Restore stock and reroot - Samsung Galaxy Tab A series Questions & Answers

I have been an XDA member/ reader for over 10 years but this is the first time I think I have ever asked a question.
I have a Tab A 510 WiFi that I rooted back in Dec 2019. Since then I have done no other updates except to my installed apps. I want to basically unroot it and install updates that are desperately needed. I then want to reroot it correctly. Plus install a Android ROM that is a much newer version. When I originally rooted, I am pretty sure I didn't get the process correctly done. I have been running it with TWRP, and MAGISK, installed but I am pretty sure I didn't use the correct kernel or build. The tablet has been slowly loosing app compatibility with newer apps. I really just want to start fresh. I also want to remove system apps that are unneeded.
Is the best way to just reset the device, then let it update to the most current security and Android version then reroot it? I have rooted multiple devices in the past but for some reason on this tab A, I have been intimidated by kernel versions and build numbers so I have just ignored any OS updates and have kept the option in settings to automatically update turned off. And have really done nothing with TWRP. I am pretty sure the version is way out of date on my tablet.
Will resetting, updating to correct build and kernel and then rerooting following the directions posted work still? I just want to make sure that what I end up with is an updated and easier to manage tablet. I know how to unlock bootloader, and how to use Odin. And can follow the instructions for in the forum for rerooting. But, I have not been able to find this question answered anywhere in the Tab A forums.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
The build numbers I have is *** treble_a64_bvS-userdebug 10 QQ2A.200305.003 200314 test-keys**** my kernel is ****4.4.111# 2 Sun Mar 1 15:16:12 PST 2020 and my security patch level is from November 1, 2019. And serial number is *** R52MA0ZH01R****hope that is enough information to at least show how out of date the system is.

Related

Question about 6.0.1 Update for Verizon S5 that is on Straight Talk

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?

Custom Recovery for ATT Samsung Galaxy TAB 4 8.0

Hello. Sorry if I sound like a COMPLETE noob here and if I posted in the incorrect place.
I am going to start from the very beginning so I can explain myself.
I am currently on a mission to be able to play Pokemon GO on my tablet and spoof my GPS without getting banned. Ill be running it on an account that I wouldn't care if it was banned so please do not just tell me to not do it.
First of all I had manually installed an update to lollipop (5.1.1) when first receiving the tablet. This was still Samsung official OS. In order to obtain my goal I had to root it. So after trial and error I managed to get my device rooted using KingRoot. Couldn't understand a damn thing because it was in Chinese but it was still successful.
This allowed me to install my GPS spoofer hider (supposed to hide GPS spoof from GO). Now it seemed promising until it told me I needed Xposed framework installed. Went to go install it however now I need a custom recovery manager to install that. I have checked with both ROM Manger and TWRP but I cant find my device. I assume its not supported by either.
Is there any decent custom recoveries that will work for my device or have I hit a complete dead end? Maybe someone might even have a COMPLETELY different approach to accomplish my goal. I don't know if you need this to answer my questions but here is everything that seems relevant in about my device.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Number: SAMSUNG-SM-T337A
Android Version: 5.1.1
Baseband version: T337AUCU2BOH44
Kernel Version:
3.4.0-5608828
[email protected]#1
Thu Aug 13 17:01:34 KST 2015
Build Number: LMY47X.T337AUCU2BOH4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would also like to say thank you. Not just for helping me directly in my situation but for everything. MANY of times I have wanted to do something on my phones and other android devices and I would always end up in these forums and get everything I needed. You guys are the best!
Update.
I have been reading deep in the threads. This tablet seems to be one of THE MOST frustrating android devices to try and work on.
This is what I have tried to this point.
Doing a little more research I found that I could use flashfire to get Xposed working. Thats when I ran into another problem. flashfire will not work with kingroot and will with SU.
Despite all the warnings, I tried to use SuperSUme and install superuser over the kingroot to remove it.
Softbrick..
Put it into download mode and reinstalled 5.1.1 which fixed it, buuuut now I have no root.
This led me to look into kingroot a little more and much like others, I have found kingroot to be a little too shady for me. I will not be using the kingroot path again.
1 step forward, 10 steps back.
I am currently working with someone else on the forums here to see if we can work on a way to get TWRP to work on the tablet. If we are successful then chances are I will be able to downgrade the OS back to 4.2.2 KitKat. My understanding is that OS is rootable for this tablet. After that I am going to look into a way to unlock it so I could possibly use it for cricket. I don't exactly have high hopes for it but it is worth a shot.
Custom recovery may be achievable but please do not kid yourself, you will end up with a brick if you try to downgrade the os

BTV-W09 | NRD90M test-keys | EMUI: 5.0 | Android: 7.0: Bluetooth Not Working?

