Noob pretty confused about rooting/unlocking - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

First, I did read/search quite a bit, but I need some help to get started...
The Samsung will be released in Canada on July 14th, from Bell Canada. But I will be using the phone on a different compatible carrier (Telus).
Therefore I will need to unlock the phone, which seem doable with: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1064978
But before it seem I need to root the phone.
Ref. this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278
This confuse me:
The stock kernels are to be used to restore the kernel version after rooting and are not needed for updating the firmware.
You do not need to root or unroot the device to update the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I understood, there seem to be the ROM: which seem to contain android (original or customized), what would the firmware and the kernel be?
Obviously, there is not likely to be a stock firmware from Bell on launch day. Is it needed to root the phone?
My end goal would be to: root the phone, keeping the original android on the phone, and unlocking it.
I can always buy an unlocked version for 100$ more.....
Thanks you

x-cimo said:
First, I did read/search quite a bit, but I need some help to get started...
This confuse me:
From what I understood, there seem to be the ROM: which seem to contain android (original or customized), what would the firmware and the kernel be?
The ROM firmware is the complete OS and Kernel and modem and CSC
Obviously, there is not likely to be a stock firmware from Bell on launch day. Is it needed to root the phone?
No pick a similar version root .
My end goal would be to: root the phone, keeping the original android on the phone, and unlocking it.
Rooted phone is no longer original firmware /android you have changed the kernel .
Custom rom and or rooting invalidates warranty .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I am fine with voiding the warranty...
Can I use any of theses: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278 ? (As I think they are "official samsung" rom).
Can I apply a firmware that is in that list to my canadian Galaxy S2?

Well have to see what the differences are with the Bell version of the device before this question can be answered.

Edit : intratech has right of course.
If no hardware modifications :
If you have a branded operator firmware, you will need root to unlock it.
Usualy, to root it, you update your GS2 with an official samsung firmware, flash insecure kernel or CF Root kernel and then use the APK to unlock your phone.
I recommand before doing this, you find and download your original firmware in case of warranty support.
Kernel is the heart of the firmware/ROM
Firmware/ROM is the same.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

JJEgan said:
Custom rom and or rooting invalidates warranty .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sicopat said:
I recommand before doing this, you find and download your original firmware in case of warranty support.
Kernel is the heart of the firmware/ROM
Firmware/ROM is the same.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to sound noobish but once and for all, rooting voids your warranty because the counter is raised? You can undo everything else (uninstall superuser/busybox and flash the stock kernel, you can even use a jig to reset the counter but did somebody with a rooted phone ever get to a point where he needed to make use of the warranty and if so what did samsung say and how much did that person undo (signs of rooting)?
I'm still unrooted because of the letters that Samsung sent to it's employies looking for signs of rooting when dealing with warranty claims. As good as the phone is and as much improvements rooting brings, is it really worth flushing 2 years of warranty down the drain?

d3l1 said:
Sorry to sound noobish but once and for all, rooting voids your warranty because the counter is raised? You can undo everything else (uninstall superuser/busybox and flash the stock kernel, you can even use a jig to reset the counter but did somebody with a rooted phone ever get to a point where he needed to make use of the warranty and if so what did samsung say and how much did that person undo (signs of rooting)?
I'm still unrooted because of the letters that Samsung sent to it's employies looking for signs of rooting when dealing with warranty claims. As good as the phone is and as much improvements rooting brings, is it really worth flushing 2 years of warranty down the drain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you ever heard about phones refused in support by samsung cause of rooting ?
If you flash back your original firmware and reset your counter with a JIG usb, I am pretty shure they will accept the return.
But you sould always do as you feel it. If you are affraid of rooting your phone cause of the waranty, don't root it
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Intratech said:
Well have to see what the differences are with the Bell version of the device before this question can be answered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone will be in store next week, which information should I look for and report here to see if there is any compatible firmware?

sicopat said:
Have you ever heard about phones refused in support by samsung cause of rooting ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No that's why I'm asking, if anybody has any experience with that?

Subscribed to this thread.
I plan to do exactly the same as x-cimo (except I'm with Fido) and trying to gather the complete steps for root and unlock.

