[SOLVED] IMEI missing, Baseband unkown, Wifi doesn't turn on - Xperia Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

THANKS GOD. FINALLY REPAIRED!!!
@DevShaft Check the attachments bro
I just would like to thanks so much Sony Repair Center in Laredo TX US for repairing my phone in just 4 days.
Usually It takes 14 business days, and for non-US takes more. ( mine is non-US version)
My phone is covered with warranty thou. Now, the phone looks like a brand new unit, and I'm so happy and satisfied with the service they provided.
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The issues was:
-Unknown baseband, no IMEI, wifi doesn't turn on (radio functions wasn't working)
-The phone freezes and reboot Itself when updated to 4.2.2 or 4.3. so It was stuck on 4.1.2
In the attachments below:
-STATEMENT OF WORK
-My Xperia Z after the repair
NB:
The old mainboard was manufactured on 13W17. The new mainboard is manufactured on 13W47
of course the new mainboard's IMEI# matches the printed one on the bottom because they changed It too.
***I hope whoever have the same issues case that I had gets their device repaired***
Good luck guys, and thanks for all the suggestions and help!
Phone repair process summery:
March 13
Repair results thru live chat
March 09
Repair status check thru live chat:
-The attached thumbnails below are for my phone status before I send in for repair.

Open a case with eBay and get a refund.
If the problems were not mentioned in the description, eBay will side with you and make the seller refund.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

I have the same issue, I fix it with reflashing the rom, but everything start from the beginning.

lepi said:
I have the same issue, I fix it with reflashing the rom, but everything start from the beginning.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for the reply , but what do u mean everything start from the beginning?
can you please tell me with details, what did u do exactly ? and which firmware build did u flash in ur Z?
what's ur Z model? c6602 or c6603?
if possible provide me with screenshots
thx

kingvortex said:
Open a case with eBay and get a refund.
If the problems were not mentioned in the description, eBay will side with you and make the seller refund.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for the advice... this doesn't work my friend!

@DevShaft please read my thread and give me your help!
i was in your thread about TA partition and I read so many interesting information!
if you have any idea how i can bring back IMEI, baseband, please let me know!
anything that would help me!
thanks alot

Return it. I don't understand why you're messing with it when you're entitled to a full refund.
You have already tried everything that might have fixed it.
As for the TA, editing it (or doing anything except backing up/restoring your own TA image) will result in a hard brick, so that is a dead end.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

Nidhal AKA the king said:
hello everyone,
I recently bought an Xperia Z C6602 variant (used condition) from ebay, but i didn't know that it has some problems as the onwer didn't mention that...
when i first time inserted my SIM card, it wasn't readable... i went to Settings, About, and i found that baseband is: unkown... also, *#06# shows Blank IMEI... i attached some screenshots below for the phone current state!
in all 4.1.2 builds C6602&C6603, the phone doesn't reboot or freeze.
I'm so familiar in flashing, using flashtool... so as i read in this forum that flashing and/or downgrading with a stock ROMS would fix this problem.. i have done this with many builds on 4.1.2 for C6602&C6603, in first boot i get this screen showing POWER OFF or Use phone, with a message pops up 3 time saying: FACTORY START UP SERVICE - Please wait for POWER OFF button
For versions 4.2.2 & 4.3 phone freeze & restarting itself
i tried to update using PC Companion, SUS, and even Flashtool, after first boot i got that same screen with same 3 repeated messages.. BUT, when welcome screen appears.. the phone dim, and when i click on power it's not turning on, so i restart and try to unlock lockscreen, then, phone freeze and keeps restarting....
N.B: I have never Unlocked Bootloader as you can see it's stats in the screenshots... I have never installed a Custom Rom such as CM..etc. the only thing I did is rooted the phone on a stock ROM and installed CMW.. all was done in Locked bootloader stats!
I've seen many Z users encountered the same issue, but for my case I don't know why and/or how this happened because It's a second hand bought! and the old owner did not mention anything about errors, or issues.
As you read about the phone condition, so you now know everything I went thru ever since i bought!
So, please anyone can provide me with more helpful information, links, repair tool, software...etc that would bring back the IMEI and so Baseband... would be so much appreciated
Please check the screenshots below!
Thanks to anyone in participation to help.
@pbmcmlxxi @Milad.Alef @shekharsuman @Hubriss @yahyaalbadry @mhbmutu
I took the phone to a smartphone repairshop today, when i showed him blank IMEI and unknown baseband he knew the cause of that problem!
The problem is that the original phone's baseband was lost during a sim unlock process, and a wrong baseband were installed instead. the initial (original) baseband MUST BE restored in order to have IMEI, Wifi, and the other radio frequencies back to life.. PROGRESS will take more or less two days! NOT a guarantee to get a successful restore.
in some other cases which it isn't a sim unlock related, but it's still a common problem. when you install a Custom ROM and you don't know what you are messing with, this could damage your original Baseband...and the phone will get bricked!
also, other cases of that issue occurred during update!
so we got two cases in here:
Baseband restore successful = Everything will be back intact.
Baseband restore fail = The phone will remain unrepairable.
Read&Learn:
A baseband processor (also known as baseband radio processor, BP, or BBP) is a device (a chip or part of a chip) in a network interface that manages all the radio functions (all functions that require an antenna). This may not include Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. A baseband processor typically uses its own RAM and firmware.
Keep in mind guys, It's still so risky to do a flash customized ROM, and/or unlocking bootloader. so, be very acknowledged of what you're going to do. I believe that rooting on a locked bootloader is the best and safest way to get the best off of your phone as It'll never damage the DRM keys (Digital Rights Management) and TA Partition.
play with everything in your phone but never do with the marked in red files.
If you ran out of warranty, this is probably the best solution to get it fixed if all kind of flashing, updating, or downgrading to stock roms didn't work like in my case.
Please if you know anyone else who has same case like us, just tag him here or send him my link, at least they can make a try. it really worth it.
Thank you all for your participation.
Good luck for us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Nidhal..thanks for tagging me.
I read your post & you seem to suggest that there is way to bring back these "dead" phones back to life.Can you elaborate how you are going about restoring it.I think you & I have the same problems.
What did the tech guys suggest they are going to do with your phone?Do let me know about your progress.I want to give my phone one last shot & if it doesn't work this time, then I'm actually going to go out & bury it in the nearest field. :laugh:
All the best buddy!

