Database Users

[Q] What can prevent S4 (I9505) from OTA/Kies update?

Hi
My friend has got S4 (I9505). He wasn't flashing his phone with anything - it is original like it was bought. He has got now I9505XXUBMGA firmware (Android 4.2.2) with BTU CSC, which is outdated. System status says that phone is not modified, but despite this, he is unable to do OTA/Kies update. In both cases (when using OTA or when connecting to PC with Kies) he got message "This is the latest firmware". This is not true, latest for BTU CSC is I9505XXUGNG8 (Android 4.4.2).
Questions:
1) What can prevent OTA/Kies from update of unmodified phone?
2) Can software say, that phone is unmodified when it is not true? For example when flashing count is not "0"? Maybe someone flashed my friends phone before he had bought it? Changed kernel or recovery can lead to such problems?
3) Freezing of some Samsung bloatware can lead to locking both OTA and Kies on PC?
4) Are we able to diagnose this phone (how?) and fix OTA to avoid Odin flashing? (I know that there is hard to brick Samsung phone completely, but there are always some small chances that something will go wrong, my friend is not keen on flashing and I'm not so rich to buy him another one S4 when something will fail )
Thanks for answers

From what I recall, the S4 firmware will report a status of Official if all the pieces match, regardless of whether the firmware actually is for the S4 in question. So it is possible, and in fact likely, that your friend's phone was carrier branded at one point, but was then subsequently unlocked and the firmware flashed with an unbranded firmware.
You can find out if the device was flashed by entering the IMEI here. One item it will tell you is who the original carrier is. From there you can put two and two together.

Thank You very much for reply, that's important clue. I don't know how phone was bought, but CSC reports UK (BTU) and I'm not in UK - Poland. So it could be sold by some UK carrier and then unlocked to unbranded firmware.
IMEI gives no results, but I will try to get more informations about how phone was bought, that can explain a lot... Looks like in this case Odin will be only way to push Android further...
Thanks for answer, now I know for what I should look :good:
If anybody else will run into other idea - also feel free to answer, I will check anything as I want to help my friend Thanks everybody, XDA is great

Just a follow up. When you entered the IMEI at the link I gave, did it come up with the device's model number, e.g. GT-I9505ZKAXXX? If so, did yours read "GT-I9505ZKABTU" or some other model?

No, unfortunately not, I see no data after entering IMEI, only information about API, however if I enter IMEI on main page of this website I see some basic data. This lead me to information that Reporting Body Identifier is BABT (IMEI starts with 35) and BABT means United Kingdom.
Website didn't show model number, but my friend has installed Phone INFO ★Samsung★ and inside it there is model number (Product Code):
GT2I9505ZKABTU
This is very similar to Yours suggestion, but I see something weird - shouldn't be "-" after "GT" instead of "2"? Product Code with "GT2" instead of "GT-" is OK?
Thanks for answer

Then I sent you to the wrong page. You want the Samsung warranty page: https://imeidata.net/warranty/samsung
That page is the one that is supposed to tell you everything about your phone. Post that information here, minus the IMEI of course.

You had send correct link On Warranty page when I enter IMEI I got no data, only some data on mainpage of this website - looks like they don't have any information about this IMEI

I think they want you to register with the site, which is something new. Regardless, the reason we can't go by the Phone Info information your friend provided is that when a new firmware is installed the product code changes. For example, my I9505 was originally a GT-I9505ZKAO2U, which means my S4 was originally tied to the carrier O2 in the UK. Before I purchased the phone, the product code changed to GT-I9505ZKASIM, which is Slovenian firmware, specifically SI Mobil. About a month after I purchased the phone I installed a Black Edition firmware, which changed the product code to GT-I9505ZKAAUT, an unbranded Swiss firmware.
Currently on his phone is an unbranded UK firmware. If the site doesn't reveal the original carrier, the box may, depending on how long he has owned his S4. Some boxes have the product code on a label attached to the box.

Looks like website is down - after registering I got still no data, just message "The TAC info not found on database, we will update in 1-2 days."
Thanks for help - I will try to get details from my friend and I will go back to this when I will have some new infos

[Q] Some versions dont get updates?

Hi all,
I've noticed something unacceptable and as a newbie I wanted your insight.
I hold a Samsung galaxy s4 I9500 that seems to come from Bangladesh or Vietnam, I;m not pretty sure. Anyway, I noticed that many many devices from these Asian regions do not get any updates since 2013 ! They were lasted updated to 4.3 Jelly bean and that is.
How do you explain the fact that the same devices take lollilop and others stay on Jelly bean?
How can I upgrade at least to Kitkat?
(I checked the Kies application and it says that I have the last updated firmware)
Thanks a lot!

Sammobile has 5.0.1 for Bangladesh and 4.4.2 for Vietnam. As to the discrepancy regarding firmware releases, carriers are the ones to decide whether to upgrade or not. So either you'll get it or not. Bangladesh chose to upgrade while Vietnam is holding back.

