Hi folks!
Getting my S6 Edge on Monday the 13th.
My phone will be delivered with carrier branding - boot animations and added bloatware.
Since SammMobile released the official firmwares, i wanted to know if any of those firmwares can help me "de-brand" my phone (install stock Samsung rom)
Anyone know what does "Country/Carrier - Unknown" - means?
I cannot post any links yet
I would also be interested in this as my phone has come full of Three bloat ware and boot animations. I would much rather have a stock rom. Plus it does not have the A-Z option in the launcher for apps.
jms.flynn said:
I would also be interested in this as my phone has come full of Three bloat ware and boot animations. I would much rather have a stock rom. Plus it does not have the A-Z option in the launcher for apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I'm aware you can flash the BTU firmware (stock, no branding) using Odin
Firmware can be obtained from Sammobile
And I've been told this can be done without tripping Knox
azibux1 said:
As far as I'm aware you can flash the BTU firmware (stock, no branding) using Odin
Firmware can be obtained from Sammobile
And I've been told this can be done without tripping Knox
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is also a concern - i don't want to trip Knox a this point. Can someone confirm?
Also as i have seen on Sam-mobile, there are a lot or ROMs with different carriers/countries, can someone please explain the difference between them?
Are they "Branded" and come with bloatware or just region-linked?
Because there is also "Unknown" version in that list. Does it means Stock international ROM?
Can confirm I have flashed the UK BTU firmware over three firmware with no issues what so ever. Knox hasn't been tripped and all bloatware has gone. Although still no A-Z sorting of menu.
I really hope we can do this on AT&T without tripping KNOX. I'm sure it would remove all that BS AT&T puts on the phone.
The ATT models have app drawer sorting? It's a stand alone A-Z toggle in the top right of the app drawer
T mobile does
EDIT: Nevermind my previous post at this place. Seems like Sammobile is having troubles and gave me the wrong firmware file (S6 instead of S6 edge). Or I was to tired, that's why Odin said "FAIL"
I just unbranded my s6 edge by flashing the german firmware from sammobile successfully. I accidentially didn't even unencrypt my phone before and it works.
All Data is still there and the apps did update on first start.
Knox not tripped.
has anyone found the USA t mobile firmware for the edge on sam mobile yet? (SM-G925T)
I've only seen it on junk sites like Rapidgator, and Upload.to
thanks
whitepaw said:
EDIT: Nevermind my previous post at this place. Seems like Sammobile is having troubles and gave me the wrong firmware file (S6 instead of S6 edge). Or I was to tired, that's why Odin said "FAIL"
I just unbranded my s6 edge by flashing the german firmware from sammobile successfully. I accidentially didn't even unencrypt my phone before and it works.
All Data is still there and the apps did update on first start.
Knox not tripped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So it doesn't matter which firmware i would flash? (Germany, turkey etc'....)
I haven't seen t mobile edge firmware on sammobile yet; its on rapidgator and upload to, but it will take 8 hours to download..
and I would NOT risk trouble by flashing anything but t mobile usa firmware, but hey, its your phone to do what you want with..
How long do sammobiles downloads take
on a free account, probably 2 hours; less if you pay for a premium account I assume
but as of this am, the t mobile edge version isn't there yet
jms.flynn said:
Can confirm I have flashed the UK BTU firmware over three firmware with no issues what so ever. Knox hasn't been tripped and all bloatware has gone. Although still no A-Z sorting of menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about the boot animations etc?
GetDiz said:
How about the boot animations etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a german T-Mobile version and got annoyed by the t-mobile logo on boot. After flashing the official German Version from sammobile it's gone and replaced by samsungs logo.
GetDiz said:
So it doesn't matter which firmware i would flash? (Germany, turkey etc'....)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware must be for your device and it should be made for your region. I can assume that if you flash another one you might have troubles with the mobile phone network.
GetDiz said:
This is also a concern - i don't want to trip Knox a this point. Can someone confirm?
Also as i have seen on Sam-mobile, there are a lot or ROMs with different carriers/countries, can someone please explain the difference between them?
Are they "Branded" and come with bloatware or just region-linked?
Because there is also "Unknown" version in that list. Does it means Stock international ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing official firmwares via ODIN will not trip KNOX. Use SAMMOBILE to download the one you want.
Use also the latest ODIN software version.
Some official firmwares come with some bloat apps but they can be easily uninstalled.
---------- Post added at 18:53 ---------- Previous post was at 18:51 ----------
whitepaw said:
I have a german T-Mobile version and got annoyed by the t-mobile logo on boot. After flashing the official German Version from sammobile it's gone and replaced by samsungs logo.
