Database Info

Galaxy Note 3 Exynos SM-N900 KNOX Counter reset and make everything official

credits RuchRha
I don't own any of this content. Just sharing so that it could help someone. I found this in the developer section and just felt like that it better be in the Exynos section so that everyone could easily find it. I tried this on Dr. Ketan L22.1 rom and it's successful for me and I'm now back to full stock and could also use Samsung Knox without any issues.
(Knox had been triggered on the the tested device already), This has been tested & working on Note 3 N900/Exynos on KitKat ND1 firmware which was on official status without root but Knox triggered, The file was flashed using Odin and after flashing I went into download mode and to my surprise Knox was been reset from 0x1 to 0 but the device status had turned custom (was official before flashing the Knox reset), however I will re-flash the firmware and see if Knox remains 0 and device status turns to official, also there are some different stuff in download mode which I hadn't ever seen before like EMMC PIN, Binary Sboot Version and all. I'll be attaching the screenshots for the same kindly find in attachments.
Edit/Update 1 : After re-flashing the firmware stuff like EMMC PIN and Binary Sboot Version has disappeared Current Binary has turned to official and the Knox has remained to 0 however System Status still appears to be Custom...
Edit/Update 2 : (Refers to previous updates regarding System Status being Custom and not turning to Official.) After trying to flash the firmware several times nothing really worked (nothing to do with Knox and Current Binary only referred to System Status being Custom) hence I went to stock recovery and wiped Data/Factory Reset and Cache Partition and then re-flashed the firmware (ND1 KitKat) and VOILA! Binary/System Status are now Official and now Knox is 0, seems a great success for the Exynos users, I also do have an snapdragon version so will be looking forward to it, screenshots attached....
Edit/Update 3 : The steps for resetting Knox (Exynos Note 3 ONLY!) :
1 - Download the bootloader.zip and extract bootloader from it (find in attachments)
2 - Open Odin and put device in download mode.
3 - Select AP/PDA (depending on Odin version you have) and select the bootloader (which was downloaded during step 1) don't select any other option in odin except F reset time and auto reboot (are selected by default).
4 - After the file is flashed go to download mode and check if the Knox has turned back to 0.
5 - Flash official firmware from sammobile and after flashing is done let the device reboot and boot up to device set-up screen, don't proceed the set-up for setting up device and turn of it off.
6 - Reboot to stock recovery (power + vol up + home) and wipe data/cache and flash the firmware again, once flashing the firmware is completed enter download mode and check if current binary and system status has turned to official if not follow steps number 5 and 6 again.
And that's pretty much it , you have successfully been able to reset Knox and regain warranty by this.
PS : I had done all this steps on ND1 firmware, and this will not keep root access, to root Knox has to be tripped or keep Knox 0 but Current Binary or System Status will be custom wit Knox being 0. Also to note this might get (patched) in future updates (bootloaders) if we look at Samsung's history of patching stuff , though not sure about it...
This will not work on any variant other than Exynos (Note 3) due to different processors and the boot system of both Exynos and Snapdragon. (the bootloader for (Exynos) contains Sboot which is only for the Exynos variant which cannot be used on Snapdragon as it uses Aboot). So this is by no way meant to work on SD variant or any other Samsung device ie S5/S4/Note 2 etc. and hence requested NOT TO USE IT on any other model than Exynos Note 3.
Edit/Update 4 : Downgrading Note 3 N900/N9000/Exynos from 4.4.2 to 4,3 has been successful, check out this post by me to be updated on steps regarding the same.
I'll be testing some work around's for the N9005 (Snapdragon) to reset Knox/Firmware Downgrade once I get that device as I have given mine to a friend, and have been saving money to buy a new or used N9005.
Download: Bootloader.zip
Source thread: HERE

Cool
sriram231092 said:
credits RuchRha
I don't own any of this content. Just sharing so that it could help someone. I found this in the developer section and just felt like that it better be in the Exynos section so that everyone could easily find it. I tried this on Dr. Ketan L22.1 rom and it's successful for me and I'm now back to full stock and could also use Samsung Knox without any issues.
(Knox had been triggered on the the tested device already), This has been tested & working on Note 3 N900/Exynos on KitKat ND1 firmware which was on official status without root but Knox triggered, The file was flashed using Odin and after flashing I went into download mode and to my surprise Knox was been reset from 0x1 to 0 but the device status had turned custom (was official before flashing the Knox reset), however I will re-flash the firmware and see if Knox remains 0 and device status turns to official, also there are some different stuff in download mode which I hadn't ever seen before like EMMC PIN, Binary Sboot Version and all. I'll be attaching the screenshots for the same kindly find in attachments.
Edit/Update 1 : After re-flashing the firmware stuff like EMMC PIN and Binary Sboot Version has disappeared Current Binary has turned to official and the Knox has remained to 0 however System Status still appears to be Custom...
Edit/Update 2 : (Refers to previous updates regarding System Status being Custom and not turning to Official.) After trying to flash the firmware several times nothing really worked (nothing to do with Knox and Current Binary only referred to System Status being Custom) hence I went to stock recovery and wiped Data/Factory Reset and Cache Partition and then re-flashed the firmware (ND1 KitKat) and VOILA! Binary/System Status are now Official and now Knox is 0, seems a great success for the Exynos users, I also do have an snapdragon version so will be looking forward to it, screenshots attached....
Edit/Update 3 : The steps for resetting Knox (Exynos Note 3 ONLY!) :
1 - Download the bootloader.zip and extract bootloader from it (find in attachments)
2 - Open Odin and put device in download mode.
3 - Select AP/PDA (depending on Odin version you have) and select the bootloader (which was downloaded during step 1) don't select any other option in odin except F reset time and auto reboot (are selected by default).
4 - After the file is flashed go to download mode and check if the Knox has turned back to 0.
5 - Flash official firmware from sammobile and after flashing is done let the device reboot and boot up to device set-up screen, don't proceed the set-up for setting up device and turn of it off.
6 - Reboot to stock recovery (power + vol up + home) and wipe data/cache and flash the firmware again, once flashing the firmware is completed enter download mode and check if current binary and system status has turned to official if not follow steps number 5 and 6 again.
And that's pretty much it , you have successfully been able to reset Knox and regain warranty by this.
PS : I had done all this steps on ND1 firmware, and this will not keep root access, to root Knox has to be tripped or keep Knox 0 but Current Binary or System Status will be custom wit Knox being 0. Also to note this might get (patched) in future updates (bootloaders) if we look at Samsung's history of patching stuff , though not sure about it...
This will not work on any variant other than Exynos (Note 3) due to different processors and the boot system of both Exynos and Snapdragon. (the bootloader for (Exynos) contains Sboot which is only for the Exynos variant which cannot be used on Snapdragon as it uses Aboot). So this is by no way meant to work on SD variant or any other Samsung device ie S5/S4/Note 2 etc. and hence requested NOT TO USE IT on any other model than Exynos Note 3.
Edit/Update 4 : Downgrading Note 3 N900/N9000/Exynos from 4.4.2 to 4,3 has been successful, check out this post by me to be updated on steps regarding the same.
I'll be testing some work around's for the N9005 (Snapdragon) to reset Knox/Firmware Downgrade once I get that device as I have given mine to a friend, and have been saving money to buy a new or used N9005.
Download: Bootloader.zip
Source thread: HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Has anybody else tested this ?
--Sachin Gopal

