Database Users

Soft-Bricked S4 by Flashing Different Version Rom

Hi everyone,
Before blasting away with comments as to why I would do this, here's my story,
I live in Canada and just brought home a i9508, a China variant of the S4. It belonged to my dad and he didn't want it so I just took it. The i9508 doesn't have Play Store, and it doesn't work on Canadian 3G network.
So to me, the phone is useless right off the start (don't intend on selling it either, who wants it?) So I had 2 options:
1) Leave the phone as it is, and probably use it once every 1-2 years when I visit HK
2) Flash custom roms on it fully aware of the risk it will have so that there's a possibility I can make it more usable
So in the end I went with option 2.
I followed a guide and flashed TWRP for i9505 using Odin onto the phone, and used TWRP to install chainfire SU, and it actually worked (but SU wouldn't open because some sort of security on the phone is blocking it)
Next step, I downloaded the CM version for i9505 and flashed onto the phone, and that worked too. Only problem I've encountered was that the phone would only boot after a fresh install. If I installed CM, turned the phone off after the initial start up, the phone wouldn't boot pass the Samsung logo.
Up until this point, I didn't make a backup, because of my arrogance, cause I have available a copy of the official firmware, in case anything happens.
So I figured at this point, maybe if I restore the original firmware, and try the whole process again, the custom rom would work. So I went into Odin, flash the firmware with PDA, and failed. It just wouldn't work. After retrying it a couple of times, and downloading different updates of the firmware, nothing worked. Only thing working right now is, I can get into Download mode, and I can get into TWRP recovery (but for some reason, I can't flash the zips that I've adb pushed onto the phone, zip can't open)
For me, if it can't be fixed, then it's really SOL. But if there's a way to fix it, I'm open to testing anything people have in mind, cause afterall, this phone is paper weight either way. I'm interested in seeing if I could enable 3G by flashing a i9505 radio, despite warnings, although, I've never actually came across a thread where someone had actually tried it before.
Either way, if someone has any idea on how to fix the phone, and wouldn't mind sharing it, that'll be greatly appreciated.
Working
I can get into Download mode, but Odin is failing (if you need the error please let me know and I'll post it)
I can get into TWRP recovery, but can't flash files
I can get into adb

This isnt the correct forum for your phone. XDA don't follow clones

Unfortunately a section for i9508 doesn't exist, so I figure the closest one would be i9505.
Anyhow, if someone has an idea of how to fix it, I'm more than happy to do testing on it, like flashing other roms or radios.

[Q] Quick Question If Someone Has a Moment, Please

I just swapped from my Amaze 4g, to a used Note 3, and I'm a little lost as far as where I should start.
It says that it's on 4.4.2, and that I cannot update due to a modified system.
Basically, I would like to get updated to 5.1.1 (or as close as is official for the Note 3), and root it.
I'm afraid I'm not familiar with Samsung devices, and because I purchased this from ebay, I don't know how to tell the exact state that the former user put it in (I expected they would return it to stock prior to selling).
It's currently a T-Mobile branded, SM-N900T, on 4.4.2, build is KOT49H, security software MDF v1.0 release 2. Kernel is 3.4.0-660648.
It is supposedly unlocked for carriers, though I have not attempted a SIM card use yet, until I can tell that what I have is a valid device and the IMEI is checked out.
Any thoughts on how to validate the IMEI, and sort out how to get my new phone up to date would be appreciated. As I stated, I expected the vendor would have returned it to stock, but that is clearly not the case, so I don't want to accidentally boot loop it by doing something I shouldn't. I have not owned a Samsung before, so I want to be careful on how it differs from my Nexus 7, Amaze 4g, and Droid X, as they're all obviously very different in the OS area.
Thank you for the help1

Download tbe stock 4.4.2 rom and use odin to install. Then you will get the OTA updates.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

There is no stock 5.1.1 for note 3, only cm12.1/ aosp. Latest is 5.0 and you can use odin to flash. Maybe it's rooted that's why you can't update.

