Related
I'm completely at a loss at this point.
I attempted to root my Samsung S7 (AT&T) with Odin, and received an error. This is my first time ever rooting a phone, and I am generally oblivious to this kind of stuff. I disconnected the phone, and it began bootloop. I loaded it into download mode, and attempted to reset to stock. However, I have had endless issues trying to flash the stock firmware to my phone. At one point I unplugged the device once again, and I received the "use Emergency Restore" error screen. I tried to restore with Smart Switch, but I was not able to access my S/N (box is nowhere to be found, managed to find a S/N on Samsung's website since I registered it but Smart Switch wouldn't take it). So, I figured trying to restore with Odin was my last option. I have tried at least 3 different Odin versions, both modified and not, and not a single one of them has worked. I've received Complete(write) errors, Model Dispatch Fail errors, and Re-Partition errors. I've tried about 3 different firmware files as well, and while I think the one I have right now is most recent, none of them seem to be working. I thought maybe an issue I was encountering was that USB debugging or whatever it's called was disabled, but I have no way of telling because I cannot boot my phone.
I was fiddling around with all of this from 11pm to 6am last night, and picked it back up as soon as I woke up. I've been freaking out about this for hours.
I feel like I'm running in circles here. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. I'm recovery bootlooped as well. The only thing I can boot is download mode.
I wasn't very cautious with this process, and I am completely unfamiliar with most lingo on these forums and the whole process in general. I really regret trying to do this. So -- is there anything else I can try to do to fix it? Or is my phone bricked for good??? I'm endlessly frustrated and have honestly felt like crying a few times over this. I shouldn't have messed with something I know nothing about. :crying:
I thank you for your patience in dealing with me as a beginner + appreciate any help you're able to give.
Cheers.
aerialslam said:
I'm completely at a loss at this point.
I attempted to root my Samsung S7 (AT&T) with Odin, and received an error. This is my first time ever rooting a phone, and I am generally oblivious to this kind of stuff. I disconnected the phone, and it began bootloop. I loaded it into download mode, and attempted to reset to stock. However, I have had endless issues trying to flash the stock firmware to my phone. At one point I unplugged the device once again, and I received the "use Emergency Restore" error screen. I tried to restore with Smart Switch, but I was not able to access my S/N (box is nowhere to be found, managed to find a S/N on Samsung's website since I registered it but Smart Switch wouldn't take it). So, I figured trying to restore with Odin was my last option. I have tried at least 3 different Odin versions, both modified and not, and not a single one of them has worked. I've received Complete(write) errors, Model Dispatch Fail errors, and Re-Partition errors. I've tried about 3 different firmware files as well, and while I think the one I have right now is most recent, none of them seem to be working. I thought maybe an issue I was encountering was that USB debugging or whatever it's called was disabled, but I have no way of telling because I cannot boot my phone.
I was fiddling around with all of this from 11pm to 6am last night, and picked it back up as soon as I woke up. I've been freaking out about this for hours.
I feel like I'm running in circles here. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. I'm recovery bootlooped as well. The only thing I can boot is download mode.
I wasn't very cautious with this process, and I am completely unfamiliar with most lingo on these forums and the whole process in general. I really regret trying to do this. So -- is there anything else I can try to do to fix it? Or is my phone bricked for good??? I'm endlessly frustrated and have honestly felt like crying a few times over this. I shouldn't have messed with something I know nothing about. :crying:
I thank you for your patience in dealing with me as a beginner + appreciate any help you're able to give.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can at least get into download mode, then simply flash it with the latest STOCK firmware for your particular model.
That will bring it back to life, and you can attempt rooting it again, if you dare
aerialslam said:
I'm completely at a loss at this point.
