I have a Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N900), which is absolutely genuine, but purchased from China, so it is therefore “Region Locked”. I have tried to get this ‘unlocked’ by various companies advertising on Ebay etc, but they are unable to do so. I Downloaded the “Region Lock Away” successfully, and then when I press “Region Unlock”, I am given the message: “Could not locate CSC data! You could try flashing a CSC package to correct this”. So my question obviously is, how do I do this, especially as I am somewhat nervous at anything more involved, (i.e. ‘Rooting’ etc). Any and all help will be appreciated.
Related
Hello guys/gals, wondering if someone can advise me on getting Wifi calling enabled on an unbranded Galaxy S5.
I am a current EE (uk) customer still tied into them with a S4 contract. Just bought an S5 for a good price and want to take advantage of EE's wifi calling as my signal at home is dreadful.
The S5 i have bought is an unbranded version and comes with a BTU firmware. I am aware that an EVR (EE branded) firmware is required to use the feature.
After hours of googling I have come across the following possible options availible to me, but wanted advice on what is the best method eg most likely to work without problems.
Option 1:
Remove the Hidden.img file (and recompile with total commander) from an EVR firmware (to prevent the Ext.4 error that odin would throw up when trying to flash) then flash this with odin.
Cons: maybe something in the Hidden.img is required by the firmware and phone may be unstable ?
Option 2:
Root phone and edit CSC to enable the wifi calling feature
Cons: Does it actually work ? I know it enables the option but not seen definitive proof it actually works.
Option 3:
Flash the EVR firmware and repartition with a .PIT file, to enlarge the partition thus allowing a branded firmware to be flashed on an previously unbranded phone.
Cons: Apparently this is a very risky procedure and i have only seen one thread and instance of somebody actually doing this http://www.sammobile.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26841&page=2
What do you guys think?
Anyone done it and can vouch for a method (or think of another method??)
I spent hours both researching this and trying various methods to no avail! In the end, following something from another thread (not sure where) I got a serial number from a friend who had and EE branded S5 and used this with emergency firmware recovery option in the official Samsung software (can't remember what it's called now! )
As I recall, you select the menu option for emergency firmware recovery without the phone connected, it will ask you for a model number, which is case sensitive, then it asks for a serial number, which needs to be a an EE one. It then gives you instructions for putting the phone into download mode, you follow the instructions and connect the phone and it installs the EE firmware.
This was the easiest, safest and most straight forward way I could do it.
Hi all,
I'm totally new to Android after taking my iphone for a swim in Thailand (which is completely destroyed). I needed a phone for hotel reservations etc, so I decided to upgrade to an S8, bought at a Samsung outlet in Tesco in Thailand.
I live in the UK, so would like to be able to access all UK features (chiefly of all, Samsung/Android pay - not fussed which), along with not having to pay in Baht in the Play Store. Support have been 0 help, basically telling me I'm SOOL. I've read online about changing the CSC code, but I'd really appreciate some advice about whether this is possible and how I'd go about doing this. I'm not really worried about my warranty as apparently it's not valid in the UK. I'm more concerned about bricking my phone/making it unusable or a pain to operate.
Can anyone help/point me in the direction of an easy to follow guide? I'd be extremely grateful!
My model number is SM-G950FD
Thanks,
Dom
The easiest way is to flash via Odin UK specific firmware. So on Sam mobile I use the EVR firmware for EE UK, they have different ones for the major carriers
OK cool. I'm sure I can find a guide for that, but I have a couple of questions:
- what are the ramifications of this? Will it bork any part of my phone? Are there any other risks I should be aware of?
- will I be able to back up and restore my phone, but with the new firmware?
mr_maroon said:
OK cool. I'm sure I can find a guide for that, but I have a couple of questions:
- what are the ramifications of this? Will it bork any part of my phone? Are there any other risks I should be aware of?
