Downgrading my (unrooted) carrier locked At&t Note 8. - AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions & Answers

My note 8 had OneUI pushed to it about a week ago even though I kept refusing not wanting to while I was sleeping. It says my bootloader is v5. This is actually what it says (N950USQU5DSD3). My problem is that when I search for the firmware I'm wanting to downgrade to (the last oreo update possible for this particular phone) on Sammobile I can't find the one for At&t. I see ones for Verizon, sprint, etc. But nothing for at&t, which one am I supposed to use and where can I get it? This is going to be my very first downgrade/upgrade, really my first time doing anything like it on android. And I CAN do this right? There's nothing I should be aware of that makes what I'm trying to do not able to be done is there? The biggest reason I'm asking is because I have very limited tools to work with, I have a little 12" Acer aspire one (no disk drive) running windows 7 home basic, mobile hotspot from my wife's phone(the last software I tried to download and use came from xda out of a thread I found titled, "Stock Oreo N950USQS5CRF6 Odin*files*for AT&T*NOTE*8" it failed halfway through 2 nights ago during the beginning of storm, and the whole time it would only download around 32kbs so it literally to FOREVER! Only for it to fail halfway through. Was I wasting my time or was this in fact the firmware I'm looking for? If not, as I asked before, where could I find it?? Thanks a bunch for any help.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/at...n950u-stock-n950usqs5crf6-odin-files-t3821222
^^^^^^^Is this all I need? Do I need to follow this tutorial or a different one?? What version of odin, do I need anything else
Sorry for so much all at once, I really hate this update and want Oreo back.

https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...m-n950u-u1-t3685884/post74087340#post74087340
Follow the steps from the above-linked post, and follow them very carefully. I did, and I was able to successfully downgrade from Pie to Oreo on my AT&T NOTE8.
I actually flashed the unlocked firmware, which has zero AT&T bloat. It works just fine for my needs. I don't think AT&T WiFi calling works on this unlocked firmware (I haven't tried - I don't use it).
Caveat emptor: whichever version of Oreo you choose (either the AT&T stock, or the unlocked firmware), we are stuck on the February 2019 Android security patch.
Only Pie gets the latest security patches. As long as you are ok with this, then proceed with the downgrade to Oreo!

pyrolad said:
Caveat emptor: whichever version of Oreo you choose (either the AT&T stock, or the unlocked firmware), we are stuck on the February 2019 Android security patch.
Only Pie gets the latest security patches. As long as you are ok with this, then proceed with the downgrade to Oreo!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A little off topic, but has anyone seen an AT&T security update for May yet? I'm still on April security, and it's basically mid June?

Tha k you I'll check it out when I get off work, I didn't know you could flash the unlocked firmware on a carrier locked phone

Let me get this straight. Can a locked bootloader AT&T SM-N9500U on Android 9, N9500USQU5DSD3 downgrade to Oreo? I thought this bootloader whould not let you go back.
I LOATH Pie and wan to go back to Oreo so bad, please tell me there is a for sure way. This is my first permanently locked bootloader phone and it's killing me not to flash an software I prefer.

I dont know I wish someone could tell me forsure whether it will work or not because now my phone is getting another software update notification so it's getting ready to force another update on me and I doubt after that I will still have bootloader v5. Can someone please verify whether my current bootloader (N9500USQU5DSD3) will downgrade successfully to back to oreo or not? I have the oreo firmware I want to use downloaded and ready to go which is (SM-N950USQU5CRL1). Can I downgrade to this without messing anything up?? Please I need a fast reply I dont want this new update forced to my phone and updating my bootloader to v5 where I can ever go back to oreo.

marhodges said:
Let me get this straight. Can a locked bootloader AT&T SM-N9500U on Android 9, N9500USQU5DSD3 downgrade to Oreo? I thought this bootloader whould not let you go back.
I LOATH Pie and wan to go back to Oreo so bad, please tell me there is a for sure way. This is my first permanently locked bootloader phone and it's killing me not to flash an software I prefer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you CAN downgrade back to Oreo. BUT you MUST go to a bootloader 5 firmware.
---------- Post added at 07:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------
Superloud024 said:
I dont know I wish someone could tell me forsure whether it will work or not because now my phone is getting another software update notification so it's getting ready to force another update on me and I doubt after that I will still have bootloader v5. Can someone please verify whether my current bootloader (N9500USQU5DSD3) will downgrade successfully to back to oreo or not? I have the oreo firmware I want to use downloaded and ready to go which is (SM-N950USQU5CRL1). Can I downgrade to this without messing anything up?? Please I need a fast reply I dont want this new update forced to my phone and updating my bootloader to v5 where I can ever go back to oreo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can go to that firmware. You will want to back up and allow it to factory reset. Be sure to use the modified version of Odin. Go HERE, post #2