I attempted to root my Samsung S7 (AT&T) with Odin, and received an error. This is my first time ever rooting a phone, and I am generally oblivious to this kind of stuff. I disconnected the phone, and it began bootloop. I loaded it into download mode, and attempted to reset to stock. However, I have had endless issues trying to flash the stock firmware to my phone. At one point I unplugged the device once again, and I received the "use Emergency Restore" error screen. I tried to restore with Smart Switch, but I was not able to access my S/N (box is nowhere to be found, managed to find a S/N on Samsung's website since I registered it but Smart Switch wouldn't take it). So, I figured trying to restore with Odin was my last option. I have tried at least 3 different Odin versions, both modified and not, and not a single one of them has worked. I've received Complete(write) errors, Model Dispatch Fail errors, and Re-Partition errors. I've tried about 3 different firmware files as well, and while I think the one I have right now is most recent, none of them seem to be working. I thought maybe an issue I was encountering was that USB debugging or whatever it's called was disabled, but I have no way of telling because I cannot boot my phone.
I was fiddling around with all of this from 11pm to 6am last night, and picked it back up as soon as I woke up. I've been freaking out about this for hours.
I feel like I'm running in circles here. I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. I'm recovery bootlooped as well. The only thing I can boot is download mode.
I wasn't very cautious with this process, and I am completely unfamiliar with most lingo on these forums and the whole process in general. I really regret trying to do this. So -- is there anything else I can try to do to fix it? Or is my phone bricked for good??? I'm endlessly frustrated and have honestly felt like crying a few times over this. I shouldn't have messed with something I know nothing about. :crying:
I thank you for your patience in dealing with me as a beginner + appreciate any help you're able to give.
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you finally recover your phone? I'm in the same problem here since yesterday and feel your frustration right now. My phone is a Samsung S7 model SM-G930A from AT&T.
I found this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039 and I following the "Return to stock part", now downloading the firmware. Hope it helps.
I'm stucked in the blue screen "An error ocurred while updating the device software. Use the Emergency recovery function in the Smart Switch PC software". Of course I try the Smart Switch but says that my model is not supported!
How can you recovered the download mode? I press the on/off button for some seconds and the screen turn of, but it turn on again with the freaking blue screen "An error ocurred while updating the device software. ...". I tried all the possible button combinations.
Thanks and good luck.
Stock firmware
Make sure when you go into download mode and flash that plugging the phone in is the LAST thing you do. I.e. plug phone in only after it is in download mode and only after you open Odin. Secondly, make sure you flash the STOCK firmware, as in Android Marshmallow v6.0.1 . Additonally, make sure that the re-partition option is NOT ticked, and also you might want to try turning off auto-reboot, and just hold the power button after unplugging once the status bar is all the way full and Odin says complete. Also, you need to make absolutely sure that you're getting the firmware for your exact device. I.e. SM-G930A stock firmware is NOT compatible with SM-G930F models. You could also try reinstalling the Samsung drivers. I just flashed to stock firmware then updated back to Nougat yesterday, mostly without a hitch by following these guidelines. There is a download page on rootmygalaxy with all the stock firmwares, that's what I used (I'd link but I just registered here). There is a very helpful guide on droidviews about how to update to Nougat 7.0 once you have finished flashing the stock firmware.
If I were you, I would just avoid rooting altogether. Rooting for me caused very bad performance and battery life, and it wasn't really worth the trouble. Sure, getting in-app-purchases for free was nice but I never tried flashing a custom ROM or anything because most of the stories I read involved soft bricks, bootloops, etc.
Hopefully not having USB Debugging and OEM unlock ticked doesn't brick your phone, I'm doubtful that it will. For the poster above me, make sure your phone is all the way off, the download mode button combo is vol. down+power+home all at the same time, and hold them. A screen should pop up saying press vol. up to continue. If you're still having problems, I regret to say that I am also relatively new to this and I am not all that knowledgeable.
I just made a post about my unrooting process, hopefully it helps!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ryOQepX2Q Video shows booting into Download Mode. Or take it to a Best Buy that has a Samsung Sales section.
So I've been rooting me phone for a while and have managed to never f*** up, till now, and I sincerely hope you guys can help me.
After rooting my S7 a while back, I just recently noticed SuperUser telling me that I didn't have root anymore, so I decided to follow these instructions to re-root my phone:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-to-notes-root-install-xposed-unroot-t3411039
I successfully followed all the steps to get root, but when I opened Flashfire it told me I could install a new update while maintaining root, so since my android is at 6.0.1, I did that and it bricked my phone.
