Updating Galaxy S4 from 4.4.2 to 4.4.4+ - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I'm contemplating purchasing a new phone. I found a refurbished S4 for $75 and want to buy it, but I need at least 4.4.4 so I can play Pokemon GO. Does anyone know if it can get to 4.4.4 or higher? Also, if so, does it require rooting?
I also read that it's up to the cell phone carriers to allow a higher firmware, so if it's a case of the carrier, does Net10 allow you to get to 4.4.4 or higher?

Which variant of the S4 is it? if it's the international, samsung has 5.1.1 released so you won't have to root it.
you can always root it if the carrier hasn't updated it. which I doubt
Sent from my GT-I9505

It's not your carrier that matters, it's the carrier which the phone was purchased from that matters.

I actually purchased the S5, T-Mobile is the original carrier, and they have Marshmallow available, however, for whatever reason, I can't get it downloaded. I'm using Net10 as the wireless provider, but when I search for updates via wifi or 4G, it says there are none available (I'm currently on 4.4.2). Any clue what to do? On the phone with T-Mobile now but god knows if they're competent enough to help me.

Dragonfacex said:
I actually purchased the S5, T-Mobile is the original carrier, and they have Marshmallow available, however, for whatever reason, I can't get it downloaded. I'm using Net10 as the wireless provider, but when I search for updates via wifi or 4G, it says there are none available (I'm currently on 4.4.2). Any clue what to do? On the phone with T-Mobile now but god knows if they're competent enough to help me.
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Click to collapse
These are the S4 forums, mate.
You started the thread mentioning something about an S4, which now turned into an S5 somehow.
And you can always download the firmware and flash it manually. Or update with Kies.

Dragonfacex said:
I actually purchased the S5, T-Mobile is the original carrier, and they have Marshmallow available, however, for whatever reason, I can't get it downloaded. I'm using Net10 as the wireless provider, but when I search for updates via wifi or 4G, it says there are none available (I'm currently on 4.4.2). Any clue what to do? On the phone with T-Mobile now but god knows if they're competent enough to help me.
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Click to collapse
Enter download mode and read off the model number of the S5. If it says anything other than SM-G900T, then that is why you are having issues with the download. Keep in mind that there are Straight Talk and Net10 versions of the S5 available. Both are on 4.4.2 and no upgrades are available other than by installing a custom ROM.

Sorry, I didn't know this was strictly S4. I'm a bit unobservant. But for those who may randomly be brought to this page via Google. I did the update via Samsung Switch for the PC. Google it, should be the first link. Apologies to all for the mixup.

Related

[Q] Which Galaxy S 4 should I get?