bladebarrier said:
I just swapped from my Amaze 4g, to a used Note 3, and I'm a little lost as far as where I should start.
It says that it's on 4.4.2, and that I cannot update due to a modified system.
Basically, I would like to get updated to 5.1.1 (or as close as is official for the Note 3), and root it.
...
Thank you for the help1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some apps to install from Play Store...
Phone INFO Samsung - this will tell you all about your phone and the firmware etc.
Root Checker Basic - tells you if you are rooted or not.
SuperSU - this is so valuable you should buy the Pro licence. Chainfire does some great work for our phones.
TWRP - I have the zip version on my extSDCard and an Odin version on PC in case I have to rebuild from a Stock firmware. CWN works OK but most ROM builds seem to be for TWRP I think and a backup from one will not work on the other.
I don't know your previous phone so you probably need Odin v3.09 - this sits on PC and lets you flash firmware to the phone. (connected by USB)
For which you need Samsung USB drivers so the PC will recognise the phone. Install on PC before connecting phone.
Then do some browsing and find the processes to root your phone and install the ROM you want. If you just want Stock and access to all your phone, you can root it after flashing the original v5.0 download (from Sammobile or similar site - note on Sammobile you need a free account to DL) and then install Custom recovery (if wanted - it WILL trip the Knox flag but that may not matter given it's 2nd hand and might already be tripped anyway)
Read, make SURE you understand what is being said BEFORE you do anything - ask if you don't.
Good luck...

N9005 Lollipop brick
Hi All, just need a huge help here, a friend of mine has been using a N9005 which was auto restarting, she went online and downloaded this firmware...N900AUCUEOC1_N900AATTEOC1_N900AUCUEOC1_HOME.tar.md5....2.5GB in size...and flashed it, but the phone is stuck in boot loop even after recovery wiping data and cache, the phone can boot into download mode but re flashing the firmware always fails.....is there a solution for this.....please help

Thank you all for the info, especially the detailed info from Journyman16. I checked, and it is flagged as custom, which is fine, so I'm going to go ahead and try to return to mostly stock, update it, and root it.

Ok, everything went well. I had to do two attempts at rooting, but I think it's just one of those things where sometimes it doesn't restart into the process every time.
All seems good. I'm on 5.0, rooted, busyboxed, and smooth sailing.
Thank you all, again, for the tips. The Note 3 is running very well. Thank you to all of the devs that have made this process so refined. I've donated to you before, and did so again today. It's outstanding to have such well versed coders, on XDA, helping out the community.

mjmbirige said:
Hi All, just need a huge help here, a friend of mine has been using a N9005 which was auto restarting, she went online and downloaded this firmware...N900AUCUEOC1_N900AATTEOC1_N900AUCUEOC1_HOME.tar.md5....2.5GB in size...and flashed it, but the phone is stuck in boot loop even after recovery wiping data and cache, the phone can boot into download mode but re flashing the firmware always fails.....is there a solution for this.....please help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have never learned not to ask in others posts? What does your problem has to do with this topic at all?
When you need help. Just click on Q&A then Create a new thread. How hard is it?

Noobs phone won't start - can't find the answer. Feeling dumb as my brick phone.

I've rooted and replaced the ROM on 3 other Android devices. I've spent two or three nights on this. Googling and reading page after page to try to get this right. I know I'm seriously lacking in knowledge, but I just can't stand the bloatware and lack of control over an OEM ROM. I knew I was taking a risk, but I did my best to be diligent without spending an excessive amount of time. All that said, I appreciate, in advance any help anyone can offer me. Whether that's direct advice or directing me to proper resources that I can't seem to find.
Samsung S5 SM-G900P (kltespr)
I had rooted it. I replaced the Sprint stock ROM (5.0.1 I think) with CM12.1 (which just got an OTA). I had TWRP 2.8.7 on it.
Unfortunately, I needed my research suggested I needed a Touchwiz ROM in order to activate phone service on the cell provider I'd chosen (Ting).
So I selected MOAR v7 and started following the directions here:
at galaxys5root.com/sprint-galaxy-s5-custom-roms/moar-lollipop-rom-for-sprint-galaxy-s5-w-2-8ghz-oc
I made a backup. I wiped the system/cache/davlik/etc.
I installed the Android 5.0 Bootloader TAR (G900P NDK Lollipop) per the instructions via Odin and using the Bootloader option. The flash failed. I can repeat the failure (ran Odin as admin, tried multiple USB ports, restarted the computer etc). I've since tried to send several recovery ROMS or OS ROMS (pardon if I'm using the wrong terminology here) to the device, but all I can get is download mode or a screen that says Samsung Galaxy S5 powered by Android (with Kernel is not Seandroid enforcing at the top). Sending TWRP via Odin has worked with a PASS, but still can't startup the device.
I can provide more detailed logs or information about where I'm stuck and how, but on the off chance that this is an obvious thing I'm going to stop here unless more detail would be useful.
Again, I'm grateful in advance for any help.
Moshker