On boot it says "Startup Failed - Use the Verizon Software Repair Assistant . . . " and on top it also says "Custom binary blocked by SECURE BOOT." I have tried going into recovery mode and deleting the system cache, but that doesn't do it. So is there any way to get the phone to properly boot while not deleting my data? I was rooting my phone precisely so I could use Titanium Backup again, so I don't have any backups stored anywhere. I have heard that flashing a recovery image with Odin can work, but would that delete my files? Someone please lend me your expertise.
My phone is a Verizon S7.
Fixed
I am surprised that no one responded to me, but what's important is that, miraculously, I managed to un-brick the phone myself without losing any data! What I did was, as my last hope (since Odin wasn't able to flash the stock image, a la the traditional soft-brick fix), decide to follow the on-screen instructions my phone was giving me and to download and run something called the "Verizon Software Repair Assistant," which can be found in the top google results after searching for the quoted name (xda doesn't let me post the link).
After putting my phone into download mode, I plugged it in, ran the software and let it work overnight. Checking on it in the morning, I found my phone, not only completely functional and working, but updated to Android 7.0 (it was 6.0.1 previously before the failed Flashfire OTA update) and still holding all of my data intact.
So, the interesting thing that I learned is that flashing to stock via Odin to fix a soft-bricked phone should not be the default resolution for potentially most people, as the carrier's default (in my case, Verizon's) repair utility managed to completely fix my phone without any side effects or data loss.
Is there anyone who could chime in on why the Repair Utility did not wipe my phone's memory, even though it warned it would?
**Note**
Verizon links to the Windows version of the repair assistant on their site, but to get the Mac version (which I used), the only way you can get it is by changing the end of the url they mention within the thread from "Win" to "Mac."
Pleased you managed to fix it, and thanks for posting the method for others
As for replies, if you stick around XDA you'll see replies can take days sometimes, patience is the key here
*Detection* said:
Pleased you managed to fix it, and thanks for posting the method for others
As for replies, if you stick around XDA you'll see replies can take days sometimes, patience is the key here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I am not acquainted with this forum enough then, thanks!
Most likely the cause of the fault would be updating via FlashFire and keeping root. When the update was flashed, it most likely flashed the stock kernel and patched it for root, which is not a compatible root for our devices. Flashing the root kernel with Odin probably would have made the phone boot normally.
(Soft-)Bricked S7 Edge/G935F with FRP lock & DRK error, but no root/OEM unlock/ADB
Hello guys,
I bought a, what I thought to be, soft bricked S7 Edge (G935F) from the bay. It was listed as having sw issues, so I thought I could easily fix the issue myself. Stupid me, this one really isn't easy to fix. I've tried a lot of different hints that I found meandering around the web, but none of them have proofed working so far. I would appreciate some help because I don't seem to be making any progress.
When I got the phone, it would boot directly into Android Recovery with a dm-verity error on the bottom.
Below is what I have tried already:
1 . First I did the obvious, factory reset and wipe partition. No change.
2. Downloaded the latest firmware with updato (SM-G935F Region DBT) and flashed with Odin. It then booted into a screen with a hazard sign and a DRK error (Device does not have DRK, please install DRK first. press any button). Then returned to Android Recovery with variations of the DRK and dm-verity error messages
3. I flashed the same firmware again. This time the phone booted up to a Samsung error that said to use SmartSwitch's Emergency recovery. I tried but it asks for a recovery code and I don't have one.
4. I used an older version of SmartSwitch which gave me the initialization option where you need to input the device model and SN - SmartSwitch decided not to cooperate and noted that the S7 edge does not support initialization
5. I tried to flash CF-autoroot but it gave an error in Odin and failed because it is "Blocked by FRP Lock". I can't boot normally into android. Any workaround?
6. I used a dm-verity workaround file (G935FXXU1DQC4_FIX_DRK_dm-verity.tar) to actually get the phone booted up- but then it asks for the account information to do away with the FRP lock. And the former owner does not want to give me his login information. In addition, none of the workarounds (bluetooth, modem terminal prompts, etc.) did work.
