[Q] Want to change everything about my phone without actually changing phones... - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So here's my problem: I bought my SGS3 in China (CHU firmware)but it doesn't come stock with Google Play Store and a bunch of bloatware I can't even read, Every time I update my firmware (KIES/OTA) i lose my root and all my Google apps. And now I cannot install Gapps on the new 4.3 CHU firmware (recovery gives me error). I'd like to switch to a different firmware that has Google apps native to it. I tired Cyanogenmod for a time but missed some of the features that the Samsung stock firmwares provided. I've also heard about a leaked BTU firmware from the UK that sounds appealing but every time I try to flash (via Odin) it fails. I've also heard that I would need to change my CSC in order to use Kies with a new firmware but my phone only has a single CSC and errors out every time I try to change the CSC. Now quite sure how to proceed.Everything on my phone is in English but sometimes the Chinese still come through ie. error message and even the prompts to get into download mode.
So, does anyone have experience completely changing a phone from one country to another, firmware and all? What about the problems installing Gapps, any ideas?
Help, please!

notalocalpeople said:
So here's my problem: I bought my SGS3 in China (CHU firmware)but it doesn't come stock with Google Play Store and a bunch of bloatware I can't even read, Every time I update my firmware (KIES/OTA) i lose my root and all my Google apps. And now I cannot install Gapps on the new 4.3 CHU firmware (recovery gives me error). I'd like to switch to a different firmware that has Google apps native to it. I tired Cyanogenmod for a time but missed some of the features that the Samsung stock firmwares provided. I've also heard about a leaked BTU firmware from the UK that sounds appealing but every time I try to flash (via Odin) it fails. I've also heard that I would need to change my CSC in order to use Kies with a new firmware but my phone only has a single CSC and errors out every time I try to change the CSC. Now quite sure how to proceed.Everything on my phone is in English but sometimes the Chinese still come through ie. error message and even the prompts to get into download mode.
So, does anyone have experience completely changing a phone from one country to another, firmware and all? What about the problems installing Gapps, any ideas?
Help, please!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash stock ROMs compiled by different devs which are deodexed and prerooted(with supersu as system app) and with some performance tweaks like init.d support etc..go to s3 general section and you can find those compiled zip files flashable thru any custom recovery.. But follow the instructions given to flash it and done...you will have the best stock experience and that too which you can customise and with performance and battery tweaks..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

Related

Updating Software International Version

Just got the GT-I9100 International version for my daughter (we are on AT&T). What do I need to know before checking and installing updates? I started to check for updates but it asks for my location and I read somewhere about people who downloaded U.S. version (in the U.S.) and installed it on their non-U.S. phones and they screwed up the machine. I believe the phone is from Germany (the initial language when we turned it on was German).
Thanks.
sbi1 said:
Just got the GT-I9100 International version for my daughter (we are on AT&T). What do I need to know before checking and installing updates? I started to check for updates but it asks for my location and I read somewhere about people who downloaded U.S. version (in the U.S.) and installed it on their non-U.S. phones and they screwed up the machine. I believe the phone is from Germany (the initial language when we turned it on was German).
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no version of the i9100 sold in the US. What you probably read about is someone who flashed firmware or a ROM for the i777 (or some other different variant model) to an i9100. The i777 is the variant sold by AT&T. The i9100 is sold internationally.
As long as you stick to flashing things meant for the i9100, you should be fine.
Also, make sure of the exact model. There is also the i9100G variant, which is incompatible to the i9100 in terms of firmwares, kernels, and ROMs.
Just be careful, and if you intend on flashing anything, only use things meant for that exact model phone.
Thanks. I meant OTA update. If I check OTA update, isn't it getting updates from Samsung US or something like that?
BTW, these are the specifics of this device. I am also considering rooting it. Not sure what would be the best way though (I only have experience with rooting my I777) l.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
sbi1 said:
Thanks. I meant OTA update. If I check OTA update, isn't it getting updates from Samsung US or something like that?