I'm unfamiliar with Samsung phones (never had one), and I'm looking at getting a used/mint Galaxy S 4 for my wife. Here are the requirements:
1. SIM unlocked. I need to be able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the US, and also other international carriers as need be when traveling, without a problem.
2. I need to have root access. Some apps that need to be installed on this phone requires root. It's not necessary to have the capability to flash custom ROM, etc. so stock ROM (or any ROM, for that matter, as long as it's stable) is fine. I just need root.
3. It has to have at least 4.3, or if possible 4.4.2. OTA capability for further update (if there will be any) is a good bonus but not required.
I likely won't be modifying this phone (flashing ROM/mods/etc.) after I set it up the first time. I'll set it up, give it to her, and forget about it.
So, which version of GS4 should I look for in ebay/swappa (and if there are any firmware requirements for easy rooting)? I'm going to be using it almost solely on a GSM-based network (currently a T-Mobile MVNO, but may switch to an AT&T MVNO soon) so AT&T version seems like an obvious choice, but I've heard that this model is a pain to SIM unlock (is it true?), while Verizon version is factory unlocked completely out of the box, and will work without a problem on AT&T or T-Mobile (and obviously overseas as well).
Can anyone give me any suggestion?
Newcron said:
I'm unfamiliar with Samsung phones (never had one), and I'm looking at getting a used/mint Galaxy S 4 for my wife. Here are the requirements:
1. SIM unlocked. I need to be able to use it on AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the US, and also other international carriers as need be when traveling, without a problem.
2. I need to have root access. Some apps that need to be installed on this phone requires root. It's not necessary to have the capability to flash custom ROM, etc. so stock ROM (or any ROM, for that matter, as long as it's stable) is fine. I just need root.
3. It has to have at least 4.3, or if possible 4.4.2. OTA capability for further update (if there will be any) is a good bonus but not required.
I likely won't be modifying this phone (flashing ROM/mods/etc.) after I set it up the first time. I'll set it up, give it to her, and forget about it.
So, which version of GS4 should I look for in ebay/swappa (and if there are any firmware requirements for easy rooting)? I'm going to be using it almost solely on a GSM-based network (currently a T-Mobile MVNO, but may switch to an AT&T MVNO soon) so AT&T version seems like an obvious choice, but I've heard that this model is a pain to SIM unlock (is it true?), while Verizon version is factory unlocked completely out of the box, and will work without a problem on AT&T or T-Mobile (and obviously overseas as well).
Can anyone give me any suggestion?
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Check About Phone
Androiders96 said:
Check About Phone
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This is basically the point of this thread. I need suggestions on what to check for
Newcron said:
This is basically the point of this thread. I need suggestions on what to check for
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I9505
Androiders96 said:
I9505
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:laugh:
Yeah I deserve that. I basically set myself up to get this answer. This is what I get for not being clear enough from the get go. Doh.
Obviously the international unlocked version is the most ideal, because there's no potential for headaches as I explained above. I of course knew this.
And yes, there are several of them available at Swappa, but they are all (understandably) much more expensive (some more than 150%) compared to the local version.
So, I guess my real question is whether I should get AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon version for my purposes above.
I also just examined the title of this subforum and realized that I may not be asking this on the right place. So, sorry about that. I'll switch over to the correct forum and ask this again. Thanks for answering!

