For reasons of brevity on this post, I ended up with a generic IMEI on my Samsung S4 i-9500 while flashing Philz CWM and then the stock ROM back. After extensiverly combing all possible threads on the subject, my conclusion is that there is no way to repair a lost IMEI on this phone when one does not have a working backup of the /efs folder.
I tried all possible methods:
- Flash stock ROM back
- Delete /efs and reboot
- Try to fiddle with copying .nv_data to .nv_data.bin
- EFS Pro to recover from an /efs I had. I noticed this was already the one with the generic IMEI
- Flash the modem twice
- etc.
Is that really the conclusion? It is not possible to repair a lost IMEI on GS4? On other phones people usually get it back when reflashing stock.
Does GS4 has some trick done by Samsung so that IMEI is not recovered?
I thank upfront whoever can enlighten me on this topic.
Either buy a RIFF box & A) Pay for something you'll never use again & B) Bork your phone to the point of requiring a motherboard replacement if you get it wrong or take it to a local mobile repair shop/someone who already has one & knows how to use it and have it fixed properly for half the price of you buying your own/without the risk.
Do the smart thing.
MistahBungle said:
Either buy a RIFF box & A) Pay for something you'll never use again & B) Bork your phone to the point of requiring a motherboard replacement if you get it wrong or take it to a local mobile repair shop/someone who already has one & knows how to use it and have it fixed properly for half the price of you buying your own/without the risk.
Do the smart thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, so then it is really impossible to recover. Is that always the case with other models or firmwares? Can a Samsung service center repair it, even with a cost out of warranty?
partimers said:
Thanks for the reply, so then it is really impossible to recover. Is that always the case with other models or firmwares? Can a Samsung service center repair it, even with a cost out of warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From all the posts I have read in the last two days, this one gave me more hope, as it keeps saying that restoring an older ROM may help.
It is not that I have an empty /efs. I have an /efs that I backed up, but after I noticed the fake IMEI issue. Can it be that somehow this /efs still contains what I need and is just not recognized by the stock ROM I am using?
This is the data about the stock ROM I am currently using, my phone is a GT-I9500 bought in Colombia, from carrier Claro, factory unlocked, no contract (I suppose all 9500 are like that). I flashed the Stock ROM following this guide, using the stock ROM files listed there http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2265477
Colombia
GT-I9500 Galaxy S 4
PDA: I9500UBUAMDE
CSC: I9500UWMAMDE
MODEM: I9500UBUAMDE
Added: 2013-04-18
Yep. Sometimes flashing stock roms restores the IMEI where it's a case of it disappearing temporarily. But you've already tried that, and if this was the case with your situation, you would have fixed it already. I mean, you can flash a bunch of stock roms & maybe you'll get lucky, but it almost always returns with the first stock rom you flash in these cases.
If you have an EFS backup that you know is 'good' (I.E you verified its integrity with something like kTool when you made the backup), then you should be able to restore it with kTool/similar. If you've tried that & it doesn't work for whatever reason, the backup is obviously bad.
I would be very surprised if a Samsung service centre didn't fix it if you paid them. However, you will possibly find that a local mobile repair shop who isn't an authorised Samsung repairer will fix it more cheaply (that's certainly the case where I live).
I noticed you tried to restore the backup with EFS Pro (don't know why people insist on using this app, maybe it's the 'Pro' in the name ? I don't think I've seen anyone on here successfully restore with it), try with kTool (search here/Google Play).
What you do from here is up to you, but if it were me (having tried the things you've already tried), I'd be biting the bullet & getting it fixed tomorrow, because you can try a bunch of things that won't work & you'll still have to get it fixed in a week/whenever.
This works! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432758
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Related
Sold my galaxy s via ebay last week, had the phone over 9 months no problems.
phone was unlocked and rooted and advertised that way, also had oclf installed. Buyer emailed me asking if he could reset the phone. I advised him that it had to have oclf removed etc. before he did this.
He returned the phone yesterday to me as faulty. It now says emergency calls only and the update that was available on kies, is no longer available and it only had 2.2 froyo installed previously.
