Database Users

Figuring out the state of an S7 purchased used off eBay

So my gf bought herself a used S7 SM-G930A off eBay. I'm honestly unfamiliar with the S7 or the ROM scene as things apply to is so I'm coming into this at a disadvantage (I'm on an S5). However things don't seem quite right:
1) on the boot screen, there's an unlocked padlock icon with "Custom" under it
2) There's nothing for Software updates under About Device
3) Build number MMB29M.G930AUCS2APC2, Android Security patch level "February 1, 2016" (out of date?)
4) Repeatedly gets message: "Security notice: Unauthorized actions have been detected. Restart your phone to undo any unauthorized changes"
I checked some videos and I don't think this is a fake S7, but maybe it was rooted and/or had a custom ROM in a previous life. Honestly, if it's been rooted she really doesn't need that. I'd prefer to take it back to unrooted stock for her so she can have the normal consumer experience, getting carrier updates OTA, able to use Android/Samsung Pay, etc. Can anyone shed light on the state of things and guide me into getting her to where she needs to be? I'm ok running ODIN but am having trouble finding the latest stock ROM. Thanks.
(I apologize for not doing the normal amount of due diligence searching I'd normally do before pleading for assistance, but she's in a pickle now being phone-less until we can get this working).

The first thing you should do, if you haven't already, is check the IMEI.
https://swappa.com/esn
Many sellers on eBay buy cheaper phones and install the ATT rom. If it is a genuine att phone, you can restore it to stock by flashing software through Odin
Here is the latest post I found with the latest ATT software:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att...are-g930aucs4api2-bootloader-4-t3481957/page2
This thread shows how to root and restore the galaxy s7:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...s-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039/page206

Thanks, Luke. I just tried that link and the IMEI comes up clean and correct for the model.
As is my style, I didn't stop working on it after I posted that last night. I ultimately did find all the pieces for a stock re-flash, getting ODIN set up in a Windows 10 VM. It seemed to work, not only giving the phone a slightly newer firmware and security update, but fixing all the weirdness. So with any luck she's good to go. I suspect the phone was customized/hacked up a bit by the previous owner, and he didn't do a proper job returning it to 100% stock. Thank goodness she had someone like me who could fix it for her, otherwise an normal innocent buyer would've been in for a world of frustration and hassle.

Samsung Galaxy Sky J3 SM-S320VL TracFone not flashing....

Here is the issue. A friend of mine had gone a bought a Galaxy Sky SM-S320VL from TracPhone. And had been using the phone without any problems until a couple of weeks ago. Then he decided to do a Factory Reset. Instead of doing the software reset, from with in Settings, he went and did a HARD Reset without unlocking the google account. And guess what, he can't remember the account information for that phone. And came to me to reset the phone. (As I had to deal with this problem in the past with other people and their phones.)
I have downloaded the only stock rom I can find for this phone and flashed it with Odin3. But for some reason the flashing of the rom is never done. By this I mean, the phone downloads the rom as Odin sends it. Odin reports a Success with the flashing. But, when the phone reboots. The system has not been reset and FRP is still active.
I have flashed only the AP, and the phone reboots directly into setup and shows a message about an unauthorized Factory Reset.
I have flash all 4 files in the ROM set (BL, AP, CP, and CSC). and Odin states the flash was a success. The phone reboots, goes to recovery and states Starting System Update. Goes so far into the update, then stops and shows Erasing. After a short time of showing Erasing it reboots to setup. Where again the phone shows the message about authorized Factory Reset.
I have used Odin3 v3.9.0, v3.11.1, v3.11.2, v3.12.5. And I have updated to the latest USB drivers from Samsung.
So my question is this. Has anyone had come across this behavior before? And how can I get past this?
The phones particulars:
Name: Samsung Galaxy Sky
Model #: SM-S320VL(GP)
OS v: 6.0.1
Firmware #: S320VLUDU2APJ3
Model #, as reported by Downloader: SM-S320VL
Note: As a strange side effect of when I flash all 4 rom files. For some reason once the phone has failed the system update, erased and has reboot. I have complete access to the phones User data area from within my computer. But, I am unable to access the phone with adb.

Hey folks,
I'm having the exact same issue as the OP. Odin does a successful install on the phone but I get the unauthorized reset message and then Wifi does not work when prompted on the next screen.
Is there a tracfone version of the rom or a fix that anyone here knows of? Thanks!

