Update available in February - XPERIA X1 General

I noticed that there is an SE update that was made available mid to late February. as far as I can tell (but running the update software utility from SE) I do no have the update on my phone purchased in late February. Questions are:
1. How can I be sure if I have the update or not (version numbers somewhere, etc)?
2. What is the benefit of the update?
3. If I update, is it a "flash" requiring me to reinstall everything and redo all my settings?
Thanks for helping a noob,
Ian

1. How can I be sure if I have the update or not (version numbers somewhere, etc)?
check version number, the new version number is A2***
2. What is the benefit of the update?
It's faster, a google today plugin is available and some other little new things
3. If I update, is it a "flash" requiring me to reinstall everything and redo all my settings?
yes

Well, i tried to update it using the SE utility, but it keeps hanging on "detection in progress" for 20 minutes +. I've done it two times with the same result. I'm using vista, if that makes a difference. I'll try to find some instructions on how to do it mannually, using a card or something.
any suggestions?

well,
I've not had any luck finding out how to manually update to newer firmware release from SE.
anyone care to share the secrets?

Please read the stickied threads.

After spending quite a bit of time reading through the stickies, i read through pages and pages of these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=291723&page=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=407148&page=1
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=437785&page=1
I didn't find a clear answer, but I followed a hunch and disabled "connects via usb" for my device in the Windows mobile device center" and then the update was able to process correctly.
Just figured I'd put it here in case someone else is on a similar hunt, maybe i could save them the time.

Related

official firmware upgrade issues from Kies

I tried different machines before I sorted the connectivity problem to establish connection to my device until finally my PC can recognise my device.
Now comes the next headache, after getting the connection established I clicked on firmware upgrade - it came up and displays some updates are available -
it shows my current version as:
(PDA)JE9/(Phone)JE9
available update as:
(PDA)JF4/(Phone)JF4
When clicked on 'proceed' - it brings up some warning for me to make sure they are fixed before I proceed further like power cables connected and some warning of not removing or doing anything during upgrade, after I check 'agree' it starts the download by letting me know that the binary files for the new firmware is being downloaded and after the dowload there seems to be a wait creating impatience for us as to what next...after a few seconds I can see the message above the progress bar saying that the upgrade process has begun..
I can see the screen on my SGS display come with the android logo on some work (like road construction work) and the message telling upgrade in progress do not disconnect...it stays in that state for around a minute...no progress in the progress bar....Now suddenly the PC says 'failed to convert to upgrade mode, try later' and even after stopping my phone continues to show the frozen screen with 'upgrade in progress' (getting us confused and scared and dont know if I can unplug - will this brick my device all sorts of question) until I shut down my SGS and reboot to see it is normal as before but whenever I connect for the firmware upgrade all that I know is I am pending new upgrade.
I am stuck and can't proceed further - I tried it many times with many machines no luck. Please anybody suggest a way out.
Some info on my device: Bought in UK, sim free phone from Singapore Singtel as I see the operator's animation in the startup screen.
Other details on firmware:
PDA:I9000DXJE9
Phone:I9000DXJE9
CSC:I9000OLBJE9
In the settings 'About Phone' carries details:
Version: DXJE9
Kernel: [email protected]# (does this mean the device is rooted already?)
I have another question since I saw somebody mention in another thread that whether he/she should do a european firmware upgrade or asian firmware upgrade - I still confused by this question as well, which upgrade will be pushed to you if you are using Kies as it is just one same application made available for download globally.
somebody please help me with the upgrade issue.
isn't there any dev who can help me on this, it looks like i am the only one experiencing this!!!
I don't think many people are getting the upgrade options via kies at the moment.
I'm not seeing it on UK JF3
so hope, there isn't an issue with my device. I am weary because this was purchased from an online site but purchased the device after checking it personally.
One more question, will an unlocked phone get locked after any new firmware updates?
Are sim free and unlocked phones follow different philosophy ie., after unlocking a phone does that become a sim free phone forever.
Second question, how does the OTA update work - if you are not tied to a service provider - does samsung send these directly to all sim free phones automatically, looking and searching for IMEI numbers? and will a rooted phone be allowed to upate to froyo or any official update (for example) via the official Kies?
thanks
There isn't any offical firmware updates, via Kies, and or any other method.
JaGuR said:
There isn't any offical firmware updates, via Kies, and or any other method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pls dont give wrong information. If you are suggesting something make it elaborate and clear.
I have clearly mentioned that I can see my current version as: (PDA)JE9/(Phone) JE9
Update available version:
(PDA) JF4/(Phone) JF4
thats what is displayed via Kies. I am also aware from this forum that some people can see the update whilst others dont see any.
Having said that, I was asking a techy questions as to whether a OTA upgrade or a upgrade via Kies from Samsung still happen if the phone is rooted and also if the phone is sim free and not attached to any service providers will the OTA upgrade will happen if so, is it based on IMEI number that will automatically be tracked OTA.
S
I was wondering if anyone found a solution to this problem? I am having the same problem.
I'm looking at this also.
after following this: (oh great, can't post links)
I had a problem updating to the official Foyo via Kies.
Finally got my PC to recognise the phone then started the update.
Phone screen went all green part way through and nothing was happening for about 20 mins so unplugged.
Phone would switch on but came up with a little picture on the screen and thats it.
so got it updated to JPM by booting into download mode and using odin. Took 5 mins once I downloaded all the files.

