"Samsung won't surrender to modders with latest update" - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Dis

"Samsung, as you know, has never made life easy for hackers and modders. With the latest update coming up for its flagship devices, however, it seems they’ve gone a bit too far. KNOX is able to check if your smartphone has ever been unlocked, and then the bootloader is able to prevent changes to the firmware.
With the Galaxy Note 8, the Korean phablet manufacturer seems to not want to surrender in its war on meddling. The update containing the January patches for the company’s three flagships (the S8 and S8+ are the other two models receiving the update) will introduce a new bootloader in addition to bringing patches for Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities.
The first consequence is that you will not be able to return to a previous software version once you have installed the update. The second is that, with this new bootloader, Samsung is able to block the use of one of the most used modder programs and the modified version of Prince Comsy by Odin.
Odin is a program that allows you to install the original Samsung firmware on your home devices and has been exploited for modding several times during the history of Galaxy smartphones. It has been used to earn root permissions on a device and in other cases to install official updates that Samsung was struggling to deploy.
Due to the Korean company’s delays and selectivity in releasing updates (they only issue certain updates in certain regions), the Prince Comsy modder decided to modify the official Samsung Odin software to enable the installation of software not created or approved by Samsung, but intended for devices from other regions (but with the same SoC of course).
Updating the bootloader will block this convenient option. To demonstrate an example, this means that if you have a Canadian device and you want to install American firmware, this will no longer be possible because the model numbers of the devices are different in different countries, despite the fact that the devices are identical. Not only that, if you have a device released by a mobile provider, you will no longer be able to install firmware from an unlocked device (here unlocked means not sold with a mobile carrier).
This will make life difficult not only for hackers but also for those who want to avoid waiting for an update via OTA by manually installing the latest firmware available in a nearby region.
Instead of wasting time blocking useful functions for users, Samsung should speed up the update procedure so that users don't have to use these tricks."
Source : AndroidPit

Seriously I've wanted to switch to pixel 2 so but they haven't reached Samsung's level with the screen and they got ride of the headphones that's the worst thing ever

Related

Samsung Pay Problem

Hi, it's been before the release of Samsung Pay, which, I can not make it work on the phone. I have some hypotheses but, I would also like your opinion, and maybe some advice, or to remove my doubts.
First of all, I speak of the Samsung Pay Italy. Before the official oreo release, I changed firmware in a German (DBT). I regularly received the updates before all the other operators and regions. Of course I was interested in the upcoming release of Samsung Pay in my country. Below I leave the screenshots. My doubts are:
Is it because I have the German firmware, which compromises the operation of Samsung Pay?
Can I downgrade to 7.0 and then change firmware (and csc) in a no brand, without altering the Knox?.
Or maybe change csc into a no-brand (without downgrade)?
Sreenshot: https://imgur.com/PUaxDtv

Seeking some assistance updating an unlocked (And out of US) G892A from stock

Hello Folks,
As the thread title states, I'm looking for a way to update to the current firmware from stock (G892AUCU1AQG4) - I bought the device a few days after it came out and promptly unlocked it and took it to Canada - OTA Updates are obviously disabled as I'm not on AT&T and there's no indication of a manual update method via USB on AT&T's support pages. Any chance someone has pulled ODIN files for all of the updates (As they seem to be building off of one another, indicating it's basically a nesting doll scenario where I assume I'll need to run update after update in sequence)? Or is there another way to go about this that doesn't involve going stateside and buying a sim and plan?
Did some searching and found a few threads with links or references to the stock files, but didn't see any means to update from stock to current (Or even just the first 8.0 variant)
Cheers and thanks in advance if anyone can save my Canadian bacon.
Edit for background information: I've tried forcing an update via SmartSwitch (RIP Kies) but it says the device is up to date, making me think it's also just checking for an OTA update, but given there's no update available on my wireless network it just dead ends.

Missing OTA upgrade to Android 8 (Oreo?)