BTW, these are the specifics of this device. I am also considering rooting it. Not sure what would be the best way though (I only have experience with rooting my I777) l.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't believe you'll get any OTA updates on the i9100 while in the US. I haven't, in over a year. Besides, you can turn it off. (OTA)
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Rooting is simple (My guide is to skip rooting and jump straight for custom rom, but the steps to root are the same)
1. Download any version of CWM from here
2. Get desired rom (kernel too if you want)
3. Place everything in Externel SDcard
4. Boot into stock recovery (Power+Home+Vol up)
5. Use stock recovery to flash CWM
6. Backup Current stock rom
7. Wipe the usual
8. Flash Custom rom (Or just kernel)
9. Reboot
10. ?? Profit ??
Now you got Custom rom or Kernel + Full stock rom backup (can always get stock rom from sammobile if you lose it)
-Grift- said:
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, I have had this phone for over a year, bought from the UK, and never had an OTA update. I am in the US, and am an AT&T customer.
Thank you both!
-Grift- said:
Aint the updates controlled by CSC?? From the pic it seems to be XW -> UK i guess? So you should still get UK updates ...
Rooting is simple (My guide is to skip rooting and jump straight for custom rom, but the steps to root are the same)
1. Download any version of CWM from here
2. Get desired rom (kernel too if you want)
3. Place everything in Externel SDcard
4. Boot into stock recovery (Power+Home+Vol up)
5. Use stock recovery to flash CWM
6. Backup Current stock rom
7. Wipe the usual
8. Flash Custom rom (Or just kernel)
9. Reboot
10. ?? Profit ??
Now you got Custom rom or Kernel + Full stock rom backup (can always get stock rom from sammobile if you lose it)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I understand correctly? This is just a temporary CWM? How do I get a permanent CWM?
sbi1 said:
Did I understand correctly? This is just a temporary CWM? How do I get a permanent CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By flashing a kernel that has it included. You can do this with a CWM flashable package from within the temporary CWM. Recovery is part of the kernel package on this phone.
This is where it comes into play that you make sure you flash a kernel meant for the i9100.
Recoveryception bro
Not sure why I cannot find stock in sammobile.
ctomgee said:
As I said, I have had this phone for over a year, bought from the UK, and never had an OTA update. I am in the US, and am an AT&T customer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reason I am asking about update is that the phone keeps 'suggesting' to check for Software Update and when I start the update process it asks me to choose which country I am at. So I am wondering what will happen if I download an update OTA. I read somewhere that it comes from Samsung US and Samsung US only have updates for US models.
ctomgee said:
By flashing a kernel that has it included. You can do this with a CWM flashable package from within the temporary CWM. Recovery is part of the kernel package on this phone.
This is where it comes into play that you make sure you flash a kernel meant for the i9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I need specific kernel for LPI (current is I9100XWLPI), or any kernel for I9100?
sbi1 said:
Reason I am asking about update is that the phone keeps 'suggesting' to check for Software Update and when I start the update process it asks me to choose which country I am at. So I am wondering what will happen if I download an update OTA. I read somewhere that it comes from Samsung US and Samsung US only have updates for US models.
Do I need specific kernel for LPI (current is I9100XWLPI), or any kernel for I9100?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends. A custom kernel like Siyah will do. I don't think OTA works on this phone in the States.
I'm not a fan of all the advice that you're getting. The advice being given to you is for those who want to run custom firmware. You mentioned wanting the OTA (which won't likely happen for you as a user residing in the US). Simply download Samsung Kies and install on your desktop.
http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/
Once it detects your phone plugged in via USB, it will tell you which firmware you're on, and what the most recent firmware for your model is. If the most recent is newer than what you have, it will prompt you to update.
EDIT: See attached image for a screenshot of my Kies w/my SGS2 i9100.
jaykresge said:
I'm not a fan of all the advice that you're getting. The advice being given to you is for those who want to run custom firmware. You mentioned wanting the OTA (which won't likely happen for you as a user residing in the US). Simply download Samsung Kies and install on your desktop.
http://www.samsung.com/us/kies/
Once it detects your phone plugged in via USB, it will tell you which firmware you're on, and what the most recent firmware for your model is. If the most recent is newer than what you have, it will prompt you to update.