Hubriss said:
Hi Nidhal..thanks for tagging me.
I read your post & you seem to suggest that there is way to bring back these "dead" phones back to life.Can you elaborate how you are going about restoring it.I think you & I have the same problems.
What did the tech guys suggest they are going to do with your phone?Do let me know about your progress.I want to give my phone one last shot & if it doesn't work this time, then I'm actually going to go out & bury it in the nearest field. :laugh:
All the best buddy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u welcome @Hubriss, sorry for the late respond, and also sorry to inform u that the phone failed to get repaired!
the only way to get it repaired is at Sony repair center!
if u there is a Sony repair center near your place just send it to them, even if it's out of warranty.. they charge u for a repair fee , but it's still better than to leave the phone unrepairable!
good luck!

kingvortex said:
Return it. I don't understand why you're messing with it when you're entitled to a full refund.
You have already tried everything that might have fixed it.
As for the TA, editing it (or doing anything except backing up/restoring your own TA image) will result in a hard brick, so that is a dead end.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for the advice!
will send to sony for a repair!

The cause of yours and many other users problem is that you or the previous owner flashed the wrong region baseband or RIL (radio interface layer) for your device. There are so many firmwares to download and flash, it is child's play for anyone who doesn't fully comprehend what he's doing to flash the wrong firmware and get in a lot of sh*t like this. Therefore it is crucial to always be sure you have the correct information and firmware (FTF) for your device as a backup (not to confuse with a recovery made backup that is!).
To solve this issue you need to get a hold on the correct and complete (which includes baseband!) firmware for your device, preferably the one it was running when first purchased, and flash it through Flashtool. That should solve the issue when done correctly
Yours is already at Sony Repair Center, so nothing you can do about it yourself at this point. I'm sure Sony will fix this easily. For your info, this problem you're having has nothing to do with TA.

DevShaft said:
The cause of yours and many other users problem is that you or the previous owner flashed the wrong region baseband or RIL (radio interface layer) for your device. There are so many firmwares to download and flash, it is child's play for anyone who doesn't fully comprehend what he's doing to flash the wrong firmware and get in a lot of sh*t like this. Therefore it is crucial to always be sure you have the correct information and firmware (FTF) for your device as a backup (not to confuse with a recovery made backup that is!).
@Hubriss
To solve this issue you need to get a hold on the correct and complete (which includes baseband!) firmware for your device, preferably the one it was running when first purchased, and flash it through Flashtool. That should solve the issue when done correctly
Yours is already at Sony Repair Center, so nothing you can try yourself anymore. I'm sure Sony will fix this easily.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks so much for the answer!
it's really helpful, I hope you've had answered It since long time before i send in for repair to sony. and your answer is really rich with information that i didn't get a chance to know despite the deep search i've done in the Google.
i hope for whom who ran out of warranty would try this out. at least i called Sony and they provided the country my phone was branded for!
this is so important to restore the original firmware and bring back baseband and so IMEI!
thanks again bro!

@DevShaft
So, Sony will easily fix my phone without replacing it with another one?
yeah, I thought this would damage the TA Partition or it's related to it! Thanks god it's not!

Nidhal AKA the king said:
@DevShaft
So, Sony will easily fix my phone without replacing it with another one?
yeah, I thought this would damage the TA Partition or it's related to it! Thanks god it's not!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say it is just a firmware flash for them, since they can retrieve all the info they need about your phone from the IMEI number which is located at the bottom side of the phone. Providing a refurbished one or repair the phone in question is a matter of costs analysis. So yeah, I think they will repair .

DevShaft said:
I would say it is just a firmware flash for them, since they can retrieve all the info they need about your phone from the IMEI number which is located at the bottom side of the phone. Providing a refurbished one or repair the phone in question is a matter of costs analysis. So yeah, I think they will repair .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, for me i'd be happy and satisfied if they will repair the phone or either replace it with a fully working one without any issues!
thx again for the help bro :good:
i looked up the phone SI and after sony told me it's branded for Saudi Arabia, I found these SI numbers/versions below:
Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1270-6726 Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1270-6727 Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1270-6756 Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1270-6757 Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1273-7883 Saudi Arabia Generic SA 1270-8384 1273-7885
hopefully sony will finish the repair asap

Hmm. Now, this is very interesting information.
Every different region's FTF of a specific firmware version that I've flashed/seen all use the same baseband or I should say that the version number of the baseband is identical between regions.
Is this a case of Sony using identical version numbers on basebands that are actually different? If so, they are the only OEM that I've seen do that and it seems highly irresponsible of them or at least that it would cause issues for them internally when working with basebands.
If the above is not the case, could it be that the RIL is different in some way between regions? Someone needs to extract the RIL from different region's firmware and compare them to check that, as this is potentially vital information that should be appended to the thread when people upload FTFs.
If I have time to get to my PC later or at all this week, I'll extract some basebands and RIL from some different firmware versions I have saved and at least run a checksum on them. If I do, I'll post results here.
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk

@Nidhal AKA the king I stumbled on this thread more or less by accident after reading your post in the Backup TA thread.
I've got a Xperia T protoype here that is having exactly the same issues. All the screenshots you've posted could be from my phone (does the service menu crash when you try to open configuration?)
I actually only realized it was a prototype when I was about to type the IMEI in to the system of the local Sony contractor to send it in for repair.
"F...." was what I thought in that moment...no free repair for me
@kingvortex I was able to get it working with CM10, which is using the same baseband version as stock roms that don't work. Now that could fire your question about the differences in basebands using the same version numbers, at the same I have no idea what else could be wrong and whether this prototype is maybe even using different hardware components.
Also, flashing stock over CM and skipping the baseband did not help.
Link to my thread with some more information: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50901058
@DevShaft adding you just for the heck of it, maybe you've got an idea
Oh, by the way: when I got the phone, it was "running" (should say "stumbling") on branded firmware. I would guess prototypes would rather run on some other fw...

@steeserious
Thanks for the attention in participating in here, well, definitely we got the same issues, also, the service menu under bootloader unlock menu either freeze or gets opened after a while, and you get an FC msg but i click on ''waiting'' and also the sim-lock menu which it takes forever to open, if u are lucky it'll get opened with [?] each case!
except of the other screenshots i posted in the first OP, when i was trying to test the earpiece, under test menu, it freezes until i click on home or return button...
after u installed CM, do u get a beseband, wifi and cellular network working?

