H918 vs H910, root updates, which is better to buy ? - LG V20 Questions & Answers

So I'm looking to get a used T-Mobile or AT&T unlocked. I use Straight Talk AT&T right now and may consider jumping to T-Mobile Straight Talk.
Of these 2 devices, which is best for custom ROMS, root access, etc etc? The H918 is bootloader unlocked right, so should that one be better? Or are they equal nowadays?

If the person you buy the H918 from has upgraded to the latest firmware (v10p or v10q -- you need v10k or lower), you can't root it, but the H910 can be rooted on the latest firmware as of today (v10p).
Because AT&T only does encrypted OTA updates, they don't really have a reason to increment ARB, so unless they have some engineer that reads XDA and decides to let the higher ups know that they should increment ARB, the phone will continue to be rootable for the foreseeable future.
-- Brian

Thanks for the info. I'll likely get the AT&T one. If I do get the H910 then and I switch to a T-Mobile SIM, would wifi calling/sms work?

I use an H910 on T-Mobile and everything works just fine.
-- Brian

runningnak3d said:
I use an H910 on T-Mobile and everything works just fine.
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
Hey! I'm planning on buying LG v20 too because of LG G5 warranty void ---> corrosion on the main board and price estimate it to get it fixed is 160€.. Lol and it's not even the main problem. There cough*severe LCD screen burn* cough cough and another problem is the GAP at the bottom that maybe is the reason for corrosion.
I was planning on buying h918 because it is 20€ cheaper on EBay but if it is updated to the latest firmware would I be screwed? So would it be safer to just buy h910 for the sake of rooting? Thanks

runningnak3d said:
I use an H910 on T-Mobile and everything works just fine.
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
May i asked what rom you are using to get wifi calling to work on tmobile? Thanks

@raven213 I am running stock v10m that I debloated and tweaked. Don't want to hijack his thread, so if you want to open a thread on wifi calling, I can hopefully help you out.
-- Brian

Related

Still worth getting?

Hi guys, thinking of picking up a V20. Been looking at Chinese phones but keep coming back to the V20. My only concern with it is the carrier check to toggle mobile hotspot. Seems I would need to root to bypass that, and the last phone I rooted was a Note 2 back in the day. I would be using it on cricket, so an AT&T (910) or unlocked (996) variant would be my choice I believe. Anyone give any suggestions or work around besides rooting to get the mobile hotspot to work?
Bosgarage57 said:
Hi guys, thinking of picking up a V20. Been looking at Chinese phones but keep coming back to the V20. My only concern with it is the carrier check to toggle mobile hotspot. Seems I would need to root to bypass that, and the last phone I rooted was a Note 2 back in the day. I would be using it on cricket, so an AT&T (910) or unlocked (996) variant would be my choice I believe. Anyone give any suggestions or work around besides rooting to get the mobile hotspot to work?
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I suggest if you want to root I'd go with the 996, because unless the security patch is 12/16 or earlier you won't be able to root the 910, no kdz available to roll back.
@cnjax While it is true that no KDZ is available for the H910, the H915 KDZ works just fine. The H910 is rootable on the latest (v10t) firmware: link.
-- Brian
Thanks guys, I've found a local person selling a US996 for $200. Gonna go check it out and make sure it looks good. If I get it i'll look into rooting it. So the 996 doesn't matter what security patch it is on correct?
runningnak3d said:
@cnjax While it is true that no KDZ is available for the H910, the H915 KDZ works just fine. The H910 is rootable on the latest (v10t) firmware: link.
-- Brian
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My mistake, based on what I read in the dirty santa thread. Glad you found a work around for later versions.

Ls997 ZVC to US996?

