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g9006v S5 Help? (chinese version) install new roms or non-chinese android?

I just received the S5 as a present as my nexus 4 has been busted.
The phone was bought in China and the android version on here is garbage, well, I should say its ANTI-GOOGLE. Seriously. I have tried to install gmail and the play store, both are blocked (among others) I have read that apparently its part of the design to not allow Google access or products. (as a nexus user since nexus 1, google is a big part of my "cell phone life")
Simply, I am wondering if I can erase my current android version and put on a custom rom or another android that is not chinese based. I have looked on a few of the forums here and most roms either don't know if they support my version or if it is possible.
Any help would be great. (I haven't rooted my phone yet but I have no issue doing it)
Model number
SM-G9006V
Android version
4.4.2
Baseband version
G9006VZNU1ANF1
Kernal Version
3.4.0-1716152

Also received this device as a present.
And now I want the same thing, install custom rom or another android that is not chinese based. Because even in English language in every app some text in Chinese and it's not good.
I tried root my phone by using this manual, but it didn't work and I have a message: "This phone isn't currently supported".

This is a new model, that most here won't have any direct experience with. Not to mention you that you are asking about a Chinese language device in an English forum.
There is an existing support thread for this varient with details on a working root. That would be the most productive place to obtain details about alternative ROMs and so forth. It won't be hard to find the thread if you search for it.
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In great need of assistance

Hello,
I own a Huawei Honor 5x (KIW-AL10) and it seems to be the chinese version.
The problem is i cannot sync contacts or get google apps by default. It's really annoying. Plus some chinese words here and there, even if the language is set to english.
My question is : how safe would be flashing a stock ROM, but for a different version of the phone (USA, Europe).
Has anyone did this before ? And if so, what ROM and where to download it from ? I would like to receive Marshallow update too.
Thank you

Hi Sir, you can install any version of the stoock rom just be sure that your model is same otherwise it will not install. And you can install Europe one because MM is recieved by the Europe CSC phones

The LTE bands seem to be fine. I live in Romania and i get 4G. My only issue with the phone is the ROM and all Google features i cannot get. For example, i cant use contacts from my Google account.
Im looking for a solutions to be able to install an international version of software and not to brick my phone. By the way, my phone has 3GB of RAM.

Hello and thank you for your input.
The thing that buggs me right now is that i cannot use google contacts.
I've downloaded Play Store from Huawei thingy presinstalled on the phone and worked my way from there.
Google App, Gmail are up to date.
Problem is that "sync contacts" will not appear on Accounts > Google. I have given all permisions to Google app.
I need to find a way to switch to an European / Worldwide ROM. I am willing to pay for someone's time helping me.
I do love this phone and what it offers and i would like MM update too.

I've done some research and it seems that is possible to change the region code. After that its ok to flash the ROM from that specific region.
However, i dont have any experience regarding this process. Can someone assist me via skype ? I will pay, of course !

Noone did this before ?

Sych with Gear S2

Hello and sorry if I am not in the right tropic,
I am about to order a Mate 8 from china with its Chinese Rom. But I am wondering if I'll be able to sync my Gear with.
I made a test with Wiko Fever and had no problem, all what needed is to down load the add-on to Samsung Gear Manager.
I too tried my Gear with the Model NXT L29 which did also sync with no issue.
Last point, if I get the phone wit the Chinese Rom, then I change the Rom to Global NXT L29 (if possible still to know), do you think that sync can be done?
Thanks for your helps

Hello and welcome here
1) Bluetooth pairings are absolutely fine with Gear S2 and you can manage things with the add-on app.
2) Any ROM will sync without any issues, I am sure. Chinese version has the Chinese language and related issues. Rest all are same

That is good with thanks.
May ask you if you the Mate8, do you think it is easy to change rom to global without issues. I am really hesitating.

Its very easy

Lenovo Vibe Z2 (non Pro version) ROM spyware/malware - help please

Hi,
I have purchased a Lenovo Vibe Z2 (non Pro version) mobile phone from a website but it was shipped from Hong Kong. The phone arrived (here in the UK) all brand new (Chinese wrapping still on it) and I'm happy with it (well it works).
On further reading, apparently the Lenovo Vibe Z2 is a model with spyware built into the ROM, and this spyware can lead people to hacking you or spying on your calls/texts/data usage. Clearly, I don't want this.
I have installed Malwarebytes and 360 Security to hopefully detect any malicious content. The scans reported no threats. I guess that doesn't mean there are no threats but just the scans didn't detect any. Maybe if the malware is built into the ROM (so I've read) then the scans will think it is friendly software, or maybe the scans don't scan the ROM.
1) How can I tell if my phone is loaded with spyware or any malicious content?
2) How can I remove this spyware if it is installed?
3) Do I need to use internet security or anti virus with my Lenovo Android phone?
Someone has suggested doing a ROM install with official firmware. I'm lost with this suggestion so it raises a few more questions:
1) Is the suggestion the usual way to remove malicious software?
2) Can I be sure it will actually remove the malicious software, or is it a try and hope scenario?
3) Is there a particular official version of firmware I need for my Lenovo Vibe Z2?
4) Is there a link or video that can show me a) where to download a SAFE version of the official firmware b) and how to do a ROM install?
I'm willing to give a try if it is the standard approach to removing malicious software but I just don't know how to do it at present.
I'm not a phone buff. I simply would like a clean phone (i.e. no malicious content) to make and receive calls/texts and to browse the net without anyone spying on, or recording what I'm doing.
Please advise?
Thanks.

I think you are being a little over-paranoid.

Electry said:
I think you are being a little over-paranoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well said
When I read that he installed Antiviruses (SERIOUSLY?!) I knew that he was being a little over paranoid.

Korean S8

Hi Guys,
Apparently I've purchased a Korean Galaxy S8 from eBay without realising it. The settings -> about page shows the model number is SM-G950D while CPU-Z report SM-G950F but it's definitely the dual-sim variant of the device.
I called up Samsung support and they've said the device isn't under warranty because they only support EU devices...whatever that means since they're all manufactured in the same country...
Everything seems to work as normal...samsung pay, android pay, secure folder etc all work.
I'm wondering if anyone knows the differences in the hardware/bootloader and if I can flash a stock EU/GB ROM over this thing in case there's something dodgy on it?
Also just another question - if I root via Magisk and trip knox, can I use magisk hide to keep secure folder working? I don't care about Samsung pay at all. Is there any other functionality I'm going lose?
Cheers.

No one?