yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Ihmaiw2d:
So what if you're on sprint, can I flash Canadian or is it a no go? I haven't seen anyone in this thread say they've done this with Sprint, and so need my device, but a unlock maybe needed sometime soon.

I can't even find sprint firmware to flash back to if I wanted to try flashing Canadian firmware, I'm jw. Would I be able to go to say Metro?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] barisgg:
NEVERMIND
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] guaneet:
Dies anyone else have "fuse blown" in download mode
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Whanksta:
Can anyone provide an alternative donwload link for SM-G955W XAC Canada - G955WVLU1AQD9.

sammobile times out on me and I can't ever get a full download.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] craya:
http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
yes.. everyone does, that is normal
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] ashyx:
Looks like it's some sort of security layer for protected data.

https://lwn.net/Articles/694798/
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Interceptor777:
It's actually what Knox used before it became a physical fuse. If you tripped Knox you could restore by completely wiping your storage and re-flashing firmware.

It's basically a seperate partition which has important details on it like FRP lock, Knox status (old sammy's), Downgrade protection data is also stored there.

Also I'm not sure this info is correct for the Galaxy S8 but it was like this with older phones like Note 4 or Galaxy S5
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Whanksta:
Thanks so much, this worked perfectly! I use VZW GS8+ on ATT but I only get HSPA due to band limitations. After the flashing G955W, I am able to get the full LTE experience. A couple things to note

I used HOME_CSC so data/settings are intact

Samsung Pay still works

Full Access to APN edit/add

All Verizon bloat are gone, or uninstallable after flash

Still, no access to service mode via *#2263# to adjust bands (If CAD version has a different code for Service mode, I'd appreciate the tip!!!!)
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] craya:
Did you use the XAC firmware? I was able to get to the band selection screen with one of the service codes on the net, I think it was *#2263#. I can't test anymore though since I reverted back to VZ firmware. I did flash the non HOME_CSC file though.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Whanksta:
Yes I used XAC firmware. I think if I wiped the phone the service mode might become available.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] VinylJStar:
I have Verison S8+. I flashed XAC, wiped, then flashed VZN. Bloat is gone. Can receive text and MMS, but not send. Everytime I edit or change APN, I lose data connectivity and have to reset my APN settings to get LTE. Any ideas?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] unitz0mbie:
I think only Verizon has this problem because of the cdma network. I don't know how to fix it
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] craya:
Did the same thing as you:

1) Flashed XAC, not the HOME_CSC

2) Got pissed off I couldn't mess with APN setting, used service menu and enabled all bands

3) Flashed HOME_CSC trying to see if that would fix the apn issue

4) Gave up and flashed Verizon VZW firmware from http://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model?q=SM-G955U&exact=1

I'm able to modify APN settings and send messages following those steps.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Some Update

Hi everyone,

Some updates really interesting.

I flashed my att s8 to G950W then use VZW G950U to get back.

The ATT network still works ofcourse. Then I found the band info changed from ATT/ATT/ATT to XAA/XAA/ATT.

The software now becomes SAOMC_SM-G950U_OYN_XAA_0140 as well.

Anyone know if this means all bands unlocked?

Maybe this proves that the Canadian version clears the userdata then the generic firmware for G950U recognizes my firms as unlocked version?

Just some fun information, plz discuss.

---------- Post added at 01:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 AM ----------

XAC is the unlocked Canada version.

XAA means? A stands for America maybe?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 954wrecker:
XAA is the unlocked 4 carrier version going on sale at best buy and samsung.com next week.

SM-G950UZKAXAA

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/samsung-galaxy-s8-64gb-unlocked-midnight-black/5803741.p?skuId=5803741
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Then we got some REALLY big progress at least on the CARRIER SWITCH side!

Now we can flash CANADA XAC to clear our userdata

Then flash back G950U to let our device be XAA device.

But I don't have CDMA sim card. Not sure If anyone can test out if this can actually unlock bands.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] unitz0mbie:
Please someone test this, if we do this then it's like an unlocked version straight form Samsung? All updates are from Samsung?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
hope this can be a reference for u guys. Plz test it out.

Several details:

1. When I flash back. It says an error in the update screen. Then I get into recovery to do a double wipe

2. Everything in my G950w still exists after I switch back. (I don't know why double wipe still remain all of those stuff)

3. The only one bloatware from g950w the bell TV disappeared after I switched back

Hope this helps
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] craya:
Mine says XAA/VZW/VZW after going Verizon -> XAC W -> Verizon
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
When u have time try vzw - xzc - tmb...