The firmware must be for your device and it should be made for your region. I can assume that if you flash another one you might have troubles with the mobile phone network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely true. You can use what region you want. I never had problem with the signal after using different region firmwares.
Related
Hi guys, just a generic question. What does it mean when the phone is unlocked? I got an unlocked Galaxy S III I9300 and I'm using it on US T-Mobile. Curiously, the phone came with a lot of German T-Mobile bloatware. Are all I9300 not the same? Is it possible to make it completely carrier free? Please enlighten me
It means its not locked to a network .
Branded means its branded by a carrier/network.provider .
Flashing stock rom will remove the branding .
jje
Thanks for the info. Is there a way to update to the stock rom officially through kies or something? And I'm just wondering, are there any carriers in Europe that use stock rom?
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
sam-san said:
Thanks for the info. Is there a way to update to the stock rom officially through kies or something? And I'm just wondering, are there any carriers in Europe that use stock rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do it through KIES, it will keep all the branding, because it will update the ROM for the same CSC (operator-specific firmware) you have.
You need to first install, using Odin or MobileODIN, an unbranded firmware. All countries have branded and unbranded firmwares.
For instance, an UK unbranded ROM can be downloaded like this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=28367295#post28367295
There are unbranded ROMs for all European countries. Use CheckFus to figure out what their CSC code is.
Thanks. So after i flash an unbranded firmware i can get the unbranded rom updates? And it won't wipe my phone right. Does samsung sell the I9300 with unbranded firmware and rom anywhere in Europe? Personally got mine on Amazon.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
sam-san said:
Thanks. So after i flash an unbranded firmware i can get the unbranded rom updates? And it won't wipe my phone right. Does samsung sell the I9300 with unbranded firmware and rom anywhere in Europe? Personally got mine on Amazon.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Providers sales outlets networks may sell unbranded and or unlocked throughout the world .
CPW car-phone warehouse UK is unbranded and unlocked .
jje
Check Fus shows my csc is I9300DTMLH2
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
sam-san said:
Thanks. So after i flash an unbranded firmware i can get the unbranded rom updates? And it won't wipe my phone right. Does samsung sell the I9300 with unbranded firmware and rom anywhere in Europe? Personally got mine on Amazon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- It won't wipe your phone, UNLESS you tell it to.
- There aren't that many OTA updates anyway, so don't worry about it. Besides, when an update is released, you can install it on your phone using the Odin or MobileOdin methods long before it is available on the OTA. None of these require you to wipe your phone.
to use Odin you don't need root, but you do if you want to use mobileOdin.
I've flashed over 20 stock unbranded ROMs on my S III and I never did a data wipe on it, and yet it works flawlessly.
Using the top-right panel of CheckFus, you can download ANY CSC you want as long as it is for the GT-I9300. You don't have to keep it locked to a specific CSC. For Germany I believe the unbranded CSC is coded DBT (or something like that).
Hey, thanks for the info. The website for Checkfus Downloader isn't working. Do you have a link to it or can you post it here? From what I've read, CHANGING the CSC will wipe the phone right. Is there any reason for me to change the CSC to UK or something? I don't really care if the default language is German as long as I can change it to English. I just want to get rid of the bloatware and get an unbranded firmware/rom.
EDIT: Found the firmware on SamMobile. Thanks for the DBT tip.
http://www.sammobile.com/firmware/?page=8&view=6505
I just want to confirm flashing that won't wipe my phone? Because the CSC is different isn't it?
EDIT 2: Read your post again. So flashing the firmware won't actually change the CSC right. I just won't be able to keep the unbranded rom if I update via KIES?
Simonetti2011 said:
- It won't wipe your phone, UNLESS you tell it to.
- There aren't that many OTA updates anyway, so don't worry about it. Besides, when an update is released, you can install it on your phone using the Odin or MobileOdin methods long before it is available on the OTA. None of these require you to wipe your phone.
to use Odin you don't need root, but you do if you want to use mobileOdin.
I've flashed over 20 stock unbranded ROMs on my S III and I never did a data wipe on it, and yet it works flawlessly.
Using the top-right panel of CheckFus, you can download ANY CSC you want as long as it is for the GT-I9300. You don't have to keep it locked to a specific CSC. For Germany I believe the unbranded CSC is coded DBT (or something like that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-Ok, so. Basically I can flash any unbranded firmware I want (UK, German, etc...) regardless of the CSC.
-I just have to use Odin everytime I want to update.
-Also, will I lose the unlock?
-Will there be issues with the modem/baseband/CSC incompatibility or something.