I am planning to pick-up the phone at bell next week if there is a money back warranty.
I still need to know what I need to provide here about the phone..

d3l1 said:
No that's why I'm asking, if anybody has any experience with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to Samfirmware .com they have a copy of the root = no warranty letter from Samsung and now we also have a custom rom counter .
Enough SGS1 user have been turned away by service centres .
Users choice return it with root and take your chances .
jje

x-cimo said:
I am planning to pick-up the phone at bell next week if there is a money back warranty.
I still need to know what I need to provide here about the phone..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to check if it is the same hardware : Exynos 1.2 Gh .... as others.
If not, firmwares provided (for now) in the section developpement won't fit your GS2.
In order to root, you will have to flash your phone with an official samsung firmware (without an opérator touch).
So you will have to wait someone to post the generic firmware from your country (intratech will certainly add it in his thread then).

sicopat said:
So you will have to wait someone to post the generic firmware from your country (intratech will certainly add it in his thread then).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does the firmware is country specific? Why would a UK firmware not work in canada for example? I am just curious.
How do I check if it use the same chipset or hardware version?

rooting SGS2 -PDA:KF3 / PHONE:KE7 / CSC:KF1 (DBT)
Hi ALL,
I just updated my SGS2 firmware last night via kies. As expected the previous rooted fw was lost.
I downloaded the GT-I9100_NEE_I9100XWKF3_I9100XXKE7_I9100OXXKF1.tar and I9100XWKF3_Kernel.tar from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1075278&page=69 and follow root guide.
Loading the firmware using ODIN was successful. When I run SuperOneClick v1.9.5, the process stop Running psneuter..... I also tried using the other exploit option but it also stop Running gingerbreak.....
Did anybody experienced the issue?
Please help..

x-cimo said:
Why does the firmware is country specific? Why would a UK firmware not work in canada for example? I am just curious.
How do I check if it use the same chipset or hardware version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firmware is hardware and country specific.
You have custom data configurations with your country operator (for 3G and MMS). They are already configured in you firmware.
You have your langage dictionary too, keyboard configuration (AZERTY QWERTY QWERTZ ...)
Will you have NFC ? in France we don't have it and our firmware don't have drivers for NFC ...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App

Thanks you
I am currently looking at getting a unlocked one from clove.. (UK)..
Does anyone know if the NFC model are out in UK?

rk.galaxys2 said:
Hi ALL,
<snip>
Loading the firmware using ODIN was successful. When I run SuperOneClick v1.9.5, the process stop Running psneuter..... I also tried using the other exploit option but it also stop Running gingerbreak.....
Did anybody experienced the issue?
Please help..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I just rooted my SGS2 and i have the same issues you did. The SuperOneClick hung at "Running psneuter"
I then followed the instructions from Chainfires thread here.
The CF-Root file i used was the KE4 version in the fourth post down: CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip - [Click for QR Code] (5.96 MB, 5066 views)
I then used the stock firmware for my provider to flash back.
Hope this helps.

BlackMalac said:
Hi,
I just rooted my SGS2 and i have the same issues you did. The SuperOneClick hung at "Running psneuter"
I then followed the instructions from Chainfires thread here.
The CF-Root file i used was the KE4 version in the fourth post down: CF-Root-SGS2_ZS_OZS_KF4-v4.0-CWM4.zip - [Click for QR Code] (5.96 MB, 5066 views)
I then used the stock firmware for my provider to flash back.
Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Why did you have to re-flash the stock firmware after applying CF-Root?
I thought CF-Root didn't affect the current firmware on your device.
Thanks!

sicopat said:
Firmware is hardware and country specific.
You have custom data configurations with your country operator (for 3G and MMS). They are already configured in you firmware.
You have your langage dictionary too, keyboard configuration (AZERTY QWERTY QWERTZ ...)
Will you have NFC ? in France we don't have it and our firmware don't have drivers for NFC ...
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there is custom data configuration with the country operator, then doesn't that mean the 3G and MMS won't be correct for an unlocked SGSII from the UK in Canada? Or is this something that can be changed afterwards (I assume so)
Assuming that the hardware is the same for the upcoming Canadian version, these are the steps that I plan to take:
1. Purchase the phone with no contract (would be locked to Bell)
2. Use Odin to flash latest firmware for UK version. (Looks like it'll be XWKF3 - XEU (Generic UK+Europe) : http :// www .multiupload.com/ZZYM5ZAFA0 -- referenced from intratech's ROM's thread)
3. Follow Chainfire's rooting instructions and Flash CF-Root kernel for firmware (CF-Root-SGS2_XW_CLK_KF3-v4.0-CWM4.zip) (-- referenced from chainfire's CF-Root thread)
4. I should have a rooted phone by this stage. Next, Download and install Galaxy S2 Sim Unlock. (https :// market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.sgs2simunlockcode)
And hopefully if all goes well, I'll have a rooted, unlocked SGS2 that works with Fido.
Would really appreciate it if anybody sees issues with my plan or can confirm that it should work.
Some questions:
* how can I confirm beforehand if the hardware will be compatible. Are we just concerned about the same cores used or does the hardware for radio come into play also?
Thanks,