sachingopalkrishnan said:
Hi,
Has anybody else tested this ?
--Sachin Gopal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Sachin! I tested this already and it worked and now I'm totally back to stock with Knox working. This is what made me share this actually.[emoji6]

sachingopalkrishnan said:
Hi,
Has anybody else tested this ?
--Sachin Gopal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I did :3 And yeah, it worked

Guides belong in General, not Development.
Thank you.

Thank you folks. Good to know.
Best,
Sachin Gopal

upndwn4par said:
Guides belong in General, not Development.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey I think the mods already moved the thread to General Q&A? Am I lost?[emoji50] Hope someone does that.

It worked. Thanks. (Downdrade to kitkat).
Sent from my SM-N900 using XDA Free mobile app

Thank you so much its work perfectly
Thank you so much its work perfectly.......
sriram231092 said:
credits RuchRha
I don't own any of this content. Just sharing so that it could help someone. I found this in the developer section and just felt like that it better be in the Exynos section so that everyone could easily find it. I tried this on Dr. Ketan L22.1 rom and it's successful for me and I'm now back to full stock and could also use Samsung Knox without any issues.
(Knox had been triggered on the the tested device already), This has been tested & working on Note 3 N900/Exynos on KitKat ND1 firmware which was on official status without root but Knox triggered, The file was flashed using Odin and after flashing I went into download mode and to my surprise Knox was been reset from 0x1 to 0 but the device status had turned custom (was official before flashing the Knox reset), however I will re-flash the firmware and see if Knox remains 0 and device status turns to official, also there are some different stuff in download mode which I hadn't ever seen before like EMMC PIN, Binary Sboot Version and all. I'll be attaching the screenshots for the same kindly find in attachments.
Edit/Update 1 : After re-flashing the firmware stuff like EMMC PIN and Binary Sboot Version has disappeared Current Binary has turned to official and the Knox has remained to 0 however System Status still appears to be Custom...
Edit/Update 2 : (Refers to previous updates regarding System Status being Custom and not turning to Official.) After trying to flash the firmware several times nothing really worked (nothing to do with Knox and Current Binary only referred to System Status being Custom) hence I went to stock recovery and wiped Data/Factory Reset and Cache Partition and then re-flashed the firmware (ND1 KitKat) and VOILA! Binary/System Status are now Official and now Knox is 0, seems a great success for the Exynos users, I also do have an snapdragon version so will be looking forward to it, screenshots attached....
Edit/Update 3 : The steps for resetting Knox (Exynos Note 3 ONLY!) :
1 - Download the bootloader.zip and extract bootloader from it (find in attachments)
2 - Open Odin and put device in download mode.
3 - Select AP/PDA (depending on Odin version you have) and select the bootloader (which was downloaded during step 1) don't select any other option in odin except F reset time and auto reboot (are selected by default).
4 - After the file is flashed go to download mode and check if the Knox has turned back to 0.
5 - Flash official firmware from sammobile and after flashing is done let the device reboot and boot up to device set-up screen, don't proceed the set-up for setting up device and turn of it off.
6 - Reboot to stock recovery (power + vol up + home) and wipe data/cache and flash the firmware again, once flashing the firmware is completed enter download mode and check if current binary and system status has turned to official if not follow steps number 5 and 6 again.
And that's pretty much it , you have successfully been able to reset Knox and regain warranty by this.
PS : I had done all this steps on ND1 firmware, and this will not keep root access, to root Knox has to be tripped or keep Knox 0 but Current Binary or System Status will be custom wit Knox being 0. Also to note this might get (patched) in future updates (bootloaders) if we look at Samsung's history of patching stuff , though not sure about it...
This will not work on any variant other than Exynos (Note 3) due to different processors and the boot system of both Exynos and Snapdragon. (the bootloader for (Exynos) contains Sboot which is only for the Exynos variant which cannot be used on Snapdragon as it uses Aboot). So this is by no way meant to work on SD variant or any other Samsung device ie S5/S4/Note 2 etc. and hence requested NOT TO USE IT on any other model than Exynos Note 3.
Edit/Update 4 : Downgrading Note 3 N900/N9000/Exynos from 4.4.2 to 4,3 has been successful, check out this post by me to be updated on steps regarding the same.
I'll be testing some work around's for the N9005 (Snapdragon) to reset Knox/Firmware Downgrade once I get that device as I have given mine to a friend, and have been saving money to buy a new or used N9005.
Download: Bootloader.zip
Source thread: HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

