How To Guide [GUIDE] How To Flash Official Samsung Unlocked BloatFree Firmware - Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Did you just get your shiny new S21 Ultra? And the first thing you noticed is tons of preloaded carrier apps that can't be deleted? This is how to fix that.
Convert your phone into the one that would come from Samsung directly with a simple firmware flash!
BACK UP YOUR PHONE! ALL DATA WILL LIKELY BE WIPED!
You will need an SM-G998U/U1/W
Computer running Windows
USB-C Cable for your PC to Phone
This is only for SM-G998U/U1/W
Step 1:
Download the ROM of your choice. The firmware number does NOT need to match your phone, as long as you have an SM-G998U/U1/W
From each link, click the latest firmware in the list (what ever the top one is) and on the page that loads, click the blue button that says "Download from website"
(You can only download one in a 24 hour period so choose U1 or W wisely)
SM-G998U1 (U1 is unlocked, no carrier bloat, US radio bands)
SM-G998W (W is unlocked, no carrier bloat, Canadian radio bands)
The only main difference between the two is the Canadian W Firmware supports all radio bands aside from (n260, n261), the file size is a little bigger and will take up a fractionally larger amount of space on your phone as a result of also including all CSC's, but will allow your device to connect to any tower frequency with the correct SIM.
The U1 Firmware supports all US bands and works across all Canadian carriers, but does not have any Carrier CSC's as a result of the smaller file size.
Thanks to @milan03 for the info
Best measure is to use the W Firmware as it will be supported, but if you are positive of your carrier will work and bands are the same as US carriers, use the U1 to save some space.
Step 2:
Download Odin 3.14.4 and Samsung USB Drivers
Step 3:
Extract all of the .zip files that you have downloaded, and install the Samsung USB Driver
Step 4:
On your S21 Ultra, enter download mode by turning the phone completely off.
Once the phone is off, hold the volume up AND down at the same time, and without letting go of those buttons, plug a USB cable in from the computer to the phone
Do not let go of the volume buttons until the Download Mode screen is displayed.
Step 5:
Open Odin and make sure the S21 Ultra comes up as one of the COM ports
If it doesn't try rebooting your computer, and then connect your phone again
Step 6:
Click the BL Button, and select the BL file you extracted from the Firmware .zip
Click the AP Button, and select the AP file (This will take awhile, do not touch anything, don't even click your mouse or try to do anything else on your computer, it can crash, just wait, make a coffee or something, because depending on your computer specs, it can take up to 5 minutes to load that file
Click CP and add the CP file
Now this last part here, you have a choice, however I strongly recommend you do not choose the second option at this time, however you CAN, but you might face stability issues.
When clicking CSC, you can EITHER add the CSC file, which is what I recommend, OR you can add the HOME_CSC file.
The differences between these files is that the CSC file will wipe your phone, but this is recommended, because when you are switching firmware's from a different carrier build, which we are right now, you want to delete anything left over that could conflict with the new firmware being flashed, however, you CAN flash HOME_CSC which will keep all of your user data on the phone, but this could leave old firmware files behind that could cause stability issues with your phone, crashes, force close apps, or even boot loops.
It's recommended to ONLY use HOME_CSC when you are UPGRADING on the same build (eg, if you are on SM-G998W and UPGRADING to another SM-G998W firmware)
So if you are going from U/U1 to W, it's recommended to use CSC, if you are going from W to W, Home_CSC should be fine, if you are going from W to U1, you should use CSC.
Step 7:
Once you have made your choice of either CSC or HOME_CSC, you can now click Start and it will start flashing the new firmware.
This process will take a fair amount of time, go relax and enjoy that coffee you made while the AP file was loading.
Once the flash is done, it will say Pass in green, and your phone will reboot automatically into your new official carrier bloat free firmware.
If you picked CSC, you can now setup your phone just like a new phone and restore your backup, if you picked HOME_CSC, you should be at your lock screen, and the phone is ready to use.
Congratulation, you are now on the Official Samsung Firmware with no carrier bloat as if you bought the phone directly from Samsung.
Troubleshooting:
If you used CSC and the phone did not pass and says FAIL, try the flash again with HOME_CSC, once the flash passes, you should be back at the lock screen, go to settings, search for reset, and do a factory reset, wipe all data because something did not flash correctly the first time so you need to wipe the phone after the successful flash to guarantee no stability issues.
If you used HOME_CSC and the phone did not pass, use CSC and the phone will be wiped when it flashes, and you need to set up your phone like new and restore your backup during the setup screen.
If it still fails to flash both CSC and HOME_CSC, Download Mode probably timed out from your computer taking too long, at which point, you can try doing Step 6 BEFORE Step 5.
Turn your phone off completely, load all of the files into Odin, THEN enter Download Mode and immediately click Start to start the flash. This will give you a little more time for your computer to make the flash and hopefully download mode will not timeout, if it still fails, try a faster computer or a different/shorter USB cable.
If you are with Bell in Canada and you did not get the pre-order bundle promo E-voucher prompt from Samsung Members App, flashing the SM-G998W firmware linked above will fix this and you can redeem your e-voucher and get your headphones and smart tag.
This is a video I made on the S20 Ultra for flashing One UI 3.0 Beta/Stable, however the process is identical, just use the files from here instead of the ones linked in the video description
I will be replacing this video with a dedicated S21 tutorial once I have have finishing editing the new video, but for now this will give you an idea of how it works until 5:30 in the video, after that it's mostly related to One UI 3.0 Beta/Stable for the S20 so there's no need to watch further than that as the S21 would be done by that point in the video.

Thank you sir.

So will this trip KNOX? My phone should get here next week (AT&T), and one of the first things I always want to do is get rid of the bloat.

JimmytheGeek said:
So will this trip KNOX? My phone should get here next week (AT&T), and one of the first things I always want to do is get rid of the bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem with KNOX.
But majority of bloatwares are issued of CSC carrier brand and it is impossible to change csc without root or using samkey...
So this firmware will be like other versions with same samsung apps unless I'm wrong.

Thanks for the guide.
If I may, I'd like to post a correction on the state of the supported frequency bands on Canadian and the US firmware:
- The U1 firmware doesn't only support T-Mobile bands, it also fully supports AT&T and Verizon frequency bands, which includes their unique LTE carrier aggregation combinations as well as the 5G non-standalone combinations with n5 and mmWave. That's in addition to T-Mobile's combos with n71 and n41, in both non-standalone and standalone environment.
- At the same time the Canadian W firmware doesn't support all 5G bands, it completely disables mmWave (n260, n261), which means the US devices with this firmware won't be able to access this super-fast flavor of 5G on any US network. It also doesn't fully support all US 5G non-standalone combinations in FR1 (Sub-6 GHz) range.
Thanks again.

Chcolat-tiède said:
it is impossible to change csc without root or using samkey...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're running a multi csc firmware (the one's linked above) you can change your csc by opening the phone app and dialing *#272*YOUR IMEI NUMBER# and from there you can pick the firmware CSC and carrier CSC to be whatever preinstalled apps you want. The W firmware has all of the preinstalled which is why the file size is larger.
As for the Samsung bloat, they all come with it, but a lot of these should be able to be removed using ADB without root.
There are some ADB scripts around that some skilled people wrote for removing bloat apps in bulk through ADB without root.

bANONYMOUS said:
If you're running a multi csc firmware (the one's linked above) you can change your csc by opening the phone app and dialing *#272*YOUR IMEI NUMBER# and from there you can pick the firmware CSC and carrier CSC to be whatever preinstalled apps you want. The W firmware has all of the preinstalled which is why the file size is larger.
As for the Samsung bloat, they all come with it, but a lot of these should be able to be removed using ADB without root.
There are some ADB scripts around that some skilled people wrote for removing bloat apps in bulk through ADB without root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info I will check.
I have a B/DS version, this manipulation unfortunately does not work on mine

Hello!
Thank for you posting this @bANONYMOUS. Question if I buy the the U1 model can I flash the W firmware? My father is in Canada and I'm getting an early Bday present for him. Making sure when he gets it, that it will have the correct bands for Rogers!

Is there any qualcomm firmware that has an FM radio app?

I purchased from the US and flashed the XAC firmware. The final result was XAC/XAC/XAA is that correct? I thought all blocs would be XAC.
Also, I wasn't sure if repartition should be checked or not so I unchecked it.
No VOLTE or WIFI calling on koodo.

I bricked my device today so I'm trying to flash stock OS.
I started flashing it in odin, but it seems it gets stuck on "<ID:0/010> vbmeta.img" for few minutes.
Not sure what is causing it, does anyone have any ideas?

