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[Q] Accidentally flashed verizon galaxy s5 to SM-G900A when i went to the OA8 build.

I have been fan and user of this website and its forums for several years now and up to this time have always been very diligent about searching for the answers to my questions in the forums. I have always been impressed that i never had a question that had not been answered until today.. I found nothing on XDA nor the rest of the internet so here is my quere.. I Accidentally flashed my verizon galaxy s5 to SM-G900A when i went to the OA8 build. The funny thing is that it appears to have worked for the most part. It started up pre-loaded with all the at&t bloatware installed and everything! My phone now says SAMSUNG SM-G900A under model name and number..It gives G900VVRU1BOA8 as the baseband version and KTU84P.G900AUCU2AOA1 as the build number..It appears that I am on Lollipop, however, it says I have android version 4.4.4. All of that considered, my question is regarding taking the OC4 update through Flashfire. It clearly states that using it on any other variant could result in a hardbrick..Do you think it will hard brick my phone?

First of all what is flash fire? Second I would not take that chance.... But have you thought about restoring your phone through odin?

On a developers standpoint you'll have to do more than that hardbricking your phone. Or should I say the only ways to hardbrick your s5 is
1. Destroy some of its hardware
2. Rewrite/delete some of it's irreplaceable data.
And flashing different ROMs doesn't result to 1 of the 2 and you'll either just get a softbrick, buggy ROM or a working device.
There are only 3 versions of s5 in general
1. The snapdragon version
2. Exynos version
3. Sprint version
And subversions which are
1. 16GB model
2. 32GB model
cross flashing the exynos version to snapdragon and the other way around would surely lead to soft brick as the processor drivers, GPU drivers etc differ.
cross flashing between 16gb and 32gb variant would probably end up softbrick or buggy device since partition tables are different.
cross flashing sprint version and regular version would probably get your the same working device and probably get a FM radio enabled.
cross flashing different model numbers would end up having a working device since there's literally no difference in the hardware. As long as you crossflash the bootloader, modem etc then it should be fine. But if you're cross flashing the system partition only then that's something different.
---------- Post added at 12:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------
Almost forgot! THere's also the dual sim variants

I don't know if @Riyal gave you the info you need... but if not you better get odin and flash back to a Verizon rom

I didn't answer his question though... Just explaining in detail what happened/will happen when he/she cross flashed firmwares. I don't know what flashfire is so I couldn't answer his question. But as you said... flashing OC4 update thru odin is the surefire way to go.

@austocracy you read that get a copy of odin 3.09 and a copy of your s5 verizon firmware sammobile and have at it. The cure is within reach.... make sure you find some instructions first

Flash fire is basically mobile Odin and something else I can't remember I'll find the link for you I heard there's basically no need for Odin anymore because of it
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3075433

If only govt were half as expedient as this community...
I am severely impressed.. I posted at 3:42 in the am..I wasnt even thinking about checking for a response until lunchtime..I am grateful for the responses and will now take up the advise with a confidence that i did not have only a few short hours ago..Ill let you know how it goes..Thanks again.

Veid71 said:
Flash fire is basically mobile Odin and something else I can't remember I'll find the link for you I heard there's basically no need for Odin anymore because of it
Edit: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3075433
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Naw I'm old school I'll do it by pc Thanks for the link [emoji3]
---------- Post added at 09:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------
@austocracy Dude do not attempt to use flashfire I know it's from chainfire and he helped me root my s5 but flashfire is in beta and crashes and even crashes when it's closed, just get odin 3.09 and YOUR firmware version for YOUR phone with some instructions and have at that

SnuggP said:
Naw I'm old school I'll do it by pc Thanks for the link [emoji3]
---------- Post added at 09:58 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------
@austocracy Dude do not attempt to use flashfire I know it's from chainfire and he helped me root my s5 but flashfire is in beta and crashes and even crashes when it's closed, just get odin 3.09 and YOUR firmware version for YOUR phone with some instructions and have at that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't blame you I don't use it either I do it with Odin but I don't know how to use flash fire xD

S5 from kitkat to lolipop info

hi guys my name is mike i have S5 G900F model with stock 4.4.2 kitkat rooted with towelroot method Knox (0x0)
if i flashed with stock rom again to lolipop i lost root ? if yes can u tell me other way to do it without tripped know of course
ty in advance

nwmn said:
hi guys my name is mike i have S5 G900F model with stock 4.4.2 kitkat rooted with towelroot method Knox (0x0)
if i flashed with stock rom again to lolipop i lost root ? if yes can u tell me other way to do it without tripped know of course
ty in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mike, search the forums before asking any questions. Search google. Don't expect everyone to do your job for you. Post your threads in the right section. This question has been asked and answered a million times and you'd know this if you took 5 minutes to search a little bit.
Here's your answer https://www.reddit.com/r/galaxys5/comments/2ubsbs/guide_rooted_android_50_for_the_international/

out of curiosity, why dont you want to trip knox flag
"This question has been asked a million times and you'd know this if you took 5 minutes of your precious time to search a little bit."
Ironic for a man that follows people around *****ing at them to post in Q&A

