So, this has probably been answered before, but I am honestly too busy (also lazy due to the extreme workload of my professional life) to search through thousands of threads for the answer to my issue.
I got a SM-G955U that was originally used on the sprint network from a guy on Craigslist (Mistake number 1). I immediately performed the carrier switch tasks to change it to a SM-G955U1. The firmware change was easy as pie, and the device runs smooth as butter right now. The issue I ran into is that it is telling me that I have to contact sprint to unlock the device. I am sitting here going, "Wait, what?"
So, I may have overlooked some details when I flashed the firmware. I am going to try reinstalling the firmware for XAA without using the Home_CSC file while I wait on replies to see if I can solve this issue with some tinkering. I am extremely tech savvy and I ha e been rooting devices and changing firmware files for a long time now, and I have been involved in a lot of development projects.
Anyway, my question is this: How do I go about removing the Sprint OMADM protocols. I assumed that flashing the firmware to the XAA firmware would have handled that, and as I said before, I either overlooked something simple when I flashed it over the first time, or there is something I missed all together.
I cant really go to Sprint about it since I am not a Sprint subscriber, and I dont know who to co tact at Sprint about this. Also, if the guy I got it from defaulted on his bill, then the device is probably black listed by them and they wouldn't unlock it for me anyway. Yeah, I know, this is stuff I should have looked into before I bought this damn thing (Mistake #2).
These are the details of the device just in case somebody has a solution:
S/N: R28J42MCXBT
IMEI:Removed for your saftey by @TheMadScientist
Brand: SPRINT (I don't know why considering I flashed the SM-G955U1 XAA firmware to it, and the SIM was not installed during this process).
Baseband: G955U1UES3CRE2
Kernel: 4.4.78-13001792
[email protected] #1
Fri May 4 11:57:40 KST 2018
Build number: R16NW.G955U1UES3CRE2
Android Security Patch Level: May 1, 2018
Android Version: 8.0.0
Any answers would be greatly appreciated since I have been tinkering with this thing on and off for about a month now.
Darkstar-Actual said:
So, this has probably been answered before, but I am honestly too busy (also lazy due to the extreme workload of my professional life) to search through thousands of threads for the answer to my issue.
I got a SM-G955U that was originally used on the sprint network from a guy on Craigslist (Mistake number 1). I immediately performed the carrier switch tasks to change it to a SM-G955U1. The firmware change was easy as pie, and the device runs smooth as butter right now. The issue I ran into is that it is telling me that I have to contact sprint to unlock the device. I am sitting here going, "Wait, what?"
So, I may have overlooked some details when I flashed the firmware. I am going to try reinstalling the firmware for XAA without using the Home_CSC file while I wait on replies to see if I can solve this issue with some tinkering. I am extremely tech savvy and I ha e been rooting devices and changing firmware files for a long time now, and I have been involved in a lot of development projects.
Anyway, my question is this: How do I go about removing the Sprint OMADM protocols. I assumed that flashing the firmware to the XAA firmware would have handled that, and as I said before, I either overlooked something simple when I flashed it over the first time, or there is something I missed all together.
I cant really go to Sprint about it since I am not a Sprint subscriber, and I dont know who to co tact at Sprint about this. Also, if the guy I got it from defaulted on his bill, then the device is probably black listed by them and they wouldn't unlock it for me anyway. Yeah, I know, this is stuff I should have looked into before I bought this damn thing (Mistake #2).
These are the details of the device just in case somebody has a solution:
S/N: R28J42MCXBT
IMEI:Removed for your saftey by @TheMadScientist
Brand: SPRINT (I don't know why considering I flashed the SM-G955U1 XAA firmware to it, and the SIM was not installed during this process).
Baseband: G955U1UES3CRE2
Kernel: 4.4.78-13001792
[email protected] #1
Fri May 4 11:57:40 KST 2018
Build number: R16NW.G955U1UES3CRE2
Android Security Patch Level: May 1, 2018
Android Version: 8.0.0
Any answers would be greatly appreciated since I have been tinkering with this thing on and off for about a month now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More than likely a paid unlock service as the device is carrier locked and no feasible methods really that I know of....
TheMadScientist said:
More than likely a paid unlock service as the device is carrier locked and no feasible methods really that I know of....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was afraid of. I figured it would end up being something like that. You would think there would be a way to accomplish it simply with some reprogramming.
You know, I might have an idea...its risky, but if I refreshed the XAA firmware with Prince Comsey's Odin and performed a Nand Erase, could that potentially wipe out all of Sprint's programming? Or would that wipe out the factory recovery and brick the device? I know it is an overkill solution, but if it's possible for that method to work then I may have a go at it. I just figure that there HAS to be a way to wipe literally everything from the device and start with a new install from scratch.