[Q] Unlocked Metro PCs Galaxy S5 on AT&T Network

Hey guys,
Quick overview: 2 Questions: How to update to lollipop and benefits of KNOX.
I just got a new Metro PCs Galaxy S5 unlocked and am using it on the AT&T network as the title suggests. I was looking around to try and find an answer but was unsuccessful. My question is how do I update this phone since it's a Metro PCs phone (which is apparently same as T-Mobile) to lollipop and i'm on AT&T? Since I'm on the AT&T network, there is no update for lollipop yet, but from what I've read the phone itself should be compatible and ready for the T-Mobile lollipop update...AT&T is the only carrier that hasn't released lollipop update AFAIK. Here's the current information on the device:
Model: SM-G900T1
Android: 4.4.2
Baseband: G900T1UVU1ANK1
Kernel: 3.4.0-1616453
Build: KOT49H.G900T1UVU1ANK1
If I try to do the OTA Software update from the "About Device" settings screen, it says up to date. Is my only option to root it and do a custom ROM (or wait for AT&T to come out with the lollipop update...which may not be very soon)? Though if i root it I'll trigger the KNOX stuff i've been reading about. I don't think the KNOX stuff has anything useful to me from what I read, because it seems to be for business stuff only, whereas i'd only be using this phone for personal use. Which brings me to my second question: Is there any reason for me to care about keeping KNOX 0x0? Seems like it will void any software warranty if i trigger it and I'd lose any OTA updates? That's the only fall back? Because if it isn't a big issue then I can just root and custom rom my phone (recommendations on ROMs? looking for mostly performance and battery life). Lemme know if you have other questions for me or if i need to provide more info. Thanks for any help!
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
*Detection* said:
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
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Click to collapse
Yah, I was really confused by this as well. I checked Sammobile and they didn't even have the T-Mobile version which seems odd to me?
*Detection* said:
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
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Click to collapse
Can you send me a link to where you see those updates? I couldn't find it myself for my model (SM-G900T1).
Also, would i be able to update my phone with the latest T-Mobile Variant? I was thinking that since (from what i've been reading) it sounds like the T-Mobile phone and the Metro PCS phones are supposedly the exact same phone (T-Mobile = SM-G900T, Metro PCS = SM-G900T1) and my phone is unlocked, that perhaps I can update my phone to the latest Samsung signed T-Mobile update with lollipop and not trip Knox. Any ideas / thoughts on this?
airyip77 said:
Can you send me a link to where you see those updates? I couldn't find it myself for my model (SM-G900T1).
Also, would i be able to update my phone with the latest T-Mobile Variant? I was thinking that since (from what i've been reading) it sounds like the T-Mobile phone and the Metro PCS phones are supposedly the exact same phone (T-Mobile = SM-G900T, Metro PCS = SM-G900T1) and my phone is unlocked, that perhaps I can update my phone to the latest Samsung signed T-Mobile update with lollipop and not trip Knox. Any ideas / thoughts on this?
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You should be able to flash any ROM for your exact model phone
Links to sammobile are banned on XDA, just go to sammobile dot com - enter your model number into the firmware section
Need a free account to download
KNOX will not be tripped flashing stock ROMs with ODIN
*Detection* said:
You should be able to flash any ROM for your exact model phone
Links to sammobile are banned on XDA, just go to sammobile dot com - enter your model number into the firmware section
Need a free account to download
KNOX will not be tripped flashing stock ROMs with ODIN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx, i was dumb and kept searching with "samsung galaxy" instead of the exact model number so couldn't find it there at first :silly:
I get that i can flash any ROM for my exact model, but was hoping to find out if i can install the SM-G900T (T-Mobile) update on the SM-G900T1 (Metro PCS)? From what I'm reading they appear to be the exact same phone, but i haven't seen any hard evidence of that fact...like i've read in other threads and other sites that people have put t-mobile roms/etc on a metro-pcs galaxy s5, and that essentially they're the exact same phone, but just nothing i've seen/read that makes it definitively so...unless that in and of itself proves their statement that they installed the TM roms on the MPCS phone. I'm cautious cause i keep reading about being careful because of all the different variants and the possibility of bricking. i guess in the meantime i'll look around more then to see if i can install the t-mobile one on my metropcs.
Ive no idea, I wouldn't want to advise flashing a ROM for a different model phone - best wait to hear if anyone else has the same phone and done the same thing
Someone here saying they are exactly the same phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5/help/smg900t-smg900t1-t2964392
*Detection* said:
Ive no idea, I wouldn't want to advise flashing a ROM for a different model phone - best wait to hear if anyone else has the same phone and done the same thing
Someone here saying they are exactly the same phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5/help/smg900t-smg900t1-t2964392
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yah, i've seen that thread and it's what i meant by "i've heard things", but not really "confirmed things" hahaha
I searched a bit more and found this thread, and it looks like might be possible because someone did it on an older firmware from TM -> MPCS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2733529
I may look a little more, but i think i'll try it and see what happens. when/if i do, i'll post back with results.
...although, would that nullify my unlock? Phone is like I said, MPCS and unlocked, running on AT&T. Switching to the T-Mobile firmware shouldn't have any affect on the unlock right?
airyip77 said:
...although, would that nullify my unlock? Phone is like I said, MPCS and unlocked, running on AT&T. Switching to the T-Mobile firmware shouldn't have any affect on the unlock right?
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No it won't make any changes to your SIM/carrier unlock status. Once you permanently SIM unlock your phone, that is it.

[Q] Help regarding SM-G900P

Hey everyone, I been looking around the forums here and other sites and have learned a lot of info in pieces but I really need help with a particular issue. A friend of mine gave me a Sprint Galaxy SM-G900P (Galaxy S5) which is (of course) CDMA with GSM compatibility. Im unsure at the moment what service he was wanting to use but I know it is a GSM carrier (US) because he has a SIM he wanted to use. I owe him a favor so I told him I would try. Besides going the route of purchasing a unlock box and unlocking the phone with that, I discovered the SSU apk which SIM-Unlocks the phone. I downgraded the phone from Lollipop 5.0 stock to Android 4.4.2 KitKat (G900PVPU1ANE5) with ODIN. (FYI, i was stuck in download mode with no recovery mode for a week before finally getting one to work, and so happen to be that version that went through)..... I downloaded SSU and it unlocked the phone and I switched mobile network mode from CDMA to GSM Units. (NOTE: it says 4.4.2 and up will not work with USA carrier SIM cards without downgrading the Modem but I have not tried just yet) Im about to Root the phone but here is where my question comes in. I have read of people flashing roms to get their phones to work with certain carriers and other functions. Will rooting help me out at all? I guess IM asking if there is a ROM that I can flash onto the phone to enable the use of whatever carrier he is wanting to use with it. I know thats most likely useful in the situation, but Im awaiting that answer as we type. ANY help would be greatly appreciated ))) Thank you all.
Anyone? :/

