S7 SM-G930F Rent-A-Center Lock Workaround - Samsung Galaxy S7 Guides, News, & Discussion

I thought I would post this in case someone else is stuck like I was. I purchased an S7 SM-G930F off ebay and it worked fine for a 45 days until 2 days ago when a Rent-A-Center lock screen popped up and rendered the device unusable. I tried to get it returned through ebay but the seller and ebay both said that the return window closed. Based on web searches this has been in place for a few years on Rent-A-Center acquired devices but I couldn't find anything fixing it for the S7. Long story short I tried everything under the sun to get a firmware on it and every way failed. It seems like anything based on Samsung firmware would trigger it including multiple different builds such as Superman. Others probably know more, but it seems like there is something in Samsung produced firmwares (maybe knox) that checks and trips on the IMEI number causing the lock to trigger.
There are guides and information out there about using Cyanogenmod on an S5 to work around it so I looked through all the firmware available and decided to try the N7 Google Pixel Edition 2.0 here by Angelo27093 since it wasn't based on Samsung Firmware.
That worked! Many Thanks to Angelo27093 and anyone else who worked on that firmware because it turned my 500.00 brick into a usable device.
Steps (I'm a newb so maybe I didn't need all this)
1. Download the Stock firmware of your choice from Sammobile
2. Unzip/unrar it and pull out the BL and CP for bootloader and modem (I used 7Zip)
3. Grab TWRP from here
4. Grab Odin 3.12 here
5. Download the N7 Google Pixel Edition 2.0 ROM here
6. Put the N7 ROM on an SD Card
7. Put the Device in Download Mode (Hold Vol Down, Power, Home)
8. Use Odin to flash TWRP to the device (AP)
9. Reboot into Recovery Mode (Hold Vol Up, Power, Home)
10. In TWRP use Advanced Wipe to Wipe everything except the SD Card. If it fails use Reset Data first, then Wipe
11. Reboot into Download mode from TWRP Reboot menu
12. Use Odin to Flash the BL, CP, and TWRP
13. Reboot into Recovery mode
14. Use Install from the TWRP menu to browse to N7 Google Pixel ROM on the SD Card
15. That's it. Wait for it to boot and setup (might take 5-10 min)
The only other thing I did was grab exchange services and the samsung email client from an APK mirror.
Again, MANY Thanks to all the people that put all this software together. Saved my device!

Just tried this, still doesn't work for me. Followed all the steps. Did the lock come back for you?

1- install twrp
2- boot into recovery
3- Go to Advanced -> Terminal Command -> hit "Select"
4- type these comands
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda13
5- do a factory reset with the recovery

deshaney said:
1- install twrp
2- boot into recovery
3- Go to Advanced -> Terminal Command -> hit "Select"
4- type these comands
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda13
5- do a factory reset with the recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When doing dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11 I get the following error:
Code:
dd: writing 'dev/block/sda11' : No space left on device

Thank you for this!! At our cell-repair place we had a customer have this stuck on their S7 and we could not get it off. We had actually tried this exact thing once before without a few of the steps. Well, we did everything in this order again, including flashing twrp again and typing the code before installing the rom and it worked! Not sure what was different between our two separate tries, but in the end it worked! So thank you!!

deshaney said:
1- install twrp
2- boot into recovery
3- Go to Advanced -> Terminal Command -> hit "Select"
4- type these comands
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda13
5- do a factory reset with the recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after do odin flash with G930FXXU1APB6 and all ok

Note 8
I just bought a "unlocked" note 8 and everything was clean when I checked it and everything works and is activated but when I was scrolling though the settings I saw under "knox" there's a Rent-a-center profile with the contact number and everything. So I'm assuming this is going to do the same exact thing. And if it does, will this method work for my phone as well? I've been doing research about what it means and a solution when i stumbled on this post and figured I'd ask some people who are familiar with the issue and might know what to do and not to do. So If anyone has any advice or can help please let me know

mjohnson27401 said:
I thought I would post this in case someone else is stuck like I was. I purchased an S7 SM-G930F off ebay and it worked fine for a 45 days until 2 days ago when a Rent-A-Center lock screen popped up and rendered the device unusable. I tried to get it returned through ebay but the seller and ebay both said that the return window closed. Based on web searches this has been in place for a few years on Rent-A-Center acquired devices but I couldn't find anything fixing it for the S7. Long story short I tried everything under the sun to get a firmware on it and every way failed. It seems like anything based on Samsung firmware would trigger it including multiple different builds such as Superman. Others probably know more, but it seems like there is something in Samsung produced firmwares (maybe knox) that checks and trips on the IMEI number causing the lock to trigger.
There are guides and information out there about using Cyanogenmod on an S5 to work around it so I looked through all the firmware available and decided to try the N7 Google Pixel Edition 2.0 here by Angelo27093 since it wasn't based on Samsung Firmware.
That worked! Many Thanks to Angelo27093 and anyone else who worked on that firmware because it turned my 500.00 brick into a usable device.
Steps (I'm a newb so maybe I didn't need all this)
1. Download the Stock firmware of your choice from Sammobile
2. Unzip/unrar it and pull out the BL and CP for bootloader and modem (I used 7Zip)
3. Grab TWRP from here
4. Grab Odin 3.12 here
5. Download the N7 Google Pixel Edition 2.0 ROM here
6. Put the N7 ROM on an SD Card
7. Put the Device in Download Mode (Hold Vol Down, Power, Home)
8. Use Odin to flash TWRP to the device (AP)
9. Reboot into Recovery Mode (Hold Vol Up, Power, Home)
10. In TWRP use Advanced Wipe to Wipe everything except the SD Card. If it fails use Reset Data first, then Wipe
11. Reboot into Download mode from TWRP Reboot menu
12. Use Odin to Flash the BL, CP, and TWRP
13. Reboot into Recovery mode
14. Use Install from the TWRP menu to browse to N7 Google Pixel ROM on the SD Card
15. That's it. Wait for it to boot and setup (might take 5-10 min)
The only other thing I did was grab exchange services and the samsung email client from an APK mirror.
Again, MANY Thanks to all the people that put all this software together. Saved my device!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didn't work for me, model g930f. please helpppp!!! ((

TLDR, follow back to stock procedures for your phone. In this case they have used an exploit to gain system persistence. Without clearing the system and data partitions, the exploit will likely return ("factory restore" only wipes data partition).