sriram231092 said:
credits RuchRha
I don't own any of this content. Just sharing so that it could help someone. I found this in the developer section and just felt like that it better be in the Exynos section so that everyone could easily find it. I tried this on Dr. Ketan L22.1 rom and it's successful for me and I'm now back to full stock and could also use Samsung Knox without any issues.
(Knox had been triggered on the the tested device already), This has been tested & working on Note 3 N900/Exynos on KitKat ND1 firmware which was on official status without root but Knox triggered, The file was flashed using Odin and after flashing I went into download mode and to my surprise Knox was been reset from 0x1 to 0 but the device status had turned custom (was official before flashing the Knox reset), however I will re-flash the firmware and see if Knox remains 0 and device status turns to official, also there are some different stuff in download mode which I hadn't ever seen before like EMMC PIN, Binary Sboot Version and all. I'll be attaching the screenshots for the same kindly find in attachments.
Edit/Update 1 : After re-flashing the firmware stuff like EMMC PIN and Binary Sboot Version has disappeared Current Binary has turned to official and the Knox has remained to 0 however System Status still appears to be Custom...
Edit/Update 2 : (Refers to previous updates regarding System Status being Custom and not turning to Official.) After trying to flash the firmware several times nothing really worked (nothing to do with Knox and Current Binary only referred to System Status being Custom) hence I went to stock recovery and wiped Data/Factory Reset and Cache Partition and then re-flashed the firmware (ND1 KitKat) and VOILA! Binary/System Status are now Official and now Knox is 0, seems a great success for the Exynos users, I also do have an snapdragon version so will be looking forward to it, screenshots attached....
Edit/Update 3 : The steps for resetting Knox (Exynos Note 3 ONLY!) :
1 - Download the bootloader.zip and extract bootloader from it (find in attachments)
2 - Open Odin and put device in download mode.
3 - Select AP/PDA (depending on Odin version you have) and select the bootloader (which was downloaded during step 1) don't select any other option in odin except F reset time and auto reboot (are selected by default).
4 - After the file is flashed go to download mode and check if the Knox has turned back to 0.
5 - Flash official firmware from sammobile and after flashing is done let the device reboot and boot up to device set-up screen, don't proceed the set-up for setting up device and turn of it off.
6 - Reboot to stock recovery (power + vol up + home) and wipe data/cache and flash the firmware again, once flashing the firmware is completed enter download mode and check if current binary and system status has turned to official if not follow steps number 5 and 6 again.
And that's pretty much it , you have successfully been able to reset Knox and regain warranty by this.
PS : I had done all this steps on ND1 firmware, and this will not keep root access, to root Knox has to be tripped or keep Knox 0 but Current Binary or System Status will be custom wit Knox being 0. Also to note this might get (patched) in future updates (bootloaders) if we look at Samsung's history of patching stuff , though not sure about it...
This will not work on any variant other than Exynos (Note 3) due to different processors and the boot system of both Exynos and Snapdragon. (the bootloader for (Exynos) contains Sboot which is only for the Exynos variant which cannot be used on Snapdragon as it uses Aboot). So this is by no way meant to work on SD variant or any other Samsung device ie S5/S4/Note 2 etc. and hence requested NOT TO USE IT on any other model than Exynos Note 3.
Edit/Update 4 : Downgrading Note 3 N900/N9000/Exynos from 4.4.2 to 4,3 has been successful, check out this post by me to be updated on steps regarding the same.
I'll be testing some work around's for the N9005 (Snapdragon) to reset Knox/Firmware Downgrade once I get that device as I have given mine to a friend, and have been saving money to buy a new or used N9005.
Download: Bootloader.zip
Source thread: HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got tested it and it works. But I think Knox state resets softwarely and hardware fuse remains 1.because as we now the Knox is fusebit
Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

This is really a great news for sm900 users. But in my case I've already updated my device to 5.0 lollipop... How would this work for me. I've not rooted my fone yet and completely stock... I only want to gain root access with knox 0

Mir Asif said:
This is really a great news for sm900 users. But in my case I've already updated my device to 5.0 lollipop... How would this work for me. I've not rooted my fone yet and completely stock... I only want to gain root access with knox 0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bro instruction in first post works for you to.
Sent from my SM-N900 using Tapatalk

thankx alot man it worked for me perfectly i feel like i am brand-new .

truebeleive said:
thankx alot man it worked for me perfectly i feel like i am brand-new .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol:laugh: yes , thats the feeling.

but know what bro i must tell you realy i dident believe it at 1st but i said i should do it
i do have an issue thow
i need to root my device but i wanna know should i install the Russian Firmware 1st then try the root method or what i am kind a confused i know your a pro and you have an answer but really thanks a lot for this great method

For S4 I9500? Any solution?

Power Reset or Unknown Upload Mode
Guys I have done exactly what is said in the steps in this post but after flashing bootloader my knox flag became 0x0, but after flashing stock rom downloaded from sammobile my device did not start so I started it manually by pressing the power button and dang!!! it says POWER RESET or UNKNOWN UPLOAD MODE. please help...........

Thanks for your information, I'll try to do.

Does it work with Lollipop？Or you have an updated bootloader？
来自我的 SM-N9200 上的 Tapatalk

How about snapdragon variant (SM-N9005)

Galaxy S7 FRP Unlock on Nougat

Hi guys, i have a galaxy s7 of a customer that doesn't absolutely remember email and password for his google account connected to the phone(and so it's OEM Locked).
i tried to follow many guides on the forum but this happened:
i can't root the phone (because the FRP is locking the Flash),
nor install 6.0.1 (because of the error "sw rev check fail device 2 binary 1")
i can't use bluetooth method to skip setup guide (it was fixed in 6.0.1)
i can't use RealTerm because it can't make me save the number to proceed the guide(also fixed in 6.0.1)
what can i do? how do i bypass the FRP? or how do I downgrade to 6.0.1?

Downgrading can be a problem caused by the bootloader, make sure you try to flash a stock ROM with the same version bootloader as shown with this number
G930FXXU2ERD5
The customer would have had to enter a secondary / recovery email while making that Google account, tell them to check their other email addresses for confirmation emails around the time they set up the phone, then they can find the email address of the google account and reset the password to that email address

You have to downgrade to 6.0 and then there are plenty of ways to unlock.
Download 6.0 and latest firmware.
In Odin
1st and 3rd field from old firmware
2nd and 4th field from new firmware
If You need guide how to unlock from 6.0 let me know

LaHunnid said:
You have to downgrade to 6.0 and then there are plenty of ways to unlock.
Download 6.0 and latest firmware.
In Odin
1st and 3rd field from old firmware
2nd and 4th field from new firmware
If You need guide how to unlock from 6.0 let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1st and 3rd field in ODIN is Bootloader & Modem
If you flash new firmware to 2nd and 4th you'll end up with new firmware flashed with old bootloader and it won't boot most likely / brick

*Detection* said:
1st and 3rd field in ODIN is Bootloader & Modem
If you flash new firmware to 2nd and 4th you'll end up with new firmware flashed with old bootloader and it won't boot most likely / brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did that and it didn't brick

LaHunnid said:
I did that and it didn't brick
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AP is the system / OS, you're telling OP to flash a new version of Android (AP) with an old bootloader, in order to downgrade to 6.0.1, your method would not downgrade anything other than bootloader & modem and old bootloader with new OS will almost certainly brick
To downgrade you need to flash old bootloader (BL) & old Android 6.0.1 (AP), and probably old modem (CP), CSC is the only thing left
And as already stated, downgrading the BL is the problem that prevents most people from downgrading in the first place

check out my tutorial https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/g930f-frp-unlock-helps-99-g930f-t3791424