Follow up and how I fixed my brick
This post is intended as a follow up in case anyone runs into a similiar problem and stumbles onto my post.
After trying several different bootloaders, including the stock ones from Samsung (multiple download attempts, very slow speeds, some didn't pass md5 check), and full ROM efforts via Odin 3.10.7 I was finally able to get one ROM to take.
G900PVPU3BOG1_G900PSPT3BOG1_SPR from androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347794921
After getting the phone activated on Ting I used Odin to push Chainfire Auto Root (408). I verified root after restart. Used Nandroid to make a new backup. I used Flashify to install TWRP 2.8.7. I restarted to recovery and DID NOT use TWRP to wipe the system/data/etc and instead loaded the MOAR7.0.OA6 ROM. During the ROM install process it asked if I'd like to wipe system/cache/davlik/etc. I did. The ROM installed successfully. I ran a Nandroid restore to bring back my apps and data. Most restored properly.
I still don't really understand what went wrong, why my efforts to fix it failed, and why the last thing I tried worked.
Really loving MOAR. I'm using the Numix theme and it's just incredibly clean and fast. CM12.1 had intermittent micro-freezes/lags that were driving me a little nuts and MOAR is really smooth and quite fast. I was pretty disappointed in CM as I had it a long time ago on an original DInc (7.2!).
Anyway, if you're phone is bricked, keep on fighting the good fight.

Back from Windows Phone, what ROM to use?

Thinking I'll post the TLDR up top:
What ROM should I use for the most basic (no extra "features") for my phone? Perhaps I'm too soon for such a version? I have the Exynos S8+.
So ~4 years ago I decided to move to Windows Phone (xperia 1020 -> Lumia 950XL). I'm not a big Facebook guy, so my phone is mainly for notes, texts and calling. I have however become a "fan" of Microsoft products, and I managed to change everything from "Samsung all the way up your ass" to "Microsoft when you desire it" on my S8+, including remapping the bixby button to Cortana. I have turned of all permissions possible for all Samsung apps I could, the only reason I want to root/change ROM is because I hate the "always active, **** up your battery and start all apps lockscreen home button".
I don't want any fancy stuff, I just want a clean android version for my Phone, with the option to disable the Home button on lock screen... And perhaps a point in the right direction for how to root/ROM my phone correctly. I believe it's 7 years since I've looked into rooting, hell, might even use the wrong terms here... That's what not looking into tech like I did 7 years ago does to a man
Edit: My 950XL basically went to hell, so I had to more or less impulse-purchase my S8+, without looking into what I really bought.