Sounds to me like the Rent a Center lock is a legitimate lock by Rent a Center... It seems that whomever you bought your phone from had acquired it from Rent a Center on a "rent to own" or something similar - And they sold you a phone that wasn't theirs to actually sell....In other words it looks - walks & smells like fraud on the part of the person who sold you the phone.
https://www.rentacenter.com/smartphones/shop-smartphones/c/5001
Sent from my SM-G955W ??

magmafire said:
actually i bought a note 8 on ebay after 2 months use my phone was locked too with its was saying rent a center and asking for password
a friend of mine has commented on facebook post for someone who was saying he have sucessfully removed this lock
i did contacted him on his facebook he told me to send picture of the lock i did send it and he said he can unlock it he asked me for 90$ to remove the lock i accept and and paid him via skrill he asked for team viewer the logged to my pc then made the screen black and i do not know what he did then he tell me to do some steps and volla my phone was in download mode for 2 minutes then rebooted and i cant believe the lock was gone
this is the link where i found his post
www . facebook . com/ baselalzoupi/posts/2089441677959653
and this his facebook id page where i contacted him
www . facebook . com/ baselalzoupi
i cant post links because i just registered to make you guys know about it because i spent 1 month searching for solution
remove spaces in the link to make it work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had great experience with this service referred by @magmafire. Basel was very professional, friendly and patient. He is passionate about his work. The price was more than fair for the service he offered. I highly recommend him for anyone's got a rent-a-center locked phone. :good:

shaggyskunk said:
Sounds to me like the Rent a Center lock is a legitimate lock by Rent a Center... It seems that whomever you bought your phone from had acquired it from Rent a Center on a "rent to own" or something similar - And they sold you a phone that wasn't theirs to actually sell....In other words it looks - walks & smells like fraud on the part of the person who sold you the phone.
https://www.rentacenter.com/smartphones/shop-smartphones/c/5001
Sent from my SM-G955W
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if it really comes down to it rent a center are a bunch of crooks who over charge people 2,500.00 for a 800.00 phone ??? screw rent a center.

Any one here can verify this method works? Seems ever one saying its not working. I bought a s7 other day mint condition for 25 bucks guy said it wouldn't turn on so i got home and charged it and it came on but it has a RAC lock on it. I figure if its ez enough for me to get it off i will try that but if not i will wait till i get another s7 with bad lcd and swap boards. I tried flashed U1 FW and that didnt work.

Flash the engineer bootloader that matches your firmware version. This will give you root she'll access. Then you can use the "dd if" commands to remove rac lock. I've done it on multiple phones.

I have the opportunity to buy a Note 9 from a seller that seems to deal with second-hand stuff (maybe a pawn shop, or they bought a pallet of electronics for resell/repair/etc). I don't think it's some degenerate that just didn't pay their bill and are trying to rip off RAC. It's the unlocked international version (N9600) that can be bootloader unlocked, rooted, etc. I'm familiar with the process of entering download mode, wiping, rebuilding partitions, etc. Would this process work on this phone to permanently remove the RAC lock? I plan to use the phone on Verizon, FWIW.
Now, a note on the legality/honesty of this situation:
I know that there is the possibility of dishonesty here... so it's a little taboo to talk about. RAC locked down the device due to non-payment. However, I hate the idea of the hardware going to waste. The fact is that when someone defrauds a lender (carrier, rent a center, etc)... it sucks, and there's a phone that's locked until it's paid for. However, in most cases, they don't pay for it, and it gets sold on the gray market. I just want this device to be able to be used again. If RAC is the only entity that can *legally* unlock it, then it's just not going to happen. They might want thousands of dollars to pay it off.
Stolen cars are eventually sold at auction, assuming they are in suitable condition. It's the most legitimate end to preventing a running car from going unused.
So... on the honor system... we technically capable people that just want to battle entropy of electronics might be able to remove the lock permanently and save the device from the e-waste heap. That's my goal. And a good deal, of course.
So... Will this work for the N9600? Thanks

KerwinSiwa said:
I totally agree. State courts throughout the US have consistently held that a failure to pay for leased merchandise is civil in nature, and does not rise to the level of theft or other criminal charges. Hence, a person in possession of a Rent-a-Center locked smartphone is not in possession of stolen property. No harm, no foul. Ethically, I can see where Rent-a-Center posits in terms of a loss. Nevertheless, the civil dispute is strictly between Rent-a-Center and the lease signer. That's none of my business. My name's Paul and that's between ya'll; my name's Bennett and I ain't in it. Anyway you get my point. A Rent-a-Center in Tennessee recently sought civil damages against an individual who was charging a fee to remove RAC remote security from RAC smartphones. Rent-a-Center ultimately lost the case (See Rent-a-Center, Inc vs. Jerry Garvey, Jr (Tenn. R. App. P. 81 (Aug 2018)).
By the way these locks are super simple to remove and, on most devices, the remote security protocol can be removed from the device in 15 minutes or less. Rent-a-Center should perhaps look into some better security. Yes, you can do this on the N9600 as well. I can confirm on that model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, the item in question already sold to someone else... But now that I'm interested in the topic, I'm also curious. Can RAC blacklist the phone like a carrier could? Could they put the IMEI or MEID on a list of stolen devices and carriers like Verizon or Tmobile could refuse to activate them? Or, do they have no authority to do that? If they could blacklist the device for all carriers, it doesn't matter how simple their security is.
Thanks again

So... Let's say I came across a phone with a RAC lock and did an ESN check. If I got the attached results... What would be the outcome? It's not on the blacklist, but it is on the NCIC list (national crime information center). Would Verizon or any other carrier allow it, or not? I kind of want to ask Verizon directly, but that would be like asking a TSA agent what weapons *are* allowed on a plane.
Any advice?