EDIT: See attached image for a screenshot of my Kies w/my SGS2 i9100.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, at the end of the day I do want to root and maybe even install a custom rom (trying to convince my daughter that it's safe ). I did root and run Shostock on my I777, but I don't have any experience with the I9100.
I don't necessarily want the OTA update, I was just worried that if I try to update it (currently 4.0.3...not sure if there is a newer version at all), the OTA will put something that does not belong there. As I said, I read somewhere about Samsung US downloading US version that doesn't work with the I9100.
If you want to root and rom, this is the right place. If you or your daughter are more comfortable with a stock ROM, get Kies. It's not going to download the US firmware. Here's why.
-you plug it in and it detects the phone, literally saying, "Hey, I have an i9100 here, not an i-777!"
-It looks for your current firmware, literally saying, "Hmm, I see UK 4.0.3 here, let's see if there's more current UK firmware."
-It then finds the more current firmware for what is currently installed, "Egads! There's a 4.0.4 UK firmware!"
Anyway, there is in fact a more recent firmware for your device (4.0.4) and it contains numerous bug fixes. I'd recommend installing Kies and running that update. Then, if you haven't done much with the phone yet, factory reset it to clean out any left over garbage. It will give you a smooth experience. And for what it's worth, I've had no desire to root/rom my SGS2. On my Incredible, not only did I root/rom, but I had my own project (Liberation) that I ran on these very boards. With the SGS2, there's been no need for me to do that.
Some like the "pure google experince"
So indeed we got an update through Kies. Thank you.
BTW - it is a German phone. It came with, and re-installed with the update, some German links/apps (I removed them when we first started it). For some reason the updated stock is not shown in the Kernel version as it did before (see pic).
Question: I am using TB on my I777. Maybe I'll skip the root on her phone, she will be going to college and I won't be around to fix things if needed . Is there an app to backup user apps without root?
sbi1 said:
So indeed we got an update through Kies. Thank you.
BTW - it is a German phone. It came with, and re-installed with the update, some German links/apps (I removed them when we first started it). For some reason the updated stock is not shown in the Kernel version as it did before (see pic).
Question: I am using TB on my I777. Maybe I'll skip the root on her phone, she will be going to college and I won't be around to fix things if needed . Is there an app to backup user apps without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are on german firmware, I'd recommend learning how to use ODIN as your next step. Switch it over to UK firmware. All apps are in English. Once you use Odin to switch over to a different country's firmware, Kies will only detect your device as being from the new country, and only look for compatible firmware within that country. This is something that you can do that won't require root, won't risk voiding your warranty (if you follow the simple instructions), and can be a precursor to root/romming if your daughter wants to go that route.
jaykresge said:
Since you are on german firmware, I'd recommend learning how to use ODIN as your next step. Switch it over to UK firmware. All apps are in English. Once you use Odin to switch over to a different country's firmware, Kies will only detect your device as being from the new country, and only look for compatible firmware within that country. This is something that you can do that won't require root, won't risk voiding your warranty (if you follow the simple instructions), and can be a precursor to root/romming if your daughter wants to go that route.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks jaykresge. I am familiar with Odin. As I mentioned - my I777 is rooted. What I don't know though is how/where to get the correct UK firmware to replace the one I have and "UK'ing" the device

[Q]Which stock firmware to use?

After buying my phone from a person (not an authorized seller) I factory reset the phone and it showed up in Arabic language, however since I accidentally bricked it I wasn't able to take a good look at what it's stock firmware was, Is there anyway at all to find what stock firmware I should be using? since I can't access the Lockscreen or the shutdown/screenshot features of the phone, I'm using a Turkey country 4.1.2 firmware
Go to Samfirmware. You can use the pulldown boxes to choose OS/phone model/country/carrier & it will give you a list of stock roms released by that carrier. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what (or even if) stock firmware you run, though obviously it might be difficult to get OTA updates if you're not running one for your country.