HI,
I'm posting here because I am wondering if anyone can help.
I have a samsung S7 Edge. It's model SM-G935F. It's on Android 7.
It's security patch level is currently listed as Feb 2018.
I'm on the the Three UK network and I purchased this device from a Samsung branded store. If I manually check for updates it says "Your phone is up to do date".
I've spoken to support at three and they tell me that all of their S7's have had this firmware deployed. They have referred me to Samsung tech support who have talked me through a few things (which I had already tried...). I've even used Samsung Switch to check for an update.
The last message I received from Samsung support is that I'll have to wait until they get around to sending an update to my device. Meanwhile Samsung's general account say try taking it to a Samsung service centre.
So I was wondering if anyone had any advice?
Yes, I could root and deploy an issue to my device but for the moment I'd like to see if I can get the OTA update to work.
(I have insurance on this device so I'm unsure if I end up having to root it whether it could invalidate it?)
Also for work reasons I need to see if it is possible to get some support from Samsung and/or Three.
You can easily flash latest Oreo firmware through Odin.
Kill-Switch said:
You can easily flash latest Oreo firmware through Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i know that, it wasn't the answer I was looking for.
Turns out that the supplier had handed me a chinese phone. So I am due a replacement.
To say I am not happy with Samsung's own branded UK shops would be an understatement.

T-Mobile OS help

Forgive me if there is already an answer to this. I am very new to Android. By new I mean 2 weeks. I have been on Apple for many years now. Jailbreak and customizing is kind of a thing of the past. But to my question...
T+Mobile software is way behind and feels somewhat restricted. Is there a simple way of going to the full version of the latest OnePlus OS?
Thanks in advance for any help and insite.
Chris
wheeler77 said:
Forgive me if there is already an answer to this. I am very new to Android. By new I mean 2 weeks. I have been on Apple for many years now. Jailbreak and customizing is kind of a thing of the past. But to my question...
T+Mobile software is way behind and feels somewhat restricted. Is there a simple way of going to the full version of the latest OnePlus OS?
Thanks in advance for any help and insite.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By far, the best link to get you from T-Mobile software to the International ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/guide-flashing-t-mobile-oneplus-6t-to-t3865966
I've got the T-Mo version and (once I got my phone and bootloader unlocked) was able to convert to the International ROM in less than 10 minutes.
NOTE: You won't be able to get OTA updates (as of yet) but the process of flashing the new updates is super easy.
I followed the how to linked here, updated to the .11 version manually using local update.
On the international Beta 2 now, and it works flawlessly.
brisseau said:
By far, the best link to get you from T-Mobile software to the International ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/guide-flashing-t-mobile-oneplus-6t-to-t3865966
I've got the T-Mo version and (once I got my phone and bootloader unlocked) was able to convert to the International ROM in less than 10 minutes.
NOTE: You won't be able to get OTA updates (as of yet) but the process of flashing the new updates is super easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk
brisseau said:
By far, the best link to get you from T-Mobile software to the International ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6t/how-to/guide-flashing-t-mobile-oneplus-6t-to-t3865966
I've got the T-Mo version and (once I got my phone and bootloader unlocked) was able to convert to the International ROM in less than 10 minutes.
NOTE: You won't be able to get OTA updates (as of yet) but the process of flashing the new updates is super easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the info. I will give it a shot in a few.
wheeler77 said:
Forgive me if there is already an answer to this. I am very new to Android. By new I mean 2 weeks. I have been on Apple for many years now. Jailbreak and customizing is kind of a thing of the past. But to my question...
T+Mobile software is way behind and feels somewhat restricted. Is there a simple way of going to the full version of the latest OnePlus OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you've been on Apple devices for the past few years, isn't it a bit quick to jump to the conclusion that the T-Mobile branded version of OxygenOS is "way behind" and "feels restricted?"
The only "restrictions" on the T-Mobile version of the phone are the T-Mobile branded boot animation and the inclusion of the T-Mobile app and SIM Unlock app, both of which can be disabled (but not removed). It also doesn't support dual-SIM even though the hardware is there. Aside that there are no other differences.
The system updates are pushed much more slowly on the T-Mobile version. For example we just got the 9.0.2 update while OnePlus has recently released 9.0.11. So yes, the updates are "way behind" if you consider a 2-3 month delay to be a concern. There aren't any significant restrictions. The same restrictions apply to the non-Tmo variant, and in either case you can easily bypass them by rooting.
Now if you want the dual SIM capability, unbranded OS, and more recent system updates, then go ahead and convert. That's exactly why I'm doing it.
As for the OTA updates, I'm reading mixed reviews. Some claim they have successfully received OTA updates after converting. Its not clear if they were real OTA updates that were downloaded and installed automatically or if those users had to manually download and install (in which case it isn't an OTA update, some people just don't understand terminology) It is confirmed that after converting, it is most certainly possible to download the latest software update from OnePlus and use the local upgrade option (no need to manually flash via adb) which is fine by me.
bassic said:
If you've been on Apple devices for the past few years, isn't it a bit quick to jump to the conclusion that the T-Mobile branded version of OxygenOS is "way behind" and "feels restricted?"
The only "restrictions" on the T-Mobile version of the phone are the T-Mobile branded boot animation and the inclusion of the T-Mobile app and SIM Unlock app, both of which can be disabled (but not removed). It also doesn't support dual-SIM even though the hardware is there. Aside that there are no other differences.
The system updates are pushed much more slowly on the T-Mobile version. For example we just got the 9.0.2 update while OnePlus has recently released 9.0.11. So yes, the updates are "way behind" if you consider a 2-3 month delay to be a concern. There aren't any significant restrictions. The same restrictions apply to the non-Tmo variant, and in either case you can easily bypass them by rooting.
Now if you want the dual SIM capability, unbranded OS, and more recent system updates, then go ahead and convert. That's exactly why I'm doing it.
As for the OTA updates, I'm reading mixed reviews. Some claim they have successfully received OTA updates after converting. Its not clear if they were real OTA updates that were downloaded and installed automatically or if those users had to manually download and install (in which case it isn't an OTA update, some people just don't understand terminology) It is confirmed that after converting, it is most certainly possible to download the latest software update from OnePlus and use the local upgrade option (no need to manually flash via adb) which is fine by me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you did leave a handful of features the TMO firmware does away with.
But yes, it's easy to "uncarrier" this phone, as i was given my unlock before i paid it off and before the 40 days, submitted to 1+, and in due time and no time fast forward to beta 2