DrPhant0m said:
So... Let's say I came across a phone with a RAC lock and did an ESN check. If I got the attached results... What would be the outcome? It's not on the blacklist, but it is on the NCIC list (national crime information center). Would Verizon or any other carrier allow it, or not? I kind of want to ask Verizon directly, but that would be like asking a TSA agent what weapons *are* allowed on a plane.
Any advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ncic is the national database that police use for lost/stolen stuff. carriers generally dont have access to it. but cops do. if a cop runs the imei in ncic it would come back as stolen and you might get in trubble with the law for possing stolen property. however unlike cars or guns the cops only check phones through ncic if something suspicious is happening like phone theft investigation where they have a description of person or vehicle possibly involved

Related

Error 0000 (Processing Failed) Stuck on Samsung Account Screen

Hello! My Galaxy Note 3 Exynos SM-N900 is now officialy a brick, so I guess this thread will help others to not do the same as I did. Here I go:
As you guys know, Exynos version of the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't have a lot of custom roms, so, I get tired of waiting for the kitkat update, donwloaded the Crisktelo rom 4.4.2, and flash it. Nothing wrong. The problem get with the camera, it works but takes so poor quality photos.
I tried to get back to stock, I get the Panama's TBA 4.4.2 stock firmware from Sammobile, because I am from Costa Rica and my Sammy is unlocked carrier free. Flashed as usual using Odin but the phone was the same no data was deleted, just the firmware changed. I wanted to get full wype to start again, backup everything and make factory reset using the menu on the phone. I totally forgot that the security option using Samsung Account to prevent theft was enabled. So I get to the screen of Samsung Account and get the ERR_0000 (Processing Failed) when I put my email and password for my Sammy Account. Aparently there is no way no get my phone back, this error is very weird in forums to happens and tried everything, from changing my password, by unsuscribing my account and enable it again. Flash the stock firmware several times, and as you know I can get the warranty because of the Know counter.
So maybe some of you are thinking to use that security feature, I guess if you use custom roms is a bad idea, but if you use stock there is no problem, even if your phone gets stolen, neither the thief or you can get it work again.
PS: I know ther is a thread similar to this one, but the difference is I KNOW my password and user, and this error is in the equation. So maybe I can get help or get help to others. Either way, I'm looking for a new phone, HTC One or LG G2?
As u can see Processing Error means -> wrong email/account has been entered.
Please use the correct account fro N900 otherwise u need to perfrom EFS clear
Also, can you check REACTIVATION LOCK in download mode and post result.
That is surely an expensive lesson. I guess Samsung Service Center can help you out providing that u can bring prove of purchase and be prepared for some financial charges as this kind of thing is surely out of warranty.
exprxp said:
As u can see Processing Error means -> wrong email/account has been entered.
Please use the correct account fro N900 otherwise u need to perfrom EFS clear
Also, can you check REACTIVATION LOCK in download mode and post result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read the whole thread but apparently is not available for end users just for Samsung Support... I think that is the solution but I can`t do it. But thanks!
nlatifolia said:
That is surely an expensive lesson. I guess Samsung Service Center can help you out providing that u can bring prove of purchase and be prepared for some financial charges as this kind of thing is surely out of warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed. My note 3 is just 3 months old, I have the invoice, I will send the phone this saturday to them, if they charge me more than $200 to do that I will let the phone as a loss and buy a new one. I'll update this thread.
JosHeron said:
Indeed. My note 3 is just 3 months old, I have the invoice, I will send the phone this saturday to them, if they charge me more than $200 to do that I will let the phone as a loss and buy a new one. I'll update this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Noone will charge you.
JosHeron said:
Hello! My Galaxy Note 3 Exynos SM-N900 is now officialy a brick, so I guess this thread will help others to not do the same as I did. Here I go:
As you guys know, Exynos version of the Galaxy Note 3 doesn't have a lot of custom roms, so, I get tired of waiting for the kitkat update, donwloaded the Crisktelo rom 4.4.2, and flash it. Nothing wrong. The problem get with the camera, it works but takes so poor quality photos.
I tried to get back to stock, I get the Panama's TBA 4.4.2 stock firmware from Sammobile, because I am from Costa Rica and my Sammy is unlocked carrier free. Flashed as usual using Odin but the phone was the same no data was deleted, just the firmware changed. I wanted to get full wype to start again, backup everything and make factory reset using the menu on the phone. I totally forgot that the security option using Samsung Account to prevent theft was enabled. So I get to the screen of Samsung Account and get the ERR_0000 (Processing Failed) when I put my email and password for my Sammy Account. Aparently there is no way no get my phone back, this error is very weird in forums to happens and tried everything, from changing my password, by unsuscribing my account and enable it again. Flash the stock firmware several times, and as you know I can get the warranty because of the Know counter.
So maybe some of you are thinking to use that security feature, I guess if you use custom roms is a bad idea, but if you use stock there is no problem, even if your phone gets stolen, neither the thief or you can get it work again.
PS: I know ther is a thread similar to this one, but the difference is I KNOW my password and user, and this error is in the equation. So maybe I can get help or get help to others. Either way, I'm looking for a new phone, HTC One or LG G2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
zer0xp said:
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I try to spread this info to as many people as I can, Google+, Twitter, Facebook... People need to know that Samsung is doing this, and I know that this "feature" is not well implemented, I will go to the store and try to get a replacement. If Samsung is keeping this Knox and other security "fails" features, they are gonna keep me away from their products. Please keep updating if you get your device back working.
zer0xp said:
You're not alone here, and I can tell you that this problem has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you're using a custom rom, because my phone is on the stock 4.4 rom, and has never been rooted, wiped (until now), or tampered with.
This is not an "Expensive lesson," or a mistake on your part.
This is a broken feature of the note 3 device, and I have been on and off the phone with samsung all day.
So far there is nothing they can do from their end. And for those of you who are wondering, yes, you can log into your samsung account from your PC or whatever, but the activation lock will not let you in. I'm still working on resolving this issue. I think it's a problem with Samsung's login gateway to be honest. I experienced this last night at 10pm, and so far it hasn't been fixed.
So far I have this:
10pm - 7am EST: "Processing Failed.(ERR_0000)"
7am - 9am EST: "Unfortunately Samsung Login has stopped."
10am - 2pm EST: Processing failed
Between not letting me in and crashing, everything else has been pretty useless. Don't waste any more time formatting or wiping.
I CAN tell you that the minute I get back into the phone, I'm returning it to stock and putting it up for sale.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had the exact same experience. A guy from tech support in the US said that mine may be trying to authenticate in the US, but since it is from Panama, it is conflicting and causing the error. He also mentioned a seemingly universal unlock code that can be provided from Samsung in the UK. I have already spent 10USD adding Skype credit in order to contact them, but they were closed when I called. I'm going to attempt it tomorrow. I will be destroyed if I have to send my phone to Panama or a similar place; the wait and customs can be aggravating.
The phone was so awesome (minus the volume warnings and skype vs call app default selection not working) before I upgraded to KitKat. I just wanted to factory reset it to make it stable :/
We should warn people not to select that Samsung Account option; it is certainly not stable.
lagoboss said:
I have had the exact same experience. A guy from tech support in the US said that mine may be trying to authenticate in the US, but since it is from Panama, it is conflicting and causing the error. He also mentioned a seemingly universal unlock code that can be provided from Samsung in the UK. I have already spent 10USD adding Skype credit in order to contact them, but they were closed when I called. I'm going to attempt it tomorrow. I will be destroyed if I have to send my phone to Panama or a similar place; the wait and customs can be aggravating.
The phone was so awesome (minus the volume warnings and skype vs call app default selection not working) before I upgraded to KitKat. I just wanted to factory reset it to make it stable :/
We should warn people not to select that Samsung Account option; it is certainly not stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's definitely not a bad idea.
If you find out anything about this "universal unlock code," be sure to post it here for the rest of us!
zer0xp said:
Yeah, that's definitely not a bad idea.