P.S. I keep asking if Odin will wipe my phone because I used to own a Galaxy S 1, and Odin was basically the last resort to flash your phone back to stock, and it was always a wipe.
Thank you.
I have a galaxy s 3 which was given to me as a gift. It was on orange, but was unlocked for me so that I can use it on o2.
I have no idea how it was unlocked, but im unsure about upgrading the software through kies.
Can I still upgrade my software through kies to the latest jellybean? Because ive been waiting for the upgrade on my phone and it still hasnt come up. infact i dont have the option to check for updates either
what shall i do? I dont know if ill lose my data or block my phone by upgrading to jellybean via kies
help please
Your phone maybe unlocked but have the same carrier firmware. You need to flash via Odin a unbranded firmware, as if you do update by kies it may lock your phone again.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
thanks, how do I do that? i dont know much about phones/software/etc
So I have bit the bullet and purchased a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge T-Mobile variant from Amazon.DE and was wondering what firmware do I need to flash to get the international firmware on it (I assume I need to use Odin for this? Will this trip Knox)?
The firmware is labeled as UK/EU international on Sammobile.
Wouldn't trip Know but might not be worth flashing as I heard the T-mobile isn't branded.
jhericurls said:
The firmware is labeled as UK/EU international on Sammobile.
Wouldn't trip Know but might not be worth flashing as I heard the T-mobile isn't branded.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really think that as soon as u use odin the knox WILL be triped as of my self!
iGordy101 said:
I really think that as soon as u use odin the knox WILL be triped as of my self!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will but I haven't tried to flash an international rom in fear a brick will occur
Flashed mine a few times between the O2 UK and Generic UK firmware and Knox hasn't been tripped. The only issue I've seen so far is being unable to get the O2 splash screen back.
Hello there.
I have a SM-925I from Brazil, but I realized that this variant exists in other countries... My question is, if I change the original rom for a rom from another country, but from the same model (SM-g925I) will it trip my knox? Will i miss my warranty?
I want to install lollipop 5.1.1
Thank You
If you're going to venture into ROM changing, forget about warranty
Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
Brava27 said:
If you're going to venture into ROM changing, forget about warranty
Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i think i'll wait then... too expensive in Brazil to lose warranty.
Thanks, man.
alexandreangeli said:
Well, i think i'll wait then... too expensive in Brazil to lose warranty.
Thanks, man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just root and be careful. I've rooted every device I've owned and don't care about warranty. If you're careful then you are good. Checkout ping pong root. It roots without warranty.
Brava27 said:
Just root and be careful. I've rooted every device I've owned and don't care about warranty. If you're careful then you are good. Checkout ping pong root. It roots without warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, I will find out more about root and think hard before do it.
Thanks for the tips.
alexandreangeli said:
Hello there.
I have a SM-925I from Brazil, but I realized that this variant exists in other countries... My question is, if I change the original rom for a rom from another country, but from the same model (SM-g925I) will it trip my knox? Will i miss my warranty?
I want to install lollipop 5.1.1
Thank You
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only 5.1.1 version for the 925I are from the Indian version and it seems that Samsung has since held back a little with releasing it for other CSCs.
There have been a few reports of people flashing the 5.1.1 version on their 925I phones on Australia and no longer getting good 4g speeds. I'm going to wait until the Australian version of the update is released.
Having said that, if the firmware you want to flash is stock firmware produced by Samsung and is compatible with your phone variant (I.e a 925I stock firmware) regardless of CSC then flashing it via Odin should not trip Knox and should not interfere with your warranty. A couple of people here or there have stated that they've tried Knox this way but the majority (including me) have been fine.
You'll need to factory reset following changing to a different CSC if you want to receive over the air updates.
My suggestion? Wait for the Brazilian update. As for rooting, apart from blocking ads I've not missed having root at all.
Sent from my Galaxy S6 Edge
dlotters said:
The only 5.1.1 version for the 925I are from the Indian version and it seems that Samsung has since held back a little with releasing it for other CSCs.
There have been a few reports of people flashing the 5.1.1 version on their 925I phones on Australia and no longer getting good 4g speeds. I'm going to wait until the Australian version of the update is released.
Having said that, if the firmware you want to flash is stock firmware produced by Samsung and is compatible with your phone variant (I.e a 925I stock firmware) regardless of CSC then flashing it via Odin should not trip Knox and should not interfere with your warranty. A couple of people here or there have stated that they've tried Knox this way but the majority (including me) have been fine.
You'll need to factory reset following changing to a different CSC if you want to receive over the air updates.
