Database Users

[Q] Can I upgrade to 4.4?

So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.

HelloMyNamesTom said:
So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!

I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.

stanley08 said:
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help but I've already done that and the newest version I can get is 4.3 I'll just wait until my phone gets the update, Thanks anyway

I've managed to get onto 4.4 now by flashing a polish ROM after reading that they support BTU, I don't know how to delete this thread so I'm just letting everyone know my issue is resolved

Jagerfarts said:
I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the ability to flash back to 4.3 from 4.4, install custom recovery and roms and keep your Knox 0x0, head over here and do some reading ( if you haven't been there already ).

A few simple questions

I have 7 questions, I will +Thank you for all your answers.
1. I'm still on 4.4.2 [XXUFNB9], is that even the latest KitKat? Since people keep telling me to stay on KitKat, not to update to 5.0.1.
2. Second question, since my CSC is [NEEFNB2] which should be NEE region, that should mean that the latest 5.0.1 via OTA is [XXUHOD7] which was released on 2015-May-01. Isn't that outdated?
Source: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9505/NEE/
3. Now if I look at the latest releases, starting from DBT region which is Germany and a lot of others, the latest 5.0.1 for the i9505 is [XXUHOH2] released 2015-September-01. Compared to my NEE region release date, my 5.0.1 update would be outdated right?
4. Last few questions, if I were to update to 5.0.1 via OTA, is going back to KitKat as easy as flashing PDA via Odin including the factory wipe in recovery? Will that trigger Knox?
5. Going back to KitKat from Lollipop I would still be using the Lollipop modem on KitKat, is that bad and why?
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62947457&postcount=11
6. I've read a lot about Knox 0x1 and there are a lot of weird explanations about it.
Someone use to say is that you stop receiving OTA updates. Others say is that Knox can't make a container? Whatever that means.
Is the only negative thing Knox 0x1 that you lose your warranty? I dont have that anyway, so why all the fuss about 0x1 if it's only warranty?
7. What's the experience on the latest 5.0.1 [XXUHOH2] OR latest for NEE region [XXUHOD7] if someone has it?

Erroneous91 said:
I have 7 questions, I will +Thank you for all your answers.
1. I'm still on 4.4.2 [XXUFNB9], is that even the latest KitKat? Since people keep telling me to stay on KitKat, not to update to 5.0.1.
2. Second question, since my CSC is [NEEFNB2] which should be NEE region, that should mean that the latest 5.0.1 via OTA is [XXUHOD7] which was released on 2015-May-01. Isn't that outdated?
Source: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/GT-I9505/NEE/
3. Now if I look at the latest releases, starting from DBT region which is Germany and a lot of others, the latest 5.0.1 for the i9505 is [XXUHOH2] released 2015-September-01. Compared to my NEE region release date, my 5.0.1 update would be outdated right?
4. Last few questions, if I were to update to 5.0.1 via OTA, is going back to KitKat as easy as flashing PDA via Odin including the factory wipe in recovery? Will that trigger Knox?
5. Going back to KitKat from Lollipop I would still be using the Lollipop modem on KitKat, is that bad and why?
Source: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62947457&postcount=11
6. I've read a lot about Knox 0x1 and there are a lot of weird explanations about it.
Someone use to say is that you stop receiving OTA updates. Others say is that Knox can't make a container? Whatever that means.
Is the only negative thing Knox 0x1 that you lose your warranty? I dont have that anyway, so why all the fuss about 0x1 if it's only warranty?
7. What's the experience on the latest 5.0.1 [XXUHOH2] OR latest for NEE region [XXUHOD7] if someone has it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answer to all your questions:
You worry to much. Region is not that important. And who tells you to stay on Kitkat? I wouldn't want to run outdated software on my phone. So just upgrade and you can always downgrade. There are guides in the general section on how to do that. For questions about knox there is a whole thread about it. Also not really important in your case.
Even better would be to flash the CM so you are really on the latest Android version 5.1.1.

Hey,
these people told me not to update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/help/quick-q-update-phone-to-lollipop-t3163097
Thank you for your answer.
I am still open for suggestions if there are any, of not. I'll consider trying 5.0.1 soon and hopefully I'l like it.
EDIT:
I have updated to 5.0.1 [XXUHOD7] just now.
I can report my experience after some usage.

Erroneous91 said:
Hey,
these people told me not to update: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/help/quick-q-update-phone-to-lollipop-t3163097
Thank you for your answer.
I am still open for suggestions if there are any, of not. I'll consider trying 5.0.1 soon and hopefully I'l like it.
EDIT:
I have updated to 5.0.1 [XXUHOD7] just now.
I can report my experience after some usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why don't you try the GPE rom or a CM based rom. Way better then stock imo.

Lennyz1988 said:
Why don't you try the GPE rom or a CM based rom. Way better then stock imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because for some reason this this one is actually running perfectly, I have no complains yet.
The thing is it is running better than my last KitKat rom, faster in opening apps and smoother scrolling without skipping frames as much.
Battery life? It's repporting 3 days left atm, so I suppose it's the same as it was on KitKat, but will see.

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.