I've had this Samsung phone for maybe a month and a half. So please take this with a grain a salt. Information that was scattered around and I had to go searching for when I bought this phone. Here is my brain dump...
There isn't an AOSP or Vanilla Android ROM, they're all touchwiz based. Most of the ROMs give you an option during installation of certain apps you can remove. I dabbed around making a very clean and minimal ROM, but turns out if you remove too much the setup wizard falls apart and the phone basically freezes before even selecting your language. So I resorted to installing someone elses ROM and after setting it up, using ROM toolkit to remove random system apps and hoping it doesn't crash after a reboot. haha
This is my first Samsung phone (exynos S8) so getting around to using ODIN and the different files you need to flash was a headache. The general rules to follow are.
1. Enable Developer Options and turn on OEM Unlock. Then never again change that option. If you are not running 100% stock the bootloader will prevent the phone from turning on correctly and kick you into Download mode basically forcing you to flash a stock ROM. So once you turn on OEM Unlock, just leave it turned on. I was messing around in Dev Options and without knowing turned it off. Next time I restarted my phone I was forced to flash stock rom again. Custom ROMS tend to remove that option entirely so someone doesn't mistakenly turn it OFF.
2. KNOX is Samsungs security in stock ROMs. The moment any kind of custom recovery or anything is installed. KNOX will be tripped and stop the phone from completing boot up. It'll basically tell you that theres something that wasn't signed by Samsung and to reset the phone. An endless cycle unless you, 1. Install a Custom ROM or 2. Flash a stock ROM to undo whatever you did.
3. Keep your firmware (modem bootloader etc) as recommended by the ROM Dev. AQF7 is the last known stable and developed for firmware.
Right now there a new update AQG5 that has an updated Bootloader that will softbrick your phone. People have tried installing the entire Stock ROM and ran into issues. It worked for some, but avoid it for now. If you do find the need to play with it. For the time being flashing just the modem (CP file) and keeping or using the previous AQF7 Bootloader (BL file) should keep your phone usable.
4. The S8 and S8+ are very much identical except the obvious size difference. Cross Development allows Devs to create a single ROM for both devices. With only the Kernel being the difference. Which is some cases both are in the ROM zip and automatically selected for you. So if they state its compatible with both. If not just focus on S8+ only ROMS.
5. ODIN is a program that's used to flash files. Either to flash custom recovery or stock files. Samsungs SmartSwitch program is like Windows Phone Recovery Tool. It'll detect the phone you have connected and download the latest stock ROM it can find and flash it. ODIN is a stripped down program that we use to flash individual files. Its only really used to either flash a stock ROM or custom recovery. In some cases bootloaders and modem updates, but id avoid those for now.
6. ROM/Firmware structure. Samsung stock ROMs and Firmware zips are available all over the place. Basically its a .zip file with more tar files in it.
Lets say you download a stock ROM.
The name is normally Model|Region|Version.zip so for me I have G950FXXU1AQF7 that tells you. G950F is the Euro S8 Exynos, XXU1 is basically just New Zealand and some carrier, AQF7 is the firmware version. The file name might have multiple regions. Theres more into what means what. I personally just focus on the Model and the Firmware. I can delete carrier apps or flash my carriers CSC later on. From what I've seen version numbers increase with the next letter in the alphabet and a number. So obviously an update with AQF7 is newer then one named AQD6 etc.
If you where to extract a stock firmware/ROM zip to use in ODIN etc. It normally gets broken down to these tar files. If stock files are renamed ODIN will not accept them. It happen to me
BL** - Contains the Bootloader, partition layout etc.
AP** - Actual ROM. Kernel, System, cache, userdata (for some), recovery
CP** - Modem files.
CSC** - Preloaded carrier apps, settings. This comes in two files. If you flash HOME_CSC your data is kept if you decide to do an update. CSC file without HOME will format the data partition.
These files are flashed in their prepacked files. You wont flash individual system, kernel files etc with odin.
7. TWRP the go to recovery for Android. You'll use ODIN to flash it. On twrps website just find the S8+ (dream2lte) and download the .tar file. Using ODIN it will be flashed as an AP file.
8. Once you have TWRP installed it will trip KNOX if using a stock ROM. The button combination to get you into recovery from a fully turned off phone is,
PWR + Vol Up + Bixby
Vol Down is Download Mode, also used as the button combo to force the phone to restart. If you restart it this way, quickly move your finger and hit Vol Up and if done right will go into recovery.
9. CSC is carrier bloatware, but in the forums its what gives you VoLTE & WifiCalling. As long as your carrier supports it and in an area/wifi network that will allow it. Some ROMs have it included, if not you can find a forum thread which offers a flashable zip that will give you all the carriers around the globe. If selected correctly should give you those features for your carrier on your phone.
___________
The jist of all that is. Enable OEM unlock > use ODIN to flash TWRP > Boot into TWRP and flash a custom ROM. You'll use TWRP to flash ROMS, Mods, Custom Kernels. ODIN/SmartSwitch would be used to revert to 100% stock. If you ever some how turn off OEM unlock while using a custom ROM. FAP will be turned on and block you from using your phone until you flash a stock ROM and turn on OEM unlock again.
I'm personally using Renovate ICE on my S8 and have removed ALOT of system apps. Windows Phone has a special place in my heart, but Microsoft is just terrible about it now. I had a 950XL for a bit, but always had HTC phones when it came to Android. For me HTC was so much easier to work with when it came to ROMs. Now I'm rocking an S8 so had to learn fast.
Always do your research before flashing anything. Make sure multiple sources say the same thing or risk flashing something that might break your phone. If any other user finds something I mention to be wrong, PLEASE correct me. I will learn and so will others.
What I missed from HTC forums was the sticky threads. The go to threads that broken everything down and explained it. All the HTC phones I had while using XDA had these sticky threads in each devices forums. I was and still am reading threads from other Galaxy phones just to get a better understanding of how it all works since they aren't in this devices forum.
Not to talk bad about long time Samsung users, but yall need to get organized haha. Once I'm confident with Samsungs inner programming workings I'll try to make an actual knowledge thread with links and where credit is do. But dam it's like sink or swim around some galaxy phones.