My suggestion? Wait for the Brazilian update. As for rooting, apart from blocking ads I've not missed having root at all.
Sent from my Galaxy S6 Edge
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you
Sent from my SM-G925I using Tapatalk
dlotters said:
The only 5.1.1 version for the 925I are from the Indian version and it seems that Samsung has since held back a little with releasing it for other CSCs.
There have been a few reports of people flashing the 5.1.1 version on their 925I phones on Australia and no longer getting good 4g speeds. I'm going to wait until the Australian version of the update is released.
Having said that, if the firmware you want to flash is stock firmware produced by Samsung and is compatible with your phone variant (I.e a 925I stock firmware) regardless of CSC then flashing it via Odin should not trip Knox and should not interfere with your warranty. A couple of people here or there have stated that they've tried Knox this way but the majority (including me) have been fine.
You'll need to factory reset following changing to a different CSC if you want to receive over the air updates.
My suggestion? Wait for the Brazilian update. As for rooting, apart from blocking ads I've not missed having root at all.
Sent from my Galaxy S6 Edge
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, man. That was very enlightening. I'll wait for thrle brazilian update.
Thanks again.
Sent from my SM-G925I using Tapatalk
I have an international S9+ (SM-965F/DS, 256G) and noticed there is no WiFi calling option under Connections/More Connection Settings (or anywhere else). What's up with that? The phone passed all authenticity checks I threw at it, including working Iris scanner and dual-aperture camera, so I really don't think it's a fake.
Of note, I have 2 T-Mobile Sims in it, and everything else seems to be working fine.
Stumped...
Unless you unlock the bootloader and flash the T-Mobile CSC, WiFi calling, VoLTE, video calling, and RCS will not work on the SM-G965F.
Wow, really? Where can I get TMo firmware? And if I do that, will it trip Knox and kill Samsung Pay? Also, will I get Tmo OTA updates after that? Thanks.
chenxiaolong said:
Unless you unlock the bootloader and flash the T-Mobile CSC, WiFi calling, VoLTE, video calling, and RCS will not work on any non-US model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is incorrect! I have it working perfectly fine on my Canadian version 965W. Did you flash to U1 and stay there or did you flash to the TMB U firmware? I have tried both but went back to U1 because of the updates contain the v2 bootloader. I don't have the option to turn it on in U1 but when I connect to WiFi, WiFi Calling automatically is enabled and yes, I have made calls over WiFi to confirm it works.
jcsww said:
That is incorrect! I have it working perfectly fine on my Canadian version 965W. Did you flash to U1 and stay there or did you flash to the TMB U firmware? I have tried both but went back to U1 because of the updates contain the v2 bootloader. I don't have the option to turn it on in U1 but when I connect to WiFi, WiFi Calling automatically is enabled and yes, I have made calls over WiFi to confirm it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll correct my post to say SM-G965F instead of "any non-US model". It seems that the SM-G965W firmware contains all the T-Mobile bits (eg. /system/framework/TmoWfcUtils.jar), while the SM-G965F does not.
jcsww said:
That is incorrect! I have it working perfectly fine on my Canadian version 965W. Did you flash to U1 and stay there or did you flash to the TMB U firmware? I have tried both but went back to U1 because of the updates contain the v2 bootloader. I don't have the option to turn it on in U1 but when I connect to WiFi, WiFi Calling automatically is enabled and yes, I have made calls over WiFi to confirm it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol....dude you have a snapdragon he has exynos so you are totally incorrect actually.
How would you expect him to flash U1 or TMO firmware on an exynos lol?
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
---------- Post added at 10:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:16 PM ----------
chenxiaolong said:
Thanks, I'll correct my post to say SM-G965F instead of "any non-US model". It seems that the SM-G965W firmware contains all the T-Mobile bits (eg. /system/framework/TmoWfcUtils.jar), while the SM-G965F does not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Canadian and US model are essentially identical.
Our exynos devices are vastly different but also superior in many ways. No locked bootloader for us, snap doesn't even have root!
sent from my Exynos S9 plus, Pixel 2 XL or Note FE
kydar said:
I have an international S9+ (SM-965F/DS, 256G) and noticed there is no WiFi calling option under Connections/More Connection Settings (or anywhere else). What's up with that? The phone passed all authenticity checks I threw at it, including working Iris scanner and dual-aperture camera, so I really don't think it's a fake.
Of note, I have 2 T-Mobile Sims in it, and everything else seems to be working fine.
Stumped...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got the same issue. I'm in the UK and it's not there. One of the reasons I bought it was because I thought it had it - my work colleague has it on EE and has the option.