7. Flashed oldest Android version I could find for the G935F - 5.1.1 - this gave me a prompt right after reboot that looks like the password request for encrypting memory. default_password and variations did not work. I am still stuck with...
No Support SINGLE-SKU
Supported API: 3
dm-verity error...
failed code : 0x02
...in the recovery
8. I flashed the combination file and was able to boot into Factory Binary and used the IMEI recovery option which is supposed to fix also the DRK issue. No luck.
So, this is where I am right now. If anyone out there still has sparks of hope, I would be delighted to hear about them.
Thanks much in advance!
Conversion software and ADB Shell
Small update - I booted into factory mode again using the conversion firmware. This way, I could connect to the device via ADB and use ADB shell. There is a guide (here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-fix-check-drk-imei-issues-t3379516) which guides through IMEI recovery using the conversion software and factory mode - that is supposed to also help with DRK issues. Did not work for me.
Another great guide (here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...fix-drk-dm-verity-factory-csc-serial-t3422965) used ADB shell to push and repair the DRK with some additional files. Since the device is not rooted, I did not get very far, either.
So, no progress whatsoever.
In summary, I can get the device booted up into factory mode using the conversion firmware, or, by using the dm-verity tweaked firmware, I can end up in the Google Account locked part of the initial start-up settings.
Any ideas?
Have you looked at the process to completely re-do a phone stuck in the Google auth log-in? At least that is how I understand where you are stuck. I have a phone arriving soon that I will need to re-flash to get out of that, via Odin.
JeffDC said:
Have you looked at the process to completely re-do a phone stuck in the Google auth log-in? At east that is how I understand where you are stuck. I have a phone arriving soon that I will need to re-flash to get out of that, via Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JeffDC,
Thanks a lot for the reply. How would this process look like? I have flashed the phone with all sorts of variations of Android L, M and N - plus the combination fw and the one with the dm-verity/DRK workaround which at least got the phone booted up. But then I am stuck at the google auth request.
I cannot flash anything custom since the FRP lock is on.
Hence, if there is any other way to re-do the phone as you are saying, I would live to hear about it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/help/s7-edge-custom-binary-block-frp-lock-t3347688
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-fix-check-drk-imei-issues-t3379516
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...fix-drk-dm-verity-factory-csc-serial-t3422965
JeffDC said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/help/s7-edge-custom-binary-block-frp-lock-t3347688
https://forum.xda-developers.com/s7-edge/how-to/guide-how-to-fix-check-drk-imei-issues-t3379516
https://forum.xda-developers.com/no...fix-drk-dm-verity-factory-csc-serial-t3422965
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JeffDC,
Thanks a lot for the links.
Link #1: I can flash the file #1 and get the device visible for ADB by using the combination FW before starting the steps. Unfortunately, step #2 does not work due to lack of permissions. I guess because of missing root.
Links #2 and #3: These are the guides I was already referencing in my post #2 - they both do not work due to, I guess, missing root.
Smart Switch initialization
Update: I got smart switch to do the update and initialization for the device. Workaround was to use a different real serial number than the one of the actual device (I can only assume that it has got to do with country presets).
Cool stuff, all went smooth - but, still the same result. The device ends up in recovery showing the dm-verity error (failed code : 0x02) with FRP lock on and no root.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-factory-reset-protect-unlock-t3414590/page11
Interesting read, particularly ignoring the trojan squabbling.
Uses script and setup files to get around FRP.
I suggest you to re-try flashing with Odin the Stock Marshmallow Firmware. Then Boot Into Stock Recovery do a Full Wipe.
zzThrain said:
I suggest you to re-try flashing with Odin the Stock Marshmallow Firmware. Then Boot Into Stock Recovery do a Full Wipe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the recommendation. Done that (MM downgrade and full wipe) - same result, still DRK error only booting to recovery.
JeffDC said:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...-factory-reset-protect-unlock-t3414590/page11
Interesting read, particularly ignoring the trojan squabbling.