Sorry guys i have spend many hours on forums to find a anwser but i dont find anything thanx for time anyways the link give me lingo is not exactly what i want i ask if can upgrader via odin in last lolipop stock filmware without loosing root exackly the way i do downgrade and other question is i have unlocked bootloader ? how can find that
i dont want void knox cuz phone is new

nwmn said:
Sorry guys i have spend many hours on forums to find a anwser but i dont find anything thanx for time anyways the link give me lingo is not exactly what i want i ask if can upgrader via odin in last lolipop stock filmware without loosing root exackly the way i do downgrade and other question is i have unlocked bootloader ? how can find that
i dont want void knox cuz phone is new
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model do you have? Find out in phone settings in system / phone info. Sm-g900a has locked bootloader. I think verizon's phone also has a locked bootloader.
The link I gave you shows how to upgrade to lollipop, root it and keep knox 0x0.
Isn't that what you're looking for?

lingowistico said:
What model do you have? Find out in phone settings in system / phone info. Sm-g900a has locked bootloader. I think verizon's phone also has a locked bootloader.
The link I gave you shows how to upgrade to lollipop, root it and keep knox 0x0.
Isn't that what you're looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have G900F i think i write it in first post , anyway well that i looking for but not exactly i wanna know if g900f have unlocking bootloader or how can find it and if i upgrade stock rom from kitkat to lolipop i lost root without change modem or anything else downgrade was easy my s5 was braned vodafone germany i download stock rom from samsung mobile and i made unbrand greece whymi must flash modem and why i must use moblile odin that is some questions turture me ty for ur time
ps. always i must put image verification to post this change after 10 post ?

nwmn said:
i have G900F i think i write it in first post , anyway well that i looking for but not exactly i wanna know if g900f have unlocking bootloader or how can find it and if i upgrade stock rom from kitkat to lolipop i lost root without change modem or anything else downgrade was easy my s5 was braned vodafone germany i download stock rom from samsung mobile and i made unbrand greece whymi must flash modem and why i must use moblile odin that is some questions turture me ty for ur time
ps. always i must put image verification to post this change after 10 post ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my bad, you did. 900f has an unlocked bootloader. when you upgrade to stock lollipop through OTA or Kies (or odin) it already includes bootloader and modem. When you do it the way described in that reddit link you flash the lollipop firmware, modem and bootloader separately. Apparently that method of updating needs it to be done so.
Honestly I have Knox 0x1 so I never cared for those methods, btw if you live in Germany then there's no need to care about Knox. In EU we're allowed to flash whatever we want and the guarantee stays intact even if you have Knox 0x1
ps. yes =p

lingowistico said:
my bad, you did. 900f has an unlocked bootloader. when you upgrade to stock lollipop through OTA or Kies (or odin) it already includes bootloader and modem. When you do it the way described in that reddit link you flash the lollipop firmware, modem and bootloader separately. Apparently that method of updating needs it to be done so.
Honestly I have Knox 0x1 so I never cared for those methods, btw if you live in Germany then there's no need to care about Knox. In EU we're allowed to flash whatever we want and the guarantee stays intact even if you have Knox 0x1
ps. yes =p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?

nwmn said:
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I don't know. That reddit link I gave you, I haven't read the guide myself. I just skimmed though it to be sure it was real but I don't know the details of it. Yes all G900Fs have an unlocked bootloader. :good:

nwmn said:
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean ota stock firmware notification? If yes then you will have it if Knox is still 0x0 if Knox however is 0x1 you will no longer be able to update via ota.
If you want to upgrade from KitKat to lollipop you must wipe data from recovery to avoid any issues. It is also not recommended by me to use titanium backup to restore apps because some might not be compatible with lollipop yet or some of the app data made for KitKat may have a conflict with lollipop system, however lots of apps have compatibility with lollipop and there is a chance you will have no issues at all when using titanium backup. Even if I said I don't recommend restoring data after such a major upgrade I do recommend having a backup whether it's with titanium backup or nandroid etc because you're able to restore apps one by one and make sure that what you restore won't be problematic.
Edit - if you update with flashfire app, there is an option to keep root when flashing from rooted KitKat to lollipop and users have reported that that feature does work for them (I personally haven't tried it).
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Here's a version of the method on XDA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...2nd-method-t2843044/post54719865#post54719865

