Hello to the XDA Community, I recently made this account and would like to get some help from the great people here.
I own a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 G930V. I, unfortunately, found out the hard way that it could not be unlocked because Samsung decided to lock down the bootloader on it (something that they were a bit more lenient with on the Galaxy S8, I think?). Either way, I was reading this XDA article (https://www.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7-bootloader-lock-explained-you-might-not-get-aosp-after-all/) about the bootloader, and it basically says that, despite the OEM Unlock option being available under Developer Options, nothing that doesn't have some sort of official signature can be flashed to the device, so it's basically pointless.
But, then I saw that LineageOS dropped official builds for the Galaxy S7. My only question, therefore, is: why would Lineage OS drop custom ROMS for a phone that cannot have anything flashed to it? Am I missing something? Not sure what I'm missing. Just to clear things up again: I have the Verizon Galaxy S7 G930V (Snapdragon). I am also using a T-Mobile SIM in the phone, not sure if that matters or not, however.
So, what I assume is that somehow people were able to get past the bootloader and that is the reason that LineageOS released official builds of their ROM. If that's the case, is there a method/tutorial for, first, unlocking the bootloader and rooting the Verizon G930V, and then installing the custom ROM successfully? Also, I see that LineageOS does not have a build for the G930V specifically, so would it brick my phone if I installed the build for the G930S, for example?
Thank you guys! Bare with me if I completely missed something please!
charania007 said:
Hello to the XDA Community, I recently made this account and would like to get some help from the great people here.
I own a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 G930V. I, unfortunately, found out the hard way that it could not be unlocked because Samsung decided to lock down the bootloader on it (something that they were a bit more lenient with on the Galaxy S8, I think?). Either way, I was reading this XDA article (https://www.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7-bootloader-lock-explained-you-might-not-get-aosp-after-all/) about the bootloader, and it basically says that, despite the OEM Unlock option being available under Developer Options, nothing that doesn't have some sort of official signature can be flashed to the device, so it's basically pointless.
But, then I saw that LineageOS dropped official builds for the Galaxy S7. My only question, therefore, is: why would Lineage OS drop custom ROMS for a phone that cannot have anything flashed to it? Am I missing something? Not sure what I'm missing. Just to clear things up again: I have the Verizon Galaxy S7 G930V (Snapdragon). I am also using a T-Mobile SIM in the phone, not sure if that matters or not, however.
So, what I assume is that somehow people were able to get past the bootloader and that is the reason that LineageOS released official builds of their ROM. If that's the case, is there a method/tutorial for, first, unlocking the bootloader and rooting the Verizon G930V, and then installing the custom ROM successfully? Also, I see that LineageOS does not have a build for the G930V specifically, so would it brick my phone if I installed the build for the G930S, for example?
Thank you guys! Bare with me if I completely missed something please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are numerous variants of the GS7 and GS7E that have a bootloader that can be unlocked. The Verizon version is not one of them. There is no way currently (and likely ever) to unlock the bootloader on the Verizon version of this phone. This is the case with almost every Verizon phone. People are finding this out the hard way with the new Google Pixel 2's...all versions other than the Verizon one you can unlock the bootloader. It's a Verizon thing and it won't change. You'll need to buy an unlocked phone capable of running on Verizon's network bands if you want this kind of stuff on Big Red.
Related
Hi all,
is there any advantages of having a unlocked bootloader over a locked.
Ive had my samsung s4 9505 since launch and i have never upgraded the bootloader. Ive only ever upgraded the gsm modem.
as development has come a long way since launch is there any benefits of having a unlocked bootloader ?
Many thanks
On a galaxy phone you don't have locked/unlocked bootloaders
minidude2012 said:
On a galaxy phone you don't have locked/unlocked bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish that were true. My bootloader got locked by the 4.3 update, which came through as i was setting up my phone when i first brought it.
Didn't find out about it till i accessed the forums later the same day.
anoniemouse said:
I wish that were true. My bootloader got locked by the 4.3 update, which came through as i was setting up my phone when i first brought it.
