[Galaxy Tab 10.1 General] tjdwowh:
(Updated: March 12, 2012)

As many desperate users have noticed, there is practically no information available for the users of the Magenta flavored GT 10.1 on XDA.

The purpose of this post is twofold:

First, to help you get the most out of your tablet.

Second, to teach you essential information that will keep you from taking fatal leaps of faith, explaining some of the Android jargon that confuses many newcomers.

Disclaimer: Proceed with caution. This guide will be updated to ensure accuracy, but does not claim perfection.

Table of Contents:

0. FAQ

I. How to root the T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1

II. How to use a mobile phone's SIM card and corresponding Data Plan with the Tablet (in lieu of the mobile broadband plan/SIM that T-Mobile requires)

III. Removing T-Mobile Bloatware

IV. Basic Navigation

V. Installing ROMs

VI. HELP! I SCREWED UP! or How to Restore your Tablet to Stock (Original) Settings

C. Frequently Reported "Problems"

Guides:

0. FAQ

I will use this Section to quickly answer some of the questions I have found on this forum.

Will my T-Mobile Tablet fit in the regular Galaxy Tab 10.1 case?

Yes. The two devices have the same dimensions.

Can I make voice calls?

Voice calling is not fully functional yet. If you search some of seo's posts, you may be able to get partial calling capabilities. It is likely that within the coming weeks, we will have working GSM Voice calls.

ICS?

Yes. Section V.

To be continued.

I. How to root the T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1

=What Exactly IS Rooting?=

Rooting means obtaining access to the root directory of the device (/). (Think of it as the "Desktop" directory, the most basic location).

At ship, an Android device will not let you access any folders above /sdcard/, which you see when your device is mounted to your computer through the USB drive.

This is a problem. Why? Because if you want to install ROMs or system apps (which I will cover in later sections), you must have access to /.

=To Root Your T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1=

Rooting involves installing Superuser, which is an application akin to Firewall. It can allow or deny Root access by other applications.

Rooting also requires you to make a few binary code changes.

To automate this process,

1. Follow djR3Z's tutorial here: (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1239185)

I suggest following it to the end so you do not have to return to it for installing a Custom Recovery (covered later in Section IV).

You do not have to understand what it is yet; I will explain everything later, I promise.

This method works perfectly on the T-Mobile tablet, because the way the file systems are organized is identical between a Galaxy Tab 10.1 and the T-Mobile one (but not the 10.1v).

Check here for feedback from T-Mobile tablet users. (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1335846)

II. How to use a mobile phone's SIM card and corresponding Data Plan with the Tablet (in lieu of the mobile broadband plan/SIM that T-Mobile requires).

When you receive your tablet, T-Mobile will put a soft-lock that disables data usage from a regular phone's SIM card. They would rather have you commit to two different data plans (one for the phone, another for the tablet) so you do not have an all-purpose device. That is why you cannot make GSM voice calls from the T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1 (yet), although your device is physically capable, and is also the reason you cannot use some of the Samsung features built in to other tablets.

T-Mobile is able to restrict your access by comparing your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number to their database, which will have that device registered as a Tablet (which requires a mobile broadband plan).

You can get around this problem by deleting your IMEI, which automatically assigns you a new IMEI that makes your tablet identify itself as a generic device rather than a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. You do not lose any functionality; you are just able to "disguise" your tablet as a phone.

=How To Solve This Problem=

**NOTE: Please use discretion. I am not aware of the legalities surrounding this solution. What I do know is that you are not stealing any data by using your SIM card on a different device, whether it be your phone or tablet. It is no different from putting your SIM card in a friend's phone and using the internet. As long as you stay below your allotted amount, I cannot see any problems following this method.

Terms you should understand prior to proceeding:

Root: gaining access to the root directory of your device, where system files are stored.

R/W: Read and write. This means that you can make changes to the files.

R/O: Read only. This means you can only view the files.

/: this is the root directory.

/sdcard: This is the folder where all your visible files (through USB connection) are stored.

