region to go with, or if i can technically use any region
sammobile doesnt list that version anymore at all ( https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s7/SM-G930W8/ )
https://mobiletech360.co/samsung-galaxy-s7-sm-g930w8-stock-firmware-rom-android-6-0-1-marshmallow/ there are a number of options here but unsure of the different numbers/builds. or if since its carrier unlocked, i could pick any?
I know most will think im silly for wanting to downgrade or caring that much about appearance, but silliness aside... is this even possible??
a while ago, i purchased an s5 mini, and downgraded that with no issues at all.... but its honestly been so long and i cant for the life of me remember the steps i took or if i needed to care about region codes or other numbers. but it did sucessfully work.... it was really built unwell/cheap, but it did work.... its also slower than my captivate glide which is still my current phone, until/if i can get this s7 working the way i desire.
any help and guidance is appreciated. If it is needed, ill be using it with a Koodo mobile sim.

well it is too new if its from DRAG or so onwards (those with U2/S2 in the file name) so no dice, you're stuck with 7.0 unless you want to upgrade to oreo. (and 7.0 firmwares prior to DRAG cant be downgraded to either, not that theres much point doing that)
btw this is the wrong forum to post this in

teddytsen said:
well it is too new if its from DRAG or so onwards (those with U2/S2 in the file name) so no dice, you're stuck with 7.0 unless you want to upgrade to oreo. (and 7.0 firmwares prior to DRAG cant be downgraded to either, not that theres much point doing that)
btw this is the wrong forum to post this in
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But this is the forum about s7? I'm wanting to modify an s7?
Which part of the file name are you referring to? Which file?
I would have thought all s7's are made at the same time, and so released with the same overall software, but it all seems so complex now. I've seen s7's running 6.0.1 stock so in my mind it seems they should all be able to...
Not sure what you're referring to with drag either? Does that stand for something?
I'm really hoping this can work somehow, its the last flagship before the edge models which was why I got it, and I love Samsung software up until 7 and 8.
My mom has an s7 as well, not rooted or anything that's too complex for her, but she did the upgrade to 8 and it's still got all the same gross appearance factors that I don't like about version 7. I got excited when her phone wanted to upgrade, maybe they had fixed some of the grossness. But, nope. Wish they had included an option even for stock based or touchwiz based appearance and menus.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Pawprints1986 said:
But this is the forum about s7? I'm wanting to modify an s7?
Which part of the file name are you referring to? Which file?
I would have thought all s7's are made at the same time, and so released with the same overall software, but it all seems so complex now. I've seen s7's running 6.0.1 stock so in my mind it seems they should all be able to...
Not sure what you're referring to with drag either? Does that stand for something?
I'm really hoping this can work somehow, its the last flagship before the edge models which was why I got it, and I love Samsung software up until 7 and 8.
My mom has an s7 as well, not rooted or anything that's too complex for her, but she did the upgrade to 8 and it's still got all the same gross appearance factors that I don't like about version 7. I got excited when her phone wanted to upgrade, maybe they had fixed some of the grossness. But, nope. Wish they had included an option even for stock based or touchwiz based appearance and menus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go into about phone and tell me the last 6 characters of your build number
(i was referring to the PDA file in a stock firmware zip)
(Also i meant this should be in Q&A section)

Hello,
I can understand you and also understand what you want but Samsung installed a downgrade lock in their bootloader in early 2018,
if you installed this version you can't go back to an older version, I think that was in February.
You can go back from a 6.2018 version to a 4.2018 version for example but not to a 1.2018 version!
If you have a version of for example 12.2017, you can also go back to a version of 2016, so you can also go back to Android 6.01,
if not you only have the last versions of Android 7 or update to Oreo.
I hope I could help.