Bluetooth issues - how to solve them?

My new A2017G B08 has no problem finding and connecting with my old LG G2 - but when trying to connect it with my trusty Bluetooth speaker, the Axon doesn't even see it. And while I can find the Axon within just 1-2 seconds from my PC with a BT-Stick, the other way around the Axon doesn't see the PC.
I can life with not finding the PC, but what can I do to make it work with the speaker? The G2 has no issues with that either so the speaker's bluetooth does work.
Go into settings/location and ensure high accuracy is selected. It can improve bluetooth scanning.
RobboW said:
Go into settings/location and ensure high accuracy is selected. It can improve bluetooth scanning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That didn't help. Still, the speaker does not show up when searching for devices.
had the same issue ! b09 fixed it
Mine was fine on B04 and B08 and is still fine on B09 but I don't use any old BT speakers, most devices are fairly new. The car stereo is probably the oldest. It dates back to 2010 with a 2012 firmware update on the BT module.
caesar170988 said:
had the same issue ! b09 fixed it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, B08 is the latest version I'm getting via OTA update. I guess if nobody else comes up with a solution/tips that might work there's nothing I can do but wait for (hopefully) an Android 8 update that has the issue fixed for my device
Eiion said:
Well, B08 is the latest version I'm getting via OTA update. I guess if nobody else comes up with a solution/tips that might work there's nothing I can do but wait for (hopefully) an Android 8 update that has the issue fixed for my device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't rely on OTAs... If your bootloader is locked just go to the download center, download the B09 zip, put it in the internal storage and go to the Updates tab, it should appear there
Yeah, if I waited for an OTA my phone would still be on Marshmallow. They had problems with OTA and stopped doing them and advised to do SD updates so you have to download. Could be that a SD update may fix it.
Even then, the latest on the Australian web site is B04. I got B08 from Germany and B09 from Switzerland. It's an international ROM. I don't download from anywhere but ZTE websites.
We rely on other XDA members finding the updates and posting here that it's available.
RobboW said:
Yeah, if I waited for an OTA my phone would still be on Marshmallow. They had problems with OTA and stopped doing them and advised to do SD updates so you have to download. Could be that a SD update may fix it.
Even then, the latest on the Australian web site is B04. I got B08 from Germany and B09 from Switzerland. It's an international ROM. I don't download from anywhere but ZTE websites.
We rely on other XDA members finding the updates and posting here that it's available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The download center is basically all of those but unpacked and uploaded to androidfilehost. And all of that is made by @raystef66 . It's not like you're downloading them from some shady Russian torrent website
RobboW said:
Yeah, if I waited for an OTA my phone would still be on Marshmallow. They had problems with OTA and stopped doing them and advised to do SD updates so you have to download. Could be that a SD update may fix it. [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Choose an username... said:
The download center is basically all of those but unpacked and uploaded to androidfilehost. And all of that is made by @raystef66 . It's not like you're downloading them from some shady Russian torrent website [...]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, I have no idea how to do that and although I did root my G2 I'm not feeling very comfortable updating to anything but the official version for my German Axon 7. Meaning, if updating to the swiss version I'm pretty sure I'd lose my warranty.
Also, I'd need a very basic step by step instruction without too many technical terms (and a link to where to get the file) to feel save enough to do it. It's just that I cannot afford another phone should something go wrong.
So, I'd totally be interested in doing an update to a new firmware version since that might possibly indeed fix my problem (and possibly 1-2 others I have with the phone) - but I'm scared to brick it/lose warranty. Any thoughts on that?
EDIT: I've just checked the ZTE website for downloads and I'm a bit confused... version B10 was Android 6 and version B08 is Android 7.1? So... version B09 is older than mine? Is that what you were suggesting, going back to an older version? Can I even update backwards? Usually devices say something like "The software installed on your device is already the newest version" or something along those lines whenever trying to install a previous software version.
EDIT 2: Found "AXON 7(ZTE A2017G )SD card software package(344070B1405ZTE A2017GV1.2.0B09)N Version" on the ZTE website - but what does "N version" mean? Mine says on its back "ZTE A2017G".
Eiion said:
Guys, I have no idea how to do that and although I did root my G2 I'm not feeling very comfortable updating to anything but the official version for my German Axon 7. Meaning, if updating to the swiss version I'm pretty sure I'd lose my warranty.
Also, I'd need a very basic step by step instruction without too many technical terms (and a link to where to get the file) to feel save enough to do it. It's just that I cannot afford another phone should something go wrong.
So, I'd totally be interested in doing an update to a new firmware version since that might possibly indeed fix my problem (and possibly 1-2 others I have with the phone) - but I'm scared to brick it/lose warranty. Any thoughts on that?
EDIT: I've just checked the ZTE website for downloads and I'm a bit confused... version B10 was Android 6 and version B08 is Android 7.1? So... version B09 is older than mine? Is that what you were suggesting, going back to an older version? Can I even update backwards? Usually devices say something like "The software installed on your device is already the newest version" or something along those lines whenever trying to install a previous software version.
EDIT 2: Found "AXON 7(ZTE A2017G )SD card software package(344070B1405ZTE A2017GV1.2.0B09)N Version" on the ZTE website - but what does "N version" mean? Mine says on its back "ZTE A2017G".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're confusing everything... That is not swiss, it's international. The only thing that COULD void your warranty is unlocking the bootloader, and in some cases people have been able to still claim hardware warranty on their phones by saying that they have not touched the hardware. Also, ZTE provides those updates.