Is it possible to safely flash a us996 unlocked rom onto my ls997zvc? And will it allow me to continue to use my gsm att based sim card? I bought this phone used the other day. He said it was Verizon unlocked but turns out its this sprint model. No carrier branding anywhere. No splash screen on boot. I almost thought it was a non carrier based unlocked phone until i looked up the model number.
Bump
Buuuuuump. I bought my phone through sprint, paid it off, they keep telling me It's unlocked, but i have to factory reset every time i turn my phone off to get it to work with the other carrier sim. I've contacted them over and over and all they say is "we sent the unlock signal, that's all we can do on our end" but their signal is only working on factory reset. I really want to root this and install the unlocked firmware so i can have my phone without having to reinstall everything constantly. I mistakenly upgraded to ZVC update before having it unlocked and now I'm stuck. Any updates on an unlock eta?
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
I accidentally updated mine to zvd the other day. A brand new release. Would be very nice if you could tell me exactly how to flash the us996 firware safely. Ther3 has to be a way to unlock this damned phone. I paid 200 for it and now i am ****ed.
Please help me out. I could post a dump of the zvd firmware if i can figure it out
runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.
Please let me know if find a way for zvd. Im stuck with a worthless phone because of some lying asshole on cl.
@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian
runningnak3d said:
@me2151 Welcome back dude
If all goes as planned, we will soon be able to root any model on any ARB version. My info above about ARB 2 being an issue was incorrect (must have been on crack when I typed that post).
LG phones with unlockable bootloaders (or that have an engineering aboot / abl) will be rootable indefinitely -- a hole that can't be closed without changing their security significantly.
-- Brian
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Click to collapse
Please keep me informed on your progress. I really just want to do this to gsm unlock my phone for my at&t sim card. Guy sold me it saying it was unlocked already.
Do i have to root to flash us996 rom onto my phone? And does that unlock it or the root method from dirty santa exploit what uicc unlocks the phone. I read tidbits of information on this forum that say the phone is uicc unlocked after rooting and/or flashing us996 firmware, but all are supposedly only possible on zv7 or older firmware of Sprint phones.
runningnak3d said:
Unfortunately I believe that ZVC is ARB 2 and it has the latest lafd with copy2 pulled, so that means that even once the lafsploit is finished, the LS997 will not be able to use it because you can't roll back to a firmware version that has copy2. If I am wrong, and ZVC is still ARB 1, then you can roll back to a version that has copy2.
If I can find a dump of the ZVC firmware, I can tell you for certain what ARB version it is. If no one has made a dump, you can do it yourself by grabbing the patched LG UP, and used the dump option. If you grab one of the full stock flashable zips from another model, you can see what partitions need to be included. I could just tell you, but I think people need to learn
-- Brian
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
me2151 said:
Yo im back zvc is ARB01 btw. Im looking for a way to root it PM me if ya wanna talk.
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Click to collapse
Hello, I'm here with Ls997 ZVA, ARB=1 and are waiting for any update from you guys.
Thank you ^^
Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?
Andy Chi said:
Does anybody know If i can do the similar thing but towards using TMobile network?? Can I flash Tmo H918 stock rom to LS997 Sprint variant?? I just want to use my Tmo Sim, or maybe if my LS997-SVC still a problem?
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2 years late but better than never I suppose?
No idea what my LS997 is using. Performed the dirty santa a long time ago to root, and just this morning I flashed /e/OS over Lineage to test the waters with a de-googled experience. I'm now on T-mobile magenta max plan following the merge and daily driver is a Pixel 4A 5G. Popped the SIM into the V20 running /e/OS and data works but voice and text do not. Not sure if this is a hardware, firmware, or software incompatibility.
Honestly the V20 really pissed me off with how locked down it was. I am NEVER buying a phone that is not easy to root or repair. that is 100% deal breaking for me. Pixel phones have unlockable bootloaders so not too much bull**** necessary to break from the clutches of these damn phone companies and carriers.