Well that's easy but they said on the newbie thread that in practice it's okay but it's not since the modems are different, and I already searched for a stock firmware but the problem is that the lockscreen isn't responding or not functioning (regardless of what screen lock you would like be it pattern or pin). They also said that I should use my IMEI to match the stock firmware I'm supposed to use? but I don't know that method yet.
If you flash a stock rom for your carrier, you will get a modem that's presumed they tested thorougly enough so it works for most people most of the time with their network before they released the rom.
If you've got that lockscreen issue, that's a different problem, but try flashing a stock rom for your carrier (and do a wipe after) before you do anything else.
An IMEI search won't give you the info you're after. And as I said in my PP, it's not important, but to make sure of things you flash a rom for your carrier.

Need I9100PXXLSS firmware for restore on dead i9100p

Hi all,
tried to root my phone with jeboo_kernel_i9100_v1-2a.tar using Odin3 not realizing my phone was an I9100p (they look the same ,almost). Anyway it booted up but i had no signal guessing this was due to it being the wrong kernel? I then tried to flash to CF-Root-SGS2_XW_XEN_LP7-v5.4-CWM5 this gave me only a bootloader screen. I rebooted jeboo_kernel_i9100_v1-2a.tar and i can now use my phone again but without the signal, i do however have super user and CWM on my phone. Im thinking its probably best to give up so ive found the original firmware i need : I9100PXXLSS . unfortuently all copies seem to be on hotfile which has recently been closed. Anyone got this firmware they could send to me? Thanks.
try to search for I9100XWLSW_I9100XXMS2_I9100XEULS5_HOME.tar and flash that.
also you can visit sammobile, they provide good and updated firmwares
And where do you think the OP went to look for this firmware first ?
OP - Samfirmware are still in the process of migrating their stuff to Terra, they started with the most recent firmwares & are working their way back. Try AndroidFirmwares.net & Samsung-Updates.com; if they don't have what you need, you'll either have to flash something else or wait until Samfirmware have what you're looking for back up again. You don't need to flash the exact firmware that was on the phone to get it working again. If your aim is to root the phone & flash a custom rom, any firmware for any country/carrier will do (but don't use 4.0.4). If the intention is to simply go back to stock & stay stock, use any other rom for your carrier (again, stay away from 4.0.4 just in case you decide to root it or whatever).
Punk007 said:
also you can visit sammobile, they provide good and updated firmwares
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

UNABLE TO ROOT galaxy note 3!

Hi all,
I have the SM-N9005 Galaxy Note 3 (Snapdragon) running android 4.4.2. I had a bit of a **** up the other day and finally managed to get my phone booting again. My issue now is that I can't seem to root my phone at all.
A copy of SuperSU was installed (by a failed CF-Auto-Root while trying to fix my device), but wouldn't run when I tried it. I've now tried to root the device by:
CF-Auto-Root - Runs smoothly but still no root
Towelroot - Device not supported message
CWM -> Install via zip - Says it worked but root unsuccessful
Kingo - Failed to root
I've tried multiple things now but no matter what I do, the final result will be a device that isn't rooted even if whatever rooting method says it was successful. I also can't run apps that won't run on rooted devices because they think my device is rooted (not sure if this is knox? mine has been tripped).
Anyone have any idea?
Try root genius it works
Downloaded root genius, ran it, everything went perfect and it said "Gratz".
Still no root according to root checker and Xposed. I have Kinguser installed now too which says root access is "ON".
Sidalol said:
Downloaded root genius, ran it, everything went perfect and it said "Gratz".