Darkstar-Actual said:
That's what I was afraid of. I figured it would end up being something like that. You would think there would be a way to accomplish it simply with some reprogramming.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Prob not. On older lgs models we used to get into the lot hidden menu and switch it to lab mode. But I'm pretty sure sprint blocked all the good stuff
TheMadScientist said:
Prob not. On older lgs models we used to get into the lot hidden menu and switch it to lab mode. But I'm pretty sure sprint blocked all the good stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh yes, the good old days. I remember the days of being able to simply root a device and having multi carrier functionality. More than that, I remember how easy it used to be to root and install custom bootloaders.
Coincidentally, I always thought it would be awesome to run some variant of CyanogenMod OSs on devices like the GS8+.
Well, theoretically, could I just root the Sprint S8+ on the unlocked firmware and just modify the build.prop file to ignore all things sprint?
Darkstar-Actual said:
Ahhh yes, the good old days. I remember the days of being able to simply root a device and having multi carrier functionality. More than that, I remember how easy it used to be to root and install custom bootloaders.
Coincidentally, I always thought it would be awesome to run some variant of CyanogenMod OSs on devices like the GS8+.
Well, theoretically, could I just root the Sprint S8+ on the unlocked firmware and just modify the build.prop file to ignore all things sprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the unlocked firm should be free of any sprint stuff...If its not than the 3 part csc isnt setup right
XAX/XAX/XAX or xaa or something like that
if device code shows a spr anywhere then its still trying to default to sprin software
TheMadScientist said:
the unlocked firm should be free of any sprint stuff...If its not than the 3 part csc isnt setup right
XAX/XAX/XAX or xaa or something like that
if device code shows a spr anywhere then its still trying to default to sprin software
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay. So it looks like I missed something. When I flashed it initially, I was on severe lack of sleep due to being severely understaffed at work (we still are, and I have been pulling doubles for over a month now), and I bet I used the Home_CSC instead of using a clean CSC file.
So, to correct this, I will have to flash the ENGboot again, then flash the XAA firmware over to the device again, and set up Comsey's Odin for a clean install instead of copying and applying Home_CSC. Is this correct? Or, because I already have the "unlocked" firmware, I should be able to just do a clean flash of the stock G955U1 software? I just wanna make sure I dont wipe and repeat what I did the first time.
For those who aren't already aware, G996U is the model number of all of the US carrier versions of the S21+. The G996U1 is the model number of the same device, but sold by Samsung SIM unlocked and with no carrier bloatware. Firmware is 100% interchangeable among these models: any U or U1 firmware version can be flashed to any U or U1 device at any time, assuming that you're not trying to downgrade the bootloader. A "U to U" or "U1 to U1" flash does not require a factory reset, but changing from one firmware to the other will require one. Also, U firmware is identical for the 4 base files (AP, BL, CP, CSC) for each individual build, no matter which carrier it comes from. So if you download 2 different carrier versions of the exact same build, the 4 base files will be identical. Where the firmware differs is in the USERDATA file - that's where the carrier bloatware and customizations reside.
Manual Odin flashing is designed for those who:
- want to manually update to a newer version of U firmware on their U device, either because they don't want to wait for their carrier's OTA or because OTAs aren't working on their device, or a different carrier got a new feature/patch before they did
- want to flash U1 firmware to their U device
- want to convert from U1 firmware to carrier U firmware
- want to convert from one carrier's U firmware (with all apps and bloatware) to a different carrier's U firmware (with all apps and bloatware)
For those who aren't already aware, anyone can now download firmware for almost any Samsung device any time that they want, via the various firmware download tools posted here on XDA like SamFirm or Frija. There are threads and info about them here on XDA so I won't waste time explaining - do a search if you're not already familiar with these tools. But they only provide whatever the latest/newest/current version is - nothing older. I pay for a subscription to a site that gets the official releases (usually) before they hit the firmware download tools, so that's where my files come from.
This is not a "beginner's guide to Odin flashing" -type post/thread, so I won't list basic, step-by-step flashing instructions. My threads are geared towards those who already know what they're doing. If you're new to manually flashing Samsung firmware (or haven't done it in a long time), I recommend you consult one of those "beginner's" guides- there are tons of them here on XDA.
Happy flashing!