Unbranding h910 AT&T

Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.
AWT86 said:
Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
First off, if its not sim unlocked phone, it will forever stay sim locked unless you get the network unlock for it. EVEN if you flash any of the other brand roms. Also, AT&T doesn't have the full stock kdz to revert to, there are work arounds to return to stock. This phone has trouble with the screen ghosting/retention, as well as bonkers HDR camera performance, also not to forget, GPS inaccuracy upto 50 meters. I'd suggest look away from LG unless you're going for LG v30 which doesn't carry any of these issues.
If you have already bought, paid and "expecting" shipment anytime soon, you should make sure that its network unlocked H910. (make backup of your partitions before flashing any other brand rom because you will need modem, modemst1, modemst2 and misc partitions in-case you lose the signals). Then you can easily flash it with H915 rom which is the best among debloated stock roms. Flash H910 v10m firmware over it, then flash the modem/modemst1/modemst2/misc files from fastboot to get network signal. From there on forward, you may keep H915 rom with H910 v10m base, or you can even move on to lineage roms. I'd suggest stay rooted with manual color calibration for no-ghosting measures.
AWT86 said:
Hi.
I am expecting delivery of an LG V20 h910 from eBay in the coming days, but don't have an AT&T SIM (EU user).
Is there a way to flash an unlocked, stock version of the software (eg US996) so I can update the phone to the latest version?
I heard non-AT&T SIM users don't get updates thru AT&T, so wondering how I can get the latest software for it.
I would prefer not to root the phone, but would do if necessary (and if I can then get a fully functional, up-to-date software version).
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash another variant rom until you unlock the bootloader and root. As far as functionality with the 996 will depend on the bands your carrier supports
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs
I received my used AT&T V20 yesterday also bought from eBay. I'm on O2 and it works fine. Just be sure your phone is network unlocked. Only thing is the bloatware.
So much misinformation in this thread, but I will just address the original question....
Yes, you can flash the US996 KDZ without rooting .. just flash like you would any other KDZ. You lose some AT&T specific features while running US996, but if you are overseas, I don't think that will bother you.
As far as I know, that will SIM unlock the phone if it is locked. If it doesn't, then the engineering bootloader that you use to root will SIM unlock the phone as well as bootloader unlock it.
So, first try the US996 KDZ, if that doesn't SIM unlock, you will have to root.
-- Brian
CaseyS said:
I received my used AT&T V20 yesterday also bought from eBay. I'm on O2 and it works fine. Just be sure your phone is network unlocked. Only thing is the bloatware.
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Did you get any system updates?
runningnak3d said:
So much misinformation in this thread, but I will just address the original question....
Yes, you can flash the US996 KDZ without rooting .. just flash like you would any other KDZ. You lose some AT&T specific features while running US996, but if you are overseas, I don't think that will bother you.
As far as I know, that will SIM unlock the phone if it is locked. If it doesn't, then the engineering bootloader that you use to root will SIM unlock the phone as well as bootloader unlock it.
So, first try the US996 KDZ, if that doesn't SIM unlock, you will have to root.
-- Brian
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The phone should come pre-unlocked for all networks. I'm mainly concerned about system updates. US996 sounds good, as I can't use AT&T here (AT&T doesn't exist in my country). Would I be able to update the firmware in any way once US996 KDZ is installed? Thanks in advance.
AWT86 said:
Did you get any system updates?
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No system updates. Had the latest update with the latest security patch, but I downgraded because I want to root it. Still 7.0, but with a earlier patch level.