- will I be able to back up and restore my phone, but with the new firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will be completely stock you will be fine. In terms of backup & restore the same as you would normally. Naturally you won't have TWRP root etc for proper backup.
but since you want samsung pay to work you cant have those anyway
link to all samsung 950f firmware https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8/SM-G950F/
Once you find which you want & assuming your not a member of the site you will get very slow download speeds go here (if you're a member it's really fast)
https://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model to download.
So I just attempted to flash to BTU. Downloaded the appropriate firmware, then attempted to flash via Odin (BL, AP, CP & CSC (not home)), including a factory reset.
When I restart the device, it reboots in Thai! Any suggestions?
Thanks!
mr_maroon said:
So I just attempted to flash to BTU. Downloaded the appropriate firmware, then attempted to flash via Odin (BL, AP, CP & CSC (not home)), including a factory reset.
When I restart the device, it reboots in Thai! Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
first factory reset. then flash home instead of csc + all the others, should work. If it doesn't change language in the phone first then repeat the steps just given.
You may have a problem only in that because you are not rooted or have custom recovery It defaults to what it was when 1st setup it has frp (factory reset protection). but as I said should work
StackOverflow13 said:
first factory reset. then flash home instead of csc + all the others, should work. If it doesn't change language in the phone first then repeat the steps just given.
You may have a problem only in that because you are not rooted or have custom recovery It defaults to what it was when 1st setup it has frp (factory reset protection). but as I said should work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cool - so I've followed these steps exactly and I've ended up with XEU/XEU/THL. Play Store etc still in Baht. Not really sure where to go from here!
Im afraid thats as far as I can help. Without root or twrp. Hopefully someone else will be able to assist
I just tried downloading the 3 UK firmware (my carrier is 3), and I get a 3 boot screen, but the Play Store etc is still in Baht. This is immensely frustrating!
Perhaps if you Google how to reset FRP?
Hello.
I have big problem with flashing SM-G361F.
It has stucked on download mode after regular OTA update and i can`t do anything with phone anymore. Recovery isn`t working also. I have already try everything i have find on net to fix it,but with no luck. I try to flash it with all versions of ODIN, and try 5 different USB cables on a 3 different PC-s, and always with the same result.
All what I can "flash" is PIT file, everything other isn`t working. I have try sofar every repair firmware i have found,lot`s of kernels, recoverys, custom roms, etc, but with no luck at all.
Any ideas?
Thank you.
Hello and apologies for my absence.
It seems you are in quite a pickle here, but since you can access Download Mode and Odin, that's great.
What I should tell you is that you don't need separate BL, AP, CSC and CP files to flash the ROM, since it uses the older method of flashing (which is much easier and more logical).
Unfortunately, since I am unaware of your mobile's network and it's nationality, I cannot recommend a specific ROM.
There is quite a list at https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-core-prime-lte/SM-G361F/ for this specific type of phone.
You need to put in your country and carrier and choose the latest version of the firmware since I am unaware of your phone's carrier and your nationality.
Either you can provide me with your country and mobile carrier or register to download the firmware yourself if you prefer.
Hope you get it fixed!
- Melon Chickens
EDIT:
TAKE YOUR IMEI NUMBER DOWN IMMEDIATELY!
I know most of us on the forums are nice folk, but posting your IMEI number is bad, since someone could use it and take calls and texts from it if you insert a SIM card, leading potentially to some bad things happening, for example someone using your phone's IMEI to take calls and texts while you are stuck with the bill!
Please! At least blur it out!
Thank you for your quick respond.
Unfortunaly i have already try all available rom from that link for my country and carrier, and it is always the same result.
I have the same issue with the G361F. Except mine always stays on the "samsung galaxy core prime" logo. I have tried around 15 Roms and always the same result.
I think i have the same problem:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-core-prime/how-to/stuck-powered-logo-t3838830
Any news about that?
Hi there.
Apologies in advance if I have posted this in the wrong forum.
I would appreciate any help that the knowledgeable people on here can offer for the following issue.....
I recently purchased a supposedly new Samsung Galaxy A20e here in the UK (from eBay) for my girlfriend. After a few weeks of getting used to it she noticed that she wasn't able to install any secure apps on it such as banking apps nor could the phone access any OTA updates (error message: "Your current software version isn't supported"). Other than that the phone is totally usable and works with her UK mobile provider SIM.