Related

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

How to get Rooted, TWRP'd Sprint A9 to Nougat? (Edited)

(From later on in this thread)
Jaxas said:
Hello again, sorry to bother you guys but I'm seeing a surprising amount of conflicting information about this...
So I'm trying to upgrade to Nougat, but I'm having some troubles figuring out what I need to do for that.
I know I need to get my phone back to stock so I can accept the OTA update, but I'm not sure how to go about that.
My phone currently:
- Phone Model: HTC One A9 (Sprint - 2PQ93)
- Android Version: 6.0.1
- Software Version: 1.60.651.4
- Root: Yes
- Recovery: TWRP v2.8.8.2_CPTB-TEST2
- S: ON
- Bootloader: Unlocked
- Software Status: Modified
So as far as I'm aware, I need to restore the Stock recovery (how?), re-flash the RUU for my current software version, and then... relock the bootloader? Maybe?
So my questions are...
- How do I actually restore the stock recovery?
- Are there any steps I'm missing?
- Do I need to re-lock the bootloader, or does that not matter?
(- Is there anything I need to do once I get Nougat to root besides flash TWRP 3.0.3 & SuperSU through that?)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
=============== ORIGINAL POST ===============
Hello,
I'm basically at my wit's end and I'd just like to see if anyone knows whether it's actually possible to get Android 7.0 Nougat on my phone?
I currently have a rooted, RUU-updated 6.0.1 build of Android (Version Number: 1.60.651.4) running on a Sprint (so CDMA) HTC One A9 (Model Number: 2PQ9300). My phone is still S-On (I'm willing to pay for Sunshine if it'll actually work for me, but I'd like to confirm that first), and due to the updating process I do not currently have TWRP - that's easily fixed, however.
Mostly, I'd just like to know if there's a way to get Android 7.0 on my phone, as it is not the International version, while also retaining things like mobile data and calling.
So far, I've looked into simply flashing the RUU (seems to be both not compatible with my phone version, and also has the signing issue mentioned Here), however with the signing issue I'd have to OTA update first so that's not relevant.
I've looked into Sunshine for S-OFF as well as This thread to convert to the "Unlocked" version that has the update, however I'm seeing comments about it not being compatible with the Sprint edition.
I've most recently tried to follow This guide, however I've had no luck and I'm still seeing talk of random reboots, dropped calls, and the like.
Basically, if there's any way I can get Android 7.0 Nougat on my phone, I would love to know how - if I can't (reasonably), then I'd also like to know that so I can stop beating my head into the wall, so to speak
Thanks!
Jaxas said:
Basically, if there's any way I can get Android 7.0 Nougat on my phone, I would love to know how - if I can't (reasonably), then I'd also like to know that so I can stop beating my head into the wall, so to speak
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, the CDMA versions of the A9 can't run Nougat. As you know, HTC hasn't updated it for Nougat, and our phones run different enough firmware from the GSM-Locked and Dev versions that we can't use theirs. And so far, HTC's Dev Nougat requires Nougat firmware. So... we're boned.
Hopefully this won't be forever; HTC should eventually update American phones, so we'll just have to factory reset from system image (and maybe RUU) and OTA. For now, we can only hope guys like Captain_Throwback figure out how to backport Nougat to the 1.60.651.4 firmware.
Jaxas said:
Hello,
I'm basically at my wit's end and I'd just like to see if anyone knows whether it's actually possible to get Android 7.0 Nougat on my phone?
I currently have a rooted, RUU-updated 6.0.1 build of Android (Version Number: 1.60.651.4) running on a Sprint (so CDMA) HTC One A9 (Model Number: 2PQ9300). My phone is still S-On (I'm willing to pay for Sunshine if it'll actually work for me, but I'd like to confirm that first), and due to the updating process I do not currently have TWRP - that's easily fixed, however.
Mostly, I'd just like to know if there's a way to get Android 7.0 on my phone, as it is not the International version, while also retaining things like mobile data and calling.
So far, I've looked into simply flashing the RUU (seems to be both not compatible with my phone version, and also has the signing issue mentioned Here), however with the signing issue I'd have to OTA update first so that's not relevant.
I've looked into Sunshine for S-OFF as well as This thread to convert to the "Unlocked" version that has the update, however I'm seeing comments about it not being compatible with the Sprint edition.
I've most recently tried to follow This guide, however I've had no luck and I'm still seeing talk of random reboots, dropped calls, and the like.
Basically, if there's any way I can get Android 7.0 Nougat on my phone, I would love to know how - if I can't (reasonably), then I'd also like to know that so I can stop beating my head into the wall, so to speak
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey,
can you try this ...
https://forum.xda-developers.com/one-a9/general/htc-one-a9-android-7-nougat-t3546557
New info: Nougat is now available via OTA. Now we just need to... get back to full stock.
Woo! Just saw the notification. So now the question is if TWRP will work with 7.0 on our phones.. I think I'd rather keep root than upgrade and lose it if there's a choice.
JohnRogers23 said:
Woo! Just saw the notification. So now the question is if TWRP will work with 7.0 on our phones.. I think I'd rather keep root than upgrade and lose it if there's a choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP 3.0.3 beta is available for nougat
MGfusion said:
TWRP 3.0.3 beta is available for nougat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw, but I'm not sure what's going on in the thread right now. It seems it sometimes bootloops? I'm hesitant to upgrade until there's either an RUU for 2.whatever out or I'm sure TWRP is reliable. I'm resigning myself to living without Xposed, but I at least need root and Magisk.
JohnRogers23 said:
Woo! Just saw the notification. So now the question is if TWRP will work with 7.0 on our phones.. I think I'd rather keep root than upgrade and lose it if there's a choice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whelp.
I'm upset, lol.
Time to re-reset my phone (finally got it set back up the way I wanted it yesterday on 6.0.1)
Oh well, thanks for the heads up!
I have the Sprint a9. I flashed the ruu and flashed TWRP 3.0.3-1 I believe, with no issues
Okay, so before I go re-wipe my phone and upgrade, I have a few quick questions...
1) Can this update be flashed with S-ON? (I'm assuming so, but always good to check) and
2) Can the Sprint A9 be rooted on Nougat yet?
Thanks!
I used TWRP 3.0.3.-4 and root with Magisk. Still miss Xposed, but the N features are pretty nice too. All seems to be working well.
Hello again, sorry to bother you guys but I'm seeing a surprising amount of conflicting information about this...
So I'm trying to upgrade to Nougat, but I'm having some troubles figuring out what I need to do for that.
I know I need to get my phone back to stock so I can accept the OTA update, but I'm not sure how to go about that.
My phone currently:
- Phone Model: HTC One A9 (Sprint - 2PQ93)
- Android Version: 6.0.1
- Software Version: 1.60.651.4
- Root: Yes
- Recovery: TWRP v2.8.8.2_CPTB-TEST2
- S: ON
- Bootloader: Unlocked
- Software Status: Modified
So as far as I'm aware, I need to restore the Stock recovery (how?), re-flash the RUU for my current software version, and then... relock the bootloader? Maybe?
So my questions are...
- How do I actually restore the stock recovery?
- Are there any steps I'm missing?
- Do I need to re-lock the bootloader, or does that not matter?
(- Is there anything I need to do once I get Nougat to root besides flash TWRP 3.0.3 & SuperSU through that?)
Thanks!
Jaxas said:
So as far as I'm aware, I need to restore the Stock recovery (how?), re-flash the RUU for my current software version, and then... relock the bootloader? Maybe?
So my questions are...
- How do I actually restore the stock recovery?
- Are there any steps I'm missing?
- Do I need to re-lock the bootloader, or does that not matter?
(- Is there anything I need to do once I get Nougat to root besides flash TWRP 3.0.3 & SuperSU through that?)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't have an unmodified system image from before you mounted the system partition then yes, you do have to use an RUU, which will also give you stock recovery. No, you don't need to do anything with the bootloader.
Flash the RUU for the version you're on now, start up normally and take the OTA. No, I didn't have to do anything special besides making double checking /system is mounted read-only in TWRP. Personally I like using Magisk for root, etc, but I've heard SuperSU works fine. too. I'm S-on as well and it was all very easy.
I have a modified htc one a9 sprint, i want to get back to fully stock so i can update my device by using RUU side load. Please help
samweli benjamin said:
I have a modified htc one a9 sprint, i want to get back to fully stock so i can update my device by using RUU side load. Please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your CID, MID and version-main? Is your bootloader locked or unlocked? S-ON or S-OFF?
I have attached a screenshot of getvar all for my device, when i was attemping to update it by using RUU its status was LOCKED and S-OFF but currently its status is **RE-LOCKED** and S-OFF
samweli benjamin said:
I have attached a screenshot of getvar all for my device, when i was attemping to update it by using RUU its status was LOCKED and S-OFF but currently its status is **RE-LOCKED** and S-OFF
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ruu version were you trying to flash and what was the error?
It was RUU_HIA_AERO_WHL_N70_SENSE80GP_SPCS_MR_Sprint_WWE_2.18.651.2 and the ERROR that I received was SIGNARURE ERROR: 132
samweli benjamin said:
It was RUU_HIA_AERO_WHL_N70_SENSE80GP_SPCS_MR_Sprint_WWE_2.18.651.2 and the ERROR that I received was SIGNARURE ERROR: 132
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash a nougat ruu (2.xx.xxx.x) on a phone running the marshmallow firmware (1.xx.xxx.x). You need to manually update your firmware to 2.xx.651.x before being able to flash the 2.18.651.2 RUU. This is because the new signature key implemented in all 2.xx.xxx.x ruu, explained here at faq #4
Or you can flash the older 1.60.651.4 ruu and after, update your phone using OTA updates. Probably the easiest way for you :good:
http://dl3.htc.com/application/RUU_HIA_AERO_WHL_M60_SENSE7GP_SPCS_MR_Sprint_WWE_1.60.651.4.exe
This seems to be of great help to me, but am afraid i can't install the OTA in my device, b'se I received it and i did downloaded it but when i click to install it finish unzipping file and then fail and the phone boots in TWRP recovery so i thought i can update it by running a RUU side load