Uses script and setup files to get around FRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JEffDC, thanks for the follow-up hints. Very interesting read and approach. As commented in the other thread, I think the package download link in the opening post is dead. I am also curious to see 2 more complexities in action:
1. Will this work on a G935F variant (Exynos vs Snapdragon)?
2. The only way for me to get to the Google Account prompt is by using the modded dm-verity version mentioned in my first post - but I am not sure I can get ADB access enabled simultaneously
Good luck.
Deleted
Hey sathiere,
Came across this. It apparently removes the FRP before the system can start it up! Let me know what you think. I'm going to try it on a locked Edge next week or two. Seems to go right after the FRP protection file.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/how-to-bypass-frp-galaxy-s7-possibly-6-t3622126
and the download link works.
JeffDC said:
Hey sathiere,
Came across this. It apparently removes the FRP before the system can start it up! Let me know what you think. I'm going to try it on a locked Edge next week or two. Seems to go right after the FRP protection file.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/help/how-to-bypass-frp-galaxy-s7-possibly-6-t3622126
and the download link works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi JeffDC, came across that thread last night - checked it out, but cannot really make sense of it just now. I will be posting directly in this one in the next minutes.
Regarding the link for the other thread - the google drive link for me shows invalid/no content...
sathiere said:
Hi JeffDC, came across that thread last night - checked it out, but cannot really make sense of it just now. I will be posting directly in this one in the next minutes.
Regarding the link for the other thread - the google drive link for me shows invalid/no content...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I am hoping for a response to my post there, near the end, clarifying. I think I get the method, and it's really pretty straight forward, really.
sathiere, I think basically what it does is provide two connections to the phone at the same time, one via Odin, and the other via direct ADB.
Step one is to flash a Universal boot loader, which is unlocked or can be unlocked via ADB. Now with the locked boot loader out of the way, on to getting rid of FRP.
Step two is run the. bat file which deletes the Persistence file, which is the Google encrypted setup file/FRP file. BOOM, FRP gone.
Then either stay on the Universal bootloader, or go back and flash the OEM.
Brilliant!
I have the same problem with a sm930f binary 2 boot loader. Stock Rom doesn't start and frp lock. How you fix it ? Thank you
Try this method
https://forum.xda-developers.com/general/general/solved-bypass-frp-lock-drk-error-t3779082
Hi all,
I'm just about at my wits end here. I have a Note 4 (N910W8) with a failed USB connection and I would really like to root it. The underlying goal is to remove/disable all samsung bloatware.
WRT the USB, I have tried adjusting developer options, *#0808#, updating drivers, changing cables, changing PC's, etc. I've tried everything I could find online. Recently, I took it to a local shop and learned that the problem is not with the USB port/board, but the motherboard itself. I'm not going to pay to replace it. I have googled far and wide. As far as I can tell, this phone will never again connect to a PC via USB. So, download mode and Odin are out.
I have tried TowelRoot, KingoRoot, and other apk's, but I am on Android 6.0.1 (MMB29M/GLW-N910W8VLS1DPK1) so all of these exploits have been patched.
I am able to boot into (stock) recovery mode, so I thought I'd try recovering via SD card, however that doesn't work either. First I get a loading screen of the mascot with a spinning wireframe polygon in his belly and the message "installing system update". Then after ~15 seconds, the mascot is on his back with a red warning symbol over his belly, and the text "No Command." is displayed. I'm not sure what that's all about, because I have the latest update installed.
Any attempts to install CF-Autoroot or another recovery firmware (ie https://samsung-firmware.org/model/SM-N910W8/region/GLW/ , or https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/snapdragon-dev/trltecan-n910w8-aoa1-stock-rooted-t3025538, etc) from SD (in recovery mode) have been met with the same error messages:
E:footer is wrong
E:signature verification failed
I'm not sure why because at least some of these recovery firmwares claim to be official builds. Granted, they are older versions (downgrades), but are signed nonetheless.
I have tried installing TWRP or CWM so I can disable signature verification, but AFAIK the device must already be rooted to install these (which seems like a bizarre catch-22, but maybe I'm confused) so that's a no-go.
