Hey everyone,
Just wanted to ask a quick question regarding the firmware
I got my UK unlocked S5 last week and as soon as I set it up, an update came through, which is 100mb, the note regarding say "Improved performance", the update download, but I haven't installed it yet. Mainly because of a bad experience I had after updating my S3. I haven't come across any bugs since I've been using it, and I'm concerned that if I update, the battery will drain quicker, or perhaps cause an error in the recovery mode(these things happened to my S3 after updating to 4.3). So 2 main questions.
1. Has anyone here downloaded this 100mb software update their S5? If so, what differences did you notice?
2. Suppose I updated and wasn't happy with the new changes? Would it be possible to go back to the original firmware version that my phone came with when I took it out of the box, *without rooting my S5?
Hope some people on here can shed some light on these questions.
Thank you in advance*
1. It's just a system update. The phone is new there are bound to be updates as issues are ironed out
2. You can odin any firmware whenever you want
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
MasterfulNinja said:
Has anyone here downloaded this 100mb software update their S5? If so, what differences did you notice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your instincts are dead on. Updates may fix bugs or add a desireable feature. But just as often they introduce new bugs, break root or disable root exploits, break a few apps and add noxious DRM frameworks like the Knox qfuse warranty bit. They can seriously mess up a custom ROM and may depreciate features like MSC or car dock that may be important to you personally.
Updates cannot always be reverted. Try downgrading your Kitkat baseband to Jellybean and see what happens. Or try removing the Knox security bit after you take the update that introduced it. I disable automatic updates and wait to hear what early adopters find before upgrading.
Unfortunately you didn't tell us the all important version of your update. Or even tell us what your current firmware version and carrier are. Your update might be similar to the recent ATT /Verizon OTA adding the mixed blessing of reactivation lock. That is causing bootloops for some people with custom kermels. 4.4.3 is mostly bug fixes, with a few UI tweaks. And I believe 4.4.4 took aim at closing yet another open-SSL exploit and reverting some of the new 4.4.3 bugs.
No matter what an update intends to do, a few new bugs and unexpected conflicts usually turn up. A quick Google finds reports like this:
International Business Times said:
Issues Spotted for the Android 4.4.3 Kitkat
The Android 4.4.3 Kitkat system update is pretty much all about improving performances, strengthening stability and fixing a couple of bugs. However, it reels in a couple of issues experienced by users of Nexus devices that have already been upgraded to the latest update.
According to IT Pro, some of these issues include wi-fi problems, crashes and reboots and bugs found in apps. Google has not yet given any statement about how to deal with these issues nor has there been any word if these issues are only experienced by a handful.
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Click to collapse
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fffft said:
Your instincts are dead on. Updates may fix bugs or add a desireable feature. But just as often they introduce new bugs, break root or disable root exploits, break a few apps and add noxious DRM frameworks like the Knox qfuse warranty bit. They can seriously mess up a custom ROM and may depreciate features like MSC or car dock that may be important to you personally.
Updates cannot always be reverted. Try downgrading your Kitkat baseband to Jellybean and see what happens. Or try removing the Knox security bit after you take the update that introduced it. I disable automatic updates and wait to hear what early adopters find before upgrading.
Unfortunately you didn't tell us the all important version of your update. Or even tell us what your current firmware version and carrier are. Your update might be similar to the recent ATT /Verizon OTA adding the mixed blessing of reactivation lock. That is causing bootloops for some people with custom kermels. 4.4.3 is mostly bug fixes, with a few UI tweaks. And I believe 4.4.4 took aim at closing yet another open-SSL exploit and reverting some of the new 4.4.3 bugs.
No matter what an update intends to do, a few new bugs and unexpected conflicts usually turn up. A quick Google finds reports like this:
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your detailed answers! That's exactly it! And I know from experience that updating firmware can cause a negative affect to the phone's performance. My iPhone 4S is still on iOS 5.1 but runs perfectly, while friends who updated their 4S to 7.1 experience freezes and heavy lag. Maybe companies do this deliberately, so people get frustrated and end up having to get the latest, more powerful model so the OS to run smoothly?