teddytsen said:
go into about phone and tell me the last 6 characters of your build number
(i was referring to the PDA file in a stock firmware zip)
(Also i meant this should be in Q&A section)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the last of the build number and the last of the baseband version are the same. But i did take a screenshot of it when i was thinking rooting and changing would be no big thing. figured that would be easier. i purposely havent even hooked it up to wifi yet or anything, said no to anything non essential when i was setting it up... on the chance it was starting up in version 6, and i didnt want it upgrading on its own.
also why would they block downgrading? It seems if anything blocking upgrading would be the way to go, to stop people from updating their devices before official software is ready, not just samsung but any manufacturer. in my head it seems silly to even need to root anymore... someone always figures it out, and cell phone manufacturers must know it. it would be nice if it were included, sort of like developer options, where its hidden, but if you know what to look for its there, and if youre not that advanced youll never find it.
if the bootloader is in fact locked and that is the main prevention, has anyone ever successfully unlocked it before?
ETA: Ive done a bit more looking around and there is alot around about frp and making you sign in to a google account in order to reset.... i have *not* needed and havent signed into a google account on that device at all... does that mean a downgrade is still possible though odin? Or, are these 2 things in fact unrelated...
eta #2: Did a bit more searching around, and it seems to be that in order to root your device, in the process it must unlock the bootloader? If that is still the case, would i be able to then flash the marshmallow stock ROM? Thats what i was looking to do all along, sorry maybe i should have been more clear about my planned method initially. Its a bit more nerve wracking as it seems rooting itself has gotten a little more difficult with that dm verity thing... but I definitely want root no matter which version im running. Ive had root on all my devices and theres no way im going back to a locked down OS (cant remove microsoft stuff for example), i need to be able to declutter beyond what factory allows lol.

Pawprints1986 said:
the last of the build number and the last of the baseband version are the same. But i did take a screenshot of it when i was thinking rooting and changing would be no big thing. figured that would be easier. i purposely havent even hooked it up to wifi yet or anything, said no to anything non essential when i was setting it up... on the chance it was starting up in version 6, and i didnt want it upgrading on its own.
also why would they block downgrading? It seems if anything blocking upgrading would be the way to go, to stop people from updating their devices before official software is ready, not just samsung but any manufacturer. in my head it seems silly to even need to root anymore... someone always figures it out, and cell phone manufacturers must know it. it would be nice if it were included, sort of like developer options, where its hidden, but if you know what to look for its there, and if youre not that advanced youll never find it.
if the bootloader is in fact locked and that is the main prevention, has anyone ever successfully unlocked it before?
ETA: Ive done a bit more looking around and there is alot around about frp and making you sign in to a google account in order to reset.... i have *not* needed and havent signed into a google account on that device at all... does that mean a downgrade is still possible though odin? Or, are these 2 things in fact unrelated...
eta #2: Did a bit more searching around, and it seems to be that in order to root your device, in the process it must unlock the bootloader? If that is still the case, would i be able to then flash the marshmallow stock ROM? Thats what i was looking to do all along, sorry maybe i should have been more clear about my planned method initially. Its a bit more nerve wracking as it seems rooting itself has gotten a little more difficult with that dm verity thing... but I definitely want root no matter which version im running. Ive had root on all my devices and theres no way im going back to a locked down OS (cant remove microsoft stuff for example), i need to be able to declutter beyond what factory allows lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TL;DR
your bootloader is currently on version 3, and you cant downgrade to marshmallow
see that "U3BRB2"? that "U3" means your bootloader is on version 3. i assume the marshmallow firmwares use bootloaders pre-version 3 so you cant downgrade to firmwares using bootloaders with version 1 or 2. (this is how it works for F/FD models and im pretty sure samsung made it like that too for the W8 models)
eta 1) unrelated
eta 2) F/FD/W8/S/K/L variants (basically all the exynos models) have unlocked bootloaders. only SD variants have locked bootloaders so it's just your misconception

So, it's literally impossible? Has nobody ever figured out a way to downgrade or mod the bootloader itself? It seems to me the rom makers wouldn't stand for this at all and would figure out a way around it...
I can see an old bootloader can't run new software, but it seems much easier for newer bootloader to run older software, isn't it? You can buy a windows 7 pc and install Windows xp on it much easier than you could buy a windows XP PC and install Windows 7 on it... It's just boggling my mind a little
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Pawprints1986 said:
So, it's literally impossible? Has nobody ever figured out a way to downgrade or mod the bootloader itself? It seems to me the rom makers wouldn't stand for this at all and would figure out a way around it...
I can see an old bootloader can't run new software, but it seems much easier for newer bootloader to run older software, isn't it? You can buy a windows 7 pc and install Windows xp on it much easier than you could buy a windows XP PC and install Windows 7 on it... It's just boggling my mind a little
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off course you can downgrade to Marshmallow. To unlock the bootloader, enable OEM unlocking in devlopper options. After flash TWRP 3.1.0 for Herolte and wipe everything from the recovery. Install any 6.0 roms on XDA for G930F then flash Magisk 17.1 to root and you're done. You can't FRP if OEM unlocking in devlopper is enabled.