Can I flash an SM-G950U1 ROM onto my SM-G950U?

Hi all, (I previously asked this here.)
I have a carrier unlocked SM-G950U that was previously on T Mobile that I now have on Verizon, (long story, see below.) However, my device isn't updating, as seems to be the case for a lot of migrated SM-G950U(s). Of course, I want Android 9, and I also wouldn't mind getting rid of some of Verizon's bloatware. I was also fortunate enough to have received a research grant for some work in Italy, and I'd like to bring my phone along, (I'm a student.) So really, 3 reasons:
I want Android 9.
I don't want Verizon's bloatware.
I want to be able to switch carriers without the painful process of a carrier unlocked phone. (Ie., with the unlocked firmware my understanding is that I only need to restart my phone, as opposed to resetting my device, to switch carriers/SIMs in the carrier unlocked (ie., non-U1) device, (I think.))
I want to flash an SM-G950U1 ROM, but I'm not sure if this is still possible, (though according to here and here it was possible about 2 years ago, on different firmware/bootloaders.)
My plan is to do this:
Download this G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA from updato. (I believe XAA is the unlocked region code. My device is already carrier unlocked.)
Flash with ODIN (3.12.3, as far as I know only making sure repartitioning is UNchecked.)
I have a Snapdragon device.
Will this brick my phone?
Alternatively, here says I can download any carrier version of G950USQU5DSC1 (except Verizon and Sprint,) flash it, and it will work. I think this only accomplishes my getting Android 9, however, as it is still a carrier branded ROM. (So I'd still have to deal with bloatware and (possibly) resetting my device to switch networks.)
Phone INFO (the app) lists:
Original CSC Code: [blank]
Firmware's CSC Code: XAA
Active CSC Code: VZW
Avaialble CSC Codes: [a bunch]
Bootloader Version: G950USQU5CRG3
CSC Version: G950UOTN5CRG3
Baseband Version: G950USQU5CRG3
Build Number: R16NW.G950USQU5CRG3
Long story of how I got a carrier unlocked (SM-G950U) and not unlocked (SM-G950U1) device:
I purchased my "new" device on Amazon through a third party about 3 months ago. I checked the model number and found SM-G950U, but a couple places online said that this was indeed a regular, unlocked S8. However, my device wouldn't update, and I could see that I was stuck on a mid July/August build of Android 8, (CRG3.) Now that the summer's getting closer, I need(ed) to make sure my device is going to work while in Italy, so I called Samsung to update it/make sure it would work. They told me my device was previously activated on T Mobile, unlocked, apparently refurbished and sold to me. I rechecked the Amazon listing and it was in fact listed as new. (It was alongside Amazon's own listing for the S8.) Unfortunately, after spending the second half of my day on support calls, I won't be able to return my device because it's been just over 3 months. Looks like my next best option is to update/maintain it myself.
staMerrill said:
Hi all, (I previously asked this here.)
I have a carrier unlocked SM-G950U that was previously on T Mobile that I now have on Verizon, (long story, see below.) However, my device isn't updating, as seems to be the case for a lot of migrated SM-G950U(s). Of course, I want Android 9, and I also wouldn't mind getting rid of some of Verizon's bloatware. I was also fortunate enough to have received a research grant for some work in Italy, and I'd like to bring my phone along, (I'm a student.) So really, 3 reasons:
I want Android 9.
I don't want Verizon's bloatware.
I want to be able to switch carriers without the painful process of a carrier unlocked phone. (Ie., with the unlocked firmware my understanding is that I only need to restart my phone, as opposed to resetting my device, to switch carriers/SIMs in the carrier unlocked (ie., non-U1) device, (I think.))
I want to flash an SM-G950U1 ROM, but I'm not sure if this is still possible, (though according to here and here it was possible about 2 years ago, on different firmware/bootloaders.)
My plan is to do this:
Download this G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA from updato. (I believe XAA is the unlocked region code. My device is already carrier unlocked.)
Flash with ODIN (3.12.3, as far as I know only making sure repartitioning is UNchecked.)
