Database Users

[Q] New Nexus 10 - System update.. Should I do it?

Just opened up my new Nexus 10 - sealed in box, bought off another guy locally who happened to get 2 of them for Christmas (lucky guy haha, I believe it considering the neighborhood I picked it up from!)
Turned it on and it has a system update. Im one who tinkers, rooting and customizing etc... I rooted and flashed my Galaxy nexus within hours of opening it... and every android phone has been the same way. Im gonna try to keep the device stock for a bit though as I do have a handful of defects that people seem to be complaining about, but they're issues that aren't bothering me if functionality is fine
Issues I do have:
Inconsistent backlight - it is noticably darker near the camera at the top of screen
Strange buzzing noise from the back of the device.. "behind" the left speaker / near the power button corner.. It is definitely eminating from the rear of the tablet. It gets MUCH louder when the brightness is turned down (in fact I can't even hear it with brightness locked @ 100%, but it is really irritating with brightness at minimum)
And the device has a weird smell lol... this will probably go away though, might be from the plastic
Will updating the device make it harder to root the device for flashing purposes? Or is there any odd things from said update that I should know about before proceeding? I don't see any "DO THIS INSTEAD IF YOU HAVE XXX VERSION INSTALLED" type of posts yet so my assumption is no but I feel the need to ask anyway...
Thank you

No. The update will take you to 4.2.1 then you can proceed with rooting. It works the same no matter the version.

The update is minor so all the rooting techniques will work for either version. Every ROM available is using the latest revision, so I would suggest updating via play store before rooting.

To clear up any confusion, take the update. It's okay. It won't do you any harm.

falconoble said:
To clear up any confusion, take the update. It's okay. It won't do you any harm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you guys for the answers, exactly what I was looking for

I think the only thing it added was December to the calendar. That was an embaressing mistake by Google.
My Nexus 10 is better than your tablet. Hah.

TheShoura said:
Thank you guys for the answers, exactly what I was looking for
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update makes it easier to root I think actually. Either way just what the others are saying, it will not make it tougher for sure.

thacounty said:
Update makes it easier to root I think actually. Either way just what the others are saying, it will not make it tougher for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was definitely the opposite case on my HTC G2 (well not mine in particular as I heeded this caution) but G2's that were updated to 2.3.5 would have to force the device to downgrade to 2.2 before they could flash a rooted 2.3.x ROM
Samsung Galaxy S 2 - aka T-Mobile Vibrant - same story.
That was exactly why I asked

I rooted mine with 4.2.1 using mskip's toolkit before it was updated to support it.
There were instructions in the toolkit thread to just use the 4.2 image option for 4.2.1
It was a breeze.

[Q] Nexus 4 - no 5.0 update yet...

Hey everyone!
I got a new 8gb Nexus 4 a month ago for a great price and am using it now as my daily driver since I cracked my N5 and I am a bit bummed that it still hasn't received it's 5.0 update! It is already been nearly 2 months since they started rolling out!! My N5 already had it since the beginning of December. What is the hold-up? I don't know much about the system of ota rollouts (only that they start at about 1% of devices for the first week and in the next 2-3 they creep up to 25%, 50%, 75% and then the remaining 25%) but I am studying in the Czech Republic so I thought that it was effected by geographical location but I know people here already have 5.0 ota's on there N4s :/ So why haven't I got it? What is the problem? I am on 4.4.4 build number KTU84P....
What are my options to update manually? I don't want to use the Android SDK to update so are there any other options?? I know I could update flashing the factory images but can I do this without the SDK? I don't think the update will come and I don't want to wait any longer

Google 15 second adb install xda. That'll setup adb and fastboot on your pc. Then use fastboot to flash the factory image.
Sent from my Nexus 9 using XDA Free mobile app

