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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.

My progress: LG V20 H918/7.0+ FRP bypass in 2018?

After putting my FRP-stuck T-Mobile V20 away for a couple months, I was unfortunately surprised to learn that very little public progress has been made on the subject since my last give-up. I dedicated the last day to trying to figure out FRP bypass for my LG V20, and upon re-researching, I have...
1. Managed to downgrade my V20 to H91810j, though this version still has all exploits patched to get through FRP (to my knowledge).
2. Upon further research, I concluded that what I need is to successfully downgrade to H91810d, as it's the only pre-December 2016 update available (pre-December updates have un-patched exploits to be able to get into the phone). Unfortunately, this update was the one released on the phones stock from the factory, which made it next to impossible to find a KDZ file as they were't "pushed" to the general public.
3. Through researching countless other threads, I've come across this link (I can't share as I still haven't posted 10 times, can DM if needed for reference) which appears to be the closest possible file to the needed H91810d, except the download is a .ZIP that contains Boot.img and Modem.img, which I'm not familiar with using, and no .KDZ file.
4. Further research concluded that I could TWRP-push these files to a TWRP unlocked device, but because of the locked FRP, such a thing isn't possible. My last and final method (which I will try tomorrow as it's 8 AM and i've been trying to get this damned phone unlocked for hours and need sleep) will be one recommended on another forum, which is to downgrade, reset the phone, upgrade, reset the phone, and continue on until FRP is no longer on the device.
Researching into other devices proves that it's definitely possible, though the V20 (especially the H918 model at that) seems to have far less information available towards achieving this. After giving a selection of paid services a look as well, the majority didn't have the ability to unlock the V20 either, which makes me question what the V20 is doing differently from other devices. If anybody has any information that could help me or the community in the matter, please let me know!

caldermody said:
After putting my FRP-stuck T-Mobile V20 away for a couple months, I was unfortunately surprised to learn that very little public progress has been made on the subject since my last give-up. I dedicated the last day to trying to figure out FRP bypass for my LG V20, and upon re-researching, I have...
1. Managed to downgrade my V20 to H91810j, though this version still has all exploits patched to get through FRP (to my knowledge).
2. Upon further research, I concluded that what I need is to successfully downgrade to H91810d, as it's the only pre-December 2016 update available (pre-December updates have un-patched exploits to be able to get into the phone). Unfortunately, this update was the one released on the phones stock from the factory, which made it next to impossible to find a KDZ file as they were't "pushed" to the general public.
3. Through researching countless other threads, I've come across this link (I can't share as I still haven't posted 10 times, can DM if needed for reference) which appears to be the closest possible file to the needed H91810d, except the download is a .ZIP that contains Boot.img and Modem.img, which I'm not familiar with using, and no .KDZ file.
4. Further research concluded that I could TWRP-push these files to a TWRP unlocked device, but because of the locked FRP, such a thing isn't possible. My last and final method (which I will try tomorrow as it's 8 AM and i've been trying to get this damned phone unlocked for hours and need sleep) will be one recommended on another forum, which is to downgrade, reset the phone, upgrade, reset the phone, and continue on until FRP is no longer on the device.
Researching into other devices proves that it's definitely possible, though the V20 (especially the H918 model at that) seems to have far less information available towards achieving this. After giving a selection of paid services a look as well, the majority didn't have the ability to unlock the V20 either, which makes me question what the V20 is doing differently from other devices. If anybody has any information that could help me or the community in the matter, please let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you rooted, with TWRP installed?

pawar21 said:
Are you rooted, with TWRP installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not, I would attempt to root but without being able to enable USB debugging, I'm sort of at a stalemate.