Just tried this with u1. Failed each time

I'm trying to flash u1 onto TMB device. Keep getting failing with sha256 is invalid. Is there a modified odin 3.14.4 yet?

phucnukem said:
I'm trying to flash u1 onto TMB device. Keep getting failing with sha256 is invalid. Is there a modified odin 3.14.4 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get this as well

phucnukem said:
I'm trying to flash u1 onto TMB device. Keep getting failing with sha256 is invalid. Is there a modified odin 3.14.4 yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am trying the patched 3.14.1 3b from here now
Download Latest Samsung Odin Tool v3.14.4 for Windows (2023)
Download the PatcheD and latest Samsung Odin v3.14.4 flash tool to install Samsung firmware binaries (AP, BL, CP, CSC files) on Windows PC.
technastic.com
Specifically I used Odin3 3.14.1 3B PatcheD.zip

tjsooley said:
I am trying the patched 3.14.1 3b from here now
Download Latest Samsung Odin Tool v3.14.4 for Windows (2023)
Download the PatcheD and latest Samsung Odin v3.14.4 flash tool to install Samsung firmware binaries (AP, BL, CP, CSC files) on Windows PC.
technastic.com
Specifically I used Odin3 3.14.1 3B PatcheD.zip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Update
I used home csc and went from Verizon FW to U1 (Newest firmware) all is good.

tjsooley said:
Update
I used home csc and went from Verizon FW to U1 (Newest firmware) all is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a VZW S21 ultra and was thinking of doing this. Do all of the Verizon features work, like wifi calling, hd voice, rcs? and unlocked features like caller id, samsung cloud, call and text on other devices?

krylon27 said:
I got a VZW S21 ultra and was thinking of doing this. Do all of the Verizon features work, like wifi calling, hd voice, rcs? and unlocked features like caller id, samsung cloud, call and text on other devices?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi calling in volte work. Samsung caller id it there and I was able to configure it. Cloud was as well. Call and text is and I configured it but my tablet does not support it yet.

tjsooley said:
Wi-Fi calling in volte work. Don't know how to test the other stuff
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, based on what my unlocked note 9 has:
Under the phone app settings there should be a setting for caller id and spam protection
Under system settings in the accounts and backup section there is should be samsung cloud,
Under system settings in the connections section there should be call and messages continuity.
These are all options I have on my unlocked note 9, but not on VZW FW S21 Ultra

krylon27 said:
Well, based on what my unlocked note 9 has:
Under the phone app settings there should be a setting for caller id and spam protection
Under system settings in the accounts and backup section there is should be samsung cloud,
Under system settings in the connections section there should be call and messages continuity.
These are all options I have on my unlocked note 9, but not on VZW FW S21 Ultra
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi-Fi calling in volte work. Samsung caller id it there and I was able to configure it. Cloud was as well. Call and text is and I configured it but my tablet does not support it yet.

Related

Flashing TMO firmware onto Verizon Note 8 - Need help identifying correct firmware.