Hi, I've used the WugFresh Nexus Root Toolkit to manually my Nexus 4 to lollipop.
If you follow the steps with this tool, it's very easy to update.
Afterlife737 said:
Hey everyone!
I got a new 8gb Nexus 4 a month ago for a great price and am using it now as my daily driver since I cracked my N5 and I am a bit bummed that it still hasn't received it's 5.0 update! It is already been nearly 2 months since they started rolling out!! My N5 already had it since the beginning of December. What is the hold-up? I don't know much about the system of ota rollouts (only that they start at about 1% of devices for the first week and in the next 2-3 they creep up to 25%, 50%, 75% and then the remaining 25%) but I am studying in the Czech Republic so I thought that it was effected by geographical location but I know people here already have 5.0 ota's on there N4s :/ So why haven't I got it? What is the problem? I am on 4.4.4 build number KTU84P....
What are my options to update manually? I don't want to use the Android SDK to update so are there any other options?? I know I could update flashing the factory images but can I do this without the SDK? I don't think the update will come and I don't want to wait any longer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Hi! Thanks for the reply - where did you find this guide? And does the toolkit both unlock the boot loader and flash the factory images ?? If so any guide links?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

Yes, with the tool you can unlock the bootloader, root your device and then install a stock rom.
I haven't followed a guide, the tool is very good explained, it's logical
Here is the thread about this tool: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1766475
Sent from my K013 using XDA Free mobile app

Afterlife737 said:
Hey everyone!
I got a new 8gb Nexus 4 a month ago for a great price and am using it now as my daily driver since I cracked my N5 and I am a bit bummed that it still hasn't received it's 5.0 update! It is already been nearly 2 months since they started rolling out!! My N5 already had it since the beginning of December. What is the hold-up? I don't know much about the system of ota rollouts (only that they start at about 1% of devices for the first week and in the next 2-3 they creep up to 25%, 50%, 75% and then the remaining 25%) but I am studying in the Czech Republic so I thought that it was effected by geographical location but I know people here already have 5.0 ota's on there N4s :/ So why haven't I got it? What is the problem? I am on 4.4.4 build number KTU84P....
What are my options to update manually? I don't want to use the Android SDK to update so are there any other options?? I know I could update flashing the factory images but can I do this without the SDK? I don't think the update will come and I don't want to wait any longer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted and customized my N4 without a PC. Follow these steps:
1) Download and install Towelroot. Once it installs and reboots u should be rooted.
2) Download SuperSU and update binary the normal way.
3) Next download BootUnlocker For Nexus Devices. Install and tap on unlock. U should reboot and when the "Google" boot logo shows up there should be a unlocked lock.
4) Download BusyBox and install
5) Download TWRP Manager and install the latest TWRP version for mako.
6) You're done, press volume down+power when u turn on your phone to get access to TWRP.
I can confirm, I did this myself and like u I was stuck running 4.4.4 and I am using SimpleAOSP 5.0.2 and in my opinion its a lot more stable than Stock L
BTW Google does plan on releasing 5.0 for N4 but since they have so much issues with the OS, the OTA is being delayed
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

404-Not Found said:
BTW Google does plan on releasing 5.0 for N4 but since they have so much issues with the OS, the OTA is being delayed
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're joking right? The official Google release is on 5.0.1. And it's been out for a while now.

Yaz75 said:
You're joking right? The official Google release is on 5.0.1. And it's been out for a while now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the 5.0.1 release stable?? Is there not working? How is batterylife?

Afterlife737 said:
Is the 5.0.1 release stable?? Is there not working? How is batterylife?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 5.0.1 is very stable. There are a few little bugs in it but it's not so bad.
The battery life is okay, I use mine the whole day and on the end of the day he is like 15-20% remaining. Better than on Kit Kat.

Afterlife737 said:
Is the 5.0.1 release stable?? Is there not working? How is batterylife?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are asking questions that are really hard to define and VERY user-specific. For me personally, I have a Nexus 5 and my wife has a Nexus 4. Both units are completely stock and have never been rooted or messed with in any way. For us, 5.0+ has worked perfectly and has no major issues. I do not experience the "memory leak" that people scream about, and I get as good if not better battery life as I've ever gotten. I'm sure someone will immediately jump in and proclaim that I'm an "apologist" or a "Google fanboy" and that there are countless problems that are well documented and I'm just delusional. But for my wife and I, we simply haven't had any issues as daily users of the phone and the latest OS. For me, I didn't wait for the OTA, I sideloaded the updates and it was a VERY simple process. Hardest part was getting the drivers correct but once I figured that out, it was 10-15 minutes at most to upgrade each phone.