Related

New toys with questions (newbie here)

Hi everyone, i have just got my newest toys Galaxy S2, came from iPhone tho
Anyway, gonna cut down all the craps and straight to my question.
My questions:
1, how to unlock my galaxy s2? Will it be permenant or ?
2, where can i download the latest official firmware to install my rooted galaxy? I dun want custom and firmware from network carrier but original without any network bundles app
Sent from my GT-I9100T using XDA App
Have a look at the xda bookmarks in my signature. There's links for CF-Root and branded and unbranded ROMs (all official releases). Each thread has full instructions on how to carry out the procedures, so just make sure to carefully read the 1st post on each relevant one and you can't go wrong.
Hmm.. What about sim unlock?
Sent from my GT-I9100T using XDA App
k3nn4 said:
Hmm.. What about sim unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you're rooted, use this...
https://market.android.com/details?id=eu.chainfire.sgs2simunlockcode
It does take a minute or two, so don't worry and think you've done something wrong.
for the unlock right.. is it permenant ??
k3nn4 said:
for the unlock right.. is it permenant ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The short answer: yes.
The long answer: yes it is.
I know that you came from an iphone where everything is done for you, but here there is a Search button - and it works really well. If you cannot find an answer or the answers are confusing/conflicting, then you post a question.
Note of warning: rooting your phone, flashing a non approved firmware or debranding your phone will invalidate your warranty. If you need to return for warranty, then you must return it to factory firmware condition (the ROMs for that can be found via this site) and the custom kernel counter must be reset with a jig - again the information for that can be found on this site.
Guys,
i've rooted my device and now i want to flash an Asia stock firmware (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore) where do i download from ? i've found a link for Malaysia but the size of the file is only 26++ mb.. doesnt seem like a real stock firmware to me..
thanks
still no one can help after a day ????
^ I think there's a Hong Kong one in the ROM thread by intratech. Do a search, and I'm sure you'll find it.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App

[Q] Carrier Branded ROM?

Hello, I would like to know if there's someone that has the carrier branded ROM for Movistar (Peru). My galaxy's vibrator stopped working so I need to claim its warranty.
I know Infratech might get it, but since I have less than 10 posts I can't ask for it in the Original Development Forum where his "carrier branded roms" post is located...
But if anyone got it please let me know,
Thanks in advance.
Also, after rebranding the phone and using the jig to reset the custom firmware counter the phone should be ready to take if back the dealer right?
RaulGuichard said:
Hello, I would like to know if there's someone that has the carrier branded ROM for Movistar (Peru). My galaxy's vibrator stopped working so I need to claim its warranty.
I know Infratech might get it, but since I have less than 10 posts I can't ask for it in the Original Development Forum where his "carrier branded roms" post is located...
But if anyone got it please let me know,
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to use the one from Argentina (UHKG7) just fine. Looks like it's the same version as the latest one for Peru.
Carrier branded firmware here & country specific non-branded firmware here, or if you're after the latest firmware for your carrier/phone/country try Checkfus (search for it on here).
Thanks MistahBungle, but the one I'm looking for is not listed there, and I cannot request it there because I still have less than 10 posts, I'll try to get to it without making nonsense posts.
ctomgee said:
You should be able to use the one from Argentina (UHKG7) just fine. Looks like it's the same version as the latest one for Peru.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think my phone actually came with KE5, and I think there was no Kies update ever for my Carrier-Country combination, so wouldn't that be a problem and let them know I have been flashing it?
RaulGuichard said:
I think my phone actually came with KE5, and I think there was no Kies update ever for my Carrier-Country combination, so wouldn't that be a problem and let them know I have been flashing it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case, use the one from Columbia, which is UHKE5. It's also the closest listed country for Movistar to Peru geographically anyways, so it's probably from the same batch.
ctomgee said:
In that case, use the one from Columbia, which is UHKE5. It's also the closest listed country for Movistar to Peru geographically anyways, so it's probably from the same batch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, I tried with checkfus and found there's a newer firmware,
This is how I got my phone:
Product Code: GT-I9100LKLSAM
Phone Version: I9100UHKE3
PDA Version: I9100UHKE5
CSC Version: I9100SAMKE2
and it says the latest firmware for SAM is:
PDA: I9100UHKG7
CSC: I9100SAMKG1
Phone: I9100UHKG4
I can't download CheckFus to download it because the sites tells me that no hotlinking is permitted and keeps sending me back to the homepage, so I'll search for CheckFus elsewere and try to get that firmware.
Ok, it is downloading right now, thanks for your help, after it finishes I'll flash it and use the jig to reset the counter, as far as I know it will be ready to take it back,
Any recomendations for making a backup of my phone as it is right now? Thanks again.
RaulGuichard said:
Ok, it is downloading right now, thanks for your help, after it finishes I'll flash it and use the jig to reset the counter, as far as I know it will be ready to take it back,
Any recomendations for making a backup of my phone as it is right now? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A Nandroid. But I think you'd need to root it again to do so.
Hello RaulGuichard,
Please could you post the site where you find the firmware. I'm looking for it but no lucky.

