Galaxy S2 branded firmware - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi, i'm new to this forum and I have a question regarding my old Galaxy S2. The phone is running on Android 2.3.4 (Carrier branded - Swisscom, the logo appears while turning the phone on), SIM unlocked. I was wondering could I install LineageOS or any newer custom rom immediately, or do I need to install different firmware before that? By the way, I'm new when it comes to rooting/custom roms etc, so I'm scared that i might brick it.
Thanks in advance

b0onk said:
Hi, i'm new to this forum and I have a question regarding my old Galaxy S2. The phone is running on Android 2.3.4 (Carrier branded - Swisscom, the logo appears while turning the phone on), SIM unlocked. I was wondering could I install LineageOS or any newer custom rom immediately, or do I need to install different firmware before that? By the way, I'm new when it comes to rooting/custom roms etc, so I'm scared that i might brick it.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi and welcome to XDA.
Please have a look at this thread https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/help/guide-tutorial-samsung-galaxy-s2-i9100-t3538601
I used this guide a couple of years ago to move from 2.3.6 to 7.1.2. You now have more choice for the Android version, you can update to 7, 8 or 9 if you like. The guide will get you to the point of ROM installation, from there you can use the install instructions for the one you choose.
Good luck, happy flashing and let us know how you go.

Related

Debranding HTC Hero- comments?

Hello. I have just received a new G2 (aka Hero) on T-mobile UK.
I am planning on doing this, please can you tell me if this would work:
1.Installing a recovery image
2.Booting into recovery and making a Nandroid backup
3.Installing a generic HTC Rom which has been packed into update.zip NB.Rom is a stock rom and therefore not rooted
As I understand after flashing I would lose rooting and would need to root again if I need to. However, I don't need to so am not too bothered.
I am hoping that this would remove T-Mobile branding, but mainly make the phone quicker as it is running the latest ROM. Would this technique work?
I would also like to know wether my sim-lock status would be affected?
Also if Donut/Android 1.6 is released OTA by HTC would my phone update OTA?
Finally, does that mean once I have flashed it, I will not be able to access the recovery partition thing which includes Nandroid etc.?
Please answer my questions and comment if you have any reservations/concerns about this. All comments are much appreciated.
bump-please help
Bit previous with the bump after such a sort time??
To answer your questions:
First of all, as long as your G2 still has the original Hero firmware, you are probably ok with your plan. If you've got the latest firmware, you'll probably have to use the gold card technique.
If you install a generic ROM, you'll lose most the T-Mobile branding, but to be honest there was very little anyway. The T-Mobile splash screen when you switch on will remain though.
SIM-lock has nothing to do with your ROM - it was locked before it will still be locked after you update the ROM, and vice versa.
Finally, on the subject of an OTA, who knows???!!! I really wouldn't worry about it.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks Dave. Does anyone else have anything to say?
new user, similar question.
got myself a T-mobile G2 yesterday, thinking that it's the same thing as HTC Hero. ok, it's only a software difference but now i'm unable to flash it.
software version is 2.73.116.61 which is T-mobile version of course, and comparing version numbers to recent ones it looks really outdated. is it? on T-mobile UK support pages it's even older one. tried to download official version but HTC says there is no support for my device, based on serial number. also tried to flash with newest downloaded from here but no luck, got error 131
so, what can I do? root or goldcard?
thanx
You will need to goldcard to downgrade your ROM, before you'll be able to "upgrade" it to a custom ROM.
Regards,
Dave
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=572683
thank you, it worked flawlessly
Debranding Optimus Hero (ORANGE)
Hi everyone.
I am an Android rookie, but i am trying to learn more and more each day.
I bought recently a HTC Hero from optimus operator (Portugal) - Orange - and it came with 1.5 version of the OS. There is original 2.1 version but not for my operator.
I already made an goldcard for it, removed simlock, and rooted but now i would like to know step by step what to do?
what rom (original and generic) should i install to have 2.1?
How to do it, with goldcard inside cellphone?
It is possible to go back?
I have read in Q&A that some orange phones, whem the debranding is done, loose the network due to some radio network imcompabilities... how can i know if that is or is not my case?
I would be greatful for all the help someone could give me.
Many thanks
D_Saint
Look at the guides in the android development section of how to root. If the phone is running a very old firmware the likelyhood is that you won't need to downgrade and therefore may not need a goldcard. But basically, you need to root and install a recovery image then you can flash a rom from the hero development section.
EDIT: See http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=645253