Difference between model number and about device

Hi, i know there is another thread but i think is not the same problem.
In "About Device" my S5 show SM-G900F branded for United Arab Emirates (XSG - G900FXXU1POEC) but in "Download Mode" the screen info show me different version of galaxy S5..... SM-G9006V wich is from China.....wtf?
Is something like that legit?
My question is if i want to flash new firmware for XSG ( G900FXXU1POI1 ) will it work or i brick device / or trip Knox?
The firmware for SM-G9006V use different CSC and if i try to flash this will triping KNOX waranty, is corect?
INFO
-I forgot to mention that sees no new firmware via Kies, OTA or Smart Switch although there are two firmware already released.
-When i try "Firmware upgrade and initialization" in Kies 3 after type of Model name field -SM-G900F and serial number
its say my serial number is wrong but when type in Model name field SM-G9006V and serial the procedure want to continue wich meant is OK.

The System operational you need to download the exact one that is described on Download Mode.
The Download mode is the real one.
If you want to flash only the modem/CSC you can flash the G900F.
But the Kernel and the Bootloader i think you need to flash the G9006V.
if you flash an Firmware differently from your download mode you can brick your device (Soft-Brick, not Hard-Brick)
If you bought it from someone, you can easily edit on config to show anything you want on About Device.

Hi, thanks for answer, but its something i dont get it.
How they manage to do some thing, flashing G9006V firmware and after that flashing G900F XSG firmware ( AP-CP-CSC) without triger the Knox.
Anyway, Is there an easier way to flash the latest update for the UAE of September 2015 and to keep the same configuration, the bootloader from G9006V,
XSG G900F kernel and CSC from UAE without enable Knox or brick my phone.

cryogent said:
Hi, thanks for answer, but its something i dont get it.
How they manage to do some thing, flashing G9006V firmware and after that flashing G900F XSG firmware ( AP-CP-CSC) without triger the Knox.
Anyway, Is there an easier way to flash the latest update for the UAE of September 2015 and to keep the same configuration, the bootloader from G9006V,
XSG G900F kernel and CSC from UAE without enable Knox or brick my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know only custom kernels and custom recoveries trigger Knox. Technically custom non touchwiz roms also will I believe, but since you flash them from recovery that's a little implied, not 100% sure on that though, someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

To flash anything you need to root. therefore you are going to trigger the knox.
I BELIEVE that you can only flash original firmware TOUCH WIZ without root

DBlackFireD said:
To flash anything you need to root. therefore you are going to trigger the knox.
I BELIEVE that you can only flash original firmware TOUCH WIZ without root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting does not trigger Knox.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

The only root method that WON'T trip knox is towelroot, and that method won't work on anything other than KitKat.
CF Root WILL trip knox.
TWRP WILL trip knox.
So for most people rooting will trip knox
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

I would like to point out that using apps such as kingoroot allow one click roots that won't trip Knox. After the build.prop is modified they can just unroot and it'll be like nothing happened

justinxfan said:
I would like to point out that using apps such as kingoroot allow one click roots that won't trip Knox. After the build.prop is modified they can just unroot and it'll be like nothing happened
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Point noted....I have no experience of those root methods....
The methods I mentioned are the main methods (with dedicated threads) to be found/mentioned on XDA........
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

Thank you all for your help but leave this thread because I gave the phone back and chose another producer.
The problem could not be solved by those at the store because all the phones were lot of the same trouble.
Sorry I can not help you with other information in the future.

Thank
Sent from my XT1063 using Tapatalk

Downgrade 6.0.1 to 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 ?

Hi Guys,
New to this device, but not new to Android... Read all over the web, various sites (esp this one) about this device and seeing mixed views/comments. Some saying its possible, others saying it will brick or flag the Knox.
Is it possible to downgrade this phone (G900F) currently on the latest 6.0.1 stock rom. But was wondering if I could try either official stock of 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 of this device.
Or due to this bootloader, is it likely to brick or even trip Knox?
Thanks, Lister

Lister Of Smeg said:
Hi Guys,
New to this device, but not new to Android... Read all over the web, various sites (esp this one) about this device and seeing mixed views/comments. Some saying its possible, others saying it will brick or flag the Knox.
Is it possible to downgrade this phone (G900F) currently on the latest 6.0.1 stock rom. But was wondering if I could try either official stock of 4.4.2 or 5.1.1 of this device.
Or due to this bootloader, is it likely to brick or even trip Knox?
Thanks, Lister
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Official stock ROMs shouldn't trip Knox because they are, ummm, official.
I think the G900F bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-G900I using XDA Labs

Why downgrade in the first place..... ? 6.0.1 is way better than previous FWs...

