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Hi
My friend has got S4 (I9505). He wasn't flashing his phone with anything - it is original like it was bought. He has got now I9505XXUBMGA firmware (Android 4.2.2) with BTU CSC, which is outdated. System status says that phone is not modified, but despite this, he is unable to do OTA/Kies update. In both cases (when using OTA or when connecting to PC with Kies) he got message "This is the latest firmware". This is not true, latest for BTU CSC is I9505XXUGNG8 (Android 4.4.2).
Questions:
1) What can prevent OTA/Kies from update of unmodified phone?
2) Can software say, that phone is unmodified when it is not true? For example when flashing count is not "0"? Maybe someone flashed my friends phone before he had bought it? Changed kernel or recovery can lead to such problems?
3) Freezing of some Samsung bloatware can lead to locking both OTA and Kies on PC?
4) Are we able to diagnose this phone (how?) and fix OTA to avoid Odin flashing? (I know that there is hard to brick Samsung phone completely, but there are always some small chances that something will go wrong, my friend is not keen on flashing and I'm not so rich to buy him another one S4 when something will fail )
Thanks for answers
From what I recall, the S4 firmware will report a status of Official if all the pieces match, regardless of whether the firmware actually is for the S4 in question. So it is possible, and in fact likely, that your friend's phone was carrier branded at one point, but was then subsequently unlocked and the firmware flashed with an unbranded firmware.
You can find out if the device was flashed by entering the IMEI here. One item it will tell you is who the original carrier is. From there you can put two and two together.
Thank You very much for reply, that's important clue. I don't know how phone was bought, but CSC reports UK (BTU) and I'm not in UK - Poland. So it could be sold by some UK carrier and then unlocked to unbranded firmware.
IMEI gives no results, but I will try to get more informations about how phone was bought, that can explain a lot... Looks like in this case Odin will be only way to push Android further...
Thanks for answer, now I know for what I should look :good:
If anybody else will run into other idea - also feel free to answer, I will check anything as I want to help my friend Thanks everybody, XDA is great
Just a follow up. When you entered the IMEI at the link I gave, did it come up with the device's model number, e.g. GT-I9505ZKAXXX? If so, did yours read "GT-I9505ZKABTU" or some other model?
No, unfortunately not, I see no data after entering IMEI, only information about API, however if I enter IMEI on main page of this website I see some basic data. This lead me to information that Reporting Body Identifier is BABT (IMEI starts with 35) and BABT means United Kingdom.
Website didn't show model number, but my friend has installed Phone INFO ★Samsung★ and inside it there is model number (Product Code):
GT2I9505ZKABTU
This is very similar to Yours suggestion, but I see something weird - shouldn't be "-" after "GT" instead of "2"? Product Code with "GT2" instead of "GT-" is OK?
Thanks for answer
Then I sent you to the wrong page. You want the Samsung warranty page: https://imeidata.net/warranty/samsung
That page is the one that is supposed to tell you everything about your phone. Post that information here, minus the IMEI of course.
You had send correct link On Warranty page when I enter IMEI I got no data, only some data on mainpage of this website - looks like they don't have any information about this IMEI
I think they want you to register with the site, which is something new. Regardless, the reason we can't go by the Phone Info information your friend provided is that when a new firmware is installed the product code changes. For example, my I9505 was originally a GT-I9505ZKAO2U, which means my S4 was originally tied to the carrier O2 in the UK. Before I purchased the phone, the product code changed to GT-I9505ZKASIM, which is Slovenian firmware, specifically SI Mobil. About a month after I purchased the phone I installed a Black Edition firmware, which changed the product code to GT-I9505ZKAAUT, an unbranded Swiss firmware.
Currently on his phone is an unbranded UK firmware. If the site doesn't reveal the original carrier, the box may, depending on how long he has owned his S4. Some boxes have the product code on a label attached to the box.
Looks like website is down - after registering I got still no data, just message "The TAC info not found on database, we will update in 1-2 days."
Thanks for help - I will try to get details from my friend and I will go back to this when I will have some new infos
I purchased a factory unlocked note 3 about 2 days ago and out the box was 4.4.4 i presume. The manufacture date was in late 2014. I've been dying to get my hands on the official lollipop update knowing kies is about the only way. Long story short after the reboot i turned my head and i heard the T-mobile boot sound! I look over and see the tmobile boot playing. After that i suddenly have all TMO's bloatware and annoying little offers but weirdly half of the bloatware doesnt work. It all gets errors and so forth. I'm slightly confused as to why this happened. I purchased the note from an official licensed samsung retailer and the box was sealed. I just want to know why or how this could happen? IT just baffles me.