Is anyone having problems with Bluetooth on their device? Just need to enable it on mine because I used 2FA with my Google account, & have a security token.
Model Number: BTV-W09
Build Number: NRD90M test-keys
EMUI Version: 5.0
Android Version: 7.0
Everything else seems to be working, at least so far. Still only seeing 2.4 GHz frequency with WiFi, but getting 5.0 GHz working is something I can work on later.
My Bluetooth seems to be working fine. I am on EMUI 5 / Android 7.
the second update file likely did not install correctly when attempting the dload method correct? the solution is to install the second update file as a zip from twrp. that fixes the problem, and updates your system version to the correct btv-w09c128b350 (if your using us version) if you don't have the second update file you can download it using firmware finder app, be sure its the full ota version, as the others do not work with this method.
tomchism said:
the second update file likely did not install correctly when attempting the dload method correct? the solution is to install the second update file as a zip from twrp. that fixes the problem, and updates your system version to the correct btv-w09c128b350 (if your using us version) if you don't have the second update file you can download it using firmware finder app, be sure its the full ota version, as the others do not work with this method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love how people here use abbreviations so frivilously. TWRP?? I googled that and it seems to be a root method. Rooting the tablet isn't a solution to this and we need bluetooth and 5ghz working for US. I had an EU update installed before this, then I hear the US update is out and I hoped it fixed the bluetooth issue. But now I have a USA version with a disabled bluetooth and no 5ghz wifi radio. This tablet is becoming more of a pain than anything....
When it comes to Android, your best solution is not a Google search but a search of the forums here at XDA, TWRP, is a recovery system that can be installed on the device. Once installed it can be used to perform system backups and restores, install firmware install root, wipe a device, do all sorts of nifty things.
To install TWRP you need to unlock your device, the instructions for doing that are in a different forum. Once unlocked you will need to set up adb which instructions can be found in the install TWRP forum, each version of TWRP is device specific, so you have to get the right one. If you really want to dig into figuring out how to do this, you will need to spend several hours reading the forums about this device, or find a friend who knows how to do this that you can trust not to brick your device.
tomchism said:
When it comes to Android, your best solution is not a Google search but a search of the forums here at XDA, TWRP, is a recovery system that can be installed on the device. Once installed it can be used to perform system backups and restores, install firmware install root, wipe a device, do all sorts of nifty things.
To install TWRP you need to unlock your device, the instructions for doing that are in a different forum. Once unlocked you will need to set up adb which instructions can be found in the install TWRP forum, each version of TWRP is device specific, so you have to get the right one. If you really want to dig into figuring out how to do this, you will need to spend several hours reading the forums about this device, or find a friend who knows how to do this that you can trust not to brick your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
does the above mentioned operation void my guarantee for the tablet ?
That's a difficult question to answer. The device comes with two recovery systems built in. There are not many scenarios where you can hard brick the device and are unable to restore it back to factory settings, locked unrooted and like new. Any warranty issue are likely to be hardware not software.
Hmm. I am in the process of using the dc-unlocker client to unlock my bootloader. When the client reads my phone, it shows the build number as NRD90M test-keys, but when I look at device info on the phone, it shows a normal build number. Does anybody know what this means?

