Installing NON-AT&T FW on SM-J320A... Possible? - Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016) Questions & Answers

I have the SM-J320A, AT&T version, and now being used outside the USA. Specs on GSMArena indicate that this phone is one of the versions of the J3 2016 family: J320FN (Europe); J320F (EMEA); J320F/DD (India); J320A (AT&T); J320P (Sprint, Virgin Mobile, Boost); Galaxy Amp Prime (Cricket); Galaxy J3 V (Verizon); J320M (LATAM); J320G (Asia).
1. So does this mean all these versions are identical in Hardware?
If there is no other option, I will install the AT&T newest version, however I would prefer to see if it's possible to use a non-AT&T FW so I can get monthly updates. So...
2. Can anyone tell me if it's possible to put a NON-AT&T 'open' version stock FW on the SM-J320A... and I would then be able to receive the security updates direct from Samsung...
Hope what I am asking is clear.
Robert

The j320 model has three different soc. The j320a is exynos based. The different exynos models are J320a, j320ag, j320az & j320w8.
But with this device only the carriers supply updates, unfortunately.
Not sure if it's an option, but I activated an att sim for their prepaid service (25¢ per minute or something)... Will never use the $10 I spent for the service, but I can update ota now.
Other than that keep your eyes here, we try to keep the latest firmwares available for download.

DamienMc said:
The j320 model has three different soc. The j320a is exynos based. The different exynos models are J320a, j320ag, j320az & j320w8.
But with this device only the carriers supply updates, unfortunately.
Not sure if it's an option, but I activated an att sim for their prepaid service (25¢ per minute or something)... Will never use the $10 I spent for the service, but I can update ota now.
Other than that keep your eyes here, we try to keep the latest firmwares available for download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the best answer I've had on a forum... That makes it clear. So since I cannot really do what I was asking, no problem, I am willing to install the AT&T 7.1.1 version J320AUCU2AQI5. Only issue now is that as said, the phone is in use outside the US currently so cannot get the OTA DL. Is there any way or source to DL the full stock firmware for flash via Odin? Would prefer fully stock version with no rooting, etc.... I have a Macbook Pro for the flashing if it makes any diff.
Robert

Maybe this is what I'm looking for...
https://mega.nz/#!Xl4CiZZA!wXRCOHvyyHkcjq0jke47aTVFAMc6s0vxGG6loM-8zUc
??

Yessir
That's the most current j320a firmware

DamienMc said:
Yessir
That's the most current j320a firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks again...
Is that completely stock and flashes with Odin?
Any other special instructions needed to flash?
Just asking as it seems there is a lot of discussion on the entire thread and I'm not sure which issues are coming with which downloads.
Robert

Any issues where addressed.
Yes 100% stock.
Nothing special just load all four files in odin and flash it

Forgive me if I sound like a real dingba5, but I can't control myself from asking this. I have developed what can only be described as an unexplainable and illogical obsession with altering my Galaxy Express 2 SM-J327A 's factory condition. From what I know, there's no custom recovery, no ROM, no ROOT. NOTHING for this model. But the Sprint, Boost, etc. variants are all living it up in zip flashing heaven.
So using the same logic my man was using here, which was making sense, could I flash J327P firmware onto my device without ruining my day......

Related

S5 Lte-A UK Firmware Flash

Hi All
As the title says. Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Many thanks.
andybg40 said:
Hi All
As the title says. Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Many thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you mean by LTE-A?? do you mean the model SM-G900F ??
if yes well you can flash uk firmware.
hope that I helped
Galaxy_Guy said:
what do you mean by LTE-A?? do you mean the model SM-G900F ??
if yes well you can flash uk firmware.
hope that I helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the SM-G906K version of the prime device, is that still doable?
andybg40 said:
I have the SM-G906K version of the prime device, is that still doable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn`t risk flashing firmware that`s designed for a different device model, in this case the G900F firmware on a G906K.
andybg40 said:
Can I flash an LTE-A version with UK firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a lot of reliable information about your model so there is no authorative answer.
Most will say that it's risky and not recommended to flash a firmware from another variant. As well, you don't simply have a different variant of the 801 Snapdragon based S5. You have a derivative model, with a different processor (805), screen resolution, et cetera. Strongly arguing that it is highly unlikely to work and would likely brick your phone.
The best you might hope for is someone alleging that they were able to do so. And then you'd still need to estimate the credibility of such a report.
If you have root and a custom recovery installed, you could remove much of the risk by trying a 900F based custom ROM, e.g. the Phoenix ROM, rather than flash stock 900F firmware. All in all though, it's an improbable fit.
.
fffft said:
There isn't a lot of reliable information about your model so there is no authorative answer.
Most will say that it's risky and not recommended to flash a firmware from another variant. As well, you don't simply have a different variant of the 801 Snapdragon based S5. You have a derivative model, with a different processor (805), screen resolution, et cetera. Strongly arguing that it is highly unlikely to work and would likely brick your phone.
The best you might hope for is someone alleging that they were able to do so. And then you'd still need to estimate the credibility of such a report.
If you have root and a custom recovery installed, you could remove much of the risk by trying a 900F based custom ROM, e.g. the Phoenix ROM, rather than flash stock 900F firmware. All in all though, it's an improbable fit.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help guys.
Yep, I imported this model for the specs. It's not a real drama on the stock firmware tbh. I just wanted to remove the splash screen and network installed apps from Korea.
I've hidden the apps, but there are still a couple of Korean bits and pieces I would like to get rid of. Maybe a firmware or suitable rom will become available soon.
No, u can't use the SM-G900F firmware on the SM-G906K

