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Just last night I managed to root my Xperia X10a AT&T brand, I got Superuser Permission, Terminal Emulator, Titanium Backup and Busybox.
My current Firmware is 1.6, Basebrand Version is 1.1.32, Kernel Version is 2.6.29-rel, Build Number is R2CA016.
I've browsed through the forums for about two hours now and still don't understand anything about the terminology here, so I haven't done anything beyond this and was wondering what to do next. So what would be recommended to do now? I know I should probably remove the AT&T bloatware and upgrade to a higher firmware, but I'm not sure how and which methods are safe. s:
(Yes, this is really noobie to ask but I don't understand anything.)
I was in the same boat as you a couple of weeks ago and was able to determine everything that I needed in order to get to 2.1.
Is it that big of a deal to get to 2.1? No. It isn't.
I haven't really gained anything except for 5 pages of crap on my desktop instead of the 3 that came with 1.6.
If you don't upgrade right away and decide to wait for the upgrade from SonyEriccson, kudos... there is far less risk.
If you still want to upgrade, almost everything you need is discussed right here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=825201
I read through that entire thread before even downloading one of the files required in order to upgrade.
I suggest you read the entire thread as well.
Thanks for the link.
I have another question, how would I allow my x10a to use unknown source app? AT&T doesn't allow it on their phones.
Navigate to Settings on your phone and select Applications.
You should find what you need there....
BuLLitz said:
Navigate to Settings on your phone and select Applications.
You should find what you need there....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T doesn't let you change it on their phones. s:
Or am I supposed to do this after upgrading?
Um.... that isn't true. I have an AT&T phone and never had a problem with it.
I took a screenshot of what I mean, but I need 8 posts to link to it here so I'll PM it to you.
Ian9411 said:
Thanks for the link.
I have another question, how would I allow my x10a to use unknown source app? AT&T doesn't allow it on their phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read my post below
Lan, you are correct that if you have an AT&T branded phone, you cannot load non-market apps. What Bul is not understanding is that Bul either bought an unlocked phone from say..ebay and is using ATT as their provider, or Bul updated to 2.1 which unbrands your phone unblocking you from ATT's control. Since ATT never released 2.1 it is impossible for Bul to have 2.1 and still have an ATT branded phone.
There is a lot more performance and future updates, other than bloatware, that comes with 2.1. I can guarantee you there are very few people wanting to go back to 1.6 after having 2.1. ATT has stated they may never update, and why would they? Unless you know you can update and unbrand yourself here at xda, you have no choice but to buy a new phone for the new technology. Expecting to keep getting updates for a phone that has a life cycle of 2 years doesn't make financial sense for the manufacturers or service providers.
Most of the stuff you'll find in these forums these days revolves around 2.1. READ..READ..and READ the forums. A couple weeks ago I was as clueless as you. It can be a lot of fun taking control of your device.
Go here to update and unbrand your phone, so you'll have the latest (at least for Xperia X10) software and you'll break free from ATT blocking you from non-market apps. Then root and you will be able to remove all the bloatware giving you more space and a faster phone
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=825201
I'm finally rooting my phone after months of messing about waiting for an unlock
My phone is international model i9300 and I've been reading this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Looks really good, well detailed should be very easy with the help of chainfire!
But I've still got a few questions
1) I think I can't back up my phone until it's rooted to get access to the system files, am I right in thinking when I'm rooted I can use CWM to make a full back up of the phone?
2) Once it's rooted what is a thing that you must not do? The phone was expensive and as these threads may be annoying to all of you I just need to know before I do anything silly so apologies for all the topics
3) I'm going to wait until JB is released for official ROMs, when it comes to flashing a new ROM do I need to unroot the device?
4) Can I remove bloatware with just the standard root? The amount is ridiculous, it fills up 2 whole pages of apps and 95% of them I haven't used and don't plan on using, ever. I'm sure if I ever needed to there will be an app for it
5) any other advice on keeping my phone safe would be great, I am just really really cautious with this kind of stuff lol. Technology is really fussy I don't want to brick my phone
Thanks to everybody who posts, you guys have helped me so much since I joined and I really appreciate it
UrbanDesigns said:
I'm finally rooting my phone after months of messing about waiting for an unlock
My phone is international model i9300 and I've been reading this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Looks really good, well detailed should be very easy with the help of chainfire!