Its a TMobile branded phone is the most likely answer .
Kies has updated by the firmware details etc on the phone .
JJEgan said:
Its a TMobile branded phone is the most likely answer .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But i purchased it brand new, factory unlocked, directly from samsung. I had to order it from the official retailer but i had tracking VIA samsung's official support mail.
Did you try to contact the place you got it from?
What details re CSC firmware etc .
Use Phone Info from Play store .
Kies can only read what's on the phone .
Are you sure Kies gave you an update to lollipop .
Could it be that someone flashed a firmware ???
HI,
I'm posting here because I am wondering if anyone can help.
I have a samsung S7 Edge. It's model SM-G935F. It's on Android 7.
It's security patch level is currently listed as Feb 2018.
I'm on the the Three UK network and I purchased this device from a Samsung branded store. If I manually check for updates it says "Your phone is up to do date".
I've spoken to support at three and they tell me that all of their S7's have had this firmware deployed. They have referred me to Samsung tech support who have talked me through a few things (which I had already tried...). I've even used Samsung Switch to check for an update.
The last message I received from Samsung support is that I'll have to wait until they get around to sending an update to my device. Meanwhile Samsung's general account say try taking it to a Samsung service centre.
So I was wondering if anyone had any advice?
Yes, I could root and deploy an issue to my device but for the moment I'd like to see if I can get the OTA update to work.
(I have insurance on this device so I'm unsure if I end up having to root it whether it could invalidate it?)
Also for work reasons I need to see if it is possible to get some support from Samsung and/or Three.
You can easily flash latest Oreo firmware through Odin.
Kill-Switch said:
You can easily flash latest Oreo firmware through Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i know that, it wasn't the answer I was looking for.
Turns out that the supplier had handed me a chinese phone. So I am due a replacement.
To say I am not happy with Samsung's own branded UK shops would be an understatement.
Hi all, (I previously asked this here.)
I have a carrier unlocked SM-G950U that was previously on T Mobile that I now have on Verizon, (long story, see below.) However, my device isn't updating, as seems to be the case for a lot of migrated SM-G950U(s). Of course, I want Android 9, and I also wouldn't mind getting rid of some of Verizon's bloatware. I was also fortunate enough to have received a research grant for some work in Italy, and I'd like to bring my phone along, (I'm a student.) So really, 3 reasons:
I want Android 9.
I don't want Verizon's bloatware.
I want to be able to switch carriers without the painful process of a carrier unlocked phone. (Ie., with the unlocked firmware my understanding is that I only need to restart my phone, as opposed to resetting my device, to switch carriers/SIMs in the carrier unlocked (ie., non-U1) device, (I think.))
I want to flash an SM-G950U1 ROM, but I'm not sure if this is still possible, (though according to here and here it was possible about 2 years ago, on different firmware/bootloaders.)
My plan is to do this:
Download this G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA from updato. (I believe XAA is the unlocked region code. My device is already carrier unlocked.)
Flash with ODIN (3.12.3, as far as I know only making sure repartitioning is UNchecked.)
I have a Snapdragon device.
Will this brick my phone?
Alternatively, here says I can download any carrier version of G950USQU5DSC1 (except Verizon and Sprint,) flash it, and it will work. I think this only accomplishes my getting Android 9, however, as it is still a carrier branded ROM. (So I'd still have to deal with bloatware and (possibly) resetting my device to switch networks.)
Phone INFO (the app) lists:
Original CSC Code: [blank]
Firmware's CSC Code: XAA
Active CSC Code: VZW
Avaialble CSC Codes: [a bunch]
Bootloader Version: G950USQU5CRG3
CSC Version: G950UOTN5CRG3
Baseband Version: G950USQU5CRG3
Build Number: R16NW.G950USQU5CRG3
Long story of how I got a carrier unlocked (SM-G950U) and not unlocked (SM-G950U1) device:
I purchased my "new" device on Amazon through a third party about 3 months ago. I checked the model number and found SM-G950U, but a couple places online said that this was indeed a regular, unlocked S8. However, my device wouldn't update, and I could see that I was stuck on a mid July/August build of Android 8, (CRG3.) Now that the summer's getting closer, I need(ed) to make sure my device is going to work while in Italy, so I called Samsung to update it/make sure it would work. They told me my device was previously activated on T Mobile, unlocked, apparently refurbished and sold to me. I rechecked the Amazon listing and it was in fact listed as new. (It was alongside Amazon's own listing for the S8.) Unfortunately, after spending the second half of my day on support calls, I won't be able to return my device because it's been just over 3 months. Looks like my next best option is to update/maintain it myself.
staMerrill said:
Hi all, (I previously asked this here.)