[Q] Unlocked Metro PCs Galaxy S5 on AT&T Network

Hey guys,
Quick overview: 2 Questions: How to update to lollipop and benefits of KNOX.
I just got a new Metro PCs Galaxy S5 unlocked and am using it on the AT&T network as the title suggests. I was looking around to try and find an answer but was unsuccessful. My question is how do I update this phone since it's a Metro PCs phone (which is apparently same as T-Mobile) to lollipop and i'm on AT&T? Since I'm on the AT&T network, there is no update for lollipop yet, but from what I've read the phone itself should be compatible and ready for the T-Mobile lollipop update...AT&T is the only carrier that hasn't released lollipop update AFAIK. Here's the current information on the device:
Model: SM-G900T1
Android: 4.4.2
Baseband: G900T1UVU1ANK1
Kernel: 3.4.0-1616453
Build: KOT49H.G900T1UVU1ANK1
If I try to do the OTA Software update from the "About Device" settings screen, it says up to date. Is my only option to root it and do a custom ROM (or wait for AT&T to come out with the lollipop update...which may not be very soon)? Though if i root it I'll trigger the KNOX stuff i've been reading about. I don't think the KNOX stuff has anything useful to me from what I read, because it seems to be for business stuff only, whereas i'd only be using this phone for personal use. Which brings me to my second question: Is there any reason for me to care about keeping KNOX 0x0? Seems like it will void any software warranty if i trigger it and I'd lose any OTA updates? That's the only fall back? Because if it isn't a big issue then I can just root and custom rom my phone (recommendations on ROMs? looking for mostly performance and battery life). Lemme know if you have other questions for me or if i need to provide more info. Thanks for any help!
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
*Detection* said:
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yah, I was really confused by this as well. I checked Sammobile and they didn't even have the T-Mobile version which seems odd to me?
*Detection* said:
Im only seeing KitKat ROMs on Sammobile and Samsung Updates, for the SM-G900T1, and they generally have all ROMs available for each device
Looks like a Custom ROM might be your only way if there is no official Lollipop update for you, but Custom ROM = Custom Recovery = KNOX tripped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you send me a link to where you see those updates? I couldn't find it myself for my model (SM-G900T1).
Also, would i be able to update my phone with the latest T-Mobile Variant? I was thinking that since (from what i've been reading) it sounds like the T-Mobile phone and the Metro PCS phones are supposedly the exact same phone (T-Mobile = SM-G900T, Metro PCS = SM-G900T1) and my phone is unlocked, that perhaps I can update my phone to the latest Samsung signed T-Mobile update with lollipop and not trip Knox. Any ideas / thoughts on this?
airyip77 said:
Can you send me a link to where you see those updates? I couldn't find it myself for my model (SM-G900T1).
Also, would i be able to update my phone with the latest T-Mobile Variant? I was thinking that since (from what i've been reading) it sounds like the T-Mobile phone and the Metro PCS phones are supposedly the exact same phone (T-Mobile = SM-G900T, Metro PCS = SM-G900T1) and my phone is unlocked, that perhaps I can update my phone to the latest Samsung signed T-Mobile update with lollipop and not trip Knox. Any ideas / thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to flash any ROM for your exact model phone
Links to sammobile are banned on XDA, just go to sammobile dot com - enter your model number into the firmware section
Need a free account to download
KNOX will not be tripped flashing stock ROMs with ODIN
*Detection* said:
You should be able to flash any ROM for your exact model phone
Links to sammobile are banned on XDA, just go to sammobile dot com - enter your model number into the firmware section
Need a free account to download
KNOX will not be tripped flashing stock ROMs with ODIN
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx, i was dumb and kept searching with "samsung galaxy" instead of the exact model number so couldn't find it there at first :silly:
I get that i can flash any ROM for my exact model, but was hoping to find out if i can install the SM-G900T (T-Mobile) update on the SM-G900T1 (Metro PCS)? From what I'm reading they appear to be the exact same phone, but i haven't seen any hard evidence of that fact...like i've read in other threads and other sites that people have put t-mobile roms/etc on a metro-pcs galaxy s5, and that essentially they're the exact same phone, but just nothing i've seen/read that makes it definitively so...unless that in and of itself proves their statement that they installed the TM roms on the MPCS phone. I'm cautious cause i keep reading about being careful because of all the different variants and the possibility of bricking. i guess in the meantime i'll look around more then to see if i can install the t-mobile one on my metropcs.
Ive no idea, I wouldn't want to advise flashing a ROM for a different model phone - best wait to hear if anyone else has the same phone and done the same thing
Someone here saying they are exactly the same phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5/help/smg900t-smg900t1-t2964392
*Detection* said:
Ive no idea, I wouldn't want to advise flashing a ROM for a different model phone - best wait to hear if anyone else has the same phone and done the same thing
Someone here saying they are exactly the same phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5/help/smg900t-smg900t1-t2964392
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yah, i've seen that thread and it's what i meant by "i've heard things", but not really "confirmed things" hahaha
I searched a bit more and found this thread, and it looks like might be possible because someone did it on an older firmware from TM -> MPCS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2733529
I may look a little more, but i think i'll try it and see what happens. when/if i do, i'll post back with results.
...although, would that nullify my unlock? Phone is like I said, MPCS and unlocked, running on AT&T. Switching to the T-Mobile firmware shouldn't have any affect on the unlock right?
airyip77 said:
...although, would that nullify my unlock? Phone is like I said, MPCS and unlocked, running on AT&T. Switching to the T-Mobile firmware shouldn't have any affect on the unlock right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it won't make any changes to your SIM/carrier unlock status. Once you permanently SIM unlock your phone, that is it.

