Database Users

[Q] G900F Network registration problem after flashing

Hi I have international version of S5 G900F. I flashed the phone with UK BTU stock rom. Now the problem is I cannot connect to the Network.
I tried going to Settings->More Networks -> Network Operators -> Select automatically . It took 5-10 mins to search but cannot connect.
Sim is not locked as it was working before I flashed the stock rom. also I read somewhere in internet that once the phone is region unlocked, it is permanently unlocked to use any other country sim. I don't know the original region of my phone but I bought it in Uk from 3rd party dealer not from any carrier.
I can think of two thing at the moment. It should be either regional locked again, but it does not prompt any thing to activate or enter pin or anything like that. or it should be wrong modem.
Is there a way to find if the phone is region locked ?
and is there a way to find correct region of the phone ?
the label on the box was removed so I cannot find from the box as well.
Thanks in advance.

I still haven't fixed this problem. Could someone suggest how to fix?

I've attached some screenshots with my phone info.
first image shows NETWORK:UNBLOCKED and IMEI Certi: PASS
-> I think this means, the phone is not blocked by network, and IMEI certificate has passed so it's not stolen or lost claimed phone.
another screenshot is the Firmware and CSC code/country information,
-> this means, this phone is build to sell in UK, so UK sim should unlock the regional lock.
Also the phone was working fine before I installed stock rom which I dowloaded from sammobile.
in the sceenshot, one of the network is connected but it says emergency call only because it cannot register to the network.
It is not sim lock also, because when I put T-mobile sim it does not ask for pin to unlock also.
what is wrong here. any idea guys? xda supposed to be the biggest android forum and samsung s5 is one of the most popular phone at the moment, isn't there anyone who have similar problem and solved? or atleast give some reason this cannot be fixed at all.

does the TMobile sim work? does it register with the network? If yes, then call the provider (of the other sim) and ask what's going on. Maybe you have a broken sim?

blesio said:
does the TMobile sim work? does it register with the network? If yes, then call the provider (of the other sim) and ask what's going on. Maybe you have a broken sim?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried with Orange sim, and it still cannot register to the network. When I put the orange sim, it pop up a dialogbox asking to choose a network provider, there was two options, T-mobile and orange. So it is detecting the sim, but it cannot register.
And also, I tried my sim in another phone, and my sim works in another phone without any problem.

Did you try to flash the firmware again, and then after that restore factory defaults?

blesio said:
Did you try to flash the firmware again, and then after that restore factory defaults?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I did, still it didn't work. I emailed samsung customer service with the problem, and they asked me to restore factory defaults.
I did that again but didn't work.
I tried one custom ROM as well. same problem in that rom.

You're rooted? If yes then there might be problem with the modem part of the ROM, can you install the official one part ROM and try with that?

blesio said:
You're rooted? If yes then there might be problem with the modem part of the ROM, can you install the official one part ROM and try with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed stock rom several times, and several different versions( from here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/1/?model=SM-G900F&pcode=0 ). Rooted several times, installed modem.bin files several times from many custom rom/ stock rom. None of them worked. I tried installing modem.bin when not rooted as well. And all the attempt failed.
I did everything I could possibly think of , Then I posted the question in the forum.

You have the IMEI ??!? Or it is lost?? Then only per efs-backup…
Or sim is broken…
Gesendet von meinem SM-G900F

lwiss said:
You have the IMEI ??!? Or it is lost?? Then only per efs-backup…
Or sim is broken…
Gesendet von meinem SM-G900F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have imei , and sim is working fine, as I tested my sim in another phone.

uktel3315 said:
I have imei , and sim is working fine, as I tested my sim in another phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having the same problem, but with G900H. I have stock firmware, rooted and everything's working fine until suddenly, I have no network. I restart the phone and get network again but only for a couple of minutes.
Sent from my SM-G900H using XDA Free mobile app

Any update?