How do I get it back to stock uk orange firmware and is the emergency calls the problem of the csc file as most people suggest.
Cheers
Sean
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Got a copy of original Orange firmware or find one .
Or try post 44
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1032437&page=5
Wrong CSC only means network manual entry of details .
jje
still not workinginggggg
still not working no product code showing. on spooffw, an error shows "the folder/efs could not be found. so wont update. how do i update
the product code xee(nordic) shows when using 272 imei on phone, but i need/want uk orange and the fimware installed is i9000xwjp6
i stll have the emergency calls only fault....phone worked faultless for months
sean
If I remember correctly, /efs contains IMEI and radio adjustment data. This is essential for phone operation, is individual for each phone, and is signed.
I wonder if a /efs from another phone would work, but first check if /efs is an existing directory on your phone. There is a trick for recreating the MD5 signature there is that is missing, I think.
Sorry for the vague pointer, but I've never had this problem (nor rooted my phone nor backed up /efs) myself.
I hope you have a back up of the EFS folder because as has been mentioned that contains IMEI details and stuff which is unique to your phone. Assuming replacing your efs with someone else's actually works, it's still illegal to do.
I'd say OCLF is the most likely candidate for removing it since it is outdated and dangerous and known to corrupt stuff. It has been superseded by newer, safer and more effective methods long ago which is why it has not been advocated or even supported by the dev in a long time. Probably was not removed properly before flashing or something.
The CSC has literally nothing to do with this.
i dont have a back up of my efs file
I wonder if anyone can suggest a remedy for my little problem, apart from throwing the phone in the bin.
My gt-i9505 recently stopped connecting to my provider and is showing a no service message at the bottom of the screen and a round circle with a line through it at the top. Samsung repair center say that the main pcb has failed but refuse to repair it saying that the phone was not destined for sale in the U.K but was intended for the Asia market.
My thoughts are that it cannot be the main pcb as the phone boots up o.k and also finds a satellite signal ok, the only things not working are the wi-fi and phone signal. Would I be correct in saying that these items are modular and can be swapped out? It may be a delicate job beyond my capabilities but if these parts are replaceable I do know someone that can do it.
It's a pity to dump the phone as it is only 12 months old and as new condition, so any suggestions or help would be gratefully received.
The phone is running the latest kitkat 4.4.2 ind is fully stock.
Bad efs folder. Is your imei and baseband correct?
Use/ask someone for a z3x box or a jtag.
"If someone helps, never forget to hit thanks ? "
Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated. Yes my imei and baseband are all o.k. so I don't think it's the efs folder. The phone has never been 'played with' due to the knox problem negating the warranty. I have however played with an I9000 with many successes.
I also upgraded the phone to the latest version GNG8 hoping that this would cure the problem but that didn't work either. What would using a z3x box or jtag if it is a hardware fault?
dodahday said:
Thanks for the reply, it's much appreciated. Yes my imei and baseband are all o.k. so I don't think it's the efs folder. The phone has never been 'played with' due to the knox problem negating the warranty. I have however played with an I9000 with many successes.
I also upgraded the phone to the latest version GNG8 hoping that this would cure the problem but that didn't work either. What would using a z3x box or jtag if it is a hardware fault?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well as @MAX 404 once said...
The efs folder, even if shows the correct values, can go bad.
Before going too technical, did you try flashing the latest modem for your phone?
Do it too but before proceeding take an efs backup. (Many ways, many playstore apps to take efs backups)
Hardware fault. Unlikely in this case , but cannot be ruled out altogether.
Z3x box is a multi utility box which has the power to bring devices back to life and writes the imei codes and stuff properly once again.
And a JTAG + Z3x box have the ability to bring an almost dead mobo to life.
You can read more about it on xda, how z3x has saved lives. I wont say buy one, but you can always ask if someone has it.