Stock firmware

Hi everyone. I am attempting to download the stock firmware for my Edge but can't find it. My phone has SM-G935A printed on the back. It is AT&T. The search feature on SAMMOBILE does not have that model. Is it ok to use a different firmware? It won't be AT&T anymore if I do, right?
The back of my phone gets really hot at times, especially right while booting. I wanted to try to root and put one of the custom ROMS on there but I am not doing anything till I find the correct Stock Firmware.
scm37390 said:
Hi everyone. I am attempting to download the stock firmware for my Edge but can't find it. My phone has SM-G935A printed on the back. It is AT&T. The search feature on SAMMOBILE does not have that model. Is it ok to use a different firmware? It won't be AT&T anymore if I do, right?
The back of my phone gets really hot at times, especially right while booting. I wanted to try to root and put one of the custom ROMS on there but I am not doing anything till I find the correct Stock Firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out this forum, https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/how-to/updated-935u-935a-live-links-pi3-t3501686. I'm running my AT&T S7 Edge on this firmware, WWWWAAAAAAYYYYYY better than stock AT&T. It has NO AT&T bloatware and it has the Mobile Data On/Off toggle listed in the quick toggles bar. Before you flash this on your phone check what build you're on in the "about phone" in settings. Here is the link with the latest stock AT&T Firmware, https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/how-to/firmware-pi2-s7-edge-sm-g935a-10-03-16-t3477246. Download to your pc in case you want to flash back to stock. Don't root, not really stable if you do and you can't install any other firmware / ROM unless you flash 935U Firmware. You can brick your phone or even trip Knox counter and that will void your warranty if you needed to return to AT&T or Samsung.
ytaida said:
Check out this forum, https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/how-to/updated-935u-935a-live-links-pi3-t3501686. I'm running my AT&T S7 Edge on this firmware, WWWWAAAAAAYYYYYY better than stock AT&T. It has NO AT&T bloatware and it has the Mobile Data On/Off toggle listed in the quick toggles bar. Before you flash this on your phone check what build you're on in the "about phone" in settings. Here is the link with the latest stock AT&T Firmware, https://forum.xda-developers.com/att-s7-edge/how-to/firmware-pi2-s7-edge-sm-g935a-10-03-16-t3477246. Download to your pc in case you want to flash back to stock. Don't root, not really stable if you do and you can't install any other firmware / ROM unless you flash 935U Firmware. You can brick your phone or even trip Knox counter and that will void your warranty if you needed to return to AT&T or Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and thanks. I don't care about warranty. I am thankful you explained that "ROOT" makes it unstable. How is it possible to flash custom ROMS without ROOT? Why is it so hard to find the dang firmware? I went back on that dang Sammobil to look for the stock firmware for a friends Verizon S7 Edge and I can't find THAT but NOW THE AT&T is there!!!!
It sounds to me like you are coming from an older phone that had an unlocked bootloader? Back in the day when flashing a new rom like paranoid or slimrom was the fun and cool way to differentiate your device from your friends. That was also a time when android was about as locked down as ios is now, and ios was still locking users into their own keyboard, and Samsung was scrapping with apple at every turn for the top seat in the mobile phone market. My how things have changed.
Android is much more open in some ways, there are far fewer things that most people need that require root access, and the device manufacturers have also begun locking down the devices much more. At least in the Samsung line, I don't know when the last US variant flagship bootloader was freely unlocked? The s3? I know I had a Verizon s6 that I could not even achieve root on following a certain point in the release cycle. Now we have all of these fun new terms like systemless root, magisk and engineering bootloader. It really comes down with what is your desired outcome from rooting. You can actually get a long way towards what you could do back then with a Samsung theme and the right apps.
I believe what ytaida is referring to is the ability to flash other s7 roms onto your phone. So while we may not be able to flash custom roms, anything with the correct bootloader can still be flashed. Typically with a phone that is only going to be in the same model, but Samsung kind of threw a curveball and created an incestual path for the s7. With their U firmware, (the 930U and 935U firmware shipped on the devices sold directly from Samsung as was mentioned above) you could flash an official version of that onto the tmobile, Verizon, att and a few other carriers hardware, and essentially change the model of the phone. From there changing it back was equally as easy, except changing it back could be changing a Verizon model into an att model. The radios were all the same. In this process a root exploit was achieved and some very smart (I am humbled by their knowledge and determination on these sites every day) folks started hacking together roms. So you will see some neat stuff done where you are never truly running as root, but there were modifications done as root somewhere along the line. Long story only mildly shorter. Be careful how far down the rabbithole you take this.