Help me with flashing stock firmware

Hi
I got my wife a Samsung S8, SIM free as it was cheaper to buy the phone out right and get a 3 SIM only deal.
Only problem is because we got the phone from a online retailer, 3 won't activate the wifi calling.
So I have decided to flash the 3 S8 firmware via odin to my wife's phone but before I do that I have a few questions so I know I don't mess things up.
I will list the questions in number form so could you list the answers in number form with answer matching the question number, so I know what people are talking about.
1. When I glanced at Sammobile, I saw nothing mentioned about 3. Only thing I saw was H3G does this mean 3....if not what is 3 software listed as.
2. Will flashing this firmware wipe or factory reset her phone. (I know that I need to back things up anyway)
3. Will doing this Firmware flash void her insurance. As it's official Samsung software, I didn't think so but I want to be sure.
4. After the update will her phone be locked to 3.
5. Has anyone got any tips and guides which can help with this.
6. I hear that you can google blocked doing this type of thing, how do you get around getting blocked and if I do, how do I unblock a google blocked phones.
7. Will flashing 3 firmware actually give me wifi calling in the end.
8. After I have installed the firmware....will I receive future android/ Samsung updates. E.g. android 7 to android 8 updates, security patches and bug fixes
Thanks guys I will leave those questions for now....if I have anymore I will add them on another comment.
Hope you can help me I have attached some stuff I saw on the net incase it helps in anyway