I have a carrier unlocked SM-G950U that was previously on T Mobile that I now have on Verizon, (long story, see below.) However, my device isn't updating, as seems to be the case for a lot of migrated SM-G950U(s). Of course, I want Android 9, and I also wouldn't mind getting rid of some of Verizon's bloatware. I was also fortunate enough to have received a research grant for some work in Italy, and I'd like to bring my phone along, (I'm a student.) So really, 3 reasons:
I want Android 9.
I don't want Verizon's bloatware.
I want to be able to switch carriers without the painful process of a carrier unlocked phone. (Ie., with the unlocked firmware my understanding is that I only need to restart my phone, as opposed to resetting my device, to switch carriers/SIMs in the carrier unlocked (ie., non-U1) device, (I think.))
I want to flash an SM-G950U1 ROM, but I'm not sure if this is still possible, (though according to here and here it was possible about 2 years ago, on different firmware/bootloaders.)
My plan is to do this:
Download this G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA from updato. (I believe XAA is the unlocked region code. My device is already carrier unlocked.)
Flash with ODIN (3.12.3, as far as I know only making sure repartitioning is UNchecked.)
I have a Snapdragon device.
Will this brick my phone?
Alternatively, here says I can download any carrier version of G950USQU5DSC1 (except Verizon and Sprint,) flash it, and it will work. I think this only accomplishes my getting Android 9, however, as it is still a carrier branded ROM. (So I'd still have to deal with bloatware and (possibly) resetting my device to switch networks.)
Phone INFO (the app) lists:
Original CSC Code: [blank]
Firmware's CSC Code: XAA
Active CSC Code: VZW
Avaialble CSC Codes: [a bunch]
Bootloader Version: G950USQU5CRG3
CSC Version: G950UOTN5CRG3
Baseband Version: G950USQU5CRG3
Build Number: R16NW.G950USQU5CRG3
Long story of how I got a carrier unlocked (SM-G950U) and not unlocked (SM-G950U1) device:
I purchased my "new" device on Amazon through a third party about 3 months ago. I checked the model number and found SM-G950U, but a couple places online said that this was indeed a regular, unlocked S8. However, my device wouldn't update, and I could see that I was stuck on a mid July/August build of Android 8, (CRG3.) Now that the summer's getting closer, I need(ed) to make sure my device is going to work while in Italy, so I called Samsung to update it/make sure it would work. They told me my device was previously activated on T Mobile, unlocked, apparently refurbished and sold to me. I rechecked the Amazon listing and it was in fact listed as new. (It was alongside Amazon's own listing for the S8.) Unfortunately, after spending the second half of my day on support calls, I won't be able to return my device because it's been just over 3 months. Looks like my next best option is to update/maintain it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lss yes you can. I don't know the exact. But it is nearly impossible to truly brick a u model. But everything you show looks good. I think you need the modded odin for unbranded but you can Google carrier switching s8 and it should lead you right back to xda
TheMadScientist said:
Lss yes you can. I don't know the exact. But it is nearly impossible to truly brick a u model. But everything you show looks good. I think you need the modded odin for unbranded but you can Google carrier switching s8 and it should lead you right back to xda
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'll try later today with the G950U1 firmware. I've finished downloading the T Mobile firmware recommended by the second thread, (G950USQU5DSC1,) in case anything goes wrong, (in which case it looks like this firmware will positively work.)
staMerrill said:
Thanks for the quick reply!
I'll try later today with the G950U1 firmware. I've finished downloading the T Mobile firmware recommended by the second thread, (G950USQU5DSC1,) in case anything goes wrong, (in which case it looks like this firmware will positively work.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/rd-carrier-switch-root-snapdragon-t3597473
Just download the G950U1 firmware from Updato (or using SamFirm or Frija) and use that instead of the firmware referenced in the linked instructions.
Hai Karate said:
See here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8/how-to/rd-carrier-switch-root-snapdragon-t3597473
Just download the G950U1 firmware from Updato (or using SamFirm or Frija) and use that instead of the firmware referenced in the linked instructions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So as a surprise to no one, this worked successfully.
