Database Users

[Q] 4.3 to 4.4.2 update for grey market s4?

I'm using a Czech T-mobile S4 GT-I9505 which is currently running firmware 4.3 (baseband I9505XXUEMKF) and am unclear about whether I'll be able to get an official update to 4.4.2 via my Singapore carrier (Starhub) at any point. I can't go via Kies, it says the device doesn't support firmware initialization.
Any advice would be welcome, thanks very much in advance.

luke_osullivan said:
I'm using a Czech T-mobile S4 GT-I9505 which is currently running firmware 4.3 (baseband I9505XXUEMKF) and am unclear about whether I'll be able to get an official update to 4.4.2 via my Singapore carrier (Starhub) at any point. I can't go via Kies, it says the device doesn't support firmware initialization.
Any advice would be welcome, thanks very much in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Android 4.3 and android 4.4.2 use KIES 3.
2. When u conect ur phone to Kies 3, you dont need press Tools -> Firmware Upgrade and Initialization. The update, if u have any, will pop up automatically (example in pic 1 attached).
3. If Kies 3 tell u that can't update is coz the old owner installed one firmware with wrong CSC.
- Go to Kies 3 and you will see ur CSC (its your zone code) like the pic 2 attached.
- Knowing ur CSC, take a look for this firmware in Sammobile.com
- Download and flash it with ODIN (Dont flash a "Black EDITION" if ur phone isnt it)
- Enjoy

Thanks for the reply.
Actually, this was a new phone, but it was purchased as a grey market import. I should have said that I have tried to go via Kies but it tells me I have the latest firmware. So does the phone OTA update.
Could it be that the OTA update is still connecting to the update server for Czech S4 phones and there hasn't been a 4.4.2 rollout there yet? If so, it looks like I have to root it if I want to go to 4.4.2.

luke_osullivan said:
Thanks for the reply.
Actually, this was a new phone, but it was purchased as a grey market import. I should have said that I have tried to go via Kies but it tells me I have the latest firmware. So does the phone OTA update.
Could it be that the OTA update is still connecting to the update server for Czech S4 phones and there hasn't been a 4.4.2 rollout there yet? If so, it looks like I have to root it if I want to go to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Conect it to Kies 3 and attach screenshot pls :highfive:

[Q] Cant update via Kies. CSC doesnt match. Newbie Questions

Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
Kies 2.6 says " Your Device's Current firmware version is not supported to update firmware via Kies. " (see attch)
I'm total newbie with these CSC codes and nor googling helped me out with all my questions:
How to make CSC and phone sales codes match safely without flashing official rom?
I bought AFR version S4 designed for Kenya in republic of Georgia (Asia/Europe). There is no firmware designed for Georgia. So does this mean I will never be able to obtain updates OTA or via Kies?
Phone INFO and such apps didnt work coz it couldnt find "preconfig" file.. Does this mean flashing is the only way? Which websites are good for official stock firmwares?
Old Post
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^

same question
GGACH said:
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same question for my sg s4. i wanted to buy an android wear lg g watch, but unfortunately because my phone won't update to kitkat 4.4.2 and is stuck with 4.2.2 jelly bean (kies says firmware is not compatible..bla..bla, and the OTA phone update says 'firmware up to date'....i can't make the the watch work... thank you this will be much help for alot of people!

GGACH said:
Hello, Im new to this forum and hope not violating any rules..
I just bought Galaxy S4 i9500 and has stock 4.2.2 installed. Cant update to kitkat neither with settings, nor with KIES 2.6/3.
My BB number is : I9500XXUBMG9
Here is my question..
1) Will this baseband region phone ever receive OTA update?
2) if NOT, then should i use services that samfirmware.com offers?
if YES, then can i install official firmware originally created for another baseband? For example can i use Russian I9500XXUGNG3 kitkat on my I9500XXUBMG9 ?
Doesnt it void waranty?
What are the risks of bricking? i mean basebands differ from each other, isnt that problem?
Also Im dissapointed with 2G call voice, sometimes i barely hear caller.. Can this be Baseband problem? I think this bmg9 baseband was originally for IRAQ carriers and im here in Georgia, which doesnt have specific baseband i guess...
I would be extremely grateful to those who answer me in this hard time ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate ,
First thing if you are in 4.2.2 is a shame to upgrade the bootloader..is Knox free
Your official updates most like it are blocked because you do not have the right CSC , download a nice little app from the market call PHONE INFO there it will tell you what your CSC is , this app can also change your CSC as long as it is available in the rom ( if you do backup first changing the CSC will do a factory reset)
Regarding your questions
1 OTA are CSC dependent
2 Samfirmware is good , and reliable you can go that way also
Second part of your questions
1 you can flash firmware for other countries , that is not a problem , BUT you may have problem with what languages are available , specific country services may not be available , no OTA
2 As long as you only flash stock rom (odin) you will not void the warranty
3 Briking is always a risk but when flashing not for different basebands
4 Maybe , for sure the right baseband would help
---------- Post added at 05:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:58 PM ----------
pasyuj.samonte said:
i have the same question for my sg s4. i wanted to buy an android wear lg g watch, but unfortunately because my phone won't update to kitkat 4.4.2 and is stuck with 4.2.2 jelly bean (kies says firmware is not compatible..bla..bla, and the OTA phone update says 'firmware up to date'....i can't make the the watch work... thank you this will be much help for alot of people!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi
Same as above check your CSC probably is for another country