Didn't find out about it till i accessed the forums later the same day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know then as I've had a galaxy s4 since first came out and the galaxy s4 has never had a locked bootloader
The I9500 and I9505 shouldn't have a locked bootloader. Galaxy S4 devices for AT&T and Verizon in the United States however DO lock their bootloaders. Locking, or more accurately, encrypting the bootloader, makes it extremely difficult if not nearly impossible to load custom ROMs. Which is why you don't want one if you can help it.
In the Q&A forum there is a thread where a forum member describes purchasing what was supposed to be an I9505 off eBay. Through some detective work it was discovered that his device was a Frankenstein, in that it had the IMEI of an I9505 but the motherboard and the other components were from an AT&T SGH-I337. Thus, his "I9505" had a locked bootloader. At last report he was going to contact the seller about this. I thought about offering him a straight up swap, since he needed an I9505 and I could use his phone here in the US and get LTE, but the fact the IMEI is not what originally came with the hardware has me pausing.
If you have an I9505 and a locked bootloader, your phone may have been "refurbished" in this manner by a third party. It might be a good idea to check your phone and see what you have.
I'm new here but have been following xda for years. I'm not new to rooting or flashing custom roms but after a few days of searching I can't find an answer to the following question.
I have and unlocked Verizon Note 4 n910v running Android 4.4.4 on the Cricket (AT&T) network. If I'm going to install a custom rom, do I need to find a rom for Verizon or for AT&T? Also can anyone clear up the rumor about a locked bootloader on this device? Any help would be awesome!
If you have already unlocked the bootloader on the 910V, I'm not too sure what rumor you are referencing regarding a locked bootloader ::
As far as roms go, it's a Verizon device so you need Verizon roms and firmware.
Sent from my SM-N910V using XDA-Developers mobile app
10bahelmer said:
I'm new here but have been following xda for years. I'm not new to rooting or flashing custom roms but after a few days of searching I can't find an answer to the following question.
I have and unlocked Verizon Note 4 n910v running Android 4.4.4 on the Cricket (AT&T) network. If I'm going to install a custom rom, do I need to find a rom for Verizon or for AT&T? Also can anyone clear up the rumor about a locked bootloader on this device? Any help would be awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For ROMs, you must install verizon ROMs because the phone uses verizon-customized hardware.
It is no rumor that this device comes with a locked bootloader. However, thanks to the talented devs here at XDA, there is now an official way to unlock the bootloader; but you have to update to Lollipop 5.1.1 and BPA1 baseband.
I'm using a T-mobile sim in my verizon note 4 without unlocking the bootloader on lollipop and BPA1, so you shouldn't worry about your sim not working after updating. Have fun!
you have a misunderstanding of unlocked. what you are referencing is that you are using the factory unlocked gsm portion of the modem in the verizon model phone. you are NOT bootloader unlocked as you are still on 4.4! if you want to truly unlock it (as in the bootloader) then you will need to upgrade to 5.1.1 (BPA1) via odin. There are several tutorials on how to achieve this, and unlocking (including one that i wrote on the main thread).
to answer your question about using a verizon rom or a t-mobile rom, you can try any snapdragon rom that you would like, but there is NO GUARANTEE that they will work as each developer compiles with or without certain components. what ever you do, do NOT try to flash other carrier (at&t, t-mobile, sprint, etc.) firmware. BIG NO NO! although you claim to have experience with rooting and flashing roms, i would advise you to ALWAYS stick with the carrier variation of whatever device you are working with until you get a better understanding of the different components to a phone i.e. bootloader, modem, rom, etc. xda-university has a nice explanation of these things. so go read up on these things. if you need help, feel free to ask.
Thank you for everyone's advice. Upgrade to lollipop via Odin and bpa1. Got it. As far as custom rom goes, use a Verizon carrier custom rom.
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
browny_amiga said:
Hi,
I want to buy a Note 4 and absolutely need root on it. I just found some ugly stuff about rooting it:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-att/help/root-samsung-sm-n910a-5-1-1-build-t3355869
quote:
----------------------
forgot to tell you the two U.S. carriers that put locks on their bootloaders is AT&T and VERIZON so i wouldnt recommend root unless you unlock bootloader or else your phone will continueously stay in boot mode without letting you exit. that i believe is a bootloop good luck
-----------------------
Since I can chose which one I buy, I obviously want to get the one that can be rooted. It does not have to be easy, I have used odin in the past, no problem. There are quite a few versions out there though, and I'm a little confused which ones will work. Looks to me like that N910A is out and root pretty much impossible.