Owenboy89 said:
Hi
I got my wife a Samsung S8, SIM free as it was cheaper to buy the phone out right and get a 3 SIM only deal.
Only problem is because we got the phone from a online retailer, 3 won't activate the wifi calling.
So I have decided to flash the 3 S8 firmware via odin to my wife's phone but before I do that I have a few questions so I know I don't mess things up.
I will list the questions in number form so could you list the answers in number form with answer matching the question number, so I know what people are talking about.
1. When I glanced at Sammobile, I saw nothing mentioned about 3. Only thing I saw was H3G does this mean 3....if not what is 3 software listed as.
2. Will flashing this firmware wipe or factory reset her phone. (I know that I need to back things up anyway)
3. Will doing this Firmware flash void her insurance. As it's official Samsung software, I didn't think so but I want to be sure.
4. After the update will her phone be locked to 3.
5. Has anyone got any tips and guides which can help with this.
6. I hear that you can google blocked doing this type of thing, how do you get around getting blocked and if I do, how do I unblock a google blocked phones.
7. Will flashing 3 firmware actually give me wifi calling in the end.
8. After I have installed the firmware....will I receive future android/ Samsung updates. E.g. android 7 to android 8 updates, security patches and bug fixes
Thanks guys I will leave those questions for now....if I have anymore I will add them on another comment.
Hope you can help me I have attached some stuff I saw on the net incase it helps in anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, there are Dozens and dozens of flash guides all over the web on flashing a SS phones with ODIN, 2nd'ly, its one of the easiest phones to flash..
Before you do anything download and install the latest SS USB drivers.. plug your phone in so they are detected.. then goto>settings and turn ON USB debugging in developer options.. plug in phone again.. so the device is detected again, then unplug... this installs the (A)ndroid (D) ebug (B)ridge driver, leave USB Debugging ON..
Your questions:,,
1) Yes H3G is 3UK... also EE use wifi calling..
2) Yes, it will wipe her phone... When you download your H3G firmware.. there are 2 CSC files in the folder.. I recommend using CSC... do not use HOME_CSC
3) No it will not void the warranty... its only when you trip KNOX by rooting, or custom roms that you invalidate warranty... Stock is fine
4) Yes it will... you will have to get an Unlock code to SIM unlock her phone.. SIM Unlock.. is not Flashing a rom.. What makes SS devices so cool.. is that you can flash any stock rom from any provider.. and it doesnt affect the bootloader, so you could flash an unbranded (open), EE or O2 rom on your 3 SIM locked phone..
5) Theres so many on the web and on XDA for SS phones and ODIN flashing, just type "Galaxy S8 back to stock" into search. My advice.. READ READ and more READ the guides ALL THE WAY Through, before you do ANYTHING AT ALL.. and make sure the phone you have has no SIM locks or security locks on it before you start.
6) Never heard of this... its only a stock rom your flashing, youll be fine
7) If 3 support Wifi Calling and the Rom your flashing has it coded in, then Yes it should work fine. EE also support Wifi calling
8) Yes... its a STOCK Rom with a STock recovery and STOCK Knox... so you will recieve updates according to when they are rolled out by that prvider... So, if its a 3 Rom, youll get updates when 3 push them out... if its an O2 rom, youll get them from O2.. and so on.... That is why soo many people flash Unbranded/Unlocked Open Roms... because unlocked phones have, in the past, gotten updates first and factory unlocked phones / roms dont come with Bloatware / carrier rubbish apps installed ..
Remember.. Just READ everything
Hope this helps

NightOrchid said:
Firstly, there are Dozens and dozens of flash guides all over the web on flashing a SS phones with ODIN, 2nd'ly, its one of the easiest phones to flash..
Before you do anything download and install the latest SS USB drivers.. plug your phone in so they are detected.. then goto>settings and turn ON USB debugging in developer options.. plug in phone again.. so the device is detected again, then unplug... this installs the (A)ndroid (D) ebug (B)ridge driver, leave USB Debugging ON..
Your questions:,,
1) Yes H3G is 3UK... also EE use wifi calling..
2) Yes, it will wipe her phone... When you download your H3G firmware.. there are 2 CSC files in the folder.. I recommend using CSC... do not use HOME_CSC
3) No it will not void the warranty... its only when you trip KNOX by rooting, or custom roms that you invalidate warranty... Stock is fine
4) Yes it will... you will have to get an Unlock code to SIM unlock her phone.. SIM Unlock.. is not Flashing a rom.. What makes SS devices so cool.. is that you can flash any stock rom from any provider.. and it doesnt affect the bootloader, so you could flash an unbranded (open), EE or O2 rom on your 3 SIM locked phone..
5) Theres so many on the web and on XDA for SS phones and ODIN flashing, just type "Galaxy S8 back to stock" into search. My advice.. READ READ and more READ the guides ALL THE WAY Through, before you do ANYTHING AT ALL.. and make sure the phone you have has no SIM locks or security locks on it before you start.
6) Never heard of this... its only a stock rom your flashing, youll be fine
7) If 3 support Wifi Calling and the Rom your flashing has it coded in, then Yes it should work fine. EE also support Wifi calling
8) Yes... its a STOCK Rom with a STock recovery and STOCK Knox... so you will recieve updates according to when they are rolled out by that prvider... So, if its a 3 Rom, youll get updates when 3 push them out... if its an O2 rom, youll get them from O2.. and so on.... That is why soo many people flash Unbranded/Unlocked Open Roms... because unlocked phones have, in the past, gotten updates first and factory unlocked phones / roms dont come with Bloatware / carrier rubbish apps installed ..
Remember.. Just READ everything
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. I will make sure to do my research. I have used odin before so I have some experience using the tool but not for big things like this. Last thing I used it for was to download TWRP to my rooted tablet.
I will also pull out her memory card so she can save her photo......she will be pissed about the wiping the phone part but if we want wifi calling then needs are a must.
Anyway of backing up her phone on a level where I can just put in her user name and password it will literally restore back to the point of the last back up....eg install all her the apps and themes the way she had them before the firmware update.
It's really important I nail this, as this is the first time we have gone SIM free and I don't want to be going back to paying extra for contracts just because we need the wifi calling. (And we both hate the three in touch app)....so my success with this will be important for the next phones we buy.