AT&T in Australia

Hi all,
Was recently in the 'States and broke my S8 - it's now the third mobile screen I've busted since Samsung brought in curved edges, never had any issues with the S2 or S5 - who ever thought tempering glass and curving it would be a good idea??
Anyway I had the opportunity to pickup a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8 Active and did a quick bit of research. I found the most compatible version with my carriers back home in AUS was the SM-G892A from AT&T. Picked up a brand new unlocked model, stupid me didn't connect it up to AT&T while I was there. I turned it on and played around with it on Wifi for the last few days of our trip and returned home to Melbourne.
Basically I now understand AT&T are a bunch of ***** and do not allow updates to be pushed even for unlocked devices overseas. Considering a lot of the updates are for security I'm very surprised by this.
Anyway so I've notcied a few tiny bugs here and there with apps/OS and figured updating my device/OS is the way to go and might resolve the issues. I guess the easiest way to get the info I need is to put the questions I have individually, as my mind tends to jump all over the place when I'm working a problem:
1. Is there any way to get my phone updated without rooting/flashing the phone?
2. If not, what is the best option for a S8 Active? Are there any firmware versions that will enable OTA updates so I don't need to keep flashing everytime new firmware is released? I have seen some posts about T-Mobile being able to be flashed over an AT&T model or even the G892U or maybe a custom firmware that allows this?
3. Will rooting/flashing interfere with any of the carrier settings etc? Don't want to upgrade it only to find it disables an LTE band or something?
4. I am an absolute noob at flashing, have never done it but am pretty tech savvy so if there is a step-by-step procedure I wil have no dramas following it. Saying that, I would rather not make the device worse than it is so I only want to follow tried & tested procedures if that makes sense, I don't want my device to be a lab-rat.
5. If there is no way to enable OTA internationally as per Question #2 when new firmware updates become available on XDA will flashing a new update delete personalisation/settings/files etc? Or will it retain them and update like a stock model performing a firmware upgrade would? If not, that would be a pain in the ass and time consuming to have to re-apply settings and reinstall apps every time and almost makes the idea of flashing unattractive.
6. I have baseband G892AUCU1AQG4 - taking into account Question #2 what is the best way to move forward? Considering Android 8.0 is available for the S8 Active and has been available for my model from AT&T since March 1st, 2018 apparently I'm hoping there might be some way to move towards that.
Hope someone might be able to help,
Thanks in advance
UPDATE 05/05/2019
Got some answers to my original questions...
1. Rooting/Flashing are different things - rooting allows custom firmware, flashing is the procedure to install custom or OEM firmware onto the device.
2. The best option for me I think is to just update to newer AT&T firmware so I get the updates and new software features as I'm not interested in custom firmware. I still do not know if it is possible to get OTA updates for this device directly from Samsung/Google.
3. As long as you are flashing from the same model firmware as in SM-G892A to SM-G892A should be no issues, however using SM-G892U might cause issues.
4. Once I wrapped my head around how baseband versions of firmware work and what is needed to get between bootloader versions flashing from SD Card or Odin (as I suspected) was very straightforward thanks to some of the guides out there. To make this easier for anyone facing the same issue I have written how I did this below.
5. Yes, flashing for AT&T will delete everything, it's an absolute PIA and that's why I will keep searching for a way to get OTA updates enabled if at all possible. However I believe Samsung SmartSwitch is pretty good for backing up and restoring so that might be a simple way forward.
6. See my latest post, I was 12 updates behind but able to skip 7 of them using my method.
I'm considering importing an S8 Active AT&T and have the same questions. How did you go?
secateurs said:
I'm considering importing an S8 Active AT&T and have the same questions. How did you go?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the slow reply I've only just had the time to dive into this. Yes I have figured it out.
There are two ways, incrementally update by applying OTA updates via the SD card. However trying to find all of these can be a pain.
The other way you may have read about is to use Samsung's own 'Odin' flashing software.
Because I had the very first baseband version G892AUCU1AQG4 I was way behind. The fifth-last digit designates the bootloader version, you cannot jump from v1 to v3 for example. So what you can do is use a few OTA updates to jump you from v1 to the first v2, you can then use Odin to jump you all the way up and use another OTA to get you to the next bootloader version. Hope that makes sense?