Have you looked at this........https://youtu.be/NWTmVIXkFDI

caldermody said:
After putting my FRP-stuck T-Mobile V20 away for a couple months, I was unfortunately surprised to learn that very little public progress has been made on the subject since my last give-up. I dedicated the last day to trying to figure out FRP bypass for my LG V20, and upon re-researching, I have...
1. Managed to downgrade my V20 to H91810j, though this version still has all exploits patched to get through FRP (to my knowledge).
2. Upon further research, I concluded that what I need is to successfully downgrade to H91810d, as it's the only pre-December 2016 update available (pre-December updates have un-patched exploits to be able to get into the phone). Unfortunately, this update was the one released on the phones stock from the factory, which made it next to impossible to find a KDZ file as they were't "pushed" to the general public.
3. Through researching countless other threads, I've come across this link (I can't share as I still haven't posted 10 times, can DM if needed for reference) which appears to be the closest possible file to the needed H91810d, except the download is a .ZIP that contains Boot.img and Modem.img, which I'm not familiar with using, and no .KDZ file.
4. Further research concluded that I could TWRP-push these files to a TWRP unlocked device, but because of the locked FRP, such a thing isn't possible. My last and final method (which I will try tomorrow as it's 8 AM and i've been trying to get this damned phone unlocked for hours and need sleep) will be one recommended on another forum, which is to downgrade, reset the phone, upgrade, reset the phone, and continue on until FRP is no longer on the device.
Researching into other devices proves that it's definitely possible, though the V20 (especially the H918 model at that) seems to have far less information available towards achieving this. After giving a selection of paid services a look as well, the majority didn't have the ability to unlock the V20 either, which makes me question what the V20 is doing differently from other devices. If anybody has any information that could help me or the community in the matter, please let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the guide i used & im on h91810p & i had mine bypassed & ready to setup in just under an hour.....
https://www.hardreset.info/devices/...ication/frp-lg-google-account-2018-x-power-2/
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA Labs

pump0666 said:
This is the guide i used & im on h91810p & i had mine bypassed & ready to setup in just under an hour.....
https://www.hardreset.info/devices/...ication/frp-lg-google-account-2018-x-power-2/
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well for those trying, I have a phone on H91810q, and the above process (hardreset link) does not work. when getting to the step to allow unsigned binaries it will not toggle. I tried a few other approaches that might get USB enabled (e.g. via LDB in SVC mode, but it also failed to toggle).
Does any know if you can downgrade an FRP locked phone without USB enabled? e.g. using the process described in the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/step-step-guide-lg-v20-h918-unlocking-t3808258
Asking before I have to go find a windows box and spend an hour or so trying, in vain, if it is not possible.

drinnovation said:
Well for those trying, I have a phone on H91810q, and the above process (hardreset link) does not work. when getting to the step to allow unsigned binaries it will not toggle. I tried a few other approaches that might get USB enabled (e.g. via LDB in SVC mode, but it also failed to toggle).
Does any know if you can downgrade an FRP locked phone without USB enabled? e.g. using the process described in the thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/step-step-guide-lg-v20-h918-unlocking-t3808258
Asking before I have to go find a windows box and spend an hour or so trying, in vain, if it is not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried downgrading to h91810p first? H91810q might be patched as not to allow this method. Both h91810p & q are ARB1 so you CAN roll back before proceeding
Sent from my LG-H918 using XDA Labs
I should also add that I used the method with Bluetooth earpiece. & comp method-

Samsung S7 edge sm-G930V android version 8.0 Unlock Bootloader

Hello Guys i have been searching all over the internet for a few month, where do i find the boot unlock for this particular phone? I need this in order to root and install lineage OS custom rom
I really appreciate if someone has the information.

CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE? I need to unlock bootloader for Verizon SM-G930V

ibex333 said:
CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE? I need to unlock bootloader for Verizon SM-G930V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just picked up this model myself and find myself in the same boat. My developer options do list an "OEM unlock" option. Does yours?

ibex333 said:
CAN ANYONE HELP PLEASE? I need to unlock bootloader for Verizon SM-G930V
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Click to collapse
Emmalfal said:
I just picked up this model myself and find myself in the same boat. My developer options do list an "OEM unlock" option. Does yours?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't matter, Verizon devices have locked bootloaders that can't be unlocked, don't waste your time trying, it isn't going to happen. Verizon devices have been this way for years now, I don't forsee that changing at any time in the future.

Droidriven said:
It doesn't matter, Verizon devices have locked bootloaders that can't be unlocked, don't waste your time trying, it isn't going to happen. Verizon devices have been this way for years now, I don't forsee that changing at any time in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My device has the "oem unlock" button. Does that not matter? I was surprised as hell to find that.