NightOrchid said:
Firstly, there are Dozens and dozens of flash guides all over the web on flashing a SS phones with ODIN, 2nd'ly, its one of the easiest phones to flash..
Before you do anything download and install the latest SS USB drivers.. plug your phone in so they are detected.. then goto>settings and turn ON USB debugging in developer options.. plug in phone again.. so the device is detected again, then unplug... this installs the (A)ndroid (D) ebug (B)ridge driver, leave USB Debugging ON..
Your questions:,,
1) Yes H3G is 3UK... also EE use wifi calling..
2) Yes, it will wipe her phone... When you download your H3G firmware.. there are 2 CSC files in the folder.. I recommend using CSC... do not use HOME_CSC
3) No it will not void the warranty... its only when you trip KNOX by rooting, or custom roms that you invalidate warranty... Stock is fine
4) Yes it will... you will have to get an Unlock code to SIM unlock her phone.. SIM Unlock.. is not Flashing a rom.. What makes SS devices so cool.. is that you can flash any stock rom from any provider.. and it doesnt affect the bootloader, so you could flash an unbranded (open), EE or O2 rom on your 3 SIM locked phone..
5) Theres so many on the web and on XDA for SS phones and ODIN flashing, just type "Galaxy S8 back to stock" into search. My advice.. READ READ and more READ the guides ALL THE WAY Through, before you do ANYTHING AT ALL.. and make sure the phone you have has no SIM locks or security locks on it before you start.
6) Never heard of this... its only a stock rom your flashing, youll be fine
7) If 3 support Wifi Calling and the Rom your flashing has it coded in, then Yes it should work fine. EE also support Wifi calling
8) Yes... its a STOCK Rom with a STock recovery and STOCK Knox... so you will recieve updates according to when they are rolled out by that prvider... So, if its a 3 Rom, youll get updates when 3 push them out... if its an O2 rom, youll get them from O2.. and so on.... That is why soo many people flash Unbranded/Unlocked Open Roms... because unlocked phones have, in the past, gotten updates first and factory unlocked phones / roms dont come with Bloatware / carrier rubbish apps installed ..
Remember.. Just READ everything
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi....i seem of got myself in a pickle.
I read countless amounts of guides and watch loads of videos but still not gone right. (Phone isn't broken thankfully)
Basically I do everything guides tell me, but it's when I press start on odin the problem happens. It doesn't fail but it doesn't progress....on the text box it stops at a point that says Nand START (something like that) but doesn't get past that point....i sat for an hour the first time I tried it and 30 mins every time after that. Another thing it does is at the top where you get the green loading bar....that part goes white and says something like select Partition (not near my pc at the mo and when I was with the pc my wife had my phone, so couldn't take a photo)
I have 3 solutions that could be causing the problem but I just want to get a second opinion.
1. I read everywhere about device drivers and I was under the impression that they downloaded automatically when I plugged the phone to the pc....is there secondary drivers I need to download (sorry for the basic question)
2. My odin wasn't the latest version....i was using odin 3.09 and now there is odin 3.13 (I think) will using the latest version stop this problem.
3. I wonder if my antivirus is blocking it....do antivirus's ever get in the way of flashing firmware.
Hope some can help before tonight