Need Help With Choosing V20 Variant With The Most Support

Hello! I plan getting an LG V20, yet i can't seem to determine which of the variants have the most support (As in custom roms, kernels, recoveries, unbrick, etc...).
My previous device, the V10 T-Mobile version had an unlocked bootloader but couldn't be flashed with a custom rom or downgraded due to LG enabling the QFuse or Anti-Rollback.
I am hoping to get myself a V20 variant that has the most support and also free from anti-rollbacks like my previous V10.
Get and ATT. But it should be less than android 8.0 oreo or oreo 20g software version. Preferably on Android 7.0
TMobile one android 7.0 is also good. But I prefer h910 ATT
princedede said:
Get and ATT. But it should be less than android 8.0 oreo or oreo 20g software version. Preferably on Android 7.0
TMobile one android 7.0 is also good. But I prefer h910 ATT
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. Could you elaborate as to why i need to get a device that is less than android 8.0?
Back on my T-Mobile V10, the last official android version (MM) came with all the lock down that made it impossible to falsh the device.
Is it so with the V20s running Oreo?
Thanks for starting this thread, I was wondering too, especially regarding the T-Mobile and Verizon version as there seems to be plenty of them out there for a lesser price. I personally have an unlocked US996, but was thinking about picking up a ATT h910. The V20 is an amazing phone, what I'd consider one of the last "great phones" that had it all-hardware wise: removable battery, expandable memory, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an FM player.... in addition the Quad DAC and content creation features made it even sweeter (manual mode for the camera, very competent microphone). Though we all complained about LG's horrible software updates, in my book this phone is a beast and a legend, speaking hardware wise, they don't make 'em like this anymore...sadly so too..
ssnova said:
Thanks for starting this thread, I was wondering too, especially regarding the T-Mobile and Verizon version as there seems to be plenty of them out there for a lesser price. I personally have an unlocked US996, but was thinking about picking up a ATT h910. The V20 is an amazing phone, what I'd consider one of the last "great phones" that had it all-hardware wise: removable battery, expandable memory, IR blaster, 3.5mm headphone jack, and an FM player.... in addition the Quad DAC and content creation features made it even sweeter (manual mode for the camera, very competent microphone). Though we all complained about LG's horrible software updates, in my book this phone is a beast and a legend, speaking hardware wise, they don't make 'em like this anymore...sadly so too..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The V20 seems like a great device...judging from my previous V10. It is the reason why i am choosing to get the V20 over the Xiaomi Note 7 or Xiaomi 7.
But i still need a bit of clarification as to what makes some V20 variants better than others and why i am required to get a variant with Nougat instead of Oreo.
I just wanna get a variant that isn't locked down like my V10 was. Any suggestions or explanations on the matter is very welcome.
mickeyasamoah said:
The V20 seems like a great device...judging from my previous V10. It is the reason why i am choosing to get the V20 over the Xiaomi Note 7 or Xiaomi 7.
But i still need a bit of clarification as to what makes some V20 variants better than others and why i am required to get a variant with Nougat instead of Oreo.
I just wanna get a variant that isn't locked down like my V10 was. Any suggestions or explanations on the matter is very welcome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.
mickeyasamoah said:
Thanks for the suggestion. Could you elaborate as to why i need to get a device that is less than android 8.0?
Back on my T-Mobile V10, the last official android version (MM) came with all the lock down that made it impossible to falsh the device.
Is it so with the V20s running Oreo?
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Click to collapse
Yes it is. That's why it's better to have a V20 with Android 7. For ATT H910, android 8.0 on version g is still rootable. 8.0 version H, I can't say. So basically just get the one with Android 7.0 installed
---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------
ssnova said:
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
T-mobile, ATT V20 is okay. U can get any. But let it be on Android 7.0
ssnova said:
I understand, and I'm on a similar boat, as my US996 is stock and I'd like to pick up another one to run LOS/community developed and I was wondering if there was a more preferable V20 variant over the other. Hopefully someone more acquainted with the subject matter can chime in.
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Click to collapse
Wow! Isn't the US996 supposed to be the Non-Branded version of the V20 which allows bootloader unlocks from the LG website?
princedede said:
Yes it is. That's why it's better to have a V20 with Android 7. For ATT H910, android 8.0 on version g is still rootable. 8.0 version H, I can't say. So basically just get the one with Android 7.0 installed
---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:54 AM ----------
T-mobile, ATT V20 is okay. U can get any. But let it be on Android 7.0
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the clarification. But what of the US996 version which is supposed to be the version unlockable from the LG website? Does it also have to be on android 7.0 too or does it not matter what version it might be on?
mickeyasamoah said:
Thanks for the clarification. But what of the US996 version which is supposed to be the version unlockable from the LG website? Does it also have to be on android 7.0 too or does it not matter what version it might be on?
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Click to collapse
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.
C D said:
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, this answers a lot. I was kind of confused because the other day I came across a thread about "cross flashing" V20's, from what I gather, you could flash a.. say H910 to US996, didn't delve too deep into it, but had me scratching my head, sounded like it almost didn't matter what version of V20 you got, you could do almost anything with it.
To the OP, yes the US996 is an unlocked US variant, but I'm gonna keep it stock for now.
C D said:
Due to the official LG support, the version should not matter for the unlocked US996. The tricky part may be actually finding the correct phone as there are two other US996 variants that are not unlockable from the LG website. The unlocked one has "USA" written to the right of the barcode on the sticker behind the battery, as seen in a couple of photos in this thread. The other two US996 models have "UCL" and "BPT" written instead.
Of course, all of them can be rooted and have custom ROMs, but it's a lot easier to get there on the US996 USA.
Generally, I'd say the US996 USA alongside the H910 and H918 have the most custom ROM support around here. Not sure if it matters to you, but do note that all the US996 models have the FM radio disabled. And generally, getting a V20 already on Oreo is not a huge problem (except for the LS997 model where it's unrootable due to anti-rollback) since you can still downgrade to Nougat to do the TWRP installation/rooting procedure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh my word! Thank you so very much for this detailed explanation, This indeed answers 90% of my questions.
Since anti-rollback wasn't enabled on all the variants except that LS997 variant, getting a v20 on Oreo doesn't mean the end of modding for the device, as i can always downgrade to an Nougat and root the device. Right?
Oh...and if i read you correctly, All V20 models except for the US996 model have FM Radio functionality enabled.
I can't wait to get myself a V20 now as all my previous LG devices were T-Mobile branded and did not have FM Radio support.
It's great to know that FM radio works on even the T-Mobile variant of the V20.
Thanks again for the detailed clarification.
ssnova said:
Thanks, this answers a lot. I was kind of confused because the other day I came across a thread about "cross flashing" V20's, from what I gather, you could flash a.. say H910 to US996, didn't delve too deep into it, but had me scratching my head, sounded like it almost didn't matter what version of V20 you got, you could do almost anything with it.