Still no root according to root checker and Xposed. I have Kinguser installed now too which says root access is "ON".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone giving you advice on how to root without knowing your build version of the software you are currently using shouldn't be trying to "help". Since you have not had any success and having leftover apps / files that you can't delete without root means you should reinstall the stock operating system via Odin and restart the process. You absolutely need to be aware of the build version - just saying I have 4.3 or 4.4.2 installed is not enough information and the methods can vary depending on that and even, sometimes, via carrier or region.
es0tericcha0s said:
Anyone giving you advice on how to root without knowing your build version of the software you are currently using shouldn't be trying to "help". Since you have not had any success and having leftover apps / files that you can't delete without root means you should reinstall the stock operating system via Odin and restart the process. You absolutely need to be aware of the build version - just saying I have 4.3 or 4.4.2 installed is not enough information and the methods can vary depending on that and even, sometimes, via carrier or region.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh man that's how I broke it the first time. I didn't realise I needed version numbers etc, I simply followed te "how to unroot galaxy note 3" guide on galaxynote3root. The guide looked simple enough and linked me to the SM-N9005 firmware so I just followed the instructions. The flash failed in ODIN, phone wouldn't boot, and I was stuck in this mess of trying to learn about all these different ways of flashing with no idea what my version numbers were as I couldn't boot the phone.
After trying to flash all kinds of versions on to it (didn't really have much choice) I luckily stumbled across an old cwm backup, so I got cwm and restored that backup. Turns out it was a backup I did for my ex's phone (also Galaxy Note 3 but from Bulgaria, no idea which model, mine is from UK). I reset factory settings and that's where I am now.
If I post my version numbers here could you show me where to find the right files for Odin? I really had such a hard time trying to figure out what the hell was what with the million different firmware versions...
Model Number: SM-N9005
Android Version: 4.4.2
Baseband Version: N9005ZHUENE2
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-1955971
Build Number: KOT49H.N9005XXUGNG1
SE for Android Status: Enforcing
Security Software Version: MDF v1.0 Release 3
Edit: Been looking at firmware on sammobile and there's multiple versions of stock for N9005XXUGNG1 in all different languages, the difference is the CSC code however there isn't one for mine (mine seems to be from hong kong or something), does the CSC matter or can I download the United Kingdom N9005XXUGNG1 and flash that regardless of matchng CSC? Or can I fix my CSC? :/
Could someone move this thread to http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/help please I think it would be a better place.
Sidalol said:
Oh man that's how I broke it the first time. I didn't realise I needed version numbers etc, I simply followed te "how to unroot galaxy note 3" guide on galaxynote3root. The guide looked simple enough and linked me to the SM-N9005 firmware so I just followed the instructions. The flash failed in ODIN, phone wouldn't boot, and I was stuck in this mess of trying to learn about all these different ways of flashing with no idea what my version numbers were as I couldn't boot the phone.
After trying to flash all kinds of versions on to it (didn't really have much choice) I luckily stumbled across an old cwm backup, so I got cwm and restored that backup. Turns out it was a backup I did for my ex's phone (also Galaxy Note 3 but from Bulgaria, no idea which model, mine is from UK). I reset factory settings and that's where I am now.
If I post my version numbers here could you show me where to find the right files for Odin? I really had such a hard time trying to figure out what the hell was what with the million different firmware versions...
Model Number: SM-N9005
Android Version: 4.4.2
Baseband Version: N9005ZHUENE2
Kernel Version: 3.4.0-1955971
Build Number: KOT49H.N9005XXUGNG1
SE for Android Status: Enforcing
Security Software Version: MDF v1.0 Release 3
Edit: Been looking at firmware on sammobile and there's multiple versions of stock for N9005XXUGNG1 in all different languages, the difference is the CSC code however there isn't one for mine (mine seems to be from hong kong or something), does the CSC matter or can I download the United Kingdom N9005XXUGNG1 and flash that regardless of matchng CSC? Or can I fix my CSC? :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, it does get a little tricky since there are so many different versions of the software for Samsungs like these that are world phones. So your Build Number suggests that it's the version for the UK firmware, yet the baseband is from the Hong Kong region. You mentioned that the Odin install failed so I wouldn't think that the baseband had been changed, suggesting that originally it was an HK phone. With most of the unlocked non-carrier specific Note 3s, you should be able to install the official firmwares from whichever region, though there might be differences in service from the modem/baseband version or apps and languages specific to that region, but these problems should be easily solveable. I think I would try this one: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/38070/N9005XXUGNG1_N9005OXAGNJ3_BTU.zip/ This is the unbranded version for the UK region.