XanoZuke said:
Any update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sry XanoZuke, I could not do anything to fix this, so I returned the phone and got another handset. I now have Exynos Octa-core version. Found snapdragon version is more power efficient. My phone gets heated very quickly.

uktel3315 said:
Sry XanoZuke, I could not do anything to fix this, so I returned the phone and got another handset. I now have Exynos Octa-core version. Found snapdragon version is more power efficient. My phone gets heated very quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry, I found out that the motherboard was water damaged (the irony of life....), so a bought an LG G3.
Regarding the Exynos chip, I'm never buying anything exynos ever again. The performance is not as solid as Snapdragon and it gets heated really fast. Still, thanks for your reply! ?
Sent from my LG-D855 using XDA Free mobile app

uktel3315
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So sad case remain unsolved, Got almost the same issue, Flashed 1st and last official firmware and custom rom without success NO NETWORK SIGNAL. No IMEI - Null regitered 15 zeros no efs backup etc.
Model : SM-G900S
ROM: XtrStoLite

edreab86 said:
So sad case remain unsolved, Got almost the same issue, Flashed 1st and last official firmware and custom rom without success NO NETWORK SIGNAL. No IMEI - Null regitered 15 zeros no efs backup etc.
Model : SM-G900S
ROM: XtrStoLite
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have you found a solution yet? i have the exact same problem and have tried the same solutions as you listed...

have you found a solution yet? i have the exact same problem and have tried the same solutions as you listed...
Sorry i end up selling the phone as is..

Same deal
My g900f has no mobile services sims fine

I have the same problem.
Cannot connect to network after flashing new ROM. Since then I tried about 10 different original roms and couple custom roms. Number of different MODEMs and BOOTLOADERs but with no joy. SIM card works fine in different phone.
Also I tried to load different CERT files and QCN with Z3X Box but that didn't help either.
I've tried *#0011# command here are results:
with LTE/WCDMA/GSM auto-connect:
imgur.com/i69HCBM
with WCDMA only:
imgur.com/QPbvKHG
and GSM only:
imgur.com/8InhQWQ
It seems that GSM is not working at all.
At this stage I run out of ideas and probably gonna get rid of the phone as it is or use it as pimped-out ipod touch
(sorry for messed up links but I can't post to outside sites yet)

Help please

I bought a second hand note 4 which came from abroad... dont know where but the device shows Sprint . The device shows SM N910F in 'about device'. How ever entering recovery the device info shown is SM N910P. I wanted to check for updates but doesnt work. Later i found the IMEI no. is fake ( shows a galaxy tab in imei info). Kies doesnt connect. 'dm- verity verification failed' in recovery mode. The phone is working properly but want to install complete stock. Have downloaded UK based firmware 6.1. via odin but doesnt install. 'About device' shows ' N910FVPU4COG5' (with FVPU) , the nearest i could find on sammobile is N910PVPU4COG5 ( PVPU which shows CDMA)
Please help me get into complete stock with proper IMEI. I dont even know where to start.

I'd recommend getting a refund if you can as there is a high probablity the device you've purchased has been stolen.

Thank you so much for your response. But refund now is not an option now, as I bought second hand from a friend who came from abroad. I need to find a way to repair it myself. Any ideas?

sharad81 said:
Thank you so much for your response. But refund now is not an option now, as I bought second hand from a friend who came from abroad. I need to find a way to repair it myself. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you take off the battery, the label underneath should have the original IMEI? Is that there? Then you could put that back using the engineering menu.
See if you have the original label under battery.

the label also has fake imei. its the same number that appears in the device.

I checked few sites. What I think is someone is masking SM N910P with SM N910F ( read somewhere F is better than P and is easier to sell). I think my device has gone through same. I tried installing SM N910F original stock but the device didnt accept. I have downloaded SM N910P also but too scared to try as I have come to know that SM N910P is a CDMA. Any suggestions?