Yes, everything was working under CM10, and only CM10. Not 10.1 or 11. Also, Wifi was working with the oldest firmware or when flashing the ICS stock firmware module to the fw versions that didn't work with it.
I'd really like to get to the bottom of the problem though and get a stock rom running smoothly and fully working.
By the way, do they really make you send your phone all the way to the US if you're in Tunisia? Isn't there any local contractor for North Africa?

steeserious said:
Yes, everything was working under CM10, and only CM10. Not 10.1 or 11. Also, Wifi was working with the oldest firmware or when flashing the ICS stock firmware module to the fw versions that didn't work with it.
I'd really like to get to the bottom of the problem though and get a stock rom running smoothly and fully working.
By the way, do they really make you send your phone all the way to the US if you're in Tunisia? Isn't there any local contractor for North Africa?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i have seen custom roms with lots of bundles and options but i'm like u, i prefer the stock, the way it's polished and designed which is more sexier and faster than others...
well, first of all, we do have Sony Stores in here but they don't cover up a device or an electronic wasn't purchased from their store even if it's still under warranty.. but we do not have a sony repair service , cuz if i'd've bought it from one of their stores, they'd've send in to the nearest country with a repair service. let's say, like france.
So, what i did is , i sent an email to Sony customer services claiming my phone problem, but i didn't know the phone is still under warranty... so long story... explained to them that no repair service is available in my country, they advised to send the phone in for a repair, but they needed a valid US address. thanks god I have a friend, talked to them, and they agreed to give their home address... so yeah, provided Sony with a valid US address...etc, got some documents to print out, and RMA# in which they need to determine the phone's case and follow up thru the whole process... so eventually, sent to US TX with an express delivery took almost 5days, then the friend sent it in to Sony repair center in Laredo TX, been contacting sony for checking the phone's status repair, they don't disclose and/or have any detailed info, all they got me is : phone is still under repair, and yesterday i did call, and the ''chat agent'' said, ur phone was shipped, and yeah , my friend will pick it up tomorrow from UPS without knowing if they did repair or NOT, replace it or NOT... no clue bro...
told they , u should've at least send an email to the customer about the phone 's status repair, updates..etc. the agent was like, u will find a paper which contain all the info about the process was done to ur phone. so it's a kinda of a report.
omg so long story.. hope u enjoyed reading it :laugh:

Related

[Q] [HELP NEEDED] Unlocked bootloader, no TA Backup :(

I just got my Xperia Z1, and as i always do: First thing, root the thing, unlock the bootloader and install CWM, as i've done many times before.
Only this time, i updated first - so i'm running firmware 534
But something wen't wrong. My TA Backup failed, and i overwatched it, since i left my computer after starting the process, and overlooked the error-message.
So now im stuck with a Z1, with a camera not working, CWM not working (i got the "Free Xperia" boot image, but can't boot into recovery).
Good thing is, that a friend got a phone just like it - can i take a TA Backup from his phone, and use it with mine? Or will it fail, due to different IMEI/serial numbers? And can i do this, without rooting his device?
Thanks in advance
zam91 said:
I just got my Xperia Z1, and as i always do: First thing, root the thing, unlock the bootloader and install CWM, as i've done many times before.
Only this time, i updated first - so i'm running firmware 534
But something wen't wrong. My TA Backup failed, and i overwatched it, since i left my computer after starting the process, and overlooked the error-message.
So now im stuck with a Z1, with a camera not working, CWM not working (i got the "Free Xperia" boot image, but can't boot into recovery).
Good thing is, that a friend got a phone just like it - can i take a TA Backup from his phone, and use it with mine? Or will it fail, due to different IMEI/serial numbers? And can i do this, without rooting his device?
Thanks in advance
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DO NOT RESTORE HIS TA!! IT WILL HARD BRICK YOUR PHONE.
Unfortunately you are stuck now without a working camera and without a warranty...
@ allusers
PS, please can every one take notice, reading is easy and can save you a lot of heartache... the information about this was plastered everywhere...even in the threads about how to do the things this user has done...READ!!!
Noooo, really?
But won't there we an update at some point that will fix this, or am i doomed for ever?
Please say im not =(
zam91 said:
But won't there we an update at some point that will fix this, or am i doomed for ever?
Please say im not =(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is actually heartbreaking to read....
The only answer any of us can give you is that Sony them self called the camera issue "a bug", but how they are planing to fix that "bug", only time will tell...
pshdo said:
That is actually heartbreaking to read....
The only answer any of us can give you is that Sony them self called the camera issue "a bug", but how they are planing to fix that "bug", only time will tell...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the phone for less than 24 hours.. Im this close to bust into tears..
Im still running on stuck firmware: If there is an update in the future: Will i be able to install it with an unlocked bootloader?
zam91 said:
I've had the phone for less than 24 hours.. Im this close to bust into tears..
Im still running on stuck firmware: If there is an update in the future: Will i be able to install it with an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you need to take this as a cruel lesson. Please read before flashing.
Sony will fix the issue of the camera and unlocking the bootloader but it will be a fix so that when you unlock you do not lose the camera. It will not bring your camera back if you have already unlocked and not got a backup of your TA
I suggest you now just flash cm and use a third party camera app. You have ZERO chance of getting your TA back
gregbradley said:
I think you need to take this as a cruel lesson. Please read before flashing.
I suggest you now just flash cm and use a third party camera app. You have ZERO chance of getting your TA back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't flash anything, when CWM ain't working (((
If i send it to Sony's repairment center: Will they be able to reflash it, if i pay something, since I've broken the waranty?
gregbradley said:
Sony will fix the issue of the camera and unlocking the bootloader but it will be a fix so that when you unlock you do not lose the camera. It will not bring your camera back if you have already unlocked and not got a backup of your TA
I suggest you now just flash cm and use a third party camera app. You have ZERO chance of getting your TA back
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sony has called the camera issue a bug, but if, when and how they will fix it, is yet to be seen...
Interresting what you say about CM, thoug he can´t flash..
Could one without TA, still get camera working with CM and alternative camera app ??
pshdo said:
Sony has called the camera issue a bug, but if, when and how they will fix it, is yet to be seen...
Interresting what you say about CM, thoug he can´t flash..
Could one without TA, still get camera working with CM and alternative camera app ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes he can flash.
Install doomkernel, use its recovery to flash CM. I have heard that SOME third party camera apps work on an unlocked bootloader. I can not test as I have not unlocked my bootloader and wont until the camera issue is fixed.
---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------
zam91 said:
Can't flash anything, when CWM ain't working (((
If i send it to Sony's repairment center: Will they be able to reflash it, if i pay something, since I've broken the waranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install doomkernel to flash CM rom.
If you send it to Sony they will send it back and say you have voided your warrenty
Had the screen of death a while back and accidently held down the volume up and power key (along with every other button!) to restart it. My camera didn't work when it finally booted up, did a hard reset and thankfully the camera now works. Not sure if a hard reset will fix your issue but it might be worth a try.
TPHex said:
Had the screen of death a while back and accidently held down the volume up and power key (along with every other button!) to restart it. My camera didn't work when it finally booted up, did a hard reset and thankfully the camera now works. Not sure if a hard reset will fix your issue but it might be worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His issue is way worse than that... I had a similar problem as you TPHex and mine also worked... And OP, I really don't know what to say..Like greg said, the info was everywhere and did you really have to flash CM like 24 hours in getting the phone? Anyways Gl getting Sony to fix your phone however, it might be worth a try if you can go to their service centre...They're at least not as harsh as Samsung... Otherwise, greg's solution is the only one you have till Sony fix this!
TPHex said:
Had the screen of death a while back and accidently held down the volume up and power key (along with every other button!) to restart it. My camera didn't work when it finally booted up, did a hard reset and thankfully the camera now works. Not sure if a hard reset will fix your issue but it might be worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you serious..this in no way helps him
i know thats a stupid quastion but how can i find my phone have a locked or unlocked bootloader?
snowstar77 said:
i know thats a stupid quastion but how can i find my phone have a locked or unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unless you have unlocked it then its locked,,
also you can dial
*#*#738423#*#*
and check it if you are allowed to unlock in the settings
gregbradley said:
unless you have unlocked it then its locked,,
also you can dial
*#*#738423#*#*
and check it if you are allowed to unlock in the settings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tanx for your answer,but when i want call that number the number disappear just before i can push the call button
gregbradley said:
are you serious..this in no way helps him
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for offering the guy some help. Ive never had this issue with any of my old phones. All I know is the camera was knackered (the exact message was 'camera function is currently unavailable') and a hard reset fixed it. Im not as clued up on this phone yet, havnt really had the time to have a proper fiddle with it. But whether my suggestion is right or wrong, im sure he appreciated any help that was offered. If i'd just broke my new shiny, expensive toy i'd be extremely grateful for any response that could help me fix it.
Sean473 said:
.. it might be worth a try if you can go to their service centre...They're at least not as harsh as Samsung... Otherwise, greg's solution is the only one you have till Sony fix this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The question just is, if Sony fix's this, will it only be available if im able to relock the bootloader, or do you think i'll be able to install a update some time in the future, that'll fix it, if i stay on stock OS?
Otherwise, I'm going with greg's solution for now. @gregbradley, btw never thanked you, that's a start
I'm gonna kill myself, if im stock with this forever - i can live with it, if i just need to way 3-6 months for some update.
@all: I maybe got a contact in the telephone world, that may have a "inside" contact at Sony, and i bet that the person i maybe know, maybe know someone, somewhere in Sony - it's a small hope, but it's something - they should be able to reflash it there, should'nt they? (technically)
snowstar77 said:
tanx for your answer,but when i want call that number the number disappear just before i can push the call button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that he accidently missed out on a number. It's supposed to be *#*#SERVICE#*#* (or *#*#7378423#*#*)
zam91 said:
The question just is, if Sony fix's this, will it only be available if im able to relock the bootloader, or do you think i'll be able to install a update some time in the future, that'll fix it, if i stay on stock OS?
Otherwise, I'm going with greg's solution for now. @gregbradley, btw never thanked you, that's a start
I'm gonna kill myself, if im stock with this forever - i can live with it, if i just need to way 3-6 months for some update.
@all: I maybe got a contact in the telephone world, that may have a "inside" contact at Sony, and i bet that the person i maybe know, maybe know someone, somewhere in Sony - it's a small hope, but it's something - they should be able to reflash it there, should'nt they? (technically)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really don't think you'll be able to get your TA back, perhaps you could get the phone replaced or something, but you won't get your TA back. Your best bet is to hope CyanogenMod development kicks in for this device soon.
Regarding how Sony is going to fix the issue, I think it's just a matter of a new camera firmware blob, they can't just leave people who unlocked stranded, that wouldn't fit in at all with their developer-friendly mantra.
Rekoil said:
I really don't think you'll be able to get your TA back, perhaps you could get the phone replaced or something, but you won't get your TA back. Your best bet is to hope CyanogenMod development kicks in for this device soon.
Regarding how Sony is going to fix the issue, I think it's just a matter of a new camera firmware blob, they can't just leave people who unlocked stranded, that wouldn't fit in at all with their developer-friendly mantra.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is hope - thank god <3
Now, i'll admit i don't know what TA stands for :angel:, but i can live without it, as long as my camera works - especially "Social Live" (that's why i bought the phone ffs)