If something happens (it would be basically your fault, such as trying to update with 10% battery or updating with an A2017 or A2017U package) and your phone stops working, just call ZTE and claim warranty. Their update method failed, etc. etc. Although it is borderline impossible to mess up your phone with the stock update method... I think it even tells you that you can't update with less than X% of battery.
The updates are as follows: A2017GV1.0.0B01 to B11 was Marshmallow, and then came A2017GV1.2.0B01 to B09 which is Nougat. I have thought many times that it would have been a lot better if they called them, say, M11 and N09. But this is what we have.
It's not hard at all: Go to the Guides section, there you will find Raystef66's download center. Download the file called A2017G-N-B09 (??), NOT the one under "TWRP flashable Bootstack/Stocksystem images". Those won't work.
After it gets downloaded, connect your phone to the PC. allow MTP transfer from the phone. "Internal Storage" should appear as a folder. If you have an SD card it will appear as another folder beside that on your PC. Open Internal storage. Now that is called the root of the internal storage, where all the folders are located. Just take the zip and throw it there, outside of all the folders (outside of DCIM, Android, and all those).
Then go to the phone, Settings, Update, and select the update.
@RobboW @Choose an username... (thank you very much for writing down all the information on updating the phone!)
Ok, so I did the update directly downloaded from their website. The update worked - indeed though, as somebody else has mentioned elsewhere, the phone now seems slightly slower to react to inputs when scrolling/tapping through the menu. Anyways, that's besides the point.
I tried connecting to the speaker, but still, it does not show up when searching for devices. Interestingly though I tried to make a new connection from my old phone (where I had deleted the connection) and the G2 now also can't find it (although it worked fine when the connection was already set up).
I'm back to trying to get one or the other device connected again. If nothing works, I guess I'm screwed then.
Eiion said:
@[email protected] an username...
Ok, so I did the update directly downloaded from their website - followed their PDF instruction for Update via SD. The update worked - indeed though, as somebody else has mentioned elsewhere, the phone seems slightly slower to react to inputs when scrolling/tapping through the menu. Anyways, that's besides the point.
I tried connecting to the speaker, but still, it does not show up when searching for devices. Interestingly though I tried to make a new connection from my old phone (where I had deleted the connection) and the G2 now also can't find it (although it worked fine when the connection was already set up).
I'm back to trying to get one or the other device connected again. If nothing works, I guess I'm screwed then.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you find the speaker with your PC?
Did you actually go into the PC's bluetooth settings to allow it to be visible?
Choose an username... said:
Can you find the speaker with your PC?
Did you actually go into the PC's bluetooth settings to allow it to be visible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I did that when trying to connect it to the PC.
Anyways, I was trying 10-15 more minutes and don't ask me how or why... I did nothing different from all the times before but I finally was able to find the speaker on the Axon 7 and set up the connection. After that I wanted to connect the Axon 7 to the G2 - and while the G2 found the A7 within a second, the A7 did not see the G2. And after that I also tried to connect the G2 again with the speaker which worked as well.
So, all that's left is connecting the PC to the BT speaker - but I guess that's no topic for this forum.
So, thank you guys for your contribution, without I might have given up a few days ago already. Now I made it and have an updated phone. :good:
Eiion said:
Sure, I did that when trying to connect it to the PC.
Anyways, I was trying 10-15 more minutes and don't ask me how or why... I did nothing different from all the times before but I finally was able to find the speaker on the Axon 7 and set up the connection. After that I wanted to connect the Axon 7 to the G2 - and while the G2 found the A7 within a second, the A7 did not see the G2. After I also tried to connect the G2 again with the speaker and that worked as well.
So, all that's left is connecting the PC to the BT speaker - but I guess that's no topic for this forum.
So, thanks for you guys for your contribution, without I might have given up a few days ago already. Now I made it and have an updated phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Semi-updated... you on B08?
The latest security patch is Dec. 1 and it's on B09. Just informing if you decide to update again
Choose an username... said:
Semi-updated... you on B08?
The latest security patch is Dec. 1 and it's on B09. Just informing if you decide to update again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I had mentioned I was on B08 before the update. I'm on B09 now.
Good stuff, my next suggestion was going to be if you have an option to reset the speaker. No need now.
Sometimes you could get stuck with too many pairings. It's good to delete un-needed pairings on the phone but on a speaker you generally can only reset.
RobboW said:
Good stuff, my next suggestion was going to be if you have an option to reset the speaker. No need now.
Sometimes you could get stuck with too many pairings. It's good to delete un-needed pairings on the phone but on a speaker you generally can only reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I thought of that too and searched the manual for it - but didn't find anything. Then I tried several button press combinations while on or while turning it on... you know, sometimes they simply don't put every function in the manual. But nothing seemed to do it. Or maybe it did - how would I know, it has no display.
But anyways, it works and that's all that matters
@ Eiion,
Have you fixed your phone's problem? I experience the same problem, so have you try other different PC and Bluetooth?
Delete all synced devices in bluetooth list. Then try to sync your device. Seems to work for me.