There are apps in the Play Store that do imei changing. Read those app descriptions and do some research. DO NOT PAY ANYONE YET TO DO ANYTHING. I am also looking, so i can get back to you what i find. So for it looks that imei changing can be done easily for free. But you just need to know a proper imei - this is the hard part.
Do you think you can peel of the label to see if another is under there? That may have the true imei.....
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA-Developers mobile app
---------- Post added at 02:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:33 AM ----------
sharad81 said:
I checked few sites. What I think is someone is masking SM N910P with SM N910F ( read somewhere F is better than P and is easier to sell). I think my device has gone through same. I tried installing SM N910F original stock but the device didnt accept. I have downloaded SM N910P also but too scared to try as I have come to know that SM N910P is a CDMA. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at your previous posts it looks like you definitrly have a CDMA device, and from Sprint. This is being faked as n910f, which is an international version BUT GSM. The other possibility is described below...
In Verizon note 4, which is CDMA, there are two sim slots. This is required now by law. One is CDMA and other slot is GSM or actually meant for sim when abroad I think Sprint also is the same. I have Vefizon. Verizon phones are also facgory unlocked. If you are using GSM maybe try switching sim slots. In this case yiur phone has been flashed with international version firmware so it can be recognised on gsm networks. If you have a GSM sim try both sim slots.
EDIT: I checked this and I think Slrint does not have two sims.
Go to this site and post the problem. You will def grt an answer
http://www.technobezz.com/restore-galaxy-null-imei-and-fix-not-registered-on-network/
Sent from my GT-N8013 using XDA-Developers mobile app

You are not alone, I got that kind of device too, with same build number as yours. My goal is to put a sprint custom rom and I use miui, but as soon as I install twrp the device got bootloop, I back-up the rom and install miui, now it works perfect, even 99000 imei (maybe the original imei) appears.

bangeko said:
You are not alone, I got that kind of device too, with same build number as yours. My goal is to put a sprint custom rom and I use miui, but as soon as I install twrp the device got bootloop, I back-up the rom and install miui, now it works perfect, even 99000 imei (maybe the original imei) appears.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please put a link to that rom my note 4 wich have the same problem stuck in bootlop for ever

Gents, have you tried this - Phone INFO ★Samsung★ from gplay? It's telling what you have in your hands. After that you can check IMEI changing and other things.

A310F Live Demo Unit - get IMEI running?

Hi,
I got a Live Demo Unit of a store owner who got insolvent and liquidated his shop. Now I got this device which also recognizes a SIM card. But I can't make any calls and it don't get any cellular access. Also the IMEI is some developer IMEI.
My question is, can I get this unit running? Or can I use the IMEI of my one of my other smartphones? Or is it a hardware limitation? I already flashed latest official Samsung firmware (5.1.1 LP).

Catscratch said:
Hi,
I got a Live Demo Unit of a store owner who got insolvent and liquidated his shop. Now I got this device which also recognizes a SIM card. But I can't make any calls and it don't get any cellular access. Also the IMEI is some developer IMEI.
My question is, can I get this unit running? Or can I use the IMEI of my one of my other smartphones? Or is it a hardware limitation? I already flashed latest official Samsung firmware (5.1.1 LP).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this site .. http://www.naldotech.com/how-to-disable-exit-galaxy-s5-demo-live-unit-retail-mode/

Thanks. I already flashed stock fw. But I still got no IMEI.

stock image wont do anything, i think demo units lock the ability to flash the modem, hence you wont see any radio infos.
There is a thorough guide in the Note 3 threads, and also give these xposed modules a try: Phone ID Changer & Serial Number Changer

Hm. But I flashed a radio. Sim card is also working, but because of a developer imei you can register in cellular network since the imei is not on providers white list.
I will read you linked thread asap. Thanks for the hint.

i just read on that note 3 thread, the OP flashed all the newest stuff, but left the bootloader and modem untouched (what it came with). What model does your demo unit show? On the Note 3, it had a SM-N900X, the X was only for the demo units.

Catscratch said:
Thanks. I already flashed stock fw. But I still got no IMEI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That shows that phone has no radio(tuner)

Catscratch said:
Hm. But I flashed a radio. Sim card is also working, but because of a developer imei you can register in cellular network since the imei is not on providers white list.
I will read you linked thread asap. Thanks for the hint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is sim card working!
How did u do that?
Thanks

Muhammad0222 said:
Is sim card working!
How did u do that?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible with demo units.

Catscratch said:
Not possible with demo units.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to do it

Muhammad0222 said:
How to do it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash a modem but you will still have no imei. See the forums on how to flash a modem. You need Odin.