I am wanting to flash the TMO firmware onto the Verizon Note 8 that I have. I can't do without the Wi-fi calling and tethering that TMO provides, which is why I am wanting to do this. I was looking at the firmware available and didn't see one for SM-N950T, but I did see that under SM-N950U there was a listing for a version with the TMO carrier, more specifically, this one from sammobile. Is this particular firmware the same as one would find on the TMO variant? Or do I need a different firmware? Also, are the flashing instructions provided at the bottom of the sammobile page sufficient for flashing the firmware properly (as in, are there further instructions or files that I need?) Thanks ahead of time!!
leprkon said:
I am wanting to flash the TMO firmware onto the Verizon Note 8 that I have. I can't do without the Wi-fi calling and tethering that TMO provides, which is why I am wanting to do this. I was looking at the firmware available and didn't see one for SM-N950T, but I did see that under SM-N950U there was a listing for a version with the TMO carrier, more specifically, this one from sammobile. Is this particular firmware the same as one would find on the TMO variant? Or do I need a different firmware? Also, are the flashing instructions provided at the bottom of the sammobile page sufficient for flashing the firmware properly (as in, are there further instructions or files that I need?) Thanks ahead of time!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. You will find it under "SM-N950U". Then, just choose the tmobile variant which you already did. As long as it has the USERDATA file, you will be good to flash.
Jrockz said:
That is correct. You will find it under "SM-N950U". Then, just choose the tmobile variant which you already did. As long as it has the USERDATA file, you will be good to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the prompt reply! I am downloading the file right now from sammobile. Let's hope it has everything needed! Thanks again!
Please let me know what worked, didn't. I may be doing the same very soon.
Jrockz said:
That is correct. You will find it under "SM-N950U". Then, just choose the tmobile variant which you already did. As long as it has the USERDATA file, you will be good to flash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am encountering a slight problem and was wondering if you'd be able to assist me. I've downloaded all of the necessary files and made sure to change UMS to 1 in Odin settings so that I can flash the USERDATA. After adding all necessary firmware files to their corresponding sections in Odin, everything seems to flash just fine. However, when I boot up the phone, it still shows the Verizon logo. Additionally, after the initial set up of the phone, it still shows the Verizon apps (Verizon app folder) with the TMO apps installed. It is as if the phone is still Verizon branded but with additional TMO apps. Are there any steps that I am missing or overlooking? Thanks ahead of time for the assistance.
leprkon said:
I am encountering a slight problem and was wondering if you'd be able to assist me. I've downloaded all of the necessary files and made sure to change UMS to 1 in Odin settings so that I can flash the USERDATA. After adding all necessary firmware files to their corresponding sections in Odin, everything seems to flash just fine. However, when I boot up the phone, it still shows the Verizon logo. Additionally, after the initial set up of the phone, it still shows the Verizon apps (Verizon app folder) with the TMO apps installed. It is as if the phone is still Verizon branded but with additional TMO apps. Are there any steps that I am missing or overlooking? Thanks ahead of time for the assistance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you boot into recovery and factory reset then select boot into bootloader (download mode) the phone will be in download mode without any of the script showing...connect to Prince Comsy's Odin and load the tmobile firmware, bl to bl, ap to ap, cp to cp, csc to csc, USERDATA to UMS...(no home_csc)...see if that works better
BlueFox721 said:
If you boot into recovery and factory reset then select boot into bootloader (download mode) the phone will be in download mode without any of the script showing...connect to Prince Comsy's Odin and load the tmobile firmware, bl to bl, ap to ap, cp to cp, csc to csc, USERDATA to UMS...(no home_csc)...see if that works better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!
I did as instructed and did a factory reset. However, it didn't bring me directly to an option to boot into bootloader, so I turned the phone off before it boot into the set up screen. Anyways, I added the firmware files via Comsy's Odin but the flash would fail with a Model dismatch fail error.
EDIT -
I noticed something that would occur after my flashing attempt with the normal Odin. After the flashing process, it would bring me to a screen that has a prompt to the effect of 'System Updating' or something like that (sorry, I should have written down what it said exactly, but I am typing this in a hurry). It will then go to a progress bar and the updating process will begin but it will stop at 32% and then the progress bar will disappear and the word "Erasing" will appear for a few seconds and then the phone will reboot.
Nonetheless, I experience the same results each time in regards to the phone still being branded as a Verizon phone with the Verizon bloatware. However, there are the additional TMO apps that would come with a TMO branded phone.
EDIT 2 -
I found another thread where someone was having the same issue. I'll make further attempts when I get home. I should have done a more thorough search before making this thread. I apologize.
This is the thread I found where there was a similar problem with an S8.
I failed to mention that you needed the modified Odin. I think it is normal for it to stop at 32% and then start erasing. It did the same when I went from unlocked variant to vzw. Keep us updated on your progress.
leprkon said:
Thanks for the reply!
I did as instructed and did a factory reset. However, it didn't bring me directly to an option to boot into bootloader, so I turned the phone off before it boot into the set up screen. Anyways, I added the firmware files via Comsy's Odin but the flash would fail with a Model dismatch fail error.
EDIT -
I noticed something that would occur after my flashing attempt with the normal Odin. After the flashing process, it would bring me to a screen that has a prompt to the effect of 'System Updating' or something like that (sorry, I should have written down what it said exactly, but I am typing this in a hurry). It will then go to a progress bar and the updating process will begin but it will stop at 32% and then the progress bar will disappear and the word "Erasing" will appear for a few seconds and then the phone will reboot.
Nonetheless, I experience the same results each time in regards to the phone still being branded as a Verizon phone with the Verizon bloatware. However, there are the additional TMO apps that would come with a TMO branded phone.
EDIT 2 -
I found another thread where someone was having the same issue. I'll make further attempts when I get home. I should have done a more thorough search before making this thread. I apologize.
This is the thread I found where there was a similar problem with an S8.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The boot to bootloader is In the main recovery menu, but yeah...you need to use the modified odin
Here is a quick update from what I have gathered thus far -
using the Modified Odin did not work at all and only spat back the Model dismatch fail error.
Using the unmodified Odin, if I install the AP and Bootloader or AP by itself, then it removes the Verizon splash on boot and brings me to the home screen upon boot saying that I have to power off the device and insert the provider UICC, which is the SIM card. I could easily do just that, but I want to get the TMO firmware installed.
Next, I flashed the CP and let the phone boot and this is where I was able to see two TMO apps, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail.
From here, I got the phone back into download mode and flashed the CSC and let the phone boot. This is where it went to the blue 'Installing system update' screen but stopped at 32% with an error - No 'erasing' step. From here the phone automatically went to the recovery menu with the following lines at the bottom:
Support SINGLE-SKU
Supported API: 3
E:ensure_path_unmounted failed to unmount /efs (Device or resource busy)
-- Installing package...
Finding update package...
opening update package...
Verifying update package...
Update package verification took 1.1 s (result 2).
Installing update...
Successfully installed package.
-- Resizing data...
E:failed to mount /data (Invalid Argument) can't mount '/data', rc = '-1'(Invalid Argument)
E:failed the resizing-data-- omc_binary_download...
-- Deleting selective files
Successfully deleted files selectively
-- Deleting RSU selective file
Successfully deleted RSU selective file
-- amazon_symlink_vze...
-- Deleting VZW's apn file
Successfully deleted VZW's apn file
Successfully verify for dmverity hash tree.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I let the system reboot, and this is when the Verizon flash screen returned. The Verizon apps returned as well, but they weren't in a Verizon folder and the icons were part of the main pull up for the app list. Additionally, the message popup prompting me to insert the provider UICC no longer came up
I had encountered this once before and after flashing the USERDATA, the Verizon apps were placed in a Verizon folder in the app menu. So, I decided to flash the phone again, but this time without the CSC and with the USERDATA.
The results:
The phone went to the blue 'Installing system update' screen but stopped at 32%, stopped, and then the word 'Erasing' came up. From here the Verizon boot up splash came up followed by the initial set up. The TMO T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail apps were present. The Verizon apps were placed in a Verizon folder.
I am not too sure what is going on, but I am going to attempt to repeat this process but with the N950U1UEU1AQI5 - SM-N950U1 TMB firmware instead.
I will post an update with my results as soon as I finish.
leprkon said:
Here is a quick update from what I have gathered thus far -
using the Modified Odin did not work at all and only spat back the Model dismatch fail error.