Upon further investigation I discovered that the phone appeared to be rooted (it has a MAGISK app on it). To make matters worse it appears that the phone may not be a A20e (i.e. model number SM-A202F) after all and may in fact be a Galaxy Jean2 (i.e. model number SM-A202K) - I believe that this is how the A20e was branded in Korea. All of the relevant information under Settings > About Phone points to it being a A20e, e.g. Model Number (as does the branding on the box) but when I put the phone into Download Mode it shows the model number as SM-A202K. I also believe that the Bootloader is unlocked.
The phone is currently running the following:-
Android 9 (One UI 1.1)
Baseband version: A202FXXU3ATB1
Service provider SW ver: PRT/PRT/KTC
Android security patch level: 1 January 2020
Current version (visible if I attempt to perform an OTA Software update): A202FXXU3ATB1/A202FPRT3ASL3/A202KKKU3ATA1
The seller we bought it from does not respond to my queries and eBay haven't been much help either.
No problem I thought as I would attempt to flash the latest A202F firmware (i.e. UK firmware - BTU) to it via ODIN (and thereby remove ROOT?) but this is where I need help. I must admit that I'm not an expert in any of this so please excuse my ignorance and naivety.
I have made numerous attempts at flashing what I believe to be the correct firmware (all starting A202FXXU3***) - all to no avail. I have even tried a A202K version.
The first issue I encountered was an ODIN fail with "SECURE CHECK FAIL (PIT)". After investigation I discovered that it might be possible to resolve this by downloading the PIT file and explicitly referencing this in ODIN (I downloaded separate PIT files for both A202F and A202K). Using the A202F PIT version didn't resolve this particular problem however using the A202K PIT did however I then encountered the next problem. Using the A202K PIT file and any variation of firmware via ODIN now fails with "SECURE CHECK FILE (BOOTLOADER)" and this is where my limited knowledge runs out.
Can anyone on here offer any advice as to how I can resolve this issue please? Ideally I'd like to get the phone to a state where it is not rooted; is running SM-A202F firmware; is able to get OTA updates and be unlocked to UK SIMs.
Many thanks in anticipation.
SenorValasco said:
Hi there.
Apologies in advance if I have posted this in the wrong forum.
I would appreciate any help that the knowledgeable people on here can offer for the following issue.....
I recently purchased a supposedly new Samsung Galaxy A20e here in the UK (from eBay) for my girlfriend. After a few weeks of getting used to it she noticed that she wasn't able to install any secure apps on it such as banking apps nor could the phone access any OTA updates (error message: "Your current software version isn't supported"). Other than that the phone is totally usable and works with her UK mobile provider SIM.
Upon further investigation I discovered that the phone appeared to be rooted (it has a MAGISK app on it). To make matters worse it appears that the phone may not be a A20e (i.e. model number SM-A202F) after all and may in fact be a Galaxy Jean2 (i.e. model number SM-A202K) - I believe that this is how the A20e was branded in Korea. All of the relevant information under Settings > About Phone points to it being a A20e, e.g. Model Number (as does the branding on the box) but when I put the phone into Download Mode it shows the model number as SM-A202K. I also believe that the Bootloader is unlocked.
The phone is currently running the following:-
Android 9 (One UI 1.1)
Baseband version: A202FXXU3ATB1
Service provider SW ver: PRT/PRT/KTC
Android security patch level: 1 January 2020
Current version (visible if I attempt to perform an OTA Software update): A202FXXU3ATB1/A202FPRT3ASL3/A202KKKU3ATA1
The seller we bought it from does not respond to my queries and eBay haven't been much help either.
No problem I thought as I would attempt to flash the latest A202F firmware (i.e. UK firmware - BTU) to it via ODIN (and thereby remove ROOT?) but this is where I need help. I must admit that I'm not an expert in any of this so please excuse my ignorance and naivety.