Ohh glad to hear that. My Nexus 5 performed the same I would say. Maybe even a tad better when compared to 4.4.4... Anyway glad to hear the N4 is the same (come to think if it, this phone has REALLY surprised me.. I initially skipped it and stuck with my Gnex until the N5 came out. But sadly I dropped that a few times while taking photos skiing and some moisture got into it and the screen cracked... As a student I can't afford the £178 repair just after Christmas so I looked around for a new cheaper phone. Was going to get the Motorola G but saw that there are still a few NEW N4's for £100! And since I've had the past 4 nexus devices it was a phone I just had to get. On 4.4.4 I literally can't tell the difference in performance and everything else in that matters is great! The screen is so-so - not because the resolution -> actually don't really notice anything bad at 720p and don't need 1080p. But as on most IPS screens you can see most of the pixels when in direct sunlight. Just a bit more here compared to the N5. But after a month - a REALLY great phone. For an unbelievable price. Even the camera isn't that bad )
Sorry, now back to my question - do you have a guide which you followed to sideload lollipop?? If so could you please link it? I'm a bit scared - I really can't afford to brick this phone at the moment. Thanks allot!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Free mobile app

Yay Lollipop for Droid turbo... it sucks, tons of issues

I can't figure out how to edit the top post on this
Got the update this morning and hardly noticed. One thing to note is the Verizon messaging application crashes when trying to send and receive MMS forcing me to use the new version. I only noticed because of this glitch. It has other instabilities as well and my battery suffered a loss, I only get about a full days use where I used to have almost 2. Also the phone keeps going into Airplane mode. The camera can't record in 4k mode either...
The first is the phone before the update, the latter two are after... Still near stock with circles widget. I can take it in to get it replaced, but I don't want the Verizon tramp stamp...

endafy said:
I can't figure out how to edit the top post on this
Got the update this morning and hardly noticed. One thing to note is the Verizon messaging application crashes when trying to send and receive MMS forcing me to use the new version. I only noticed because of this glitch. It has other instabilities as well and my battery suffered a loss, I only get about a full days use where I used to have almost 2. Also the phone keeps going into Airplane mode. The camera can't record in 4k mode either...
The first is the phone before the update, the latter two are after... Still near stock with circles widget. I can take it in to get it replaced, but I don't want the Verizon tramp stamp...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a soak version or official? Yours is droid turbo or just Moto Maxx?
Please update more for us, thanks!!!!

chrisjenho said:
Is it a soak version or official? Yours is droid turbo or just Moto Maxx?
Please update more for us, thanks!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry Droid Turbo, and no I don't do soak tests. I rely too heavily on the device for business. I have a feeling the update may get delayed due to this. Trust me there are issues, and it is the only reason I noticed I got the update at all. The Maxx is the non-Verizon version.

Can you post some screenshot of the 'about phone'?
Any new stuff on the lollipop for droid turbo?
---------- Post added at 09:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 AM ----------
Also, I think you can downgrade the phone to 4.4.4 by RSD, if you need the firmware.xml, I get send a link to you.

If you've got lollipop, then why is the usb debugging icon from kitkat? :/

It's an alternative launcher....

So you got the update this morning? And yet you already know how the battery life is? Yeah nothing to see here, move along. Let's lock this before it gets out of hand
The op is also the guy that claims to have got root working.. Then provided Nada...