U firmware: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=322091
U1 firmware: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=322092
Notes:
- DON'T QUOTE THE OP WHEN YOU REPLY, kthx
- I have lots of threads just like this one for other Samsung flagships, if it interests you. For those who have already made use of my previous threads for a different device and are upgrading to an S21, welcome back
- My zips are compressed extra small for space and bandwidth savings. The default Windows extractor can't handle it, so you'll need a 3rd party tool like 7zip, WinRAR, etc
- it's quite time consuming to download the files, zip them up, and upload them to AFH. And, I do threads like this for every single Sx and Note x model, so I won't be uploading every single version. The only full builds that I upload are ones where I get access to a new bootloader and/or Android version early, before they hit the firmware download tools.
- My naming method for folders on AFH is: build - bootloader - Android version
So "SAT - 1 - 9.0" means the full build number ends in SAT, it's bootloader version 1, and it's Android 9.0. When bootloader and Android versions increment, the first build to have those changes will have its folder notated appropriately.
- HOME CSC file keeps data intact; using the other CSC will wipe data. Flashing USERDATA will also wipe data.
- Since AT&T doesn't allow their firmware to be publicly available (for any of their devices), I'll try to always upload at least one USERDATA per bootloader increment for AT&T (and Cricket, if they get this model). I'll also upload any full builds if AT&T is the only carrier to get that specific build, because you won't be able to find the files anywhere else.
- For identifying USERDATAS, and to know what region/CSC to use in the firmware download tools if you're downloading yourself:
AIO = Cricket (not available via firmware download tools)
ATT = AT&T (not available via firmware download tools)
BST = Boost Mobile
CCT = Xfinity Mobile (Comcast)
CHA = Spectrum Mobile (Charter)
DSH = Dish Network
SPR = Sprint
TMB = T-Mobile
TMK = Metro PCS
USC = US Cellular
VZW = Verizon (available via firmware download tools, but Manual Entry is required - Auto will not work)
XAA = U1 firmware
- the correct procedure for switching from one carrier's firmware to another is:
1. Flash full U1 firmware package including non HOME CSC
2. Upon boot, insert a SIM of the carrier whose firmware you want
3. Watch for the popup that says "reboot to apply new carrier settings" etc, and do it
4. After that restart completes, reboot back to Download mode and flash the full U firmware package, with the USERDATA file of the carrier whose firmware you want
Initial U firmware and AT&T USERDATA are posted, along with U1 firmware. U firmware is not yet accessible in the firmware download tools like SamFirm and Frija, but if anyone wants a different carrier's USERDATA (for flashing bloatware to a U1 device or for converting a U device from one carrier's bloatware to a different one), let me know and I'll get it for you
Are the firmware in OP compatible for the S21 (Non-plus)?
craznazn said:
Are the firmware in OP compatible for the S21 (Non-plus)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is in the S21+ forum, not the S21 forum.
This thread is for model numbers G996U and G996U1, not G991U or G991U1.
If you're looking for S21 firmware, that will be found in the S21 forum
I agree with you
Does the firmware control the SIM lock? So, can you flash the U1-XAA firmware and use say a phone purchased from AT&T on another carrier? Or do you need to do the SIM unlock before flashing?
3BeersKen said:
Does the firmware control the SIM lock? So, can you flash the U1-XAA firmware and use say a phone purchased from AT&T on another carrier? Or do you need to do the SIM unlock before flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SIM unlock always goes much deeper than firmware. Flashing U1 will never automatically unlock any model - the unlock has to be done separately. If desired, I can provide a recommendation for a professional 3rd party business to do the unlocking, for any interested users who may not meet the carrier's unlock requirement(s).
Thanks. That's what I figured, but wanted to make sure. I like to get off of the AT&T firmware as quickly as possible as you can't get their updates unless you have an active SIM in the phone.
3BeersKen said:
You can't get their updates unless you have an active SIM in the phone.
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Click to collapse
Correct. They're A-holes like that haha
iBowToAndroid said:
Correct. They're A-holes like that haha
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Click to collapse
I got TMobile s21+ and want flash to u1,do you know which odin should I use, thanks
yijinsa said:
I got TMobile s21+ and want flash to u1,do you know which odin should I use, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3.14.1 patched
I don't have my S21+ yet but it will be here soon. I ordered from Samsung and selected the Verizon version as unlocked was considerably more expensive.
Does anyone know what Verizon specific bloatware the S21+ has?
Are there certain apps which can be uninstalled with the U1 version but not the Verizon U version?
Are there any potential speed benefits on the 5G network that would be lost using the U1 version, or features like tethering that won't work?
For updates in the future, would they arrive faster on the U1 version, slower, or the same?
My main purpose in flashing from U to U1 is to free up the maximum amount of space of the 128 GB while still retaining 100% of the speed and features I would have with the Verizon version.