The next thing you know it could be 6am and you realize you've been downloading and archiving your own copies of stock Samsung firmware for the last 20 hours, for devices you don't even have lol..
Sure there are still custom roms out there, but as a US customer, if that is what you're looking for you are best off with a nexus device or One Plus.
scm37390 said:
Hi and thanks. I don't care about warranty. I am thankful you explained that "ROOT" makes it unstable. How is it possible to flash custom ROMS without ROOT? Why is it so hard to find the dang firmware? I went back on that dang Sammobil to look for the stock firmware for a friends Verizon S7 Edge and I can't find THAT but NOW THE AT&T is there!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is not hard, just need to look in correct forum. BTW what firmware you want. You can find any firmware you want for both models. Just look harder.
On Edge of Galaxy
A few things:
1) There doesn't appear to be any physical difference between the 935A, 935T, and 935U. You can, as long as you mind the bootloader version, freely switch between the three versions. I'm not sure about the Verizon and Spring versions.
2) The 935A FW link is around here. I've used it, and it worked fine, but you will be on tap for a few OTA updates.
3) The 935T FW link is actually available in several places, but there is a direct link over in the T-Mobile S7E forum. I'm not really sure what it gets you that the 935U doesn't, though. It has less bloat than AT&T, about the same amount of branding, and AT&T still refuses to let you have access to the more advanced call features. It does appear to be a lot less laggy than the 935A, though - AT&T really screwed up the Nougat upgrade compared to everyone else. It will likely get updates faster as well, and T-mobile doesn't have provisioning checks for tethering.
4) The 935U FW link is also "stock" for this phone, and works much better in many respects (it's certainly faster and less laggy) The difference between the 935A/935T and 935U firmware is that the former two have all the software needed for AT&T/T-mobile specific features, like WiFi calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. The latter has none of those things, but it does give you back BT tethering, disables the checks for WiFi and USB tethering, along with a few other features that were disabled.
Thus, you need to decide what is more important. Carrier specific calling features or more tethering options and overall better performance and battery life.
Please check the ORIGINAL post date!!!
I got the help I needed MONTHS ago. For those of you actually attempting to help,
"THANKS".
NORBARB, as a "SENIOR MEMBER" I would have expected much more than that and again, please look at the date I posted that question. Of course the firmware has shown up now. I don't even own that phone anymore.
How do you determine bootloader version?
jshamlet said:
A few things:
1) There doesn't appear to be any physical difference between the 935A, 935T, and 935U. You can, as long as you mind the bootloader version, freely switch between the three versions. I'm not sure about the Verizon and Spring versions.
2) The 935A FW link is around here. I've used it, and it worked fine, but you will be on tap for a few OTA updates.
3) The 935T FW link is actually available in several places, but there is a direct link over in the T-Mobile S7E forum. I'm not really sure what it gets you that the 935U doesn't, though. It has less bloat than AT&T, about the same amount of branding, and AT&T still refuses to let you have access to the more advanced call features. It does appear to be a lot less laggy than the 935A, though - AT&T really screwed up the Nougat upgrade compared to everyone else. It will likely get updates faster as well, and T-mobile doesn't have provisioning checks for tethering.
4) The 935U FW link is also "stock" for this phone, and works much better in many respects (it's certainly faster and less laggy) The difference between the 935A/935T and 935U firmware is that the former two have all the software needed for AT&T/T-mobile specific features, like WiFi calling, VoLTE, Visual Voicemail, etc. The latter has none of those things, but it does give you back BT tethering, disables the checks for WiFi and USB tethering, along with a few other features that were disabled.
Thus, you need to decide what is more important. Carrier specific calling features or more tethering options and overall better performance and battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm interested in switching my unlocked Tmobile G935T to ATT G935A to take advantage of Wi-fi Calling. I'm not sure how to make sure I select the AT&T firmware that has the same bootloader as mentioned above.

Have a SM-G930V. Want to flash but have no idea what to do.