Massive thanks
S6unbricker said:
check out my tutorial https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/how-to/g930f-frp-unlock-helps-99-g930f-t3791424
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been absolutely stuck for days trying to sort out the bloody FRP lock on an S7 (SM-G930F) that had been gifted to my wife by my father-in-law where he hadn't removed the accounts before passing it over.
My wife then did an update that the phone requested when it started up and that went wrong at which point I get involved and factory reset it...oh BIG mistake... and that's where my problems started made worse by the fact my father-in-law couldn't remember which account he had setup on the phone....or even the password to possible accounts!! I consider myself to be well versed in all things tech but I had absolutely no idea FRP existed and was absolutely baffled when i saw the message on the screen after flashing the stock firmware (G930FXXU2DRB6) that was on there according to the recovery mode. I've been trying so many different things over the past week all current methods failed...then I came across this one...which had seemed to be blocked by admins but I was able to click on the link in the 2nd post and grab the password from the readme in the first, which i must admit made it a bit dubious and not sure why @S6unbricker felt the need to do that but there's no issues it doesn't go to a stupid survey site or anything it just goes to a text file on mega which has one line and that's the password!
I followed the method to the letter and, to my surprise and joy, it's actually worked a treat...the S7 is no longer a paper weight!!!
Massive thanks to @S6unbricker :good: ...any chance of re-posting but without the password on the file or putting the password in the post?

Frp doesn't block eng bootloader...after u flash eng boot u can simply use Abd command to remove. Or the longer method flash factory binaries. Enable oem unlock (most important part). Then flash stock rom make sure to remove userdata.img ....on a side note wondering if adding the Samsung retail app and activating it, then using the login data to remove the app via factory data reset might work.

deshaney said:
Frp doesn't block eng bootloader...after u flash eng boot u can simply use Abd command to remove. Or the longer method flash factory binaries. Enable oem unlock (most important part). Then flash stock rom make sure to remove userdata.img ....on a side note wondering if adding the Samsung retail app and activating it, then using the login data to remove the app via factory data reset might work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my experience the combination roms (which I presume you are referring to when you say eng bootloader) didn't solve my issue. Yes I could get them on the phone and boot into them, change the settings or use adb but obviously I don't want the factory binary to stay on there so as soon as I flashed it back to the current firmware, back to square one!
Most poeple advised to use HOME CSC instead of CSC when flashing from combination rom back to stock but I couldn't get odin to flash with HOME CSC.

No I'm referring to the boot.img file. Combination ROMs don't enable su access via she'll.

Samsung s7
Ok I know this is an old Post but I'm brand new to Odin and all the unlock lingo.. can anyone explain to me how to downgrade to bypass the frp on my Galaxy I just bought , I'm very tech savvy just need a walkthrough any help would be greatly appreciated

Accidentally turned off Dev options after root and now FRP locked?

Had no idea the dev options needed to be left ON regardless after rooting, or it rejects the custom binary? Would have thought the FRP lock would have been bypassed with the rooting. Can't enter twrp recovery neither.
And to be 100% clear, phone is rooted. Dev option was unticked w/o realizing it'd retroactively lock the phone as it detects the non-oem firmware and refuses to boot, refuses recovery, refuses flashing.
Can I somehow flash a stock firmare via Odin and NOT get the wrath of FRP? I found the stock firmware for the phone from Samsung's site. For some reason, the firmware.zip is like 1.4gb? Do I need to strip out a file for the recovery image assuming it'll accept it? Or just select the entire thing in Odin?

OK, flashed the 2.5gb (unzipped it had THAT much bloat) factory Samsung firmware, which took about 2.5 minutes vs. like 4 sec for the root .img :silly: and phone boots back up w/o issue, all personal stuff is intact, and unsurprisingly it adds all the bloatware back that I just deleted earlier.
So, if you accidentally turn off the dev options or I'm assuming the OEM unlocker specifically on your J7, and the phone refuses to boot as it's retroactively detecting "custom binary", OR if you happen to accidentally truly delete an important app and/or it can't be brought back with 3rd party apps, going to Samsung's firmware section, finding your EXACT phone/model/software numbers including the most recent OS and security upgrade to it i.e. 7.1.1 in my case, flashing it with Odin (site said to use most recent, so used v3.13.1) will restore the phone, unrooted of course. But it's better than a paperweight.

Problem with TWRP Recovery v3.1.1 on my Samsung SM-j701M

Hello there
I bought a Samsung J7 Neo (SM -J701M) on another country than mine (Im from Argentina, device bought on Paraguay). Anyway, I started to look another way to get some space on the internal storage and I remember that android had an option to expand it, using a SD Card. Unfortunately, i realize this option is not allowed on samsungs device, but it works (i read it, because can't do it) if you get root user.
So I looked how to do it and i found a group of files
ODIN v3.12
Magisk v.14.5
twrp v.3.1.1 -j7 neo
Im not sure if I downloaded the right files, but im start the process anyway.
I followed point by point
First I installed TWRP Recovery v3.1.1 (which is supposed to be correct to my model) and then already on twrp rom I installed magisk 14.5 from sd card and did wipe data.
Turned on the phone and I restored all apps from a google backups, and I realized I cant find app "Magisk" on the device, so I decided to reboot the phone and it starts to do a bootloop with this error "kernel rev. check fail, device:2 binary:1"
At this point, I failed every attempt to fix this error
I tried installing the last official firmware that i found (and Im not sure if its the correct one)
J701MUBU3ARC2_J701MUWT3ARC1_UFN
And I got this error
"SW REV. CHECK Fail (BOOTLOADER) Device :5 Binary 3:
I searched on google this kind of error, and I found that I have to downgrade the bootloader. And this is why im here beacause I dont know how to do this, and if its works, i don´t know how to continue the process to root and expand my internal storage. So I really appreciate if someone one could help me with this. I can learn fast and I love to do this things by myself.
Thanks for your time!
Fernando

If you have to downgrade the boot loader, it means the firmware you are flashing is older than the one on your fon.
Go to www.updato.com and look for the he latest J701M firmware.
You can sort the list by date and by region.
And the site is download manager friendly ?
Good luck!
Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk

Thanks for your answer! One more question about the region. Should I download firmware from the country that I bought the phone or firmware from the country that I am?