Thank you for educating me! It's been a couple years since I flashed my Note 8.
I order a unlocked S21+ U1 version straight from Samsung and didn't have to put in any VZW info.
There is a buttload of Samsung bloatware but no VZW except fot MyVZX
Have anyone here with T-mobile version stuck on TMB/TMB/TMB after going to U1 firmware?
Someone over S21 Ultra have this problem, but I'm not sure if Android 11 tinker or T-mobile side. Used to be XAA/XAA/TMB
x1tymez said:
Have anyone here with T-mobile version stuck on TMB/TMB/TMB after going to U1 firmware?
Someone over S21 Ultra have this problem, but I'm not sure if Android 11 tinker or T-mobile side. Used to be XAA/XAA/TMB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that seems to be a common issue with T-Mobile S21s - all 3 models
iBowToAndroid said:
Yes, that seems to be a common issue with T-Mobile S21s - all 3 models
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You think there will be a fix for this? It's weird that dialer codes also don't work.
x1tymez said:
Have anyone here with T-mobile version stuck on TMB/TMB/TMB after going to U1 firmware?
Someone over S21 Ultra have this problem, but I'm not sure if Android 11 tinker or T-mobile side. Used to be XAA/XAA/TMB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a T-Mobile locked that I was able to get flashed over to U1 without much trouble. Shows mode number SM-G996U1 now, build number shows same.
edit: Nevermind, I see the TMB/TMB/TMB
krisology said:
You think there will be a fix for this? It's weird that dialer codes also don't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dialer codes don't work? On which firmware?
iBowToAndroid said:
Dialer codes don't work? On which firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XAA U1, VZW U1, stock TMB U, and I've tried the TLI U1 above and couldn't get it to work. Using google dialer, I input the codes like *#*#27262826#*#* and as soon as I type the last star it just disappears and nothing pops up. I tried with T-Mobile and Verizon sim.
krisology said:
XAA U1, VZW U1, stock TMB U, and I've tried the TLI U1 above and couldn't get it to work. Using google dialer, I input the codes like *#*#27262826#*#* and as soon as I type the last star it just disappears and nothing pops up. I tried with T-Mobile and Verizon sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dialer codes usually don't work on VZW firmware, whether U or U1. But they almost always work on TMB and all others.
Have you tried *#06# ?
I just purchased a used Note 20 Ultra that was originally for At&t and unlocked, I am using it with my T-Mobile sim and all works fine. I am little concerned as the UI is 3.1 and Android Version is 11 and it says software is up to date, is this correct?
Before I purchased it I also requested Unlock code from At&t and they sent the Unlock code which is weird since it is already Unlocked .....Maybe I am just being paranoid.
The imei on the phone matches the imei on the back of phone and shows all clear on swappa imei.
So the question is how can I tell is any software/fw was altered on this device to Unlock it early?
*#1234# shows the following versions:
AP: N986USQS2DUH3
CP: N986USQS2DUH3
CSC: N986UOYN2DUH3
Model: SM-N986U
I have installed Phone Info+ (SAM) in case anymore info is required to help with this
Thank you in advance for any help.
I think that I'm in the same boat. I received a insurance replacement phone that was unlocked, but I think that Geek Squad had to get an unlock code to get it to work on Tmobile. My phone has never been updated. It's still on the software that it shipped with. My old phone had the black screen of death, and I'm trying to flash a more recent version of Android with Odin. What's your baseband version?
My Baseband version is N986USQS2DUH3
I recently bought a note 10+ and i am not getting any updates since 2021 , although security patches are rolling out for the device as late as feb 2023, so i found that flashing the phone to a newer version is my only option, now i just needed to know the csc of my phone which is OYN, which isnt carrier specific, looking for this specific csc online i couldnt find any firmware with csc OYN for the model, i only found carrier specific frimwares, anyway i continued searching for people having the same issue as me, i found that some people where flashing there U firmware phone with U1 with XAA csc. i just want to make sure it is safe bacuase i dont want to brick my new phone.
phone info:
Model number: SM-N975U
CSC: N975UOYN7FUI6
Service provider software version: XAA/XAA/SPR
Looks like unlocked, modem/PDA/ changed, CSC changed, and Updates disabled. Check IMEI through Samsung website some of the regions on the website will work for the IMEI warranty check to give you more info about the device. From that you should at least know some info which is the official firmware.
There are unlock services through server, supposedly however I can not vouch for any of these.
Eventually you can try Unlock bootloader, if that works, there is the most hope to try firmware.
If calls work and you can hear the other side and they can hear you, keep the software and give it away to a family member to play with if you need a more secure device.