To the OP, yes the US996 is an unlocked US variant, but I'm gonna keep it stock for now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rodger that!
With @C D's detailed explanation, I might get the T-Mobile Variant of the V20 as the bootloader on T-Mobile variants of all my previous LG devices were really easy to unlock with the following fastboot command without any unlock code or unlock.bin file.
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
I just hope the bootloader unlock process is as straight forward on the V20 too.
mickeyasamoah said:
Oh my word! Thank you so very much for this detailed explanation, This indeed answers 90% of my questions.
Since anti-rollback wasn't enabled on all the variants except that LS997 variant, getting a v20 on Oreo doesn't mean the end of modding for the device, as i can always downgrade to an Nougat and root the device. Right?
Oh...and if i read you correctly, All V20 models except for the US996 model have FM Radio functionality enabled.
I can't wait to get myself a V20 now as all my previous LG devices were T-Mobile branded and did not have FM Radio support.
It's great to know that FM radio works on even the T-Mobile variant of the V20.
Thanks again for the detailed clarification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct about downgrading. In fact, if you look at whatever rooting guide you end up following, it will most likely involve downgrading to Nougat.
A few more bits of info:
- The T-Mobile H918 actually does have anti-rollback, too, but can still be rooted using a different procedure. You can still downgrade to a certain version number.
- Another model with the FM radio disabled is the Verizon VS995, but someone on here cross-flashed it with H910 firmware to get FM radio working and only had to flash the VS995 modem files to get it going. Same thing has been done to US996 models, but apparently, the front and back cameras get flipped as a side effect.
mickeyasamoah said:
Rodger that!
With @C D's detailed explanation, I might get the T-Mobile Variant of the V20 as the bootloader on T-Mobile variants of all my previous LG devices were really easy to unlock with the following fastboot command without any unlock code or unlock.bin file.
Code:
fastboot oem unlock
I just hope the bootloader unlock process is as straight forward on the V20 too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only for the US996 USA, sadly. Most of the procedures for the other variants are quite unusual with plenty of steps, so read up carefully before you dive in. I have done it for two older LS997s while I also bought a used US996 USA and H918 that already came rooted.
Also, if you are going for the T-Mobile H918, absolutely make sure it is carrier SIM unlocked. As far as I'm aware, a locked H918 can only be unlocked if you are a current T-Mobile USA customer or via a paid service which can cost more than $80 USD (almost the price of a used V20). It's nothing like the simple unlock PIN codes you may have seen for other carriers.
C D said:
You're correct about downgrading. In fact, if you look at whatever rooting guide you end up following, it will most likely involve downgrading to Nougat.
A few more bits of info:
- The T-Mobile H918 actually does have anti-rollback, too, but can still be rooted using a different procedure. You can still downgrade to a certain version number.
- Another model with the FM radio disabled is the Verizon VS995, but someone on here cross-flashed it with H910 firmware to get FM radio working and only had to flash the VS995 modem files to get it going. Same thing has been done to US996 models, but apparently, the front and back cameras get flipped as a side effect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow....If the T-Mobile variant does come with anti-rollback, then i guess i would have to refrain from it even tho it might be downgradeable to some extent. Anti-rollbacks are always up to no good. Downgrade too much and u risk blowing a Qfuse or something.
Moving forward....How is the AT&T variant? Does it have any anti-rollbacks? I would rather have a variant that has no anti-rollback even if it's rooting or unlocking guide might be much complicated as compared to the H918.
C D said:
Only for the US996 USA, sadly. Most of the procedures for the other variants are quite unusual with plenty of steps, so read up carefully before you dive in. I have done it for two older LS997s while I also bought a used US996 USA and H918 that already came rooted.
Also, if you are going for the T-Mobile H918, absolutely make sure it is carrier SIM unlocked. As far as I'm aware, a locked H918 can only be unlocked if you are a current T-Mobile USA customer or via a paid service which can cost more than $80 USD (almost the price of a used V20). It's nothing like the simple unlock PIN codes you may have seen for other carriers.
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Click to collapse
The anti-rollback on the H918 has really thrown me off. Else, the T-Mobile variants of all the LG devices i owned in the past were SIM unlocked. So that wouldn't have been an issue.
mickeyasamoah said:
Wow....If the T-Mobile variant does come with anti-rollback, then i guess i would have to refrain from it even tho it might be downgradeable to some extent. Anti-rollbacks are always up to no good. Downgrade too much and u risk blowing a Qfuse or something.
Moving forward....How is the AT&T variant? Does it have any anti-rollbacks? I would rather have a variant that has no anti-rollback even if it's rooting or unlocking guide might be much complicated as compared to the H918.
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Only the H918 and LS997 have anti-rollback, so you'd be safe with the H910. However, both the LS997 and H910 (by now you probably realize how ridiculous LG has been with all these variations) have no official firmware (.kdz) files, so I'm not sure how difficult it would be to restore the phone in the unlikely scenario that you somehow lose TWRP recovery.
Look at the rooting guides specific to both H910 and H918 to see what you're up against and what pitfalls may lie ahead before you decide.
C D said:
Only the H918 and LS997 have anti-rollback, so you'd be safe with the H910. However, both the LS997 and H910 (by now you probably realize how ridiculous LG has been with all these variations) have no official firmware (.kdz) files, so I'm not sure how difficult it would be to restore the phone in the unlikely scenario that you somehow lose TWRP recovery.
Look at the rooting guides specific to both H910 and H918 to see what you're up against and what pitfalls may lie ahead before you decide.
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Click to collapse
Oh My! These are some of the things LG does that made me say to myself in the past..."This would be my last LG device." But somehow, i keep finding myself crawling to LG.
Like you said, i have to read as to determine which variant's shortcomings is less damaging.
Before i go digging into V20 threads, is it possible the H910 has a tot even tho it doesn't have a kdz?
mickeyasamoah said:
Oh My! These are some of the things LG does that made me say to myself in the past..."This would be my last LG device." But somehow, i keep finding myself crawling to LG.
Like you said, i have to read as to determine which variant's shortcomings is less damaging.
Before i go digging into V20 threads, is it possible the H910 has a tot even tho it doesn't have a kdz?
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Click to collapse
I have never seen any firmware files at all available for the H910, and other V20 variants have KDZs only, no TOT files.
C D said:
I have never seen any firmware files at all available for the H910, and other V20 variants have KDZs only, no TOT files.
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Click to collapse
Wow....LG really makes sure each variant lacks something. H918 has easy bootloader unlock but a dreadful anti-rollback, H910 has no rollback but has no firmware files.
I was just reading and i noticed that the anti-rollback on the H918 was introduced in the firmware version 10K.
Does this mean that an H918 with firmware version 10K and below would be fine? If yes, would a rooted H918 with 10K be able to flash custom Oreo ROMs?