Emmalfal said:
My device has the "oem unlock" button. Does that not matter? I was surprised as hell to find that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try it but I'm pretty certain that Verizon has it locked down. There is a root method for Verizon S7 and S7 edge but no TWRP or custom ROMs that I know of.
Verizon S7 / S7 Edge [Root Guide] SM-G930V SM-G935V [NO KNOX TRIP]
Hi, I am compiling this guide for rooting the verizon variant. I also hope to fill in some gaps in the other guides. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS YOU MAY CAUSE OR ENCOUNTER I did not develop this, I'm only telling you how to do it...
forum.xda-developers.com

Droidriven said:
You can try it but I'm pretty certain that Verizon has it locked down. There is a root method for Verizon S7 and S7 edge but no TWRP or custom ROMs that I know of.
Verizon S7 / S7 Edge [Root Guide] SM-G930V SM-G935V [NO KNOX TRIP]
Hi, I am compiling this guide for rooting the verizon variant. I also hope to fill in some gaps in the other guides. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PROBLEMS YOU MAY CAUSE OR ENCOUNTER I did not develop this, I'm only telling you how to do it...
forum.xda-developers.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figured I'd give it the old college try. Got Odin to recognize the phone and went through the root process. All looked well until the very end. "Complete (write) operation failed."

Emmalfal said:
Figured I'd give it the old college try. Got Odin to recognize the phone and went through the root process. All looked well until the very end. "Complete (write) operation failed."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And now, using the latest version of Odin (I somehow downloaded an older one the first time around) it got to recovery.img and just stuck there. An exercise in frustration as you had warned. I need a Verizon phone that can 100 percent be rooted. I'm using a rooted original Pixel now but that sucker is getting worn out.

Emmalfal said:
Figured I'd give it the old college try. Got Odin to recognize the phone and went through the root process. All looked well until the very end. "Complete (write) operation failed."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It might depend on what version/build number of stock firmware is installed on the device. That guide might be for an older version of a specific version. If what you have is newer than what the guide was written for, that might be why it failed.
Does it say anything in the guide thread about it requiring a specific stock firmware or specific bootloader version?

Emmalfal said:
And now, using the latest version of Odin (I somehow downloaded an older one the first time around) it got to recovery.img and just stuck there. An exercise in frustration as you had warned. I need a Verizon phone that can 100 percent be rooted. I'm using a rooted original Pixel now but that sucker is getting worn out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about an unlocked device that can be used on Verizon's network?

Droidriven said:
It might depend on what version/build number of stock firmware is installed on the device. That guide might be for an older version of a specific version. If what you have is newer than what the guide was written for, that might be why it failed.
Does it say anything in the guide thread about it requiring a specific stock firmware or specific bootloader version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've gone through a couple different tutorials and they all seem to link to the same files that I need to download. It's been frustrating because looking for proper files for a phone this old leads to a lot of dead links. I'm probably going to give it up soon, but you know how it is. There's always "one more thing" to try. I tell you, I'm going to research like hell before I buy another phone. I need to know for sure that it can be rooted. In this case, I inherited my wife's old phone and a quick search revealed that it ought to be a piece of cake to root. There's always some little detail that trips me up. I appreciate your help with this.

Emmalfal said:
And now, using the latest version of Odin (I somehow downloaded an older one the first time around) it got to recovery.img and just stuck there. An exercise in frustration as you had warned. I need a Verizon phone that can 100 percent be rooted. I'm using a rooted original Pixel now but that sucker is getting worn out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try a version of Odin from around the same time the S7/S7 edge was released onto the market. Some versions work better with certain devices, as android evolved and as Odin gets updated to newer versions for newer devices, there are slight differences along the way that can effect how it works on older devices.
If the stock firmware that you are trying to flash is older than what was already installed on the device, it will probably fail due to not allowing the device to be degraded to an older version, it's a "security" measure put there to prevent you from installing a less "secure" operating system.

Droidriven said:
How about an unlocked device that can be used on Verizon's network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would work. It's been so long since I messed around with this stuff -- I've had the pixel for six or seven years I think -- that I've forgotten everything I once knew.
Droidriven said:
Try a version of Odin from around the same time the S7/S7 edge was released onto the market. Some versions work better with certain devices, as android evolved and as Odin gets updated to newer versions for newer devices, there are slight differences along the way that can effect how it works on older devices.
If the stock firmware that you are trying to flash is older than what was already installed on the device, it will probably fail due to not allowing the device to be degraded to an older version, it's a "security" measure put there to prevent you from installing a less "secure" operating system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll look that up and try it out. Nothing to lose at this point. All I'm trying to flash at this point is the CF Auto Root Tar.md5, as per the instructions.