Have a SM-G930V. Want to flash but have no idea what to do.

Hey there, hope y'all are doing well.
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-G930V, Nougat 7.0 (note: I live in europe, and it's an unlocked phone). I want to get rid of Verizon logo while booting and all the unnecessary apps connected with Verizon. Plus, as you know Verizon locks some functions like the device maintenance, turning off the backlight of the capacitive buttons, etc, etc.
So, I'd like to have a clean/untouched samsung firmware without any useless apps.
Is androidfilehost.com trustworthy? what about updato.com? (the latter had slow dl speed, and I stumbled upon the first alternative)
PS. by the way, mine reads G930VVRS4BQI1, so one thing that confused me was while loking up for files to download; should I get the G930VVRS4BQI1 which may be the only compatible file for my phone, or do I already have G930VVRS4BQI1, so downloading it would be useless?
Since I wouldn't like to tinker often with the phone system, what do you suggest, flashing or rooting?
Is there any guide for my case for flashing?
I noticed these two on the front page:
---[Rom] [Ufirm_QD2_Hybrid_Nougat_Rom_FlashFire_Install][Status Official For VZW S7FLAT]Last edited by CVertigo1; 25th September 2017
---[Rom] [Verizon_TMO_Hybrid_Nougat_Rom_FlashFire_Install][Status Official] [S7flat]Last edited by CVertigo1; 26th May 2017 at 03:13 PM.
which should I pick?
and since the posts were last edited in may and september, where can I find the latest firmware?
and after doing all this, will everything work well, will I get OTA updates?
I would really appreciate someone helping me out, whenever you're free.
Thanks in advance
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
JediDru said:
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
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Click to collapse
Hey JediDru,
I also just bought the S7 Verizon variant, and am planning on using it on MetroPCS. Would you recommend the 930U firmware for me as well? I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Verizon bloat before I hand it over to my wife...
jbjcurly said:
Hey JediDru,
I also just bought the S7 Verizon variant, and am planning on using it on MetroPCS. Would you recommend the 930U firmware for me as well? I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Verizon bloat before I hand it over to my wife...
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Click to collapse
You very well could. I think there is a thread around here specifically about metropcs setup somewhere between the verizon s7 and tmobile s7 forums. I use my 930v flashed to 930U on tmobile.
JediDru said:
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey there, thanks for your advice! I downloaded the latest file from here. sammobile"dot"com/firmwares/galaxy-s7/SM-G930U/VZW/
In a moment I was clueless at the "pick country" since there were more than one USA options. so I went with verizon, since my phone comes from verizon.
In the link I mentioned above it reads this This is for SM-G930U from USA (Verizon) which makes no sense to me, how it can be both "U"-unlocked and verizon at the same time... but, oh well, I flashed it 4 days ago and I've encountered no problem, which is all that matters! Hope I made no mistake at picking that file.
Recently purchased galaxy S7 SMG-930V (Best buy version) from a private owner.
I am on cricket and on APN setup LTE and MMS works without issues. Only issue is that upon dialing USSD code i get 'Connection problem or Invalid MMI code' . I tried all options available mentioned in this forum still doesn't work. Which version of SM-G930U should i flash? Main reason i purchased the phone is for Samusing Pay. Don't want to brick or lose Samusing Pay option after flash.
Inputs are appreciated.
thricegreat said:
hey there, thanks for your advice! I downloaded the latest file from here. sammobile"dot"com/firmwares/galaxy-s7/SM-G930U/VZW/
In a moment I was clueless at the "pick country" since there were more than one USA options. so I went with verizon, since my phone comes from verizon.
In the link I mentioned above it reads this This is for SM-G930U from USA (Verizon) which makes no sense to me, how it can be both "U"-unlocked and verizon at the same time... but, oh well, I flashed it 4 days ago and I've encountered no problem, which is all that matters! Hope I made no mistake at picking that file.
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Did it remove all the bloatware from Verizon?
Does Samsung pay works?
matrixddl said:
Did it remove all the bloatware from Verizon?
Does Samsung pay works?
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Yes Flashing the G930U firmware removes all carrier bloat.
Samsung pay comes with the U firmware.
The last time I was on the U I had bad standby drain. I read somewhere else it has to do with the U not dozing correctly. They may very well have fixed it now, I'm on the latest tmobile 4BRA firmware and it sleeps like a baby right now.
JediDru said:
Yes Flashing the G930U firmware removes all carrier bloat.
Samsung pay comes with the U firmware.
The last time I was on the U I had bad standby drain. I read somewhere else it has to do with the U not dozing correctly. They may very well have fixed it now, I'm on the latest tmobile 4BRA firmware and it sleeps like a baby right now.
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Flashed the verizon U firmware and it did remove all the bloatware. Still need to check on battery drain with Samsung Pay. All other apps are in "Always Sleeping Apps" for better battery performance.
For future reference make sure before flashing new firmware google accounts and lock screen securities are removed/disabled.
Is there a way to back up apps with user data and home screen and reuse instead of installing all over again when a new firmaware is flashed. Spoiled by the root and titanium full back. That was so easy.
matrixddl said:
Flashed the verizon U firmware and it did remove all the bloatware. Still need to check on battery drain with Samsung Pay. All other apps are in "Always Sleeping Apps" for better battery performance.
For future reference make sure before flashing new firmware google accounts and lock screen securities are removed/disabled.
Is there a way to back up apps with user data and home screen and reuse instead of installing all over again when a new firmaware is flashed. Spoiled by the root and titanium full back. That was so easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, no. It's not so bad. I had gotten into the habit of taking screen shots of my app drawer and redownloading. To think now I can just redownload the configuration of apps I had before is as good as it gets. I still just redownload. I like to re-set everything back up just so I know its done.
I haven't tried this method but to backup and restore all installed apps check this Link.
matrixddl said:
I haven't tried this method but to backup and restore all installed apps check this Link.
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Actually, if all you want to do is switch carriers (same GMail address), then a firmware swap will work.
I have an ex-Verizon (blacklisted IMEI - previous owner)S7 that I was moving to Tracfone (which uses both VZW and T-Mobile towers) - naturally, VZW was a non-starter; however, the UnCarrier was fine, so I used a T-Mobile nanoSIM (Tracfone triple-punch SIM kit includes SIMs from all except Sprint) and replaced the VZW firmware with T-M firmware (Prince Comsy ODIN does the track rather neatly). As long as your IMEI is not blacklisted from the TARGET, such a swap will always work.