It certainly feels like I have explored every possible avenue, but I have one remaining idea. Perhaps if the phone doesn't want to downgrade, I could force its hand by carefully soft-bricking the current rom in a controlled manner, then performing a recovery from SD with an official 4.4.4 KitKat build, and finally, using the towelroot/kingoroot/etc exploit to gain root access.
I mean, why else would there be a recover-from-SD option in the stock recovery menu? There must be a way to get it to accept a recovery build...
It's a last resort. But I'm willing to try it. The phone boots up, but is so bloated and laggy that it's practically unusable. Still. Am I missing anything? Surely there's some way to skip the USB / Odin method. What do you guys think? Is it time to go hulk on this thing? Is there any hope left? Curious to see how much further this rabbithole can go.
Cheers and thanks guys.
I've searched for ways to soft-brick, but have not come across anything. The bootloader appears to be locked, which is odd because I thought that only applied to Verizon variants.
I have recently downloaded an ADB/fastboot package for windows so I could attempt ADB over WiFi, however I can't establish a connection. I thought I'd do some more poking around on the phone side, so I installed some Wireless ADB apps. They all indicate a root is required, so I think that might be a dead end. I also connected to a ubuntu machine. Nothing. The phone charges, but both the PC and Ubuntu machine show zero signs of any connection at all.
There has to be some kind of SD-based solution to this. You can boot a computer from an SD card / USB stick and use that to access files (on an unencryped partition), and I'd be happy to do that here and delete those bloatware APK's directly... but I guess phones don't behave like other computers.
I've picked all the low hanging fruit. A part of me believes that there are some sneaky hacker ways to get at this without USB (ie some sort of rootkit) but that's way beyond my abilities. I'm going to take a break and attack this again once I have fresh ideas.
I'm in the same boat (busted usb port), does your phone still fast charge? Mine stopped fast charging.
I too have the same problem, except with the Note 10.1 2014. I know that is a different forum, but if you find a solution, it might be adaptable to my problem. I too have exhausted all other options as described above. Please someone, there must be a way to root via SD card instead of Odin. Help us please!
Me too. I have a Note Pro 12.1 running Lollipop. USB is busted and I've already replaced the port and ribbon, so it must be the motherboard. I mainly need it for Titanium backup, so I don't have to reinstall large games over my limited connection.
I have the same problem. Note 4 N910H. Not recognized by pc, stopped fast charging shows usb charging in battery settings. AFAIK I just re-rooted the phone before it went bust. There is no solution except changing the motherboard. Also this problem seems to be quite common.
Hi,
the other day a friend gave me her old Samsung tab 4 7.0 (SM-T235). It's in its default state, running Android 5.1.1 stock ROM with all the most recent (5 year old) updates. "KNOX" appears to be ok, afaik.
This is my first Samsung device, up to the date I had experience with HTC Desire, Sony Xperia (2x) and OnePlus devices. I unlocked / rooted and installed custom ROMs on all of them.
Done quite a bit of googling and playing around with my "new" Samsung to see where it's different compared to my other devices. But there still are some blank spots, and there doesn't seem to be too much information out there regarding that specific tab 4 device. Before I start messing around I'd love to have some input from experienced Samsung users in regards to custom recoveries and ROMs, and possibly rooting. If there are comprehensive guides etc. out there that I simply didn't find don't hesitate to give me some hints:
First of all it appears to me that this device is going under the codename "degas". Correct? (meanwhile confirmed)
I hooked up the device to my PC, made sure that adb found it alright, then called "adb reboot recovery". That worked nicely, got me into Samsung recovery
Next I again tried to connect through ADB to the device still being in recovery, but that didn't work. To be expected?
Still in recovery I chose the "boot to bootloader" option, but that got me back into system instead.
So from system I again connected to adb then called "adb reboot bootloader". Device booted alright, but again it just rebooted into system.
>> Is there really no way to get into bootloader?
Trying to find out what has to be done in order to flash a custom ROM (rooted or not): from what I get, and unlike my other devices, I do not have to unlock the device / bootloader to begin with. It looks as if it was sufficient to boot into what they call "download mode", then hook up the device to my PC where ODIN is waiting already. Following this thread (and others) it then is sufficient to just flash TWRP from ODIN, boot to recovery and then do what is usually done here (like flash custom ROM, flash Gapps and possibly Magisk etc.). Is there something else / important I should know / observe?