Efs folder needed

guys i got my phone bricked it lost the imei and baseband in the update process however you know since the phone is with bootloader locked i cant rooted and fix it. but i have read that i can fix it copying the efs file from another phone so please guys i wouldnt be asking for this if i dont need it im currently at Guatemala city so i cant take my phone to att or Samsung usa and since my phone is the att variant of the active here i dont have any warranty so please guys have some mercy and help me out with this
alphabeast said:
guys i got my phone bricked it lost the imei and baseband in the update process however you know since the phone is with bootloader locked i cant rooted and fix it. but i have read that i can fix it copying the efs file from another phone so please guys i wouldnt be asking for this if i dont need it im currently at Guatemala city so i cant take my phone to att or Samsung usa and since my phone is the att variant of the active here i dont have any warranty so please guys have some mercy and help me out with this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need root privileges to read and write to the efs folder. You can try flashing the Odin files, but it will wipe your phone so back everything up.
Devo7v said:
You need root privileges to read and write to the efs folder. You can try flashing the Odin files, but it will wipe your phone so back everything up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah i have ir backed up Since I have tried to flash it like 10 times with the Odin files so if you please can give me your copy I'll appreciate it
alphabeast said:
Yeah i have ir backed up Since I have tried to flash it like 10 times with the Odin files so if you please can give me your copy I'll appreciate it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not going to do that, and I doubt most other people would be willing to give you their efs folder. I understand the predicament you're in and I'm sure you are well-intentioned, but this would give your phone the same IMEI as my phone. First off it is illegal to have two phones with the same IMEI, second you could potentially report the IMEI stolen and lock my phone or worse. While I don't think you'd be malicious it, I'm just not comfortable giving it to you.
This would be very similar to somebody giving you a copy of their license plate from their car because yours fell off. It's just bad idea.
Since Odin won't work (it should), I suggest calling Samsung support and tell them you received an OTA update via AT&T and your phone doesn't work. Unfortunately you're going to have to lie and tell them that you were in the United States on AT&T's network, but hopefully you can send it in for a warranty repair.
In the future (I'm assuming you bought the phone for full price and it isn't subsidized by your carrier), always buy the international version of a phone with an unlocked bootloader. If you're paying full price for a phone there is no reason not to buy a bootloader unlocked phone because you would have a lot more options if you run into problems. Sorry I can't help, but hopefully you are able to resolve your proble.
Devo7v said:
I'm not going to do that, and I doubt most other people would be willing to give you their efs folder. I understand the predicament you're in and I'm sure you are well-intentioned, but this would give your phone the same IMEI as my phone. First off it is illegal to have two phones with the same IMEI, second you could potentially report the IMEI stolen and lock my phone or worse. While I don't think you'd be malicious it, I'm just not comfortable giving it to you.
This would be very similar to somebody giving you a copy of their license plate from their car because yours fell off. It's just bad idea.
Since Odin won't work (it should), I suggest calling Samsung support and tell them you received an OTA update via AT&T and your phone doesn't work. Unfortunately you're going to have to lie and tell them that you were in the United States on AT&T's network, but hopefully you can send it in for a warranty repair.
In the future (I'm assuming you bought the phone for full price and it isn't subsidized by your carrier), always buy the international version of a phone with an unlocked bootloader. If you're paying full price for a phone there is no reason not to buy a bootloader unlocked phone because you would have a lot more options if you run into problems. Sorry I can't help, but hopefully you are able to resolve your proble.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I may not explain you well there's a software to change your IMEl with mine cause I understand that I have not to use yours But please help me with this cause I'm outside the usa and send my phone to usa it's quite expensive it's almost a 100 bucks just to send it.
But please here I have found a software for the galaxy s3 to change IMEI with the original .bak file the one I don't have or I can't get from my phone so I'm just trying to get it fixed as soon as I flash that I'm gonna get a 0/0 IMEI so for no reason I won't get yours so please bro I'm desesperate cause do this its my last chance to fix this or I will lose this phone cause it won't work for good. So please bro I promise I will show you that I will have my IMEI or a 0/0. Please bro please
And besides I bought this phone without knowing anything about int. Version I just Bought it to use it. And all I know right now I learned from here so I'm sorry but I used to be iPhone user and then I was using a LG thrill from AT&T so I thought this was not going to give me any troubles
Devo7v said:
You need root privileges to read and write to the efs folder. You can try flashing the Odin files, but it will wipe your phone so back everything up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alphabeast said:
Well I may not explain you well there's a software to change your IMEl with mine cause I understand that I have not to use yours But please help me with this cause I'm outside the usa and send my phone to usa it's quite expensive it's almost a 100 bucks just to send it.
But please here I have found a software for the galaxy s3 to change IMEI with the original .bak file the one I don't have or I can't get from my phone so I'm just trying to get it fixed as soon as I flash that I'm gonna get a 0/0 IMEI so for no reason I won't get yours so please bro I'm desesperate cause do this its my last chance to fix this or I will lose this phone cause it won't work for good. So please bro I promise I will show you that I will have my IMEI or a 0/0. Please bro please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the predicament you're in and I understand that you have software that will change the IMEI to your value, but even if you are able to do that, how are you going to get it on the phone? As I said before you need root privileges to read or write to the efs folder. So even if you are able to make the changes with the software you found you have no way of loading it to the phone so you're still in the same situation you are now, you just have my efs folder.
There should be a local Samsung representative in your country, try calling them, maybe you won't have to ship it to the US.
Devo7v said:
I understand the predicament you're in and I understand that you have software that will change the IMEI to your value, but even if you are able to do that, how are you going to get it on the phone? As I said before you need root privileges to read or write to the efs folder. So even if you are able to make the changes with the software you found you have no way of loading it to the phone so you're still in the same situation you are now, you just have my efs folder.
There should be a local Samsung representative in your country, try calling them, maybe you won't have to ship it to the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes youre right i need root privileges to do it in the phone however i have learn how to créate a image file to flash it into the phone with ODIN i have found that this has been done in some older models like in the Galaxy note 2 or Galaxy s3 you can find that info just for you to make sure that im not lying to you. thats why im insisting on this cause i have found similar problems with those phones and the way to fix this is the one im trying to do. i understand that this may sound suspicious but im not trying to do anything wrong with your phone im just trying to fix mine i understand that is not your problem but maybe i can find a solution for other guys who will have this kind of problem.
i know is not your problem but please sir let me try and probably i can do something good and then i can share what i learn here
and here i have Samsung Guatemala yes youre right and i have took my phone to them and they were not able to fix it. because its not from the country and they cant do anything on this case so im stucked to this
alphabeast said:
yes youre right i need root privileges to do it in the phone however i have learn how to créate a image file to flash it into the phone with ODIN i have found that this has been done in some older models like in the Galaxy note 2 or Galaxy s3 you can find that info just for you to make sure that im not lying to you. thats why im insisting on this cause i have found similar problems with those phones and the way to fix this is the one im trying to do. i understand that this may sound suspicious but im not trying to do anything wrong with your phone im just trying to fix mine i understand that is not your problem but maybe i can find a solution for other guys who will have this kind of problem.
i know is not your problem but please sir let me try and probably i can do something good and then i can share what i learn here
and here i have Samsung Guatemala yes youre right and i have took my phone to them and they were not able to fix it. because its not from the country and they cant do anything on this case so im stucked to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're going to run into another problem then, the bootloader on this phone is locked so you will not be able to flash anything that isn't signed by Samsung. If we were able to flash things to the phone then we would be able to root and install custom recovery. You're pretty much screwed, you still don't have a way to get the efs on to your phone.
The ML2 Odin files should fix the issue you're having, but as you mentioned before it isn't. Did you flash the ML2 bootloaders? If you didn't then you can always downgrade to MF1 or MI2 and root the phone. I'm sorry I can't help you, but you really don't have any way of getting the modifying the efs folder on your phone without root.