/efs: This is where your IMEI is stored.

IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity, self-explanatory.

1. Ensure device is rooted. (Section I)

2. Download the Root Explorer Application (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.speedsoftware.rootexplorer&hl=en)

3. Open Root Explorer, Grant Superuser Permissions.

I suggest you get used to moving about Root Explorer before proceeding.

4. Navigate to the Root directory (/)

5. Press the Mount R/W button at the top left. This allows you to make modifications.

6. Copy your efs folder and navigate to /sdcard; paste your efs folder into this directory to make a backup of your IMEI information.

7. Return to Root directory (/) and open efs folder (/efs)

8. Click on the Three Bars at the top right corner, press "Multi-Select."

9. Select all the files (excluding ".." which just returns to the previous folder).

10. Press Delete.

11. Press ".." to return to root (/)

12. Press Mount R/O.

13. Restart your tablet.

14. Disable Wi-Fi.

15. Wait until the tablet recognizes your SIM card (It will say Auto-Update of Time).

16. Open Browser and try to access any website other than t-mobile.com

17. If all was successful, it should say 4G next to your signal strength.

Credit: huynhct (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=896932)

III. Removing T-Mobile Bloatware

Make sure your tablet is Rooted before proceeding (Section I).

1. Download Root Uninstaller from the Market (free). https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rootuninstaller.free

2. Open the app and grant Superuser Permissions.

3. Freeze or Uninstall the system apps you do not need.

IV. Basic Navigation

=The Two Modes=

There are two modes built into Android devices that allow direct software installation.

The first is the Download Mode, which lets your device communicate with Odin (Third Party, Windows-based software that allows you to flash (replace) files on your device.) The primary use of this mode is to install a new Recovery Mode or fully resetting your device.

While in this mode, it will say "Do not turn off target." As long as you have no active transfers between the device and the computer, it is safe to turn off the tablet and restart.

The second is the Recovery Mode which allows you to install .zip that can alter system files. The primary use of the Recovery Mode is to flash ROMs (Literally Read-Only Memory, but in the Android world, custom, usually third-party developed software for your device). Read more about ROMs in Section V.

=Clockwork Recovery Mode=

When you first purchase your device, it will have a stock Android system recovery, which will not let you install .zip files (which is how kernels and ROMs are stored). Therefore, you must flash the Clockwork Recovery Mode if you ever plan on installing ROMs.

If you would like Clockwork, go to Section I, click on the link to djR3Z's tutorial, and follow ◄●Flashing a Custom Recovery●► to get the Clockwork Recovery Mode.

=To Enter Download/Recovery Mode=

1. Turn off your device.

2. Hold the power button and the volume down button (Left) together until two icons show up.

3. The one on left is the Recovery Mode and the one on the Right (Downloading...) is the Download Mode.

4. Use the volume down button to move between Recovery Mode and Download Mode and press the Power button to enter the selected mode.

Once inside the Recovery Mode, you navigate with the volume buttons and use the power button to select an option.

V. Installing ROMs

"The T-Mobile Tab isn't 4G, but HSPA+, the same as the international P7500. The only difference is it supports T-Mobile's funky AWS bands." - BarryH_GEG

=What is a ROM?=

Section IV touched upon what a ROM is - firmware for your device.

Custom ROMs usually employ tweaks that allow greater functionality and speed.

This is why a lot of users will install custom ROMs for their device.

ROMs can also let you unofficially update to versions of Android not yet supported by your carrier or device manufacturer.

=What about T-Mobile GT 10.1s?=

As I understand, we T-Mobile users CAN flash P75XX (P7500, P7510 models) ROMs to our tablet, although doing so would mean we may lose some functionality (especially ROMs designed for the Wi-Fi tablet and therefore does not support mobile data).

The list of known compatible ROMs follows. If you have information regarding compatibility of specific ROMs, please reply to this topic.