The only difference might be I am from ATT?

---------- Post added at 02:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:53 AM ----------

Can u do a simple screenshot on your about?

I would like see the service provider sw ver.

Mine is SAOMC_SM-G950U_OYN_XAA_0140

What I could see from my friends on ATT is the the version is ATT_0172
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] craya:
Done
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] unitz0mbie:
So this does unlock the phone?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Update.

Well. Actually u need to set APN after u flash the phone to use LTE. My b

Funny fact though.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] unitz0mbie:
So your phone can be used on all Carriers? What's the spend difference from hspa+ to lte
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] meathammer386:
nice work
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
No. It supports LTE. My bad, I should edit apn. Silly mistake.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Anotheralchoholic:
Hi guys, i have no idea what im doing, but i can definatly maybe sort of help. I currently have a Sprint s8 that I flashed to the factory binary. while i was here i decided to try unlock all bands. I then flashed to the xac canada firmware. invalid sim came up on that firmware for sprint, t mobile, and att sims that i put in it. From there i switched over to the verizon firmware, and after a quick reset the device registered to sprint on 3G. I set up AP and now 4G works 100 percent. I still get invalid sim on any other sim i try.

Is there a way to get this thing fully unlocked? Am i on to something? any and all help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Can u give me screenshot of your about? Especially the service provider software version.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 954wrecker:
Do the T-Mobile and AT&T sims work now on the verizon firmware?

From what I've read changing firmware will not sim unlock these phones.

If the Sprint phone is sim locked the other sims wont work no matter what firmware you install.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Anotheralchoholic:
Saomc_sm-g950u_oyn_xaa_0140

988837345535414e36

xaa/spr/spr
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] sd_N:
Need to get phone to XAA/XAA/SPR
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Interesting...

As the service provider SW now is the XAA version, which should be the unlocked phone version.

But you still have the sim lock. So It should be the case the Service Provider SW. can not be a flag to check lock status and bands etc.

But in another case, the vzw user got band loss when he flashed G950W...

So my GUESS would be:

1. The band would be in the userdata

2. Unlock or not depends on other things but not the firmware.

Hope this helps. Sry dude I can not solve you problem but it might be a chance that we find out something after all of our cases.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Anotheralchoholic:
I get INVALID SIM on any sim i try except for sprint. so, its still carrier locked. just running a verizon firmware with no ugly sprint loading splash, and no bloatware from any carrier. its perfect. except for the fact that its still locked to sprint.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] JWnSC:
Please keep us updated on this. I'm with Sprint also. Can you edit sprint apns after doing this?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Anotheralchoholic:
only on a sprint sim. if i insert any other sim, the settings disappear and i am left with INVALID SIM. its annoying lol
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] JWnSC:
That sucks. Can you edit existing sprint apn though? It's greyed out on stock Sprint firmware.

I see what your saying. Thanks. Wanted to edit apn for tethering. Also noticed there is a Sprint spr and sprint xas. I'm guessing the xas version is without Sprint branding
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] fred_yo:
Can You upload the 950A firmware? , or i can just try the tmb or the vzw firmware from the thread....

I Flashed the S8 with the XAC firmware on my AT&T ... and so far verything is working great,
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] vektorious:
I apologize for asking this because I am sure if I went through all 58 pages I would be able to figure out what exactly flashing this firmware could do, but unfortunately I don't have the time to do so. I have already unlocked my AT&T S8+ via an unlock code website and was curious about the following:

Has anyone been able to flash a firmware version that has allowed them to receive an OTA to the latest available software as opposed to the older version AT&T is currently on since they have to carrier test updates prior to rolling them out?

This will remove the stupid AT&T jingle at boot?

Will I lose WIFI Calling and Enhanced LTE\Messaging?

Can I install this and then flash one of the at&T odin files so that the modem/LTE bands are set up properly?

In general, I want to get an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of installing Canadian firmware on the device. Do you think when the US unlocked s8 comes out in May that we may be able to install that firmware on our devices so that we can get updates more quickly without carrier delays?

If anyone can shed some light on some of the discoveries in this thread it would be much appreciated. I have unlocked my s8+ on AT&T and have use euro sim cards in the device without an issue while in London , this is SIM unlocked correct - would I get an invalid SIM message? Anyways - I apologize for not totally understanding what has been discovered here and would appreciate anyone who can give me an idea of the pros\cons. Thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] VinylJStar:
I don't know why, but I still cannot modify APN or send messages. Flashed the cycle at least 5 times.