Catscratch said:
You can flash a modem but you will still have no imei. See the forums on how to flash a modem. You need Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can flash via odin but i don't know what the modem is!
Is this a custom rom or stock or another thing and where can i get it because i will buy a520f live demo unit
Thanks for ur care

Muhammad0222 said:
I can flash via odin but i don't know what the modem is!
Is this a custom rom or stock or another thing and where can i get it because i will buy a520f live demo unit
Thanks for ur care
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One advice. Don't waste your time. You won't be able to use a sim card with a live demo unit. Even when flashing a modem.
I don't know where I got the modem from. I think somewhere in this forum oder on samfirmware.com

Model Help

So I ordered a refurbished s7 edge that was supposed to be SM-G935A but the phone settings say SM-G935U and when I checked the IMIE online it said it was different from those 2. Can someone please tell me how I can find the exact Model? Maybe a app that is 100% accurate?

Well, you might find that you continue to receive at odds info. Phone INFO, CSC Feature Expert, your Settings About area, Device ID, etc. Sounds like the phone was taken off stock ROM, and perhaps changed further. The serial and IMEI ought to partner up.
I'd run the serial and see what you can find out.
Good luck.

JeffDC said:
Well, you might find that you continue to receive at odds info. Phone INFO, CSC Feature Expert, your Settings About area, Device ID, etc. Sounds like the phone was taken off stock ROM, and perhaps changed further. The serial and IMEI ought to partner up.
I'd run the serial and see what you can find out.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was to root it would I still go with the OS model that is says in settings?

What do I do? What model do I use? My OS says it's G935U but the back of the phone and IMIE say it's G935P. It's like the user before had the P version but flashed the U version over it. Do I root my device as if it's G935U or the exact model G935P

If your phone is working well, I'd probably stay U (Universal). I have an 930S, initially all Chinese. I flashed an 8+ ROM and it software changed it to an 930F. It works perfectly here in the US with AT&T. One glitch is that in the Data settings, I still have options to set the Region for a number of Chinese cities.
It's your choice.
Choices are good

JeffDC said:
If your phone is working well, I'd probably stay U (Universal). I have an 930S, initially all Chinese. I flashed an 8+ ROM and it software changed it to an 930F. It works perfectly here in the US with AT&T. One glitch is that in the Data settings, I still have options to set the Region for a number of Chinese cities.
It's your choice.
Choices are good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to know so I can get it rooted. Any good methods for a easy root or do I need to unlock my bootloader first?

Was I scammed or is this a "real" phone?

Context: Bought a an s8 for cheap, model number comes up as g950fd, went about installing stuff then went to get a sim card the next day.
Aaaannddd I can't connect to my network, and upon checking i have no imei number, and my baseband is uknown. Only thing I have is a serial # that comes up "clean" upon checking on sndeep.info
I casually browse/lurk this forum so I'm not gonna ask for IMEI advice. Rather I'd like to know if I should be going after this dude (who has about 2 days head start I guess), or I can take this somewhere to have it "fixed"?
p.s. I'm in the philipines so IMEI services aren't illegal (I think?)
Thanks!

Best thing to do is to reinstall firmware with smart switch software. If after that it still says no imei and no baseband then whoever you bought the phone off, they messed up the efs possibly.

panicMode said:
Context: Bought a an s8 for cheap, model number comes up as g950fd, went about installing stuff then went to get a sim card the next day.
Aaaannddd I can't connect to my network, and upon checking i have no imei number, and my baseband is uknown. Only thing I have is a serial # that comes up "clean" upon checking on sndeep.info
I casually browse/lurk this forum so I'm not gonna ask for IMEI advice. Rather I'd like to know if I should be going after this dude (who has about 2 days head start I guess), or I can take this somewhere to have it "fixed"?
p.s. I'm in the philipines so IMEI services aren't illegal (I think?)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
=======================================================================================
The only thing i would say about that, is this phone was locked to a network, and someone used a software to unlock it. But the issue with unlocked phone from their network, is that you might lose the IMEI, and i you lose that, you might not be able to use the phone properly. My only suggestion is to go to sammobile.com and download one of the ROMs from there, yet you need to know which network it was in before the happen to it. I think you need to speak with the buyer and ask about the name of the network.