AoEKiller said:
Off course you can downgrade to Marshmallow. To unlock the bootloader, enable OEM unlocking in devlopper options. After flash TWRP 3.1.0 for Herolte and wipe everything from the recovery. Install any 6.0 roms on XDA for G930F then flash Magisk 17.1 to root and you're done. You can't FRP if OEM unlocking in devlopper is enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll trip knox (which breaks features like secure folder, private mode, shealth and Sbrowser private mode) and lose the comfort of OTA updates if you do this tho. Not to mention that you can encounter signal reception problems because your flashed ROM is on marshmallow and your bl/cp is on Oreo or nougat. So I wouldn't advise this method as it may break so many things.

Unlock bootloader confusion

Hey Guys,
I have been googling for a while now and I seem to constantly come across conflicting and at times worrying posts which has very much left me stuck right were I am. I just recently purchased a Mate 9 in the hope I would be able to, like all my previous mobiles install a custom rom and tweak it to my specific needs. This however hasn't been the case.
Firmware:
System 8.0.0.046
Dataver MHA-L09 8.0.0.371(C34)
Things that have been tried:
1. No I didn't get a boot unlocker code from the Huawei
2. Yes I have contacted them personally via two different channels and both returned with a we are happy to give it to you, that's not an issue, but this code doesn't exist anymore.
3. DC-Unlock tool didn't detect my mobile in manufacture mode, in which I found another forum post stating to use HCU 3.22 client instead which worked to the point of detecting my mobile, but told me that the current security patch not supported.
4. Contacting DC-Unlock, told me there is no ETA on getting this patch level to work
5. I have read people downgrading to a previous version, unlocking and then installed the custom rom via HiSuite, this doesn't give me that option.
6. I have read people downgrading to a previous version, unlocking and then installed the custom rom via firmware finder.
6.1 Issues with this is that I seen someone claim to upgrade to version 8.0.0.3.75, which is higher then mine, which enabled the rollback feature, is this correct?
6.2 Issues with this is that I have read that gpu turbo has been enabled and many have warned that rolling back to a pre-gpu turbo enabled firmware will brick you mobile and would result in a motherboard needing to be replaced for nearly the cost of the mobile itself.
I am tempted to try another site which I can't remember the name of, which if you pay considerably more then DC-Unlock. at least if they can't get the code, would be refunded. but I think that site is down now as I feel they were playing on people who didn't know how to have done it for free via the Huawei site back in 2018.
So I want to know is there a safe way to unlock my bootloader I think my only option is option 6 but just want more details from others who have done it this way before, or have I pretty much exhausted all my option and just bite the bullet and upgrade to 9.0.1.187 and possibly further through the OTA update process and just enjoy the mobile for what it is and it's limitations?
Thanks again.

You can try the spoofing method here on xda I updated from 8 to 9 with that, as long as firmware finder says your imei is approved

mucski said:
You can try the spoofing method here on xda I updated from 8 to 9 with that, as long as firmware finder says your imei is approved
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, I can already upgrade to 9, my system updates app is just waiting for me to accept. The issue is that I don't want to go forward. I really want to go backwards, so I can unlock my bootloader first. I'm already at the stage where I have tried most if not all the safe ways to unlocking my bootloader, but with my currently installed android version I can't. The only way forward for me it seems is the firmware finder app and SD force flash back to EMUI 5 aka Android 7 to use DC-Unlocker to unlock it first, then that gives me the freedom of installing the official Android 9 or openkirin.
I just worried as some people have stated that if you attempt a downgrade after a specific point, something about GPU turbo being enabled in later firmwares, which will brick your mobile.
I just want to hear from others who have done this successfully or if it's not possible in my case.

FW upgrade, which, and how can i do?

I bought a used S10e. It is Android 9, and OTA not find newer FW. Can i change the SW without risk?
Have you a noob tutorial, how can i do it?
Which ROM is suggested? Which have minimal bugs, and great battery time? I prefer the non-root original FW.
Android 9
G970FXXU3ASH3
Build: G970FXXU3ASH6
SAOMC_SM-G970F_OXM_XEH_PP_0014
Knox 3.3

Odin can upgrade, and downgrade FirmWare, when OEM unlocking is Enabled, in developers settings.

Downgrade too? I have andoid 11 and i wanna back to 10. There will be no problem with bootloader? (sometimes new android get new bootlader and then u cant back to old android - heard something like that)
edit:
I will answer myself: yes, U can downgrade without any issue

wmiki75 said:
Odin can upgrade, and downgrade FirmWare, when OEM unlocking is Enabled, in developers settings.
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Does anybody know a legit source for Odin? The links provided are down :-(