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Hi everyone,
Before blasting away with comments as to why I would do this, here's my story,
I live in Canada and just brought home a i9508, a China variant of the S4. It belonged to my dad and he didn't want it so I just took it. The i9508 doesn't have Play Store, and it doesn't work on Canadian 3G network.
So to me, the phone is useless right off the start (don't intend on selling it either, who wants it?) So I had 2 options:
1) Leave the phone as it is, and probably use it once every 1-2 years when I visit HK
2) Flash custom roms on it fully aware of the risk it will have so that there's a possibility I can make it more usable
So in the end I went with option 2.
I followed a guide and flashed TWRP for i9505 using Odin onto the phone, and used TWRP to install chainfire SU, and it actually worked (but SU wouldn't open because some sort of security on the phone is blocking it)
Next step, I downloaded the CM version for i9505 and flashed onto the phone, and that worked too. Only problem I've encountered was that the phone would only boot after a fresh install. If I installed CM, turned the phone off after the initial start up, the phone wouldn't boot pass the Samsung logo.
Up until this point, I didn't make a backup, because of my arrogance, cause I have available a copy of the official firmware, in case anything happens.
So I figured at this point, maybe if I restore the original firmware, and try the whole process again, the custom rom would work. So I went into Odin, flash the firmware with PDA, and failed. It just wouldn't work. After retrying it a couple of times, and downloading different updates of the firmware, nothing worked. Only thing working right now is, I can get into Download mode, and I can get into TWRP recovery (but for some reason, I can't flash the zips that I've adb pushed onto the phone, zip can't open)
For me, if it can't be fixed, then it's really SOL. But if there's a way to fix it, I'm open to testing anything people have in mind, cause afterall, this phone is paper weight either way. I'm interested in seeing if I could enable 3G by flashing a i9505 radio, despite warnings, although, I've never actually came across a thread where someone had actually tried it before.
Either way, if someone has any idea on how to fix the phone, and wouldn't mind sharing it, that'll be greatly appreciated.
Working
I can get into Download mode, but Odin is failing (if you need the error please let me know and I'll post it)
I can get into TWRP recovery, but can't flash files
I can get into adb
This isnt the correct forum for your phone. XDA don't follow clones
Unfortunately a section for i9508 doesn't exist, so I figure the closest one would be i9505.
Anyhow, if someone has an idea of how to fix it, I'm more than happy to do testing on it, like flashing other roms or radios.
Hello,
as thread title says, I need some advice from professionals here for my new Galaxy S5.
Well it's not quite new (almost 1 year) but never rooted it or flashed it, so I still got OS (original system) by Samsung.
I am a pretty amateur on such stuff. First I need some advice what to do: Rec & Root or flash custom rom?
Followng things are important to me:
The System has to be stable and fast: no lags, no crashes, no errors (I do not expect 100% stability, since not even OS is 100% stable, but it has to be at least stable as OS or even a bit more)
I need features and nice widgets (Rom must also be afordable to other apps and widgets, I 'd prefer Samsung OS widget)
I need good quality on camera (preferred OS cam software and features)
Good signal and GPS (Good and fast GPS is a MUST!!, as I use often Navigon when I travel with my car)
Good video player and galery app (Preferred Samsung OS Galery App, but video player can also be different than Samsung OS Video Player if its working fine)
What I do not do with my phone:
I do not play games
I do not read e-books
I don't understand the purpose of KNOX! Do I need it really?
Here are some details of my Smartphone:
Model no: SM-G900F
Android version: 5.0
Modem version: G900FXXU1POJ1
Kernel version: 3.4.0-6364590
Build number: LRX21T.G900FXXU1POK5
Securitysoftware version: MDF v1.1 release 4 / VPN v1.4 Release 3
I would be greatful if someone could give an advice if it is worth to flash a custom rom and if yes what rom based in what moden and kernel versions or if a simple root with recovery install is enough?.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Hi @GordonSpace.......
Most of what you said in your post leads me to believe that there are many things about the stock OS that you are happy with. That being the case, the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind.....meaning (for now) you might as well stay with stock. If you start flashing CM custom roms (for example) you will lose that look and feel.
On to your question about Knox.....
In a nutshell, knox is based around an 'eFuse' which will trip or blow as soon as you modify your device. This eFuse CANNOT be reset. Samsung are, in some cases, denying warranty repairs on devices where knox has been tripped.