Thanks for all the help!
Ultimately, I did have to deviate from the guide here, (the same one you linked and that I had above.) I needed to download a new patched version of ODIN, which I got here.
The process was:
Download PatcheD Odin
Launch PatcheD Odin
Put phone in Download Mode
Connect Phone to PC
Extract the G950U1UEU5DSC1_XAA firmware from updato. (The same link/URL as I have above.)
Browse to/find files in Odin and put them in the right places.
Start...
Wait a reasonable amount of time for the files to be downloaded to the device, and forever for it to actually update.
Profit, (and finish setting up the device, wondering how you're going to signin without your 2FA codes...)
So again, thank you everyone. If anyone comes across this thread in the future you have my steps.
Hi all,
I have an S10+ that refuses to acknowledge that its software is out of date.
I bought a US Cellular Galaxy S10+ from the Samsung website when the phones launched in March 2019. In late August 2019, I decided to switch to AT&T (had previously been on my parents' plan, wanted to start my own). I transferred the phone and my number over to AT&T.
Recently, I noticed that I have not received a software update or security update since before I switched. My Android version is still 9, my kernel is dated Aug 7, 2019, and my security patch level is Aug 1, 2019.
No matter what I do, my phone says its software is up to date.
I took the following actions:
Called AT&T to have them update the phone in their servers or whatever it is they do.
Changed the date in the phone, restarted and searched for updates.
Cleared the cache data in the phone's BIOS.
Tried using Smart Switch, it said it was up to date.
Did a factory reset of my phone.
Contacted Samsung, was told to talk to my carrier.
Called AT&T again, was told they could not push the updates because the IMEI number is for a US Cellular phone, not an AT&T phone.
Today, I took it to a Samsung representative at a local Best Buy. He plugged the phone in to whatever PC tool he has, it prompted him to download the latest AT&T firmware. He did so and tried flashing the phone. I looked and saw the blue BIOS screen where the phone said it was downloading the firmware. However, when it finished and he started the phone up again, the phone's software information was unchanged. He tried it a second time, and still no change. He told me he had never seen a phone refuse the firmware like this, and he said there was nothing he else he could think of to try. He said even if I could flash the firmware, it might still refuse to receive updates and I'd have to keep flashing it to get all the updates. His suggestion was to just wait and try to see if I could get a deal on an S20.
This phone is paid off, and still in great condition. I'd really rather not have to replace it less than a year after I got it. I've thought about trying to flash the phone myself with Odin, but I'm not sure whether I need to try it with AT&T firmware or US Cellular firmware. Furthermore, I can't find AT&T firmware for the SM-G975U, only the SM-G975U1, and I'm not even sure if it's up to date. What are your suggestions?
You could try updating using the Frija & Odin method found in News & Discussion board, then see if next month you receive OTA?
RuthlessNate said:
Hi all,
I have an S10+ that refuses to acknowledge that its software is out of date.
I bought a US Cellular Galaxy S10+ from the Samsung website when the phones launched in March 2019. In late August 2019, I decided to switch to AT&T (had previously been on my parents' plan, wanted to start my own). I transferred the phone and my number over to AT&T.
Recently, I noticed that I have not received a software update or security update since before I switched. My Android version is still 9, my kernel is dated Aug 7, 2019, and my security patch level is Aug 1, 2019.
No matter what I do, my phone says its software is up to date.
I took the following actions:
Called AT&T to have them update the phone in their servers or whatever it is they do.
Changed the date in the phone, restarted and searched for updates.
Cleared the cache data in the phone's BIOS.
Tried using Smart Switch, it said it was up to date.
Did a factory reset of my phone.
Contacted Samsung, was told to talk to my carrier.
Called AT&T again, was told they could not push the updates because the IMEI number is for a US Cellular phone, not an AT&T phone.
Today, I took it to a Samsung representative at a local Best Buy. He plugged the phone in to whatever PC tool he has, it prompted him to download the latest AT&T firmware. He did so and tried flashing the phone. I looked and saw the blue BIOS screen where the phone said it was downloading the firmware. However, when it finished and he started the phone up again, the phone's software information was unchanged. He tried it a second time, and still no change. He told me he had never seen a phone refuse the firmware like this, and he said there was nothing he else he could think of to try. He said even if I could flash the firmware, it might still refuse to receive updates and I'd have to keep flashing it to get all the updates. His suggestion was to just wait and try to see if I could get a deal on an S20.