But I've still got a few questions
1) I think I can't back up my phone until it's rooted to get access to the system files, am I right in thinking when I'm rooted I can use CWM to make a full back up of the phone?
2) Once it's rooted what is a thing that you must not do? The phone was expensive and as these threads may be annoying to all of you I just need to know before I do anything silly so apologies for all the topics
3) I'm going to wait until JB is released for official ROMs, when it comes to flashing a new ROM do I need to unroot the device?
4) any other advice on keeping my phone safe would be great, I am just really really cautious with this kind of stuff lol. Technology is really fussy I don't want to brick my phone
Thanks to everybody who posts, you guys have helped me so much since I joined and I really appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answer 1: Check the link in my description (Win 8 -help) and download the adb executables. Then (Using Windows 7/8) Press and hold shift + Right mouse button in the folder and open cmd.
Once in cmd type:
Code:
adb start-server
adb devices (To check if your phone is connected properly)
adb backup -f %Userprofile%\Desktop\ADBackup\backup.ab -apk -nosystem -noshared -all
That will backup your user apps, incase you do do something wrong
Answer 2: Yes, there are a few things you shouldn't do;
Flash a ROM without making a backup
Deleting partitons in the phones' root.
Deleting system apps (APKs), when you don't know what they do, or even what they are.
Flashing a ROM/kernel, that wasn't made for your phone.
Overclocking/undervolting your phone too much.
And there are a couple more, but I don't want to waist your time ^^
Answer 3: JB is already released. No, you don't have to unroot your phone, before flashing. In fact, you probably can't, because you need the recovery program, to flash the ROM.
Answer 4: Don't flash bad stuff, don't install apps, that are reported (i.e. viruses) don't flash ROMs and kernels, that aren't for your device. And last but not least: Only use Odin, if you really have to!
Hope I could help!
UrbanDesigns said:
I'm finally rooting my phone after months of messing about waiting for an unlock
My phone is international model i9300 and I've been reading this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1695238
Looks really good, well detailed should be very easy with the help of chainfire!
But I've still got a few questions
1) I think I can't back up my phone until it's rooted to get access to the system files, am I right in thinking when I'm rooted I can use CWM to make a full back up of the phone?
2) Once it's rooted what is a thing that you must not do? The phone was expensive and as these threads may be annoying to all of you I just need to know before I do anything silly so apologies for all the topics
3) I'm going to wait until JB is released for official ROMs, when it comes to flashing a new ROM do I need to unroot the device?
4) any other advice on keeping my phone safe would be great, I am just really really cautious with this kind of stuff lol. Technology is really fussy I don't want to brick my phone
Thanks to everybody who posts, you guys have helped me so much since I joined and I really appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You are right
2) Do not unroot
3) Official JB is already available. Flashing using odin doesn't required unroot. Update via OTA or kies required unroot.
4) Read, read and read is the best way to prevent bricking your device.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Thank you guys!
I did not know JB was released, I saw it come out for Poland but I received no notification on my S3.
Now I'm not quite sure in which order I should do things, shall I update to JB and then root?
Can anyone link me to a guide to update for the official JB, al my search results come up with old results with leaked firmware
so I use odin for the first flash and then use CWM from there on out
UrbanDesigns said:
Thank you guys!
I did not know JB was released, I saw it come out for Poland but I received no notification on my S3.
Its only the Poland release so far .
All the rest are the old leaks .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UrbanDesigns said:
Thank you guys!
I did not know JB was released, I saw it come out for Poland but I received no notification on my S3.
Now I'm not quite sure in which order I should do things, shall I update to JB and then root?
Can anyone link me to a guide to update for the official JB, al my search results come up with old results with leaked firmware
so I use odin for the first flash and then use CWM from there on out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a Jellybean rom with bloat removed, then download Checkrom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1738527 . It's a stock samsung rom, bloat taken out, rooted, and is ready for if you wanted themeing etc..
In his kitchen app (that comes with the rom) you can find a package with ALL the removed bloat for you to download and install (ota) but he's also separated them so you can download just the ones you want. Also in the kitchen you will find tweaks for changing the notification drawer toggles, changing the theme, different modems, kernels etc... And check in the kitchen now and again for any updates to the rom (as and when samsung release them)
It's all there and very noob friendly. It's the smoothest most stable stock rom I've tried.