Going back to full VZN stock and will start again.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] ernestico911:
Here is a litle help guys, Factory Binary of SM-G955U QD8, link working for just 12 Hours, please download fast HERE

If I can help you with more files just tell me, keep the great work

ATT users here is your user data for G955U and G950U both QD9 Build, 12 hours to download, after that links will be removed

TMB users here is your G955U Full Repair Firmware Build QDE HERE
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] barisgg:
That's awesome but we all have s8's.. is there any way we could use these?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
We've had those files for weeks.....

its the same ones we've had lmao pretty useless for root

---------- Post added at 06:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:46 AM ----------

i also cannot get text messages working.. i even flashed the vzw user data so now my lte works great but sms not..
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thatotherguy..:
I can get that for $10, its not for qualcomm model only for exynos
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
how do u kno its only for exynos?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thatotherguy..:
cause that's the only one out right now
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Akumai:
I wanted to share something, it might not be much, could just be a thing, but, OEM Unlock tends to automatically de-activate itself when you leave developer options unless you fiddle around with it. Basically, if you switch it on, and a dialog box doesnt pop up, you didnt actually switch it on.

---------- Post added at 04:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 AM ----------

And is there no other OEM Unlock method besides fastboot? If fastboot could just work, in theory, wouldnt it unlock the bootloader?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Triforce1001:
Instead of tapping the slider to the right of the oem unlock, tap oem unlock itself and it will prompt you with a warning. If you went into security and added a pattern, pin, or password, then you will be prompted to put that in before it shows you the warning.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] SlackingVeteran:
Is this for any specific Carrier? Is there any chance I could use this firmware to enter unlock code for my t-mobile GS8?

I already have the unlock code but can't use it since t-mobile doesn't have pop-up window to enter unlock code
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] TimelessPWN:
T-Mobile has device unlock app to enter the code or insert the other sim and it will prompt you to enter code as for carrier specific no all US variants are model number G950U or G955U S8 and S8+
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Akumai:
Hey, just a thing, whenever I reboot into the bootloader, it adb always says my device isnt found, but when I boot into the actual phone, adb works just fine.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] TimelessPWN:
That is because Samsung doesn't use fastboot
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Akumai:
I ended up trying to sideload via adb as you did with TWRP, and its also giving me a signature verification issue

Is that because of the bootloader, or the exynos twrp?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
most likely due to bootloader..

also looking at screens in first post this isnt a debug firmware.. it says "user"

i am downloading it now as well so i can play lol
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BotsOne:
Anyone got a link for the s8+ version?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] TimelessPWN:
Will be posted shortly
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Maltego:
Ahh, when you realize 16 bucks (8 per model) can help the devs and development out a lot. Also gives us non-devs the chance to try and test things that could possibly brick our phones so the devs can sit back and see what works before stepping in lol.

Anyways, thanks for the purchasing and uploading and contributing to the development. I tip my hat to you :highfive:
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] SlackingVeteran:
T-Mobile does not allow me to enter the unlock code through the app, because if my phone is eligible it grabs the code itself from the t-mobile server and enters it for us right? Thats where I am stuck. Although flashing Factory Binary actually asked me to enter the Unlock Code but it did not work.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
Factory Binary Firmware for G955U

MD5: e5ec00ac34efa8f42b81af3f8478d71c
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] dfogelstrom:
Good to see you here after our V20's! This is looking very promising! Keep job the great work and lmk if I can help!
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Akumai:
By the way, any status on Engboot? I know it's not as good a root as getting TWRP installed, but its still something
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] this.guy.lol:
Some theory here and hints since I'm 90% sure about this. You'll need a patched/modded version of Odin much like the s7 active from att used. I've gotten other roms from different carriers to flash to the active with flashfire. Let me back up a bit tho. The S7A used adb to gain the root but flashing the engboot kernel and I fell that if chainfire made a suroot for rhe s8/s8 plus. than flashfire would work. I know the s7 edge has some cm13 love on deck so maybe take a page from them on the workings of the root/twrp party? If offer to test but I'm getting the Exynos here in a few days. Want the SD model only for the GameCube emulation which is my sole reason of dropping close to a G on it xD. Anyways Samsung locks the loaders. Using some fastboot CMD ADB magic might work. Just my thoughts.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] TimelessPWN:
So it is in the OP as well but, SElinux set as permissive has been obtained on stock firmware :)
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] barisgg:
Has anyone else noticed the radio app that lets you listen to the radio out of the speakers? It's pretty neat lol
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] meathammer386:
thank you
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] ashyx:
Just to chime in before people start heading down the wrong path and getting too excited.