So basically, as soon as you flash CF Root or TWRP to gain root, your warranty is void (Samsung normally provide a 2 year warranty on their devices). Tripping knox will also prevent future 'over the air' updates. So even if you unrooted your device you would be stuck with the version of the OS that you have on your device. Finally, tripping knox will prevent your device from connecting to 'business enterprise secure' servers. So if you currently use your phone on your employers network, this will no longer be possible.
If you still want to go ahead and forget about knox, this is the easiest way to gain root......
Follow exactly....
1) deactivate 'Reactivation Lock' (can be found under Security in Settings).
2) copy SuperSU zip to your device.
3) boot into download mode.
4) Odin flash TWRP 2.8.7.0 (specifically this version).
5) DO NOT allow phone to boot, (uncheck auto reboot in odin and if necessary remove the battery as soon as the TWRP flash has completed) then.....
6) boot directly into recovery. (Vol +, Power & Home button combination)
7) flash SuperSU zip.
8) boot device as normal.
TWRP 2.8.7.0 by Dees_Troy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727406
superSU zip v2.46 by Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
When you have root access, you can get Titanium Backup from the playstore and freeze/delete the 'bloatware' that comes pre - installed on Samsung firmwares.
That will then give you the stability of the software designed for the phone coupled with the look and feel that you like, but without the resource hogging rubbish that most people with unrooted phones have to put up with......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
thanks
keithross39 said:
Hi @GordonSpace.......
Most of what you said in your post leads me to believe that there are many things about the stock OS that you are happy with. That being the case, the old adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' comes to mind.....meaning (for now) you might as well stay with stock. If you start flashing CM custom roms (for example) you will lose that look and feel.
On to your question about Knox.....
In a nutshell, knox is based around an 'eFuse' which will trip or blow as soon as you modify your device. This eFuse CANNOT be reset. Samsung are, in some cases, denying warranty repairs on devices where knox has been tripped.
So basically, as soon as you flash CF Root or TWRP to gain root, your warranty is void (Samsung normally provide a 2 year warranty on their devices). Tripping knox will also prevent future 'over the air' updates. So even if you unrooted your device you would be stuck with the version of the OS that you have on your device. Finally, tripping knox will prevent your device from connecting to 'business enterprise secure' servers. So if you currently use your phone on your employers network, this will no longer be possible.
If you still want to go ahead and forget about knox, this is the easiest way to gain root......
Follow exactly....
1) deactivate 'Reactivation Lock' (can be found under Security in Settings).
2) copy SuperSU zip to your device.
3) boot into download mode.
4) Odin flash TWRP 2.8.7.0 (specifically this version).
5) DO NOT allow phone to boot, (uncheck auto reboot in odin and if necessary remove the battery as soon as the TWRP flash has completed) then.....
6) boot directly into recovery. (Vol +, Power & Home button combination)
7) flash SuperSU zip.
8) boot device as normal.
TWRP 2.8.7.0 by Dees_Troy
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727406
superSU zip v2.46 by Chainfire
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1538053
When you have root access, you can get Titanium Backup from the playstore and freeze/delete the 'bloatware' that comes pre - installed on Samsung firmwares.
That will then give you the stability of the software designed for the phone coupled with the look and feel that you like, but without the resource hogging rubbish that most people with unrooted phones have to put up with......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello keithross and thank you for your response.
I use my smartphone only in private.
However it still has 11 months warranty by Samsung. Another Idea I had was to sell my Galaxy S5 as it is (OS and Knox) and buy another smartphone.
However what would be your recommendation for a new smartphone?
I was thinking about LG or HTC. But I'm not sure about to purchase a "famous" brand device or just a cheap one like Mobistel, Huawai and such.
What is a nice smartphone to have it root / flashed?
Regards
Kiri
I have about 9 months of warranty left on my phone....but I was able to root without tripping knox.....simply because I rooted before I allowed my phone to update to Lollipop (I rooted with Towelroot while running KitKat) then debloated, and customised the stock firmware.....so I have my phone as I want it, and still have knox intact.
The S5 will probably be my final Samsung smartphone, but as of this moment, I haven't given much thought as to what I'll replace it with. I'm half tempted to keep it beyond the end of it's warranty and start trying out custom roms at that point. It does everything I want it to do, so why would I need to replace it?