If you find out anything about this "universal unlock code," be sure to post it here for the rest of us!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. If you can beat me to it, here is the "elevated tech support" number US: 1-888-987-4357 and this is the number in the UK that he gave me for the probable pipe dream code lol 4401932454358.
lagoboss said:
Will do. If you can beat me to it, here is the "elevated tech support" number US: 1-888-987-4357 and this is the number in the UK that he gave me for the probable pipe dream code lol 4401932454358.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I talk with the support in Panamá today. Because I Live in Costa Rica, I can call them for free. They didn't tell me anything about the universal unlock code. But only I have to take my phone back to the store and they will reset it. I Was wondering about what you say, how they can give you a unlock code even if they can't verify from distancie that you are the true owner of the phone?
I read in another thread here that Samsung support guys can only reset the phones verifying the true autenticy of the owner. If you wish, i can call samsung support in Panamá today and así if your phone using a firmware from Panamá needs to be sent there. I guess not but I can ask.
JosHeron said:
I talk with the support in Panamá today. Because I Live in Costa Rica, I can call them for free. They didn't tell me anything about the universal unlock code. But only I have to take my phone back to the store and they will reset it. I Was wondering about what you say, how they can give you a unlock code even if they can't verify from distancie that you are the true owner of the phone?
I read in another thread here that Samsung support guys can only reset the phones verifying the true autenticy of the owner. If you wish, i can call samsung support in Panamá today and así if your phone using a firmware from Panamá needs to be sent there. I guess not but I can ask.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be so helpful. Please ask them about it because my Spanish sucks lol. And please report back about the reset experience.
As far as that code, I admit that it does sound fishy like most things Sammy reps say. I thought they would investigate the processing failure instead of exploring the possibility that it wasnt really my phone.
I hope all goes well with resetting yours.
Sent from my XT560 using xda app-developers app
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
Detailed Steps:
I am assuming that you have a SM-N900 International Note 3. If your phone does not boot with SM-N900 on the splash screen, find the appropriate stock rom for your phone. Otherwise, you can break your phone
This process should could take 4 hours +/- 1 depending on your internet speed.
Step 1: Get Materials (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Download KitKat XXUDNA9 4.4.2 for SM-N900: http://terafile.co/3120933f433b
- Download Odin Verision 3.07 (3.09 does not play well with Note 3 and the old KitKat): https://copy.com/zowadQ32bn9T
Step 1: Factory Wipe and Clear Cache (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Switch off the phone
- Remove the battery and then re-insert it after several seconds
- Next, press and hold simultaneously Volume Up, Home and Power.
- Release the buttons when the screen flickers and then wait for the Recovery Mode main screen to appear.
- If the Recovery Mode doesn’t boot, then you should keep trying until it does.
- Select factory wipe with the volume up key and then the power button, confirm
- Select Clear Cache
- Reboot the phone in normal mode by selecting the Reboot option.
Step 2: Make Sure the Phone to at least 80% capacity
Step 3: Reinstall KitKat XXUDNA9 (Adapted from http://nasirtech.blogspot.com/2014/02/n900xxudna9-android-442-kitkat-firmware.html)
- Switch off your phone and boot Galaxy Note 3 N900 into Download Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down+Home+Power buttons (long press until the boot screen appear), now press Volume Up key to proceed to Download Mode.
- Extract the downloaded Odin3.07 zip file and run the Odin3 v3.07.exe file as an administrator (Right click on the .exe file and click on Run as administrator)
- Now connect your Galaxy Note 3 N900 to your computer via USB cable
- In Odin3 screen, you should see a COM Port number like “0:[COM7]” at ID:COM section and “Added!” text at the message box. This means -your device has been detected by Odin3.
- Make sure that, only the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options are checked. Failure to do so can brick (break/damage your device)
- Now, extract the downloaded firmware zip file, you’ll find a firmware file with extension .tar.md5
- In Odin screen, click on PDA button and select the firmware file with .tar.md5 extension (The firmware file look something like: N900XXDLJ5_N900ODDDLI7_INU.tar.md5)
- Now, click on the Start button to begin the installation process, wait few moments.
- Once completed, you would see “PASS!” message in ID:COM port having green background
- Your phone should automatically reboot after completion
- You can now disconnect your phone from computer
You should be able to enter your Samsung Account and Password without processing error_0000 now.
(Update: There is an issue with the Internet browser, flash the latest KitKat to fix)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
lagoboss said:
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
(Update: Email, the default Samsung app may crash. In order to fix, navigate to settings-> application manager -> Email -> and then force stop. Next clear the cache.)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really does give me great pleasure to announce that this method worked for me as well. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that the rough, official fix for this issue is as follows: (you'll get more detailed instructions on flashing and using Odin elsewhere, typing this quickly at work)
1) Download XXUDNA9 4.4.2 firmware for the SM-N900
2) Download Odin 3.07 (it is reported that the note 3 doesn't play well with 3.09)
3) connect your phone to your pc, open Odin and select your md5 file under PDA
4) allow it to complete the flashing process and then log into your Samsung account
Thanks to everyone who helped in trying to figure this out. I'm gonna check back and make sure everyone's phone was fixed.
Good luck!
lagoboss said:
Thanks again JosHeron for offering to talk to Sammy in Panama for me.
I fixed my issue I used a XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat rom that I flashed with ODIN 3.7. Once I flashed the rom, the phone rebooted and then it said that it was optimizing the apps. After that, I went through all of the steps and on the sign-in screen, it accepted my Sammy account and password on the first try.
Here is my theory on what caused the issue. When I did the recovery screen (vol up, home, power) wipe data and erase all, I think that it tripped the abnormal reset thing. Im not sure if it would do the processing failed if I had reset the phone from the settings menu. In any case, attempt to reinstall XXUDNA9 4.4.2 KitKat and then try to enter the Samsung account and Password.
(Update: Email, the default Samsung app may crash. In order to fix, navigate to settings-> application manager -> Email -> and then force stop. Next clear the cache.)
Although it is fixed, I'm still scared about what else Samsung and Knox may do. I love the phone, but the thought of $700.00 down the drain was pretty horrific.
Lessons learned: Turn off that Samsung Activation thing before reset and don't update the phone until most users say that it is stable.
I hope this helps. I'm going to get some sleep. I've spent the night obsessing over it lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, finally I can join and tell that my phone is back and running as before. Thank you guys, this method is the real fix for this issue and as always, I can find better support here than the official one.
7 days without the phone was horrible, because I had to use a laggy, crashed screen iPhone 4 with those little keyboards. God, no. I repeat Thank you!
JosHeron said:
Well, finally I can join and tell that my phone is back and running as before. Thank you guys, this method is the real fix for this issue and as always, I can find better support here than the official one.
7 days without the phone was horrible, because I had to use a laggy, crashed screen iPhone 4 with those little keyboards. God, no. I repeat Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem, but after doing the procedure described before is working as well, I must say thank you to give us a solution, everything is working as before with my phone. thanks again.
I know this is off topic, but do you guys know of a real backup without root? After I reinstalled kitkat and restored the backup, I was not impressed; Kies is a joke
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda app-developers app
lagoboss said:
I know this is off topic, but do you guys know of a real backup without root? After I reinstalled kitkat and restored the backup, I was not impressed; Kies is a joke
Sent from my SM-N900 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never do a "real" backup, I just backup my photos on OneDrive, Dropbox and Google+. My sms and whatsapp chats always get lost and the others like Telegram have sync. But do you ever tried Helium?
JosHeron said:
I never do a "real" backup, I just backup my photos on OneDrive, Dropbox and Google+. My sms and whatsapp chats always get lost and the others like Telegram have sync. But do you ever tried Helium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Helium looks like it could work. I lost my subway surfer progress after I fixed the phone. With kies, it only saved text messages, photos and music, and some other useless settings. I think I may have backed up incorrectly with kies. When I selected apps, I don't think all of them were actually selected.
Anyhow, I'm definitely going to try helium. Some people in the comments said that it backed up the kind of data that I'm interested in.
Thanks.
Sent from my SM-P600 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Computrace sending sms messages without consent