@drasnah
I have yet to get any kind of reply from anyone on this. Either now one knows, and is not stating so, or doesn't care.

I have seen the wi- fi fix in another thread.
Modify /system/build.prop:
ro.securestorage.support=true to false
Hope that helps!

20eyes said:
I have seen the wi- fi fix in another thread.
Modify /system/build.prop:
ro.securestorage.support=true to false
Hope that helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First this is not a wi-fi problem it is a re-flashing of the rom problem.
Second, I do not have access, root or otherwise, to any of the system files on the phone.
Third, with the first two in mind this possible solution is of no help.
Fourth, Re-read my original post. I have given complete detailed information as to what I have access to and what I have done.

Can someone send me a download think for this phone i downloaded one but it won't flash it keeps failing

This device has been locked down by Tradphone and Samsung. It gives errors flashing even the correct stock firmware. It's a piece of garbage. NEVER buy anything from Tracphone. Garbage company. You'll never fix this issue. Only pushed updates will flash via software from sammy and tracphone that is built into the rom..

Curtis1973 said:
This device has been locked down by Tradphone and Samsung. It gives errors flashing even the correct stock firmware. It's a piece of garbage. NEVER buy anything from Tracphone. Garbage company. You'll never fix this issue. Only pushed updates will flash via software from sammy and tracphone that is built into the rom..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if that's correct? It depends on the firmware and odin version being used.
---------- Post added at 10:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:58 PM ----------
Nate1k904 said:
Can someone send me a download think for this phone i downloaded one but it won't flash it keeps failing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post more details on the error, screenshots, firmware and odin version used.

Need to know if works. Or if needing to settle for a different route.
The_WABBIT said:
Here is the issue. A friend of mine had gone a bought a Galaxy Sky SM-S320VL from TracPhone. And had been using the phone without any problems until a couple of weeks ago. Then he decided to do a Factory Reset. Instead of doing the software reset, from with in Settings, he went and did a HARD Reset without unlocking the google account. And guess what, he can't remember the account information for that phone. And came to me to reset the phone. (As I had to deal with this problem in the past with other people and their phones.)
I have downloaded the only stock rom I can find for this phone and flashed it with Odin3. But for some reason the flashing of the rom is never done. By this I mean, the phone downloads the rom as Odin sends it. Odin reports a Success with the flashing. But, when the phone reboots. The system has not been reset and FRP is still active.
I have flashed only the AP, and the phone reboots directly into setup and shows a message about an unauthorized Factory Reset.
I have flash all 4 files in the ROM set (BL, AP, CP, and CSC). and Odin states the flash was a success. The phone reboots, goes to recovery and states Starting System Update. Goes so far into the update, then stops and shows Erasing. After a short time of showing Erasing it reboots to setup. Where again the phone shows the message about authorized Factory Reset.
I have used Odin3 v3.9.0, v3.11.1, v3.11.2, v3.12.5. And I have updated to the latest USB drivers from Samsung.
So my question is this. Has anyone had come across this behavior before? And how can I get past this?
The phones particulars:
Name: Samsung Galaxy Sky
Model #: SM-S320VL(GP)
OS v: 6.0.1
Firmware #: S320VLUDU2APJ3
Model #, as reported by Downloader: SM-S320VL
Note: As a strange side effect of when I flash all 4 rom files. For some reason once the phone has failed the system update, erased and has reboot. I have complete access to the phones User data area from within my computer. But, I am unable to access the phone with adb.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
J3 sm s320vl... tracfone root availability? Just bought phone hopefully got a good one to root? Or maybe someone knows who maybe be able to... please help

No updates? Interested, I have the same phone.

There is no solution for this phone. It will forever be a Trac-phone.
Yes, it nice to imagine what could had been. If there was a fix for the locked bootloader. Its encrypted, and is highly unlikely to be broken by anyone.
Do not flash the boot.image that some people have suggested
Although that method works on some devices such as the AT&T Samsung Galaxy S5. In this case flashing the boot.image from an unlocked device does nothing but places the phone into an even more precarious situation, that makes it unusable even as a Trac phone.
While its true that this very low budget phone could had been decent with a custom Rom ,
You will not be able to get it working.
I have one that belonged to my daughter a couple of years ago and I managed to get it boot into the system again.
Its only function is as a calculator, or preschool game, the cellular reception and Wifi connections are highly unstable and will not stay connected.
Now it serves as my nieces play toy. I would donate to some poor person at the Salvation Army it if it was useable.
By the way, for anyone reading this.
If you have an old phone that is useable. You could dramatically help a Homeless people, by gifting them with a phone especially, if it has some minutes on it.
This gift will help them schedule job interviews, doctors appointments , etc and you will feel good knowing that you helped someone in need.
I have done this before, and will be dropping off a Blu phone, and Kindle Tablet this week.