I have made numerous attempts at flashing what I believe to be the correct firmware (all starting A202FXXU3***) - all to no avail. I have even tried a A202K version.
The first issue I encountered was an ODIN fail with "SECURE CHECK FAIL (PIT)". After investigation I discovered that it might be possible to resolve this by downloading the PIT file and explicitly referencing this in ODIN (I downloaded separate PIT files for both A202F and A202K). Using the A202F PIT version didn't resolve this particular problem however using the A202K PIT did however I then encountered the next problem. Using the A202K PIT file and any variation of firmware via ODIN now fails with "SECURE CHECK FILE (BOOTLOADER)" and this is where my limited knowledge runs out.
Can anyone on here offer any advice as to how I can resolve this issue please? Ideally I'd like to get the phone to a state where it is not rooted; is running SM-A202F firmware; is able to get OTA updates and be unlocked to UK SIMs.
Many thanks in anticipation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check if the phone has any custom recovery installed by previous user, like (TWRP, OrangeFox..). If it does do a full wipe and via ADB check for device info. I doubt it will show the same information as you listed in your post. From there i would download this firmware if its a202F
Download Samsung Galaxy A20e SM-A202F BTU United Kingdom A202FXXU3CVC1 firmware
Fast download latest Samsung Galaxy A20e firmware SM-A202F from United Kingdom with A202FXXU3CVC1 and Android version 11
www.sammobile.com
Try using ODIN that i attached on this post and flash the firmware.
[Guide] TWRP and ROOT for A20e (A202f) [Updated]
My way of installing TWRP and ROOT on A20e (only tested on a202f). Everything is working both on TWRP and MAGISK. Versions: -Magisk (v24.3) -MagiskManager (v24.3) -TWRP (3.6.1_9.0) _________________________________________________ Download...
forum.xda-developers.com
@SerbianGeekster
Many thanks for responding.
Excuse my ignorance but how do I tell if the phone has any custom recovery installed?
FYI - it has a MAGISK app installed on it.
Edit 3: TL;DR: This is appears to be an S8 exclusive error, it's shown in the recovery:
"Product device tree not found, couldn't verify firmware" or something like that. For solutions, please look that up.
So, I bought a bootlooping S8 in the hopes of fixing it.
Since OEM and FRP lock are on, I went with installing Samsung firmware on it, as installing a custom recovery at this point is not possible.
The default recovery wouldn't work, so I wasn't able to know which firmware exactly to flash, because I couldn't find out which model exactly I have bought.
I do not know the carrier of the device either, but it should be from some german provider.
All of the firmwares I tried just bootlooped, but the recovery works again, except for ADB, which is quite unfortunate, and I have no idea why it fails, the device shows up when I'm in the recovery menu, but as soon as I activate ADB, it's gone from the list of connected devices.
Combination firmwares sometimes show some turning gears animations, but then crash with some, thought often memory related, pretty random crash issue.
Another problem I am now facing is that in the process of trying to find a working firmware I now upgraded the devices "binary level"? (forgot what exactly it was called) to 6, so I can't flash any older firmware or combination firmware than 6, since downgrading isn't allowed.
I received the device with either binary level 1 oder 2.
My theory is that I don't have the right firmware, since I keep seeing dm-verity and license errors...
I am happy to provide logs if necessary.
The goal is to have an unlocked bootloader/ custom recovery.
I literally am going INSANE over this FRP blocking me from flashing TWRP and being done with this in under 10 minutes, please help :c
PS: Some random info attached
Edit 1: With the IMEI code i found while opening the phone I now know my model number: SM-G950FZKADBT.
Any tips for finding the PDA code of the originally installed system? Or finding a matching firmware?
Is this even neccesary? Why do official firmwares not work for me? :c
Edit 2: Somewhat solution: I think the only way to recover this device would be to find it's firmware, which is just NOT to be found...
So, until a miracle happens I'm gonna keep reading "Firmware is not valid" errors in the log
Did you look in samfrew.com ? ? ? I just grabbed a fw from there.
The dnld was loooong so I purchased a privilege for faster speed . . .