Note, other threads related to this software go back to Oct 2014 (search computrace on XDA forum) however my issue with the software has not been discussed.
I have just encountered this software (along with others according to a quick google search) on my new Note 4 (SM-N910F) on EE. Initially the phone auto updated to lollipop before I knew this was pushed to the device while I set up my accounts on it. The SIM was not active and I found a number of outgoing, but failed SMS messages containing encrypted information being sent to the number (+13106916499). I immeditaly did a factory reset to remove my accounts and details, restarting with the stock lollipop build from EE.
Again the sms messages attempts started up again (and failed). The only downloaded app on the phone was Computrace Agent, with permissions to do everything on the device, including sending SMS messages (showing the cost warning too). As other threads have gone into what this app is, I'll leave that out, but will mention it is impossible to uninstall or even (force)stop this application. Ok you can force stop, but it restarts immediately, and sends another text!
I've left the phone with no accounts on it, and had the SIM activated. As soon as this was complete, Computrace successfully sent a new message to the above number., but has not stopped attempting to send more (failed for some reason).
I contacted EE support and registered a complaint, but they deny knowledge of the software, or it's intended use as a legitimate tracking tool. They also have no idea what the number this SMS is being sent to is for, nor what the information in the encrypted contents actually contains.
I'm looking for others recent experience with this software, and whether people have had charges/resource consumption on any newish device. I have the option to cancel the contract for 14 days, and I am mainly looking for more information before making my decision. Obviously nobody in their right mind would use such a compromised handset, so it's remaining in airplane mode and will have no accounts/services added while I have it, which kinda makes it an oversized 1990's brick right now!
Look forward to your comments and advice.
Thanks
4t
EDIT: My brother, who has more Android brains than I do found the number was actually registered to T-Mobile in the US http://www.whitepages.com/phone/1-310-691-6499
EDIT/Update: OK I went to the local shop today, they were also shocked at the texts, and knew nothing about it. The guy there is now checking his note 4 too, just in case. He hadn't seen the software before but admitted to not really looking for anything untoward. He recommended I call it in as a dodgy phone and get a replacement. So I tried that, but was passed onto Samsung support.. like transferred to their switchboard! Another queue? Stuff that, I hung up, called back on 150 and cancelled the contract. I'm now buying an unlocked replacement and will shop about for cheaper deals on the SIM as I'm out of contract. I still intend to raise a ICO complaint about the encrypted sms sent to the US though.
I noticed this as well with mine when I got it. Mine was EE locked, and before I inserted a SIM I was getting multiple messages just like yours, but containing different letters and symbols.
I have since unlocked my note and rooted, flashed a debloated stock ROM and all is good. It might not be carrier specific to EE, since Computrace is a Samsung app that's in all stock firmwares.
Hi. I'm also having ussues with this software. I want it GONE!
Info: this forum - p=60864843&postcount=896 | I cant post links, sorry.
I tried deleting it from /presdata/ to no avail. It reinstalls the dropper again. If anyone can remove this I will generously tip you. I want this removed from my phone.
illuz said:
Hi. I'm also having ussues with this software. I want it GONE!
Info: this forum - p=60864843&postcount=896 | I cant post links, sorry.
I tried deleting it from /presdata/ to no avail. It reinstalls the dropper again. If anyone can remove this I will generously tip you. I want this removed from my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From other information I have found around the net, the only way to remove is to flash a new rom that does not contain the software. I'll take a look at your post but see the poster above yours.
MDaveUK said:
I noticed this as well with mine when I got it. Mine was EE locked, and before I inserted a SIM I was getting multiple messages just like yours, but containing different letters and symbols.
I have since unlocked my note and rooted, flashed a debloated stock ROM and all is good. It might not be carrier specific to EE, since Computrace is a Samsung app that's in all stock firmwares.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you might be right there, but the pattern so far from my Googling seems to point at EE/T-mobile. I'm not comfortable flashing my phone in the 1st 6months, also never done it before so I'd prefer a solution from my carrier. Also, I showed the situation to a family member who is senior in local trading standards. He was shocked, and more than a little interested in finding out more (no holding breath there though, resources and all).
I still have the Computrace app in my debloated ROM, it's not something easily removed I'm afraid. However, it doesn't send any sms messages in my ROM, I tried testing by removing my sim and rebooting the phone.
I did a little research into what it actually does and I believe it's what Samsung use for their 'Find my phone' feature, and to remotely delete data and lock it.
This info page sounds just like it:
http://www.absolute.com/en/landing/...demo?sc_camp=231FCC716F544DF08BFA6C366AA77EF5
So if you try to remove Computrace you are probably disabling this feature. But it's part of the firmware's SystemUI so removing it breaks the firmware.
This is still largely a guess but I would bet on this being exactly the case.
If it still bothers you I would search for a ROM that somehow totally removes it, or CyanogenMod 12.1 if you want to avoid any Samsung software at all.
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
illuz said:
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This post? http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/10834349-post19.html
So you flash that file in Odin and it will wipe it out, nice.
Guys. Let me tell you my problem and how I solved the computrace issue on my Note 4 N910F on EE.
I bought my Note 4 from a community called Gumtree in UK. It was a phone locked to EE on contract from the guy I got it from. At this point, I didn't know what computrace was or whether to look for it on the phone.
Normally when I get a new phone, I wipe it, root it and make it work to my taste coz, what's android for right?
I installed titanium backup to freeze some bloatware and remove some as well. I then came across computrace and the name "trace" sounded funny to me. I decided to use titanium backup to remove it right away coz i dont want any Samsung crap snooping on my phone.
After a reboot, the software installed itself back and i was like WHAT?