Downgrade from Oreo to Nougat? [SM-G950F]

So yesterday I updated from Nougat (not rooted) to Oreo. After I updated I had some issues with my SIM. Basically most of the time I get "Out of service/Not registered in the Network". The SIM is working fine in other Phones. Already tried a reformat (with Stock Recovery) did not help.
So can I just use Odin v3.12 and the S8 Nougat files and flash them?
Will it brick If I do it?
The Oreo Firmware (and my phone) has no carrier. (DBT, Germany)
Same goes for the Nougat Firmware.
Thanks
Phone Info:
- SM-G950F
- Exynos variant
- DBT (unbranded)

RamTheSecond said:
So yesterday I updated from Nougat (not rooted) to Oreo. After I updated I had some issues with my SIM. Basically most of the time I get "Out of service/Not registered in the Network". The SIM is working fine in other Phones. Already tried a reformat (with Stock Recovery) did not help.
So can I just use Odin v3.12 and the S8 Nougat files and flash them?
Will it brick If I do it?
The Oreo Firmware (and my phone) has no carrier. (DBT, Germany)
Same goes for the Nougat Firmware.
Thanks
Phone Info:
- SM-G950F
- Exynos variant
- DBT (unbranded)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can use Odin to Flash back to N

StackOverflow13 said:
Yes you can use Odin to Flash back to N
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, in this case the Knox is altered? I was reading something about the new Oreo bootloader that would not allow the downgrade. Thank you and sorry for my English!

_llma said:
Hi, in this case the Knox is altered? I was reading something about the new Oreo bootloader that would not allow the downgrade. Thank you and sorry for my English!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No the 950f is not effected it will not trip knox if you downgrade via odin

StackOverflow13 said:
No the 950f is not effected it will not trip knox if you downgrade via odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much !!

i want to downgrade oreo to nougat, are you sure this will not trip knox
thank you

Good day.
I have downgraded and knox is still 0x0.

Hansoliv said:
Good day.
I have downgraded and knox is still 0x0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the phone reset or data was retained?

Bogeyof said:
Was the phone reset or data was retained?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good day.
I reseted the my data.

I've been having the same issue with my service I updated to Oreo via stock recovery with update zip in SD card...my question is, couldn't I just flash the downgrade through stock recovery as well? I don't have access to Odin of a laptop

can anyone link me a flashable italian firmware for s8 nougat? thanks

myabc said:
can anyone link me a flashable italian firmware for s8 nougat? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SM-G950F: https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s8/SM-G950F/ITV/download/G950FXXU1AQK7/199473/

Downloaded. Thanks many thanks many

Please i try to flash with odin the 4 files on already oreo.... The odin software start to flash and in 2 seconds shows done and restart, but doesnt do anything. Can anyone help me? Thanks

Mine fails instantly to , just come back to samsung from oneplus , and need to flash N , tried older odin but still fails.

Can I downgrade to nougat from oreo on samsung note 8 SM-N950U1 ?

Are the firmwares for G955F and G955FD the same?
My friend has the FD version with G955FXXU1CRB7 - CSC ILO (ISRAEL), but I can't find G955FXXU1AQK7 for the FD version for CSC ILO.
Can I use the firmware for the F variant with Odin?
He is having terrible battery issues with Oreo, wiped data using stock recovery but it won't help.

Downgrade from CRAP (8.0) to AQL5 (7.0) and now I have a DRK error and it automatically starts the recovery, some help?

You can't downgrade via odin. You can only flash the same firmware or higher.
Sent from my SM-G950F using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Can you downgrade SM G950U from Oreo nougat?

How to identify the stock rom to un-root and enable OTA

Hello everybody. I bought Samsung FE and it's with android 7.0 and it's roote. I would like to get it working with oreo. I cannot find any rom with oreo for rooted devices. Also im not sure about version of this Samsung. Model is SM-N935F but modem version is N935SKSU4BRL1 and version NRD90M.N935FXXU1AQI5_XDAVN_V6. I will be thankful for any help to upgrade to 8.0 or un-root with a correct stock ROM to enable OTA again.

sirkitek said:
Hello everybody. I bought Samsung FE and it's with android 7.0 and it's roote. I would like to get it working with oreo. I cannot find any rom with oreo for rooted devices. Also im not sure about version of this Samsung. Model is SM-N935F but modem version is N935SKSU4BRL1 and version NRD90M.N935FXXU1AQI5_XDAVN_V6. I will be thankful for any help to upgrade to 8.0 or un-root with a correct stock ROM to enable OTA again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is late but just go to sammobile and download the oreo firmware and flash with Odin. This will factory reset your phone and get rid of root

butchieboy said:
I know this is late but just go to sammobile and download the oreo firmware and flash with Odin. This will factory reset your phone and get rid of root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same answer but wanted to note that OTA won't be available for you since knox is tripped.
So you need to manually flash whatever version you want.

Not true. Knox is tripped on my device as well as my 20 ultra. Factory reset allows you to get ota if you choose to do it that way.

butchieboy said:
Not true. Knox is tripped on my device as well as my 20 ultra. Factory reset allows you to get ota if you choose to do it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, i mistook tripping knox with the rom status, an official rom will have "official" status so ota should work, unlike "custom" status where ota doesn't work.