There's actually no indicative that it's lollipop. It's just the Google Now launcher before and after the update (app update)
Everything looks as kitkat as it could. Sorry, pal. You didn't fool us

Hey look, I got the update too!!
Its called an updated Google Now Launcher (or any other up to date third party launcher for that matter), not Lollipop.

endafy said:
I can't figure out how to edit the top post on this
Got the update this morning and hardly noticed. One thing to note is the Verizon messaging application crashes when trying to send and receive MMS forcing me to use the new version. I only noticed because of this glitch. It has other instabilities as well and my battery suffered a loss, I only get about a full days use where I used to have almost 2. Also the phone keeps going into Airplane mode. The camera can't record in 4k mode either...
The first is the phone before the update, the latter two are after... Still near stock with circles widget. I can take it in to get it replaced, but I don't want the Verizon tramp stamp...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice google now launcher. Nice try

cauebs said:
If you've got lollipop, then why is the usb debugging icon from kitkat? :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guys is a regular liar. He is using Nova, nay the Google Now Launcher.

zathus said:
So you got the update this morning? And yet you already know how the battery life is? Yeah nothing to see here, move along. Let's lock this before it gets out of hand
The op is also the guy that claims to have got root working.. Then provided Nada...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He also claimed that the soak test was over and Lollipop was rolling out two weeks ago. Of course, some of us know better.

Damn, the guy didn't even had the work to change the Kitkat debug logo on the status bar. I don't know if he's a bad pretender or really believed that his device was updated.

videtonator said:
Damn, the guy didn't even had the work to change the Kitkat debug logo on the status bar. I don't know if he's a bad pretender or really believed that his device was updated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58560723&postcount=10
Go ask Motorola for yourselves, it is past the soak test, and is now rolling out in the first wave. As soon as my device gets the update I will post screenshots, but I did provide proof of the Motorola conversation screenshot. I didn't even edit out my name. I stand by my word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/dro...rbo-rooted-t3001024/post58177983#post58177983
I have it temporarily rooted, it loses root upon reboot, please wait until I can get a script working. I have been granted temporary root via camera. It grants temporary root via USB Debugging turned on with MTP and all that turned off. I have been able to remove VZW Bloatware... no luck on bootloader yet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58794613&postcount=1
endafy said:
I thought I would, but everything I used to use root for I can do non-rooted now. This has all that I want and more, only a few minor setbacks.
USB OTG for storage, and USB gamepad, keyboards etc...
Wireless HDMI
USB Tethering I use PDA Net
Sideloading applications, provided they are signed, and signing an unsigned application isn't that hard...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I can hide the apps (only drawback) but not uninstall them
I can't load kernel modules
Buttons are hardware so changing them is a non-issue
I can't change the battery icon
In fact up until the Lollipop update, the device has been fast, smooth, stable, and did everything I wanted. I think rooting and romming aside, and of course my next phone will be a developer phone, but I can live without root for a little while, this works well. I am off to the Verizon store to replace this so I can get a working Kit-Kat version, if I can get one without the Verizon trampstamp. If not I will just wait for a fix which will be coming shortly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guy is worthy of your ignore list. He first claims soak is over and Lollipop is rolling out weeks ago, then posts a launcher fake-out.
He claims he has root, then says he doesn't miss it? what a troll.

adrynalyne said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58560723&postcount=10
http://forum.xda-developers.com/dro...rbo-rooted-t3001024/post58177983#post58177983
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=58794613&postcount=1
This guy is worthy of your ignore list. He first claims soak is over and Lollipop is rolling out weeks ago, then posts a launcher fake-out.
He claims he has root, then says he doesn't miss it? what a troll.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already reported him as did a few others so hopefully they can deal with him. He must live a sad life, I really feel bad for him

All it took was 2 seconds looking at the wifi icon to see that this wasn't lollipop. I mean, come on, really? What's the point in this? I agree, definitely worthy of ignore list.

ahaynes42 said:
All it took was 2 seconds looking at the wifi icon to see that this wasn't lollipop. I mean, come on, really? What's the point in this? I agree, definitely worthy of ignore list.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on the oem the wifi icon may or may not change. If you look at the s5 for verizon that icon didnt change.

the_rooter said:
Depending on the oem the wifi icon may or may not change. If you look at the s5 for verizon that icon didnt change.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's touchwiz you're talking about. It doesn't look like stock android anyway. The Turbo (like most Moto phones) is meant to be as close to stock as possible. I'd be willing to bet quite a bit that our wifi icon will be solid white when we get the update.