Look for your country specific firmware first.
Otherwise Samsung usually has regional software - i.e for several countries in a region e.g. Argentina, Paraguay.
Sent from my SM-J700F using Tapatalk

MikeEinziger said:
Hello there
I bought a Samsung J7 Neo (SM -J701M) on another country than mine (Im from Argentina, device bought on Paraguay). Anyway, I started to look another way to get some space on the internal storage and I remember that android had an option to expand it, using a SD Card. Unfortunately, i realize this option is not allowed on samsungs device, but it works (i read it, because can't do it) if you get root user.
So I looked how to do it and i found a group of files
ODIN v3.12
Magisk v.14.5
twrp v.3.1.1 -j7 neo
Im not sure if I downloaded the right files, but im start the process anyway.
I followed point by point
First I installed TWRP Recovery v3.1.1 (which is supposed to be correct to my model) and then already on twrp rom I installed magisk 14.5 from sd card and did wipe data.
Turned on the phone and I restored all apps from a google backups, and I realized I cant find app "Magisk" on the device, so I decided to reboot the phone and it starts to do a bootloop with this error "kernel rev. check fail, device:2 binary:1"
At this point, I failed every attempt to fix this error
I tried installing the last official firmware that i found (and Im not sure if its the correct one)
J701MUBU3ARC2_J701MUWT3ARC1_UFN
And I got this error
"SW REV. CHECK Fail (BOOTLOADER) Device :5 Binary 3:
I searched on google this kind of error, and I found that I have to downgrade the bootloader. And this is why im here beacause I dont know how to do this, and if its works, i don´t know how to continue the process to root and expand my internal storage. So I really appreciate if someone one could help me with this. I can learn fast and I love to do this things by myself.
Thanks for your time!
Fernando
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@MikeEinziger
Hi There,
Did you have any luck with your Phone? I have the same exact model but I have Android Version 8.1.0, Samsung Experience version 9.5; Android security patch level -Feb 1, 2019; Baseband version: J701MUBS6BSB3 and like you, I love doing things myself, and I can't seem to abide a smartphone that's not rooted.
I'm not exactly a newbie, I've been assisting devs with testing and such on AT&T SGS3 for quite some time. But I can't seem to find a stable method for rooting for this phone, no one seems to be doing any development on it.
I would love to hear your story thus far.

im needing help myself, i have the SM-J701M (J7 NEO), with android pie 9 official, but the binary is 7 (because Argentina Geniuses of course) and of all the things i tried nothing works, and the only thing they did was brick the phone, so i flash and stock firmnware to be usable again

Ezeka93 said:
im needing help myself, i have the SM-J701M (J7 NEO), with android pie 9 official, but the binary is 7 (because Argentina Geniuses of course) and of all the things i tried nothing works, and the only thing they did was brick the phone, so i flash and stock firmnware to be usable again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What have you done? I saw your messages on TG but everyone ignores usually, I had another problem and footbed the solution myself as I got ignored for days.
So, what have you done? Maybe we can figure it out a way to root it, but to avoid telling you things that you may have already done it is better if you let us know your already followed steps.

Jemec26 said:
What have you done? I saw your messages on TG but everyone ignores usually, I had another problem and footbed the solution myself as I got ignored for days.
So, what have you done? Maybe we can figure it out a way to root it, but to avoid telling you things that you may have already done it is better if you let us know your already followed steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried flashing TWRP like a guide said (Latest version) but then got stuck with a boot loop in the Samsung Galaxy Logo, then when i enter to flash the latest global firmware it didn't work because it was binary 6, so i searched for the version in Argentina that has binary 7, after that i didn't try anything else in fears of getting fully bricked, i was thinking of the magisk canary way of rooting (patching the AP) but i don't know what happen if it fails the flash

Hi, i have the same device, SM-J701M, but when i try to flash the stock, it says that the device binary is 9 and the rom is 8, but i cant find the binary 9 rom in any place, only 8. I have the trwp installed, so I was thinking if I format all data (system and files) and try to flash again, it will work ?
Also im from Brazil (SM-J701MT), and the device was buyed in Paraguay (SM-J701M) too. Should i install the SM-J701MT ROM right ?

Some success.
iKmaster01 said:
Hi, i have the same device, SM-J701M, but when i try to flash the stock, it says that the device binary is 9 and the rom is 8, but i cant find the binary 9 rom in any place, only 8. I have the trwp installed, so I was thinking if I format all data (system and files) and try to flash again, it will work ?
Also I'm from Brazil (SM-J701MT), and the device was buyed in Paraguay (SM-J701M) too. Should i install the SM-J701MT ROM right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, guys, I've had a bit of progress with my device Samsung Galaxy J 7 Neo (SM-J701M- Android version 8.01)
On this phone, the option to unlock the bootloader was missing in Dev Opt and I knew that in order to achieve anything I was going to have to unlock the bootloader.
I searched and found that, via adb/fastboot (Google's Platform Tools) rebooting the phone to the bootloader you could enter the code: 'fastboot oem unlock' or 'fastboot flashing unlock' and voila! everything would be fixed...But...my device wasn't even being recognized by "fastboot" ! adb yes but no fastboot! Always the message: "Waiting on any device". Trying to find and install the drivers to do this was next to impossible.
It actually caused me soft brick my device. However, it was a blessing in disguise; I knew what had to be done, I was going to have to reinstall the firmware via Odin. I searched the site (Sammobile - you'll have to create an account.) and found the Oreo and the Pie Firmware, I downloaded both but played it safe and restored my device with the Oreo first.
And lo and behold the option to unlock bootloader was there! No hesitation, clicked that sucker fast!!
Now, I'm running PIE (No one has done a Custom ROM for this baby just yet) and with the unofficial TWRP in the first link below, it's a bit buggy but until they make an official one for us ... I guess we'll have to wait.
Oh! And don't forget to make a backup with Smart Switch!
And pay attention to the advice here:
Code:
1. Extract the firmware file you just downloaded. You should get 5 files:
AP (System &Recovery)
BL (Bootloader)
CP (Modem / Radio)
CSC_*** (Country / Region / Operator)
HOME_CSC_*** (Country / Region / Operator)
2. Add each file to its respective field in Odin v3.14.4. Use CSC_*** if you want to do a clean flash or HOME_CSC_*** if you want to keep your apps and data.
3. Reboot your phone in Download / Odin mode (make sure your device is off) with the following button combo: POWER + VOLUME DOWN + BIXBY
Other options in case first option did not work or isn't possible.
Option 2 VOLUME DOWN + VOLUME UP then USB cable
Option 3 POWER + VOLUME DOWN + VOLUME UP
Option 4 POWER + VOLUME DOWN + HOME BUTTON
Option 5 (Note9) USB cable + VOLUME DOWN + BIXBY
Option 6 (Note10) POWER + VOLUME UP
4. Once in download mode, connect your phone to the PC, preferably using the original USB cable you got with your phone. Odin should detect your device and a BLUE box will show up with the COM port number. (Be sure, the SAMSUNG-drivers are installed on your PC!)
Do NOT tick any extra boxes. The only options to be ticked are F.Reset Time and Auto-Reboot.
5. Click the start button, wait for Odin to say 'PASS' in a GREEN box. Once the flash is complete, your phone will reboot, and you can disconnect your phone from the PC
These are some of the links I found helpful:
https://unofficialtwrp.com/root-twrp-galaxy-j7-neo-sm-j701m/
https://www.androidexplained.com/galaxy-note-9-restore-firmware/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j7/samsung-galaxy-j7-prime--j7-on-nxt-exynos7870/recovery-twrp-3-2-0-galaxy-j7-prime-t3716355
---------- Post added at 01:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
iKmaster01 said:
Hi, i have the same device, SM-J701M, but when i try to flash the stock, it says that the device binary is 9 and the rom is 8, but i cant find the binary 9 rom in any place, only 8. I have the trwp installed, so I was thinking if I format all data (system and files) and try to flash again, it will work ?
Also im from Brazil (SM-J701MT), and the device was buyed in Paraguay (SM-J701M) too. Should i install the SM-J701MT ROM right ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's because you have to be specific with the carrier; Orange; Nextel; Movistar...that makes a lot of difference in with the firmware. If you can, check to see what you had before and try that first.