On the other hand, if i did replace it, I'd probably stay with one of the well known brand names.....The chances are that they'll have more dev support than the less popular makes of device....but I won't waste my money on any more flagship devices, I'll probably look at the 'upper midrange' devices as they'll (by that time) probably have similar specs to my current device (the way technology is currently advancing, they may even be superior to the S5)......
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
CyanogenMod
I decided to flash cyanogenmod snapshot
1. However I do not understand the difference between klte and kltedv rom (kltedv = vodafone. does that mean my provider has to be vodafone?)
2. TWRP or Cyanogen Recovery?
3. Do I need to install a diff Kernel version?
4. Anything I should take care about before I flash? (something special about Samsung drivers, kernel, odin etc...?)
Thx for your support.
1....In all honesty I can't answer having never flashed custom to my S5.
2....TWRP recovery over Cyanogen recovery....Every time. Cyanogen recovery is little better (if at all) than stock recovery.
3....flashing a different kernel isn't strictly speaking necessary....unless you want to be able to change processor clock speeds and voltage and apply various other specialist 'tweaks'.....
4....after rooting (but before flashing) make a backup of your EFS folder (critically important) it contains, amongst other things, your IMEI number. If this folder becomes corrupted, you're in a whole world of hurt....
Back up any personal data that you can't afford to lose....things like photos etc.
Make sure you have a copy of your current firmware available....If it all goes pear shaped, you'll possibly need it to recover your phone.
The version of Odin that has most compatibility with the S5 is v3.10.7 though other versions *should* work.
Get hold of and install the Samsung USB drivers on your pc....They come bundled with Kies available on Samsung's website. (If you install Kies, you will need to use task manager on your pc to kill the kies processes prior to flashing anything with Odin).
Use the usb cable that came with your phone when connecting it to your pc.
Make sure you've disabled your firewall and antivirus before attempting to use Odin.
If you need any more help just let me know by commenting below.....
Luck fella
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
Hey thanks mate. I rooted my device with CF autoroot via odin. I read that CM13 with Android 6 is as a stable version out now. Probably I am gonna flash it. However, I have a question with my current root of S5. Currently the wifi passwords are being save as an encrypted hex key in the wifi_supplicant.conf file. However I would like to use an app that saves and shows my wifi passwords, but unfortunately due to the encryption of S5 it's not a help for me. Any recommendations what can I do to save the real PW instead of the encrypted key?
Sorry fella....The tech aspects of your question have gone right over my head like an international Jumbo Jet....I have no idea what you're even asking about, let alone how to solve it for you. Your best bet would be to create a thread specifically for this question.....you will probably get more views for that thread than for this one.....sorry mate....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg
GordonSpace said:
Hey thanks mate. I rooted my device with CF autoroot via odin. I read that CM13 with Android 6 is as a stable version out now. Probably I am gonna flash it. However, I have a question with my current root of S5. Currently the wifi passwords are being save as an encrypted hex key in the wifi_supplicant.conf file. However I would like to use an app that saves and shows my wifi passwords, but unfortunately due to the encryption of S5 it's not a help for me. Any recommendations what can I do to save the real PW instead of the encrypted key?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should already know the passwords if they are your routers/APs
I don't know my passwords. The thing is, that sometimes we go to some cafés and such where I have saved the PW of the router, but sitting with friends some of them do not have it to connect with wifi. Thats why I am asking if there is a possibility to view the passwords I saved in my wifi connections (not as a hex key but the true passwords). Anyway.. thx for help. I guess thats Samsung OS. Hope it won't be with CM13 like this.
Hi all,
A couple quick questions here. I've done some reading up, but most of the information is more in depth than I need at the moment so I'm looking for some quick answers.
My SO has a Verizon S5, that has a locked bootloader, is not rooted, and is still on 5.0.
She swapped carriers a while back, so is no longer on the Verizon network. The IMEI is clean, and her Verizon account is fully paid, and everything on the phone works fine, aside from it being stuck on 5.0.
It will not update via the automated system, because I assume it's trying to reach out to straight talk for the update and gets a response that it's on the newest version.
I downloaded the Verizon OTA update file (approximately 1 gb) for 6.0.1. It's named update.zip to allow for automated updating.