Hey there, hope y'all are doing well.
I recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S7 SM-G930V, Nougat 7.0 (note: I live in europe, and it's an unlocked phone). I want to get rid of Verizon logo while booting and all the unnecessary apps connected with Verizon. Plus, as you know Verizon locks some functions like the device maintenance, turning off the backlight of the capacitive buttons, etc, etc.
So, I'd like to have a clean/untouched samsung firmware without any useless apps.
Is androidfilehost.com trustworthy? what about updato.com? (the latter had slow dl speed, and I stumbled upon the first alternative)
PS. by the way, mine reads G930VVRS4BQI1, so one thing that confused me was while loking up for files to download; should I get the G930VVRS4BQI1 which may be the only compatible file for my phone, or do I already have G930VVRS4BQI1, so downloading it would be useless?
Since I wouldn't like to tinker often with the phone system, what do you suggest, flashing or rooting?
Is there any guide for my case for flashing?
I noticed these two on the front page:
---[Rom] [Ufirm_QD2_Hybrid_Nougat_Rom_FlashFire_Install][Status Official For VZW S7FLAT]Last edited by CVertigo1; 25th September 2017
---[Rom] [Verizon_TMO_Hybrid_Nougat_Rom_FlashFire_Install][Status Official] [S7flat]Last edited by CVertigo1; 26th May 2017 at 03:13 PM.
which should I pick?
and since the posts were last edited in may and september, where can I find the latest firmware?
and after doing all this, will everything work well, will I get OTA updates?
I would really appreciate someone helping me out, whenever you're free.
Thanks in advance
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
JediDru said:
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey JediDru,
I also just bought the S7 Verizon variant, and am planning on using it on MetroPCS. Would you recommend the 930U firmware for me as well? I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Verizon bloat before I hand it over to my wife...
jbjcurly said:
Hey JediDru,
I also just bought the S7 Verizon variant, and am planning on using it on MetroPCS. Would you recommend the 930U firmware for me as well? I wouldn't mind getting rid of the Verizon bloat before I hand it over to my wife...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You very well could. I think there is a thread around here specifically about metropcs setup somewhere between the verizon s7 and tmobile s7 forums. I use my 930v flashed to 930U on tmobile.
JediDru said:
You can actually cross flash any Qualcomm s7 firmware between all carrier handsets. With your case being in Europe I would recommend the sm-G930U firmware. Which is the carrier unlocked variant of the S7 stateside that has all bands unlocked that the modem is capable of. You will recieve OTA's. It's Odin files are on Updato and SamMobile. AndroidHost is trustworthy.
In your case of not wanting to tinker or have a "need to have" rooted feature on the new device, I would flash the the 930U firmware and enjoy your new non branded system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey there, thanks for your advice! I downloaded the latest file from here. sammobile"dot"com/firmwares/galaxy-s7/SM-G930U/VZW/
In a moment I was clueless at the "pick country" since there were more than one USA options. so I went with verizon, since my phone comes from verizon.
In the link I mentioned above it reads this This is for SM-G930U from USA (Verizon) which makes no sense to me, how it can be both "U"-unlocked and verizon at the same time... but, oh well, I flashed it 4 days ago and I've encountered no problem, which is all that matters! Hope I made no mistake at picking that file.
Recently purchased galaxy S7 SMG-930V (Best buy version) from a private owner.
I am on cricket and on APN setup LTE and MMS works without issues. Only issue is that upon dialing USSD code i get 'Connection problem or Invalid MMI code' . I tried all options available mentioned in this forum still doesn't work. Which version of SM-G930U should i flash? Main reason i purchased the phone is for Samusing Pay. Don't want to brick or lose Samusing Pay option after flash.
Inputs are appreciated.
thricegreat said:
hey there, thanks for your advice! I downloaded the latest file from here. sammobile"dot"com/firmwares/galaxy-s7/SM-G930U/VZW/
In a moment I was clueless at the "pick country" since there were more than one USA options. so I went with verizon, since my phone comes from verizon.
In the link I mentioned above it reads this This is for SM-G930U from USA (Verizon) which makes no sense to me, how it can be both "U"-unlocked and verizon at the same time... but, oh well, I flashed it 4 days ago and I've encountered no problem, which is all that matters! Hope I made no mistake at picking that file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did it remove all the bloatware from Verizon?
Does Samsung pay works?
matrixddl said:
Did it remove all the bloatware from Verizon?
Does Samsung pay works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Flashing the G930U firmware removes all carrier bloat.
Samsung pay comes with the U firmware.
The last time I was on the U I had bad standby drain. I read somewhere else it has to do with the U not dozing correctly. They may very well have fixed it now, I'm on the latest tmobile 4BRA firmware and it sleeps like a baby right now.
JediDru said:
Yes Flashing the G930U firmware removes all carrier bloat.
Samsung pay comes with the U firmware.
The last time I was on the U I had bad standby drain. I read somewhere else it has to do with the U not dozing correctly. They may very well have fixed it now, I'm on the latest tmobile 4BRA firmware and it sleeps like a baby right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashed the verizon U firmware and it did remove all the bloatware. Still need to check on battery drain with Samsung Pay. All other apps are in "Always Sleeping Apps" for better battery performance.
For future reference make sure before flashing new firmware google accounts and lock screen securities are removed/disabled.
Is there a way to back up apps with user data and home screen and reuse instead of installing all over again when a new firmaware is flashed. Spoiled by the root and titanium full back. That was so easy.
matrixddl said:
Flashed the verizon U firmware and it did remove all the bloatware. Still need to check on battery drain with Samsung Pay. All other apps are in "Always Sleeping Apps" for better battery performance.
For future reference make sure before flashing new firmware google accounts and lock screen securities are removed/disabled.
Is there a way to back up apps with user data and home screen and reuse instead of installing all over again when a new firmaware is flashed. Spoiled by the root and titanium full back. That was so easy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, no. It's not so bad. I had gotten into the habit of taking screen shots of my app drawer and redownloading. To think now I can just redownload the configuration of apps I had before is as good as it gets. I still just redownload. I like to re-set everything back up just so I know its done.
I haven't tried this method but to backup and restore all installed apps check this Link.
matrixddl said:
I haven't tried this method but to backup and restore all installed apps check this Link.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, if all you want to do is switch carriers (same GMail address), then a firmware swap will work.
I have an ex-Verizon (blacklisted IMEI - previous owner)S7 that I was moving to Tracfone (which uses both VZW and T-Mobile towers) - naturally, VZW was a non-starter; however, the UnCarrier was fine, so I used a T-Mobile nanoSIM (Tracfone triple-punch SIM kit includes SIMs from all except Sprint) and replaced the VZW firmware with T-M firmware (Prince Comsy ODIN does the track rather neatly). As long as your IMEI is not blacklisted from the TARGET, such a swap will always work.