http://www.cpkb.org/wiki/Samsung_firmware_naming_conventions#2._Region_code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2666907
Another thing I was thinking...you obviously have a custom recovery if you restored your gf's backup and tried to install SU that way...why not just pick a custom rom which is already rooted and could contain other fun / useful mods?
es0tericcha0s said:
Yea, it does get a little tricky since there are so many different versions of the software for Samsungs like these that are world phones. So your Build Number suggests that it's the version for the UK firmware, yet the baseband is from the Hong Kong region. You mentioned that the Odin install failed so I wouldn't think that the baseband had been changed, suggesting that originally it was an HK phone. With most of the unlocked non-carrier specific Note 3s, you should be able to install the official firmwares from whichever region, though there might be differences in service from the modem/baseband version or apps and languages specific to that region, but these problems should be easily solveable. I think I would try this one: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/38070/N9005XXUGNG1_N9005OXAGNJ3_BTU.zip/ This is the unbranded version for the UK region.
http://www.cpkb.org/wiki/Samsung_firmware_naming_conventions#2._Region_code
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2666907
Another thing I was thinking...you obviously have a custom recovery if you restored your gf's backup and tried to install SU that way...why not just pick a custom rom which is already rooted and could contain other fun / useful mods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much. Do I have to download one of the CSC files from the bottom link to use at the same time in Odin? I want to reset everything back to stock first as it feels pretty screwed atm but afterwards is there any custom rom you recommend for note 3?
Sidalol said:
Thanks so much. Do I have to download one of the CSC files from the bottom link to use at the same time in Odin? I want to reset everything back to stock first as it feels pretty screwed atm but afterwards is there any custom rom you recommend for note 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the full firmware flash has the CSC built in, I just provided the other link for further info. As far as roms, I can't really say. I mod phones for people as part hobby / extra money and don't see the international version often enough to know the roms that well as I tend to just get the carrier specific ones to work on. Now that Lollipop is out for it, looks like there are a lot more choices which we don't have here in the US yet. Just think about what you want to focus on (battery life, mods, stability, etc) and read through the reviews to see if people are experiencing good things. I personally don't care for Touchwiz and the Samsung devices I've owned, I just jump straight to something CM based, but it's not for everyone and you might lose some functionality in some respects (some S-Pen features) and gain it in other places (ability to mod almost everything, slimmer, no bloat, etc) For my customers though, I almost always recommend something stock based as there tends to be less of a learning curve and thus less issues I have to help people navigate through.
es0tericcha0s said:
No, the full firmware flash has the CSC built in, I just provided the other link for further info. As far as roms, I can't really say. I mod phones for people as part hobby / extra money and don't see the international version often enough to know the roms that well as I tend to just get the carrier specific ones to work on. Now that Lollipop is out for it, looks like there are a lot more choices which we don't have here in the US yet. Just think about what you want to focus on (battery life, mods, stability, etc) and read through the reviews to see if people are experiencing good things. I personally don't care for Touchwiz and the Samsung devices I've owned, I just jump straight to something CM based, but it's not for everyone and you might lose some functionality in some respects (some S-Pen features) and gain it in other places (ability to mod almost everything, slimmer, no bloat, etc) For my customers though, I almost always recommend something stock based as there tends to be less of a learning curve and thus less issues I have to help people navigate through.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap, just tried to load that one...same problem I had the first time round. It gets to "system.img.ext4" then fails. My phone will stay on the downloading screen now until I reboot it then I probably can't boot
Phone shows:
UDC START
ODIN: Invalid ext4 image
Odin shows:
<ID:0/004> boot.img
<ID:0/004> recovery.img
<ID:0/004> system.img.ext4
<ID:0/004> FAIL! (Ext4)
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Edit: Yeah I get "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again". Won't work in Kies though it'll say unsupported version.
Edit 2: Tried again with a different cable (official samsung also) and different usb port, same result. Also ran files from desktop instead of usb this time but didn't help.