[Q] Help: Problem constant Restart

Hello friends, I hope you can help me on this, I'm Venezuelan so I translated this into google, I have an Xperia ZR, the problem is that it does not accept the firmware that put him just begins to reiniciciarse again and again, the one who accepts is the version 4.1.2 but it does not work the phone nor WiFI, also recognizes the Sim Card and placed in the nuemérico keypad * # 06 # not show the IMEI. There will be some solution for this? Is Xperia ZR C5502, they hope can help me.
Eduardo3107 said:
Hello friends, I hope you can help me on this, I'm Venezuelan so I translated this into google, I have an Xperia ZR, the problem is that it does not accept the firmware that put him just begins to reiniciciarse again and again, the one who accepts is the version 4.1.2 but it does not work the phone nor WiFI, also recognizes the Sim Card and placed in the nuemérico keypad * # 06 # not show the IMEI. There will be some solution for this? Is Xperia ZR C5502, they hope can help me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried repairing your ZR using Sony PC companion? Have you unlocked bootloadter by official or unofficial method without backing up DRM keys and TA partitions?
sourabhp said:
Have you tried repairing your ZR using Sony PC companion? Have you unlocked bootloadter by official or unofficial method without backing up DRM keys and TA partitions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello friend, sorry for the time to respond, never try to unlock your bootloader and you try to repair the PC Companion, there will be some form of recueperar my IMEI and thus fix my Xperia ZR ?? Or some way to repair the TA carpetetas? I hope you can help me
Eduardo3107 said:
Hello friend, sorry for the time to respond, never try to unlock your bootloader and you try to repair the PC Companion, there will be some form of recueperar my IMEI and thus fix my Xperia ZR ?? Or some way to repair the TA carpetetas? I hope you can help me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not able to understand the words like carpetetas or recueperar? you can take your phone to local service center and ask them to see what is wrong. First take backup of your phone like contacts, sms whatsapp data etc. then visit service center. If everything is okay ( DRM Keys and TA partitions ) they will flash latest 4.4.4
If yiu didnvt unlocked the bootloader then try to install arom for ur region but if u unblocked bootloader i think you have lost ta partition so the imei doesn't show up when u call *06#
I think so too. May be you have unlocked bootloader without backing up TA partition and DRM keys thats why you are not able to upgrade your phone to version 4.3 or 4.4.2 or 4.4.4.
There was same question some time back. Someone unlocked bootloader without backing up and now stuck on 4.1.2. Sony refused to help as he lost warranty of the phone by unlocking. He had no knowledge about unlocking and warranty.
sourabhp said:
I think so too. May be you have unlocked bootloader without backing up TA partition and DRM keys thats why you are not able to upgrade your phone to version 4.3 or 4.4.2 or 4.4.4.
There was same question some time back. Someone unlocked bootloader without backing up and now stuck on 4.1.2. Sony refused to help as he lost warranty of the phone by unlocking. He had no knowledge about unlocking and warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Greetings from new friend, well I got the phone when using it a while and I andubo pretty well until I skip the update to Android 4.2.2 and in doing so by PC Companion problems began not recnocia the operator sim card and alli what flashee with flashtools but not the phone began to reboot every time. Now the phone will not funcionala network sim card is not detected, does not turn on WiFi, no funcioan the Bluetooth, does not display the IMEI and also in Settings-About Phone, Says Baseband Version Unknown. It will be a logic board problem ???, I substitute another ???
Eduardo3107 said:
Greetings from new friend, well I got the phone when using it a while and I andubo pretty well until I skip the update to Android 4.2.2 and in doing so by PC Companion problems began not recnocia the operator sim card and alli what flashee with flashtools but not the phone began to reboot every time. Now the phone will not funcionala network sim card is not detected, does not turn on WiFi, no funcioan the Bluetooth, does not display the IMEI and also in Settings-About Phone, Says Baseband Version Unknown. It will be a logic board problem ???, I substitute another ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Frankly speaking, I do not understand non-English words that frequently appears in your posts. Having that said, I can pretty much grasp the gist from your posts, although that may not be 100% what you intend to mean. Combined with answers by previous forum members, i offer you suggestions to your problems point by point.
Okay enough of this bull****. First I want to say that if you are unfamiliar with things here on XDA, read the guidelines before you do anything. You probably unlocked the bootloader of your phone, but did not backup anything. In that case, you HAVE to install a kernel everytime you try to switch rom (including a stock-based, or stock for that matter). Your numerous problems above suggests a kernel problem to me. What you do now is to follow UB way to flash a AOSP or whatever rom (not stock) and report if it solved your problems
paulson881 said:
Frankly speaking, I do not understand non-English words that frequently appears in your posts. Having that said, I can pretty much grasp the gist from your posts, although that may not be 100% what you intend to mean. Combined with answers by previous forum members, i offer you suggestions to your problems point by point.
Okay enough of this bull****. First I want to say that if you are unfamiliar with things here on XDA, read the guidelines before you do anything. You probably unlocked the bootloader of your phone, but did not backup anything. In that case, you HAVE to install a kernel every time you try to switch rom (including a stock-based, or stock for that matter). Your numerous problems above suggests a kernel problem to me. What you do now is to follow UB way to flash a AOSP or whatever rom (not stock) and report if it solved your problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is using google translate to convert his question for us to understand. but google is getting better of him by throwing such smart n hard words at him.
paulson881 said:
Frankly speaking, I do not understand non-English words that frequently appears in your posts. Having that said, I can pretty much grasp the gist from your posts, although that may not be 100% what you intend to mean. Combined with answers by previous forum members, i offer you suggestions to your problems point by point.
Okay enough of this bull****. First I want to say that if you are unfamiliar with things here on XDA, read the guidelines before you do anything. You probably unlocked the bootloader of your phone, but did not backup anything. In that case, you HAVE to install a kernel everytime you try to switch rom (including a stock-based, or stock for that matter). Your numerous problems above suggests a kernel problem to me. What you do now is to follow UB way to flash a AOSP or whatever rom (not stock) and report if it solved your problems
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Friend regret that I can not understand what I write, I apologize, also thanks for your help, I'll do what you recommended me, be installing a kernel or room cooked AOSP, I have installed the root in the only version that works on my ZR which is 4.1.2, then be installing the Recovery to test a kernel or room. Could you tell me which room should I install? You can give me the links? Thanks in advance for your help
Eduardo3107 said:
Friend regret that I can not understand what I write, I apologize, also thanks for your help, I'll do what you recommended me, be installing a kernel or room cooked AOSP, I have installed the root in the only version that works on my ZR which is 4.1.2, then be installing the Recovery to test a kernel or room. Could you tell me which room should I install? You can give me the links? Thanks in advance for your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CM11 or AOSP based rom, check development section for ZR
sourabhp said:
CM11 or AOSP based rom, check development section for ZR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amigo antes de flashear una room CM11 o Aosp debo abrir el Bootloader?