I have yet to find a simple guide on "How to load a custom ROM on your AT&T S7 Edge"

I have yet to find a simple guide on "How to load a custom ROM on your AT&T S7 Edge"
I've traveled all over the interwebs, including this website and many others but have not found a simple guide for noobs. I read about CWM, TWRP, Odin, rooting, zip files, tar files, nandroid, backup ROM, root with app, root via computer, blah, blah, blah, blah....
All I know is that before I do anything I want to backup the stock ROM but before that I'm thrown all kinds of different tools and processes that one could use. For the noob it should be as simple as:
Step 1: backup your stock ROM and to do this download/install this tool then follow these instructions.
Step 2: root your S7 Edge and to do this download/install this tool then follow these instructions.
Step 3: find a custom ROM you want to install and to do this go here, here or here for you model and download it to your PC.
Step 4: flash your custom ROM and to do this down/install this tool and follow these instructions.
Maybe I haven't done a good job of searching so shame on me but I don't feel like given the effort I've expended thus far has yielded a straight and easy answer when it probably should be. I seem to run across a lot of promising reads/threads about this only to find that there seems to be so much more knowledge and experience with the SM-935F and not so much with the SM-935A variant. On top of it, it would seem that I'm told that rooting will or will not break Samsung Pay and other apps/features or that the flag will or will not permanently trip that shows the device has been modified. Very confusing.
When I'm presented with a tar/zip download I'm not sure to where I'm supposed to be downloading. To my PC then used Odin s/w on the PC to install via USB cable to the handset?
Can someone please point me to the simple guide to get this going...or am I gonna have to write it myself? TIA.
BTW, I should note that I'm coming from a S3 on Virgin Mobile to a S7 Edge SM-G935A to be used on Cricket Wireless (AT&T). Since I'll be on Cricket and not directly a AT&T customer per se I'd like to get rid of all the bloatware that AT&T was so kind to load up on the handset. Right now it has Nougat 7.0 installed: samsung/hero2qlteuc/hero2qlteatt:7.0/NRD90M/G935AUCU4BQA6
I am not sure if you have a US version the S7 (Qualcomm G935A) or the S7 non US version. But if you have the US version, we are out of luck. Our bootloader is completely locked and all those steps you pointed out are not available.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
freeop said:
I am not sure if you have a US version the S7 (Qualcomm G935A) or the S7 non US version. But if you have the US version, we are out of luck. Our bootloader is completely locked and all those steps you pointed out are not available.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it seems that with all USA Qualcomm versions regardless of GSM carrier you have confirmed we pretty much cannot do much other than load some other versions of firmware such the U version ROM? From what I read HERE this is the Marshmallow 6.0 o/s. I currently have the stock Nougat 7.0 firmware from AT&T on my S7 Edge. Is there a debloated 7.0 version of the U ROM available?
UPDATE: Never mind...I came across THIS THREAD regarding an unbloated 7.0 U-version. I see you were active in that thread so now I need to read the entire thing before I have more questions and if so I'll ask them there. Thanks!
SyberTiger said:
So it seems that with all USA Qualcomm versions regardless of GSM carrier you have confirmed we pretty much cannot do much other than load some other versions of firmware such the U version ROM? From what I read HERE this is the Marshmallow 6.0 o/s. I currently have the stock Nougat 7.0 firmware from AT&T on my S7 Edge. Is there a debloated 7.0 version of the U ROM available?
UPDATE: Never mind...I came across THIS THREAD regarding an unbloated 7.0 U-version. I see you were active in that thread so now I need to read the entire thing before I have more questions and if so I'll ask them there. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you still want to root your phone, you can follow this link and will let you get rid of all the bloat and root your phone, install xposed and all the mods for xposed. I have used the ENG.IMG version of root for the G935A over 6 months ago and it works great, given the choices we have.
Here's the link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...eres-how-rooted-nougat-s7-edge-g935t-t3567502
I know the thread is in the T-Mobile section but if you read the first line, it says it works for T-Mobile, ATT, Sprint, Verizon, etc. It is a very long thread but if you read mostly the later posts from @Craz Basics and you will be able to see that it works really nice.
Good luck
freeop said:
If you still want to root your phone, you can follow this link and will let you get rid of all the bloat and root your phone, install xposed and all the mods for xposed. I have used the ENG.IMG version of root for the G935A over 6 months ago and it works great, given the choices we have.