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.

Noob looking for pointers to help with upgrade process

Hi. Been waiting a while to post this, and playing around based on what I see, but I the last change I made to my phone hasn't worked out too well and I don't think I have enough of a grip on the process. I am an ex-computer 3rd level tech support so I have reasonable skills around computers etc.
I bought an Axon 7 (A2017G) in Germany but it got flooded one day when it went down the toilet pan, literally. So I replaced it with a 128 Gb model from China, not really thinking about the software versions. Of course it came with A2017, and more importantly, no ability got OTA upgrades from Android 6.
So recently I've been having some battery life issues so I've changed the battery.
Following guides here, I've managed to get it onto a newer A2017 version and it has taken an OTA upgrade to Android 7. The build number is B13. The boot loader is still unlocked. But it's not very stable and Google Play service has now stopped, and I can't be doing with the unreliability. And tbh although it worked, I can't remember exactly which guide or what steps I followed to do it.
So I want to put it onto a stock G version, which I think seems to be possible, based on stuff I've read here. I don't think I need root going forwards (once this is done) and I'm looking for the simplest method. Unfortunately, due to the length of time it's been live, this forum really is information-overload and I've been reading for two days now and made loads of notes but I'm not really very clear about what I need to do.
I'm quite happy to find and read the right guides but would be really grateful if someone could take a few minutes to just tell me exactly which bits are essential to be upgraded and what steps I do need to follow. If I am confused I can come back with any queries.
I'd be happy to root the phone if it's felt that is a really useful thing but I'm not really a "power user" and I'm OK with standard.
Also I'm assuming any upgrade would receive any future Android releases OTA (if there are any for this phone), but if not that's not too vital.
Thanks in advance...
Geoff
But regarding your situation: You have an A2017 with A2017G firmware, right? Can you tell us your firmware version?
Would you be fine with Chinese firmware (MiFavor 5.2, B17) or prefer stock+ (G B01/B02, U B12)?
Thanks for the quick response, really appreciated.
The firmware is still A2017 version AFAIK, but I don't know where to check. If I go to the boot loader screen it says ZTE/P996A03_N/ailsa_ii and on the next line 7.1.1/NMF26V/20170912.013327
I'm thinking I'd do the change from A2017 to A2017G to get round the annoying junk which came with the Chinese version, and also avoid the Google Play Services problem I came across. It may not be do-able but I thought I'd read it was.
I guess in addition to telling me the steps, telling me exactly which file versions to use would help a lot. I promise to keep notes!
I don't mind which firmware, so long as it works reliably and so long as I can preferably put a G version on it.
of course it's doable, the thing is that you'll need to unlock the bootloader in order to.
If you had trouble with Play Services then it's most probably on chinese firmware, finding out would be as easy as going to Settings, then About phone
The boot loader is still unlocked from when I managed to do the previous upgrade. That took me quite some hours, and it was more by luck than judgement that I got a result. This time I want to better understand what I'm doing.
Not sure what I'm looking at for the firmware, isn't it the versions I quoted above? But the menus (mostly) are in Chinese at start up, and I had to load Google Play and Play Services from the ZTEYR store so I'm pretty sure it is on Chinese firmware.
So if it is, do I just need to upgrade the firmware then the ROM (is that the terminology?). If so which versions would I use?
Ta
Geoff
EDIT I missed the kernel version - which is 3.18.31
OK so I've spent more time reading. I'm coming to the conclusion that I don't need TWRP and I don't need to update my Chinese bootloader, does that sound about right?
Is it right that all I need to do is
- find a G firmware zip file <<< may have incorrect terminology here, would appreciate a pointer to a valid download as I have many but not sure they are the right type of file
- put it on an SD card named as update.zip
- boot into recovery mode
- choose "apply update from SD card"
And, assuming I have used a stock version, will it then update to the latest version (hopefully Oreo) once it's started?
Do I need to do any formats or wipes anywhere in the process? I already have a backup of my stuff, done with AXON7Toolkit.