You're basically scammed.
because the previous owner did rootings and stuffs i guess, (check if warranty is 0x0 instead of 0x1.)
If you've rooted and played around system files, wipes etc. You will probably lose your imei @ 10% chance possibility?
Unless you have a EFS Partition backed up before hand from this phone from TWRP. You're basically screwed?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/help/lost-imei-efs-folder-messed-t3614320
And yeah try reflashing firmware from your country etc.

panicMode said:
Context: Bought a an s8 for cheap, model number comes up as g950fd, went about installing stuff then went to get a sim card the next day.
Aaaannddd I can't connect to my network, and upon checking i have no imei number, and my baseband is uknown. Only thing I have is a serial # that comes up "clean" upon checking on sndeep.info
I casually browse/lurk this forum so I'm not gonna ask for IMEI advice. Rather I'd like to know if I should be going after this dude (who has about 2 days head start I guess), or I can take this somewhere to have it "fixed"?
p.s. I'm in the philipines so IMEI services aren't illegal (I think?)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sofir786 said:
Best thing to do is to reinstall firmware with smart switch software. If after that it still says no imei and no baseband then whoever you bought the phone off, they messed up the efs possibly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would follow this advice.This is about the same options i would do my self.Sometimes IEMIs can get messed up with basebands and such so no harm in trying stock restores but most def contact seller and return it if possible

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll try and get my money back but if this was done with prior knowledge that the phone was wonky my bet is he's gone.
As for the technical advice, will definitely look into it as I'm a complete novice. Will update when something comes up.
Thanks all.

panicMode said:
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I'll try and get my money back but if this was done with prior knowledge that the phone was wonky my bet is he's gone.
As for the technical advice, will definitely look into it as I'm a complete novice. Will update when something comes up.
Thanks all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reflashing of the firmware is quite easy,I hate it for ya buddy if he is gone....It's sad to see people scam others hard earned money....

Not a scam!
panicMode said:
Context: Bought a an s8 for cheap, model number comes up as g950fd, went about installing stuff then went to get a sim card the next day.
Aaaannddd I can't connect to my network, and upon checking i have no imei number, and my baseband is uknown. Only thing I have is a serial # that comes up "clean" upon checking on sndeep.info
I casually browse/lurk this forum so I'm not gonna ask for IMEI advice. Rather I'd like to know if I should be going after this dude (who has about 2 days head start I guess), or I can take this somewhere to have it "fixed"?
p.s. I'm in the philipines so IMEI services aren't illegal (I think?)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't panic just yet! I'm actually super new back into the android game, ditched iphone a few weeks ago and got myself an s8. I started looking into rooting my phone since the last time I rooted an android phone was back when T-mobile had their G1's. So, I thought I had to really re-educate myself upon what android now has to offer. Well, going through different sites, and the different models, versions, variants, etc about the s8, I did come across the G950FD. It's a legit phone. I believe (and feel free to correct me if i'm wrong) they were only sold in India, unlocked, and dual sim! The sim tray in the phone can either hold 2 sim cards, (1 nano sim, 1 micro sim) or if you preferred to extend the capacity instead, the slot for the micro sim, can hold a micro SD card instead, since they're the same size, give or take. The reason it doesn't have an IMEI nor baseband is because the dual-sim capability, thus why the serial number comes back clean. You weren't scammed, you're actually quite lucky since those versions of the s8 were sold in India, and you managed to come into possession of one, for cheap, yet alone a phone everyone here thought was a scam as well. I wish I could have one! But unfortunately, here in the states, I have a CDMA carrier and dual-sim phones don't support it. But heres a link to the source of your awesome new phone! Now you can relax! You not only got an s8, you have a rare one! Enjoy it!
EDIT: I tried to link you to the source, but being a new member I couldn't. However, if you search for Samsung g950fd, it should link you to the Samsung website, where your phone is it. Hope this has helped you feel more at ease with your phone!

G950fd is an international version. I believe the FD has an unlockable bootloader, which makes it sought after. Somebody probably wiped efs In Recovery by accident.