tsongming said:
There is no solution for this phone. It will forever be a Trac-phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible to gain root on this device.

ashyx said:
It is possible to gain root on this device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have permissible SE Status but can not achieve root on this device. Also, I have not found that anyone has had success rooting this exact model.
To be clear my device is the 2016 TracFone Samsung Galaxy J3 Sky model : SM-S320VL
Build S320VUDU1APG2
Hardware Version S320 VL04
I have found reports of people with S320VLUDU2API3 stating that the were able to achieve root and then assumed that it must also be possible with S320VUDU1APG2.
I am usually the guy that can figure these things out, very often before others. But I have had no success gaining root on this device using published methods. Also, I have not seen one example of someone with this identical device who gained root.
You are apparently the Wizard of these Samsung phones, so if you know of a definite way to root it, please point me towards the solution. I would really appreciate it.
I would love to root this phone, get it working again, and gift it to lady who was beaten by her husband and she is now living in a homeless shelter with her two children. She could use a phone to help with her job search. She would appreciate it.
At the moment this phone can will not keep a signal and I can't attempt the build prop solution without root.
Thank you.

tsongming said:
I have permissible SE Status but can not achieve root on this device. Also, I have not found that anyone has had success rooting this exact model.
To be clear my device is the 2016 TracFone Samsung Galaxy J3 Sky model : SM-S320VL
Build S320VUDU1APG2
Hardware Version S320 VL04
I have found reports of people with S320VLUDU2API3 stating that the were able to achieve root and then assumed that it must also be possible with S320VUDU1APG2.
I am usually the guy that can figure these things out, very often before others. But I have had no success gaining root on this device using published methods. Also, I have not seen one example of someone with this identical device who gained root.
You are apparently the Wizard of these Samsung phones, so if you know of a definite way to root it, please point me towards the solution. I would really appreciate it.
I would love to root this phone, get it working again, and gift it to lady who was beaten by her husband and she is now living in a homeless shelter with her two children. She could use a phone to help with her job search. She would appreciate it.
At the moment this phone can will not keep a signal and I can't attempt the build prop solution without root.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the thread below. Root was gained, albeit temporary. However I believe this is due to kernel panics which may be solved by a few build.prop edits. We had to do the same on the J327T1.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-j3-2016/help/samsung-galaxy-j3-sm-s320vl-rooted-t3561762
Also if you firmware S320VUDU1APG2 then why not just update it to the firmware that has been reported to work?

I have found one these phones left on a table of a food truck area, screen was cracked - the device was only getting the android guy with triangle on it, I done some research and found the stock rom and flashed it with odin; as some have mentioned in comments above I also experienced wifi issue, so I thought I had installed incorrect rom - downloaded a different one this was a combination file that was the factory repair rom used for testing the device, but wifi worked - it wasn't a fully working telephone it didnt have the app store, well it really didnt have any apps, but I found I could copy over apk files from my PC to the device and then install them, so the phones not completely useless or junk --- it could be used for something. I myself am using that device as a security camera using IP CAM app works great. I was actually using this device for quiet some time as my roku tv remote, because my actual roku remote grown legs and walked off... i havent tried this, but I am sure you could install a launcher apk such as "apex launcher"
well i wasted enough of your time today...

How to backup stock firmware & recovery?

