yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Correct. Well the U1 firmware works just fine with the carriers here. We use the same LTE,GSM etc bands as US. Im fully aware of all the various firmware out there. Reason to go with US unlocked is the ability to be flash to Oreo and hopefully faster OS updates (though the later is debatable)

That being said, im readin on the internet and the general consensus is NEVER EVER USE THE NAND ERASE OPTION. That kind of scares me.

Yes im aware that i will have to use the G955U1 firmware files if i want to stay on it obviously.

Is it ok to use the NAND erase and re-partition with Comsey ODIN or now that im on G955U1 already i can use standard odin to reflash it with teh nand option checked?

---------- Post added at 12:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 AM ----------

One more thing. What is the UMS field in ODIN for? I've never seen a firmware with a file to be used in that field
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
The reason "NAND Erase" wasn't recommended back then is because partition files (.pit) weren't embedded into the "CSC" files, meaning if you were only to select the "NAND Erase" and "Re-Partition" option and not provide a .pit file, then your phone would brick due to a "NAND Erase" occurring, yet there would be no partitioning instructions being provided. I can understand why you are scared, however; I was, until I tested it out (a long... long... time ago).

You should perform a flash of SM-G955U1 firmware in standard Odin with the "F. Reset Time", "Auto Reboot", "NAND Erase", and "Re-Partition" options ticked, since you're just re-flashing firmware and not actually changing your model number once again.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
The "UMS" field in Odin is for U.S. carrier firmware that have a "USERDATA" file. Firmware from outside the U.S. don't (normally) have this file.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Thank you, will give it shot now and report back.

---------- Post added at 01:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 AM ----------

Ok so the flash has completed with those options checked in ODIN. I will setup the phone now and see what happens. Thank you for all your help. Really really appreciate it.

<ID:0/005> Odin engine v(ID:3.1207)..

<ID:0/005> File analysis..

<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..

<ID:0/005> Initialzation..

<ID:0/005> Set PIT file..

<ID:0/005> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!

<ID:0/005> Erase...

<ID:0/005> ERASE_SECTOR: 1489675

<ID:0/005> Get PIT for mapping..

<ID:0/005> ERASE_OK

<ID:0/005> Firmware update start..

<ID:0/005> NAND Write Start!!

<ID:0/005> SingleDownload.

<ID:0/005> abl.elf

<ID:0/005> bksecapp.mbn

<ID:0/005> xbl.elf

<ID:0/005> tz.mbn

<ID:0/005> hyp.mbn

<ID:0/005> devcfg.mbn

<ID:0/005> pmic.elf

<ID:0/005> rpm.mbn

<ID:0/005> cmnlib.mbn

<ID:0/005> cmnlib64.mbn

<ID:0/005> keymaster.mbn

<ID:0/005> apdp.mbn

<ID:0/005> msadp.mbn

<ID:0/005> sec.dat

<ID:0/005> NON-HLOS.bin

<ID:0/005> storsec.mbn

<ID:0/005> boot.img

<ID:0/005> recovery.img

<ID:0/005> system.img.ext4

<ID:0/005> persist.img.ext4

<ID:0/005> userdata.img.ext4

<ID:0/005> modem.bin

<ID:0/005> Transmission Complete..

<ID:0/005> Now Writing.. Please wait about 2 minutes

<ID:0/005> Receive Response from boot-loader

<ID:0/005> adspso.bin

<ID:0/005> Transmission Complete..

<ID:0/005> Now Writing.. Please wait about 2 minutes

<ID:0/005> Receive Response from boot-loader

<ID:0/005> cache.img.ext4

<ID:0/005> RQT_CLOSE !!

<ID:0/005> RES OK !!

<ID:0/005> Removed!!

<ID:0/005> Remain Port .... 0

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 1 / failed 0)
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Well even after a reflash with the nand erase and all the Google photo sync problem still exists. I have believe the cause to be something related to the following.