BBREEDMEE said:
Don't panic just yet! I'm actually super new back into the android game, ditched iphone a few weeks ago and got myself an s8. I started looking into rooting my phone since the last time I rooted an android phone was back when T-mobile had their G1's. So, I thought I had to really re-educate myself upon what android now has to offer. Well, going through different sites, and the different models, versions, variants, etc about the s8, I did come across the G950FD. It's a legit phone. I believe (and feel free to correct me if i'm wrong) they were only sold in India, unlocked, and dual sim! The sim tray in the phone can either hold 2 sim cards, (1 nano sim, 1 micro sim) or if you preferred to extend the capacity instead, the slot for the micro sim, can hold a micro SD card instead, since they're the same size, give or take. The reason it doesn't have an IMEI nor baseband is because the dual-sim capability, thus why the serial number comes back clean. You weren't scammed, you're actually quite lucky since those versions of the s8 were sold in India, and you managed to come into possession of one, for cheap, yet alone a phone everyone here thought was a scam as well. I wish I could have one! But unfortunately, here in the states, I have a CDMA carrier and dual-sim phones don't support it. But heres a link to the source of your awesome new phone! Now you can relax! You not only got an s8, you have a rare one! Enjoy it!
EDIT: I tried to link you to the source, but being a new member I couldn't. However, if you search for Samsung g950fd, it should link you to the Samsung website, where your phone is it. Hope this has helped you feel more at ease with your phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude I have the FD version and I have 2 IMEI's. Also, it's not just in India as it's also popular in UAE. Please do your research before replying.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 09:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:53 AM ----------
bushako said:
Dude I have the FD version and I have 2 IMEI's. Also, it's not just in India as it's also popular in UAE. Please do your research before replying.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pic
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Vinnvin said:
You're basically scammed.
because the previous owner did rootings and stuffs i guess, (check if warranty is 0x0 instead of 0x1.)
If you've rooted and played around system files, wipes etc. You will probably lose your imei @ 10% chance possibility?
Unless you have a EFS Partition backed up before hand from this phone from TWRP. You're basically screwed?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/help/lost-imei-efs-folder-messed-t3614320
And yeah try reflashing firmware from your country etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we tone the FUD down a bit? "Rootings and stuffs" does not equate a 10% chance of losing your imei. There is a 0% chance of that happening. There is a 100% chance of that happening if you mess up and explicitly do it yourself, but even that is pretty hard to accomplish.
There are more than enough legitimate cautionary tales and lessons to be learned from this to spread around. Let's not ad not only unnecessary (and incorrect) information needlessly

So spent the last couple of days on a wild goose chase. Long story short, guy's gone.
So, novive me is gonna follow the guides on here. I've skimmed a through a few and would like some clarification before i end up messing this phone up even more.
What "stock rom" should i be looking for?
And for what model in the sense that the phone's model number is G950fd, but the Google play store tags it as g950f. Is that one letter difference important? Did this guy change the model name? Is there a way to double check?
Sorry if I'm coming off as paranoid. I've never done a flash before, nor have i ever been in this kind of situation.
Thanks!

Well, there's still hope. The seller had to possibly tampered with the firmware before giving it away towards you. Advice given before hand about re-flashing the firmware is strongly recommended to double check if everything is correct. You can either use sammobile.com or updato.com whichever you would prefer. since you have the SM-G950FD version, put that model number in the search bar and get the most up-to-date fw you can get. Use ODIN to re-flash the firmware back onto your phone and wait a couple of minutes to see if everything is back to normal. If the baseband and IMEI is still unknown, then we'll have to see another method to get it back to normal. But for now, re-flash the stock firmware.
Edit: Tell me what carrier you're using and i'll supply you with a link to the firmware you need, for now, download ODIN from here if you don't have it yet: https://samsungodin.com/