"If someone helps, never forget to hit thanks ? "
Thanks once again for the reply. What I flashed was the newest software, I9505XXUGNG8, for the phone downloaded from the SamMobile firmware page which I thought contained the newest modem. I will however download the relevant modem and reflash. I will also ask around for someone with Z3x box, as I will be away from home now until Wednesday next I will be unable to reflash modem until then but I will report back as soon as possible with the results.
dodahday said:
Thanks once again for the reply. What I flashed was the newest software, I9505XXUGNG8, for the phone downloaded from the SamMobile firmware page which I thought contained the newest modem. I will however download the relevant modem and reflash. I will also ask around for someone with Z3x box, as I will be away from home now until Wednesday next I will be unable to reflash modem until then but I will report back as soon as possible with the results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Just flash the modem via recovery (if a recovery modem file exists) or via odin.
After you flash keep the phone off for 30secs or more..and then turn it on..
See if anything improves..if nothing improves then just data wipe the phone..
"If someone helps, never forget to hit thanks ? "
I have now re-flashed the kernel inclusive of the wi-fi fix from this thread here
Code:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50965837&postcount=2627
and the phone now connecting to the internet successfully. The circle with a line through is still at the top of the screen and the phone is still showing the no service message. With a sim card in place the network is showing as unknown, service state is showing as out of service but the phone number is showing correctly as is the imei. I will have a look around for someone with a Z3x box to see if they can help.
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Hi All
I have an Exynos Galaxy S5 (SM-G900H), and I done an ODIN update on it and it completely borked up the IMEI so it cannot be used on the network, and I cannot use Kies/Smartswitch to do a recovery as it rejects the serial number for some reason.
Is there anything I can do? I don't have a backup, and I can't seem to root it using towelroot. It's still running KitKat, not Lollipop.
I also tried multiple G900H firmwares but it borks up when flashing hidden.img but was able to get it going when a site suggests extracting the hidden.img and flashing it. The phone works, but the IMEI info is borked and I don't have a backup of the EFS.
Is the phone totally frigged and I would have to hock it on eBay as parts? I'm not sure if sending it to Samsung would help as that phone is a grey import. Do I have any other options?
Thanks in advance.
Anyone???
You tried to install the stock firmware ?
l3o4nn said:
You tried to install the stock firmware ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, sure did, downloaded stock firmware from SAMFIRMWARE for the G900H. Tried Asian roms, Middle Eastern ROMS. I even tried a PIT file, but still no go.
I wonder why people won't reply. All I want is the original IMEI back, not this 0049 IMEI that seems to occur. I guess the phone is cactus and has to be sold for parts? I have tried everything under the sun to try and get it working from flashing ROMS, even tripping KNOX and rooting it.
Without backup you can't get back ur imei the only way is flash CERTIFICATE end QCN with octopus box
wocko1 said:
I wonder why people won't reply. All I want is the original IMEI back, not this 0049 IMEI that seems to occur. I guess the phone is cactus and has to be sold for parts? I have tried everything under the sun to try and get it working from flashing ROMS, even tripping KNOX and rooting it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EFS folder is in the root section once you delete it , it does not really come back by flashing roms as rom flashing does not touch that folder. Once its corrupted there are different ways to get it back but you need special devices for it like mentioned earlier "octupus box" is one. Try to find a professional repair shop which also repairs software. Maybe they can help you. Samsung service centers also sometime repair IMEI if you have original purchase receipt and your phone isnt rooted...but you can still try. I messed up my Galaxy Alpha and instead of selling it for parts it sold it as a "Demo unit" with everything working but calls. Someone might use it as music player or a camera.
I have the same problem. SM-G900H made in Vietnam. Anybody may help me? Thanks in advance.
Hello,
I have this problem with my phone and i don't know how to fix it, the IMEI is Null and when i enter "*#0011#" the ServiceMode is Blank !!
I tried to use GS5_EFS_Backup but it doesn't work ! Also the phoe get hot a lot, and when i put it in charge the battery level of charge is stuck in 10% always.
My phone is rooted.
Help me Please.