I have a Snapdragon device.
Will this brick my phone?
Alternatively, here says I can download any carrier version of G950USQU5DSC1 (except Verizon and Sprint,) flash it, and it will work. I think this only accomplishes my getting Android 9, however, as it is still a carrier branded ROM. (So I'd still have to deal with bloatware and (possibly) resetting my device to switch networks.)
Phone INFO (the app) lists:
Original CSC Code: [blank]
Firmware's CSC Code: XAA
Active CSC Code: VZW
Avaialble CSC Codes: [a bunch]
Bootloader Version: G950USQU5CRG3
CSC Version: G950UOTN5CRG3
Baseband Version: G950USQU5CRG3
Build Number: R16NW.G950USQU5CRG3
Long story of how I got a carrier unlocked (SM-G950U) and not unlocked (SM-G950U1) device:
I purchased my "new" device on Amazon through a third party about 3 months ago. I checked the model number and found SM-G950U, but a couple places online said that this was indeed a regular, unlocked S8. However, my device wouldn't update, and I could see that I was stuck on a mid July/August build of Android 8, (CRG3.) Now that the summer's getting closer, I need(ed) to make sure my device is going to work while in Italy, so I called Samsung to update it/make sure it would work. They told me my device was previously activated on T Mobile, unlocked, apparently refurbished and sold to me. I rechecked the Amazon listing and it was in fact listed as new. (It was alongside Amazon's own listing for the S8.) Unfortunately, after spending the second half of my day on support calls, I won't be able to return my device because it's been just over 3 months. Looks like my next best option is to update/maintain it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lss yes you can. I don't know the exact. But it is nearly impossible to truly brick a u model. But everything you show looks good. I think you need the modded odin for unbranded but you can Google carrier switching s8 and it should lead you right back to xda
TheMadScientist said:
Lss yes you can. I don't know the exact. But it is nearly impossible to truly brick a u model. But everything you show looks good. I think you need the modded odin for unbranded but you can Google carrier switching s8 and it should lead you right back to xda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'll try later today with the G950U1 firmware. I've finished downloading the T Mobile firmware recommended by the second thread, (G950USQU5DSC1,) in case anything goes wrong, (in which case it looks like this firmware will positively work.)
staMerrill said:
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'll try later today with the G950U1 firmware. I've finished downloading the T Mobile firmware recommended by the second thread, (G950USQU5DSC1,) in case anything goes wrong, (in which case it looks like this firmware will positively work.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/rd-carrier-switch-root-snapdragon-t3597473
Just download the G950U1 firmware from Updato (or using SamFirm or Frija) and use that instead of the firmware referenced in the linked instructions.
Hai Karate said:
See here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/rd-carrier-switch-root-snapdragon-t3597473
Just download the G950U1 firmware from Updato (or using SamFirm or Frija) and use that instead of the firmware referenced in the linked instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So as a surprise to no one, this worked successfully.
Thanks for all the help!
Ultimately, I did have to deviate from the guide here, (the same one you linked and that I had above.) I needed to download a new patched version of ODIN, which I got here.
The process was:
Download PatcheD Odin
Launch PatcheD Odin
Put phone in Download Mode
Connect Phone to PC
Extract the G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA firmware from updato. (The same link/URL as I have above.)
Browse to/find files in Odin and put them in the right places.
Start...
Wait a reasonable amount of time for the files to be downloaded to the device, and forever for it to actually update.
Profit, (and finish setting up the device, wondering how you're going to signin without your 2FA codes...)
So again, thank you everyone. If anyone comes across this thread in the future you have my steps.

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