Mine is the SM-G965F.
white43 said:
Got the same issue. I'm in the UK and it's not there. One of the reasons I bought it was because I thought it had it - my work colleague has it on EE and has the option.
Mine is the SM-G965F.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the settings you are looking for last night. Instead of being in the Mobile Network tab, like normal Android. Go into the dialer, tab the 3 dots in the top right corner, go to settings, and there they are.
jcsww said:
I found the settings you are looking for last night. Instead of being in the Mobile Network tab, like normal Android. Go into the dialer, tab the 3 dots in the top right corner, go to settings, and there they are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not on mine
white43 said:
Not on mine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the UK, you will need to have a "branded" handset.
My S9+ was originally from Vodafone, but I'm using it on Three.
To get WiFI calling, I flashed the stock Three firmware.
You can probably get away with a BTU firmware, and flashing your carriers CSC, but I couldn't be bothered as there was very little bloatware on the Three firmware.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
foxmeister said:
In the UK, you will need to have a "branded" handset.
My S9+ was originally from Vodafone, but I'm using it on Three.
To get WiFI calling, I flashed the stock Three firmware.
You can probably get away with a BTU firmware, and flashing your carriers CSC, but I couldn't be bothered as there was very little bloatware on the Three firmware.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah - well that explains it!
Do you have linkage to the Three 9+ firmware?
I have heard there is a way to change the CSC without rooting, unlocking bootloader, or tripping Knox. I want to avoid that in order to continue using Samsung Pay. If I absolutely have to choose, I will root to get WiFi calling, but if it's possible to get it without rooting, I'm going to find a way!
white43 said:
Ah - well that explains it!
Do you have linkage to the Three 9+ firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downloaded it from samfirmware.com - links to it aren't permitted here!
Regards,
Dave
kydar said:
I have heard there is a way to change the CSC without rooting, unlocking bootloader, or tripping Knox. I want to avoid that in order to continue using Samsung Pay. If I absolutely have to choose, I will root to get WiFi calling, but if it's possible to get it without rooting, I'm going to find a way!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mixing and matching firmware can be hit and miss. I wouldn't swap Exynos bootloaders with SnapDragon or vice versa though. The CSC contains the bulk of the carrier related settings and apps. There are usually two CSC files. One will wipe, one won't. The CSC_HOME doesn't wipe but may cause some issues. The other will wipe, at least to some degree. You also might want to look at some of the Combination ROM's available to see if they have all of what you need.
In order to flash without tripping things. The modded or patched version of ODIN is needed.
foxmeister said:
I downloaded it from samfirmware.com - links to it aren't permitted here!
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you need to unlock bootloader and root to use new stock firmware? Is Three UK - H3G?
Ta
white43 said:
Do you need to unlock bootloader and root to use new stock firmware? Is Three UK - H3G?
Ta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To answer your questions in order, no, no, and yes.
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
So if I wanted to flash the US T-Mobile stock firmware, how would I do it? Where would I even get the firmware? It's not on sammobile as far as I can see.
So I flashed the XEU most recent firmware - released a couple days ago. My device is SM-G965F BTU. Downloaded via SamFirm and flashed the four files with Odin.
Now have VoWifi and VoLTE.
---------- Post added at 09:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:03 AM ----------
kydar said:
So if I wanted to flash the US T-Mobile stock firmware, how would I do it? Where would I even get the firmware? It's not on sammobile as far as I can see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model of Samsung phone do you have?
The latest May update gave me wifi calling on my unbranded xeu phone on Three.
foxmeister said:
In the UK, you will need to have a "branded" handset.
My S9+ was originally from Vodafone, but I'm using it on Three.
To get WiFI calling, I flashed the stock Three firmware.
You can probably get away with a BTU firmware, and flashing your carriers CSC, but I couldn't be bothered as there was very little bloatware on the Three firmware.
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good News!! The brand new XEU stock firmware with may security patch for the S9+ works with WiFi calling and Volte so no need to use the three firmware anymore. I don't know about TMobile but the changelogs stated improvements to Volte and VoWiFI so my guess is that lots of carriers where added to get it work in the multi CSC. Btu for some reason uses a different non multi CSC so don't use BTU
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... ^^
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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/
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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 !
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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/
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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 ???
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Yes it's a command line tool so it's a bit more complicated lol
Arobase40 said:
I think anyone should be fine
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Ok, thanks.
Arobase40 said:
Please report once done.
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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 ?
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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 !!! ^^
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I am confused haha. So how do I know that BTU is compatible on my device?
Arobase40 said:
Because I tell you it is
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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).