I removed it again and it installed itself again and again. And i was like F*** this. I installed a custom recovery and installed a custom rom but it was still there. It appeared it wasn't a software on the data or system partition. It has a separate untouchable partition to itself or something. Very dangerous app even more than the NSA to me.
So i was randomly using my phone some day and my phone went to lockscreen to say "ABSOLUTE COMPUTRACE SOFTWARE, this phone has been disabled by EE.... Bla bla bla" and I needed a pin to unlock to use it.
I called EE, they didn't do jack ****. I called the person I bought the phone from, he was long gone. I checked the IMEI of the phone using swappa esn checker but it is clean and not blacklisted. Turns out the guy breached his contract coz the phone still belongs to EE for 6 months and within that time, he had sold it. It also kept sending some random jargon sms in form of an encrypted message to my most recent contacted person via sms. Weird and dangerous stuff is what Computrace is. I went on their website to read about them but I don't believe in them and need to sue them.
I had to resort to using a CyanogenMod rom for about a month to avoid the phone asking me for that pin coz the phone was basically useless. But having a note 4 with cm, letting go of all the Samsung and seen feature is like me cheating myself.
I went into deep research and finally found a solution to remove it completely by wiping the partition it's installed in (I think).
Using odin, I placed the file in AP/PDA then flashed a rom that is BTU CSC and not anything that had to do with EE (EVR) so that it won't come back. I booted my phone and computrace is totally gone. I was able to use the phone again.
I have uploaded the file here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/k59gxqpwv7hofco/Note4PersistWipe.tar?dl=0
Reboot to recovery.
1. Wipe your current rom and install a fresh one.
2. Don't reboot into system yet.
3. Reboot to download/bootloader mode
4. Open Odin and place the file in AP/PDA.
5. Press "Start"
6. Reboot
7. Profit and give the middle finger to computrace.
Please note that this file is only tested on the SM N910F because that is what version of Note 4 I have.
As said here and one of the simplegx threads. http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/help/remove-computrace-reinstalling-t2929102#post60906417
On my device it seemed to mostly sit idle doing not much except waste memory, but after I did a rom flash it went crazy and had the following issues.
Laggy access to the "usage data" part of the settings. (taking 30 seconds to load it)
"Restrict background data" setting kept been turned back off.
Large battery drain by the computrace agent process.
All these symptoms stopped after I uninstalled it in the app manager (have to be on a non EE rom to successfully do this). It hasnt ran on my device since.
This is on my s5 901f which I got from UK carrier EE.
There is a thread on the EE forum, where they did initially deny the software is to do with them, but then instead of denying they started to ignore the discussion. But given all non EE roms seem to not have this software, it does point to them.
---------- Post added at 10:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 PM ----------
illuz said:
It lies in the /dev/block/.../sda13 which links to - /persdata/absolute
Please check out this thread too: (google for thread link,I can't post them) galaxy-g900f-s5-phone-has-been-disabled-ee-1899259
I will work on removing it later, I have to go out, in my post you'll see I said I was runing XtresoLite deodexed ROM along with new bootloader and modem firmware, the software still persists.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah I still have these files, somehow I cannot remove them.
The bad news is abit of googling shows this rootkit gets embedded into the bios not just the OS, so I think managing to stop it running in the OS is probably about as far as we can go. I ran a file in odin which supposedbly wipes that partition but the dir still exists.
A bit worryingly also is a few of the files can be deleted but then get recreated suggesting something somewhere still is using that folder. I asked androidgx (creator of simplegx rom) if he could add a command in the recovery installer to wipe that folder but he said it isnt possible.
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:54 PM ----------
ok guys I read the forum illuz said to search for on google, I wont post the url incase it breaks XDA rules (dont know why he couldnt post it)
long story short did some reading and then went to this url.
http://www.cellrabta.pk/2015/05/thi...oftware-computrace-free-solution-all-samsung/
That guide worked for me, the flashing in odin wouldnt get rid of the folder, but manually issuing the commands in adb worked.
After booting the phone back up, I still had an empty absolute folder, but this time I wiped it in root explorer, there was nothing blocking the wipe.
So thankfully you dont need to factory reset the device like that guide says.
EE has never locked my phone, but I didnt like that rootkit been on it, thanks to those involved in the research.
Nice one, another poster here has a similar solution. I updated my post today, pretty much dropping EE. I called after getting advice from the local EE shop to do a return on the handset for one without computrace, and they almost instantly forwarded my call to Samsung switchboard before I could object! I'm not going to repeat the language I shouted down the phone here.
I hung up, and called 150 and cancelled my contract (14 day terms). I'm getting an unlocked Note 4 from a reputable retailer now, so we shall see if that has Computrace on it too (though advertised as Kitkat so doubtful). If I run into this malware again, I'll be grateful for all the help.
Edit: Phone has arrived, is clean and has kitkat 4.4.4, which I have been told to stick with (by the guy in the EE shop).
from what I understand all touchwiz roms now have ABTPersistenceService which enforces the file state, however the computrace agent app seems unique to EE roms so I think the ABTPersistenceService is just a support service, and so far I have not heard of any other EU carrier activating computrace agent.
The steps that seem to be required are (assuming phone hasnt been locked by the service).
1 - install a non EE rom, BTU is recommended.
2 - uninstall computrace agent app via app manager. (not listed on the other site but I did this)
3 - wipe the persdata partition using adb whilst in recovery using the guide I linked to (I didnt bother backing it up).
4 - enjoy
If its worked there should be no computrace app running and the absolute folder should stay empty.
ABTPersistenceService seems to recreate the folder tho but not the files.
To disable ABTPersistenceService, the framework2.jar needs patching.
Galaxy SM-G920X FIX:
1. Download a CLEAN NON-EE ROM.
2. Root the device & install TWRP (2.6.8.2), Copy ROM to the handset.
3. Advanced - Terminal - Execute the two commands: "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda11" && "dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/block/sda13"
4. Install the ROM - Do not reboot the device, stay in TWRP.
5. Wipe dalvik & data / factory reset.
Hi,
How can I find out whether Computrace Agent is running on my phone or not?
I have Galaxy S4 I9500.
Thanks