OTA update proposed on my rooted XWLP7 - what is it ?

I am very suprised to have been offered an OTA update - as I had flashed a firmware myself.
I was expecting, that with an unbranded flashed firmware, I would never receive an OTA update.
Am I wrong?
The details:
I flashed a few months ago XWLP7 via Mobile Odin pro, and I am rooted.
The phone itself was purchased sim-free & unbranded, my 3g provider is vodafone uk - pay mothnly.
XWLP7 was taken from the official ICS leaked firmware thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544487
would at least try to understand if the proposed update is the recent I9100XWLPT
but don't know ho to figure out what the update is.
Also, I would prefer to use ODIN pro again rather than doing an offical update and maybe lose root.
please advise!
thanks!
Yes, the corect regional update is probably LPT.
You will lose the root anyhow, even if you flash with Odin or directly via Wi-Fi.
edo_xda said:
I am very suprised to have been offered an OTA update - as I had flashed a firmware myself.
I was expecting, that with an unbranded flashed firmware, I would never receive an OTA update.
Am I wrong?
The details:
I flashed a few months ago XWLP7 via Mobile Odin pro, and I am rooted.
The phone itself was purchased sim-free & unbranded, my 3g provider is vodafone uk - pay mothnly.
XWLP7 was taken from the official ICS leaked firmware thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1544487
would at least try to understand if the proposed update is the recent I9100XWLPT
but don't know ho to figure out what the update is.
Also, I would prefer to use ODIN pro again rather than doing an offical update and maybe lose root.
please advise!
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not just flash the latest I9100XWLPT rather than flashing that and loosing root?
I just flashed the LPT and I didnt lose root.Maybe someone can add what the "everoot" function is in mobile odin pro.
I think I lost cwm but I got it back with siyah 3.5 flash.
Sent from my GT-I9100
mihaixp said:
Yes, the corect regional update is probably LPT.
You will lose the root anyhow, even if you flash with Odin or directly via Wi-Fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - I did not accept the update and flashed I9100XWLPT with Mobile Odin Pro directly.
as usual, it worked great and did not lose root.
cheers
I also got this update but didn't accept as I heard that Samsung were pushing updates out which removes the search function when holding the menu button because they lost a law suit with Apple or something.
It could just be a rumour but I didn't want to risk it.
Does XWLPT still have the search function?
Also does XWLPT have the hard brick bug?
Cheers!
Obagleyfreer said:
I also got this update but didn't accept as I heard that Samsung were pushing updates out which removes the search function when holding the menu button because they lost a law suit with Apple or something.
It could just be a rumour but I didn't want to risk it.
Does XWLPT still have the search function?
Also does XWLPT have the hard brick bug?
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have the search. and the [hone is not brocked (yet
edo_xda said:
Yes I have the search. and the [hone is not brocked (yet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can download the 'got brick bug' app from chain fire to check.
Until then I wouldn't do a factory reset or wipe just to make sure
I tried the same update and its just as crap as the older one-and more laggy.Maybe its because Im liking rr3 performance.
Sent from my GT-I9100
Obagleyfreer said:
You can download the 'got brick bug' app from chain fire to check.
Until then I wouldn't do a factory reset or wipe just to make sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep I did that and I've got the bug.
edo_xda said:
yep I did that and I've got the bug.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just flash the latest siyah kernel and u can do wipes in recovery without any brick bug issue for sure
Sun90 said:
just flash the latest siyah kernel and u can do wipes in recovery without any brick bug issue for sure
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks -
can I do the kernel-only flashing using MOBILE Odin pro ?
I no longer have (nor wish to have) windows pcs
edo_xda said:
Thanks -
can I do the kernel-only flashing using MOBILE Odin pro ?
I no longer have (nor wish to have) windows pcs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently there is a risk of bricking your phone if you have the brick bug and you use Mobile Odin so I wouldn't risk it.
If you're using a Mac you can use Heimdall, it's similar to Odin
Obagleyfreer said:
Apparently there is a risk of bricking your phone if you have the brick bug and you use Mobile Odin so I wouldn't risk it.
If you're using a Mac you can use Heimdall, it's similar to Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks - will give it a go