I have my eyes on the canada version: N910W8
What about the T-mobile version?
Thanks,
Markus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
910t is mod friendly. To root a 910t, you flash Odin and load SuperSU (systemless) as indicated above or flash a permissive kernal and system level root. It is also compatible with att network if that is your carrier. Just need to unlock it.
Thanks guys, that helps, I will go for a 910t then.
weard1212 said:
AT&T and Verizon should be avoided, otherwise you can just flash super-su via odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only if you buy a developer edition verizon model and last time I checked they were upwards of around $800. Your best bet is W8 or T. I did all the research like you and ended up buying a T and have never been happier
joebelachi said:
Bit of a noob, but I'm a bit confused. If I buy an "Unlocked" Verizon phone like the SM-N910V, would I be able to use any custom roms?
I was about to buy either the N910V (Verizon) or N910W8 (Verizon/North America)
Can't the Verizon & AT&T be rooted with Chainfire AutoRoot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(Unlocked means sim unlocked)
Bootloader Unlocked verizon phones can be flashed with a custom rom, and if you get a verizon phone, I suggest a Bootloader unlocked one. Verizon and AT&T phones with locked bootloaders can't be rooted with Chainfire. Chainfire should NOT be used on a phone with a locked bootloader because it flashes partitions and will most likely hard brick your phone. I would still sugest against a Bootloader non-unlocked Verizon or AT&T phone. Also using a custom recovery or odin to flash super-su has worked much better for me with a lot less less risk than Chainfire.
Whatever you decide upon dont get the EDGE. it needs special roms, and it wont work with gear VRs. i have the euro verison, and didnt have any problems rooting. cf-autoroot and done.
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
joebelachi said:
Really appreciate the responses guys. Especially for the clarification around Unlocking ("Unlocked means the bootloader").
I'll check out what custom ROMS work on the Verizon (910V).
Are there more ROMS for the 910W8's or the 910V's. Also if I go stock on the W8s, I would have to choose a Canadian carrier.
I'll definitely stay away from the EDGE, didn't really like it anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Careful there, usually 'unlocked' like on Swappa or similar means carrier unlocked, not boot loader unlocked.
I currently have a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 phone.
I rooted the phone after I got it but a few months ago I had to unroot the photo so I could send it in to Samsung to fix a problem with the screen and while Samsung did fix the screen problem under warranty, they also installed the latest software update which looks down the boot loader and makes rooting very hard (The VZ S5 forum had a way to root the newer software but only if a certain part of the hardware was a certain chipset and mine phone didn't have that).
So now, I'm looking for a new phone that has a microSD Card and the ability to be rooted.
The IR function of the Galaxy S5 would neat too but I don't have to have it.
From what I've read it appears the LG V20 would fit the bill in regards to the microSD Card and an IR Blaster but from looking online and this forum, I can't seem to find out which models of the LG V20 have an unlocked boot loader and/or can be rooted.
Does anyone know which models have an unlock boot loader and/or can be rooted?
Also, they need to be models that are compatible with Verizon as they as the cell service company I use.
as far as i know, only the T-mobile variant and the international variant have unlockable bootloaders. the verizon variant is locked down , i assume some folks are looking for an exploit, but as of now its still a no-go. i have no idea if/when it might happen, but i wouldnt bank on it being soonish.
Hi,
can anyone provide an updated list of V20 variants with unlockable bootloaders and root?
I ask because I really like the phone, but I rely on having Titanium Backup Root to backup and restore my data and settings.
I also want to be sure that whatever I buy can have a life beyond LG's support for running custom ROMs.
speculatrix said:
Hi,
can anyone provide an updated list of V20 variants with unlockable bootloaders and root?
I ask because I really like the phone, but I rely on having Titanium Backup Root to backup and restore my data and settings.