So root your phone using odin (easiest method by far), pay for titanium backup and back up your apps, boot into recovery and make a nandroid, move them onto you exSd or computer, wipe your phone, install checkrom, download titanium again and restore your apps from it.
That's a good start for you, EVERYTHING you need to know has been asked and answered before, so just google or search XDA, it's all still relevant, and you won't go wrong.
I'm going to root it now, seems pretty straight-forward but I'll let you know!
Now I will be shortly rooted what's the best anti-theft to use?
edit: wow... that was possible the easiest thing I have ever done lol, i was expecting it to be hard but it's literally selecting a file and pressing start. it's so much easier then jailbreaking (easy as hell but this tops it for sure)
Just done a CWM back up I didnt expect it to take so long haha
In my opinion, Cerberus is the best anti-theft app out there. You can use for a week as a free trial, I'll bet you're gonna buy it after 15 minutes.
Note that no anti-theft protection will prevent a thief from actually using your phone. Within like 2 minutes of Googling, the thief knows that he can use Download mode to overwrite the firmware (including the "anti theft" app) and 5 minutes later he has done it.
I use one such app (Watchdroid) to find my phone when I have misplaced it and for family members to be able to locate my position through an sms in case of personal distress.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
d4fseeker said:
Note that no anti-theft protection will prevent a thief from actually using your phone. Within like 2 minutes of Googling, the thief knows that he can use Download mode to overwrite the firmware (including the "anti theft" app) and 5 minutes later he has done it.
I use one such app (Watchdroid) to find my phone when I have misplaced it and for family members to be able to locate my position through an sms in case of personal distress.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess it just depends on who finds it, there should be a password for download mode that can't be overwritten
I'm going to have it on either way, it can't hurt
d4fseeker said:
Note that no anti-theft protection will prevent a thief from actually using your phone. Within like 2 minutes of Googling, the thief knows that he can use Download mode to overwrite the firmware (including the "anti theft" app) and 5 minutes later he has done it.
I use one such app (Watchdroid) to find my phone when I have misplaced it and for family members to be able to locate my position through an sms in case of personal distress.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only a thief, who knows what he's doing will use Google. Idiots are more likely to throw the phone away, or give it back..
And Avast! Anti Virus has a lockdown feature, which forces GPS, WiFi/Data and number forwarding (Root), so my phone is pretty safe
I've just installed avast - cheers!
What happens if the SIM is replaced?
and how do I track the phone if it gets lost/stolen?
also in my notification bar it says "avast mobile security is protecting you" i renamed the app for obvious reasons like it suggested. it's pretty stupid if the app renames its self if only reported lost/stolen
UrbanDesigns said:
I've just installed avast - cheers!
What happens if the SIM is replaced?
and how do I track the phone if it gets lost/stolen?
also in my notification bar it says "avast mobile security is protecting you" i renamed the app for obvious reasons like it suggested. it's pretty stupid if the app renames its self if only reported lost/stolen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the anti-theft settings in the app. It lets you set up trusted numbers, so you can control your phone remotely, and you can set things up, like force GPS and Data on, that way the phone can tell you it's position..
familyguy59 said:
Check the anti-theft settings in the app. It lets you set up trusted numbers, so you can control your phone remotely, and you can set things up, like force GPS and Data on, that way the phone can tell you it's position..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done all that, I've enabled anti-theft stealth mode where it states it will remain hidden after my next reboot.
I rebooted the phone but to no avail. It keeps showing in the notification bar and anti-theft seems useless, I've set up a pin but anybody who saw my phone would see the app straight away and would just use google on "how to remove avast samsung galaxy s3"
i don't think a thief could do it themselves but any idiot can search keywords into google to find a solid result
UrbanDesigns said:
I've done all that, I've enabled anti-theft stealth mode where it states it will remain hidden after my next reboot.
I rebooted the phone but to no avail. It keeps showing in the notification bar and anti-theft seems useless, I've set up a pin but anybody who saw my phone would see the app straight away and would just use google on "how to remove avast samsung galaxy s3"
i don't think a thief could do it themselves but any idiot can search keywords into google to find a solid result
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, but not everyone knows what the avast! symbol look like, do they? I doubt you're going to find an XDA-Member would have stolen your phone, it will probably be an Asi, or someone really retarded.
And anyways, they'll get frightened enough, when the phone rights junk to the SD, locks itself up and sounds the siren, with a personal "greeting"..