I have yet to find a simple guide on "How to load a custom ROM on your AT&T S7 Edge"

I have yet to find a simple guide on "How to load a custom ROM on your AT&T S7 Edge"
I've traveled all over the interwebs, including this website and many others but have not found a simple guide for noobs. I read about CWM, TWRP, Odin, rooting, zip files, tar files, nandroid, backup ROM, root with app, root via computer, blah, blah, blah, blah....
All I know is that before I do anything I want to backup the stock ROM but before that I'm thrown all kinds of different tools and processes that one could use. For the noob it should be as simple as:
Step 1: backup your stock ROM and to do this download/install this tool then follow these instructions.
Step 2: root your S7 Edge and to do this download/install this tool then follow these instructions.
Step 3: find a custom ROM you want to install and to do this go here, here or here for you model and download it to your PC.
Step 4: flash your custom ROM and to do this down/install this tool and follow these instructions.
Maybe I haven't done a good job of searching so shame on me but I don't feel like given the effort I've expended thus far has yielded a straight and easy answer when it probably should be. I seem to run across a lot of promising reads/threads about this only to find that there seems to be so much more knowledge and experience with the SM-935F and not so much with the SM-935A variant. On top of it, it would seem that I'm told that rooting will or will not break Samsung Pay and other apps/features or that the flag will or will not permanently trip that shows the device has been modified. Very confusing.
When I'm presented with a tar/zip download I'm not sure to where I'm supposed to be downloading. To my PC then used Odin s/w on the PC to install via USB cable to the handset?
Can someone please point me to the simple guide to get this going...or am I gonna have to write it myself? TIA.
BTW, I should note that I'm coming from a S3 on Virgin Mobile to a S7 Edge SM-G935A to be used on Cricket Wireless (AT&T). Since I'll be on Cricket and not directly a AT&T customer per se I'd like to get rid of all the bloatware that AT&T was so kind to load up on the handset. Right now it has Nougat 7.0 installed: samsung/hero2qlteuc/hero2qlteatt:7.0/NRD90M/G935AUCU4BQA6
I am not sure if you have a US version the S7 (Qualcomm G935A) or the S7 non US version. But if you have the US version, we are out of luck. Our bootloader is completely locked and all those steps you pointed out are not available.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
freeop said:
I am not sure if you have a US version the S7 (Qualcomm G935A) or the S7 non US version. But if you have the US version, we are out of luck. Our bootloader is completely locked and all those steps you pointed out are not available.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
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So it seems that with all USA Qualcomm versions regardless of GSM carrier you have confirmed we pretty much cannot do much other than load some other versions of firmware such the U version ROM? From what I read HERE this is the Marshmallow 6.0 o/s. I currently have the stock Nougat 7.0 firmware from AT&T on my S7 Edge. Is there a debloated 7.0 version of the U ROM available?
UPDATE: Never mind...I came across THIS THREAD regarding an unbloated 7.0 U-version. I see you were active in that thread so now I need to read the entire thing before I have more questions and if so I'll ask them there. Thanks!
SyberTiger said:
So it seems that with all USA Qualcomm versions regardless of GSM carrier you have confirmed we pretty much cannot do much other than load some other versions of firmware such the U version ROM? From what I read HERE this is the Marshmallow 6.0 o/s. I currently have the stock Nougat 7.0 firmware from AT&T on my S7 Edge. Is there a debloated 7.0 version of the U ROM available?
UPDATE: Never mind...I came across THIS THREAD regarding an unbloated 7.0 U-version. I see you were active in that thread so now I need to read the entire thing before I have more questions and if so I'll ask them there. Thanks!
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Click to collapse
If you still want to root your phone, you can follow this link and will let you get rid of all the bloat and root your phone, install xposed and all the mods for xposed. I have used the ENG.IMG version of root for the G935A over 6 months ago and it works great, given the choices we have.
Here's the link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...eres-how-rooted-nougat-s7-edge-g935t-t3567502
I know the thread is in the T-Mobile section but if you read the first line, it says it works for T-Mobile, ATT, Sprint, Verizon, etc. It is a very long thread but if you read mostly the later posts from @Craz Basics and you will be able to see that it works really nice.
Good luck
freeop said:
If you still want to root your phone, you can follow this link and will let you get rid of all the bloat and root your phone, install xposed and all the mods for xposed. I have used the ENG.IMG version of root for the G935A over 6 months ago and it works great, given the choices we have.