How the hell does he get a full day of use if he got the update this morning. Please close thread and stop giving him attention.

Stop the bull****, the wifi icons are from kitkat

[Q] What's the verdict on Lollipop for SM-G900W8?

I just received the OTA for Lollipop for my SM-G900W8, but I'm holding off on installing it. I've read some pretty negative feedback on it (e.g., Verizon), as well as from some Nexus 5 owners who say it's very unstable. If you are a running on a Canadian network, particularly Bell Mobility, your feedback is appreciated.
Also, did you have to clear the cache or do a reset?
Is there a way to delete a pending OTA update? I'm worried it will install next time I reboot the phone and I don't want that to happen until I'm ready.

bimmerdriver said:
I just received the OTA for Lollipop for my SM-G900W8, but I'm holding off on installing it. I've read some pretty negative feedback on it (e.g., Verizon), as well as from some Nexus 5 owners who say it's very unstable. If you are a running on a Canadian network, particularly Bell Mobility, your feedback is appreciated.
Also, did you have to clear the cache or do a reset?
Is there a way to delete a pending OTA update? I'm worried it will install next time I reboot the phone and I don't want that to happen until I'm ready.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I'm with Rogers btw

I am also a Rogers customer...
I never received notice of the update and when trying through Kies, and checking update through the phone it showed my 4.4.2 as current. In speaking with Rogers on line and in store, they tell me that 5.0 was pulled by Samsung due to bugs, yet Samsung won't confirm, other than Norway. Have been trying to update to 5.0 or at least wait til 5.1 comes, but not sure how I get my phone to do this automatically, without having to flash the firmware. Phone is unlocked, but never rooted.

I tried stock Lollipop a couple days ago. I went back to KitKat a day later. I wasn't a fan of the way it handled sound with the whole interruption system and such. And I often turn off just notifications while leaving everything else on but it was overly complicated to do that with the stock 5.0 rom. I had a couple force closures on apps that were never a problem before and it was just, well, not as responsive. Although that might've needed to take some time? The pop-up notifications thing was annoying (blocked part of the app I was in some times) and the task switcher was slow and cumbersome compared to the fast list in KitKat.
My thoughts, anyway. I think I'll wait for Google to mess with stuff. I get the feeling that they upgraded with good intentions but got a bit too carried away with their ideas. However, I am just one person so, you know, others probably liked it a lot.

Thanks for the replies. I didn't hear anything bad specifically for this model do I decided to give it a try. Installation was clean. No glitches at all. I'll keep an eye on battery consumption and report back. First impression is that Google got carried away with themselves making gratuitous changes.
Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

I've gotten the update on my Bell Galaxy S5. There seems to be two issues: 1) Battery life. I've been getting 2-3hrs SoT only, while I was getting much more than that before. 2) Sometimes the call audio drops. I can't hear the other person and they can't hear me, but if you call back it seems to work? It's really hit or miss. Currently investigating the battery problem but it seems to be some sort of wakelock caused by PowerManagerService.WakeLocks and PowerManagerService.Display. GSAM reports that Kernel is taking up 40% of the battery.

It's been over a week with lollipop. There was another update a couple days after I upgraded. There are a few things I don't like, but it seems to be working pretty well.
Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

How to return to 6.0.1 S7 from 7.0, ODIN

Hi! I see so many different answers regarding how to return to an older firmware but most of them are for people who are rooted or have custom Roms? I updated to Nougat and encoutered some issues with critical apps I need and now want to return to the stock firmware the phone came with. Do I just download the firmware and run Odin with one of those guides?
Tyvm!