I do exactly the same, I always wait to see what people about an update before updating. The only difficulty with Android updates is that there seem to be so many different versions of updates. For example, when I researched the 100mb one for the S5,* various sites mentioned it, but others say the size of the update was 30mb, which were called "improved performance" I also heard about updates not always being able to be reverted to the previous version,* and also about Knox. So, you can see why I'm hesitant to update.
I know quite a bit about using Android, but have very limited knowledge regarding rooting and custom roms and so on. Also, after reading that rooting a phone incorrectly can turn it into a brick, I'm happy to just leave it as it is. I've attached a photo which shows my current firmware version, as well as other information. Also, as my S5 is unlocked, the only updates I'll receive will be from Samsung. I asked my carrier (T-Mobile UK) and that's what they told me. Only phones from bought from them include added apps that they put on, and I think they may also be able to tweak the updates received, by adding their own features.
Some more questions for you;
1. Do you recommend a factory reset after each software update?(I had to factory reset my S3 to stop the battery draining issue that 4.3 caused. But was wondering if it's best to factory reset after each and every update on Android devices)
2. I know you said that sometimes reverting back to a previous firmware isn't always possible, but can't using Odin with the correct firmware version work? Like Goldie mentioned in the above reply. And does changing the firmware via Odin require rooting the phone?
MasterfulNinja said:
Thank you very much for your detailed answers! That's exactly it! And I know from experience that updating firmware can cause a negative affect to the phone's performance. My iPhone 4S is still on iOS 5.1 but runs perfectly, while friends who updated their 4S to 7.1 experience freezes and heavy lag. Maybe companies do this deliberately, so people get frustrated and end up having to get the latest, more powerful model so the OS to run smoothly?
I do exactly the same, I always wait to see what people about an update before updating. The only difficulty with Android updates is that there seem to be so many different versions of updates. For example, when I researched the 100mb one for the S5,* various sites mentioned it, but others say the size of the update was 30mb, which were called "improved performance" I also heard about updates not always being able to be reverted to the previous version,* and also about Knox. So, you can see why I'm hesitant to update.
I know quite a bit about using Android, but have very limited knowledge regarding rooting and custom roms and so on. Also, after reading that rooting a phone incorrectly can turn it into a brick, I'm happy to just leave it as it is. I've attached a photo which shows my current firmware version, as well as other information. Also, as my S5 is unlocked, the only updates I'll receive will be from Samsung. I asked my carrier (T-Mobile UK) and that's what they told me. Only phones from bought from them include added apps that they put on, and I think they may also be able to tweak the updates received, by adding their own features.
Some more questions for you;
1. Do you recommend a factory reset after each software update?(I had to factory reset my S3 to stop the battery draining issue that 4.3 caused. But was wondering if it's best to factory reset after each and every update on Android devices)
2. I know you said that sometimes reverting back to a previous firmware isn't always possible, but can't using Odin with the correct firmware version work? Like Goldie mentioned in the above reply. And does changing the firmware via Odin require rooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, a data factory reset after a update/flash a rom is remmended and gives best performance and stability;
2. I haven`t tried flashing a older rom itself but it should be possible i guess as this is not dowgrading like from 4.4.2 to 4.3. You could try it and if it fails there`s no harm done as you can flash your current rom back.
3. Installing a update or flash a rom usualy will kill root, though superSU Pro offers a survival mode to keep root after a update. You can also flash a rom with Mobile Odin Pro and enable everroot and the 2 other options so you will not loose root.
@MasterfulNinja
I don't automatically accept updates. Someone more impulsive, or indifferent can be the guinea pig. That approach is effective in avoiding some unpleasant firmware surprises. Often an older firmware version runs smoother and is more stable as in your IOS 5 vs 7 example. Running an older firmware means that you may have unpatched security vulnerabilities but in practice this usually isn't a great or unmanageable problem. It is a point to keep in mind though.