OTA / CSC
First thing if you are in 4.2.2 is a shame to upgrade the bootloader..is Knox free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have no idea why Knox free is better ^^ i googled but not enough i guess.. does it makes problems with rooting or smthing?
Your official updates most like it are blocked because you do not have the right CSC , download a nice little app from the market call PHONE INFO there it will tell you what your CSC is , this app can also change your CSC as long as it is available in the rom ( if you do backup first changing the CSC will do a factory reset)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alrighty. I dw-ed two apps, both named Phone Info. I just have a questions:
If I change CSC code to USA will I get OTA updates as soon as USA citizens get it? Doesnt it depend that im outside of USA?
Is there any cons for changing CSC?
My country, is not listed in CSC codes.. Is there a way i can always get OTA updates?
1 you can flash firmware for other countries , that is not a problem , BUT you may have problem with what languages are available , specific country services may not be available , no OTA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wont flashing firmware change CSC too? If I install russian firmware will i be able to get OTA updates as soon as it rolls out for russia? Or will OTA completely be blocked?
Thanks a lot, and sry for late reply

GGACH said:
I have no idea why Knox free is better ^^ i googled but not enough i guess.. does it makes problems with rooting or smthing?
Alrighty. I dw-ed two apps, both named Phone Info. I just have a questions:
If I change CSC code to USA will I get OTA updates as soon as USA citizens get it? Doesnt it depend that im outside of USA?
Is there any cons for changing CSC?
My country, is not listed in CSC codes.. Is there a way i can always get OTA updates?
Wont flashing firmware change CSC too? If I install russian firmware will i be able to get OTA updates as soon as it rolls out for russia? Or will OTA completely be blocked?
Thanks a lot, and sry for late reply
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
A knox free bootloader is important if warranty some how is important for you , other wise there are the same
Regarding your first set of questions
1 Not an expert on kies but as long as all the csc inpho match it should , unless there is an issue with kies registration or IP
2 CSC give you country specifics network set ups , differnt countries have different set ups , fastdormancy , special services.......
3 you need to flash a stock rom from your country or region
Yes flashing firmware may change the csc code.

[Q] Haven't recieved Lollipop update yet, got few questions.

Hello,
I'v bought a GALAXY S5 G900F before two months, and it hasn't received the lollipop update, yet. I bought it from Saudi Arabia and now I've moved to Jordan (should that be a problem?)
I cannot wait anymore and I want to manually upgrade to Lollipop and I've got few questions.
1) Is it okay if I download a firmware for another CSC code? mine is (G900FOJV1AOA1) and in sammobile the latest downloadable firmware is 4.4.2.
2) If I root the mobile afterwards and a 5.0.1 was released OTA or via Kies, how can I get it? can I un-root to get the update then root it back?
3) Is there a way to reset the KNOX counter?
4) Are there any better websites than sammobile to download the firmware and how can I ensure if it is legit and untouched?
5) Why do different countries get the update so late? this is so irritating. why cannot Samsung just make the update available for everyone ? especially for the international unlocked versions.
Thanks in advance,

CharlesPro said:
Hello,
I'v bought a GALAXY S5 G900F before two months, and it hasn't received the lollipop update, yet. I bought it from Saudi Arabia and now I've moved to Jordan (should that be a problem?)
I cannot wait anymore and I want to manually upgrade to Lollipop and I've got few questions.
1) Is it okay if I download a firmware for another CSC code? mine is (G900FOJV1AOA1) and in sammobile the latest downloadable firmware is 4.4.2.
2) If I root the mobile afterwards and a 5.0.1 was released OTA or via Kies, how can I get it? can I un-root to get the update then root it back?
3) Is there a way to reset the KNOX counter?
4) Are there any better websites than sammobile to download the firmware and how can I ensure if it is legit and untouched?
5) Why do different countries get the update so late? this is so irritating. why cannot Samsung just make the update available for everyone ? especially for the international unlocked versions.
Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1-yes but if you want stability for modem choose same reigon code (ex.XXU-BLABLA for russia\egypt\saudi arabia like that ... see your current firmware code and find the one with the same ... if not its no big deal its that some people say its better ... imho get the latest by samsung any area make sure its international)
2-umm no and yes ... no if u just unroot ... yes if you make a full wipe after unrooting (ofcourse with not deleting any system apps in partition :silly: )
3-until now .... no ... but its simple ... you have warrenty stay away ... u dont ... just go and screw it :laugh: :silly:
4-yes but sammobile is the best and fastest ... another site is samsung-updates ... it gives you new firmwares faster than sammobile but download speed is pathetic for ul.to and other mirror
5-i dunno for real but keep in mind that 99.999% of samsung phones which gets the updates are "russian" ones ... so if you have the russia stock rom you will be the first to get an OTA by 99.999% :fingers-crossed: :silly:
hope i helped