Give it a go, if your phone gets stolen, there's always the police, they'll (hopefully) help you But that's worst-case-scenario..
familyguy59 said:
Yes, but not everyone knows what the avast! symbol look like, do they? I doubt you're going to find an XDA-Member would have stolen your phone, it will probably be an Asi, or someone really retarded.
And anyways, they'll get frightened enough, when the phone rights junk to the SD, locks itself up and sounds the siren, with a personal "greeting"..
Give it a go, if your phone gets stolen, there's always the police, they'll (hopefully) help you But that's worst-case-scenario..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No but I'd still like it hidden
Anyone with google and the least bit of experience or interest will just reflash the stock Samsungrom anyway, rendering all and any (including Samsung's own) anti-theft utterly useless.
(In many cases thiefs steal to buy drugs, the dealer will certainly know someone to "freshen" up the phone.
It's very useful for finding the phone though if you have misplaced it =)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
UrbanDesigns said:
No but I'd still like it hidden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could remove the icon by going into avast > Settings > Notification Icon > None
Hope this helps
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
d4fseeker said:
Anyone with google and the least bit of experience or interest will just reflash the stock Samsungrom anyway, rendering all and any (including Samsung's own) anti-theft utterly useless.
(In many cases thiefs steal to buy drugs, the dealer will certainly know someone to "freshen" up the phone.
It's very useful for finding the phone though if you have misplaced it =)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying if I left my phone on the bus or something and somebody picked it up and decided to be a thief they automatically are casual drug users who know dodgy people, all because they found my phone?
I don't see how it could be useful for finding a "misplaced" phone, what would you class as misplaced? If I left the phone under my bed or something and "misplaced" it surely avast! isn't going to show a picture of inside my house?
Hello,
I wanted to unlock my phone and tried unlocking my phone with a number given to my by someone on eBay. Apparently, they had typed the wrong unlock code and the number of tries I have to unlock the phone is maxed out.
What can be done in this situation??
I really need to unlock this phone asap.
Any help will be appreciated.
Sent from my One S using xda app-developers app
So are you stuck at a screen or can you still "use" the phone without the sim?
*edit* Here is what I used to unlock my phone. Supposedly it can also find the unfreeze code, hope this helps. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1092451
Sent from my SGH-i777 using xda premium
First thing to do is check out the AT&T official unlock method, since, if you meet the criteria, they will give you a code for free:
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/client/en_US/?
If that is out of the question for whatever reason, there are a bunch of unlocking tools that will work for pre-JB roms (when you see me type "JB" it means Jelly Bean). Unfortunately, I found that NOTHING worked for me once I installed a JB based rom and I had to go the official route (which was easy for me since I bought the phone 2 years ago and was still with AT&T). If you are working on a stock SG2 the following stuff should work fine, though.
Here are your options:
Chainfire's - This, in my opinion is the best, as it uses a brute-force method to give you the ACTUAL unlock code and, more importantly in your case, the Master/Unfreeze code. However, it is for the i9100 so the play store may not let you install it so you will have to download it from that post and install it manually. The nv_data.bin file is the same between the i777 and the i9100, so this should work, provided you are running a pre-JB rom.
helroz's - This is what i used originally, mainly because it was one of the first and once I unlocked, I never looked back to see that there were better methods out there. This works by patching files on your phone, and as such is a little bit more "dangerous" if something goes wrong. This will almost definitely NOT work if you have a JB rom.
Spocky's - This is a little different, and I'm not exactly sure how it works. I know there is a cost for it, but it's in the app (the app itself is free). I would assume that it sends certain information to their server and brute-forces the codes for you, but I haven't used it so I really have no idea. I think they are pretty good about refunds if it doesn't work.
If none of this works, your only option may be AT&T, so if you aren't an AT&T customer, you may need to work something out with a friend who is, if they meet the criteria in my first link.
Hope something here helps.
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
SamsungMakesMeCry said:
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done a quick search for you and it seems to the same as the one from verizon. Thats what google told me and this link leads to so don't quote me 100% and it also states "This device does not have dedicated subforums, you may be able to find assistance in the Verizon subforums. "
http://forum.xda-developers.com/wik.../SCH-R530#XDA-Developers_Forums_for_the_Phone
According to us cellular it is a SCH-R530U with baseband R530UVXUCNF3 and android 4.4.2.