So I was able to use x2 OTA updates to get from 1AQG4 to 1AQJ2, then I was able to do one more OTA to get from 1AQJ2-to-2AQK3. Now if I was to continue using the OTA method with the SD card, I would need to run the process x8 times. This presents 3 issues:
1. Time consuming, trying to find all the correct OTA updates.
2. Even when you do get all the correct OTA updates you then have to copy each on to the SD card waiting for the phone to update and then repeat the process.
3. Even if you can find a link for a required OTA update a lot of the links are dead.
However using Odin and the flash files I was able to skip these and go directly from 2AQK3 to 2BRF2, use one OTA update and then I was onto Bootloader v3 (which is the latest version). Here is how I compressed 12 updates do into 5, good luck..
1. 1AQG4-to-1AQJ2 OTA (SD CARD): dropbox.com/s/ikor71zt1ec0nyn/SS-G892AUCU1AQG4-to-S1AQJ2.zip?dl=0
2. 1AQJ2-to-2AQK3 OTA (SD CARD): dropbox.com/s/ott9fs9qunkvf9x/SS-G892AUCS1AQJ2-to-U2AQK3.zip?dl=0
3. 2AQK3-to-2BRF2 Odin Flash : androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904016415
4. 2BRF2-to-3BRG1 OTA (SD CARD): androidfilehost.com/?fid=1322778262904016441
5. 3BRG1-to-3BRL1 Odin Flash: mega.nz/#!7M42VCAJ!-FKnhzwTZG0He1kb9FzHHaPX4Aanlnj4fpn0M61DzR4
Have the s8 active outside of America and desperately want to update it
Hey ,
I'm sorry to bring up this old thread but I didn't really understand the method you used sorry I'm really new to this thing, I have the s8 active Sm-g892A ( the att) model it's on the baseband version G892AUCS2ARB1 . If you could help me out a bit with this I would be really grateful, having Android 7.0 really makes me concerned as I've heard the security patches also won't update.
None2939 said:
Hey ,
I'm sorry to bring up this old thread but I didn't really understand the method you used sorry I'm really new to this thing, I have the s8 active Sm-g892A ( the att) model it's on the baseband version G892AUCS2ARB1 . If you could help me out a bit with this I would be really grateful, having Android 7.0 really makes me concerned as I've heard the security patches also won't update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you are on Bootloader v2 (5th character from the right). So you can skip straight to Step 3. Be warned all instructions below will result in all data on your device being wiped!
Using Odin to upgrade as directed on Step 3 & 5 or future upgrades (there is now v4 software appearing):
You need to download Odin (you don't need a modified/Comsy version).
You need to enable Developer Options on your Galaxy.
Once you have developer options you need to enable 'USB Debugging'.
You need to shutdown your Galaxy.
Connect your USB cabble to your PC.
Boot into Download mode by using the Power+Bixby+Volume Down combo. OR if that doesn't work Use the Power+Bixby+Volume Up and use the menu to get into Download Mode.
Open Odin on your PC, it should say 'Added' if it detects your Galaxy correctly. If it doesn't you may need to install some USB drivers (you can Google how to do this).
Once it says 'Added' you can add the files from Step 3 and flash but be warned it will wipe everything on your device.
For Step 4 OTA:
Very simply download the ZIP file and place the complete ZIP file on an SD Card (it should not be extracted must be complete ZIP archive). Place the SD Card in the Galaxy, power off and boot into Recovery Mode Power+Bixby+Volume Up. Then simply use the Volume Up/Down and Power keys to navigate through, 'Apply Update from SD Card', find your SD card and the ZIP file and allow the update to run.

SM-T350 twrp, root, custom mod confusion

So I've been out of the game for many many years but I want to add a newer custom ROM to my SM-T350. I've been reading for days and just keep getting more confused because of old methods mixing with new ways. Saying you have to have bootloader unlocked to install this but in order to unlock bootloader ya need this other thing that needs this. Just seems to go round and round. Do we have an updated list of instructions somewhere on how to do these things for this particular tablet?
Me too.
So, I have used TWRP which was prior installed and flashed a bunch of the rooms you can get now on mostly XDA.
Make sure to make a recovery backup. I used Crdroid two versions 9 and 10. Just remember to go to OPEN GAPPS website and download the version that is right for the ARM (Pica) your android version number. i.e., 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
Apparently somewhere around or before version 10, I read that the file structure is different than older versions of android started to conflict because of memory and system placement. place meant. However, I can not yet get back to 4.4.4 where I can play HL2.
With TWR installed my tablet seems to take any ROM for the sm-t350 58wifi 2015.

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