Emmalfal said:
I've gone through a couple different tutorials and they all seem to link to the same files that I need to download. It's been frustrating because looking for proper files for a phone this old leads to a lot of dead links. I'm probably going to give it up soon, but you know how it is. There's always "one more thing" to try. I tell you, I'm going to research like hell before I buy another phone. I need to know for sure that it can be rooted. In this case, I inherited my wife's old phone and a quick search revealed that it ought to be a piece of cake to root. There's always some little detail that trips me up. I appreciate your help with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I mean does it say anything about it requiring a specific version of stock firmware or specific version of bootloader to be already installed on the device "before" you do the rooting process described in the guide?
Sometimes these kinds of things require your device to have a certain stock software version as a starting point before the device is modified. Most of the time, if the device is ever updated to a newer version, the specific exploit that was being used to root gets patched in the update, killing the effectiveness of the exploit used to root. From that point on, chances of rooting are nil.

Emmalfal said:
Yeah, that would work. It's been so long since I messed around with this stuff -- I've had the pixel for six or seven years I think -- that I've forgotten everything I once knew.
I'll look that up and try it out. Nothing to lose at this point. All I'm trying to flash at this point is the CF Auto Root Tar.md5, as per the instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The vulnerability that CF autoroot takes advantage of may have been patched in newer versions of firmware.
I haven't been able to root any of my devices for last 4-5 years.

Droidriven said:
No, I mean does it say anything about it requiring a specific version of stock firmware or specific version of bootloader to be already installed on the device "before" you do the rooting process described in the guide?
Sometimes these kinds of things require your device to have a certain stock software version as a starting point before the device is modified. Most of the time, if the device is ever updated to a newer version, the specific exploit that was being used to root gets patched in the update, killing the effectiveness of the exploit used to root. From that point on, chances of rooting are nil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I've been careful to download files in keeping with my specific phone, not just the G930V but the longer version of that model number, which seems super specific. Nothing works. I've tried three or four different versions of Odin at this point, but they all either fail or get stuck somewhere in the process. Probably time to start searching for a new phone. I looked around for other ways to root this s7 but i'm not finding much. I rooted the PIxel with Magisk.

Emmalfal said:
Yeah, I've been careful to download files in keeping with my specific phone, not just the G930V but the longer version of that model number, which seems super specific. Nothing works. I've tried three or four different versions of Odin at this point, but they all either fail or get stuck somewhere in the process. Probably time to start searching for a new phone. I looked around for other ways to root this s7 but i'm not finding much. I rooted the PIxel with Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about model number version, I mean the specific build number of the firmware that is installed on the device. Some guides/methods only work on specific build numbers of stock firmware or only work if a specific version of bootloader is installed on the device.

Droidriven said:
I'm not talking about model number version, I mean the specific build number of the firmware that is installed on the device.
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Click to collapse
Ah. I'll check that.

Emmalfal said:
And now, using the latest version of Odin (I somehow downloaded an older one the first time around) it got to recovery.img and just stuck there. An exercise in frustration as you had warned. I need a Verizon phone that can 100 percent be rooted. I'm using a rooted original Pixel now but that sucker is getting worn out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The S7 *can* be rooted, with lots of limitations afterwards. It just can't be BL unlocked

It could be failing due to the usb port or cable. I have an S8 that i can no longer flash only because I don't have a usb port in my pc old enough to flash it. I assume the S7 is the same way

Question Removing Retail Mode from S21+

Hi XDA, first time poster and I could not find a similar thread with the answers I was looking for, if that thread exists I apologize!
So basically I started a job in a retail phone shop a few months back. We have a drawer in store that has a bunch of old demo units in there that, once they have been removed from display, just sit there unused. There is phones in there from almost 10 years ago. They are never given back or requested back, nor are they logged in any way.
Well I noticed there was an almost perfect condition S21+ in there so I asked my manager if we could use it as a sales incentive and he replied saying the phones are useless because of the software on them. I said I was pretty sure you could remove the retail software and use it as a normal phone and he said if I can do that and get it working, I can take the phone for myself.
Well, I took it home and did some digging / experimenting. The phone has a proper IMEI already, you can put a SIM into the phone and it registers to the network. The problem is, the phone has security restrictions on data sharing and it does not have the playstore on it and there is no factory data reset option in the settings, nor in recovery mode.
I have tried flashing a stock firmware on using Odin which I thought worked, however when the phone restarts and you go through set up, Samsung Knox pops up and installs settings which forces the phone to set up in retail mode again with the same restrictions as previous (no play store, factory reset etc).
Any idea how to get around this issue? I would have thought flashing stock software would be the obvious work around but something on the phone forces it to install on retail mode every time.
Any advice on this is much appreciated.