IMEI and Baseband null no ESF files

Symptoms
-No IMEI and no Baseband
Both say unknown.
-No signal bars
-No sim detected (with or without sim card)
-Top right gets very hot hot at times
-Battery drains pretty fast
What I've tried
-Downgrade to 4.4
- Different play-store apps
- Different modems and radios
- IMEI writers etc
-Custom roms
-Same as above with no avail
-Stock roms
-4.4 stock
-5.0 stock
-Youtube
-All types of things in videos except octoplus or whatever its called.
Please help
You have an n900a? If yes, where did you get the 4.4 and 5.0 stock ROMs? They were never released by AT&T.
audit13 said:
You have an n900a? If yes, where did you get the 4.4 and 5.0 stock ROMs? They were never released by AT&T.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used custom roms off XDA hoping it would somehow recover missing IMEI
Is the phone an n900a?
Yes SM-n900a
Made in China
If the stock roms don't restore imei and baseband, the efs folder may be damaged. A completely stock flash may be done via JTAG.
audit13 said:
If the stock roms don't restore imei and baseband, the efs folder may be damaged. A completely stock flash may be done via JTAG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JTAG
Long time since I've heard that.
Wish there was something I could do on my own. I was hoping maybe just a modem flash.
I'll standby for a few more days then if nothing I'll start looking into what they could do.
Where did you get the stock 4.4 and 5.0 ROMs?
Here on XDA
audit13 said:
Where did you get the stock 4.4 and 5.0 ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe they were both from the unified threads.
you can find 4.4.2 stock on here
then 4.4.4 and 5.0 were based on official release.
Update
Still have no clue whats wrong
Either something is really wrong on the software side of the phone beyond Odin (maybe JTAG)
OR
The Sim card slot on the phone is damaged.
The phone was given to me because the old owner was never ever to get it working and gave up.
I have the IMEI on a sticker located on the back.
(Yes I know discussion about changing IMEI etc is banned that's not what I'm here for)
My main question is what can be done if I don't have an EFS back up? Is the phone just a softbrick/parts
If so plan forward is just to use as a car dock lol.
I am in the same boat man. I do not know what to do, to get my imei back and baseband. i posted a thread as well similar to yours hopefully one of us gets a success story!!!!!!
jjta said:
Still have no clue whats wrong
Either something is really wrong on the software side of the phone beyond Odin (maybe JTAG)
OR
The Sim card slot on the phone is damaged.
The phone was given to me because the old owner was never ever to get it working and gave up.
I have the IMEI on a sticker located on the back.
(Yes I know discussion about changing IMEI etc is banned that's not what I'm here for)
My main question is what can be done if I don't have an EFS back up? Is the phone just a softbrick/parts
If so plan forward is just to use as a car dock lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Willcruz82 said:
I am in the same boat man. I do not know what to do, to get my imei back and baseband. i posted a thread as well similar to yours hopefully one of us gets a success story!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first step would be to try to find the proper basebands. Dont know where any of the firms are located. Im trying to dig them all up. And reupload them but may take some days. I am hoping to temperarelly revive this device as i have gotton one myself.
Best of luck
TheMadScientist said:
The first step would be to try to find the proper basebands. Dont know where any of the firms are located. Im trying to dig them all up. And reupload them but may take some days. I am hoping to temperarelly revive this device as i have gotton one myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My goal as of now is to find a t mobile 1 with a broken screen and switch boards. Done with the boot loader being locked.
I was instructed to do 1 of 2 things... 1st like you said buy a busted up phone with a good logic board and swap. OR 2- buy that same junk Note3 and copy the efs files and install them into your phone and switch the imei to yours. etc... I gave up on trying to revive mine so I no longer can tell you if it works or not but it seems to be the best 2 options friend... good luck let me know if you get it with one of the options....