1- something with google photos app in regards to how it reads the media files on external memory. Perhaps it tries to read the video files to create some index or some5gn at which it then fails if the video is somewhat large like above 1.5GB. As I don’t seem to notice any problem if I put a few smaller video files of about 300-500 each On the sd card. It’s only when I put a file which is around 1.5gb that I start to notice the issue.

2- or it’s related to a bug in Samsung’s implementation of external storage and how it’s presented to other apps. I’ve also noticed that the Google photos app will not refresh the list of files amd folders on the SD card unless I Unmount and remount the card or reboot the phone.

In any case I can’t even blame the G955U1 firmware anymore as I have the issue even on my original firmware now.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Ganibal_Lector:
What if it is just an issue of large files with Google? Does anyone tried to sync large files? As I understood there was no issues with a photos (which were small), but just with a large video files.

Another problem could be that you are using same SD card since you flashed your phone a couple of times. Every time when you put new SD card into the phone Android creates its own files automatically there. Maybe you should try to format SD card in your phone (system will create its own files automatically after formatting), so there will be no any files created by previous firmwares, copy some videos or photos and try one more time to sync?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
I have tried multiple sd cards and formatting them several times. Same issue.

As for google photo sync issue, note that I have NOT selected any sd card folders to be backed up/sync to google. The mere presence of video files on the sd card stops google photos app from syncing the camera pictures that I take and those are stored in the internal memory of the phone and not the sd card. That’s why this problem doesn’t make any sense to me.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] sna:
But there is no firmware for ATT v2, right?

Yes, I used Odin 3.12.7

It doesn't get very far after hitting Start:

<ID:0/005> Odin engine v(ID:3.1207)..

<ID:0/005> File analysis..

<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 1 / failed 0)
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
Do you have the drivers installed?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Here ya go https://xdaforums.com/att-galaxy-s8+/how-to/stock-odin-files-att-g955u-build-t3731796

norbarb usually posts ota's and odin firmwares
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] ThaRealSaad:
Does the downgrading restriction due to bootloader version exist on Exynos S8+? I want to flash back from AQL5 (December) to AQK7 (November). Please help.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
Don't know, thos thread is just for SnapDragon users. I believe there is a similar thread for Exynos, but you'd have to search for it.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] qwas12:
Can someone help me on this please
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
Have you searched the forums? Theres a few threads in the Sprint forums already about using a different carrier model on Sprint.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
What really breaks OTA after a flash? e.g in my case i converted my Canadian G955W (i believe the CSC on that was VTR/VTR/XAC to G955U1 (XAA/XAA/XAC). Now, should i not expect OTAs to come through as usual as per when the US unlocked models their OTA?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Just curious, when performing the carrier switch step.s Why does one need to install the XAC csc code before going to XAA or something else?

Does the XAC install make the files "mps_code.dat" writable or something?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] AxlxA:
What's in this Userdata file? I got the phone up and running with at&t boot logo and all the att apps already installed.. on the initial boot after installing the rom, I got a corrupted data screen but the phone was able to reset to restore all the corrupt data.

Just wondering if I should reflash it
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Sheon849:
Yes I flashed userdata only app I got was ATT hotspots.

Maybe I'll have to try again my phone was originally Sprint.

Unlocked firmware seems better anyway. I do love the unsaved and spam features.

And this is a warning for anyone who wants to use A Sprint S8 on a non sprint network such as ATT. Which is why I ended up flashing in the first place.

If your on the sprint software and u use say ATT SIM card numbers calling you will show as international.

So instead of coming in as

+1808-111-1111

It will come in as

+808-111-1111

So not only can u not quickly call people back it also won't show who's calling even if number is saved. This drove me nuts and made me flash. After I did that no issues.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
My guess is that the "USERDATA" file contains apps specific to your carrier, as the unlocked firmware does not contain it. It's new to the S8 and S8+. You have to flash it in the "UMS" box. Try reflashing everything.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
You followed the "Changing Carriers" section to change your CSC to "ATT" and then the "Flashing Standard Firmware" section, correct?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Sheon849:
Yes I did it must of gone wrong at some point as I'll have to try agin.