Here's the link: https://forum.xda-developers.com/tm...eres-how-rooted-nougat-s7-edge-g935t-t3567502
I know the thread is in the T-Mobile section but if you read the first line, it says it works for T-Mobile, ATT, Sprint, Verizon, etc. It is a very long thread but if you read mostly the later posts from @Craz Basics and you will be able to see that it works really nice.
Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey thanks....but I have another question now that I'm given choices.
Which ROM is better, the U 7.0 ROM or the T-Mobile ROM you just linked? And, why is it better than the other?
SyberTiger said:
Hey thanks....but I have another question now that I'm given choices.
Which ROM is better, the U 7.0 ROM or the T-Mobile ROM you just linked? And, why is it better than the other?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok the U 7.0 ROM is still un-rooted and bootloader locked. If you go that way, you get the U ROM with-out all the Bloat. But nothing more.
And the link is not really for the T-Mobile phone only. The ENG.IMG is for all makes of the Qualcomm chip. You install that and you are still with ATT. Still have all the things ATT provides like WiFi-Calling and other ATT things. And you can get rid of the Bloatware from the ATT ROM using different apps, like Titanium Backup. With the ENG.IMG you can root your phone and use all the apps that are available for Rooted Phones. One of the best is Titanium Backup. You can only use that one Rooted phones. If you have the U 7.0 ROM, you will have to use the same ENG.IMG to Root the U 7.0 ROM to get that OS rooted. And as I mentioned before you can use Xposed with the rooted phone.
If you are just looking to get rid of Bloatware on the ATT, there is an app for that also. Check out BK Disabler in the playstore. You can get rid of all the bloatware without rooting your phone.
Anyway, hope this make some kind of sense...
freeop said:
Ok the U 7.0 ROM is still un-rooted and bootloader locked. If you go that way, you get the U ROM with-out all the Bloat. But nothing more.
And the link is not really for the T-Mobile phone only. The ENG.IMG is for all makes of the Qualcomm chip. You install that and you are still with ATT. Still have all the things ATT provides like WiFi-Calling and other ATT things. And you can get rid of the Bloatware from the ATT ROM using different apps, like Titanium Backup. With the ENG.IMG you can root your phone and use all the apps that are available for Rooted Phones. One of the best is Titanium Backup. You can only use that one Rooted phones. If you have the U 7.0 ROM, you will have to use the same ENG.IMG to Root the U 7.0 ROM to get that OS rooted. And as I mentioned before you can use Xposed with the rooted phone.
If you are just looking to get rid of Bloatware on the ATT, there is an app for that also. Check out BK Disabler in the playstore. You can get rid of all the bloatware without rooting your phone.
Anyway, hope this make some kind of sense...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, appreciate it.
I'm really not planning on spending a lot of time making changes or tweaking the handset. I'm on Cricket Wireless therefore I don't see any value in the AT&T bloatware which is why I wanted it removed. My interest is primarily having the latest/greatest android version I can have without all the stuff junking it up. I'd like it to be as fast as is reasonably possibly but at the same time have reasonably good battery life. I'm coming from a Galaxy S3 on Virgin Mobile so the change to the S7E is a huge upgrade. I haven't figured out yet if there are any apps (that require rooting) that are so slick I can't live without them.
I installed the U 7.0 and as I recall I got about 5 or 6 OTA updates which in encouraging. I think the AT&T ROM never received any of the 3 or 4 most current security updates. Anyhow, U 7.0 is up and running with no AT&T bloatware.
SyberTiger said:
Thanks, appreciate it.
I'm really not planning on spending a lot of time making changes or tweaking the handset. I'm on Cricket Wireless therefore I don't see any value in the AT&T bloatware which is why I wanted it removed. My interest is primarily having the latest/greatest android version I can have without all the stuff junking it up. I'd like it to be as fast as is reasonably possibly but at the same time have reasonably good battery life. I'm coming from a Galaxy S3 on Virgin Mobile so the change to the S7E is a huge upgrade. I haven't figured out yet if there are any apps (that require rooting) that are so slick I can't live without them.
I installed the U 7.0 and as I recall I got about 5 or 6 OTA updates which in encouraging. I think the AT&T ROM never received any of the 3 or 4 most current security updates. Anyhow, U 7.0 is up and running with no AT&T bloatware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T's software updater only works if you have an AT&T SIM card. This is why the first thing you should do if you buy an AT&T (or other carrier) device that you don't plan to use on that network is to convert it to the unlocked version. That, and AT&T (in particular) loads the crap out of their devices with bloatware to the point that switching to U feels like an early upgrade to the next generation device.