Here are my questions:
1. Would it be ok to just slap the update file on her phone and let it auto-update using the built in software?
2. Are there any major downsides to updating to marshmallow, considering it's an official release on the correct version of that phone?
3. Will root be needed prior (I'm assuming not) for using the OTA update file?
4. Will her information stay intact; email accounts, contacts, apps, samsung account, etc?
5. While root would be nice for locking down some of the bloatware after, it isn't a deal breaker, simplicity is the key here as she is not an advanced user, but would updating via the OTA file remove all possibilities of rooting the device after (it seems to be the impression I get, as her bootloader is locked)?
Thank you very much for your assistance!
Hi bladebarrier, I actually just did the same thing a few weeks ago with a used S5 from Verizon going to Straight Talk.
1. Would it be ok to just slap the update file on her phone and let it auto-update using the built in software?
I'm unsure if that would work, someone else may be able to answer as to that method, however I used the Odin tool v3.11.1, downloaded the PD1 image from here. There are some good video tutorials on YouTube and on writeups on this forum as well regarding how to flash the Marshmallow update using Odin.
2. Are there any major downsides to updating to marshmallow, considering it's an official release on the correct version of that phone?
No downsides that I've noticed and seems to have slightly better battery life.
3. Will root be needed prior (I'm assuming not) for using the OTA update file?
You do not need root to flash it if using the Odin tool.
4. Will her information stay intact; email accounts, contacts, apps, samsung account, etc?
Yes, but it's always a good idea to make a backup of everything.
5. While root would be nice for locking down some of the bloatware after, it isn't a deal breaker, simplicity is the key here as she is not an advanced user, but would updating via the OTA file remove all possibilities of rooting the device after (it seems to be the impression I get, as her bootloader is locked)?
The only thing that the locked boot loader affects for now is the ability to flash custom ROMs. I was able to downgrade to 5.0 Lollipop which you can still root, even after upgrading, however I decided to just go back to Marshmallow and wait for an exploit to be found, if one ever is.
jesimpki89 said:
Hi bladebarrier, I actually just did the same thing a few weeks ago with a used S5 from Verizon going to Straight Talk.
1. Would it be ok to just slap the update file on her phone and let it auto-update using the built in software?
I'm unsure if that would work, someone else may be able to answer as to that method, however I used the Odin tool v3.11.1, downloaded the PD1 image from here. There are some good video tutorials on YouTube and on writeups on this forum as well regarding how to flash the Marshmallow update using Odin.
2. Are there any major downsides to updating to marshmallow, considering it's an official release on the correct version of that phone?
No downsides that I've noticed and seems to have slightly better battery life.
3. Will root be needed prior (I'm assuming not) for using the OTA update file?
You do not need root to flash it if using the Odin tool.
4. Will her information stay intact; email accounts, contacts, apps, samsung account, etc?
Yes, but it's always a good idea to make a backup of everything.
5. While root would be nice for locking down some of the bloatware after, it isn't a deal breaker, simplicity is the key here as she is not an advanced user, but would updating via the OTA file remove all possibilities of rooting the device after (it seems to be the impression I get, as her bootloader is locked)?
The only thing that the locked boot loader affects for now is the ability to flash custom ROMs. I was able to downgrade to 5.0 Lollipop which you can still root, even after upgrading, however I decided to just go back to Marshmallow and wait for an exploit to be found, if one ever is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your thorough response. It sounds like it will be a nice smooth flash, and I will use the full Odin version instead of the OTA file, to ensure it goes through comfortably.
Odin looked like it wanted to wipe the apps, so I ended up using the stock recovery/installer that's built in, and placing the OTA update file on the external SD card.
That worked like a charm. It took a bit, as expected, but all of the apps and info were ok after.
The only thing I can't sort out is why I can't find an option for the "Themes" setting in touch wiz. Any suggestions? I realize I could have her go to a third party launcher, like nova, but I have all of the theme options on my note 3, that's ported to MM note 5, and the theme option is still right there in the settings list, per normal. Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but I couldn't find an option on her S5 during 5.0, or now on 6.0.1. Is that something they never updated for the older phones?
Hi guys. I very narrowly (somehow) managed to recover from almost bricking my phone.