Hi, recently I accidentally bricked my Galaxy Tab A 10.1 with Spen (SM-P580) by accidentally disabling "OEM Unlock" in the developer settings while I had TWRP and a custom ROM installed. I was only able to get into download mode due to the factory reset protection lock, so I tried downloading the stock firmware online and then flashing it to bring the device back to fully stock firmware so I could get past the lock and not have a brick. Unfortunately, when I flashed the firmware, despite it seemingly being for my specific device (and matching my build number), I was no longer able to boot the device at all. It would turn on and would seem to immediately lose power, charging would turn on the flash and cause it to heat up, and no amount of charging would fix the issue. It was completely bricked and there was no way for me to go back into download mode to try flashing again or try flashing a different firmware. Thankfully, I contacted Samsung and because it's still under warranty they were nice enough to fix it for free, and did so by completely replacing the motherboard according to the repair slip, which is not something I would have been able to do.
My question is: How do I make a full backup of the stock firmware and recovery so if this somehow ever happens again where the FRP lock kills my device, I can reflash in download mode the original firmware that I know is 100% going to work with it and is correct? I don't want to gamble with potentially using the wrong firmware again, seeing as that gamble killed the thing.
The Model is SM-P580NZKAXAR. Based on the last part (XAR) and the fact that other non-sammobile sites listed the US wifi only firmware as XAR, I assumed "Cellular south (XAR)" was the correct firmware I needed which was obviously incorrect as it completely bricked the device. For this reason, I'm wondering if there's a way with software on windows or something to completely backup the existing stock firmware before I do anything, because I doubt Samsung would be so nice a second time, and I'd really rather not go through all this again. Obviously these websites get the original firmware that's flashable via download mode somehow, so I'd like to know how or if that's possible. Also before I went and downloaded the firmware I checked the Samsung desktop app that allows you to fix firmware issues but it said my device wasn't supported so it wasn't much help. I'd like to avoid installing any custom recoveries ahead of time as if something gets messed up there will be no way for me to actually boot into recovery as far as I'm aware, and the FRP lock will block me from reflashing the custom recovery or anything else that isn't stock. It goes without saying that if this is possible I'd like to do it without installing a custom recovery or rooting as I'd like to have a proper fully stock backup that isn't going to trip the FRP lock.
Also the way I accidentally disabled OEM Unlock was I simply toggled the developer options off and then back on in a slimmed down version of the stock rom, but in doing so it also reset the OEM unlock setting and I completely forgot to make sure it was still enabled. Next thing I know I go to reboot (was trying to figure out an issue with a usb device) and then the thing was FRP locked. Needless to say, it was something extremely simple and easy to do by accident. I also just checked the device and the build number matches the firmware that I downloaded, so I don't know if it was mislabeled or what but something was not correct.

AT&T in Australia

Hi all,
Was recently in the 'States and broke my S8 - it's now the third mobile screen I've busted since Samsung brought in curved edges, never had any issues with the S2 or S5 - who ever thought tempering glass and curving it would be a good idea??
Anyway I had the opportunity to pickup a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8 Active and did a quick bit of research. I found the most compatible version with my carriers back home in AUS was the SM-G892A from AT&T. Picked up a brand new unlocked model, stupid me didn't connect it up to AT&T while I was there. I turned it on and played around with it on Wifi for the last few days of our trip and returned home to Melbourne.
Basically I now understand AT&T are a bunch of ***** and do not allow updates to be pushed even for unlocked devices overseas. Considering a lot of the updates are for security I'm very surprised by this.
Anyway so I've notcied a few tiny bugs here and there with apps/OS and figured updating my device/OS is the way to go and might resolve the issues. I guess the easiest way to get the info I need is to put the questions I have individually, as my mind tends to jump all over the place when I'm working a problem:
1. Is there any way to get my phone updated without rooting/flashing the phone?
2. If not, what is the best option for a S8 Active? Are there any firmware versions that will enable OTA updates so I don't need to keep flashing everytime new firmware is released? I have seen some posts about T-Mobile being able to be flashed over an AT&T model or even the G892U or maybe a custom firmware that allows this?
3. Will rooting/flashing interfere with any of the carrier settings etc? Don't want to upgrade it only to find it disables an LTE band or something?
4. I am an absolute noob at flashing, have never done it but am pretty tech savvy so if there is a step-by-step procedure I wil have no dramas following it. Saying that, I would rather not make the device worse than it is so I only want to follow tried & tested procedures if that makes sense, I don't want my device to be a lab-rat.
5. If there is no way to enable OTA internationally as per Question #2 when new firmware updates become available on XDA will flashing a new update delete personalisation/settings/files etc? Or will it retain them and update like a stock model performing a firmware upgrade would? If not, that would be a pain in the ass and time consuming to have to re-apply settings and reinstall apps every time and almost makes the idea of flashing unattractive.
6. I have baseband G892AUCU1AQG4 - taking into account Question #2 what is the best way to move forward? Considering Android 8.0 is available for the S8 Active and has been available for my model from AT&T since March 1st, 2018 apparently I'm hoping there might be some way to move towards that.
Hope someone might be able to help,
Thanks in advance
UPDATE 05/05/2019
Got some answers to my original questions...
1. Rooting/Flashing are different things - rooting allows custom firmware, flashing is the procedure to install custom or OEM firmware onto the device.
2. The best option for me I think is to just update to newer AT&T firmware so I get the updates and new software features as I'm not interested in custom firmware. I still do not know if it is possible to get OTA updates for this device directly from Samsung/Google.
3. As long as you are flashing from the same model firmware as in SM-G892A to SM-G892A should be no issues, however using SM-G892U might cause issues.
4. Once I wrapped my head around how baseband versions of firmware work and what is needed to get between bootloader versions flashing from SD Card or Odin (as I suspected) was very straightforward thanks to some of the guides out there. To make this easier for anyone facing the same issue I have written how I did this below.
5. Yes, flashing for AT&T will delete everything, it's an absolute PIA and that's why I will keep searching for a way to get OTA updates enabled if at all possible. However I believe Samsung SmartSwitch is pretty good for backing up and restoring so that might be a simple way forward.
6. See my latest post, I was 12 updates behind but able to skip 7 of them using my method.