[Q] Installing Official 4.1 without Kies or Root

I've got an unlocked I9100 running the official 4.0.4 rom on EE in the UK. I've read that the jelly bean update is now available, but the OTA update never seems to find anything for me. I've tried installing Kies, but for whatever reason, it just wont detect my phone....
So my question is this. Is there a way for me to install the update using Odin without having to root my phone? The reason I ask is that I have banking applications that refuse to run once the phone is rooted.
Thanks in advance!
tomallen35 said:
I've got an unlocked I9100 running the official 4.0.4 rom on EE in the UK. I've read that the jelly bean update is now available, but the OTA update never seems to find anything for me. I've tried installing Kies, but for whatever reason, it just wont detect my phone....
So my question is this. Is there a way for me to install the update using Odin without having to root my phone? The reason I ask is that I have banking applications that refuse to run once the phone is rooted.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing with Odin does not require root. It never has.
tomallen35 said:
I've got an unlocked I9100 running the official 4.0.4 rom on EE in the UK. I've read that the jelly bean update is now available, but the OTA update never seems to find anything for me. I've tried installing Kies, but for whatever reason, it just wont detect my phone....
So my question is this. Is there a way for me to install the update using Odin without having to root my phone? The reason I ask is that I have banking applications that refuse to run once the phone is rooted.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned above if your installing stock use odin, no root needed.
Which banking app you having problem with on root?
TheATHEiST said:
As mentioned above if your installing stock use odin, no root needed.
Which banking app you having problem with on root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The barclays app detects root access and wont start if it finds root. There are probably ways around it, but it was a pain getting the thing working in the first place!
tomallen35 said:
I've got an unlocked I9100 running the official 4.0.4 rom on EE in the UK. I've read that the jelly bean update is now available, but the OTA update never seems to find anything for me. I've tried installing Kies, but for whatever reason, it just wont detect my phone....
So my question is this. Is there a way for me to install the update using Odin without having to root my phone? The reason I ask is that I have banking applications that refuse to run once the phone is rooted.
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I was in the same position as you.
I was on stock unbranded UK ROM, I downloaded official Spain JB. Used ODIN and flashed over my phone with no wipe.
Phone booted up fine with all my data. Phone still remins unrooted
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
tomallen35 said:
The barclays app detects root access and wont start if it finds root. There are probably ways around it, but it was a pain getting the thing working in the first place!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you need to do is use SU to block the app from gaining root privileges.
Just flash JB using ODIN, reboot into download mode again and flash Siyah kernel v6 beta4.
The kernel will give you root, cwm, cwm manager and SU. Whenever a app tries to access root you will have a option to allow or block.
olyloh6696 said:
Hey, I was in the same position as you.
I was on stock unbranded UK ROM, I downloaded official Spain JB. Used ODIN and flashed over my phone with no wipe.
Phone booted up fine with all my data. Phone still remins unrooted
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can I update to my region's version through Kies when I have the Spanish version?
Also I would like to know that will my phone have warranty after that? I'm sure I would drop it the next day after I lost the warranty.
leocooper said:
Can I update to my region's version through Kies when I have the Spanish version?
Also I would like to know that will my phone have warranty after that? I'm sure I would drop it the next day after I lost the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root: Voids warranty.
Flash: voids warranty.
Kies: Sees your firmware (e.g Spain) and will only look for that firmware' (Spain) updates.
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
Root: Voids warranty.
Flash: voids warranty.
Kies: Sees your firmware (e.g Spain) and will only look for Spain Updates.
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So flashing to an official firmware will void my warranty?
yeap, as long as it's not from your region country (unbranded) or your carrier branded ROM (locked & branded).
If you have an unbranded, unlocked phone and you are from SPAIN, you are all good.
If not, you've modified your device against your warranty's advice.
You can also make a back up of your current ROM in case you have to claim warranty.
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
yeap, as long as it's not from your region country (unbranded) or your carrier branded ROM (locked & branded).
If you have an unbranded, unlocked phone and you are from SPAIN, you are all good.
If not, you've modified your device against your warranty's advice.