Owenboy89 said:
Hi....i seem of got myself in a pickle.
I read countless amounts of guides and watch loads of videos but still not gone right. (Phone isn't broken thankfully)
Basically I do everything guides tell me, but it's when I press start on odin the problem happens. It doesn't fail but it doesn't progress....on the text box it stops at a point that says Nand START (something like that) but doesn't get past that point....i sat for an hour the first time I tried it and 30 mins every time after that. Another thing it does is at the top where you get the green loading bar....that part goes white and says something like select Partition (not near my pc at the mo and when I was with the pc my wife had my phone, so couldn't take a photo)
I have 3 solutions that could be causing the problem but I just want to get a second opinion.
1. I read everywhere about device drivers and I was under the impression that they downloaded automatically when I plugged the phone to the pc....is there secondary drivers I need to download (sorry for the basic question)
2. My odin wasn't the latest version....i was using odin 3.09 and now there is odin 3.13 (I think) will using the latest version stop this problem.
3. I wonder if my antivirus is blocking it....do antivirus's ever get in the way of flashing firmware.
Hope some can help before tonight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi again everyone.
I feel like I am talking to myself here. I have managed to sort it.
I downloaded some secondary device drivers for her phone and then update odin to, Odin v3.12.7 and it worked first time.
I also used the original charging cable instead of the official charging cable for the gear 360 camera.
To restore her data, I backed up to samsung cloud in the settings, signed her in and restored the date I backed up....didn't originally think it would be any good but I am impressed.
Result is I have a phone that has wifi calling and I read somewhere that if you take the SIM out of your phone when you download the firmware it doesn't SIM lock the phone.....and it seems to have worked. (Not sure how true it is or if I was just lucky)
Hope this thread helps, I want to cover a few different things in it and learn something on the way.
(Thanks to the person that commented and supplied most of the info in this thread)
#happywifehappylife

Hi everyone.......again.
My last post I promise.
I wrote a bit of a guide for myself for when I need to do this again. I thought would post it here so people can see it and use it if they wish.
(The notes before the method is apart of my guide. Hope it all helps)
Notes Before The Method
the cable you are using to connect to the pc should be the original charging cable. (If you don't have the original then use the one your using and see if it works but try to find a official Samsung charging cable)
Your phone needs to be at least at 60% battery.
Older phones sometimes don't work with newer versions of Odin so if this is happening download a older version.
If it's a new phone and you want to personalize it from scratch then no need to back up and restore any data.
After removing your memory card, plug it into your computer using a memory card extension and copy photos to your computer. Just in case the phone formats the memory card when entered back in to the phone, after the firmware is installed.
Method
1. Go to Sammobile via Google chrome in incognito mode. (If you don't do this they will re-direct you to a sign up page, everytime you press download)
2. Download Firmware, find this by picking the lastest firmware thats with your network and match the Baseband version or the last part of build number. (found in system info in the settings)
3. Install the latest version of Odin and install secondary device drivers on your pc/Laptop.
4. (On your mobile) back up your data in the samsung cloud.
Setting>Cloud and Accounts>Samsung Cloud>Backup settings> Back up.
If you have a memory card, move all your photos ect, to it and remove it from your phone.
5. Go into setting and tap build number 7 times to unlock developer options. After unlocking it, enter developer options and enable usb debugging.
Setting>developer options>USB Debugging.
6. Once the firmware file has stopped downloading on your pc extract it and send send it to your Downloads File.
7. Open Odin and load each part of firmware in the right box e.g. AP with AP, BL with BL, CSC with CSC ect (Do not load up Home CSC this is used for when your moving a branded device to another brand, E.g. EE to 3)
8. Before you plug your phone up to the computer. Turn your phone off and enter Odin mode(Download mode). Each device has a different way of doing this so just google how to do it on your specific device.
9. Once your phone is in download mode plug it into the computer and press start. This should take a few minutes but some files may take longer.
10. Once the Odin confirms the process is done, by showing the pass sign unplug your phone and turn it on. (First time you turn it on May take a minute or two to load. )
11. Enter your google email and password, and restore all your data on google.
12. Then enter your Samsung user and password, after that press restore and choose the date you backed up on before you flashed your phone (at point 4)
13. Enjoy....your all done.