Thank you
Sounds like you wiped your EFS partition without backing it up first
Phone is dead if that is the case
Some people have had success backing up another S5 EFS, then restoring it to the dead phone
Otherwise, take it to a repair shop, next time backup before messing about
*Detection* said:
Sounds like you wiped your EFS partition without backing it up first
Phone is dead if that is the case
Some people have had success backing up another S5 EFS, then restoring it to the dead phone
Otherwise, take it to a repair shop, next time backup before messing about
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Detection for your answer. So where can i find another S5 EFS, and how can i restore it.
Help me Please because i tried already to take it to a repair shop but they don't know how to fix it, that's why I wanna try to repair it myself, and i think its one of the repair shops who wiped the EFS partition without making a backup (because i give to 3 repair shops and they don't know how to fix it).
You'll need another S5, no-one here will give you their EFS backup as it is specific to their S5
A trusting friend / family member or an old 2nd hand S5 if you can find one, is your only choice
*Detection* said:
You'll need another S5, no-one here will give you their EFS backup as it is specific to their S5
A trusting friend / family member or an old 2nd hand S5 if you can find one, is your only choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no other solution like flashing the PIT file using Odin and reinstate the stock rom or any other solution !
Nope, not if you've deleted the EFS partition - that contains the IMEI and Radios
Ok thank you, ill try to contact samsung after sales service.
Hi everybody,
I have same issue:
I needed to update SU-binaries and tapped accidentally on CWM/TWRP-Mode instead of normal. After this IMEI is null, Service Mode blank, sudden reboots and unable to install any Apps (always saying no free memory). uninstalling App causes reboot.
I have efs backup made with (PhilZ Touch) CWM, but I'm not able to fix the problem with it.
What I tried:
flashing Stock ROM + updating Bootloader in Odin
this Guide (except Samsung Tool and Terminal Emulator steps, as I can't install any App)
CWM script
I really don't know what else I can do. Does anybody have some other ideas?
Also backing up is not possible, now. EFS Professional says specified PIT file does not exist, even when I choose all partitions.
FIXED. Possible solution.
Fixed. Went to a shop to repair IMEI/EFS.
It seems there is something called "IMEI NV Generator", this should also do the magic and would have saved me some money.
samsung S5 Imei Proplem
zicozack said:
There is no other solution like flashing the PIT file using Odin and reinstate the stock rom or any other solution !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem after trying to change the original IMEI>>> any help please
Please take a look here and here.
Greetings Folks
I have a N910C and as mentioned in title recently I got stuck in to this issue
How it happened
I had CF-Rooted my phone and Odin flashed TWRP for custom ROMS so I tried a few and was not getting the perfomance thought SimplROM would do it for me in order to install that ROM it said in instructions to install latest Modem and Bootloader
So i tried downloading the ones given in v6C BL was downloaded but CP kept on giving me errors getting stuck at 7% on mega so being stupid I downloaded DPCB(MODEM) While ROM was offering DPK4
So everything went fine until after boot I realized am facing Not Registered to Network
Since I had experienced this before on other phone I went ASAP in dialer to check my IMEI & SN both are still intact
I knew about EFS unfortunately I backed it up on Phone Storage which was wiped for ROM and I forgot (So dont have EFS Backup )
I do recall years ago back when I had S3 I experienced this and sometimes flashing different firmware(CSC ,Modem) fixed it
What I have tried so far
I have already tried several stock ROMs most of em had DPI1 Baseband except 2 other ROMS no luck
tried combination file method too (the one that helps downgrade to kitkat i believe ) no luck
Tried XEO repair Firmware no luck
any suggestions ??
and on that contrary now that I am not on stock is there any way to find out which CSC and Stock ROM this phone originally was one or came with with IMEI or Serial I believe ?