Yes, but there are other models which did not take any update.
For example this code: I9500XXUEMJ9 exists in 7 countries (Israel,Bangladesh,India etc.) and since 2013 hasn't done any updates. Still the firmware is 4.3.
Should the owners of these models wait for even more?

If their carriers choose not to provide an update, then yes, the owners of those devices will have to wait. Case in point: Straight Talk. Here in the US Straight Talk offers a S4 locked to Android 4.2.2 and refuses to provide updates for it. Worse for Straight Talk S4 owners, unlike the I9500 owners, they can't simply flash a ROM from a different region because their S4 is an exclusive model specifically made for Straight Talk. So they have to wait for an update that will never come. At least the tech-savvy I9500 owners have avenues available to them to get a more up-to-date stock ROM. Straight Talk S4 owners have to use custom ROMs, and risk losing their service doing so, as Straight Talk prohibits both rooting and custom ROMs in its terms and conditions.

First of all thanks for your info.
I've got two problems facing me right now.
First of all I can't figure out which specific country the phone comes from. This code appears in many countries.
Secondly I don't know which flash ROM I should use with this program called Odin. Should I choose randomly a version? Should I upgrade to lollilop or it is a must I pass from Kitkat first?
I value your help.

Please post the following information:
1. Model Number
2. Android Version, found by going to Settings > More > About device.
3. Firmware Version (AP, CP, CSC), found by dialing *#1234# in the dialer or by installing Phone Info from the Play Store and running it.
4. Service Provider
5. Country
6. Is the phone rooted? (Yes/No)
7. Is a custom ROM installed? (Yes/No, and the name of the ROM)
Some of this may seem redundant, but putting it all in one post makes it easier to help you.

1. GT-I9500
2. 4.3
3. Original csc code: TGY/TMB
Firmwares csc code: TMB
Csc country: Hong kong
country of origin: China
csc version: I9500XXUEMJ9
4. I dont get this
5. Country see above
6. No rooted
7. No

Number 4 is asking whom you use as a carrier. Also, your AP, CP, and CSC should have been posted as you had seen it on screen rather than "interpreting" it. Nevertheless, based upon the info you provided, the correct ROM for your device is here. Flash this ROM through Odin and you should be good to go.

Help on s5 identification and possible downgrade

Dear all,
I lost my S5 recently, and since I was very much happy with this model I went to buy another one.
There was a chain of unfortunate events which I will skip here, but shortly - I fund the phone running android 5.0. Tried to downgrade - it didn't work. Starting from this point I became very curious, because I've downgraded that lost phone after automatic OTE update.
So, if I go to the Settings - About the phone I can see next thing:
Model Name: SM-G900F
Baseband version G900FXXU1BOC7
AP:G900FXXU1BOC7
CP:G900FXXU1BOC7
CSC:G900FITV1BOC1
So first I thought it's an Italian version of S5 somehow came to Malaysia (we live in Malaysia, yes) and they sold it to me.
Well, I went and downloaded appropriate (as I thought) firmware from sam-mobile and tried to downgrade. No success, Odin failed.
Then I was trying different versions of Odin, different firmwares - all without success until , at some point,I noticed that in Odin mode , right at the top of the screen was MODEL VERSION is SM-G900V (V, not F!!!)
Things became really ugly at this point, I realized that it's probably Verizon phone. I went to googleplay and Downloaded Z-CPU to check some more info, and this is what I found:
Model Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900F)
Brand Verizon
Bootloader G900VVRU2BOG5
At this point I'm almost gave up. This phone was absolutely new, I opened the box by myself, and all stickers and protecting films were on place.
How is it possible that it was refurbish?
But it's not that important.
what is important - in view of aforementioned things, - can I downgrade it to 4.4.2 or 4.4.4? Lolipop 5.0 drains battery in about 4 hours from 100 to 10%, it's not possible to use the phone in this conditions.
If yes (I really hope) , then would you kindly provide me with step by step instructions?
Thank you
PS I don't need any root access, just bringing back old good kikat

Check which model it says in download mode, that's the info you can trust, anything else can be changed with firmware / edits / stickers

Agreed.....download mode is what counts......
If it is the V variant, it'll have a locked bootloader.......
Verizon and AT&T are the two main culprits for this behaviour, and it's certainly the case for the AT&T variants that the locked bootloader will prevent downgrading.....I can only assume that Verizon's locked bootloader will cause similar problems......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

Guys, thanks for reply.
So, no chance, right?

If the bootloader is locked to the same extent as with AT&T, then downgrading won't be possible.....sorry fella...
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

Phone seems to report multiple models?