I've been locked out!

I've been searching for the last 6-7 hours straight for an exact answer. I have read http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...ass-lock-screen-pattern-password-pin-t2948336 a few times. I've Googled. I've YouTubed. Facebooked. All that.
I bought a refurbished AT&T Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910A) from eBay that was unlocked so I could use Straight Talk service. I believe it is using 4.4 KitKat but I could be completely wrong. I've had the phone for a year now. I never had to use the lock screen before until today. Reason is is because last time I didn't and I left it around co-workers, I ended up with a few unsightly photos from my 400lbs manager. Hahah. So today, I decided to use the pattern lock and put it on charge as I was outside for about an hour. I came in, was able to take the pattern off. But noticed my swipe option had been greyed. So I put the pin on (using only four numbers). For some reason, I thought it would enable the swipe option. I was obviously wrong. So I went to change it from the pin to the pattern and my pin became unrecognized/incorrect. Thought it was only because of the option settings. So I locked my screen. Obviously an extremely bad idea.
I now cannot get past my screen lock. I have tried getting into it with my computer through USB, it won't connect. Not even trying a Mini SD mounted (won't read on my computer). I have tried ADM, but apparently it has been **** for the "Lock" option for over a year now. I didn't register the phone with Samsung so "FindMyMobile" isn't working. The option to enter my Google account info doesn't show up; even after 35 attempts. No idea how to use ADB. Have read that Windows OS is pretty much impossible to use debugging. Especially with Win10. I have nothing backed up as I never expected/thought this would/could happen.
Of course, like nearly every other person, I just want to save the thousands of photos I have accumulated over the year of having my phone. At least before I have to do a factory reset.
I am a hardcore n00b at going so in depth with phones. So Layman's terms would be extremely appreciated. Or direct links would be great as well.
I believe I have covered as much information as I can think of. If any more info is needed to help figure out this issue, please ask. And thank you to all in advance!
itsjoshwho said:
I've been searching for the last 6-7 hours straight for an exact answer. I have read http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...ass-lock-screen-pattern-password-pin-t2948336 a few times. I've Googled. I've YouTubed. Facebooked. All that.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am no expert in this matter, but I believe factory reset is one option but you will loose all your data.
(non-root method- safest)
1. Power off
2..Keep holding the power button +volume up+home button together to go into recovery
3. Use volume keys to navigate and select factory reset
4. reboot and you are done
Second option is to root your phone. This will trip knox and your warranty will be void if you still have it
(Root Method)
The method I use to root is :
1. Download TWRP recovery for your mobile(search for your device) from https://twrp.me/devices/samsunggalaxynote4qualcomm.html site and keep it ready on your system
2. dowload super su 2.71 beta and put that into your external sd card using card reader.
3 Put your phone on download mode(power off and restart by holding power button + vol down + home)
4. Open latest version of Odin and connect phone to system via usb cable. Now "COM" in odin should turn blue
5. select tar file in AP section. Make sure repartition and reboot is unchecked just before flashing
6. click start
7.It will run for a few min and say pass when complete.
8.now remove your battery and insert after a few seconds. reboot into recovery by using step 2 in non-root method and you should login to twrp recovery
9.click install button and select super user zip u placed in sd card. flash it (u may have to uncheck signature verification). Now you are rooted!
10. wipe cash and reboot again into recovery
11. download the zip from :http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...ass-lock-screen-pattern-password-pin-t2948336 (Developed by Dr. Ketan)
12. Install this zip as you installed Super SU and you should be good to go.
There are so many links and step by step guides on how to root your device. You can choose your favorite. This is what I can think of and please don't hold me responsible if you damage or brick your device. Good luck!
Note : It would be better to keep super su and the zip from Dr. Ketan downloaded and moved to external SD card before you flash the recovery
itsjoshwho said:
I've been searching for the last 6-7 hours straight for an exact answer. I have read http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...ass-lock-screen-pattern-password-pin-t2948336 a few times. I've Googled. I've YouTubed. Facebooked. All that.
I bought a refurbished AT&T Galaxy Note 4 (SM-N910A) from eBay that was unlocked so I could use Straight Talk service. I believe it is using 4.4 KitKat but I could be completely wrong. I've had the phone for a year now. I never had to use the lock screen before until today. Reason is is because last time I didn't and I left it around co-workers, I ended up with a few unsightly photos from my 400lbs manager. Hahah. So today, I decided to use the pattern lock and put it on charge as I was outside for about an hour. I came in, was able to take the pattern off. But noticed my swipe option had been greyed. So I put the pin on (using only four numbers). For some reason, I thought it would enable the swipe option. I was obviously wrong. So I went to change it from the pin to the pattern and my pin became unrecognized/incorrect. Thought it was only because of the option settings. So I locked my screen. Obviously an extremely bad idea.
I now cannot get past my screen lock. I have tried getting into it with my computer through USB, it won't connect. Not even trying a Mini SD mounted (won't read on my computer). I have tried ADM, but apparently it has been **** for the "Lock" option for over a year now. I didn't register the phone with Samsung so "FindMyMobile" isn't working. The option to enter my Google account info doesn't show up; even after 35 attempts. No idea how to use ADB. Have read that Windows OS is pretty much impossible to use debugging. Especially with Win10. I have nothing backed up as I never expected/thought this would/could happen.
Of course, like nearly every other person, I just want to save the thousands of photos I have accumulated over the year of having my phone. At least before I have to do a factory reset.
I am a hardcore n00b at going so in depth with phones. So Layman's terms would be extremely appreciated. Or direct links would be great as well.
I believe I have covered as much information as I can think of. If any more info is needed to help figure out this issue, please ask. And thank you to all in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it's the reactivation lock then Factory reset will NOT help, it will just make you lose the data and still keeps you locked out.
Only "fix" i know for this is through a service center.
You could try to use ADB to pull the data so you won't lose anything, but i'm not sure if that would work (maybe through the recovery)
Good luck though :good:

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...