Thanks in Advance
Anyone??
under the battery there's the serial number
install on your pc samsung smart switch program
run it with option of emergency software recovery - device initialisation
input the model of your phone
input the serial number
start
have patience and a good connection
your phone will (eventually) get the latest official firmware
https://www.blogtechtips.com/2017/06/24/easily-restore-samsung-device-firmware-with-smart-switch/
at least you'll have a working phone with stock rom
from here on you can try again and get informed better on what to do
good luck
w41ru5 said:
under the battery there's the serial number
install on your pc samsung smart switch program
run it with option of emergency software recovery - device initialisation
input the model of your phone
input the serial number
start
have patience and a good connection
your phone will (eventually) get the latest official firmware
https://www.blogtechtips.com/2017/06/24/easily-restore-samsung-device-firmware-with-smart-switch/
at least you'll have a working phone with stock rom
from here on you can try again and get informed better on what to do
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there bud I have almost tried most of fixes I could I'll give Smart Switch a try as I recall I checked before it didn't have initialization just the recovery mode, while in Kies 3 I did try initialization method by model and SN but it prompted device doesn't support initialization
Anyways do you think it could fix network?
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
crossmedia said:
Hey there bud I have almost tried most of fixes I could I'll give Smart Switch a try as I recall I checked before it didn't have initialization just the recovery mode, while in Kies 3 I did try initialization method by model and SN but it prompted device doesn't support initialization
Anyways do you think it could fix network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe restore the efs from recovery, if you have a backup that was working.
w41ru5 said:
Maybe restore the efs from recovery, if you have a backup that was working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jist checked not getting initialization option on smart switch ill see a work around it if its a version thing , as for working backup I lost it mate it was in twrp folder in phone storage it got wiped recovery softwares out there only help recovering media mostly if mass storage mount was option could have tried recovering for PC but that has been long gone since ICS
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Yep. Same problem as mine. Im kinda lost now since i dont have anything; even in stock rom it cannot go beyond connecting to my carrier. It only able to read my contact.
Im guessing its a motherboard problem? Isnt it @w41ru5?
VannM said:
Yep. Same problem as mine. Im kinda lost now since i dont have anything; even in stock rom it cannot go beyond connecting to my carrier. It only able to read my contact.
Im guessing its a motherboard problem? Isnt it @w41ru5?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know. Usually it's a modem issue when not recognizing the sim.
If it's a 910F snapdragon it might be the infamous eMMC issue.
If you have an EFS backup try to restore it from recovery TWRP.
Assuming its modem problem, its related to motherboard i guess, right?
Finally got the phone working, only to discovered that SIM not working. Really wasting my time and hype!
Plus, its hard to search for n910c replacement board here.
VannM said:
Assuming its modem problem, its related to motherboard i guess, right?
Finally got the phone working, only to discovered that SIM not working. Really wasting my time and hype!
Plus, its hard to search for n910c replacement board here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware, not the physical one.
Did you try to flash the 4 files repair firmware?
This is an example, I don't know what phone you have
https://firmware.gem-flash.com/index.php?a=downloads&b=folder&id=7081
Did you try the SmartSwitch pc program?
"...4 file repair..."- what? Ive google it until im almost run out of data here and you have a possible solution? You must be active in note4 forum.
One thing i noticed that, the IMEI and Serial Number are different from the sticker included.
I will try it, but not immediately; waiting for thurday-friday for data renewal.
My phone is n910c
EDIT : just checked the page you gave. I have few question;
What should i do with the files? What are the step? What are the program needed?
Is it related to SmartSwitch as you mention; need to use it?
Thanks!
VannM said:
"...4 file repair..."- what? Ive google it until im almost run out of data here and you have a possible solution? You must be active in note4 forum.
One thing i noticed that, the IMEI and Serial Number are different from the sticker included.
I will try it, but not immediately; waiting for thurday-friday for data renewal.
My phone is n910c
EDIT : just checked the page you gave. I have few question;
What should i do with the files? What are the step? What are the program needed?
Is it related to SmartSwitch as you mention; need to use it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. It's good you still have the IMEI. Not so important if they're different from the sticker. Where did you buy the phone from?
2. So if you go to check the 4 files repair, you need to search on that site the files for a 910C.
3. Did the phone worked on your country provider? If yes, maybe you need to search for the 4files corresponding to your region code.