I successfully S-Off'd my phone, and previously successfully installed TWRP. I tried to install this ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...m-perfumewl-m60-dev-edition-unlocked-t3442969
When I tried the to flash the ZIP for firmware and for the ROM, the firmware wouldn't install. I tried some other stuff and basically almost bricked my phone. Some how got it to suddenly start being able to use the htc_fastboot commands (????????) and was able to start installing the zip for stock... but it ran an error, I ran it again and it froze... then I forced my phone to reboot and somehow I'm back to having a stock system. No clue what I did.
My question is, can I take a software update on my phone normally (to 7.0) , and then install just that ROM? Or so I need to flash the firmware separately with a command line command? I just don't want to give myself another heart attack tonight. Current firmware version is 1.82.605.6, not rooted, don't believe my recovery is TWRP right now (but I know how to install that one).
I'm just looking for root access and the ability to remove pre-installed Verizon crap (VZW Messager, My Verizon, etc). Thanks guys.
CritKlepka said:
Hi guys. I very narrowly (somehow) managed to recover from almost bricking my phone.
I successfully S-Off'd my phone, and previously successfully installed TWRP. I tried to install this ROM:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...m-perfumewl-m60-dev-edition-unlocked-t3442969
When I tried the to flash the ZIP for firmware and for the ROM, the firmware wouldn't install. I tried some other stuff and basically almost bricked my phone. Some how got it to suddenly start being able to use the htc_fastboot commands (????????) and was able to start installing the zip for stock... but it ran an error, I ran it again and it froze... then I forced my phone to reboot and somehow I'm back to having a stock system. No clue what I did.
My question is, can I take a software update on my phone normally (to 7.0) , and then install just that ROM? Or so I need to flash the firmware separately with a command line command? I just don't want to give myself another heart attack tonight. Current firmware version is 1.82.605.6, not rooted, don't believe my recovery is TWRP right now (but I know how to install that one).
I'm just looking for root access and the ability to remove pre-installed Verizon crap (VZW Messager, My Verizon, etc). Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend you install this one instead:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ve...m-1-85-605-9-aroma-root-root-debloat-t3529732
Follow instructions in OP...or:
1)fastboot flash FW w/o Boot w/ TWRP (htc_fastboot oem rebootRUU, fastboot flash zip...)
2)htc_fastboot reboot-bootloader
3) Finally, go into recovery-- backup and flash ROM (choose root w/ Magisk and debloat)
Thanks, I figured out why it wasn't working before. Used official TWRP, thats why it wasn't working. Wouldn't have thought that'd made that much of a difference.
New problem though; something I really would like to use the Google versions of contacts and dialers. Trying to flash those just made my phone app unusable. So I turned to LineageOS but it REFUSES to boot. Hangs on their little vertical line with a moving circle. Found out AOSP roms don't like VZW firmware? Flashed global firmware, updated through WiFi as much as possible, and then ran into issues with radio, even though I flashed the VZW one. So I reverted those changes, am going through with what you said above to have a working phone (after not having one all day), but any advice on getting Google dialer and contacts? I'd like to use LineageOS but I couldn't get it work at all.
CritKlepka said:
Thanks, I figured out why it wasn't working before. Used official TWRP, thats why it wasn't working. Wouldn't have thought that'd made that much of a difference.
New problem though; something I really would like to use the Google versions of contacts and dialers. Trying to flash those just made my phone app unusable. So I turned to LineageOS but it REFUSES to boot. Hangs on their little vertical line with a moving circle. Found out AOSP roms don't like VZW firmware? Flashed global firmware, updated through WiFi as much as possible, and then ran into issues with radio, even though I flashed the VZW one. So I reverted those changes, am going through with what you said above to have a working phone (after not having one all day), but any advice on getting Google dialer and contacts? I'd like to use LineageOS but I couldn't get it work at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've got to read OPs, search threads, etc. Some ROMs work w/ our phone, and some do not. Check out the latest versions of ice and leedroid. Your most likely want to grab the SVN versions is the official versions may not yet support Verizon N firmware
Antny6 said:
You've got to read OPs, search threads, etc. Some ROMs work w/ our phone, and some do not. Check out the latest versions of ice and leedroid. Your most likely want to grab the SVN versions is the official versions may not yet support Verizon N firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been doing a lot of searching, but I've found so many different, conflicting sources of information. For example, one website told me to install LineageOS, was to be on latest Verizon OTA and just normally flash it; that obviously didn't work.