Rooting isn't nearly as dangerous as many people think it is. Someone who can follow directions and avoid flashing firmware from a completely different device will rarely brick a phone. And even if you did, you can usually recover from the mishap. I mention this because one of the best ways to maintain a stable phone OS is to install a decent custom ROM (which typically requires root). And then most of the heavy lifting is done by the developer who has already removed bloat, restrictions and other objectionable pieces. And monitors and releases tailored and usually stable updates for those using his ROM.
Android updates vary in size because they are screened by carriers, each deciding what update components and /or custom bits goes into their version of the update. More restrictive Apple manages all IOS updates centrally from their California servers i.e. they don't relinquish direct control to carriers. Still it isn't hard to find articles giving a good summary of what issues android firmware updates are addressing.
Some people believe that you should accept every update and as soon as it becomes available. I don't see a compelling need to update unless you are trying to resolve a current bug or are enticed by a specific new feature. I don't recommend a factory reset after each update. I do recommend that you clear the system cache from recovery mode though. A factory reset usually won't benefit you but it is time consuming to reinstall and reconfigure your phone.
Having said that, if you have a specific issue, such as the 4.3 battery drain then you have a rationale for doing so. But I have to say that I experienced the same S3 issue and clearing the cache was sufficient to stabilize the phone for me. Some phones will develop corruption or configuration conflicts over time, especially if you install a lot of apps. Or if you have a specific app that makes a mess of your file system. With that in mind, I do do a factory reset about once a year to clean up the phone, the same as I would do for a laptop OS. But I don't see a reason to do it after every update.
Odin is a Samsung product, complete with DRM. So no, you cannot flash anything with Odin. You can flash most stock firmware and in particular Odin will look for OEM signatures if you try to change the bootloader or modem. In the case of downgrading, it is the Knox qfuse on your phone that will cause the Odin flash to fail. If you try to downgrade you end up with a partial flash which can soft brick your phone and trip the Knox flag.
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Heyo everybody! I just got this ota update message: "Essential system updates for google android - .7924"
Not sure what to do. I've had this tablet rooted for a while and I'm worried that updating will wipe out the root. Also, is it safe and/or possible to update the slate 7 extreme to lollipop and root it successfully?
Anyone?
Same here... I crash each time on reboot and have to reflash twrp and restore...
OTA...Update .. OK
I dont really care much for this tablet anymore until Lollipop arrives, like nVidia promised.
I updated in hoping to see Lollipop, but alas only for KIT KAT.
Update worked fine, and since I am on STOCK/NON-ROOTED, no issues whats so ever.
Fixed
ZiCott said:
I dont really care much for this tablet anymore until Lollipop arrives, like nVidia promised.
I updated in hoping to see Lollipop, but alas only for KIT KAT.
Update worked fine, and since I am on STOCK/NON-ROOTED, no issues whats so ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I finally managed to install the (kitkat) auto update and retain root status. As with previous updates (which I had forgotten about), I had to extract and modify the update header first, then flash it with TWRP.
Not attempted Lollipop yet.
Hey pals,
Good evening .After a long i'm back. I was rooted and today only i fully unroot my device 820U dual sim. Running lollipop v5.0.2 with software number 2.10.720.1
I was prompted for basically 2 updates for mail and system enhancement 1.99MB both were installed successfully.
After that i got again update for system enhancement of something 89.xx MB update. It was downloaded and i pressed installed as we all do. Stock recovery prompted and installation begin. In a while might be after 10% it threw me status 7 error.
Is anybody experiencing this issue ?
What could be best possible fix ?
Status 7 error in OTA, shall i edit updater script or could something else causing the issue ?
Might be if i am not mistaken then this 89.xx MB update was 2.10.720.4
I'm in official rom and re-locked bootloader.
Please share your views and recommendations.
It might be due to changes that you made to system partition before so unless you flash a lollipop RUU you cant update though ota.(there was a problem like this on my other HTC phone and I was unrooted and on relocked bootloader same as you but I couldnt update untill I flash RUU and started over.)