But I'm very happy with unlocked firmware. So I'll probably just stick with that.

No bloatware is really nice and the spam feature is amazing.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] cnote74:
I'm no noob but technically couldn't I flash the user data file since my phone is AT&T and have everything working since AT&T does have a u1 firmware?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lentm:
Is Changing Carrier is a must thing to do if I go from Verizon to T-Mobile?

Verizon one is already carrier unlocked, not sure if it's okay to install T-Mobile firmware only?

Thanks for the great guide, op!!!
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
You mean on top of unlocked firmware?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
Yes, you have to follow the "Carrier Switching" section before you follow the " Flashing Standard Firmware" section.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lentm:
Thank you for the answer.

One more here, changing the UMS/PATCH value of "0" to "1" is also for the Prince Comsy's Odin, correct?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
You don't have to change it for the Prince Comsy version., as you flash standard firmware in Standard Odin, flash the unlocked firmware in Prince Comsy's Odin (the unlocked firmware has no "USERDATA" file), or change your carrier by flashing the Factory Binary in the Standard Odin and flash the Canadian CSC in Prince Comsy's Odin. You don't have to flash a "USERDATA" file in Prince Comsy's Odin, therefore you don't have to change the Odin Configuration file.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] lentm:
Thank you for the clarification!
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] cnote74:
Yes on top of unlocked firmware.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
Sorry about my late response, but yes, if you flash the "USERDATA" file in the "UMS" box in Odin on unlocked firmware, you will get carrier bloatware, carrier features, and carrier branding. It kind of defeats the purpose of unlocked firmware, though.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] cnote74:
It does I agree but I'm having a volume on calls issue where I can barely hear anyone calling me and sometimes they can't hear me until I turn speaker phone on and off.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
Completed this today. Flashed my US Unlocked G955U1 with the T-Mobile branded firmware. When u look in About Phone, it shows my CSCs as TMB/TMB/XAA. Any way to change it to TMB/TMB/TMB?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
The "XAA" part shows that it's unlocked firmware. As long as the first two are "TMB", you should be good.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] kanchyhemboy:
Hi, I am currently running on G955U1 firmware. I really need VoLTE to work as my network only has VoLTE. Will flashing T-Mobile firmware with this guide get me VoLTE? Tried a previous guide but it didn't work. In recovery mode my CSC is XAA.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] hellsgods91:
how do u get tmb/tmb/att to tmb/tmb/tmb???
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Ganibal_Lector:
That is a good question. I was wondering if I can use TGY instead and write AP and CSC parts for Hong Kong instead of US. I know that Samsung makes firmwares for Hong Kong more stable with more features.

Can someone of local Guru tell us something more about that? As far as I know Odin will not allow to do that, however my phone had such combinations of US and Chinese firmware when I bought it. Since that time I wondering how that was done.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Jay Goom:
I flashed Oreo CRA9 on my ATT SM-G955U. Can I flash back to the Unlocked FW per the guide? Goal is to get rid of the bloat. Haven't seen this scenario addressed in the thread...as far as, being on OREO. TIA.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
You don't need the unlocked firmware. You can just do the guide above flashing unlocked firmware. Just do the carrier switching guide. Also check on samsung.firmware.science CRAF is out BQL1 to CRAF.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
You don't need the unlocked firmware. You can just do the guide above flashing unlocked firmware. Just do the carrier switching guide. Also check on samsung.firmware.science CRAF is out BQL1 to CRAF.

---------- Post added at 06:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:03 PM ----------

Can you add these steps to your guide?

1. Take sim out

2.) Enable USB debugging

3.) Disable preconfig

adb disable --user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

Also for your XAA flashing guide try this

To flash full XAA flash CSC_OYN while flashing BQL1

If you want to keep your network CSC flash HOME_CSC
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
Could you elaborate on what disabling "preconfig" would do?