Using the unmodified Odin, if I install the AP and Bootloader or AP by itself, then it removes the Verizon splash on boot and brings me to the home screen upon boot saying that I have to power off the device and insert the provider UICC, which is the SIM card. I could easily do just that, but I want to get the TMO firmware installed.
Next, I flashed the CP and let the phone boot and this is where I was able to see two TMO apps, T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail.
From here, I got the phone back into download mode and flashed the CSC and let the phone boot. This is where it went to the blue 'Installing system update' screen but stopped at 32% with an error - No 'erasing' step. From here the phone automatically went to the recovery menu with the following lines at the bottom:
I let the system reboot, and this is when the Verizon flash screen returned. The Verizon apps returned as well, but they weren't in a Verizon folder and the icons were part of the main pull up for the app list. Additionally, the message popup prompting me to insert the provider UICC no longer came up
I had encountered this once before and after flashing the USERDATA, the Verizon apps were placed in a Verizon folder in the app menu. So, I decided to flash the phone again, but this time without the CSC and with the USERDATA.
The results:
The phone went to the blue 'Installing system update' screen but stopped at 32%, stopped, and then the word 'Erasing' came up. From here the Verizon boot up splash came up followed by the initial set up. The TMO T-Mobile TV and Visual Voicemail apps were present. The Verizon apps were placed in a Verizon folder.
I am not too sure what is going on, but I am going to attempt to repeat this process but with the N950U1UEU1AQI5 - SM-N950U1 TMB firmware instead.
I will post an update with my results as soon as I finish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you somehow get your downloaded files mixed up? Also...u1 is unlocked, regardless of att, tmb, spr, or usc designation....the complete carrier Firmware is from the u version only...It seems that you are trying to combine files from unlocked, Verizon, and tmobile....I suggest the SM-950U t mobile as that is the full one...forget the rest... unless you want unlocked firmware...here is the complete tmobile....Here is your link: http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?record=F15026309A7911E7963AFA163EE8F90B
And do it all at once...recovery, factory reset, main menu of recovery to select boot to bootloader can't hurt either...when you open Prince Comsy's Odin, make sure you run as administrator
BlueFox721 said:
Did you somehow get your downloaded files mixed up? Also...u1 is unlocked, regardless of att, tmb, spr, or usc designation....the complete carrier Firmware is from the u version only...It seems that you are trying to combine files from unlocked, Verizon, and tmobile....I suggest the SM-950U t mobile as that is the full one...forget the rest... unless you want unlocked firmware...here is the complete tmobile....Here is your link: http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?record=F15026309A7911E7963AFA163EE8F90B
And do it all at once...recovery, factory reset, main menu of recovery to select boot to bootloader can't hurt either...when you open Prince Comsy's Odin, make sure you run as administrator
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, no way I am getting my files mixed. I am being very meticulous with this. The reason why I did one file at a time was to try and troubleshoot to see what was happening. I also know about the difference between U and U1 and again, I was just trying to troubleshoot. As for combining files, I'm actually not. I am sticking with files from one firmware throughout. If you read through my troubleshooting process, somehow the TMO apps are overlayed with the Verizon apps. From what I have been reading, this was also an issue with Verizon Galaxy S8's and 8+'s. They had a solution, but that solution isn't working with the Note 8 - or rather it isn't working when I try it.
leprkon said:
Nope, no way I am getting my files mixed. I am being very meticulous with this. The reason why I did one file at a time was to try and troubleshoot to see what was happening. I also know about the difference between U and U1 and again, I was just trying to troubleshoot. As for combining files, I'm actually not. I am sticking with files from one firmware throughout. If you read through my troubleshooting process, somehow the TMO apps are overlayed with the Verizon apps. From what I have been reading, this was also an issue with Verizon Galaxy S8's and 8+'s. They had a solution, but that solution isn't working with the Note 8 - or rather it isn't working when I try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see...no worries...I hope that it all comes together...I noticed that several devices have been off from the norm...I hope the major update released next resolves a lot of issues...good luck
BlueFox721 said:
I see...no worries...I hope that it all comes together...I noticed that several devices have been off from the norm...I hope the major update released next resolves a lot of issues...good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I am going to try my luck with an earlier TMO firmware. If that doesn't work, then I am going to install the Factory Stock Firmware for the “Unlocked” Note8 and then try to flash the TMO firmware after that. I am still very perturbed as to why the Verizon and TMO apps are both appearing.
leprkon said:
Thanks! I am going to try my luck with an earlier TMO firmware. If that doesn't work, then I am going to install the Factory Stock Firmware for the “Unlocked” Note8 and then try to flash the TMO firmware after that. I am still very perturbed as to why the Verizon and TMO apps are both appearing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear ya...that is odd..I have been flashing a lot as well but have had 0 issues on Sprint, but I have not tried other carrier firmware...I have a few friends from other carriers, though, I might try to get them to let me borrow a line to test ...
BlueFox721 said:
I hear ya...that is odd..I have been flashing a lot as well but have had 0 issues on Sprint, but I have not tried other carrier firmware...I have a few friends from other carriers, though, I might try to get them to let me borrow a line to test ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest, I think that the sammobile upload of N950USQU1AQI5 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) might be bad?
leprkon said:
To be honest, I think that the sammobile upload of N950USQU1AQI5 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) might be bad?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know....I try to use updato when available...how is that one?
BlueFox721 said:
Good to know....I try to use updato when available...how is that one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the one that I have been trying to get to work all day. Doesn't work with modified Odin and flashes TMO apps with Verizon apps. Bootsplash is also Verizon. When I did it with a carrier free firmware, I didn't have this issue. No carrier bloat and no carrier boot splash animation.
I am going to try N950USQU1AQH7 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) and see if that works for me.
-Edit - I am getting the same problem with N950USQU1AQH7 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) as well. It still shows as a Verizon phone for some reason and the TMO firmware won't take. But two of the TMO apps install - T-Mobile TV and Visual Voice Mail. I must be messing up somewhere or this isn't working for another reason. I have done just about everything suggested here. Anyone else have any suggestions?
leprkon said:
That's the one that I have been trying to get to work all day. Doesn't work with modified Odin and flashes TMO apps with Verizon apps. Bootsplash is also Verizon. When I did it with a carrier free firmware, I didn't have this issue. No carrier bloat and no carrier boot splash animation.
I am going to try N950USQU1AQH7 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) and see if that works for me.
-Edit - I am getting the same problem with N950USQU1AQH7 - SM-N950U TMB USA (T-Mobile) as well. It still shows as a Verizon phone for some reason and the TMO firmware won't take. But two of the TMO apps install - T-Mobile TV and Visual Voice Mail. I must be messing up somewhere or this isn't working for another reason. I have done just about everything suggested here. Anyone else have any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What version Odin?
---------- Post added at 03:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:27 PM ----------
Ok so what I found is that the csc code of the device may need to be changed. For instance, my unlocked is XAA. Flashed to Sprint is SPR/SPR/XAA. Flashed to Verizon is VZW/VZW/XAA. If brand csc needs to be changed to be, for instance, SPR/SPR/SPR to get only Sprint files and settings...then I would need to follow the carrier switching part if the S8+ thread, with our files of course... Look here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Do you think that Verizon files and settings are being enabled because of the device code, TMB/TMB/VZW? If so, try the instructions in the carrier switching area to change it to VZW/VZW/VZW...The settings may not show it when all are the same...sorry I didn't think of it sooner...hope it helps.
Looks like we need factory binary and Canadian firmware...
BlueFox721 said:
What version Odin?
---------- Post added at 03:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:27 PM ----------
Ok so what I found is that the csc code of the device may need to be changed. For instance, my unlocked is XAA. Flashed to Sprint is SPR/SPR/XAA. Flashed to Verizon is VZW/VZW/XAA. If brand csc needs to be changed to be, for instance, SPR/SPR/SPR to get only Sprint files and settings...then I would need to follow the carrier switching part if the S8+ thread, with our files of course... Look here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s8+/how-to/snap-guide-flashing-standard-fw-carrier-t3627255
Do you think that Verizon files and settings are being enabled because of the device code, TMB/TMB/VZW? If so, try the instructions in the carrier switching area to change it to VZW/VZW/VZW...The settings may not show it when all are the same...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've done version 3.12.7 and PC 3.12+
I'll try the carrier switching instructions again, but I couldn't get it to work properly. I'll let you know how it goes.
Edit -
It looks like those instructions require a factory binary firmware flash. Is there a way of doing it without that?