Fastboot doesn't work on Samsung devices.

OEM unlock is merely to disable Google's FRP Lock and has nothing to do with the manufacturers bootloader lock.

All Qualcomm S8's will have a locked bootloader as confirmed by Samsung.

Nothing custom including TWRP can be flashed to this device except the possibility of a custom rom.

The factory binary (combination firmware) is not the full Engineering binary.

The S7 had the full Engineering binary, so the exploit used on that won't work on the S8.

Only the boot.img from the factory software needs to be flashed.

This allows the device to boot in permissive mode, dmverity disabled, kernel rooting restrictions disabled and adb enabled by default.

Having dealt with these binaries to gain root on other bootloader locked devices.

Adb method won't work because a full root shell with write access isn't possible.

The method that has worked for Marshmallow is to use King root to gain root then SuperSUME to convert.

OEM unlock must still be enabled and the factory binary must remain or the device will soft brick.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] TechBSwift:
We need the engine kernel. We already have the combination file.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
i dont think youre correct lol if it was for exynos it would indicate its for a exynos model..

where do u see it available for 10$?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thatotherguy..:
yes I am correct, I get the eng before the get to the public, any right now exynos is the only way. they put the G950XXX to trick people
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
so comsey is tricking ppl?

---------- Post added at 07:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:11 AM ----------

and how do u get them before the public?
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thatotherguy..:
all the eng roots they have I got for free
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
i can go and download all those eng root files as well lol
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] billydroid:
Yeah I can't see princecomsey ripping people off. Still confirmation would be nice.

I see nothing in thatotherguy's post history to give any credibility to his comments.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
How exactly did u flash each time? Once I flashed the xac mine is stuck on xaa/xaa/vzw even after flashing vzw multiple times and my sms isn't working
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] VinylJStar:
Same here.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] elliwigy:
Looks like I might have to get a warranty exchange, so damn annoying
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thatotherguy..:
believe me or not, I get these files before they are public, I don't post much on it about them
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 954wrecker:
Looks like the new odin arrived just in time for you.

https://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=72186447
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] suzook:
Making them universal just as I stated weeks ago. They are all the same just different SW.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] bossg4:
It looks like there is still no "USERDATA" field. Hopefully I am wrong, but I doubt this will be the one we need.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] mweinbach:
UMS is userdata
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] ashyx:
Why is USERDATA so important? It only contains non essential stuff like the odex files for dalvik cache.

It gets wiped if you factory reset.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] VinylJStar:
Tried to get back to VZW with the new Odin, but no success. flashed twice. Still on XAA and cannot send text messages.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 954wrecker:
He crawled out of his cave to gloat....

I want that to be true, we are all on the same team.

I just like to see proof before I spend $750 that's all.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] mweinbach:
because now samsung is storing carrier data in the user data partition. It changes your boot animation and decides your radio.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] bossg4:
With the S8, they went to something called Single-SKU, all the U models are exactly the same and if SIM unlocked you are supoosed to be able to swap between carriers by simply swapping SIMs and factory resetting. This doesn't work as of now but USERDATA is where it stores all the carrier bloat and settings. That's why now when we flash w/o it it doesn't switch and why some people get bloat from multiple carriers. Once we get the proper Odin, you will be able to flash back and forth between carriers
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Can U edit APN or settings of SMS? If u can connect CDMA and LTE network, the only thing that prevent u should be only some setting issue. Like the SMS gateway and SMS number settings.

My phone is xaa/xaa/att and I didn't have any issue with the call or the SMS. However, I have issue with connecting Internet when I first got it. I added an apn field and fixed it.

Then I personally recommend u to do a double wipe in recovery. It may fix something.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] unitz0mbie:
Should I flash back att with home css to get xaa model? Is there a difference between that and the Canadian Variant
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] VinylJStar:
I'm not seeing CDMA or WCDMA in Network Mode, only LTE. Cannot get to service mode to change it. Giving it one more shot, then I'm exchanging it.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] bossg4:
The newer version of Odin that I've seen has a field labeled USERDATA. It is what they use to flash our S8 user trial phones. Odin 3.13.10 is the version
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jerrygenius:
Actually if I am success, XAA will support more bands.
[Samsung Galaxy S8 Guides, News, & Discussion] sniper7kills:
Has anyone seen this by chance? http://romup.com/roms/16876