And can you recommend a version of firmware to go to, or does it not really matter as it'll update itself anyway?
UPDATE: MiFavor UI is v5.0
OK, so there is no real short easy answer to this.
I've used the updates from ZTE since I've had the phone until I soft bricked it.
Zte offer updates similar to this.
Eg: B06 to B08 or B08 to B09 and B09 to B12
The update has to be done in stages.
Some updates you can copy to the internal SD card then go settings > system > update, your phone should detect the updates and tap install.
Some Zip files can be done the same way after changing the file name to update.zip or Ota.zip depending on the instructions.
Some zip files have the update within the Zip so it needs to be extracted.
Make sure you have the correct version software and correct version for your phone.
After the update is done all the data etc will be still in place unless you reset your phone.
All I can say is research, research, research.
Btw if your bootloader is unlocked some updates will fail.
I hope this helps
PS: you can use the method you described as well, just follow the instructions carefully.
In most cases there is no need to wipe or format unless you are using a custom ROM etc.
Excellent, thanks.
Going back a post or two - I re-installed Google Play services but still have problems. Before a reboot it appears in the list of apps, and Play opens, but the sidebar comes straight in and behind there is a message "Error while retrieving information from server [RH-01]" . After a reboot it is no longer in the list of Apps (even when expanded to include System apps), and Play just opens and closes real quick.
So I found a thread which led me look in Settings in Play Store at the Play Protect Certification, which says the device is not certified. So I downloaded the related app and ran it, which gave me a code which I put in web page then entered the stuff into my phone but still no joy. I suspect this is causing the Play problem and I think it'd be due to trying to use Google product on a Chinese firmware (again I'm not sure my terminology is right - I mean whatever the software is which throws up the initial boot screen).
So I think I need to get off the Chinese firmware at the same time as going to a G version, and I'm even less clear on how to replace the firmware than the rest of the process - what files and how it's done.
Going back to the more recent post (Syberclone), as I have already wiped my phone I'm not concerned about keeping data. I understand about doing this is steps - I hadn't thought of doing it that way but it seems very sensible.
I found a post by Raystef66 with loads of links to software - including A2017X_B15_Universal_Bootloader.zip. Does this replace the Chinese firmware and would it work with all zipfiles? How would I apply it? (I was using Axon7ToolKit the other day and that looks quite impressive).
I am still confused over the different types of files and the naming conventions but it's slowly making more sense. Appreciate all advice.
Thanks
Geoff
Personally I use Edl packages much easier imo.
I use Miflash or Edl tool by @djkuz
I have a bad flash help page that explains the process.
The bootstacks etc are mainly for custom ROMs, if you are just looking a factory firmware, Edl's are much easier to install without worrying about bootstacks, twrp etc.
My last Edl update was from Nougat (Chinese Rom)
To Oreo A2017G I had to factory reset after the install though.
Thatnks. Today I've done a fwe more hours reading, literally. This is taking all my time!!
Anyway I decided to follow your advice and found a full EDL of Oreo, which I applied. (ZTE_A2017V3.0.0B17) and the phone is still working, and I've not lost my apps.
However I still have the problem that Play Services won't run. I've upgraded it, followed a few troubleshooting guides, used different versions ( - should I be using the 64 bit one??) but still no joy. If I could only get that going I'd stick with the Chinese firmware. It is looking to me like it can't sync, though whether that's a cause or an outcome I'm not sure. Not unexpectedly, a number of apps will not run as a result.
I haven't done a factory reset yet, I thought I'd ask here first to see if that is likely to fix it or whether anyone has any better ideas.
Despite the time this is taking I'm enjoying learning and am grateful to you all for the responses.
The play store link "device not certified" will happen when you change a ROM from its original.
So I have an A2017G, when I run any other ROM it will show "device not certified" because the link between the phone and the software isnt in sync.
When I was running the beta Oreo from the Chinese my device always had this issue and NFC does not either usually.
There is a play store app version which will work as it should however the certified is still a problem without a work around.