4. These 4files have to be flashed with Odin
https://zfirmware.com/download-samsung-repair-firmwares/
5. SmartSwitch is an alternative to get the latest firmware for your phone according with the model and serial number.
https://www.sammobile.com/forum/threads/29914-SmartSwitch-Install-amp-update-or-replace-firmware
the "firmware.gem" are useless. the error says i need another package (i assume a quota) to download the needed files.
im currently testing "zfirmware", but have a doubt since it only give 1 type file (which country is it i dunno). but yeah, since my phone like that, it wouldnt hurt to try
EDIT : yep, nothing changed. the device not even bricked.
VannM said:
the "firmware.gem" are useless. the error says i need another package (i assume a quota) to download the needed files.
im currently testing "zfirmware", but have a doubt since it only give 1 type file (which country is it i dunno). but yeah, since my phone like that, it wouldnt hurt to try
EDIT : yep, nothing changed. the device not even bricked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If something does not work, why do you give up so easy?
http://www.mediafire.com/file/a2fdo0xm9nat5jt/N910CXXS2DPJ3_N910CZTO2DPE2_ZTO.zip - this is marshmallow
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=24269982087001472 - this is for lolipop
Put the phone in download mode, open Odin and try.
And try the smartswitch also.
w41ru5 said:
If something does not work, why do you give up so easy?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That hurts. A lot. Explanation below.
w41ru5 said:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/a2fdo0xm9nat5jt/N910CXXS2DPJ3_N910CZTO2DPE2_ZTO.zip - this is marshmallow
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=24269982087001472 - this is for lolipop
Put the phone in download mode, open Odin and try.
And try the smartswitch also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried files from LP and MM. It didnt work. And also smartswitch.
I was hoping that it will brick the phone (if i ever missed a step or incorrect file) but it didnt.
Might as well try looking for replacement board (or even a refurbished note4).
Thanks though for the suggestion @w41ru5!
Greetings again folks reading your replies above I have been trying almost every fix there is out there
First of all about Emergency Calls Only/Not Registered on Network
It can be due to several causes its can be Hardware ie faulty modem
it can be bad network coverage
it can be bad simcard
it can be SW with EFS problems or maybe even on rare occasion a modem file that you flashed
EFS can be either bad IMEI with CERT : FAIL or Just Network with IMEI and SN intact
just dial *#0011*# and see if you have CERT : PASS ( also someone with good IMEI/CERT and working network can share screenshot so i can compare whats wrong)
I am certain mine is EFS related because it happened after flashing modem DPCB modem via ODIN (I had TWRP EFS backup but the blunder I made was backing it up on phone storage and being careless forgot it was there and was wiped for custom ROM flashing process)
So far what I have tried
Combination File Method (and even downgrade to KK 4.4.4 )
Repair Firmware that include AP,BL,CP,CSC and even PIT
Kies 3 or Older Smart Switch says (Device doesn't support initialization ) since initialization feature was removed by Samsung on newer Smartswitch(since it was being used for wrong reasons? read somewhere)
Several different firmware's
OTA update
My IMEI CERT says PASS if only we had a network patch like Ariza Patch (for Galaxy S3) for Note 4 then we would be in luck so far at this point I dont think flashing ROM's would even help with bad EFS our only luck is Box e.g Z3x or Octo dont know if we are allowed to talk about those here (ill edit post if not)
these box applications have Network Patch for most Samsung models but I don't see one for N910C in most versions
for those with bad IMEI they can try writing good cert or efs on note 4 since they have already lost it I am sitting on it because my EFS is good on that part and for some reason box app isnt allowing me to back up my CERT if I am able to back up current cert then ill give those a try but I would prefer current IMEI since in my country IMEI should be verified to use the phone or you have to pay tax
I know its Bad EFS for sure because using Box application I chose reset EFS(after backing up current faulty EFS with good IMEI) upon reboot phone's imei was changed with no SN network came back for few seconds then gone again ,this happened to many users that have tried resetting EFS so I restored my original EFS
if anyone here with N910C and root can give me EFS folder I can corelate if any file required for network is missing since i have good IMEI
Cheers!