I'm considering importing an S8 Active AT&T and have the same questions. How did you go?

secateurs said:
I'm considering importing an S8 Active AT&T and have the same questions. How did you go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the slow reply I've only just had the time to dive into this. Yes I have figured it out.
There are two ways, incrementally update by applying OTA updates via the SD card. However trying to find all of these can be a pain.
The other way you may have read about is to use Samsung's own 'Odin' flashing software.
Because I had the very first baseband version G892AUCU1AQG4 I was way behind. The fifth-last digit designates the bootloader version, you cannot jump from v1 to v3 for example. So what you can do is use a few OTA updates to jump you from v1 to the first v2, you can then use Odin to jump you all the way up and use another OTA to get you to the next bootloader version. Hope that makes sense?
So I was able to use x2 OTA updates to get from 1AQG4 to 1AQJ2, then I was able to do one more OTA to get from 1AQJ2-to-2AQK3. Now if I was to continue using the OTA method with the SD card, I would need to run the process x8 times. This presents 3 issues:
1. Time consuming, trying to find all the correct OTA updates.
2. Even when you do get all the correct OTA updates you then have to copy each on to the SD card waiting for the phone to update and then repeat the process.
3. Even if you can find a link for a required OTA update a lot of the links are dead.
However using Odin and the flash files I was able to skip these and go directly from 2AQK3 to 2BRF2, use one OTA update and then I was onto Bootloader v3 (which is the latest version). Here is how I compressed 12 updates do into 5, good luck..
1. 1AQG4-to-1AQJ2 OTA (SD CARD): dropbox.com/s/ikor71zt1ec0nyn/SS-G892AUCU1AQG4-to-S1AQJ2.zip?dl=0
2. 1AQJ2-to-2AQK3 OTA (SD CARD): dropbox.com/s/ott9fs9qunkvf9x/SS-G892AUCS1AQJ2-to-U2AQK3.zip?dl=0
3. 2AQK3-to-2BRF2 Odin Flash : androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904016415
4. 2BRF2-to-3BRG1 OTA (SD CARD): androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904016441
5. 3BRG1-to-3BRL1 Odin Flash: mega.nz/#!7M42VCAJ!-FKnhzwTZG0He1kb9FzHHaPX4Aanlnj4fpn0M61DzR4

Have the s8 active outside of America and desperately want to update it
Hey ,
I'm sorry to bring up this old thread but I didn't really understand the method you used sorry I'm really new to this thing, I have the s8 active Sm-g892A ( the att) model it's on the baseband version G892AUCS2ARB1 . If you could help me out a bit with this I would be really grateful, having Android 7.0 really makes me concerned as I've heard the security patches also won't update.