Frostyb said:
Hi XDA, first time poster and I could not find a similar thread with the answers I was looking for, if that thread exists I apologize!
So basically I started a job in a retail phone shop a few months back. We have a drawer in store that has a bunch of old demo units in there that, once they have been removed from display, just sit there unused. There is phones in there from almost 10 years ago. They are never given back or requested back, nor are they logged in any way.
Well I noticed there was an almost perfect condition S21+ in there so I asked my manager if we could use it as a sales incentive and he replied saying the phones are useless because of the software on them. I said I was pretty sure you could remove the retail software and use it as a normal phone and he said if I can do that and get it working, I can take the phone for myself.
Well, I took it home and did some digging / experimenting. The phone has a proper IMEI already, you can put a SIM into the phone and it registers to the network. The problem is, the phone has security restrictions on data sharing and it does not have the playstore on it and there is no factory data reset option in the settings, nor in recovery mode.
I have tried flashing a stock firmware on using Odin which I thought worked, however when the phone restarts and you go through set up, Samsung Knox pops up and installs settings which forces the phone to set up in retail mode again with the same restrictions as previous (no play store, factory reset etc).
Any idea how to get around this issue? I would have thought flashing stock software would be the obvious work around but something on the phone forces it to install on retail mode every time.
Any advice on this is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried following the steps in a video such as this?
DO THIS COMPLETELY AT YOUR OWN RISK! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BRICKING YOUR DEVICE, GETTING A VIRUS OR STARTING A LITERAL WAR.
Everything i was able find on the subject was kind of sketchy-looking (probably because doing this without permission would probably be illegal) so I included a warning.

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
Have you tried following the steps in a video such as this?
DO THIS COMPLETELY AT YOUR OWN RISK! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BRICKING YOUR DEVICE, GETTING A VIRUS OR STARTING A LITERAL WAR.
Everything i was able find on the subject was kind of sketchy-looking (probably because doing this without permission would probably be illegal) so I included a warning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!
So I also came across this same video on the subject last night, it seems to be a workaround for bypassing Knox but I couldnt find any further info on what kind of state that leaves the phone in after, if it can still get official updates and such or if it triggered to eFuse that causes you to lose access to Samsung Pay and other official apps.
I'm aware this is at my own risk, the phone will sit in a drawer if I cant figure it out any way so no harm no foul as far as I can see. I've thought about rooting the device (I know this will trigger the eFuse) but I cant find any info on if that would get around the specific issue I'm having of Knox forcing the phone to install in retail settings or not so do not want to go down that road just yet.

Frostyb said:
Thanks for the reply!
So I also came across this same video on the subject last night, it seems to be a workaround for bypassing Knox but I couldnt find any further info on what kind of state that leaves the phone in after, if it can still get official updates and such or if it triggered to eFuse that causes you to lose access to Samsung Pay and other official apps.
I'm aware this is at my own risk, the phone will sit in a drawer if I cant figure it out any way so no harm no foul as far as I can see. I've thought about rooting the device (I know this will trigger the eFuse) but I cant find any info on if that would get around the specific issue I'm having of Knox forcing the phone to install in retail settings or not so do not want to go down that road just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd say that the Knox workaround would probably (do not quote me on that) leave you with un-tripped Knox (=e-fuse intact) if it even still is. Even if Knox would be tripped, you would still most likely be able to get software updates. But because you said that you have already used Odin successfully on the device, that would lead me to believe that OEM unlocking might already be on in which case there probably isn't any more to lose by rooting the device. On a rooted device there are instructions o WikiHow on how to remove the Knox , but I haven't personally tested them. If I were you, I'd check with a Knox warranty checker app or through recovery mode, etc
whether the e-fuse is already triggered before continuing with anything.
And if I confused you, feel free to ask anything!

With the root approach you would also have to worry about passing Safety Net, but that'll only be relevant if you decide to go with that path.