[Q] Confused about Virgin Mobile UK Samsung Galaxy S3 models

1st post here so hope this is the right place to ask this and please be gentle
I have a Virgin Mobile UK Samsung Galaxy S3 i9300, running stock 4.3, I9300XXUGMK6
I want to install a custom OS on my S3. The phone is almost out of contract, 3 years old and is running really slowly on the stock rom with awful battery life (I have tried a new battery). I previously rooted and installed custom roms (cyanogenmod, slimkat) on an old i9000 and was blown away by the massive improvement in speed and battery life. If I get the same benefits with the i9300 then I will keep this phone and go sim-only rather than getting a new phone. The i9000 was unlocked...I guess I need to check the i9300 is too?
As far as I can tell I need to root using Odin 1.07 and Philz Touch recovery. However, I am confused about what version of S3 Virgin UK provide- I have found guides on how to root and install custom roms on Virgin S3's but they refer to models such as Sprint or SPH-L710- I'm not sure what I have, how to check or how this differs US to UK. I have searched on here and more widely and cannot find an answer to this.
Recommendations on what custom OS to install also welcomed
If it says i9300 under the battery then it it's the standard international model, you can flash anything from this forum. Carrier firmware usually add bloat and modem, you won't miss anything from it.
Unlock is by paid for code, don't try to do it free as that usually ends up with a brick, unless virgin supply unlocked handsets.
Follow the guide in general forum, sticky thread on how to flash custom recovery then custom rom. Root isn't needed if you are going to custom rom, they all come rooted.

[Q] Question: Installing other region/model Official ROMs

Hello. Very quick question I'm hoping someone might be able to answer definitively. I picked up a Galaxy Note 3 Neo today (model SM-N507) which is the Taiwanese version. It has only been updated to 4.3 whereas some other territories are on 4.4.X. My question is, would it be possible to flash one of the Official Firmware builds from Sammobile and NOT risk bricking the phone?
For example, in the event that the flashed build has different LTE bands, would a problem like this actually brick the phone, or would I (theoretically) be able to use it, just without LTE? I am willing to experiment so to speak, so long as it doesn't actually prevent me from using the device.
In the past I had purchased a Hong Kong Galaxy Tab 7.7 that wasn't updated to JellyBean and flashed a Malaysian Firmware without a hitch, but in said case the model numbers were the same. With this, I would be flashing SM-N505 or such.
Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Will Marshmallow lock the bootloader on my T-Mobile S5?