Note 9 SM-N960F/DS Firmware problem.

I have a Note 9 SM-N960F/DS model. I bought it from KSA (Saudi Arabia). The phone came with Android Pie (9) out of the box.
Unfortunately my friend rooted my phone and now i am running on "N960FXXU3CSFA/N960FOXM3CSFA/N960FXXU3ASF1" version with "Security patch level: 1 June 2019". I am unable to use my Samsung account and all the security features (finger print, Ratina scanner, Face recognition etc).
When i switch back to original firmware i.e
PDA N960FXXU3CSG1
CSC N960FOXM3CSG1
i got all the features functioning but my SIM card shows "Emergency calls only".
Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Eternal_Mortal said:
I have a Note 9 SM-N960F/DS model. I bought it from KSA (Saudi Arabia). The phone came with Android Pie (9) out of the box.
Unfortunately my friend rooted my phone and now i am running on "N960FXXU3CSFA/N960FOXM3CSFA/N960FXXU3ASF1" version with "Security patch level: 1 June 2019". I am unable to use my Samsung account and all the security features (finger print, Ratina scanner, Face recognition etc).
When i switch back to original firmware i.e
PDA N960FXXU3CSG1
CSC N960FOXM3CSG1
i got all the features functioning but my SIM card shows "Emergency calls only".
Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you "switch"?
give all the details step by step
bober10113 said:
how did you "switch"?
give all the details step by step
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, My friend took my phone and told me that he will make it compliant with our local network and make it approved from the Telecommunication authority.
He has downgraded the phone with older firmware version i.e N960FXXU3CSFA/N960FOXM3CSFA,N960FXXU3ASF1. The security patch level is 1 June 2019
I have checked the Knox e-fuse which is not tripped which means its an official ROM and not altered.
Now, i have the latest firmware version downloaded i.e N960FXXS3CSG1 but when i try to install it in my phone it does not recognize my SIM card and phone is in "Emergency calls Only" state.
Eternal_Mortal said:
Well, My friend took my phone and told me that he will make it compliant with our local network and make it approved from the Telecommunication authority.
He has downgraded the phone with older firmware version i.e N960FXXU3CSFA/N960FOXM3CSFA,N960FXXU3ASF1. The security patch level is 1 June 2019
I have checked the Knox e-fuse which is not tripped which means its an official ROM and not altered.
Now, i have the latest firmware version downloaded i.e N960FXXS3CSG1 but when i try to install it in my phone it does not recognize my SIM card and phone is in "Emergency calls Only" state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure how you check knox but if he really rooted then its too late and knox cannot state cant be reverted.
typically checking via software is not a good method . going to download mode and checking warranty state 0x0 means is not tripped. anything different means it been tripped/blown.
anyways that dosen't make you phone have no signal though.
i suspect he screwed up the twrp recovery flash procedure for twrp and botched the flash back to stock via odin.
read up on odin and how to use it. get latest version.(search and read)
read up so on how to get latest firmware for your phone and which csc your carrier is so that you can download the correct firmware and have best results for your sim carrier.( in doubt try BTU csc firmware)(but search and read about the subject of phone types firmwares and CSC)
also the firmwares your quoted seem old. not sure why you ended up using it but you should get one that is from july.
E.G.:
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note9/firmware/SM-N960F/BTU/
(get the most recent! july 25th)( u can dl odin from there too)
on your PC, install samsung android drivers or simply install samsung smart switch. it will install the necessary components.
in it self smart switch can flash firmware automatically for your device. so you might want to try it first.
if you go towards the odin flash route and found the correct firmware or want to try BTU multi csc as suggested above:
put phone in download mode and unzip on PC firmware and flash with odin BL,AP,CP and CSC. But for csc choose csc.md5 instead of home_csc.md5
(be patient while AP is being checked before adding cp and csc)
edit: details steps on odin flashing procedure below
henklbr said:
1. Extract (un-rar) the firmware file (i.e. to folder c:\Odin) ***
2. Download Odin v3.13.1
3. Extract Odin ZIP file (i.e. to folder c:\Odin)
4. Open Odin v3.13.1
5. Power OFF Note9
6. Reboot Phone in Download Mode (1st plug-in USB-cable to your Note9!!!, push Bixby + Volume Down buttons, while pushing them plug-in USB-cable to PC
7. Wait until you get a blue sign in Odin
8. Add the firmware files to their designated slots
9. Make sure re-partition is NOT ticked
10. Click the start button, sit back and wait few minutes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
last but not least don't listen to your friend or let him close to your phone again. reading and searching on xda is much better. everything has been already asked. you just need to search for it.
regards
bober10113 said:
not sure how you check knox but if he really rooted then its too late and knox cannot state cant be reverted.
typically checking via software is not a good method . going to download mode and checking warranty state 0x0 means is not tripped. anything different means it been tripped/blown.
anyways that dosen't make you phone have no signal though.
i suspect he screwed up the twrp recovery flash procedure for twrp and botched the flash back to stock via odin.
read up on odin and how to use it. get latest version.(search and read)
read up up how to get latest firmware for your phone and which csc your carrier is so that you can download the correct firmware and have best results for your sim carrier.( in doubt try BTU csc firmware)(but search and read about the subject of phone types firmwares and CSC)
also the firmwares your quoted seem old. not sure why you ended up using it but you should get one that is from july.
E.G.:
https://www.sammobile.com/samsung/galaxy-note9/firmware/SM-N960F/BTU/
(get the most recent! july 25th)( u can dl odin from there too)
on your PC, install samsung android drivers or simply install samsung smart switch. it will install the necessary components.
in it self smart switch can flash firmware automatically for your device. so you might want to try it first.
if you go towards the odin flash route and found the correct firmware or want to try BTU multi csc as suggested above:
put phone in download mode and unzip firmware and flash with odin BL,AP,CP and CSC. But for csc choose csc.md5 instead of home_csc.md5
(be patient while AP is being checked before adding cp and csc)
edit: details steps on odin flashing procedure below
last but not least don't listen to your friend or let him close to your phone again. reading and searching on xda is much better. everything has been already asked. you just need to search for it.
regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for all the support. I will try this method today and will keep you posted if it worked out.
Eternal_Mortal said:
Thank you so much for all the support. I will try this method today and will keep you posted if it worked out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've the same problem with my SM-N960F i was using my sim card yesterday i updated it using odin and its not detecting it says not registered on network. Do you got any solution ?
Skyscout said:
i've the same problem with my SM-N960F i was using my sim card yesterday i updated it using odin and its not detecting it says not registered on network. Do you got any solution ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't try SmartSwitch for N9 but worth to try as it should be able to detect proper csc for your phone.
Else find the latest firmware for your phone with Frija/Samfirm then flash with odin.
Rosli59564 said:
I haven't try SmartSwitch for N9 but worth to try as it should be able to detect proper csc for your phone.
Else find the latest firmware for your phone with Frija/Samfirm then flash with odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did it with odin coz smart switch didn't had its update my imei's are same but there's emergency only and it shows not registered on network whenever i try to call or text or cellular etc ..
Eternal_Mortal said:
I have a Note 9 SM-N960F/DS model. I bought it from KSA (Saudi Arabia). The phone came with Android Pie (9) out of the box.
Unfortunately my friend rooted my phone and now i am running on "N960FXXU3CSFA/N960FOXM3CSFA/N960FXXU3ASF1" version with "Security patch level: 1 June 2019". I am unable to use my Samsung account and all the security features (finger print, Ratina scanner, Face recognition etc).
When i switch back to original firmware i.e
PDA N960FXXU3CSG1
CSC N960FOXM3CSG1
i got all the features functioning but my SIM card shows "Emergency calls only".
Any help will be highly appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well may be your friend tried to change IMEI of phone which is illegal in any country. Match your IMEI with box by dialing *#06#, if IMEI are same then no need to worry. you need to register your phone IMEI with PTA by paying tax. after paying tax they will whitelist the IMEI of your phone and you will be able to make calls.
just for information, my note 9 is also brought from Saudi Arabia, but at that time one device was free, so i got my phone registered by providing my travel details to PTA and they whitelisted my phone.
Please guide me solution.
I have just updated my sm-N960F/Ds through odin downloaded files from Sammobiles frimwares
Date 2021-03-08
Version 10
PDA
CSC
N960FXXS8FUB1
N960FOXM8FUB1
Now the device shows only one Imei and become single sim.
Hiw can i make it dual sim ??
Please guide me solution.
I have just updated my sm-N960F/Ds through odin downloaded files from Sammobiles frimwares
Date 2021-03-08
Version 10
PDA
CSC
N960FXXS8FUB1
N960FOXM8FUB1
Now the device shows only one Imei and become single sim.
How can i make it dual sim ??