This phone is paid off, and still in great condition. I'd really rather not have to replace it less than a year after I got it. I've thought about trying to flash the phone myself with Odin, but I'm not sure whether I need to try it with AT&T firmware or US Cellular firmware. Furthermore, I can't find AT&T firmware for the SM-G975U, only the SM-G975U1, and I'm not even sure if it's up to date. What are your suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Settings > About > Software Information > Service Provider SW Ver
What does it show for you over there?
Your phone is probably still on the US Cellular CSC.
I'd recommend flashing the G975U1 ATT firmware if you want ATT features, or the XAA firmware, to convert your device to a completely unbranded variant with no carrier apps.
You can use SamFirm or Frija to get the firmwares.
Use 'SM-G975U1' as the model and for the CSC, use 'ATT' if you want the AT&T firmware, or 'XAA' if you want the unbranded firmware.
Flash it with patched Odin here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117912211
You will have to wipe/reset the entire phone with this process, so make sure to use Smart Switch to backup your data.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Settings > About > Software Information > Service Provider SW Ver
What does it show for you over there?
Your phone is probably still on the US Cellular CSC.
I'd recommend flashing the G975U1 ATT firmware if you want ATT features, or the XAA firmware, to convert your device to a completely unbranded variant with no carrier apps.
You can use SamFirm or Frija to get the firmwares.
Use 'SM-G975U1' as the model and for the CSC, use 'ATT' if you want the AT&T firmware, or 'XAA' if you want the unbranded firmware.
Flash it with patched Odin here:
https://androidfilehost.com/?fid=6006931924117912211
You will have to wipe/reset the entire phone with this process, so make sure to use Smart Switch to backup your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the advice.
My service provider software information version is:
SAOMC_SM-G975U_OYN_ATT_PP_0039
R58M20FYAKW
ATT/ATT/USC
I've looked at both Frija and SamFirm/Updato. Frija doesn't seem to recognize ATT or OYN as a CSC for me when I try using it in the auto search for either SM-G975U or SM-G975U1. Updato has an AT&T firmware, but it's from Nov 2019 and is still Android 9. SamMobile claims to have more up to date firmware, but their download links always send me to the registration page, even after I already registered (I'm guessing they're not as free as they claim to be).
RuthlessNate said:
Hey, thanks for the advice.
My service provider software information version is:
SAOMC_SM-G975U_OYN_ATT_PP_0039
R58M20FYAKW
ATT/ATT/USC
I've looked at both Frija and SamFirm/Updato. Frija doesn't seem to recognize ATT or OYN as a CSC for me when I try using it in the auto search for either SM-G975U or SM-G975U1. Updato has an AT&T firmware, but it's from Nov 2019 and is still Android 9. SamMobile claims to have more up to date firmware, but their download links always send me to the registration page, even after I already registered (I'm guessing they're not as free as they claim to be).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, it seems like your device has switched to the ATT CSC but remained on a US cellular build, resulting in there being no available update file on the ATT server.
Download the XAA unbranded G975U1 firmware with Frija.
I completely forgot that ATT doesn't host their firmware files on Samsung servers, instead it uses its own servers for updates.
Updato and SamMobile are both greedy and want you to pay for uncapped download speeds so I wouldn't recommend using them.
With patched Odin can change the csc? I have G977B and cannot change the csc.
DeXTeRrR said:
With patched Odin can change the csc? I have G977B and cannot change the csc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only applies to US variants when switching from G975U to G975U1.
It's 'patched' as it bypasses the model number check.
MeltdownSpectre said:
Only applies to US variants when switching from G975U to G975U1.
It's 'patched' as it bypasses the model number check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
It took me forever to find someone with this problem / solution.
I switched from Verizon to Xfinity Mobile and had not received a security patch since Oct '21 and was still on Android 11.
You'd think that this problem occurs often enough that support would know the solution.
Xfinity Mobile told me Samsung was responsible.
Samsung (Best Buy Geek Squad who is certified Samsung Service Center) said Xfinity Mobile is responsible but gave me the idea that the phone might be 'stuck' on Verizon so it can't pull the updates from Xfinity Mobile.
The build was from Verizon.
I installed the latest build from Xfinity Mobile (CHA) for this model phone (SM-G973U) so it now has Android 12 with Dec '22 security patch.
I'm guessing that the updates will work now but I won't find out for 3 months since the S10 is now on quarterly releases.
Thanks 2x.
Scott