RoxasTerra said:
Hi! I see so many different answers regarding how to return to an older firmware but most of them are for people who are rooted or have custom Roms? I updated to Nougat and encoutered some issues with critical apps I need and now want to return to the stock firmware the phone came with. Do I just download the firmware and run Odin with one of those guides?
Tyvm!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, surprised there were no replies to this query. I just unwittingly took the Nougat update today and broke FoxFi.....and have found the same basic thing...that there are lots of instructions out there for downgrading, but none seem to specifically refer to non-rooted VZW users.
I downloaded API3 6.0.1 firmware but ODIN fails when trying to flash.
Am I just stuck on Nougat? If so, time to sell this piece of junk!

spearoid said:
Hmm, surprised there were no replies to this query. I just unwittingly took the Nougat update today and broke FoxFi.....and have found the same basic thing...that there are lots of instructions out there for downgrading, but none seem to specifically refer to non-rooted VZW users.
I downloaded API3 6.0.1 firmware but ODIN fails when trying to flash.
Am I just stuck on Nougat? If so, time to sell this piece of junk!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not use the debloat rom and native tethering? More than one way to skin a cat.

Well that doesn't really answer the question, but I did the root thing a few months ago and it was way too much of a performance and battery hit to stick with.
Trust me, if I could root, debloat, and have close to the same performance, I'd jump back on the train. This is the first android phone I've ever had that I used without root... Dating back to the HTC Hero! I hate Verizon and Samsung for locking this thing down... And believe this will be my last Samsung phone.
But for now, I need to know if, how to get back to MM

spearoid said:
Well that doesn't really answer the question, but I did the root thing a few months ago and it was way too much of a performance and battery hit to stick with.
Trust me, if I could root, debloat, and have close to the same performance, I'd jump back on the train. This is the first android phone I've ever had that I used without root... Dating back to the HTC Hero! I hate Verizon and Samsung for locking this thing down... And believe this will be my last Samsung phone.
But for now, I need to know if, how to get back to MM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Hybrid ROM is not-rooted. You get the performance of the stock kernel with a very well debloated system. It also has the hotspot fix implemented. The ROM even passes SafetyNet. I haven't downgraded to MM from Nougat, so I can't give any insight on that part.

Okay then... That's very interesting.... I haven't kept up with XDA since I gave up on root.... I know nothing about this hybrid rom option but will definitely be reading into this!
Thanks

spearoid said:
Okay then... That's very interesting.... I haven't kept up with XDA since I gave up on root.... I know nothing about this hybrid rom option but will definitely be reading into this!
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s7/development/rom-t3576124/page13
I have it running on two phones and have no gripes.

I too updated to Nougat, and I'm not happy with it at all. The calendar app, dialer/contacts app, and notification shade are all worse IMO. I'm really interested in going back to stock Marshmallow. Can I use the Hybrid ROM to do that? IS there any way to go back to stock Verizon Marshmallow, but also NOT get the OTA update reminder in the notification shade?
Thanks for any insight/help on this!

n240sxle91 said:
I too updated to Nougat, and I'm not happy with it at all. The calendar app, dialer/contacts app, and notification shade are all worse IMO. I'm really interested in going back to stock Marshmallow. Can I use the Hybrid ROM to do that? IS there any way to go back to stock Verizon Marshmallow, but also NOT get the OTA update reminder in the notification shade?
Thanks for any insight/help on this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hybrid rom is just 7.0 debloated for vzw and tmo, but working on all us s7 flay/edge variants. The only way back would be odin if Samsung didn't lock the bootloader to not allow a downgrade

So....in other words I'm up the creek without a paddle. Maybe I'll just buy an unlocked one and sell mine.

n240sxle91 said:
So....in other words I'm up the creek without a paddle. Maybe I'll just buy an unlocked one and sell mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked ones aren't bootloader unlocked, just carrier unlocked. So, when they get the N update, they will also most likely not be able to downgrade. I would suggest the hybrid and staying with the demon you have than to worry about root and associated apps, but to each their own. There are free themes that can help with things and apps galore to customize most of the phone.