Speaking about TWRP and Custom ROMs: TWRP.me lists that device on their site. So has anyone here flashed latest TWRP (3.6.2_x)? Or should I rather start with an older version like the one listed here, then possibly upgrade from there?
In regards to Custom ROMs I basically just found this LOS 16 thread (which is the same linked in the previous "TWRP" bullet). I assume that's it, or does anyone know about a newer android version (which I didn't find so far)? There seems to be lots of activity around "matisse" and "millet", but apparently those aren't the right devices, right?
Back to recovery: I see that in stock recovery there is an option to "wipe data/factory reset": should I do that before flashing TWRP from ODIN, or is it sufficient to wipe everything once I booted into TWRP?
I'm aware that I'll lose "Knox" as soon as I flash a different ROM / Recovery. As I don't want to use the tab 4 in some critical "BYOD" area I don't care (neither do I care about warranty, that's long gone anyways). But just to be sure: is it true that I'll lose "Knox" access?
In case I would decide to "go back" to stock ROM one day, how would I proceed then? Would ODIN still work so that I can flash latest stock ROM? Would Knox then be restored, or is that a thing of the past once I leave the stock ROM path?
Again: if you think I've done a bad job searching for answers don't hesitate to let me know but please be so kind then to hint the phrases I should look for ("SM-T235" really doesn't bring up that much valuable info)
Thanks and cheers
Update 2022-08-03: meanwhile I realized that the device is connected to my PC through generic drivers. Would it help to install specific Samsung drivers although both ADB and ODIN are acknowledging the device? Or can I just neglect that?
Since no answers came in I dared to just try. Meanwhile I'm running the device on LOS 16 with TWRP 3.5.2_9. Then flashed MindTheGapps (arm/Android 9 flavour)The switch wasn't as easy as I expected for some reason not obvious to me (somehow I couldn't get into TWRP after flashing it through ODIN. Then after the ~25th attempt it suddenly worked). Meanwhile I installed the official Samsung drivers, and maybe that helped, in combination with other adjustments I lost trace of...
I'll answer some of the above questions, for anyone who's interested:
#3: while in recovery (TWRP 3.5.2, as it is now) I still cannot access the device through adb. But I have access from windows' file explorer, so at least I can exchange files while being in recovery. Strange thing, this is the only one of my devices that behaves this way. The other day I'll try again from a Linux machine. maybe that works...
#4/5/6: boot to bootloader still doesn't work no matter what I try - devices always boots back into system
#7: Once I managed to get into TWRP the rest was a breeze
#8: I tried TWRP 3.6.0_9-0 which worked but on every boot into recovery it shows first a red notice that recovery was not enforcing SEAndroid. The notice then turns into blue and a second later TWRP logo shows up. This dowsn't happen with TWRP 3.5.2_9, so I stay there for the time being. Then I felt lucky and installed TWRP 3.6.2_9 image from running TWRP recovery, then rebooted. That again showed the red "not enforcing" message - and got stuck there. Solution was to get back into "Download mode" then re-flash TWRP 3.5.2 through ODIN.
Conclusion TWRP 3.6.2 is not fit to be used on that device (no, I didn't try 3.6.1...)
#9: since there aren't any more security updates released by google for A9 ROMs it would really be great to be able to upgrade to an A10 or even A11 ROM... anyone ever tried to use a "matisse" or "millet" ROM?
#10: I decided to use that - wiping everything that was on the device then doing a factory reset as well before flashing LOS 16. Then after first boot into LOS 16 a strange thing happened: when I made a basic setting (in regards to location services" the device told me that in a previous version I had decided to NOT allow google to use those services: after all that wiping and factory resetting: how could the device know that? By that time I had not yet logged myself into Google. Very mysterious!
#11/12: I guess I know the answer: I'm out of "Knox" now once and forever. And apparently ODIN is still working and recognizing the device.
Cheers!