Having trouble converting unlocked Note 9 to AT&T firmware

Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've done any phone flashing so please excuse any ignorance on my part.
I have the N960U1 and I'm trying to flash it to the AT&T firmware so I can use HD voice and wifi calling and such. I had the stock firmware fully updated to the November 2019 security patch before I started.
So this is what I've done so far:
1. Downloaded the latest U1 AT&T firmware files from sam mobile here
2. Loaded all the files into Odin 3.13.3, using HOME_CSC to preserve my data. The sam mobile file did not have any USERDATA files so I left that blank.
3. Flash was successful and phone rebooted normally. However, no AT&T boot-up screen was shown and no AT&T apps present (good), but also no wifi calling option in settings and I confirmed by calling another AT&T phone that HD voice was not present either (bad). Basically it seemed like nothing changed.
4. Found this thread with USERDATA (I used the one under the SGA-2 folder).
5. Re-flashed everything as in step 2, this time adding the USERDATA I obtained in step 4.
6. Odin said the flash failed, phone booted to the Emergency screen so I thought I had bricked my phone but luckily I was able to re-flash as in step 2, omitting the USERDATA again.
7. Again, phone boots normally but nothing has changed. Still no option for wifi calling.
8. Called AT&T to check if they needed to provision my phone or SIM card or something, but the rep I spoke to said there's nothing to do on their end and she sees that wifi calling is actually enabled on my phone.
I've also read that the newer Samsung firmwares are supposed to auto-detect which provider's SIM card you have in and load the appropriate firmware automatically, so I removed my SIM card while the phone was still on, turned the phone off, put the SIM card card back in, and turned my phone back on. Still nothing changed.
What am I doing wrong here? And why isn't the phone automatically loading the appropriate AT&T firmware since I have an AT&T SIM?
I should note that I've had this phone pretty much as soon as it came out and I know that the older firmwares did not have that auto-detect thing. I guess I should also be wondering why my phone didn't load up the AT&T firmware when I updated it to Android 9 the first time, or whenever they started the auto-detect thing. Is there something you need to do to trigger it?
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ww007 said:
Hi everyone,
This is the first time I've done any phone flashing so please excuse any ignorance on my part.
I have the N960U1 and I'm trying to flash it to the AT&T firmware so I can use HD voice and wifi calling and such. I had the stock firmware fully updated to the November 2019 security patch before I started.
So this is what I've done so far:
1. Downloaded the latest U1 AT&T firmware files from sam mobile here
2. Loaded all the files into Odin 3.13.3, using HOME_CSC to preserve my data. The sam mobile file did not have any USERDATA files so I left that blank.
3. Flash was successful and phone rebooted normally. However, no AT&T boot-up screen was shown and no AT&T apps present (good), but also no wifi calling option in settings and I confirmed by calling another AT&T phone that HD voice was not present either (bad). Basically it seemed like nothing changed.
4. Found this thread with USERDATA (I used the one under the SGA-2 folder).
5. Re-flashed everything as in step 2, this time adding the USERDATA I obtained in step 4.
6. Odin said the flash failed, phone booted to the Emergency screen so I thought I had bricked my phone but luckily I was able to re-flash as in step 2, omitting the USERDATA again.
7. Again, phone boots normally but nothing has changed. Still no option for wifi calling.
8. Called AT&T to check if they needed to provision my phone or SIM card or something, but the rep I spoke to said there's nothing to do on their end and she sees that wifi calling is actually enabled on my phone.
I've also read that the newer Samsung firmwares are supposed to auto-detect which provider's SIM card you have in and load the appropriate firmware automatically, so I removed my SIM card while the phone was still on, turned the phone off, put the SIM card card back in, and turned my phone back on. Still nothing changed.
What am I doing wrong here? And why isn't the phone automatically loading the appropriate AT&T firmware since I have an AT&T SIM?
I should note that I've had this phone pretty much as soon as it came out and I know that the older firmwares did not have that auto-detect thing. I guess I should also be wondering why my phone didn't load up the AT&T firmware when I updated it to Android 9 the first time, or whenever they started the auto-detect thing. Is there something you need to do to trigger it?
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did u use patched odin 3.13b?
also for it to change u need to wipe. so use csc.md5
because the sim was already in the phone. no changes are detected so no csc swap. ( sales code is identical as before because u never changed sims. so that's why u need to wipe. csc will auto detect and change only if a different carrier sales code sim is inserted. then it will wipe fone by itself. so in your case a simple factory wipe might do it or just reflash U firmware but this time choose csc.md5)
bober10113 said:
did u use patched odin 3.13b?
also for it to change u need to wipe. so use csc.md5
because the sim was already in the phone. no changes are detected so no csc swap. ( sales code is identical as before because u never changed sims. so that's why u need to wipe. csc will auto detect and change only if a different carrier sales code sim is inserted. then it will wipe fone by itself. so in your case a simple factory wipe might do it or just reflash U firmware but this time choose csc.md5)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I did not use the patched Odin, just the unpatched one. From what I've looked up, the difference seems to be cosmetic and the patched version failing less? For the most part, flash succeeded (except when I tried to mix and match a different USER DATA file). Are there any specific differences with the patched version?
I was hoping to keep my data and settings, but I will try to flash it next time with the wipe when I know I won't be needing my phone for a while. Do I need a USER DATA file to succeed? Because sam mobile didn't have it in their AT&T file.
Thanks again!
ww007 said:
Thanks for the reply. I did not use the patched Odin, just the unpatched one. From what I've looked up, the difference seems to be cosmetic and the patched version failing less? For the most part, flash succeeded (except when I tried to mix and match a different USER DATA file). Are there any specific differences with the patched version?
I was hoping to keep my data and settings, but I will try to flash it next time with the wipe when I know I won't be needing my phone for a while. Do I need a USER DATA file to succeed? Because sam mobile didn't have it in their AT&T file.
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
patached odin is to switch from U to U1 firmware and vice versa. there's a thread about it. maybe check it out?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/u1-note-9-official-firmware-guide-to-t3927478
firmware links are old but the general logic on how to do it should still ring true
bober10113 said:
patached odin is to switch from U to U1 firmware and vice versa. there's a thread about it. maybe check it out?
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-9/how-to/u1-note-9-official-firmware-guide-to-t3927478
firmware links are old but the general logic on how to do it should still ring true
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I saw that thread, but it seemed pretty specific about converting from AT&T to unlocked, and I didn't see anything about the other way around. And for some reason, the latest U firmware for AT&T on sam mobile is only 8.1.
That was actually going to be my first option (downloading the AT&T U firmware and flashing on my U1 phone). But as I mentioned, sam mobile's version is outdated.
Which actually brings me to another question: how is there an AT&T (or any other carrier) version of the U1 firmware? Is that supposed to convert the unlocked phone to a carrier branded one?
ww007 said:
Yeah I saw that thread, but it seemed pretty specific about converting from AT&T to unlocked, and I didn't see anything about the other way around. And for some reason, the latest U firmware for AT&T on sam mobile is only 8.1.
That was actually going to be my first option (downloading the AT&T U firmware and flashing on my U1 phone). But as I mentioned, sam mobile's version is outdated.
Which actually brings me to another question: how is there an AT&T (or any other carrier) version of the U1 firmware? Is that supposed to convert the unlocked phone to a carrier branded one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just use samfirm tool or frija to dl firmware.