Sidalol said:
Crap, just tried to load that one...same problem I had the first time round. It gets to "system.img.ext4" then fails. My phone will stay on the downloading screen now until I reboot it then I probably can't boot
Phone shows:
UDC START
ODIN: Invalid ext4 image
Odin shows:
<ID:0/004> boot.img
<ID:0/004> recovery.img
<ID:0/004> system.img.ext4
<ID:0/004> FAIL! (Ext4)
<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
Edit: Yeah I get "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again". Won't work in Kies though it'll say unsupported version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That' s really odd... Maybe try the HK version then, matching the baseband version you have. Sucks that all the links are so darn slow. You might want to spring for the premium Sammobile account to expedite the process. They have a week membership for 5 pounds and should provide a significant increase in download speeds if you need to get your phone back up in a hurry.
You might try the Emergency mode in Kies to described here: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/faq/FAQ00059169/81100 to see if that helps anything.
es0tericcha0s said:
That' s really odd... Maybe try the HK version then, matching the baseband version you have. Sucks that all the links are so darn slow. You might want to spring for the premium Sammobile account to expediate the process. They have a week membership for 5 pounds and should provide a significant increase in download speeds if you need to get your phone back up in a hurry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already got the week membership 2 days ago when I was trying this the first time Downloads were going to take 6 hours each and I'd already signed up to like 5 other sites (free) which all turned out useless anyway lol. Will try the HK one now (http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/29373/N9005ZHUENE3_N9005ZZHENE3_TGY.zip/) Hope it's right
Sidalol said:
I already got the week membership 2 days ago when I was trying this the first time Will try the HK one now (http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/29373/N9005ZHUENE3_N9005ZZHENE3_TGY.zip/) Hope it's right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't make it any worse.
es0tericcha0s said:
Won't make it any worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well damn it actually worked! Something is wrong through because apps are crashing and constantly spamming error boxes making it unusable...would it be some compatability thing with it being the kong kong firmware and me in uk? Don't know if it matters whether it's the hong kong one.
"Unfortunately, the process android.process.acore has stopped."
endless spam.
Edit: Ok I reset factory settings and now it works but it's in chinese. If I simply change the language to english is that it? It's the same as having everything back at stock and will work fine in uk? Or can I change to a proper uk stock?
Sidalol said:
Well damn it actually worked! Something is wrong through because apps are crashing and constantly spamming error boxes making it unusable...would it be some compatability thing with it being the kong kong firmware and me in uk? Don't know if it matters whether it's the hong kong one.
"Unfortunately, the process android.process.acore has stopped."
endless spam.
Edit: Ok I reset factory settings and now it works but it's in chinese. If I simply change the language to english is that it? It's the same as having everything back at stock and will work fine in uk? Or can I change to a proper uk stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should be it. You have the same baseband with this version as you had so you should not notice any difference in service or the like. I WAS going to suggest the HK version first but you said you got it in the UK so thought it should work that way. Sorry!
es0tericcha0s said:
That should be it. You have the same baseband with this version as you had so you should not notice any difference in service or the like. I WAS going to suggest the HK version first but you said you got it in the UK so thought it should work that way. Sorry!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks so much man, this was driving me mad for a few days. One final thing if you don't mind, it's offering me a samsung update to the firmware, it says it's for VoLTE support and after updating the firmware I will be unable to downgrade due to the security policy. Is it fine to update or will it interfere with things in future like using a custom rom?
Thanks again really.
Sidalol said:
Thanks so much man, this was driving me mad for a few days. One final thing if you don't mind, it's offering me a samsung update to the firmware, it says it's for VoLTE support and after updating the firmware I will be unable to downgrade due to the security policy. Is it fine to update or will it interfere with things in future like using a custom rom?
Thanks again really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My pleasure. I know how frustrating these things can be and I have a crazy amount of experience with this kind of stuff. You shouldn't have an issue with the update or doing custom things afterwards as the bootloader on that model is not locked, so you would still be able to install a custom recovery and custom rom, if you would like. If it's the 5.0 update, then you might have trouble using KK roms and you definitely can't go back to official 4.4.4 at that point, but it's probably just a minor update for the modem and not the full 5.0 update yet.