Have done abit or search but I will not post links as Im not familiar with it and don't want to be the one to give you a link to brick it so im afraid that's as far as I can go and suggest you go to verizon section
SamsungMakesMeCry said:
Hello, first off I would like to say I'm terribly sorry for posting in the wrong section, but there isn't a section for the US Cellular Galaxy S3 and I don't want to spend an hour trying to find the correct section. Anyway, I've had my S3 for 1.5 years now and I finally decided to ditch Touchwiz and install Cyanogemod. So I got TWRP recovery, installed the correct cyanogenmod 11 version and gapps. I was extremely happy with the smoothness that I decided to text a friend. Text wouldn't go through. Nor could I make phone calls. Anyway I went into settings and it claimed my phone number was something along the lines of '000-000-9356' (Not entirely sure on last 4 digits) So I tried restoring to the backup that I had made, which did not work. Data however did work after tinkering with settings. Fast forward 2 weeks and I decide to try and fix the sms and phone problem. I couldn't find any help and stumbled upon a list of modems for SCH-R530U. Flashed one of those and when the phone booted back up, I had no data connection at all. I tried flashing the rest of them in a panic to try and fix what I broke but none of them changed the broken connection. I went into settings, about phone, status, and the phone says unknown for my network type, phone number, MIN, PRL version, MEID, IMEI, and ICCID. I know realize that I most likely have broken this phone beyond repair and I can't seem to find any fix or any stock firmware for my phone. If anyone could provide some help, it would be greatly appreciated instead of comments telling me to go to iOS, stating that I ****ed it up, or anything similar that I have recently gotten on other forums I've tried to get help from.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
have that problem on a Korean SKTELECOM phone, and I fixed it with a restore of my efs partition. if you dont have a backup of your previous efs partition, you must have to go to a samsung service center and fix it using some money.
I have the same phone and I flashed the same ROM. i had a horrible experience doing it. let me say that the ROM is awesome. but As we know it is a pain on the butt. I just can't do calls. I dial the number and it won't call. the camera app don't have a flash yet I think. and if you have a bad signal it gets worst. using your post I would like someone or maybe you if you know any other ROM to install on this phone. what is the best?
Sent from my SCH-R530U using XDA Free mobile app
I have a A52 5g and a tab S7+ wifi, that are both remotely controled and monitored, and serve as gateway to my home network and basicaly every device connected to it. I noticed it at first and mew NOTHING related to this, didnt even know what open source was. Since then i have come to understand that, somehow, my phone seems to run a custom version of android, my guess is, built from AOSP and designed to disguise itself as oem samsung ui, but in background enables remote access and total takeover of every function. I have discovered, using total commander, that storage has been partitioned in 2 separate locations, and that one folder in there is called root system file, and filled with data/apk/installkits/etc.. this has me asking for help in 2 specific questions:
Am i holding a rooted device or is there another possibility that creates this situation? I was convinced its rooted untill i read here that root prevents from using samsung pass, secure folder etc.. and those seem to work on mine(or is it a version of those apps?) If its indeed rooted, will it wype everything if i flash it with the stock rom? And should i trust a small cell repair store to do that or learn how to do it myself?
2: i have bought 3 brand new phones since august, and made sure not to use my usual accounts, no use backups, not even set it up near my home wifi, and it almost instantly started self installing harmful software in background. I see no other way for it to link itself to be owned by me at initial setup, but for the sim card, new of course, but with my usual phone number and service transfered to it. Is that enough to make a breach and compromise a new device? If so, what would be different after fpashing the stock rom, if everything reinstalls itself? Do i need to change my number? Change cellular service provider even? I know its an unusual request but im a fast learner, i have compiled lots of technical info on specific apps, ip's, servers, build id numbers etc.. that i know would make more sense to anyone more qualified than me, and i am about ready to try and wype/flash the thing myself, i just would feel better with a little help since i have gone this far pretty much alone, since no service provider or manifacturer actualy feels like this is their problem to solve....
Here you can download firmware for your phone and flash with Odin, which you can also download at the bottom of the page, there are instructions on how to do it also.
Make sure to download correct firmware for exact device you have. There are few different A52 5G models.. SM-A526B, SM-A526U, SM-A5260, SM-A526U1, SM-A526W.
You will lose all data after flashing new firmware. After this your phone will be like brand new from Samsung..