Please help! Flashing AT&T N960U firmware on N960U1 device with Android 10

Hi guys,
I have a question about obtaining Android 10 AT&T firmware for the SM-960U. I'm currently having an issue where I bought the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 N960U1 factory unlocked from Samsung themselves. My current carrier is AT&T. However, I've realized for a while that my area doesn't have a good signal (1 bar to no service) due to the location where I am. I am trying to install AT&T's firmware with the boot logo and its software's bloatware to obtain Wi-Fi calling. However, I am having trouble. Currently, I've flashed my N960U1 with AT&T's U1 Android 10 firmware from the site using Odin. I see that it's been flashed successfully after doing a clean install and see AT&T firmware in the phone. However, it did not give me an AT&T boot logo screen or give me the Wi-Fi calling option. This is carrier unbranded. It's still the same like it's from the factory unlock no carrier firmware. So, after doing some research, I see that what I have to do is: clean flash AT&T's U1 firmware on the device (which I did), then, finally, install the U firmware to bring on the AT&T boot logo screen and WiFi calling. However, I am unable to do the 2nd part, because the only available firmware for U firmware (AT&T's bloatware) is Android 8. Due to the bootloader being version 4 in Android 10 and version 2 in android 8, I cannot downgrade even on a cracked Odin version. The phone gives me a SW REV error and odin gives me a write error. I worked on this for 8 hours, don't try to fight me on this lol. This is because Odin understands that the phone can't be downgraded due to the bootloader version being higher. This can be seen in the firmware names when comparing (Android 8: N960USQU1ARG6. Android 10: N960U1UES4DTD1).
In summary, I need to find the SM-960U AT&T carrier-branded Android 10 firmware. Right now, on Sam Mobile for N960U, the only firmware that comes up is Android 8. Downloading the latest firmware for the SM-N960U1 on Sam Mobile doesn't help me obtain wifi calling and the AT&T boot logo. Any suggestions? I really need help and appreciate it if you guys could help me. I can't find AT&T's U anywhere. Thanks!
You can flash any U firmware they are the same. As long as you have At&t sim it will provision to your sim. Since you are U1 you will need to do factory reset before flashing with Odin. You can use USC..Tmobile..Verizon. Dont use User data when flashing just use BL..AP..CP..CSC. At&t doesnt post their locked firmware for whatever reason.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
butchieboy said:
You can flash any U firmware they are the same. As long as you have At&t sim it will provision to your sim. Since you are U1 you will need to do factory reset before flashing with Odin. You can use USC..Tmobile..Verizon. Dont use User data when flashing just use BL..AP..CP..CSC. At&t doesnt post their locked firmware for whatever reason.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. I’m going to try this tomorrow. I’ll update this post with the results! Thanks for the help.
butchieboy said:
You can flash any U firmware they are the same. As long as you have At&t sim it will provision to your sim. Since you are U1 you will need to do factory reset before flashing with Odin. You can use USC..Tmobile..Verizon. Dont use User data when flashing just use BL..AP..CP..CSC. At&t doesnt post their locked firmware for whatever reason.
Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys! After 18 straight hours of fiddling and researching, not getting a definite answer from XDA and Sammobile forums since my phone was on the latest bootloader v4: I've finally been able to find out how to do this, thanks to butchieboy and a culmination other forums, I've finally been able to successfully figure this out!
Basically, here are the steps to successfully do it if you're on Android 10/bootloader v4 and want to make the switch without downgrading the software on a lower bootloader. Make sure you do a clean reinstall beforehand. Everything should be off the phone.
1. Download and flash U1 firmware from samfw as a clean install. I used ATT's U1 firmware (follow the instructions below to do so). I did this first and was confused about why I didn't get the bloatware after. However, this is only the first step.
2. I found the latest firmware from Verizon for the SM-960U (not U1), and downloaded patched Odin 3.13.1b onto my computer. I downloaded these both from samfw's website. You'll need the patched version to be able to switch from U1 to U firmware. I used Verizon's instead of T-Mobile's because they had posted the latest version for Android 10.
3. Run Odin as admin, make sure you're using a computer with open USB ports for data transfer (one of my computers gave me an error, switched to another one, it worked fine). Make sure you use a good data transfer cable also.
4. Enable USB debugging on the device, and reboot the phone into recovery mode. Don't connect it to the computer yet. Do not remove the SIM card during any part of this process. Leave it inserted the entire time.
4. Load up BL..AP..CP..CSC as butchieboy states. Do not use home_csc and do not use userdata. They are not needed. CSC needs to be used because it has to be a clean install in order for this to work properly. By not using userdata, the device will load up the appropriate carrier bloatware automatically using the SIM card provided!
5. Go ahead and connect the phone via a data transfer cable. You will see a serial COM port labeled in blue connected on top. Now flash Verizon's U firmware
6. The phone should successfully flash via Odin, and it will reboot
7. I had gotten into this weird recovery state at first when it rebooted. I forgot the error name on the bottom and was confused at first it was SW REV or something I think. However, I think the reason for this is because the phone doesn't know which carrier setting to apply just yet. There were options to reboot, update from SD card, and more.
8. Select "reboot" using the power button!
9. You'll see the AT&T logo as the phone reboots! Not sure why my phone didn't end up erasing, it just apparently did an update.
The first thing I see after the apps loaded was... the WiFi calling setup screen... Victory! Thanks to everybody who posted on online forums. And thanks to butchieboy for the straightforward answer. I hope this helps anybody online looking to do the same thing whether it's their Note 9 or any other device. Good luck!
robertj51 said:
Hi guys! After 18 straight hours of fiddling and researching, not getting a definite answer from XDA and Sammobile forums since my phone was on the latest bootloader v4: I've finally been able to find out how to do this, thanks to butchieboy and a culmination other forums, I've finally been able to successfully figure this out!
Basically, here are the steps to successfully do it if you're on Android 10/bootloader v4 and want to make the switch without downgrading the software on a lower bootloader:
1. Download and flash U1 firmware from samfw as a clean install. I used ATT's U1 firmware (follow the instructions below to do so). I did this first and was confused about why I didn't get the bloatware after. However, this is only the first step.
2. I found the latest firmware from Verizon for the SM-960U (not U1), and downloaded patched Odin 3.13.1b onto my computer. I downloaded these both from samfw's website. You'll need the patched version to be able to switch from U1 to U firmware. I used Verizon's instead of T-Mobile's because they had posted the latest version for Android 10.
3. Run Odin as admin, make sure you're using a computer with open USB ports for data transfer (one of my computers gave me an error, switched to another one, it worked fine). Make sure you use a good data transfer port also.
4. Enable USB debugging on the device, and reboot the phone into recovery mode. Don't connect it to the computer yet.
4. Load up BL..AP..CP..CSC as butchieboy states. Do not use home_csc and do not use userdata. They are not needed. CSC needs to be used because it has to be a clean install in order for this to work properly. By not using userdata, the device will load up the appropriate carrier bloatware automatically using the SIM card provided!
5. Go ahead and connect the phone via a data transfer cable. You will see a serial COM port in blue connected on top. Now flash Verizon's U firmware
6. The phone should successfully flash via Odin, and it will reboot
7. I had gotten into this weird recovery state at first when it rebooted. I forgot the error name on the bottom and was confused at first it was SW REV or something I think. However, I think the reason for this is because the phone doesn't know which carrier setting to apply just yet. There were options to reboot, update from SD card, and more.
8. Select "reboot" using the power button!
9. You'll see the AT&T logo as the phone reboots! Not sure why my phone didn't end up erasing, it just updated.
The first thing I see after the apps loaded was... the WiFi calling setup screen... Victory! Thanks to everybody who posted on online forums. And thanks to butchieboy for the straightforward answer. I hope this helps anybody online looking to do the same thing whether it's their Note 9 or any other device. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am really glad I found your post and I'm going to attempt this same procedure today. Quick question, does it matter if / when your SIM is inserted into the phone? Just wondering if I need to leave it in or out during this process or whether that will even have an affect? Is your Wi-Fi calling still working currently, btw?
Carl_Sagan_Cosmos said:
I am really glad I found your post and I'm going to attempt this same procedure today. Quick question, does it matter if / when your SIM is inserted into the phone? Just wondering if I need to leave it in or out during this process or whether that will even have an affect? Is your Wi-Fi calling still working currently, btw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Carl! Sorry for the late response. I'm glad you found my post as well!
I apologize for this, I should've mentioned this in my original post: please leave the AT&T SIM card inserted in the device the entire time during this process! When the phone reboots after Odin flashes, the first thing it searches for is what SIM is inserted so it can flash the appropriate carrier setting. Do not remove the SIM during any part of the process from start to finish.
Secondly, yes! The WiFi calling feature is working great on the phone. I'm glad after two years of having the phone I was able to get the feature this month. Good luck. Please let me know if you were successful in flashing the firmware, I'd really like to hear your results! My notifications are turned back on for this thread.
robertj51 said:
Hi guys! After 18 straight hours of fiddling and researching, not getting a definite answer from XDA and Sammobile forums since my phone was on the latest bootloader v4: I've finally been able to find out how to do this, thanks to butchieboy and a culmination other forums, I've finally been able to successfully figure this out!
Basically, here are the steps to successfully do it if you're on Android 10/bootloader v4 and want to make the switch without downgrading the software on a lower bootloader. Make sure you do a clean reinstall beforehand. Everything should be off the phone.
1. Download and flash U1 firmware from samfw as a clean install. I used ATT's U1 firmware (follow the instructions below to do so). I did this first and was confused about why I didn't get the bloatware after. However, this is only the first step.
2. I found the latest firmware from Verizon for the SM-960U (not U1), and downloaded patched Odin 3.13.1b onto my computer. I downloaded these both from samfw's website. You'll need the patched version to be able to switch from U1 to U firmware. I used Verizon's instead of T-Mobile's because they had posted the latest version for Android 10.
3. Run Odin as admin, make sure you're using a computer with open USB ports for data transfer (one of my computers gave me an error, switched to another one, it worked fine). Make sure you use a good data transfer cable also.
4. Enable USB debugging on the device, and reboot the phone into recovery mode. Don't connect it to the computer yet. Do not remove the SIM card during any part of this process. Leave it inserted the entire time.
4. Load up BL..AP..CP..CSC as butchieboy states. Do not use home_csc and do not use userdata. They are not needed. CSC needs to be used because it has to be a clean install in order for this to work properly. By not using userdata, the device will load up the appropriate carrier bloatware automatically using the SIM card provided!
5. Go ahead and connect the phone via a data transfer cable. You will see a serial COM port labeled in blue connected on top. Now flash Verizon's U firmware
6. The phone should successfully flash via Odin, and it will reboot
7. I had gotten into this weird recovery state at first when it rebooted. I forgot the error name on the bottom and was confused at first it was SW REV or something I think. However, I think the reason for this is because the phone doesn't know which carrier setting to apply just yet. There were options to reboot, update from SD card, and more.
8. Select "reboot" using the power button!
9. You'll see the AT&T logo as the phone reboots! Not sure why my phone didn't end up erasing, it just apparently did an update.
The first thing I see after the apps loaded was... the WiFi calling setup screen... Victory! Thanks to everybody who posted on online forums. And thanks to butchieboy for the straightforward answer. I hope this helps anybody online looking to do the same thing whether it's their Note 9 or any other device. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What to do if i don't have at&t sim card, not even usa sim card, i'm in egypt and brought my n960u from usa, i installed u1 firm but realized that no wifi calling or volte so tried to install tmobile carrier firm and nothing appeared then tried at&t and also nothing appeared, neither the options nor the boot logo for tmobile or at&t.
what to do please help!
Thanks in advance
abulnass said:
What to do if i don't have at&t sim card, not even usa sim card, i'm in egypt and brought my n960u from usa, i installed u1 firm but realized that no wifi calling or volte so tried to install tmobile carrier firm and nothing appeared then tried at&t and also nothing appeared, neither the options nor the boot logo for tmobile or at&t.
what to do please help!
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are trying to flash T-Mobile or AT&T bloat ware without a carrier SIM card, it will not work.
Hi. What if I have an AT&T sim card, but I'm also outside US. Not sure if the sim card is active or not.
My biggest worry was, I just had my phone factory unlocked so I can use a local sim card here in the country.
Will this work? And if it will, will my phone go back to being locked by AT&T?
Hi, I tried this process the way you have it listed and it is not working. I keep getting a device info error in Odin. Tried the newest firmware and an older version
robertj51 said:
Hi guys! After 18 straight hours of fiddling and researching, not getting a definite answer from XDA and Sammobile forums since my phone was on the latest bootloader v4: I've finally been able to find out how to do this, thanks to butchieboy and a culmination other forums, I've finally been able to successfully figure this out!
Basically, here are the steps to successfully do it if you're on Android 10/bootloader v4 and want to make the switch without downgrading the software on a lower bootloader. Make sure you do a clean reinstall beforehand. Everything should be off the phone.
1. Download and flash U1 firmware from samfw as a clean install. I used ATT's U1 firmware (follow the instructions below to do so). I did this first and was confused about why I didn't get the bloatware after. However, this is only the first step.
2. I found the latest firmware from Verizon for the SM-960U (not U1), and downloaded patched Odin 3.13.1b onto my computer. I downloaded these both from samfw's website. You'll need the patched version to be able to switch from U1 to U firmware. I used Verizon's instead of T-Mobile's because they had posted the latest version for Android 10.
3. Run Odin as admin, make sure you're using a computer with open USB ports for data transfer (one of my computers gave me an error, switched to another one, it worked fine). Make sure you use a good data transfer cable also.
4. Enable USB debugging on the device, and reboot the phone into recovery mode. Don't connect it to the computer yet. Do not remove the SIM card during any part of this process. Leave it inserted the entire time.
4. Load up BL..AP..CP..CSC as butchieboy states. Do not use home_csc and do not use userdata. They are not needed. CSC needs to be used because it has to be a clean install in order for this to work properly. By not using userdata, the device will load up the appropriate carrier bloatware automatically using the SIM card provided!
5. Go ahead and connect the phone via a data transfer cable. You will see a serial COM port labeled in blue connected on top. Now flash Verizon's U firmware
6. The phone should successfully flash via Odin, and it will reboot
7. I had gotten into this weird recovery state at first when it rebooted. I forgot the error name on the bottom and was confused at first it was SW REV or something I think. However, I think the reason for this is because the phone doesn't know which carrier setting to apply just yet. There were options to reboot, update from SD card, and more.
8. Select "reboot" using the power button!
9. You'll see the AT&T logo as the phone reboots! Not sure why my phone didn't end up erasing, it just apparently did an update.
The first thing I see after the apps loaded was... the WiFi calling setup screen... Victory! Thanks to everybody who posted on online forums. And thanks to butchieboy for the straightforward answer. I hope this helps anybody online looking to do the same thing whether it's their Note 9 or any other device. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right at the beginning using odin it threw me an error, but it's probably because I used CSC home ...? How can I verify on Samsung Note 9 if I have an unlocked bootloader ..?
Edit: He used CSC not CSC home and an older version of odin. And I have a sim from Europe and it works great.
I need help, i have a sm n960u factory unlocked at&t branded using straight talk at&t sim. I have no volte or wifi calling settings. With special code they are greyed out and provisioned. Is there any way i can fix this issue?