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But will it trip the flash counter and will I get the warranty back when my region's version finally comes out and I flash it?
You can remove that triangle and your binary counter with triangle away.
Official ROMs won't cause any of that because they are samsungs officials.
And yes, as I said, you can flash your country / region / carrier ROM in the future and everything will look legit.
Warranty will try to see if you messed with your device in any kind, you just need to prove you didn't.
By learning how at xda
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
You can remove that triangle and your binary counter with triangle away.
Official ROMs won't cause any of that because they are samsungs officials.
And yes, as I said, you can flash your country / region / carrier ROM in the future and everything will look legit.
Warranty will try to see if you messed with your device in any kind, you just need to prove you didn't.
By learning how at xda
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the last dumb question, I promise: can I update from full stock 4.0.4 to the Spanish version without a full wipe and will I be able to flash my region's version without a wipe when it comes out + have everything look 100% legit?
lol, brick bug got you scared there huh?
Yeah, you could do that. Wipes aren't mandatory but they do help sometimes.
Take a couple of days reading threads in this section, 4.0.4 related.
This way you'll cone across some stories and you can learn about what-to-do & what not-to-do.
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
lol, brick bug got you scared there huh?
Yeah, you could do that. Wipes aren't mandatory but they do help sometimes.
Take a couple of days reading threads in this section, 4.0.4 related.
This way you'll cone across some stories and you can learn about what-to-do & what not-to-do.
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually no, I just don't feel like I want to reinstall everything because I can't do a proper backup since I don't want to root.
So let me recap this: I can flash the Spanish version without a full wipe, keep all my apps and data, flash the Nordic version when it comes available, still keep my apps and warranty without tripping the flash counter and receive official updates to the Nordic version through Kies.
Correct me if I am wrong.
EDIT: Oh, and by the way, I seem to have a sane chip
leocooper said:
Actually no, I just don't feel like I want to reinstall everything because I can't do a proper backup since I don't want to root.
So let me recap this: I can flash the Spanish version without a full wipe, keep all my apps and data, flash the Nordic version when it comes available, still keep my apps and warranty without tripping the flash counter and receive official updates to the Nordic version through Kies.
Correct me if I am wrong.
EDIT: Oh, and by the way, I seem to have a sane chip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When nordic update rolls out you will have to flash it with odin, and only then you can update thru kies/ota.
If you flash ls8 you'll only get spain updates via kies/ota.
The easier way for you to get the right ROM for you is to back up your current ROM. When your country / region / carrier starts rolling the update you can restore thar ROM and update it via kies/ota.
Is your device unbranded or carrier branded?
Sent from the little guy
leocooper said:
This is the last dumb question, I promise: can I update from full stock 4.0.4 to the Spanish version without a full wipe and will I be able to flash my region's version without a wipe when it comes out + have everything look 100% legit?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I alrrady confirmed that one my first post.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
gastonw said:
When nordic update rolls out you will have to flash it with odin, and only then you can update thru kies/ota.
If you flash ls8 you'll only get spain updates via kies/ota.
The easier way for you to get the right ROM for you is to back up your current ROM. When your country / region / carrier starts rolling the update you can restore thar ROM and update it via kies/ota.
Is your device unbranded or carrier branded?
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unbranded. So if I flash the nordic version on top of the Spanish one (with Odin ) I don't have to wipe at all at any point and my warranty will stay + I can then update the nordic version through kies (if this isn't the last update)
Your warranty will be voided as long as you are on ls8. After you flash your country/region ROM, warranty will resume.
LS8 is FROM spain FOR spain. If your device isn't from spain, there's no way you can get ls8 thru proper channels. That is what warranty is all about.
Sent from the little guy
gastonw said:
Your warranty will be voided as long as you are on ls8. After you flash your country/region ROM, warranty will resume.
LS8 is FROM spain FOR spain. If your device isn't from spain, there's no way you can get ls8 thru proper channels. That is what warranty is all about.
Sent from the little guy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I understand that.
I can use LS8 until the nordic version comes out, flash it with Odin without a wipe and then have my warranty back when I'm on the nordic version, am I right?