What exactly IS this frankenphone

I recently bought what was supposed to be a "NEW Unlocked" Note 8 from seller on Ebay and when it arrived, I noticed that it was a few updates behind so I connected it to my WiFi and attempted to update it, but I received this error message:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I contacted the seller, but they were not helpful at all, so I installed the Phone INFO ★SAM★ app by vndnguyen to research the issue myself. The information the app provided was really confusing to say the least. First of all, the phones settings menu shows that the phones model number is SM-950U (US Market).
The model number provided by app however is SM-9500 (Chinese / Hong Kong Market)
Adding to that confusion, the phone seems to have both US and Chinese firmware components installed on it as shown by the following screenshot:
The CSC codes all seem to point to the phone originally being created for the Hong Kong market as shown in this screenshot:
However, when I checked the phones IMEI number, it comes back that it was originally a T-Mobile phone. Maybe that was just the last carrier that the IMEI was registered to I am not 100% certain about this, but there is definitely something very odd about this phone and so my questions are:
1.) Is there anyway (without tearing the phone apart) to tell exactly what model this phone is (950U or 9500) ?
2.) Why would anyone alter the phone like this / what advantages are there to doing this ?
3.) Is there anyway to actually update this device ?
mtcellph said:
3.) Is there anyway to actually update this device ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could update it with odin. It looks like the update center downloaded the wrong update.
SnowFuhrer said:
You could update it with odin. It looks like the update center downloaded the wrong update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply, but I do not think this was done by a bad OTA update or anything like that. I think this was done intentionally because I bought a different Note 8 about a month ago from a different seller and it had this same issue so I think this is done on purpose. What that purpose is I am not sure about yet, but I hope someone can help answer that question. As far as using ODIN to update is concerned I first have to figure out what the real model of the phone is so I can flash the right firmware, but thanks again for the reply.
mtcellph said:
Thanks for the reply, but I do not think this was done by a bad OTA update or anything like that. I think this was done intentionally because I bought a different Note 8 about a month ago from a different seller and it had this same issue so I think this is done on purpose. What that purpose is I am not sure about yet, but I hope someone can help answer that question. As far as using ODIN to update is concerned I first have to figure out what the real model of the phone is so I can flash the right firmware, but thanks again for the reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm more worried about that phone being a knock-off fake! If it really was N950U it would absolutely not be able to have that firmware on it that's currently on it. Also if you try to install the real firmware it's more than likely going to brick it especially if it's fake because that firmware is just not right. I would immediately send it back and get your money back!!
MrMike2182 said:
I'm more worried about that phone being a knock-off fake! If it really was N950U it would absolutely not be able to have that firmware on it that's currently on it. Also if you try to install the real firmware it's more than likely going to brick it especially if it's fake because that firmware is just not right. I would immediately send it back and get your money back!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it's fake, just had some alterations on it. @mtcellph to see the model of the phone, boot into download mode. It should say.
--
@MrMike2182
I already got a refund from Ebay and they told me to keep the phone too so I am not worried about bricking it or anything like that.
@SnowFuhrer
This is the information from my Download Mode screen:
It shows the Carrier as TMB (T-Mobile) which would in theory be a SM-N950U model device, but I hoping more for an actual model number so I could be sure. Any other way to get a more definite answer would be welcome.
What probably happened is, They took a broken phone from 1 region and used the parts from another region to fix. Probably board stuff. That might explain why it has mix match info
UnBeATaBLe~PrO said:
What probably happened is, They took a broken phone from 1 region and used the parts from another region to fix. Probably board stuff. That might explain why it has mix match info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might be right, but I would still like to update it if possible because everything else works on the phone.
Again if anyone has any sort of advice on figuring this mystery out, I would love to hear it.
UnBeATaBLe~PrO said:
What probably happened is, They took a broken phone from 1 region and used the parts from another region to fix. Probably board stuff. That might explain why it has mix match info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I seen devices sold like this with the exact same setup. Usually done by third party refurbishers.
iceepyon said:
I seen devices sold like this with the exact same setup. Usually done by third party refurbishers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what is the use of it?
SnowFuhrer said:
So what is the use of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most 3rd party device repair specialist would use working parts from similar devices to make a new device and sell it on for a profit.
The Phone INFO app did say it was a refurb which is the reason why Ebay let me keep it, but the mystery still remains. Is it a N9500 with N950U parts in it or vise versa?
Is there any sort of app / software that will work on a 9500 that will not work on a 950U? I did see the thread about unlocking using an app named 835crom.apk that will unlock the BL of a N9500 model, but apparently will just crash when ran on a N950U model, but it's from like 2017 and I am not trying to root or anything like that.
I simply want to update to the latest security patch available for the phone, but I first need to find out what firmware I need to flash to do that. Again any help in this are would be really appreciated.
From what I know the majority of the components used in the Note 8 are interchanged able with the exception of the SOC, motherboards and modems. While both the N9500 and the N950U run on the same SOC, they do not utilize the same modems. Which maybe what is causing your issue.
mtcellph said:
The Phone INFO app did say it was a refurb which is the reason why Ebay let me keep it, but the mystery still remains. Is it a N9500 with N950U parts in it or vise versa?
Is there any sort of app / software that will work on a 9500 that will not work on a 950U? I did see the thread about unlocking using an app named 835crom.apk that will unlock the BL of a N9500 model, but apparently will just crash when ran on a N950U model, but it's from like 2017 and I am not trying to root or anything like that.
I simply want to update to the latest security patch available for the phone, but I first need to find out what firmware I need to flash to do that. Again any help in this are would be really appreciated.
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I really wouldn't flash anything to it period! Simply because you can't flash one hardware piece with the N9500 and then try to flash the N950U hardware piece because it doesn't work like that! If anything is going to work it would most likely be the unlocked N950U1 firmware but I would tread cautiously because if your modem needs N9500 and your board/CPU needs N950U it's just going to mess it up!
Edit: Also about wanting to update just for the security patch, it's highly unlikely that you'll EVER be the target of such security breaches.. Ask around, if you're not rooted it's seriously HIGHLY UNLIKELY!
If you knew what you were doing, you could flash the modem from one firmware and flash the rest from the motherboard model.
SnowFuhrer said:
If you knew what you were doing, you could flash the modem from one firmware and flash the rest from the motherboard model.
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Yeah. But you would have to be extremely skilled in doing so.
Thanks for the replies and I don't really understand why this would be that complicated. It's obviously possible to mix & match the firmware on the phone and it still work (minus the non-updating issue) because that is how it is now, but from what everyone is saying it's a lot more difficult then just flashing the right firmware in ODIN, but I do not understand why and would appreciate some clarification on this.
If the hardware on both models is basically exactly the same thing with the exception of the modem and the current modem that is installed is from the US version, would I not just be able to flash the full US firmware using ODIN and call it a day? If not, why?
Right now the Baseband (modem) and Bootloader are both from the US model. The CSC (which could easily be changed later if I wanted / needed to do that) & PDA (which is basically just the android OS stuff) are from the Chinese model. I am far from an expert in this area but it seems that the PDA is the only thing that I would need to change or am I missing something ?
Finally, I should have included that the reason I NEED to get the security patch updated on the phone is because the firmware (CSC & PDA) that is installed on the phone now does not have VOLTE enabled/working on it and in a later security patch it does have it enabled/working & since I would be using the phone on the Verizon network I kind of have to have VOLTE or the phone will not work once they turn off 2G/3G in the near future.
mtcellph said:
Thanks for the replies and I don't really understand why this would be that complicated. It's obviously possible to mix & match the firmware on the phone and it still work (minus the non-updating issue) because that is how it is now, but from what everyone is saying it's a lot more difficult then just flashing the right firmware in ODIN, but I do not understand why and would appreciate some clarification on this.
If the hardware on both models is basically exactly the same thing with the exception of the modem and the current modem that is installed is from the US version, would I not just be able to flash the full US firmware using ODIN and call it a day? If not, why?
Right now the Baseband (modem) and Bootloader are both from the US model. The CSC (which could easily be changed later if I wanted / needed to do that) & PDA (which is basically just the android OS stuff) are from the Chinese model. I am far from an expert in this area but it seems that the PDA is the only thing that I would need to change or am I missing something ?
Finally, I should have included that the reason I NEED to get the security patch updated on the phone is because the firmware (CSC & PDA) that is installed on the phone now does not have VOLTE enabled/working on it and in a later security patch it does have it enabled/working & since I would be using the phone on the Verizon network I kind of have to have VOLTE or the phone will not work once they turn off 2G/3G in the near future.
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I think it would work with an AP partition(pda) flash. It only flashes system, recovery and boot partitions.
SnowFuhrer said:
I think it would work with an AP partition(pda) flash. It only flashes system, recovery and boot partitions.
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Thanks for the reply & I think so as well because I am just updating the version that is already flashed on the phone and the PDA is what contains the Android security updates I need if I not mistaken.
This seems like it would be a fairly trivial process, but other users have stated it's more difficult than it seems so I'm curious why they have come to that conclusion.
I think I'll give it a few more days to see if anyone else responds before moving forward just to be on the safe side.

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