F916U AT&T Odin Firmware Links

For those who don't know, F916U is the model number of all of the US carrier versions of the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G. The F916U1 is the model number of the same device, but sold by Samsung SIM unlocked and with no carrier bloatware. Firmware is 100% interchangeable among these models: any U or U1 firmware version can be flashed to any U or U1 device at any time, assuming that you're not trying to downgrade the bootloader. Also, U firmware is identical for the 4 base files (AP, BL, CP, CSC) for each individual build, no matter which carrier it comes from. So if you download 2 different carrier versions of the exact same build, the 4 base files will be identical. Where the firmware differs is in the USERDATA file - that's where the carrier bloatware and customizations reside.
These files that I'm posting are used for converting from one carrier's U firmware to AT&T's, or from U1 firmware back to U firmware with AT&T features and bloat. These are much tougher to find than other carriers' files due to AT&T's policy against public hosting of their firmware files - they can't be obtained from SamFirm or Frija or SamMobile. But I pay for a subscription to a site that gets AT&T files, and also sometimes gets other carriers' firmware files before they hit SamFirm/Frija, so that's where my files come from.
So I'll be uploading at least one USERDATA for each bootloader version, and I'll do the full firmware (for at least one build per bootloader level) if AT&T was the only carrier to get that specific build.
Since firmware is universal on U models, for a full flash you can use the other 4 Odin files (BL, AP, CP, CSC) from any other firmware of the same build - and you can almost always obtain what you need via SamFirm/Frija or AFH or SamMobile (if you have a premium subscription). You can probably even mix and match builds (as long as the Android version is the same), if you can't find files for the exact same build. You can't mix and match bootloaders though, so the other 4 files have to at least be from the same bootloader level.
Happy flashing!
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=318293
NOTES:
- Please don't quote the OP when replying, kthx
- I compress extra small for space and bandwidth savings. The default Windows extractor can't handle it, so you'll need a 3rd party tool like 7zip, WinRAR, etc
- I won't be providing detailed instructions on how to flash files in Odin. If you're not aware of how to do that, there are countless "beginner's guide to Odin flashing"-type threads here on XDA already
- My naming method for AFH folders is: build - bootloader - Android version.
So "SAT - 1 - 9.0" means the full build number ends in SAT, it's bootloader version 1, and it's Android 9.0. When bootloader and Android versions increment, the first build to have those changes will have its folder notated appropriately.
- the correct procedure for switching from one carrier's firmware to another is:
1. Flash full U1 firmware package including non HOME CSC
2. Upon boot, insert a SIM of the carrier whose firmware you want
3. Watch for the popup that says "reboot to apply new carrier settings" etc, and do it
4. After that restart completes, reboot back to Download mode and flash the full U firmware package, with the USERDATA file of the carrier whose firmware you want
- USERDATAs for any other CSCs/regions can be gotten from SamFirm or Frija - for the latest version. If you need an old USERDATA for a CSC/region that's not commonly found, let me know and I can probably get it
- For identifying USERDATAS, and to know what region/CSC to use in SamFirm/Frija:
AIO = Cricket (not available via SamFirm/Frija)
ATT = AT&T (not available via SamFirm/Frija)
BST = Boost Mobile
CCT = Xfinity Mobile (Comcast)
CHA = Spectrum Mobile (Charter)
SPR = Sprint
TMB = T-Mobile
TMK = Metro PCS
USC = US Cellular
VZW = Verizon (available via SamFirm/Frija, but Manual Entry is required - Auto will not work)
XAA = U1 firmware
FYI, this file will appear corrupted if you try to use the built in Windows zip extraction. I was only able to extract it with 7-zip.
bigfire said:
FYI, this file will appear corrupted if you try to use the built in Windows zip extraction. I was only able to extract it with 7-zip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, forgot to copy that bit over from my other threads. I'll add it now
USERDATA_ATT_F916USQU1ATHC_CL19402458_QB33500657_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.zip
What part of this can I use on my Galaxy Fold 2 5G f900u?
Saucin said:
USERDATA_ATT_F916USQU1ATHC_CL19402458_QB33500657_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.zip
What part of this can I use on my Galaxy Fold 2 5G f900u?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None, because your device is not the "Fold 2" nor is it 5G. You're certainly welcome to check out my F900U thread if you're looking for firmware though
So, I forget because I don't do it often but.....If my phone is Samsung factory unlocked, I'll lose all my data right? I can't just flash home csc to get wifi calling?
[email protected] said:
So, I forget because I don't do it often but.....If my phone is Samsung factory unlocked, I'll lose all my data right? I can't just flash home csc to get wifi calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash between U and U1 without a wipe
I apologize. The Spanish came from the "Galaxy Z Fold 2 Odin Launch Firmware (SM-F916N, SM-F9160, SM-F916U, SM-F916U1)" files.
HelloG3_MotoNoMore said:
"Happy flashing", my butt.
What a waste of time!
After following all instructions to the letter in both this thread's OP and this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/sa...axy-z-fold-2-odin-launch-firmware-sm-t4161413
Upon first boot I inserted the SIM and DIDN'T GET THE POP-UP described above.
I got a fresh phone with Spanish as the default language, (easily changed it to US English) and THERE'S NO AT&T ANYTHING ON IT!
No WiFi calling, No Visual Voicemail.
BTW, I did it ALL TWICE, just in case I missed something.
Back to my original plan, swapping main boards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Spanish doesn't come as the default language on ANY U or U1 firmware. I have no idea what firmware you flashed, but you need to go talk to whoever posted it about the janky firmware that they're putting on XDA
iBowToAndroid said:
Spanish doesn't come as the default language on ANY U or U1 firmware. I have no idea what firmware you flashed, but you need to go talk to whoever posted it about the janky firmware that they're putting on XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I had the same problem with this firmware. As the poster says, it booted to Spanish (which I was able to set back to English), and without any hint of it being an ATT phone (no logo, no carrier features). I spent an evening working on it, and finally just got frustrated and sent the phone back for a refund. I'm a reasonably educated user, and was successful doing the same thing to a Note 20 Ultra, but was unable to get it to work with the Fold.
I'd really like to see it working though. If I could get it to work, I'd go back to the phone.
bigfire said:
Actually, I had the same problem with this firmware. As the poster says, it booted to Spanish (which I was able to set back to English), and without any hint of it being an ATT phone (no logo, no carrier features). I spent an evening working on it, and finally just got frustrated and sent the phone back for a refund. I'm a reasonably educated user, and was successful doing the same thing to a Note 20 Ultra, but was unable to get it to work with the Fold.
I'd really like to see it working though. If I could get it to work, I'd go back to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to talk to whoever posted the firmware then
If I wind up going back to the phone I'll document my approach. It's been long enough I don't want to cause confusion with possible misreporting.
Bigfire,
Which and where did you get the firmware that was used?
Sorry.
HelloG3_MotoNoMore said:
Than you better talk to the man in the mirror, pal.
What I flashed is what YOU LINKED in the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's only a very small part of what you flashed. You also flashed all of the other firmware files from that other link.
I apologize. The Spanish came from the "Galaxy Z Fold 2 Odin Launch Firmware (SM-F916N, SM-F9160, SM-F916U, SM-F916U1)" files.
HelloG3_MotoNoMore said:
Yes, your contribution is the Spanish, (god knows who's, but not AT&T's) data partition.
---------- Post added at 06:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 PM ----------
Have a mod do the community a favor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you verified that the problem is with my file, by doing a clean flash of the other firmware files that you downloaded and not flashing my USERDATA?
iBowToAndroid said:
Have you verified that the problem is with my file, by doing a clean flash of the other firmware files that you downloaded and not flashing my USERDATA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Juggamonkey posted in the other thread with the f916 firmwares, that they flashed the u1 firmware to their AT&T f916 and it resulted with PCT/PCT/ATT which is likely Puerto Rico region. My guess it would default to Spanish. I personally haven't had the need to use your file at this time. Also I have never had any issues with your prior files. Thank you posting the USERDATA!
nunyabiziz said:
Juggamonkey posted in the other thread with the f916 firmwares, that they flashed the u1 firmware to their AT&T f916 and it resulted with PCT/PCT/ATT which is likely Puerto Rico region. My guess it would default to Spanish. I personally haven't had the need to use your file at this time. Also I have never had any issues with your prior files. Thank you posting the USERDATA!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm interesting. PCT is a Puerto Rico CSC/Region for Samsung, yes. But I've never seen it on any American models before. Puerto Rican carriers have always sold models from the Central/South American region, with model numbers ending in something other than U. But I suppose they may have changed things up this time
Sorry.

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