Question Bought 8GB device from Online Marketplace (Taiwan CSC) - Seeking advice

Hi all,
I ended up getting a phone from a foreign region (Taiwan - I live in the UK), since I couldn't find the 8gb version from a UK seller.
The phone came with the tamper seals broken
https://imgur.com/a/pSd9yoZ
and seemingly had a screen protector on it (I don't know if it was the factory film, but it seemed too hardy to be that).
https://www.onbuy.com/gb/unlocked-a...s-5g-dual-sim-256gb-8gb-ram~c12871~p52964453/
The phone is listed as Unlocked and New.
It seems that the seller sold a used device as new? Or would they have had to unpack the device to network unlock it?
I installed https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joeykrim.rootcheck&gl=GB which gives a "Sorry! Root access is not propertly installed on this device." message.
Also, booting the phone in download mode gives the line: "WARRANTY VOID : 0x0", so it seems Knox hasn't been tripped.
Does this mean the phone is safe to use without fear of malware?
Will things like Samsung pay work if the phone is from a different region (with Knox still intact)?
Should I flash a fresh stock ROM? (I've never done this before)
If so, would it have to be a Taiwanese one? (with matching CSC region)
Thanks!
Arobase40 said:
The tamper seals broken is normal if the seller added a film protection...
I have no experience with phones from Taiwan, but I bought my Galaxy Note9 with 512 GB storage to a dealer from Hong-Kong but the Note9 came from an Australian carrier (unlocked though)... lol
I flashed a XEF French firmware and all is fine till now.
No need to flash a firmware from Taiwan as you can use any firmware you wish so if any malware it should be erase, and don't forget to use the normal CSC and not the HOME_CSC, so it will switch the Taïwan CSC to your UK CSC...
You can also remove most bloatwares with adb commands without being root.
But be aware Samsung Pay doesn't work in every countries of the world, so be sure it is working in your country.
Push the Thank button if my post was useful to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!
So I should flash stock firmware? Or you think I can use it without flashing?
Arobase40 said:
better flash a stock firmware as we never know the consequence of Taiwanese CSC specially with your phone call plan... ^^
Then, you'll be sure your phone will be fully clean. You have to do this only one time !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok. But will this break Knox? Will it disable features like Samsung Pay?
How will updates be affected?
edit: the 256gb/8gb RAM model doesn't exist in the EU/UK. So if I use a UK firmware, can this cause errors? (UK has only 128GB/6GB RAM).
If you still feel insecure you can keep the Taẅan firmware but you will be on your own... ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What can happen if I don't flash any stock firmware?
Arobase40 said:
Since this is original and genuine firmware from Samsung, there should be not problem and no issue at all.
As I said if Samsung Pay is working in the UK, there should also be no problem !
Just use PC Odin which is also an official tool used in the official Samsung Repair centers.
As far I know Taïwan receives International firmwares.
There was also no Galaxy Note9 with 512GB storage in France and I never encounter any trouble with Samsung firmwares.
If you still feel insecure you can keep the Taẅan firmware but you will be on your own... ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I do flash, is this a trusted source to download the firmware: https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-a52s/firmware/SM-A528B/BTU/download/A528BXXS1AUL3/1598707/
?
Sammobile is a trusted place to download firmware, however they have a speed cap for non premium users.
I would suggest you to use Frija which can be found here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-frija-samsung-firmware-downloader-checker.3910594/
razercortex said:
Sammobile is a trusted place to download firmware, however they have a speed cap for non premium users.
I would suggest you to use Frija which can be found here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-frija-samsung-firmware-downloader-checker.3910594/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
or https://github.com/jesec/samfirm.js
Arobase40 said:
YUP !
But with Sammobile the download rate will be very very low and it may take between 2 to 4 hours at the least...
So better use Frija if you can as it will run at full speed !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok thanks!
razercortex said:
Sammobile is a trusted place to download firmware, however they have a speed cap for non premium users.
I would suggest you to use Frija which can be found here https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/tool-frija-samsung-firmware-downloader-checker.3910594/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which version of Odin should I download from https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/patched-odin-3-13-1.3762572/
?
Arobase40 said:
Loool
I guess OP is kind of a rookie and not so confident and you suggest him to use a Linux version and/or to compile his own version ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's a command line tool so it's a bit more complicated lol
Arobase40 said:
I think anyone should be fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks.
Arobase40 said:
Please report once done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will. I will wait to see if the seller can explain why the box was not sealed. If I do not get a reply in few days I will try flash the UK unlocked firmware (CSC: BTU). This is the correct firmware for UK (unlocked), yes?
Arobase40 said:
There are different CSC for your country but BTU should be fine with UK carrier free phone.
I don't think you should waist your time with the seal as obviously this is due to the screen protection and as "WARRANTY VOID : 0x0", but do as you wish...
Other clues to know if there were an attempt to root this phone : from the Download mode you should see :
- CURRENT BINARY : Samsung Official
- OEM LOCK : ON