[Q]Updating my unlocked Galaxy Note 3 (LTE) to Lollipop

Greetings,
My name is Hisham and I have a Galaxy Note 3 LTE unlocked; I can't wait any longer for the official lollipop update to reach my phone via OTA or kies (I live in the UAE) so I am thinking to update manually using Odin and the official update released in Poland (or any other official release for that matter)! My question is: let's say that everything went smooth and I got the update; what will happen to my phone afterwards? and how it will affect my phone? let us say that the official update reached my region (UAE) what can I do then? and finally, will I still be able to write and receive SMS and email in Arabic as well as English ( I mean can I still download any keyboard and language?)
This is my build number for reference N9005XXUGNJ2 (I don't know if it will help)
Thanks for the help in advance

kunna10 said:
Greetings,
My name is Hisham and I have a Galaxy Note 3 LTE unlocked; I can't wait any longer for the official lollipop update to reach my phone via OTA or kies (I live in the UAE) so I am thinking to update manually using Odin and the official update released in Poland (or any other official release for that matter)! My question is: let's say that everything went smooth and I got the update; what will happen to my phone afterwards? and how it will affect my phone? let us say that the official update reached my region (UAE) what can I do then? and finally, will I still be able to write and receive SMS and email in Arabic as well as English ( I mean can I still download any keyboard and language?)
This is my build number for reference N9005XXUGNJ2 (I don't know if it will help)
Thanks for the help in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. The CSC code of United Arab Emirates is called XSI (no UAE). Install this APP for know more info about your device anyway.
2. I do not recommend update your device manually if your device with your actual firmware (N9005XXUGNJ2) is going ok and smooth. Wait for the official update.

Thanks for the reply; I guess I have to wait for the official update now. I hope it will be soon :fingers-crossed:

Update to 5.0

Hey guys!
i recently got Galaxy S5 ( screenshot Attached) i got it used, and at the time of buying i didn't know it was rooted. It has Android 4.2.2 when i try to update via System update. It says Operating system on your device has been modified in unauthorisd way....... so i cant seem to update my phone. Is there any way to get the new update Lolipop i try to search by i cant seem to find something related to my baseband G900fzhu1ancd .
so if anybody can guide me in the right direction will highly appreciated. I'm very new to This flashing and Rom stuff, but what i figured is we need to find same Rom that can support our baseband version?? we cannot flash any Rom? Right???

Go to sammobile . com and enter your S5 Model (G900F) into the firmware section, select your region from the drop down, and download that ROM
Instructions for flashing that to your S5 are under the download on that site

grown ups said:
Hey guys!
i recently got Galaxy S5 ( screenshot Attached) i got it used, and at the time of buying i didn't know it was rooted. It has Android 4.2.2 when i try to update via System update. It says Operating system on your device has been modified in unauthorisd way....... so i cant seem to update my phone. Is there any way to get the new update Lolipop i try to search by i cant seem to find something related to my baseband G900fzhu1ancd .
so if anybody can guide me in the right direction will highly appreciated. I'm very new to This flashing and Rom stuff, but what i figured is we need to find same Rom that can support our baseband version?? we cannot flash any Rom? Right???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i ddi that, their many form SM-G900F but i cant find any for My baseband do i have to download any specific that matches my baseband or i can just download any version from the list flash it.
I'm from Pakistan and its not on the list, and i dont know phone is from Pakistan either. how can i check i already uploaded screenShots of devise info.

some other information if that helps, just put me in a rigth direction.

Anybody !!!!!
just one thing if anyone have time. if i want to upgrade from 4.4.2 to 5.0 and i have galaxy s5 SM-g900F. do i just have to go sam mobile and search for firmware for my model and can pick any 5.0 version or i have to see for any other thing like baseband version or kernal etc...
my region is not on the list.. please i really want the update.

What is your S5 Model? You can used even the firmware of other country as long as you have the same model no problem with that. Based on my experienced I am from Philippines and I am using UK which is my original baseband is XTC.

grown ups said:
i ddi that, their many form SM-G900F but i cant find any for My baseband do i have to download any specific that matches my baseband or i can just download any version from the list flash it.
I'm from Pakistan and its not on the list, and i dont know phone is from Pakistan either. how can i check i already uploaded screenShots of devise info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ginofakes said:
What is your S5 Model? You can used even the firmware of other country as long as you have the same model no problem with that. Based on my experienced I am from Philippines and I am using UK which is my original baseband is XTC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i shared all the screenshot above of my phone. please that. i Have Galaxy s5 Sm-g900f.
so i can use any firm of any country??

grown ups said:
i shared all the screenshot above of my phone. please that. i Have Galaxy s5 Sm-g900f.
so i can use any firm of any country??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry my bad. As far as I know and based on my experience yes as long as same model. I do not know and not so sure about your device but on my device it is possible. Originally a XTC and currently using UK

maybe anybody can comment further thanks for your replies..

Just pick the closest region to you for the G900F if that is your model, if you can't find your own
BTU = United Kingdom

yes my model number is G900F.