=Compatibility List=

T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G Optimized Roms

Confirmed Compatible ROMs (pershoot does not recommend installing ROMs not designed for your device; proceed with caution. They will boot and work as intended.):

For ICS Roms, make sure your Clockwork Mod is the latest version. You can download it here:

http://dev-host.org/IRb

RECOMMENDED: [ROM][Nightlies][03-02-2012]CM9 T-Mobile Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G: ICS Snapshot: http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=p4tmo

[ROM][GT-P7500] CM9 KANG (ICS Preview) 3G WORKING! http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1461240

[ROM][KANG]CM9 ICS P75xx Preview 01/11/12 (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1425631)

[ROM] [ICS] Android Open Kang Project (http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1459287)

To be updated.

Confirmed Incompatible ROMs:

[ROM][CWM][EUR][3G] BroodComb GT-P7500 XWKG9 V1

To be updated.

=How Do I Install a ROM?=

The basic process for installing a ROM is as follows:

1. Download the .zip that contains the files and place it on the main directory of your tablet (/sdcard/).

2. Access Clockwork Recovery Mode (Section IV).

3. If you are flashing an entirely new ROM, you typically have to "wipe data/factory reset."

4. Select Install zip from sdcard.

5. Locate your ROM's .zip file on your main directory, and select it.

6. Confirm install.

7. "reboot system now"

8. The first boot will take a while.

**Note: Most ROM developers recommend that after the device reaches the Welcome screen on first boot, you leave it alone for TEN minutes, as tempting as it is to play with it, to let everything settle. Then, restart your device, complete the welcome/basic registration wizard, and restart a second time.

This will ensure proper, fluid operation.

Individual ROMs may have varying directions.

Follow the directions given by the developer.

VI. HELP! I SCREWED UP! or How to Restore your Tablet to Stock (Original) Settings

Tablet won't boot? Best friend just became a brick?

Have no fear. As long as there are some signs of life in your tablet, you should be able to recover from almost any problem.

Solution: Restore your tablet to factory settings (this wipes all your data and returns to Stock firmware).

=Prerequisites=

Download and extract on your computer: http://www.hotfile.com/dl/138873533/bd475a6/T859UVKJ3_T859TMBKJ3_TMB.zip.html

Zip password: samfirmware.com

This file holds all the data your T-Mobile tablet originally ships with. DO NOT use for ANY other Galaxy Tab 10.1 device.

=Restoration=

1. Open Odin (Included in the root.zip folder from Section I).

2. Put your tablet into Download mode (refer to Section IV)

3. Plug the tablet into the computer.

4. Now in Odin, below ID:COM, it should have a yellow box with text inside, indicating that the device is connected.

5. Make sure Auto Reboot and F. Reset time are checked, and click "PDA" under "Files [Download]"

6. Navigate to the folder where you have downloaded "T859UVKJ3_T859UVKJ3_T859TMBKJ3_HOME.tar.md5" and double click on the file.

7. After ensuring that the PDA file has been selected, press "Start."

8. BE PATIENT. Even if Odin stops responding. Just leave everything alone. A blue progress bar should start filling below the Android logo on your tablet. When it is finished, it will enter the Recovery Mode and wipe all your data, then restart automatically.

9. Upon boot, which may take an unusually long time the first time, the tablet will be in original factory conditions.

10. If you get a boot-loop (tablet keeps restarting), enter Recovery Mode (Refer Section IV), go to "- wipe data/factory reset," and "select Yes --...", then restart the tablet. If this does not solve the issue, follow the 9 previous steps again.

C. Frequently Reported "Problems"

When I long press the power button, the device just shuts off instead of giving me options.

This is normal behavior for the T-Mobile ROM. If you install another compatible ROM, it will show you the boot/sound options.

My Browser keeps redirecting to the T-Mobile Website.

You are probably using a mobile SIM card, not a mobile broadband SIM card. Go to Section II for a solution.

My lockscreen does not work.

Mixed results have been obtained from using Odin to revert to stock (Section VI). A Custom ROM solves this problem.

Guide is to be continued.

-tjdwowh