If your device is rooted then that means your warranty is void and manufacturers and carriers are under no obligation to help you.
I'm trying to understand your situation but its so conflicting I don't know where to begin.
For example, you say your device runs a custom AOSP with a Samsung UI. Thats exactly how it actually works. Samsung take the AOSP, customise it with their own functionality, then overlay their own skin as the UI. Theres absolutely nothing unusual about that.
I'm conflicted as to whether your rooted or not. If the manufacturer or carrier has physically seen the device and won't repair it then that would suggest your definitely rooted. If you spoke to them virtually and told them your rooted then they will use it as an excuse whether you're truly rooted or not. The partitions you mention could be the internal storage and an sd card which can be seen non-rooted. I dont know what you mean when you mention a "root system file". Is it an actual folder called "root" or is the app you're using just telling you that you've reached the "root" of the filesystem? I can't quite work out what you mean. You also say Knox-powered apps still work which just adds to the confusion.
You stated you have had 3 new devices and they all self-installed harmful software. To get one device compromised is possible. To get three compromised means your either a high profile government target (which I doubt because they wouldn't be so sloppy as this) or your doing something to compromise your own devices such as continuously visiting dodgy websites.
Flashing will fix things but so would having a new device. The only common denominator is you so either you're doing something wrong or you truly are a government target in which case I wish you good luck!
First let me appologise for the long silence, i cut off most online activity for a while and just read your answers. To clarify, i have not solved my prolem yet. But ill try to explain better what you ask about my situation:
About de os version arobase40 got it right. I Asked google play help reps. And a stock samsung version of android would not trigger googles warning about running a custom version of android. So that point to a modified after-the-fact more than to the fact samsung has their propierary version installed.
About beeing rooted or not, ylwhat you are asking is what im not totaly certajn of, also. I know partition can happen without rooting, its seems to have created a "virtual sd card" since its named as such when sd card slot is actualy empty. About the root files folder, i cant say for sure, all i can say is that its holding a large amount of Gigs that dont get taken into account when looking at storage capacity and usage, and accessing that folder gives me a message that root files cant be access from this device. Does it mean my device had root acess privileges revoked to prevent viewing files that hide what is given control of the software remotely, so i dont find out or have the capacity to remove or alter those files?
What is absolutely sure is that if it is rooted, it wasnt done by me. As for the chance the devices were not factory brand new, 1 of them was not, got it opend box from amazon, a saudi arabia version, but my prkblems had started months before getting it, did not keep it more than 2 months, and all others before and since are 100% pure factory new, some directly from my cellular service provider, as financed device came with 2 year agreement of service,(actualy 2 of them i got this way) and the last one is my tab s7+ i got online directly from samsung canada website, on preorder, delivered on release day.
And lastly the fact i cant seem to shake those persistent leeches, is not from having reckless habbits online, but from having careless and uneducated habbits before that all started, usual older lazy dude stuff, like not changing my wifi password after a ruff breakup with bipolar psycho ex gf, or having only a few passwords reused on most my accounts. I have stopped doing those things long ago now that i know better, but i suspect that i could have been unaware something gettnng installed and staying dormant for a while, maybe? The ex had way more opportunities than needed to do something like this and is more than psycho enough to realy do it also. For having the skills to do it, lets say she has "assets" that can easily get her guys willing to help about that. It may also be coming from somwhere else, but as you say im not a super spy or a high ranking gov. Official. Im not even that interesting, and have absolutely no usable id for fraud or anything, my credit history would raise more red flags then there is in all china. So after so long struggling with this still very active, i cant even think of a rational reason to do so much effort into this, theres nothing to gain, i only can imagine that maybe a twisted mind seeking revege, or with a sick way of amusing themselves could see the point to all that, but i dont realy care. I only want to get rid of it.
As for the way it manages to be so much persistent, i can only see one option left i didnt remove from the process, and its through my phone number/account on the sim card, even a new sim on a new phone, still is linked to my cell service. I did initial setup with only that new sim card, accounts freshely created during setup, with no info or anythink linkable to my previous accounts, and even did it sitting outside, far from any building that could get me in range of a wifi network. And it still was no more effective at staying secure.
Thats why i did not yet try to flash a stock rom myself on my device, because it would, at best, become exactly like it was when brand new, and i know that this is not enough to keep it secure, and that means theres still something im missing in the whole picture.