Here's the link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...eres-how-rooted-nougat-s7-edge-g935t-t3567502
I know the thread is in the T-Mobile section but if you read the first line, it says it works for T-Mobile, ATT, Sprint, Verizon, etc. It is a very long thread but if you read mostly the later posts from @Craz Basics and you will be able to see that it works really nice.
Good luck
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Click to collapse
Hey thanks....but I have another question now that I'm given choices.
Which ROM is better, the U 7.0 ROM or the T-Mobile ROM you just linked? And, why is it better than the other?
SyberTiger said:
Hey thanks....but I have another question now that I'm given choices.
Which ROM is better, the U 7.0 ROM or the T-Mobile ROM you just linked? And, why is it better than the other?
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Click to collapse
Ok the U 7.0 ROM is still un-rooted and bootloader locked. If you go that way, you get the U ROM with-out all the Bloat. But nothing more.
And the link is not really for the T-Mobile phone only. The ENG.IMG is for all makes of the Qualcomm chip. You install that and you are still with ATT. Still have all the things ATT provides like WiFi-Calling and other ATT things. And you can get rid of the Bloatware from the ATT ROM using different apps, like Titanium Backup. With the ENG.IMG you can root your phone and use all the apps that are available for Rooted Phones. One of the best is Titanium Backup. You can only use that one Rooted phones. If you have the U 7.0 ROM, you will have to use the same ENG.IMG to Root the U 7.0 ROM to get that OS rooted. And as I mentioned before you can use Xposed with the rooted phone.
If you are just looking to get rid of Bloatware on the ATT, there is an app for that also. Check out BK Disabler in the playstore. You can get rid of all the bloatware without rooting your phone.
Anyway, hope this make some kind of sense...
freeop said:
Ok the U 7.0 ROM is still un-rooted and bootloader locked. If you go that way, you get the U ROM with-out all the Bloat. But nothing more.
And the link is not really for the T-Mobile phone only. The ENG.IMG is for all makes of the Qualcomm chip. You install that and you are still with ATT. Still have all the things ATT provides like WiFi-Calling and other ATT things. And you can get rid of the Bloatware from the ATT ROM using different apps, like Titanium Backup. With the ENG.IMG you can root your phone and use all the apps that are available for Rooted Phones. One of the best is Titanium Backup. You can only use that one Rooted phones. If you have the U 7.0 ROM, you will have to use the same ENG.IMG to Root the U 7.0 ROM to get that OS rooted. And as I mentioned before you can use Xposed with the rooted phone.
If you are just looking to get rid of Bloatware on the ATT, there is an app for that also. Check out BK Disabler in the playstore. You can get rid of all the bloatware without rooting your phone.
Anyway, hope this make some kind of sense...
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Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciate it.
I'm really not planning on spending a lot of time making changes or tweaking the handset. I'm on Cricket Wireless therefore I don't see any value in the AT&T bloatware which is why I wanted it removed. My interest is primarily having the latest/greatest android version I can have without all the stuff junking it up. I'd like it to be as fast as is reasonably possibly but at the same time have reasonably good battery life. I'm coming from a Galaxy S3 on Virgin Mobile so the change to the S7E is a huge upgrade. I haven't figured out yet if there are any apps (that require rooting) that are so slick I can't live without them.
I installed the U 7.0 and as I recall I got about 5 or 6 OTA updates which in encouraging. I think the AT&T ROM never received any of the 3 or 4 most current security updates. Anyhow, U 7.0 is up and running with no AT&T bloatware.
SyberTiger said:
Thanks, appreciate it.
I'm really not planning on spending a lot of time making changes or tweaking the handset. I'm on Cricket Wireless therefore I don't see any value in the AT&T bloatware which is why I wanted it removed. My interest is primarily having the latest/greatest android version I can have without all the stuff junking it up. I'd like it to be as fast as is reasonably possibly but at the same time have reasonably good battery life. I'm coming from a Galaxy S3 on Virgin Mobile so the change to the S7E is a huge upgrade. I haven't figured out yet if there are any apps (that require rooting) that are so slick I can't live without them.
I installed the U 7.0 and as I recall I got about 5 or 6 OTA updates which in encouraging. I think the AT&T ROM never received any of the 3 or 4 most current security updates. Anyhow, U 7.0 is up and running with no AT&T bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's software updater only works if you have an AT&T SIM card. This is why the first thing you should do if you buy an AT&T (or other carrier) device that you don't plan to use on that network is to convert it to the unlocked version. That, and AT&T (in particular) loads the crap out of their devices with bloatware to the point that switching to U feels like an early upgrade to the next generation device.