CoperaN said:
Ok, guys, I've had a bit of progress with my device Samsung Galaxy J 7 Neo (SM-J701M- Android version 8.01)
On this phone, the option to unlock the bootloader was missing in Dev Opt and I knew that in order to achieve anything I was going to have to unlock the bootloader.
I searched and found that, via adb/fastboot (Google's Platform Tools) rebooting the phone to the bootloader you could enter the code: 'fastboot oem unlock' or 'fastboot flashing unlock' and voila! everything would be fixed...But...my device wasn't even being recognized by "fastboot" ! adb yes but no fastboot! Always the message: "Waiting on any device". Trying to find and install the drivers to do this was next to impossible.
It actually caused me soft brick my device. However, it was a blessing in disguise; I knew what had to be done, I was going to have to reinstall the firmware via Odin. I searched the site (Sammobile - you'll have to create an account.) and found the Oreo and the Pie Firmware, I downloaded both but played it safe and restored my device with the Oreo first.
And lo and behold the option to unlock bootloader was there! No hesitation, clicked that sucker fast!!
Now, I'm running PIE (No one has done a Custom ROM for this baby just yet) and with the unofficial TWRP in the first link below, it's a bit buggy but until they make an official one for us ... I guess we'll have to wait.
Oh! And don't forget to make a backup with Smart Switch!
And pay attention to the advice here:
Code:
1. Extract the firmware file you just downloaded. You should get 5 files:
AP (System &Recovery)
BL (Bootloader)
CP (Modem / Radio)
CSC_*** (Country / Region / Operator)
HOME_CSC_*** (Country / Region / Operator)
2. Add each file to its respective field in Odin v3.14.4. Use CSC_*** if you want to do a clean flash or HOME_CSC_*** if you want to keep your apps and data.
3. Reboot your phone in Download / Odin mode (make sure your device is off) with the following button combo: POWER + VOLUME DOWN + BIXBY
Other options in case first option did not work or isn't possible.
Option 2 VOLUME DOWN + VOLUME UP then USB cable
Option 3 POWER + VOLUME DOWN + VOLUME UP
Option 4 POWER + VOLUME DOWN + HOME BUTTON
Option 5 (Note9) USB cable + VOLUME DOWN + BIXBY
Option 6 (Note10) POWER + VOLUME UP
4. Once in download mode, connect your phone to the PC, preferably using the original USB cable you got with your phone. Odin should detect your device and a BLUE box will show up with the COM port number. (Be sure, the SAMSUNG-drivers are installed on your PC!)
Do NOT tick any extra boxes. The only options to be ticked are F.Reset Time and Auto-Reboot.
5. Click the start button, wait for Odin to say 'PASS' in a GREEN box. Once the flash is complete, your phone will reboot, and you can disconnect your phone from the PC
These are some of the links I found helpful:
https://unofficialtwrp.com/root-twrp-galaxy-j7-neo-sm-j701m/
https://www.androidexplained.com/galaxy-note-9-restore-firmware/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j7/samsung-galaxy-j7-prime--j7-on-nxt-exynos7870/recovery-twrp-3-2-0-galaxy-j7-prime-t3716355
---------- Post added at 01:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------
I think that's because you have to be specific with the carrier; Orange; Nextel; Movistar...that makes a lot of difference in with the firmware. If you can, check to see what you had before and try that first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I noticed we have the same android version and and phone model, I wanted to know which version of Twrp you used . I am guessing version 3.1.1?

It's an Un-official version of TWRP, so the version #( 3.2.1-0) may not count, you can check the links out to get more information.

hola tengo un problema, tengo un sm-j701m binario 11 android 9 y quiero intalarle un twrp pero no se cual descargar y que funcione

Don't know if anyone's still following this thread or even still has this phone but there's been quite some progress with this device. (i.e: SM-J701M) The posts below will certainly help to bring your device up to date re: rooting; flashing etc.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...or-galaxy-j7-nxt-neo-core-10-08-2021.4222703/
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/...laxy-j7-nxt-neo-core-j701-02-02-2021.4227921/
These posts contain links to ROMS and recoveries which have been sucessful, I can personally attest to this, my device was rooted and a custom ROM installed. I hope you will find them helpful.
Good Luck

[Root] [guide] Samsung Galaxy A20 rooting guide

Read the first 3 posts before you proceed.
For Android 10 go here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a20/how-to/android-10-q-guide-a20-t4095589
For a20e go here
A20e Root,Kernel, TWRP and custom ROM
Root & TWRP from Xyn XDotnest https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a20/development/recovery-twrp-3-4-0-0-galaxy-a20e-a202f-t4141767 Orange Fox Recovery from @Royna...
forum.xda-developers.com
WARNING: Rooting your phone may be dangerous.
Rooting a device may void the warranty on the device. It may also make the device unstable or if not done properly, may completely brick the device. XDA-Developers or the author does not take any responsibility for your device. Root at your own risk and only if you understand what you are doing!