None2939 said:
Hey ,
I'm sorry to bring up this old thread but I didn't really understand the method you used sorry I'm really new to this thing, I have the s8 active Sm-g892A ( the att) model it's on the baseband version G892AUCS2ARB1 . If you could help me out a bit with this I would be really grateful, having Android 7.0 really makes me concerned as I've heard the security patches also won't update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are on Bootloader v2 (5th character from the right). So you can skip straight to Step 3. Be warned all instructions below will result in all data on your device being wiped!
Using Odin to upgrade as directed on Step 3 & 5 or future upgrades (there is now v4 software appearing):
You need to download Odin (you don't need a modified/Comsy version).
You need to enable Developer Options on your Galaxy.
Once you have developer options you need to enable 'USB Debugging'.
You need to shutdown your Galaxy.
Connect your USB cabble to your PC.
Boot into Download mode by using the Power+Bixby+Volume Down combo. OR if that doesn't work Use the Power+Bixby+Volume Up and use the menu to get into Download Mode.
Open Odin on your PC, it should say 'Added' if it detects your Galaxy correctly. If it doesn't you may need to install some USB drivers (you can Google how to do this).
Once it says 'Added' you can add the files from Step 3 and flash but be warned it will wipe everything on your device.
For Step 4 OTA:
Very simply download the ZIP file and place the complete ZIP file on an SD Card (it should not be extracted must be complete ZIP archive). Place the SD Card in the Galaxy, power off and boot into Recovery Mode Power+Bixby+Volume Up. Then simply use the Volume Up/Down and Power keys to navigate through, 'Apply Update from SD Card', find your SD card and the ZIP file and allow the update to run.

Help! I just pulled an all nighter

My wife's camera stopped working on her phone. I read flashing back to a previous firmware might fix the issue. I thought it was worth a try (and easier) before physically cracking the phone open and examining the hardware. But boy was I sure wrong about that!
I've read so much crap about this within the past few hours my head could explode. But I think the problem is trying to source the correct firmware.
This is a SM-G935V with a snapdragon processor in it according to spec websites.
The baseband version is: G935VVRSBCTC1
I haven't figured out how to find the current PDA version on the phone yet, but when I was trying to flash it with random firmware with Odin, the phone screen gave me error message: Fused 11 > Binary 4
From what I read, I understand that to mean I'm trying to flash binary 4 over 11 and that won't work. The flash only works if the number is greater....or I'm hoping maybe it will work if the number is the same. I would be happy just to flash Android 8.0 at this point in any form just to see if the camera starts working again. I've already tried a factory reset, clearing camera app data and cache, booting into safe mode, and resetting phone settings to fix the camera - nothing worked.
Could anybody please help me figure out my current PDA version on the phone? Or help me source the correct firmware? I'm starting to think it might be easier just to root the phone and install that ONE UI with android 9 or the Lineage OS with Android 10. But I've never rooted a phone before, this is my first attempt at any of this and to be honest this phone is not giving me the confidence I need to attempt the root and new OS. I can't even get the current firmware to reinstall.
Any help would be very appreciated. Like I said, I've stayed up all night and I'm so freaking tired at this point. But I feel like I'm soooooo close.
I have an SD card with Magisk, no-verity-opt-encrypt, and twrp ready to go. I have Odin ready and installed Samsung USB. Do you guys think I should just try another firmware and root the phone? Any links to firmware that don't take 12 hours to download would be appreciated.