Wich LG v20 is better for root and custom rom?

Hi, want to buy a used LG v20 but i want to make sure it will be able to root it and custum it....
for now i buy a lgv20 only 50$ on ebay but it's locked and with US cellular... so i cant do nothing with it.... so i think i should buy another one... but wich one... this is the question...
i would like to have the root function, the FM function activated... the multi user activated... for now nothing of that is possible with the lgv 20 US cellular
thx
Someone posted on this forum recently that you CAN get OFFICIAL bootloader unlock from LG on US Cellular. Try it!
I have the same question. Is there a preferred model for the V20? I was thinking of getting an unlocked US996 model, primarily for audio/video use with no sim. I would, however, like it to work with AT&T as a backup to my iPhone. I know it uses the same nano-sim format. Of course I would like to root, etc as safely as possible. I haven't bought it yet, so advise is very welcome and appreciated.
I understand the US996 can get official bootloader unlock directly from LG.
rlw6534 said:
I have the same question. Is there a preferred model for the V20? I was thinking of getting an unlocked US996 model, primarily for audio/video use with no sim. I would, however, like it to work with AT&T as a backup to my iPhone. I know it uses the same nano-sim format. Of course I would like to root, etc as safely as possible. I haven't bought it yet, so advise is very welcome and appreciated.
I understand the US996 can get official bootloader unlock directly from LG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The unlocked US996 is by far the easiest to root and will work on AT&T, but you won't get VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling if those matter to you. Only the AT&T-branded H910 will have those working.
C D said:
The unlocked US996 is by far the easiest to root and will work on AT&T, but you won't get VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling if those matter to you. Only the AT&T-branded H910 will have those working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for responding!!!
Rooting is more important for me as I don't plan on using it as my primary phone anyway. Sound like US996 is the way to go if you like to play with custom ROMs, etc.

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