When I installed the G version Oreo to my device the certification is back.
I'm miss some of the Chinese ROM animations tho.
Anyway I hope this helps
I am using an A2017 ROM on an A2017. I've not changed anything else. Maybe I need to update the boot stuff (firmware?).
What I'm seeing is that Play Services always needs to be manually enabled, and seems to drop out and require re-installation sometimes. So I have an apk on my internal memory for quick access.
I'm not sure that the "device not certified" is a cause or effect really.
So I have an apk on my internal memory for quick access. It's the latest non-beta 64bit version for Android 8 - should I try a specific one, e.g. is there likely to be a specific one which matches the ROM? (An older non 64 bit one seemed to give much the same problem)
I'd put up with the problem except I can't run some Google stuff at all (Play Store for instance), and some other stuff is compromised (e.g. I can't get into Waze on my usual ID, I'm guessing Play Services plays a part in authorizing). And I can't install some stuff I'd like.
And I'd still be interested to know which bits require upgrade to go to a G version, if it is do-able and would run trouble free.
There was a play store app that worked on most ROMs.
You are on Oreo now yes?
There was a link on one of the Android pie ROMs that I used, it worked fine.
If you are still having issues you can use an app called Yalp that works like the play store.
I've used it on custom ROMs when the play store app refuses to work.
Yes, Oreo now.
I've put YALP on and that looks pretty good. I now seem to have most things working, and those that aren't I can probably live without.
I use a network tool called FING which reports my phone details, and I think it's incorrect but it's saying in one place it's a A2017U which I don't think is right. But now I am more comfortable with EDL and stuff I'm going to continue to fix this properly but the urgency is now not there. I was thinking if I couldn't fix this I might have to buy a new phone on black Friday!! So thanks for your help.
I'm still not really quite sure why I get Chinese characters at start up and what files I need to change to out a G firmware on, if that is what is wrong, and if it's do-able. I think if I knew how to do that then I could put on a G firmware and matching ROM and I'd be in business!!
The same page offered me F-DROID which seems to offer a whole load of different free apps. Maybe they don't have ads? Anyway I'll have a look.
Anyway, again - thanks!!
Geoff
Geoff I'm glad I could help
I was running the Chinese Oreo on my phone and after selecting English in setting some parts of the ROM were still in Chinese, even some notifications.
I converted to the A2017G Oreo update when it was released.
I miss some of the features in the Chinese ROM tho.
So... without wishing to prolong this... your phone was Chinese (as mine was) and you are now running a Global version and all you upgraded was the ROM? And are you able to use the Play Store and you don't have any issues running apps I - and can you run, say, Google Maps?). Is your bootloader still unlocked and if so is the menu at boot time still in Chinese?
Or have you upgraded something other than the ROM?
I actually have an Axon 7 A2017G here in Australia.
I soft bricked it when I accidentally made a mistake flashing a ROM.
I searched for a suitable stock firmware but I could only flash the Chinese Oreo Beta. It had to be modified to run on my device until the Oreo package for my A2017G had been uploaded.
I've now running the proper software for this phone.
Thanks.
Another couple of hours and I have made a Major breakthrough! I went back over all my notes and checked what i'd done and one thing I hadn't remembered doing was setting the Pay Store to Autorun. So using the Mi-Assistant I have done this, and most of the stuff which wasn't working now is. I am still working on why OK Google won't work, but the list of things I might have to live without is now quite short!! The one major benefit is that my battery life seems to be greatly increased. Boot time is also much quicker which is a bonus but not critical.
Nice, yes battery life is improved, actually the Chinese Oreo Beta has a better battery life than my current Oreo.
I could get up to 4 days out of the Chinese ROM, my current ROM can manage just over 3 days at best.
I have battery saver mode on but not ultra battery saver.
I hope this has been a good learning experience for you?
"I hope this has been a good learning experience for you?"
For sure it has. Back in the days when I was 3rd level computer techie, the best learning came from other experts and from being thrown in the deep end, rather than what they taught you in the classroom!