Can u give the link of lollipop ruu ??
Kianush said:
It might be due to changes that you made to system partition before so unless you flash a lollipop RUU you cant update though ota.(there was a problem like this on my other HTC phone and I was unrooted and on relocked bootloader same as you but I couldnt update untill I flash RUU and started over.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah!
Got that brother. I rolled back to KK from Lolli and made OTA for lolli.
After getting android L, i again installed all 4 updates before android M. Now my software number is 2.10.720.5 and running lolli.
OTA and everything is fine now. Yeah though i create a thread i always get my answer before somebody replies to it.
I already got problem fixed just after some minutes of creating this thread.
:good: Thanks anyways, hope this will help others.
but can we downgrade to kitkat after installing lollipop on s-on device with unlocked bootloader
^Same question... Because I couldnt.. It showed image upload failed or something like that... Can anyone pls give link of official lollipop RUU for india region for 820u..
Atharva Kulkarni said:
but can we downgrade to kitkat after installing lollipop on s-on device with unlocked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no and 2nd thing to keep in mind is with bootlodder unlock we cant flash RUU !
Nexus 6P - Oreo 991.4MB - notification - should i update?
Dear experts,
I would like to update Android Oreo which is appearing in my notification as Oreo 991.4MB. However I would not like to loose root after that.
What is the ideal way. Should i unroot do factory reset and then update oreo. Because How will i restore apps and data if phone is not rooted after update to Oreo?
Have been going through many threads but very confused.
Pls could somebody confirm that after update to Oreo Nexus6p can be rooted safely and that there are no major issues faced thereafter at least known?
Kindly reply.
sunandoghosh said:
Nexus 6P - Oreo 991.4MB - notification - should i update?
Dear experts,
I would like to update Android Oreo which is appearing in my notification as Oreo 991.4MB. However I would not like to loose root after that.
What is the ideal way. Should i unroot do factory reset and then update oreo. Because How will i restore apps and data if phone is not rooted after update to Oreo?
Have been going through many threads but very confused.
Pls could somebody confirm that after update to Oreo Nexus6p can be rooted safely and that there are no major issues faced thereafter at least known?
Kindly reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/help/update-ota-root-twrp-t3386365
Choose yourself. You can backup your apps with titanium backup app if you're are rooted. (download the app via playstore)
Oreo works fine, you can root with latest supersu or Magisk.
Good luck
Greetings devs and members:
I have recently begun using a Moto G5 Plus (XT1687 - N. American SKU) that was never updated (due to being in a drawer someplace).
I know that many things have been unlocked and improved by the devs for this particular handset. My question is simply this:
How should I update it? Should I update it?
Should I go OTA (retus) (currently blocking), or should I bypass everything and go directly to Oreo (using the update file, after a factory reset and such)?
Or, hell should I stick with Nougat right now? It seems that lots of folks are having issues, and I just wanted a more informed opinion.
Thank you.
sinister008 said:
Greetings devs and members:
I have recently begun using a Moto G5 Plus (XT1687) that was never updated (due to being in a drawer someplace).
I know that many things have been unlocked and improved by the devs for this particular handset. My question is simply this:
How should I update it? Should I update it?
Should I go OTA (retus) (currently blocking), or should I bypass everything and go directly to Oreo (using the update file, after a factory reset and such)?
Or, hell should I stick with Nougat right now? It seems that lots of folks are having issues, and I just wanted a more informed opinion.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To stay with Nougat is not a bad choice, it's a well working system.
If you want to get to Oreo just apply all the OTA updates until you're there. No need to do anything else if your device isn't rooted or the system has been tampered in any other way.
Both firmwares seem to work well.
If the phone is not rooted, then OTA updates are the easiest. Make sure the phone is fully charged or plug it in first. Go to about phone, go to check system updates, accept OTAs until it says up to date, which is likely be Oreo. If it stops at -18 the it may take a few days before the phone alters you to Oreo update.