I also want to be sure that whatever I buy can have a life beyond LG's support for running custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here it the information for verizon , Sprint and more about how to unlock boootloader and root as well
https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/ls997vs995h910-dirtysanta-bootloader-t3519410
Gabe2014 said:
Here it the information for verizon , Sprint and more about jow to unlock boootloader and root as well
https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/ls997vs995h910-dirtysanta-bootloader-t3519410
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks very much.
speculatrix said:
thanks very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go here for tmobile and international https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/h918-recowvery-unlock-v20-root-shell-t3490594
I'm just having a really hard time finding an answer. I just had a OnePlus 6T T Mobile edition find it's way to me. It's carrier unlocked and Bootloader unlocked and it's running the latest T Mobile version 10 OOS. Since the bootloader is unlocked, can I just flash the latest non T Mobile OOS Android 10 version to it? In other words the US 6T edition? Or must I use the international version? I'm really confused and sure this has to be answered somewhere but just can't find it. Can anyone help and point me in the right direction? I have lots of experience flashing ROMs, but this one has me stumped at this point. Thanks.
I'm no expert... lol, but based on what I do know, I believe these are your steps...
So I'd take a look at this post-
[T-Mobile / Guide] - Full SIM and Bootloader Unlock + Root for locked devices
Background: I am writing this short guide for people like me that want all the info about the T-Mobile 6T unlock capabilities. None of this is my work. I wanted to have a central thread where T-Mobile users can discuss the T-Mobile specifics of...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow Step 4, and then from that point allow the ROM to update via OTAs. The MSMDownloadTools are basically a fix-all, but set you back in time update-wise.
I do not believe there's a full TMo ROM for the latest updates, but once again, I could be wrong.
You could also use the International Version if you want, that is what I am running now, but if you want root access, I believe getting 11 working has some extra steps/workarounds (so i'm still on 10)
I initially changed to International because of quicker security updates and it works fine, no issues to complain about, but my wife (on TMo stock) seems to get better signal than I do in more rural areas.
Fenopy said:
I'm no expert... lol, but based on what I do know, I believe these are your steps...
So I'd take a look at this post-
[T-Mobile / Guide] - Full SIM and Bootloader Unlock + Root for locked devices
Background: I am writing this short guide for people like me that want all the info about the T-Mobile 6T unlock capabilities. None of this is my work. I wanted to have a central thread where T-Mobile users can discuss the T-Mobile specifics of...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow Step 4, and then from that point allow the ROM to update via OTAs. The MSMDownloadTools are basically a fix-all, but set you back in time update-wise.
I do not believe there's a full TMo ROM for the latest updates, but once again, I could be wrong.
You could also use the International Version if you want, that is what I am running now, but if you want root access, I believe getting 11 working has some extra steps/workarounds (so i'm still on 10)
I initially changed to International because of quicker security updates and it works fine, no issues to complain about, but my wife (on TMo stock) seems to get better signal than I do in more rural areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input. I have seen all those threads, but the main purpose there was for people who did not want to wait for the SIM unlock. That got them past that and also got them so they were able to unlock the bootloader. I already have an unlocked SIM and unlocked bootloader. So I know I could load up lineageos if I wanted to without doing anything special. I would think I should be able to use TWRP to put the International version on using TWRP. And maybe the US version. But that may not be the case.
It just seems like any work on this device stopped after the above. Of course once you are bootloader unlocked, there may not be need for much more and people may just move on to other ROMs.
Thanks.
Fenopy said:
I'm no expert... lol, but based on what I do know, I believe these are your steps...
So I'd take a look at this post-
[T-Mobile / Guide] - Full SIM and Bootloader Unlock + Root for locked devices
Background: I am writing this short guide for people like me that want all the info about the T-Mobile 6T unlock capabilities. None of this is my work. I wanted to have a central thread where T-Mobile users can discuss the T-Mobile specifics of...
forum.xda-developers.com
Follow Step 4, and then from that point allow the ROM to update via OTAs. The MSMDownloadTools are basically a fix-all, but set you back in time update-wise.
I do not believe there's a full TMo ROM for the latest updates, but once again, I could be wrong.
You could also use the International Version if you want, that is what I am running now, but if you want root access, I believe getting 11 working has some extra steps/workarounds (so i'm still on 10)
I initially changed to International because of quicker security updates and it works fine, no issues to complain about, but my wife (on TMo stock) seems to get better signal than I do in more rural areas.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The more I search, I guess that it appears there are some privileged partitions. This method you mention gets around that irrespective of the SIM and Bootloader being unlocked already.... Sigh....