Downgrade question - possible upgrade upon restart?

Hey all,
I am very much willing to wipe my phone to do a downgrade.
I have the OP8 Pro, unrooted (never rooted/never unlocked bootloader).
The scenario I see is - I downgrade my phone to 10.15.13 (I have the INAA modell). I'm sure at some point the phone will check for an OTA.
My question - Is it all possible for the phone to upgrade itself if it restarts?
Meaning, is there a time limit that the update is sitting in the queue waiting for the user to press reboot to install? Or can I just somehow figure out a way to silence the system notification of an update pending?
Not sure if that makes sense but my hope is to just go back to 10 and enjoy certain things that just worked out better for me unrooted vs 11 unrooted until some things are ironed out.
Thanks for your time.
No you would need to initialise the upgrade, unless you have automatic updates on.
You would have seen the initial installation begin.
Least that's my experience of it. The update is stored on the phone so you may also be able to delete it.
Turn off automatically download updates.
I downgraded using the special firmware I found (couldn't find official to do it ) and then installed the official EU/UK firmware straight after with no problem
dladz said:
No you would need to initialise the upgrade, unless you have automatic updates on.
You would have seen the initial installation begin.
Least that's my experience of it. The update is stored on the phone so you may also be able to delete it.
Turn off automatically download updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that, much appreciated
Shipoftheline said:
I downgraded using the special firmware I found (couldn't find official to do it ) and then installed the official EU/UK firmware straight after with no problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice - noted. I think I can start my search as well. Looking to do this tonight.

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