Advantages of rooting:
Once you root your device you can install flashable zip files and custom ROMs.
You can backup all your apps and data using Titanium Backup.
You can customize your device according to your needs by deleting unwanted system apps and using Deathly Adiutor to modify the kernel.
View attachment 4802662
Disadvantages of Rooting:
Once you root your device, your device warranty will be void.
After rooting yourndevice may become unstable.
You may not be able to upgrade OTA in the future.

This method should root your Samsung Galaxy SM-A205X (all models except SM-A205U and SM-A205DL).
It was developed for the U2 bootloader (June 2019 firmware)
This method does not work for the a20s (A207X)
This method can be used to root other Samsung phones including the a20e( post#77 post#180, post#256)
Quick Root and TWRP for A205xx
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a20/how-to/guide-quick-root-twrp-galaxy-a20-t4069423
You'll find it much quicker.
Repair Firmware
This site contains
1. Full repair firmware
2. Combination firmware
3. Fix dm verify
4. Root instructions and unpatched boot images
https://www.full-repair-firmware.com/search?q=A20
More firmware (some are even prerooted)
https://www.needromarab.com/1/122/SAMSUNG
Samfirm Tool for really fast downloads
https://samfirmtool.com/samfirm-v0-5-0

Useful videos
Instructions
A. Prepare boot image
1. Download magisk manager apk
2. Download the exact firmware (including upgrade date) for your device from https://samfrew.com or https://www.samfirmware.net/ or https://www.full-repair-firmware.com/search?q=A20 or
https://samfw.com/
3. Use zarchiver to copy AP_20xxxxxxxx.md5 to download directory. It will extract it from the zip.
4. Rename AP_20xxxxxxxx.md5 to AP_20xxxxxxx.tar and extract using zarchiver
5. Copy boot.img.Iz4 to download directory and extract (resulting in boot.img)
6. Use magisk manager to patch boot.img (use top install) result magisk_patched.img
(If using Magisk (Canary) patch, options should be remove dm-verity and not via recovery, but allowing Persist Encrypt.)
7. Rename magisk_patched.img to boot.img
9. Use zarchiver to compress boot.img to boot.tar. If you have a A205xx June firmware (U2 bootloader), you can use my one of you're willing to take a risk. View attachment boot.zip. Just unzip it first.
9a. For a20e users, try this boot.img https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=81649257&postcount=260
10. Copy boot.tar to Windows pc or Windows Virtualbox.
11. On phone developer options in settings unlock OEM and enable usb debugging
(If using Linux
9. Don't compress `boot.img`
10. install heimdall flash with `sudo apt install heimdall-flash`, if you want front-end install it with `sudo apt install heimdall-flash-frontend`)
B. Unlock bootloader
Useful video
12. Backup data. It will be wiped.
13. Turn phone off
14. Hold vol- and vol+ and plug in power cable attached to pc then release vol up to enter unlock screen.
15. Follow the instructions to unlock
(You might need to long press vol up to unlock bootloader)
vol + to select yes to confirm.
17. Press power key to unlock bootloader.
18. Reboot and reactivate developer options and enable usb debugging. Don't enter too much data at this stage as you will lose it again later.
C. Flash boot image.
19. Turn phone on in bootloader (download) mode (Hold power and vol+ to enter recovery mode then select bootloader download mode)
20. Connect phone to computer.
21. Use Odin in Windows to add boot.tar to phone. (Select AP). Some people recommend adding the other firmware parts to their slots at the same time.
22. Restart phone
23. select bootloader
24. Select factory reset (this will wipe data)
25. Restart phone
26. install data
26. install magisk manager
27. If green phone is rooted.
View attachment 4802665
28. Of red select install/direct install
29. Advanced tick both.
30. Install root checker and verify root
If Something Goes Wrong
Go here
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a20/how-to/crash-recovery-t4068369
If you get a DTBO error after updating Magisk, flash this vbmeta https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-dogButfxKGlx_x2tSROOBDiq90SDlmc/view
(If using Linux
To flash:
20. Detect device with `heimdall detect`
21. Flash the `boot.img` with `heimdall flash --BOOT {location of the boot.img, you can also just drop the file into terminal and terminal should auto-fill it}` ex: `heimdall flash --BOOT '/home/utku/Programlar/ext/boot.img'`
P.S: an easy way to boot into download mode is `adb reboot bootloader`)
If you want to remove the warning messages on the boot screen
try this.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a30/how-to/hide-bootloader-warning-unlocked-t3954589
The images shown on the A30 thread aren't suitable for the A20 so I have included some better ones here.
View attachment 4803752
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
You can use this param.tar to make these changes easier.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=80169262&postcount=91
You can now move on to install TWRP
This TWRP was originally designed for Android 9 but works perfectly with Android 10 and also has MTP built-in.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...overy-twrp-3-3-1-0-galaxy-a10-exynos-t4013481
physwizz collection
A collection of guides, kernels and ROMs. Guides Complete Guide to the A20 GSIs for the A20 Quick Root and TWRP for the A20 Making my First Kernel for the A20 A20 Rooting Guide Making Your Own ROM Making Your Own Version of QwizzROM-a20...
forum.xda-developers.com

Mine
Discussion page.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/samsung-galaxy-a20

On the lighter side of rooting....
From the A30 forum:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a30/how-to/hide-bootloader-warning-unlocked-t3954589
Works for A20 too

jajk said:
On the lighter side of rooting....
From the A30 forum:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-a30/how-to/hide-bootloader-warning-unlocked-t3954589
Works for A20 too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Another reason to merge. This is a procedure for removing those annoying error messages on startup screens.

A205U owners complaining about not being able to oem unlock bootloader might want to study this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572
It looks like a way to switch to another unlockable firmware version.