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
I'd say that the Knox workaround would probably (do not quote me on that) leave you with un-tripped Knox (=e-fuse intact) if it even still is. Even if Knox would be tripped, you would still most likely be able to get software updates. But because you said that you have already used Odin successfully on the device, that would lead me to believe that OEM unlocking might already be on in which case there probably isn't any more to lose by rooting the device. On a rooted device there are instructions o WikiHow on how to remove the Knox , but I haven't personally tested them. If I were you, I'd check with a Knox warranty checker app whether the e-fuse is already triggered before continuing with anything.
And if I confused you, feel free to ask anything!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting, I may give the workaround a shot when I get home later then.
So I have used Odin but it was with official firmware obtained through Frija and, according to reading, that does NOT trip the eFuse. I did turn on OHD in dev options but from what I can tell, the fuse is only tripped when you load an unofficial image onto the device which I havent done yet. I can check when I get home by booting into recovery mode and checking the warranty line AFAIK it will say either 1 or 0 indicating if it's been tripped or not.
So my issue with rooting is I dont know if I root, will the phone still install in the retail setup that it does currently. I know I can run apps or code to remove Knox once rooted, but I dont know if then just reinstall firmware and it will be back to default like I want, or if I'll then need to figure out how to get the playstore loaded, if the security issues persist etc. Also as far as I can tell to root, I need to install Magisk on the device first to alter one of the image files, then move that file back to the PC to flash with Odin, and I'm not sure I can do that with the retail settings enabled.

Frostyb said:
Interesting, I may give the workaround a shot when I get home later then.
So I have used Odin but it was with official firmware obtained through Frija and, according to reading, that does NOT trip the eFuse. I did turn on OHD in dev options but from what I can tell, the fuse is only tripped when you load an unofficial image onto the device which I havent done yet. I can check when I get home by booting into recovery mode and checking the warranty line AFAIK it will say either 1 or 0 indicating if it's been tripped or not.
So my issue with rooting is I dont know if I root, will the phone still install in the retail setup that it does currently. I know I can run apps or code to remove Knox once rooted, but I dont know if then just reinstall firmware and it will be back to default like I want, or if I'll then need to figure out how to get the playstore loaded, if the security issues persist etc. Also as far as I can tell to root, I need to install Magisk on the device first to alter one of the image files, then move that file back to the PC to flash with Odin, and I'm not sure I can do that with the retail settings enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am interested in how this develops. Please keep me updated with the warranty byte status and whether the workaround is successful!

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
I am interested in how this develops. Please keep me updated with the warranty byte status and whether the workaround is successful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So quick update on this: none of the workaround videos on youtube seem to be capable of doing anything. They all rely on being able to connect to Wifi then get around the device before Knox settings apply, however on my build as SOON as you connect to wifi, it immediately starts applying knox settings and cannot be skipped.
I am wondering if this is because the version of software I flashed on using Odin was the most recent firmware, being android 12, and most of these workarounds are for android 11? Is it safe to locate the original firmware for the S21+ somewhere and flash that on to the device instead do you think?
Also the eFuse is still currently in tact.

Frostyb said:
So quick update on this: none of the workaround videos on youtube seem to be capable of doing anything. They all rely on being able to connect to Wifi then get around the device before Knox settings apply, however on my build as SOON as you connect to wifi, it immediately starts applying knox settings and cannot be skipped.
I am wondering if this is because the version of software I flashed on using Odin was the most recent firmware, being android 12, and most of these workarounds are for android 11? Is it safe to locate the original firmware for the S21+ somewhere and flash that on to the device instead do you think?
Also the eFuse is still currently in tact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could flash an older Android version, but if and only if it has the same bootloader version as the current one, otherwise it won't work and might even brick your device. I am unsure though if the downgrade would help but if the bootloader versions match, you can try!
On SamMobile.com you can see older versions of firmware. Just check the bootloader version before flashing!

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
You could flash an older Android version, but if and only if it has the same bootloader version as the current one, otherwise it won't work and might even brick your device. I am unsure though if the downgrade would help but if the bootloader versions match, you can try!
On SamMobile.com you can see older versions of firmware. Just check the bootloader version before flashing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this may seem like a dumb question but how do I check to make sure the bootloader version matches?

Frostyb said:
So this may seem like a dumb question but how do I check to make sure the bootloader version matches?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's most likely as simple as comparing the bootloader filenames between the Odin flashable files for the old and new software. I could verify whether that's the case if you send the filenames for both bootloader files here. (The file that goes into the BL slot in Odin)

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
It's most likely as simple as comparing the bootloader filenames between the Odin flashable files for the old and new software. I could verify whether that's the case if you send the filenames for both bootloader files here. (The file that goes into the BL slot in Odin)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the first image is of the current firmware that successfully flashed to my device via Odin.
The second is firmware from August 2021 that is on a build of Android 11. You can also see by the file modification dates.