jshamlet said:
AT&T's software updater only works if you have an AT&T SIM card. This is why the first thing you should do if you buy an AT&T (or other carrier) device that you don't plan to use on that network is to convert it to the unlocked version. That, and AT&T (in particular) loads the crap out of their devices with bloatware to the point that switching to U feels like an early upgrade to the next generation device.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I have a Cricket SIM which explains why this unlocked handset is stuck on 7.0 G935AUCU4BQA6 which is the February 1, 2017 update. Interestingly enough, the Network Signal Info app shows the SIM Operator as AT&T and Network Operator as Cricket/AT&T.
Going to the U got rid of all the bloatware and the handset immediately started receiving 5 or 6 OTA updates. I'll probably stick with the U version unless it becomes apparent there's a significantly better ROM available that increases performance, battery life or really adds some whizbangs that make the S7E experience a lot better.
forgive me for butting in -- I have a SM-G935A (stock) on Cricket as well.
Updates to the ROM and while keeping Samsung Pay are important to me.
In the past, I have d/led ATT updates and installed them using Odin, but that wipes my phone's apps/settings each time. Recently, I purchased an ATT sim & put the minimum $$$ on it with the intention of popping it in for OTA's. I've received BQK2, Nov 1 2017. It's a crappy work around, but the easiest I know of without having to rebuild my phone each Odin'ed update.
Would installing U or TMO firmware on the 935A remove the ability to use Samsung Pay? Would either of them be updated for frequently/easier than the 935A?
The U firmware supports Samsung pay and gets updates directly. The only downsides are no carrier features like wifi calling, etc., and if gets updates later than the carrier versions. I have run it on AT&T since I got the phone and it has worked fine.
jshamlet said:
The U firmware supports Samsung pay and gets updates directly. The only downsides are no carrier features like wifi calling, etc., and if gets updates later than the carrier versions. I have run it on AT&T since I got the phone and it has worked fine.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, jshamlet.
This is my first phone I haven't rooted & I feel a bit powerless without Xposed and Titanium Backup. I find myself using Samsung Pay so often, that I don't want to lose it & was concerned that installing the U (or TMO) firmware on the ATT version would trip Knox, too.
William Thornton said:
forgive me for butting in -- I have a SM-G935A (stock) on Cricket as well.
Updates to the ROM and while keeping Samsung Pay are important to me.
In the past, I have d/led ATT updates and installed them using Odin, but that wipes my phone's apps/settings each time. Recently, I purchased an ATT sim & put the minimum $$$ on it with the intention of popping it in for OTA's. I've received BQK2, Nov 1 2017. It's a crappy work around, but the easiest I know of without having to rebuild my phone each Odin'ed update.
Would installing U or TMO firmware on the 935A remove the ability to use Samsung Pay? Would either of them be updated for frequently/easier than the 935A?
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Click to collapse
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
SyberTiger said:
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
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I've never gotten it working 100%.
William Thornton said:
I've never gotten it working 100%.
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I'd be talking about the PC version not the phone-to-phone setup. Back up to PC then from PC to your phone. Worked great for me.
SyberTiger said:
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
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Click to collapse
Um, no. No it doesn't. Helium (or if you are feeling oldster, ADB) does a vastly better job of backing up apps than Smart Switch. Smart Switch does a reasonably good job of putting your phone's settings back, but it doesn't appear to back up most app data.
I learned this the hard way.
---------- Post added at 01:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 AM ----------
William Thornton said:
Thanks, jshamlet.
This is my first phone I haven't rooted & I feel a bit powerless without Xposed and Titanium Backup. I find myself using Samsung Pay so often, that I don't want to lose it & was concerned that installing the U (or TMO) firmware on the ATT version would trip Knox, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay, with the MST technology, is one of those weirdly underrated features that continually amaze people. It works nearly anywhere you can physically see the mag stripe reader, which instantly makes it vastly more useful than either Apple Pay or Android Pay. I have had more than a few people say "We don't take Apple Pay", and then drop their jaw when the transaction goes through.
The fact that Samsung doesn't make a bigger deal about it is strange, because it really is one of those technologies that sets them apart from the other two.

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