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.
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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.

Delete .bin files from older firmware to downgrade to an older bootloader version?

Id like to downgrade my S7 from nougat to marshmallow. My current lowest factory reset option is nougat on bootloader version 3. Id like to downgrade to a downloaded stock firmware that uses version 1 of the bootloader.
my device is currently rooted and carrier unlocked
ive made a full backup of the nougat system, before ive done anything to it other than the rooting.
ive been reading around that some people were able to bypass the downgrade bootloader lock error in odin by first going into their desired downgraded firmware tar files and deleting any file that ends in .bin , and then successfully been able to flash the older firmware. what I want to know is if i decide to try this, and it still doesnt work in odin, or something still doesnt work properly - am i still able to fully restore from that backup ive just made? has anyone done this without issues? i hate the look and feel of nougat and oreo looks and feels the exact same...
i did make another thread about downgrading, but i didnt know nearly as much at the time. Been told downgrading is impossible and thats true, officially speaking. Id just like to know if anyone has been successful with this workaround.
What model, SM-G930F? Is OEM Unlocking turned on?
If it's a G930U/V/T/A/P then you won't be able to.
For the G930F so long as you don't have the latest Nougat version it shouldn't prevent downgrading. Otherwise upgrading up to Oreo then back down just by flashing in Odin should work, as Oreo doesn't have the downgrade lock that the newest Nougat has.
Beanvee7 said:
What model, SM-G930F? Is OEM Unlocking turned on?
If it's a G930U/V/T/A/P then you won't be able to.
For the G930F so long as you don't have the latest Nougat version it shouldn't prevent downgrading. Otherwise upgrading up to Oreo then back down just by flashing in Odin should work, as Oreo doesn't have the downgrade lock that the newest Nougat has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
model is sm-g930w8 but yes OEM unlocking is on, and so is usb debugging just to be on the safe side. It is running the very first version of nougat right now, 7.0. But the security patch is from feb 2018. Ive read that the bootloader itself is unlocked on this version of the phone though, its just that downgrade protection in the software that could get in the way, if what i read was correct? in the same place was where i read that deleting those bin files from the firmware i want to install would be a good workaround, it would make the bootloader not check it at all if i read it correctly.
i havent tried anything yet, ive been doing my research first to stay on the safe side. it might work without issues, but I want to be prepared for if issues do arise, what the correct next step should be to keep the device itself not bricked
Yea not 100% sure for the G930W8, it's the same SoC as the G930F but the firmware restrictions could be different since it's the Canada specific version
so, i decided to brave it and try it, since to read around you find alot of conflicting information... i was suspecting that odin would fail shortly after starting at sboot.bin if it was the bootloader thats the issue. but it didnt. it failed the very next step after that at param.bin.
anyone happen to know what param.bin means?
What files are you trying to flash? I have had the same problem, even though the bootloader is unlocked the device has efuses that prevent downgrade to older binary. I was using U2 binary and only managed to downgrade to nougat u2 binary version. Even when I skipped bootloader files, marshmallow would still give an error that system.img is version 0 where as device is v1