What were your exact model and region again? Probably won't matter, please wait a minute

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
What were your exact model and region again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
What were your exact model and region again? Probably won't matter, please wait a minute
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G996B
Region is Ireland (CSC is MET)

Yeah, it seems like the current bootloader is version 4 while the Android 11 one is version 3 so these versions seem, unfortunately, incompatible.

Frostyb said:
SM-G996B
Region is Ireland (CSC is MET)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there, I can help you out! I have some experience with Samsung.
So first off, I take it this is an Exynos model? Snapdragons require the use of a paid service to get an unlock.
It seems you've flashed stock firmware before but it didn't work out due to Knox. Did you flash all the files including the CSC (wipe all data) file? Also, you could try flashing TWRP and that would trip Knox, at which point Knox is disabled due to detecting system modifications or it will try to rollback your modifications.

So the only thing I personally can think of to get rid of the problem is going the TWRP route, but this will trip the Knox warranty byte to 0x1, so think about it. There might be someone more experienced than me that might be able to help without tripping Knox, but this is right now the only thing I can personally suggest to fix the problem.
Edit: It seems like someone more experienced appeared while I was writing this! Sweet!

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
So the only thing I personally can think of to get rid of the problem is going the TWRP route, but this will trip the Knox warranty byte to 0x1, so think about it. There might be someone more experienced than me that might be able to help without tripping Knox, but this is right now the only thing I can personally suggest to fix the problem.
Frostyb said:
SM-G996B
Region is Ireland (CSC is MET)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you able to enable developer options? If so, you might be able to use ADB commands to disable the Retail Mode app. I doubt they're enabled though.

BloodyFruitDestroyer said:
Yeah, it seems like the current bootloader is version 4 while the Android 11 one is version 3 so these versions seem, unfortunately, incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dammit, so it seems I'm stuck on Android 12 and there is no way to get back to a previous version then I take it?

Frostyb said:
Dammit, so it seems I'm stuck on Android 12 and there is no way to get back to a previous version then I take it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With official firmware, I'd be pretty certain that you can't. By the way, please look at the latest messages as there is someone else with fresh ideas here, too.

How To Guide Edge 2021 (unlocked) special flashing guide

You can manually update to latest Android 11 (April patch)
Bootloader unlock may be required.
Download the ROM https://mirrors.lolinet.com/firmwar...-DEFAULT_regulatory-DEFAULT_cid50_CFC.xml.zip
Unpack the zip and enter bootloader (turn the phone off and press and hold volume down and power it on)
Flash everything EXCEPT radio.img. Failure to do it will result in NO SIM error!
Everything is better with this version ROM. Do not update to Android at this time because it's a mess.

I manually upgraded to A12 on my XT2141-2 as soon as I was able. The only issue I've had was SIM not detected with 1 specific Lsposed module enabled, disabling that one module resolved that though. And ofc not having Gravity Box yet kinda sucks but I've had a blast with new theming possibility with A12 thanks to Repainted and Project Themed apps.
Could you elaborate on any issues you experienced yourself?

Sorry to have to ask this, but what happens if I somehow screw things up? unless I'm mistaken there's no TWRP for this phone (yet) to help with recovery...and how might I go about backing things up before I try to flash a new ROM build on my device? (Still new to things)
edit: addition: probably a stupid question, but I've only ever flashed the `boot.img` file, am I supposed to "fastboot flash" every file over?

ruq said:
Sorry to have to ask this, but what happens if I somehow screw things up? unless I'm mistaken there's no TWRP for this phone (yet) to help with recovery...and how might I go about backing things up before I try to flash a new ROM build on my device? (Still new to things)
edit: addition: probably a stupid question, but I've only ever flashed the `boot.img` file, am I supposed to "fastboot flash" every file over?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
will this unlock verizon edge 5g

jakethesnake24 said:
will this unlock verizon edge 5g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Everything I've read states that Verizon Phones are hard-locked-down and cannot be rooted, unless there exists or is discovered at some point in the future an exploit to crack such phones. Sorry if that means you're out of luck.
I believe the preferred way of having a rootable phone is to always outright purchase it independently of any carrier. I purchased mine unlocked at a Best Buy.

In case anyone is reading this and getting a 404 on the OG post link for the ROM I found it under this updated link.