Hi @Dirty Flasher,
Yeah, that's what I thought... It's all stock, so all should be good... But I've read reports saying it will trip Knox as since a certain version of Marshmallow, the bootloader has been locked to only go with future firmwares and not allow downgrades. I assume to prevent people restoring to the older firmware (with bootloader) which was unlocked, that allowed rooting without tripping. But some say it will trip, others say it will not... I'm confused, and wondered if anyone has tried this, and what the outcome was... Don't want to trip Knox unnecessarily... if someone has already tried and tested it.
Dirty Flasher said:
Official stock ROMs shouldn't trip Knox because they are, ummm, official.
I think the G900F bootloader is unlocked.
Sent from my Samsung SM-G900I using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi @Zlate2255,
I got this device when it was already one 6.0.1, so I missed seeing it go through the various stages. I would like to see how it used to look like and work. As there are some features that have been removed since, such Face Unlock and Iris tracking when viewing pages. Whilst the latter is still there burried away, it barely works, so should be removed completely. But would just be nice to see what it did look like.
Zlate2255 said:
Why downgrade in the first place..... ? 6.0.1 is way better than previous FWs...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, Lister

With my G900W8, I could downgrade to 4.4.2 with very-first firmware for G900W8 (NCG). Just try the earliest version of 4.4.2 and then upgrade back to 5.1.1

You can downgrade the g900f to every firmware (if unlocked) you want. On some s5 devices who have a locked bootloader like the at&t version there have been reported some problems.
Therefore, you shouldn't run into any problems while downgrading.
If you want some pro and cons to the firmwares:
Kitkat:
+ dark design (the touchwiz apps like contacts)
+ more battery friendly than marshmallow
- less security due to no security updates
- you might run into some minimal bugs, for example on wikipedia you sometimes have to reload the page to watch pictures (at least on mine)
- no app permissions can be removed (only with root and app ops)
Lollipop:
Honestly, I havent used this one that much, but here you have a white design with the different statusbar and pull down menu, better security (but not as good as on marshmallow) and the material design, but slightly worse battery time.
Marshmallow:
+ OTA Updates still available, best option for security
+/- White design, material design
+ new icons (but tbh not a real deal)
- less battery friendly (atleast for me even tho doze is enabled on marshmallow)
So yeah, choose what you want
And be sure that you have an unbranded device (check your csc) before downgrading/updating.

Hi @tm60405,
Wow, what a fantastic post... Thank you, exactly what I was looking for, and thanks for your reviews of each rom too.
- appreciate that, cheers
Quick question, how do I know if my Bootloader is unlocked??
Its a G900F (UK) was originally on the Three network, however I've flashed it to pure stock BTU, and to the EE network and back to stock BTU (all Marshmallow roms).
So where am I looking, or how do I know if the Bootloader is unlocked? Also, what am I looking for in the CSC info...??
Many thanks, Lister

Install the app called phone info from the play store.
Then, you swipe to the csc code and you can see your info and remember the csc you are on.
If it is BTU, you can install another firmware based on BTU without problems. But even if you don't have BTU, you can try installing BTU because it doesn't contain much bloatware. In the worst case, you just install the firmware with the csc you had before.
Then, follow the instructions on sammobile.com and there will be no problems during the installing process.
After downgrading, you might get a bootloop. Then, you have to factory reset your device, so get the data from the internal storage elsewhere BEFORE the installation.
And if the download takes too long, try another browser like opera, for me it takes around 1 hour only instead of 4-5 hours on chrome.
If you might have another problem while installing the firmware, say so.

Which firmware to use?

Hi,
My brother has bought a S7 edge AT&T model for me from USA which was rooted. I am not able to update the firmware to nougat as it was unlocked and cannot be updated in India using the local carrier. I wanted a small bit of help. I am planning to update the firmware for the first time ever on any handset, hence I am completely unaware of the process. Though I can see the guide, but I have the following questions if anyone can answer
Which is the best firmware to be used in India (would be helpful if you can provide with the thread link for the firmware)
Does it harm the mobile in any manner like lower battery life?
Is it difficult to update the firmware? What are the chances of me bricking it?
It seems that the original firmware has changed and the Samsung Pay is not working. How would I know if this is because the knox is tripped? I downloaded the Knox Status app and it shows warranty is valid, does this mean knox is not tripped? If so, I would like to update the firmware which would not trip the knox.
How does the back up work? Do I have to reinstall all the applications after firmware update?
My reason of updating the firmware is only have the latest features on the original firmware. Not for any specific modified features that I am looking out for.
Thanks for the help.
Regards,
Chandrahas Sampat

try this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/how-to/updated-935u-935a-live-links-pi3-t3501686
clean flash i would recommend restore apps via smart switch or any 3rd party apps