DaNamesFrank said:
Well, there's still hope. The seller had to possibly tampered with the firmware before giving it away towards you. Advice given before hand about re-flashing the firmware is strongly recommended to double check if everything is correct. You can either use sammobile.com or updato.com whichever you would prefer. since you have the SM-G950FD version, put that model number in the search bar and get the most up-to-date fw you can get. Use ODIN to re-flash the firmware back onto your phone and wait a couple of minutes to see if everything is back to normal. If the baseband and IMEI is still unknown, then we'll have to see another method to get it back to normal. But for now, re-flash the stock firmware.
Edit: Tell me what carrier you're using and i'll supply you with a link to the firmware you need, for now, download ODIN from here if you don't have it yet: https://samsungodin.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I'm going through the available firmwares in the Philippines and they have ones available for the g950fd. They do not have any available for the g950f.
Now, I'm scared bec the Google play store says my phone is NOT a g950fd, and is in fact a g950f. I also don't have a sim2 label on my sim card tray.
Is there a way to double check what model i actually have?

panicMode said:
Ok so I'm going through the available firmwares in the Philippines and they have ones available for the g950fd. They do not have any available for the g950f.
Now, I'm scared bec the Google play store says my phone is NOT a g950fd, and is in fact a g950f. I also don't have a sim2 label on my sim card tray.
Is there a way to double check what model i actually have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings, about phone, model number should be under device name

panicMode said:
So spent the last couple of days on a wild goose chase. Long story short, guy's gone.
So, novive me is gonna follow the guides on here. I've skimmed a through a few and would like some clarification before i end up messing this phone up even more.
What "stock rom" should i be looking for?
And for what model in the sense that the phone's model number is G950fd, but the Google play store tags it as g950f. Is that one letter difference important? Did this guy change the model name? Is there a way to double check?
Sorry if I'm coming off as paranoid. I've never done a flash before, nor have i ever been in this kind of situation.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to find out for sure what phone model you have is to put your phone in download mode. There you'll see your phone number. That's the only accurate way. Anything else it's useless. What Google play store show, what phone number is shown on settings it's irrelevant. The phone model listed by Google play store or on your phone settings can be changed very easy but editing a simple line on build.prop.
Now about your phone. From what you described it's obvious that you have your EFS partition corrupted. Without a backup of your EFS partition you're screwed. You can download and flash whatever firmware you want. It's just a waste of time. Flashing another firmware will not going to fix it. You have a backup of EFS partition? If yes, then it's great. Search for a guide for restoring EFS partition. If not, stop wasting your time. The result can be only one: a very expensive paperweight.

Ah thanks, so according to download mode I indeed have a g950f and not aG950fd - efs professional also shows the same thing
How screwed am I now that:
a. i'm apparently running on firmware that tags the unit as G950fd
b. sammobile doesn't show any G950f firmware for the philippines
c. i have no idea where this phone has been prior to my purchasing it
thanks

panicMode said:
Ah thanks, so according to download mode I indeed have a g950f and not aG950fd - efs professional also shows the same thing
How screwed am I now that:
a. i'm apparently running on firmware that tags the unit as G950fd
b. sammobile doesn't show any G950f firmware for the philippines
c. i have no idea where this phone has been prior to my purchasing it
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doing some research, there isn't any philippine fw for the g950f, hence the firmware being g950fd. I'll try to edit more with more info to find.

I am disappointed by all the FUD and paranoid advice in this thread so far.
@panicMode
Install the following app from playstore - Samsung Phone Info
And then post screenshot of each tab. MAKE SURE to hide IMEI and Serial number if visible in any screenshot.
If you are not sure how to do that, then you can PM me the screenshots or your telegram handle to take this conversation private.
There is no need to panic when there are ways to ascertain.

madnav said:
I am disappointed by all the FUD and paranoid advice in this thread so far.
@panicMode
Install the following app from playstore - Samsung Phone Info
And then post screenshot of each tab. MAKE SURE to hide IMEI and Serial number if visible in any screenshot.
If you are not sure how to do that, then you can PM me the screenshots or your telegram handle to take this conversation private.
There is no need to panic when there are ways to ascertain.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I buy a device I expect it to have A IEMI also I dont expect to have to fix it myself....
Please next time take this into consideration with your disappointment As Most of the advice in this thread is legitimately correct AS no one should have to Fix it contacting the orig seller and then reflash correct firmware is proper steps.Just because you do not feel it is Does not make it "disappointing"