- WARRANTY VOID : 0x0
Then all is fine !
But if you have :
- CURRENT BINARY : "Custom (0xxxx)
- OEM LOCK : OFF (U)
- WARRANTY VOID : 0x1
Then you are in trouble...
BTW can you confirm the actual CSC ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have all that in Download mode - so there has been no root access?
The CSC is A528BBRI1AUL2 which appears to be the 1 December 21 security update (I installed this because I thought it would be safer to connect to WiFi with the latest version).
Edit: what can happen if I keep the Taiwan CSC? You said can be problems with my phone call plan??
Arobase40 said:
If this is this one :
- CURRENT BINARY : Samsung Official
- OEM LOCK : ON
- WARRANTY VOID : 0x0
Then indeed no root access !!!
A528BBRI1AUL2 : is NOT the CSC. It should be 3 Letters or 2 letters with a number as BTU is the UK CSC...
Should be in the "Carrier software version" or something like that as I don't have an English firmware version.
About keeping Taiwan CSC, I said could be problem with your phone call plan as your actual UK carrier may think you are calling from Taïwan and may charge you extra fees... lol
This is just a hypothesis, a guess...
But come on, you have all the steps and tools to do this safely so don't be so scary...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CSC is BRI (A528BBRI1AUL2)
I will post here if I decide to flash BTU CSC. I can't find any information of someone who flashed BTU on BRI device, so I am worried that it might cause issues. I am a n00b so I don't know what the problems can be.
Ledzee said:
CSC is BRI (A528BBRI1AUL2)
I will post here if I decide to flash BTU CSC. I can't find any information of someone who flashed BTU on BRI device, so I am worried that it might cause issues. I am a n00b so I don't know what the problems can be.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't be too worried about switching firmware, as long as you're doing it the right way. There might be one or two small things you'll need to set when you switch firmwares due to different configs, but you should be good to go.
Odin only flashes the firmware if it sees that everything is set right, otherwise the firmware won't be flashed which virtually removes most troubles you would otherwise face in more universal flash tools.
But do it when you feel like it, watch plenty of videos on how to do it so that you know exactly how the process goes on.
Other than that, the others have pretty much told you everything there is to know. I wouldn't worry about the broken seals since the phone looks to be on official software with Knox intact. I would flash it with a clean firmware though just to be 100% that there no nasty on it!
Edit: Since you are a newbie to this, make sure you get the right firmware for your phone. The A52 has so many variants, the A525F, A525M, A526B, A526U1, A528B and there might be more. Make sure you know your's by looking for the Model Number in the About Phone section at the foot of the settings app.
ashraftheboss said:
You shouldn't be too worried about switching firmware, as long as you're doing it the right way. There might be one or two small things you'll need to set when you switch firmwares due to different configs, but you should be good to go.
Odin only flashes the firmware if it sees that everything is set right, otherwise the firmware won't be flashed which virtually removes most troubles you would otherwise face in more universal flash tools.
But do it when you feel like it, watch plenty of videos on how to do it so that you know exactly how the process goes on.
Other than that, the others have pretty much told you everything there is to know. I wouldn't worry about the broken seals since the phone looks to be on official software with Knox intact. I would flash it with a clean firmware though just to be 100% that there no nasty on it!
Edit: Since you are a newbie to this, make sure you get the right firmware for your phone. The A52 has so many variants, the A525F, A525M, A526B, A526U1, A528B and there might be more. Make sure you know your's by looking for the Model Number in the About Phone section at the foot of the settings app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The full model name is SM-A528BZKIBRI. How do I know if a particular CSC will be compatible?
Arobase40 said:
When you use Frija, for the Model name you just have to type SM-A528B and for the CSC, type BTU, then click on Check Update. it will show you the latest firmware available. Simply click on Download and then put it in the folder of your choice.
It may take a while depending on your internet speed. You will find a zip file with 5 files inside. So you just have to unzip it, before you can use PC Odin to flash them.
In you case, you have to use the CSC_OMC_XXXXXX and not the HOME_CSC_XXXXX as you want to convert the BRI CSC to BTU CSC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. So I can type any region's CSC as long as I put the model as SM-A528B and the files will be compatible?
Doesn't matter that BRI isn't in the same multi-csc (OXM) that BTU is in?
Ledzee said:
Thanks. So I can type any region's CSC as long as I put the model as SM-A528B and the files will be compatible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much yeah.
Arobase40 said:
NOPE, as all CSC won't be compatible as all countries aren't using the same network frequencies and VoLTE or VoWifi aren't supported everywhere and some frequencies won't be compatible and thus won't work !
One time I downloaded and flashed an Indian firmware to get phone call recorder function and my french carrier charged me different SMS I didn't send myself !!! ^^
So I had to flash back a local firmware to get rid of this problem !!! ^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am confused haha. So how do I know that BTU is compatible on my device?
Arobase40 said:
Because I tell you it is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha. How do you know though?
Also, is it a problem that I downloaded the December Security Update already? (Now factory reset just takes it back to December update, not older).

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