jshamlet said:
AT&T's software updater only works if you have an AT&T SIM card. This is why the first thing you should do if you buy an AT&T (or other carrier) device that you don't plan to use on that network is to convert it to the unlocked version. That, and AT&T (in particular) loads the crap out of their devices with bloatware to the point that switching to U feels like an early upgrade to the next generation device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I have a Cricket SIM which explains why this unlocked handset is stuck on 7.0 G935AUCU4BQA6 which is the February 1, 2017 update. Interestingly enough, the Network Signal Info app shows the SIM Operator as AT&T and Network Operator as Cricket/AT&T.
Going to the U got rid of all the bloatware and the handset immediately started receiving 5 or 6 OTA updates. I'll probably stick with the U version unless it becomes apparent there's a significantly better ROM available that increases performance, battery life or really adds some whizbangs that make the S7E experience a lot better.
forgive me for butting in -- I have a SM-G935A (stock) on Cricket as well.
Updates to the ROM and while keeping Samsung Pay are important to me.
In the past, I have d/led ATT updates and installed them using Odin, but that wipes my phone's apps/settings each time. Recently, I purchased an ATT sim & put the minimum $$$ on it with the intention of popping it in for OTA's. I've received BQK2, Nov 1 2017. It's a crappy work around, but the easiest I know of without having to rebuild my phone each Odin'ed update.
Would installing U or TMO firmware on the 935A remove the ability to use Samsung Pay? Would either of them be updated for frequently/easier than the 935A?
The U firmware supports Samsung pay and gets updates directly. The only downsides are no carrier features like wifi calling, etc., and if gets updates later than the carrier versions. I have run it on AT&T since I got the phone and it has worked fine.
jshamlet said:
The U firmware supports Samsung pay and gets updates directly. The only downsides are no carrier features like wifi calling, etc., and if gets updates later than the carrier versions. I have run it on AT&T since I got the phone and it has worked fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, jshamlet.
This is my first phone I haven't rooted & I feel a bit powerless without Xposed and Titanium Backup. I find myself using Samsung Pay so often, that I don't want to lose it & was concerned that installing the U (or TMO) firmware on the ATT version would trip Knox, too.
William Thornton said:
forgive me for butting in -- I have a SM-G935A (stock) on Cricket as well.
Updates to the ROM and while keeping Samsung Pay are important to me.
In the past, I have d/led ATT updates and installed them using Odin, but that wipes my phone's apps/settings each time. Recently, I purchased an ATT sim & put the minimum $$$ on it with the intention of popping it in for OTA's. I've received BQK2, Nov 1 2017. It's a crappy work around, but the easiest I know of without having to rebuild my phone each Odin'ed update.
Would installing U or TMO firmware on the 935A remove the ability to use Samsung Pay? Would either of them be updated for frequently/easier than the 935A?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
SyberTiger said:
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never gotten it working 100%.
William Thornton said:
I've never gotten it working 100%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be talking about the PC version not the phone-to-phone setup. Back up to PC then from PC to your phone. Worked great for me.
SyberTiger said:
Hmm, doesn't Samsung Smart Switch back up everything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, no. No it doesn't. Helium (or if you are feeling oldster, ADB) does a vastly better job of backing up apps than Smart Switch. Smart Switch does a reasonably good job of putting your phone's settings back, but it doesn't appear to back up most app data.
I learned this the hard way.
---------- Post added at 01:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 AM ----------
William Thornton said:
Thanks, jshamlet.
This is my first phone I haven't rooted & I feel a bit powerless without Xposed and Titanium Backup. I find myself using Samsung Pay so often, that I don't want to lose it & was concerned that installing the U (or TMO) firmware on the ATT version would trip Knox, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung Pay, with the MST technology, is one of those weirdly underrated features that continually amaze people. It works nearly anywhere you can physically see the mag stripe reader, which instantly makes it vastly more useful than either Apple Pay or Android Pay. I have had more than a few people say "We don't take Apple Pay", and then drop their jaw when the transaction goes through.
The fact that Samsung doesn't make a bigger deal about it is strange, because it really is one of those technologies that sets them apart from the other two.

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