So from what I can see, our choices are Viper, Ice, LeeDroid, NuSense and the one you linked. I'm going to try out LeeDroid... out of curiousity, is there any reason, for example, LeeDroid or Ice haven't posted in this Verizon section with links to their ROMs?
*Edit Two* Dialer wouldn't work out of the "box" so to speak, so I had to go to Phone settings at the bottom, there is a menu called Calling Accounts. Had to go there and tap Receive Incoming Calls... why is that disabled in the first place..? But that seems to be an issue going even as far back as the Nexus 5. But that's how you find the option in the HTC 10 for anyone who comes across this issue too...
Not sure why your having issues with the flashing. Are you doing a full wipe? Not just factory reset. Going from stock to lineage requires a complete format of internal SD card. On the stock roms, most will ask if you are still on marshmallow firmware & are working fine. Again, we need more info on what firmware version your on, version of twrp& how your wiping your device. Most AOSP roms work, but no advanced calling
LOS ROMs will work without issue IF you have flashed the US unlocked firmware at some point in time. This is the only information that we have found from a VzW device with LOS booting and VzW device without. We started a thread awhile ago and is the only known method we currently know of to get LOS booting. Also works for Sprint users.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-10/how-to/how-to-cm-booting-vzw-vzw-firmware-t3500900
Thinking I'll post the TLDR up top:
What ROM should I use for the most basic (no extra "features") for my phone? Perhaps I'm too soon for such a version? I have the Exynos S8+.
So ~4 years ago I decided to move to Windows Phone (xperia 1020 -> Lumia 950XL). I'm not a big Facebook guy, so my phone is mainly for notes, texts and calling. I have however become a "fan" of Microsoft products, and I managed to change everything from "Samsung all the way up your ass" to "Microsoft when you desire it" on my S8+, including remapping the bixby button to Cortana. I have turned of all permissions possible for all Samsung apps I could, the only reason I want to root/change ROM is because I hate the "always active, **** up your battery and start all apps lockscreen home button".
I don't want any fancy stuff, I just want a clean android version for my Phone, with the option to disable the Home button on lock screen... And perhaps a point in the right direction for how to root/ROM my phone correctly. I believe it's 7 years since I've looked into rooting, hell, might even use the wrong terms here... That's what not looking into tech like I did 7 years ago does to a man
Edit: My 950XL basically went to hell, so I had to more or less impulse-purchase my S8+, without looking into what I really bought.
I've had this Samsung phone for maybe a month and a half. So please take this with a grain a salt. Information that was scattered around and I had to go searching for when I bought this phone. Here is my brain dump...
There isn't an AOSP or Vanilla Android ROM, they're all touchwiz based. Most of the ROMs give you an option during installation of certain apps you can remove. I dabbed around making a very clean and minimal ROM, but turns out if you remove too much the setup wizard falls apart and the phone basically freezes before even selecting your language. So I resorted to installing someone elses ROM and after setting it up, using ROM toolkit to remove random system apps and hoping it doesn't crash after a reboot. haha
This is my first Samsung phone (exynos S8) so getting around to using ODIN and the different files you need to flash was a headache. The general rules to follow are.
1. Enable Developer Options and turn on OEM Unlock. Then never again change that option. If you are not running 100% stock the bootloader will prevent the phone from turning on correctly and kick you into Download mode basically forcing you to flash a stock ROM. So once you turn on OEM Unlock, just leave it turned on. I was messing around in Dev Options and without knowing turned it off. Next time I restarted my phone I was forced to flash stock rom again. Custom ROMS tend to remove that option entirely so someone doesn't mistakenly turn it OFF.
2. KNOX is Samsungs security in stock ROMs. The moment any kind of custom recovery or anything is installed. KNOX will be tripped and stop the phone from completing boot up. It'll basically tell you that theres something that wasn't signed by Samsung and to reset the phone. An endless cycle unless you, 1. Install a Custom ROM or 2. Flash a stock ROM to undo whatever you did.
3. Keep your firmware (modem bootloader etc) as recommended by the ROM Dev. AQF7 is the last known stable and developed for firmware.
Right now there a new update AQG5 that has an updated Bootloader that will softbrick your phone. People have tried installing the entire Stock ROM and ran into issues. It worked for some, but avoid it for now. If you do find the need to play with it. For the time being flashing just the modem (CP file) and keeping or using the previous AQF7 Bootloader (BL file) should keep your phone usable.