AT&T Galaxy S8+ OTA software update not working / alternative way. SOLVED

What I want to do: I was trying to OTA update my phone software to the latest, but it seems I am behind on many updates. On the AT&T website, I saw that I need the previous updates installed first, in order to get the latest ones. I have to go in order.
Problem: Every-time I try to do a software update from the settings, it says “Current software is up to date.” It’s been saying that for over a year now. I can’t even get the updates from last year.
So is there a way I can flash one of the stock firmware updates from last year on to my phone with Odin and see if it will fix the ‘over the air’ updates? Or can I just skip to the most recent firmware and flash that one.
By the way, I have never done anything like this to my phone before, so I am a bit nervous, but I want to get this problem fixed so I would love if someone helped me out. I did see some articles online about flashing stock firmware, that’s how I learned about Odin.
If this is doable, can someone please link me to a thorough tutorial on this process? If it isn’t, can you guys recommend another way of getting to the latest 8.0 stock firmware?
My phone:
Galaxy S8 plus (AT&T)
Model#: SM-G955U
Android version: 7.0
Baseband version: G955USQS1AQF7
Android security patch level: June 1, 2017
Kernel version: 4.4.16-11449429
My phone isn't unlocked.
Zendrop said:
What I want to do: I was trying to OTA update my phone software to the latest, but it seems I am behind on many updates. On the AT&T website, I saw that I need the previous updates installed first, in order to get the latest ones. I have to go in order.
Problem: Every-time I try to do a software update from the settings, it says “Current software is up to date.” It’s been saying that for over a year now. I can’t even get the updates from last year.
So is there a way I can flash one of the stock firmware updates from last year on to my phone with Odin and see if it will fix the ‘over the air’ updates? Or can I just skip to the most recent firmware and flash that one.
By the way, I have never done anything like this to my phone before, so I am a bit nervous, but I want to get this problem fixed so I would love if someone helped me out. I did see some articles online about flashing stock firmware, that’s how I learned about Odin.
If this is doable, can someone please link me to a thorough tutorial on this process? If it isn’t, can you guys recommend another way of getting to the latest 8.0 stock firmware?
My phone:
Galaxy S8 plus (AT&T)
Model#: SM-G955U
Android version: 7.0
Baseband version: G955USQS1AQF7
Android security patch level: June 1, 2017
Kernel version: 4.4.16-11449429
My phone isn't unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can Odin flash CRG3 and the next OTA should be CRHI, so once you go thru settings, check for updates it should want to go to CRHI. And then you should be in the Update path to receive OTA's automatically
Josephigloe said:
You can Odin flash CRG3 and the next OTA should be CRHI, so once you go thru settings, check for updates it should want to go to CRHI. And then you should be in the Update path to receive OTA's automatically
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, so is it okay to flash it with the latest version of Odin? Also, do you mind linking me with an up to date / reliable tutorial on this? This is my first time attempting to do something like this.
One more thing, on Sammobile, there is only one firmware available for at&t, and it's the oldest one.
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8-plus/SM-G955U/ATT/
Zendrop said:
Thanks, so is it okay to flash it with the latest version of Odin? Also, do you mind linking me with an up to date / reliable tutorial on this? This is my first time attempting to do something like this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1okPBAupxRljTcSPI70ZVv7KqrccKNqwU
This is a patched odin.
Odin instructions.
https://www.xda-developers.com/update-firmware-any-samsung-phone/
Josephigloe said:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1okPBAupxRljTcSPI70ZVv7KqrccKNqwU
This is a patched odin.
Odin instructions.
https://www.xda-developers.com/update-firmware-any-samsung-phone/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, and is it okay if I flash from a firmware from May 2018? It's about 4 months old. Would I be able to OTA update from there on? Also, what is AT&T userdata? I came across it in this thread and I was wondering. https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s8+/how-to/g955u-att-stock-odin-files-firmware-t3769140
Zendrop said:
Okay, and is it okay if I flash from a firmware from May 2018? It's about 4 months old. Would I be able to OTA update from there on? Also, what is AT&T userdata? I came across it in this thread and I was wondering. https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-galaxy-s8+/how-to/g955u-att-stock-odin-files-firmware-t3769140
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use this firmware and start to receive updates, User data I'm not 100% sure but I think its supposed to flash your data so you wont have to reinstall everything but I heard it dosent work for At&t it will still do a complete wipe before install.
Josephigloe said:
Yes you can use this firmware and start to receive updates, User data I'm not 100% sure but I think its supposed to flash your data so you wont have to reinstall everything but I heard it dosent work for At&t it will still do a complete wipe before install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed it and it works great so far. Thanks for all the help! The OTA update also seems to be working!

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