n240sxle91 said:
So....in other words I'm up the creek without a paddle. Maybe I'll just buy an unlocked one and sell mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well that's exactly how I felt the day the update attacked my phone........but I gave the hybrid ROM a chance.........and these folks here were right.......I'm actually far better off now than I was before the 7.0 update.
Granted, I speak from the perspective of an unlimited data user, and having the ability to wirelessly tether with the native app alone is HUGE for me.
But my phone does seem considerably faster and smoother now.
Had to figure out how to get things the way I wanted them....like to disable "heads up / peek" notifications.
I don't love the white look either....wish there was a dark mode, but that's really my only complaint. This switch to the hybrid ROM, IMO, is a big step up from my MM days with this phone. :good:

spearoid said:
well that's exactly how I felt the day the update attacked my phone........but I gave the hybrid ROM a chance.........and these folks here were right.......I'm actually far better off now than I was before the 7.0 update.
Granted, I speak from the perspective of an unlimited data user, and having the ability to wirelessly tether with the native app alone is HUGE for me.
But my phone does seem considerably faster and smoother now.
Had to figure out how to get things the way I wanted them....like to disable "heads up / peek" notifications.
I don't love the white look either....wish there was a dark mode, but that's really my only complaint. This switch to the hybrid ROM, IMO, is a big step up from my MM days with this phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the theme app. There are dark themes there thay help out a lot.

spearoid said:
well that's exactly how I felt the day the update attacked my phone........but I gave the hybrid ROM a chance.........and these folks here were right.......I'm actually far better off now than I was before the 7.0 update.
Granted, I speak from the perspective of an unlimited data user, and having the ability to wirelessly tether with the native app alone is HUGE for me.
But my phone does seem considerably faster and smoother now.
Had to figure out how to get things the way I wanted them....like to disable "heads up / peek" notifications.
I don't love the white look either....wish there was a dark mode, but that's really my only complaint. This switch to the hybrid ROM, IMO, is a big step up from my MM days with this phone. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does this change the colors of the notification shade and such? I don't use any stock launchers, icons, etc....I use Nova Launcher
-EDIT-
Okay so I went ahead and looked into it a little further....perhaps I will find one that gives me what I want.....a little skeptical of custom themes in general....boy how I miss the simplistic Holo days!

Thanks guys for the input! I'll consider the hybrid rom. It might be what I do. Can the hybrid rom have the contacts app and calendar app from the stock marshmallow rom? If I had those I could probably live with the rest.

Just thought I'd update people who come here looking to do the same thing. You CAN use ODIN to reinstall the stock 6.0.1 image even after you've updated to Nougat. You have to turn on the hidden "developer options" in the S7's settings first, but after that it works perfectly. Then you just need to disable the packages that download/notify you about the OTA update.
Thanks goes to CVertigo1, and everyone else here, for helping me out with this! So happy to be back on Marshmallow! Maybe in a few months they'll change the apps/UI back and I'll try Nougat again. One can hope!

OK, here's the latest. I rolled back to 6.0.1 just fine, but unfortunately I believe Samsung locked the system with the late September update. That means I can't use ADB or Package Disabler Pro to hide/block/disable the OTA update packages. So, I can't disable the packages that stop the OTA update unless I rollback to a ROM before they locked the system. Unfortunately again, the baseband is different for the older updates, so I can't rollback that far.
So, now I have Marshmallow back, but I have the annoying notification update that won't go away too. Still looking for a way around it without root. If anyone has any ideas please let me know!
"Thanks Samsung for locking our phones!" -said no one ever

Alright... last update I think. I found a different app that gets the job done. It's called BK Package Disabler. After you install it you can do a search for "sdm". Disable both of those packages, and the OTA notification goes away, and it doesn't look for any new ones either.

Still on 6.0, but daily SYSTEM UPDATE to 7.0 occurring. Can I shut them off to keep 6.0 for a few more months?
S7 on Verizon

Yeah, if you download BK Disabler from the app store you can stop the notification about the update. Just search for "sdm" in the app. Two packages should pop up. If you disable both of them you should be set.
HOWEVER, I don't know much about this app, so I am not endorsing it. I used it and it worked, but I wasn't able to find a lot of information about it on the forums. So, use at your own risk.