Well, that didn't go well

Tab 5se Stock firmware
So I bought a 3rd 5se from a third party, all I checked for was for FRP lock, well it wasn't locked, but when I got it home and rebooted, it says is has a unlocked bootloader. So I hard factory reset it and now it states that only stock firmware can be installed in boot and won't go any further.
So I'm guessing I need to use ODIN to flash a factory ROM but I'm not sure which one as I can't seem to find a USA one on Sammoble, I do see a Canada one though.
Which version of ODIN should I use (WIN 10)
Which ROM, I'm in the USA, WIFI ONLY SM-T720, country code ?
Any other tips, as I haven't flashed anything in almost a decade probably.
Need to get this back to all stock, help
You want the XAR country code version which is the US rom. For Odin, use the newest version for our tablet. Good luck.
puredigital said:
Tab 5se Stock firmware
So I bought a 3rd 5se from a third party, all I checked for was for FRP lock, well it wasn't locked, but when I got it home and rebooted, it says is has a unlocked bootloader. So I hard factory reset it and now it states that only stock firmware can be installed in boot and won't go any further.
So I'm guessing I need to use ODIN to flash a factory ROM but I'm not sure which one as I can't seem to find a USA one on Sammoble, I do see a Canada one though.
Which version of ODIN should I use (WIN 10)
Which ROM, I'm in the USA, WIFI ONLY SM-T720, country code ?
Any other tips, as I haven't flashed anything in almost a decade probably.
Need to get this back to all stock, help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Frija instead of Sammobile to get the latest stock. Just use SM-T720 as the model and XAR as the CSC. If you search for how to unlock the bootloader, you can use the same proceedure to relock it. It should perform a factory reset as part of the process and you might not need to reflash a ROM.
Not sure..
Since the device won't turn off, restart nor go into download mode
Aqua blue sorta cyan screen. Top in red (like a terminal response) says," Only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed (vbmeta)"
Then on main screen in center;
Security Error: This phone has been flashed with unauthorized software & is locked. Call your mobile operator for additional support
lewmur said:
I use Frija instead of Sammobile to get the latest stock. Just use SM-T720 as the model and XAR as the CSC. If you search for how to unlock the bootloader, you can use the same proceedure to relock it. It should perform a factory reset as part of the process and you might not need to reflash a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
puredigital said:
Since the device won't turn off, restart nor go into download mode
Aqua blue sorta cyan screen. Top in red (like a terminal response) says," Only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed (vbmeta)"
Then on main screen in center;
Security Error: This phone has been flashed with unauthorized software & is locked. Call your mobile operator for additional support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only time a ran into a situation where I couldn't turn off that tablet, I just had to put it aside for a day or so till the battery ran down. Then use the method of holding both vol up and down, and NOT power, and then plugging in the cable from the PC. Must be from PC and not charger.
puredigital said:
Since the device won't turn off, restart nor go into download mode
Aqua blue sorta cyan screen. Top in red (like a terminal response) says," Only official released binaries are allowed to be flashed (vbmeta)"
Then on main screen in center;
Security Error: This phone has been flashed with unauthorized software & is locked. Call your mobile operator for additional support
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran into this recently when I went back to stock to get the fingerprint for Magisk Module and then went back to Lineage. You just need to Odin the factory firmware. The tablet will turn off, I think the key combination to force it off is power and volume down? Its been a few weeks, but I was able to get back into download mode. I found other threads for samsung phones that had this same issue and basically used them as rough guides.
As mentioned you just need to use XAR ROMs, your box should say XAR. I believe both Canada and Cellular South ROMs will come up as XAR roms IIRC?
Bruh. I had the same issue and you will not be able to flash your way around and FRP lock. I found a guy on eBay to remove the FRP lock and NOT through flashing. For $10 is was done in 10 minutes. I get if you want to figure it out. I'm a flasher and love to figure this **** out too but with a recent update Samsung blocks this. Trust me. Spend $10 and it's done. Also many people say they can do this on eBay. I only recommend this guy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/273424666857. Just select a new auction of his and message him.
Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk
elcidroyale said:
Bruh. I had the same issue and you will not be able to flash your way around and FRP lock. I found a guy on eBay to remove the FRP lock and NOT through flashing. For $10 is was done in 10 minutes. I get if you want to figure it out. I'm a flasher and love to figure this **** out too but with a recent update Samsung blocks this. Trust me. Spend $10 and it's done. Also many people say they can do this on eBay. I only recommend this guy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/273424666857. Just select a new auction of his and message him.
Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He said he checked to make sure this was not the FRP lock. Assuming this is the same message I got which says only official binaries can be flashed, please take this to a service center and it there maybe a cost involved (obviously I'm paraphrasing), you can fix it with Odin. I was on the latest firmware as well, as I updated fully to get the fingerprint for the MagiskHide module. This sounds like a different issue, to me.
I mean if that works it's $10 well spent I guess.
Oh my apologies as I misread his post. I just saw "FRP" and chimed in. Hope he gets it sorted out.
OhioYJ said:
He said he checked to make sure this was not the FRP lock. Assuming this is the same message I got which says only official binaries can be flashed, please take this to a service center and it there maybe a cost involved (obviously I'm paraphrasing), you can fix it with Odin. I was on the latest firmware as well, as I updated fully to get the fingerprint for the MagiskHide module. This sounds like a different issue, to me.
I mean if that works it's $10 well spent I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost !
Well, I finally reflashed the device with factory stuff, it's working fine now, no locks, except now it tells me the bootloader is unlocked on boot. I flashed it with Odin, no options, just loaded the 4 files and done.
How do I get this to STOCK, out of the box status. Steps ?

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