4. The S8 and S8+ are very much identical except the obvious size difference. Cross Development allows Devs to create a single ROM for both devices. With only the Kernel being the difference. Which is some cases both are in the ROM zip and automatically selected for you. So if they state its compatible with both. If not just focus on S8+ only ROMS.
5. ODIN is a program that's used to flash files. Either to flash custom recovery or stock files. Samsungs SmartSwitch program is like Windows Phone Recovery Tool. It'll detect the phone you have connected and download the latest stock ROM it can find and flash it. ODIN is a stripped down program that we use to flash individual files. Its only really used to either flash a stock ROM or custom recovery. In some cases bootloaders and modem updates, but id avoid those for now.
6. ROM/Firmware structure. Samsung stock ROMs and Firmware zips are available all over the place. Basically its a .zip file with more tar files in it.
Lets say you download a stock ROM.
The name is normally Model|Region|Version.zip so for me I have G950FXXU1AQF7 that tells you. G950F is the Euro S8 Exynos, XXU1 is basically just New Zealand and some carrier, AQF7 is the firmware version. The file name might have multiple regions. Theres more into what means what. I personally just focus on the Model and the Firmware. I can delete carrier apps or flash my carriers CSC later on. From what I've seen version numbers increase with the next letter in the alphabet and a number. So obviously an update with AQF7 is newer then one named AQD6 etc.
If you where to extract a stock firmware/ROM zip to use in ODIN etc. It normally gets broken down to these tar files. If stock files are renamed ODIN will not accept them. It happen to me
BL** - Contains the Bootloader, partition layout etc.
AP** - Actual ROM. Kernel, System, cache, userdata (for some), recovery
CP** - Modem files.
CSC** - Preloaded carrier apps, settings. This comes in two files. If you flash HOME_CSC your data is kept if you decide to do an update. CSC file without HOME will format the data partition.
These files are flashed in their prepacked files. You wont flash individual system, kernel files etc with odin.
7. TWRP the go to recovery for Android. You'll use ODIN to flash it. On twrps website just find the S8+ (dream2lte) and download the .tar file. Using ODIN it will be flashed as an AP file.
8. Once you have TWRP installed it will trip KNOX if using a stock ROM. The button combination to get you into recovery from a fully turned off phone is,
PWR + Vol Up + Bixby
Vol Down is Download Mode, also used as the button combo to force the phone to restart. If you restart it this way, quickly move your finger and hit Vol Up and if done right will go into recovery.
9. CSC is carrier bloatware, but in the forums its what gives you VoLTE & WifiCalling. As long as your carrier supports it and in an area/wifi network that will allow it. Some ROMs have it included, if not you can find a forum thread which offers a flashable zip that will give you all the carriers around the globe. If selected correctly should give you those features for your carrier on your phone.
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The jist of all that is. Enable OEM unlock > use ODIN to flash TWRP > Boot into TWRP and flash a custom ROM. You'll use TWRP to flash ROMS, Mods, Custom Kernels. ODIN/SmartSwitch would be used to revert to 100% stock. If you ever some how turn off OEM unlock while using a custom ROM. FAP will be turned on and block you from using your phone until you flash a stock ROM and turn on OEM unlock again.
I'm personally using Renovate ICE on my S8 and have removed ALOT of system apps. Windows Phone has a special place in my heart, but Microsoft is just terrible about it now. I had a 950XL for a bit, but always had HTC phones when it came to Android. For me HTC was so much easier to work with when it came to ROMs. Now I'm rocking an S8 so had to learn fast.
Always do your research before flashing anything. Make sure multiple sources say the same thing or risk flashing something that might break your phone. If any other user finds something I mention to be wrong, PLEASE correct me. I will learn and so will others.
What I missed from HTC forums was the sticky threads. The go to threads that broken everything down and explained it. All the HTC phones I had while using XDA had these sticky threads in each devices forums. I was and still am reading threads from other Galaxy phones just to get a better understanding of how it all works since they aren't in this devices forum.
Not to talk bad about long time Samsung users, but yall need to get organized haha. Once I'm confident with Samsungs inner programming workings I'll try to make an actual knowledge thread with links and where credit is do. But dam it's like sink or swim around some galaxy phones.