Okay so helping a friend update their phone (US bought straight from carrier), as the carrier (Viaero wireless) isn't providing any updates for the Galaxy S5 past Android 4.4.2. I understand that i'll have to flash it with new stock firmware and there's no way to get OTA updates to work in the future, doesn't seem to be anyway around that. However the phone is a bit of a mishmash of the G900T and G900M, so I'm not sure how to go about flashing it without bricking it. I have been told elsewhere that all these models are interchangeable and flashing between builds from each one is no issue however I have read elsewhere that doing so will brick your phone.
The build details are as follows:
AP: G900MUBU1AUMS
CP: G900TUVU1ANCH
CSC: G900MUUB1ANCE
Product Code: SM2G900TZKAATT (at&t build?)

Check which model it says in download mode, that's the one to trust

Help with SM-N910H

Hi
I am noobish and would love some help from an expert
I Got my Note 4 SM-N910H on eBay a few years ago. I brought it unlocked not sure if its unlocked via IMEI or some other way (Its working with both USA AT&T sim and UK Virgin sim). Looks like it has been customized in some way because I went to Odin mode and it has binary & status custom and Knox voided.
Tried updating via settings and it will not allow it due to being modified. Tried Samsung Kies and it says its not supported.
Its currently on 4.4.4 firmware and i want to get it to 6.0.1.
I found a website with the official 6.0.1 firmware for N910H. (Cant post links but updato and samsung-firmware). The problem is there are multiple different country versions and I don't have a clue which country to pick? I want it in English. But there are none with USA or UK. Does the firmware country make a difference apart from language? I don't know what the original carrier was and there are no carrier specific apps installed. Does it have to be the same country as the original? Could I lose my unlock and not be able to use my sim card?
About Device:
Android 4.4.4
Baseband N910HXXU1ANIF
Kernal 3.10.9-2815469
Build Number KTU84P.N910HXXU1ANIF
Device Status Custom (Does that mean its rooted?)
I am happy with either official firmware or custom if its 6.0.1 or something better.
Please any tips/advice/guides or links would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

speedfox87 said:
Hi
I am noobish and would love some help from an expert
I Got my Note 4 SM-N910H on eBay a few years ago. I brought it unlocked not sure if its unlocked via IMEI or some other way (Its working with both USA AT&T sim and UK Virgin sim). Looks like it has been customized in some way because I went to Odin mode and it has binary & status custom and Knox voided.
Tried updating via settings and it will not allow it due to being modified. Tried Samsung Kies and it says its not supported.
Its currently on 4.4.4 firmware and i want to get it to 6.0.1.
I found a website with the official 6.0.1 firmware for N910H. (Cant post links but updato and samsung-firmware). The problem is there are multiple different country versions and I don't have a clue which country to pick? I want it in English. But there are none with USA or UK. Does the firmware country make a difference apart from language? I don't know what the original carrier was and there are no carrier specific apps installed. Does it have to be the same country as the original? Could I lose my unlock and not be able to use my sim card?
About Device:
Android 4.4.4
Baseband N910HXXU1ANIF
Kernal 3.10.9-2815469
Build Number KTU84P.N910HXXU1ANIF
Device Status Custom (Does that mean its rooted?)
I am happy with either official firmware or custom if its 6.0.1 or something better.
Please any tips/advice/guides or links would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.4.4 is the best if you want my advice don't upgrade you will regret.
marshmallow and lollipop both sucks on note 4 and once you upgraded the bootloader will be locked and you cannot downgrade back to 4.4.4.
If your device status shows custom then it means it was rooted and modified for some reasons to make it fully work out of china because N910H is chinese note 4 3g model i believe.

just pick your own country. if its not available, just pick a neighbor country.
btw.....before you try any of those, try to boot to recovery and see if TWRP is installed. if yes, good, continue by creating backup of your current rom.
if not, I suggest installing TWRP first and make a full backup.
about kitkat vs marshmellow, I'll go with MM. With MM, you got more features, you got more recent android security patch.
yes, its worse on battery. but some tweaks here and there will (almost) fixed it.

Thanks for the help
Tried installing supersu and it says its not rooted so don't know why it says device status custom haha.
Yes 910H does say its an asian model but the firmwares are not asian areas they are more like african areas? The nearest one to USA is Trinidad and Tobago i think.
Think ill just stick with 4.4.4 since I don't know what I am doing
TY

speedfox87 said:
Thanks for the help
Tried installing supersu and it says its not rooted so don't know why it says device status custom haha.
Yes 910H does say its an asian model but the firmwares are not asian areas they are more like african areas? The nearest one to USA is Trinidad and Tobago i think.
Think ill just stick with 4.4.4 since I don't know what I am doing
TY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take your time to read on some threads. Just relax, no need to rush.
I have 910h myself, and I'm enjoying this device with root and xposed.
To root, get your cfautoroot. Its a simple process, just a few click here and there.
Custom status means that your knox is tripped. It means it has been successfully rooted before.
Trust me, its worth the time spent.