Sorry if these are dumb questions... I have searched unsuccessfully for answers here and I am new to the forums and to Android... not sure where to ask this...
I just bought a new (unsold stock) T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900T) phone and activated it on the T-Mobile network. The phone came with G900TUVU1ANE6 (4.4.2) from the factory. After only a few hours of operation T-Mobile has pushed an unnamed update to the phone which I assume is G900TUVU1GPE1 (6.0.1) Marshmallow. I have postponed installation of the update but don't know how long I can postpone it or if I can prevent its installation.
Will installing Marshmallow cause my S5's bootloader to become locked? I ask because I found this on Wikipedia (link not allowed) "As of Marshmallow, the Android Compatibility Definition Document contains new security mandates for devices, dictating that those that are capable of accessing encrypted data without affecting performance must enable Secure boot and device encryption by default".
Or is my G900T's bootloader already locked? I ask because I found this at root my galaxy dot net (link not allowed) "If your device’s bootloader is locked then you will get the update via OTA. [...] If your device is rooted or bootloader is unlocked then you have to manually Flash / Install Official Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Firmware On T-Mobile Galaxy S5 using Odin Flash tool".
The second question worries me more. I bought a T-Mobile S5 because so many sources claim the G900T bootloaders are unlocked. Now I'm unsure. Is there an easy way to determine if my bootloader is locked or unlocked? (I have Heimdall available on a Linux laptop but no windows machine).
I hope to install CM10 or CM13 on my S5. Thanks in advance for any definite information or guidance anyone can provide.
I'm thinking about buying an S5 and am wondering this as well.
xda-hayduke said:
Sorry if these are dumb questions... I have searched unsuccessfully for answers here and I am new to the forums and to Android... not sure where to ask this...
I just bought a new (unsold stock) T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S5 (SM-G900T) phone and activated it on the T-Mobile network. The phone came with G900TUVU1ANE6 (4.4.2) from the factory. After only a few hours of operation T-Mobile has pushed an unnamed update to the phone which I assume is G900TUVU1GPE1 (6.0.1) Marshmallow. I have postponed installation of the update but don't know how long I can postpone it or if I can prevent its installation.
Will installing Marshmallow cause my S5's bootloader to become locked? I ask because I found this on Wikipedia (link not allowed) "As of Marshmallow, the Android Compatibility Definition Document contains new security mandates for devices, dictating that those that are capable of accessing encrypted data without affecting performance must enable Secure boot and device encryption by default".
Or is my G900T's bootloader already locked? I ask because I found this at root my galaxy dot net (link not allowed) "If your device’s bootloader is locked then you will get the update via OTA. [...] If your device is rooted or bootloader is unlocked then you have to manually Flash / Install Official Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow Firmware On T-Mobile Galaxy S5 using Odin Flash tool".
The second question worries me more. I bought a T-Mobile S5 because so many sources claim the G900T bootloaders are unlocked. Now I'm unsure. Is there an easy way to determine if my bootloader is locked or unlocked? (I have Heimdall available on a Linux laptop but no windows machine).
I hope to install CM10 or CM13 on my S5. Thanks in advance for any definite information or guidance anyone can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After installing the latest firmware, you can still flash custom ROMs, you can still root, etc.
Just look in the Android Development sub-forum, and you will see several custom ROMs for MM on the SM-900T.
You can also flash ROMs from the International S5 forum. I've never flash a CM ROM, but there are several on this forum that have and do.
Rob
Are u done with cm 13 bcz I want to ask same question that whether s5 T-Mobile bootloader is locked or no
And plz send me the whole process u did for cm 13
Thanks best regard Hadi!
hadi008 said:
Are u done with cm 13 bcz I want to ask same question that whether s5 T-Mobile bootloader is locked or no
And plz send me the whole process u did for cm 13
Thanks best regard Hadi!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G900T T-Mobile's bootloader is not locked. I've downgraded from MM to KK without problems. I flashed RR MM without problems
No brother . I mean if I need to root s5 T-Mobile than shall I downgrade it first or I can easily do it on marshmallow.
Can u tell me any authentic root process!
Thanks
http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmo...l/root-how-to-root-sm-g900t-firmware-t3358190
It's exactly the same process on MM as it is on LP or KK.
I rooted my G900T about two weeks ago. It had MM the latest patches and everything, so you don't need to worry about the bootloader ever being locked.
marshmallow to Lollipop?
Reyse said:
G900T T-Mobile's bootloader is not locked. I've downgraded from MM to KK without problems. I flashed RR MM without problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I just bought a brand new S5 and it has marshmallow already, I am trying to downgrade to 5.1.1 and it acts like the boot loader is locked, Ordin fails mid flash. How were you able to do it?
jtatex said:
Hi, I just bought a brand new S5 and it has marshmallow already, I am trying to downgrade to 5.1.1 and it acts like the boot loader is locked, Ordin fails mid flash. How were you able to do it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! is your smartphone really a G900T?
IF it is so... It is pretty sure you download a firmware and it is incomplete.
Where do you download from?
Which version is it?
it is a G900T, I downloaded stock Lollipop 5.1.1 from T mobile
jtatex said:
it is a G900T, I downloaded stock Lollipop 5.1.1 from T mobile
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you tell us exactly filename and size?
sorry, it's a G900t3
Reyse said:
Could you tell us exactly filename and size?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bad, it's a G900T3
jtatex said:
My bad, it's a G900T3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I almost sure it doesn't matter
Try to download the firmware from sammobile
https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s5/SM-G900T3/
I did, i finally settled on an AOSP rom, Resurrection Remix 7.1.1. But i still miss Touchwiz. Thanks for your help.
jtatex said:
I did, i finally settled on an AOSP rom, Resurrection Remix 7.1.1. But i still miss Touchwiz. Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can try this
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=65063785&postcount=102

Fresh start with G925A with 7.0 (root and Rom?)

After giving up on rooting my AT&T phone well over a year ago this week I just found out rooting was available. Right now I am leaving AT&T and going over to T-mobile. I would like to get all the AT&T software off my phone since I will be with T-Mobile.
In searching for rooting ( I have not done it since my HTC One) I see rooting for 5.1 and 6.0. Right now my phone is running 7.0. Can you root with 7.0 running?
When flashing a Rom do I have to find ones that are specific to G925A?
Thanks for any help confirming this. I just do not want to brick this phone. First time I do things like this I want to make sure I have all my information correct.
bump
veener79 said:
After giving up on rooting my AT&T phone well over a year ago this week I just found out rooting was available. Right now I am leaving AT&T and going over to T-mobile. I would like to get all the AT&T software off my phone since I will be with T-Mobile.
In searching for rooting ( I have not done it since my HTC One) I see rooting for 5.1 and 6.0. Right now my phone is running 7.0. Can you root with 7.0 running?
When flashing a Rom do I have to find ones that are specific to G925A?
Thanks for any help confirming this. I just do not want to brick this phone. First time I do things like this I want to make sure I have all my information correct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your just switching carriers to T-Mobile? And your using the same phone G925A?
It still has a locked bootloader so it's still not rootable. From what I can find you can root 6.0.1 on an older firmware with ENG boot firmware. But not for 7.0.
@ThatAngryGnome
i need G925AUCS7ERC1 7.0 root file

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