Please, need magisk_patched.img file for SM-A205F.

jajk said:
A205U owners complaining about not being able to oem unlock bootloader might want to study this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/patched-odin-3-13-1-t3762572
It looks like a way to switch to another unlockable firmware version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah tried that option. Samsung has our model on a bootloader 2, means our device won't accept flashing from any other firmware but the original non-modded firmware only.
Tried prince Odin,patched Odin all versions, tried Heimdall etc..
Error is ...boot secure check failed..
I've tried to flash firmware a205G only with fail error Everytime.
Psa I've had my a205u for 10 days no OEM unlock option.
Main reason why I'm not buying another Samsung phone.
Bought a Moto g7 and the g7 power ..I rooted both within 10 min from purchase. Motorola emailed me my bootloader unlock code . Fastboot flashed and Bam good to go. I'm done .

jhjhjhjhjhjh said:
Bought a Moto g7 and the g7 power ..I rooted both within 10 min from purchase. Motorola emailed me my bootloader unlock code . Fastboot flashed and Bam good to go. I'm done .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^THIS ALL DAY. I swapped mine out for the G7 Power and already done rooted, flashed, and wrote a guide while all the 205u users are waiting for the mythical OEM Unlock to magically appear which it ain't gonna. Sammy can kiss my techie ass...we are officially divorced. I won't even go back and buy an old Sammy like I wanted to (was thinking about getting that S7 edge). It's me and Moto for now.

jhjhjhjhjhjh said:
Yeah tried that option. Samsung has our model on a bootloader 2, means our device won't accept flashing from any other firmware but the original non-modded firmware only.
Tried prince Odin,patched Odin all versions, tried Heimdall etc..
Error is ...boot secure check failed..
I've tried to flash firmware a205G only with fail error Everytime.
Psa I've had my a205u for 10 days no OEM unlock option.
Main reason why I'm not buying another Samsung phone.
Bought a Moto g7 and the g7 power ..I rooted both within 10 min from purchase. Motorola emailed me my bootloader unlock code . Fastboot flashed and Bam good to go. I'm done .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe Samsung has an issue with US tariffs.

Samsung have certainly turned an essentially good piece of hardware into a pile of rubbish with mega-invasive bloatware. I have barely started to strip back the garbage and the phone is springing to life. Need a working TWRP before getting too keen as the path back to functionality is long and arduous without a way of restoring partitions if anything gets screwed up. Here is what the phone looks like with Google Play junk removed plus a bit of Samsung bloat removed - not everyone is ready to kick the Alphabet addiction I know, but it has become an absolute monster that eats battery and cpu cycles....apart from the privacy invasion side of it
I am finding that many unknown, non-visible apps with innocent sounding names or "security" inferred in the name are likely to be ad server or data mining software - I got wise to this with my first and last Xiaomi device

jajk said:
Samsung have certainly turned an essentially good piece of hardware into a pile of rubbish with mega-invasive bloatware. I have barely started to strip back the garbage and the phone is springing to life. Need a working TWRP before getting too keen as the path back to functionality is long and arduous without a way of restoring partitions if anything gets screwed up. Here is what the phone looks like with Google Play junk removed plus a bit of Samsung bloat removed - not everyone is ready to kick the Alphabet addiction I know, but it has become an absolute monster that eats battery and cpu cycles....apart from the privacy invasion side of it
I am finding that many unknown, non-visible apps with innocent sounding names or "security" inferred in the name are likely to be ad server or data mining software - I got wise to this with my first and last Xiaomi device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used titanium backup first. Now I'll debloat.

physwizz said:
Maybe Samsung has an issue with US tariffs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The US doesn't have an issue with South Korea on tariffs, despite Trump's big mouth.
The problem is that Sammy wants to be essentially Apple Android. And that is what's driving this crap in the same of "security". Knox has been like the devil and even sentient since it came to power almost like Skynet. And all of this started when Verizon offered Sammy big bucks to lock it down ala Kyocera with the S5 era - which coincidentially is the last great breath of air they had to give.
They don't care about the developer models either - look in the forums, many of them are just as locked down.
Sammy knows ain't that many phone companies left in the US; Tmobile done bought out half the cell companies and AT&T got the other half in a duopoly, meaning they and other companies can continue this path of nanny phones on the general public that are going for more personalized computers they can't control than actual phones that work. Most Americans aren't going to turn to GooPhone nor will many XDA devs develop any type of TWRP or rom for those types. And that means they can dangle a bells and whistle carrot while their demographic signs their privacy away.
I ain't a fan of Lenovo-Moto, but at least they let half the phone companies unlock the variant to their devices. Sammy, on the other hand, does not and is playing Xiaomi type of games on that bootloader.

Articul8Madness said:
The US doesn't have an issue with South Korea on tariffs, despite Trump's big mouth.
The problem is that Sammy wants to be essentially Apple Android. And that is what's driving this crap in the same of "security". Knox has been like the devil and even sentient since it came to power almost like Skynet. And all of this started when Verizon offered Sammy big bucks to lock it down ala Kyocera with the S5 era - which coincidentially is the last great breath of air they had to give.
They don't care about the developer models either - look in the forums, many of them are just as locked down.
Sammy knows ain't that many phone companies left in the US; Tmobile done bought out half the cell companies and AT&T got the other half in a duopoly, meaning they and other companies can continue this path of nanny phones on the general public that are going for more personalized computers they can't control than actual phones that work. Most Americans aren't going to turn to GooPhone nor will many XDA devs develop any type of TWRP or rom for those types. And that means they can dangle a bells and whistle carrot while their demographic signs their privacy away.
I ain't a fan of Lenovo-Moto, but at least they let half the phone companies unlock the variant to their devices. Sammy, on the other hand, does not and is playing Xiaomi type of games on that bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it strange that the US version is the only one that can't unlock the bootloader.
The rest of us are all unlocked and rooted.

physwizz said:
I find it strange that the US version is the only one that can't unlock the bootloader.
The rest of us are all unlocked and rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It aint strange, its common. Before it was locked exclusively to Verizon; after the S3 it became more and more carriers. Then the dev models started being locked up but "open".

Articul8Madness said:
It aint strange, its common. Before it was locked exclusively to Verizon; after the S3 it became more and more carriers. Then the dev models started being locked up but "open".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine is locked to Vodafone but I can still unlock the bootloader.

physwizz said:
Mine is locked to Vodafone but I can still unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
Did you mod your param.tar (to change the warnings at startup) file by any chance? Would you be able to attach it at all? I was gonna download the firmware but it's taking 9 hours.
Thanks.

burningcreation said:
Same here.
Did you mod your param.tar (to change the warnings at startup) file by any chance? Would you be able to attach it at all? I was gonna download the firmware but it's taking 9 hours.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've downloaded the 2 pics and I modified one to contain my name.
I will try the mods shortly.