UPDATE!
I found the PDA version with that handy "Phone Info *Samsung*" app in the play store.
The PDA version is G935VVRSBCTC1 5TH DIGIT FROM THE RIGHT GIVES US THE FUSED BINARY "B". I guess when they got past the number 9 the switched to Alpha characters. I found some "A" firmwares on Updato.com. But I didn't see any with a "B". So there's a good chance the one's I'm trying to download over 12 hours right now won't work.
I also scrolled over to the "Hardware" section in the phone and it asked for access to the Camera. I gave it access. But now the field is blank/empty. I didn't populate any info on the Camera. I don't know if that means anything just wanted to point that out. Could still be firmware or hardware as far as I know.
Thanks, Derek
MajinMight said:
My wife's camera stopped working on her phone. I read flashing back to a previous firmware might fix the issue. I thought it was worth a try (and easier) before physically cracking the phone open and examining the hardware. But boy was I sure wrong about that!
I've read so much crap about this within the past few hours my head could explode. But I think the problem is trying to source the correct firmware.
This is a SM-G935V with a snapdragon processor in it according to spec websites.
The baseband version is: G935VVRSBCTC1
I haven't figured out how to find the current PDA version on the phone yet, but when I was trying to flash it with random firmware with Odin, the phone screen gave me error message: Fused 11 > Binary 4
From what I read, I understand that to mean I'm trying to flash binary 4 over 11 and that won't work. The flash only works if the number is greater....or I'm hoping maybe it will work if the number is the same. I would be happy just to flash Android 8.0 at this point in any form just to see if the camera starts working again. I've already tried a factory reset, clearing camera app data and cache, booting into safe mode, and resetting phone settings to fix the camera - nothing worked.
Could anybody please help me figure out my current PDA version on the phone? Or help me source the correct firmware? I'm starting to think it might be easier just to root the phone and install that ONE UI with android 9 or the Lineage OS with Android 10. But I've never rooted a phone before, this is my first attempt at any of this and to be honest this phone is not giving me the confidence I need to attempt the root and new OS. I can't even get the current firmware to reinstall.
Any help would be very appreciated. Like I said, I've stayed up all night and I'm so freaking tired at this point. But I feel like I'm soooooo close.
I have an SD card with Magisk, no-verity-opt-encrypt, and twrp ready to go. I have Odin ready and installed Samsung USB. Do you guys think I should just try another firmware and root the phone? Any links to firmware that don't take 12 hours to download would be appreciated.
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UPDATE #2
As you can tell I haven't given up yet. I found my current firmware version for download on a different website:
https://samfrew.com/download/Galaxy__S7__edge__/b3kj/VZW/G935VVRSBCTC1/G935VVZWBCTC1/"]https://samfrew.com/download/Galaxy__S7__edge__/b3kj/VZW/G935VVRSBCTC1/G935VVZWBCTC1/
It's another slow download option which really sucks. But I'll be able to test If I can flash the same firmware to the phone (not technically a downgrade and carries the same fused binary). So we shall see. If this doesn't work I'll be looking into the other android 9 or 10 roms and rooting the phone.
Thanks, Derek
MajinMight said:
I found the PDA version with that handy "Phone Info *Samsung*" app in the play store.
The PDA version is G935VVRSBCTC1 5TH DIGIT FROM THE RIGHT GIVES US THE FUSED BINARY "B". I guess when they got past the number 9 the switched to Alpha characters. I found some "A" firmwares on Updato.com. But I didn't see any with a "B". So there's a good chance the one's I'm trying to download over 12 hours right now won't work.
I also scrolled over to the "Hardware" section in the phone and it asked for access to the Camera. I gave it access. But now the field is blank/empty. I didn't populate any info on the Camera. I don't know if that means anything just wanted to point that out. Could still be firmware or hardware as far as I know.
Thanks, Derek
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TL/DR your full posts but I will cut to the chase on some points. If your phone is SM-G935V (US-Verizon) then you:
1) can NOT root binary B firmware. Binary A (10) yes, B (11) no, at least not until the ENG file becomes available- IF it ever comes. Official S7 support is next to dead.
2) even if you were lucky flashing binary A firmware and successfully rooted, you still would NOT be able to flash ANY custom ROM's such as Lineage. Also, Magisk is useless and will not work on our phones either.
US-spec Snapdragon phones are bootloader locked. There is no workaround. Locked bootloaders prevent flashing custom ROM's, kernels, etc. We are lucky we have root access and it took years just to get that. Bootloader unlocking will never happen for US-spec S7. Much as I love my S7e, if I ever have to replace it I will never get another US "Crapdragon" that you can't do anything with.
I do not know what the issue is with your camera. Maybe other forum members will have ideas. I do wish you luck getting everything back to normal.

Dang! Well thanks for the info! I guess all the videos I've seen with S7's and custom roms have not been done on the US-Verizon phone. What a bummer. Well this was a major learning experience at least.
My only idea now is to crack her open and make sure the camera didn't come unplugged from a drop. I also seen camera replacements were really cheap online. I don't know if it's worth my time....we are due for a phone upgrade anyway.
SkylineDriver said:
TL/DR your full posts but I will cut to the chase on some points. If your phone is SM-G935V (US-Verizon) then you:
1) can NOT root binary B firmware. Binary A (10) yes, B (11) no, at least not until the ENG file becomes available- IF it ever comes. Official S7 support is next to dead.
2) even if you were lucky flashing binary A firmware and successfully rooted, you still would NOT be able to flash ANY custom ROM's such as Lineage. Also, Magisk is useless and will not work on our phones either.
US-spec Snapdragon phones are bootloader locked. There is no workaround. Locked bootloaders prevent flashing custom ROM's, kernels, etc. We are lucky we have root access and it took years just to get that. Bootloader unlocking will never happen for US-spec S7. Much as I love my S7e, if I ever have to replace it I will never get another US "Crapdragon" that you can't do anything with.
I do not know what the issue is with your camera. Maybe other forum members will have ideas. I do wish you luck getting everything back to normal.
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