[Solved] Tab S3 (T825) Revert to default firmware/rom

I am trying to get back to stock firmware/rom after having LineageOS.
I got Odin and downloaded several stock rom files and none of the work properly, I can flash them and the tablet starts in what looks to be the default initial setup but the apps keep stopping before I an even tap anything, sever apps like keyboard, one drive and so on, basically all apps crash at the same time.
I believe I am not getting the right rom, but I have no idea how to find out what the right one is, does the country really matter that much ?
Nrby said:
I am trying to get back to stock firmware/rom after having LineageOS.
I got Odin and downloaded several stock rom files and none of the work properly, I can flash them and the tablet starts in what looks to be the default initial setup but the apps keep stopping before I an even tap anything, sever apps like keyboard, one drive and so on, basically all apps crash at the same time.
I believe I am not getting the right rom, but I have no idea how to find out what the right one is, does the country really matter that much ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get them from?
I used SamFirm_Reborn and got the correct multiple part 9er as I've flashed back to stock twice already.
Although my T825 is on LOS19.1 atm.
Were you using single or multiple part ROM?
bmwdroid said:
Where did you get them from?
I used SamFirm_Reborn and got the correct multiple part 9er as I've flashed back to stock twice already.
Although my T825 is on LOS19.1 atm.
Were you using single or multiple part ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i downloaded from several sites, always the 4 part, always android 9 latest patch, tried the romanian version since I it was bought new in romania but that's probably not a guarantee
@Nrby I recommend using Samfirm as it downloads directly from Samsungs servers.
Just to make sure you get an original.
@Nrby btw which Odin version?
finished downloading/decrypting with SamFirm_Reborn_0.3.6.3, used Odin3_v3.14.4 to flash the files, worked well and I get the same issue after the reboot, it tries to initialize and then just keeps trying to close apps until it reboots, could this have something to do with the wrong rom ? how can I even determine what region I need at this stage ?
@Nrby which region code did you use?
checked here?
Samsung CSC Codes List (All) | Change CSC on Samsung Devices
Today, we'll explain Samsung CSC codes. Besides, we also have a list of CSC codes or region codes with a method to change CSC on Samsung.
www.droidviews.com
Was it at that stage connected to Wifi or mobile already?
bmwdroid said:
@Nrby which region code did you use?
checked here?
Samsung CSC Codes List (All) | Change CSC on Samsung Devices
Today, we'll explain Samsung CSC codes. Besides, we also have a list of CSC codes or region codes with a method to change CSC on Samsung.
www.droidviews.com
Was it at that stage connected to Wifi or mobile already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
never got there, the Samsung Keyboard is also one of the apps that keep crashing so I can't enter the password.
I'm not even sure if it has anything to do with the CSC, I can see the build in the recovery menue, the questions is am I seeing the original firmware code or the one I flashed now ?
Nrby said:
.... , the questions is am I seeing the original firmware code or the one I flashed now ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Afaik you only see what you flashed.
Original ROM might be noted on the box it came with.
I'm no step further, I have no idea what the original rom was, and not sure how to find out
I don't even know if that might solve the problem
I've attached all the information I can gather from the box/tablet in it's current state
@Nrby I've compared on sammobile some stock ROM versions for Europe and for T825XXU3CTD1 and the CSC is at least identical between Romania, Greece, Czech, Germany, Poland. They all have the OXX.
I doubt that your problem has anything to do with the CSC as apps crash even before connecting to any mobile provider.
Tried flashing stock ROM several times one after another while staying in download/Odin mode all the time?
I remember that this helped me once on a different device.
thanks a lot, worked after around 4-5 flashes, it's a bit slow, might still have some issues but seems to run stable for now, really didn't expect this to work
Nrby said:
thanks a lot, worked after around 4-5 flashes, it's a bit slow, might still have some issues but seems to run stable for now, really didn't expect this to work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad that my hint helped.
Perhaps useful for other users if you mark the thread as solved then they find the solution when having the same issue.

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