Also, the last time I remembered, flashing the full unlocked CSC file (in additon to flashing the rest of the unlocked firmware) changes your CSC to "XAA", which would be changed to your desired carrier's CSC once an appropriate SIM card is inserted; you wouldn't have to follow the "Changing Carriers" section in order to change your CSC to "XAA".

Correct me if any part of my last sentence was false.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
In BQK5 or BQL1 samsung introduced BYOD so every time you put in a sim card it installs bloatware and the carrier bootanimation. Or something like that.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Mike15678:
So disabling "preconfig" would prevent that from happening and keep unlocked firmware, unlocked?

If so, I'll need someone else to test this, since I don't have any SIM cards for different carriers.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Hmm so the other question would be. Will disabling precofig before putting in your sim card also prevent APN,sms settings and other related settings from getting automatically configured on the phone once the sim is in?

---------- Post added at 01:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------

Reason i ask is because i recently converted my Canadian g955W to g955U1 and i notice that before i put my sim card in the phone , the smart call feature is available in my phone settings. Once the phone reboots with the sim card in, those settings disappear from my phone. The odd thing is that those features are available to me when im on my original firmware and with my sim in the phone. Not sure why the unlocked firmware disables them.

i understand that im using a Canadia sim card on a US carrier free firmware, but i would imagine that if that firmware doesnt know anything about my sim card then it should leave all features as is, no?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Yes disabling preconfig prevents all the apn settings etc. to go away.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
im already on G955U1, XAA. I was not aware of this "disalbing preconfig" stuff before. If i want to give that a shot which one of the following is the simplest approach i can take

a- factory reset without the sim card in the phone, then disable preconfig and then insert the sim card

b- flash the CSC from the G055U1 firmware again

c- Re-flash the whole G955U1 firmware again and do the disabling preconfig steps?

Thank you
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Ganibal_Lector:
Could anyone explain me please what does "Combination..." firmware mean? I noted that in carrier switching guide we have to use that Canadian firmware which starts with "Combination...". Isn't that a regular firmware for Canadian phones? Guess no, as it consists of single file only for AP. So what is that combination states for? What is actually combined in it? Where is it comming from and is it possible to make such combination with different firmware (not Canadian)?

Another question how that carrier installation code for dial pad in binary firmware was obtained? Is that some leak from Samsung?

Update: My bad, sorry for that question. Now I saw that Combination is binary service firmware and has nothing to do with Canadian firmware.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] carlin70:
Advice please :3

I got my Canadian device to load the Unlocked US Firmware , it installed fine and was working perfectly until I rebooted it and it no longer had any service , So I tired to put it back to stock Candadian Telus rom and I still have no service , Cant call or text now

Edit : I slept for awhile and I woke up , removed my sd card and rebooted. Magically had service again.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
To correct the command above for disabling "preconfig". you have to run the following two commands:

adb shell

pm disable --user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

However it seems that, it wont accept the second command without root!!! so i dont know how it is suggested without root.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Actually it's adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

---------- Post added at 04:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:08 PM ----------

Sorry I didn't fix the command sooner
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
well in any case, that command doesnt seem to work unless you're rooted.I get an error

127|dream2qlteue:/ $ pm disable --user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

Error: java.lang.SecurityException: Shell cannot change component state for com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig/null to 2
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Put disable-user instead of just disable
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
still doesnt work:

dream2qlteue:/ $ pm disable -user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

Error: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Unknown package: 0

1|dream2qlteue:/ $ pm disable user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

Error: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Unknown package: user

1|dream2qlteue:/ $ pm disable-user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

Error: java.lang.IllegalArgumentException: Unknown package: 0
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.sec.android.AutoPreconfig

put the above command exactly.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
ahh i see now. what you meant by put "user" after the disable :)

Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
Out of curiosity is there any benefits of changing CSC to XAA from VZW. I am on the unlocked fw and have been since it was fist "discovered".
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
You won't get much bloatware.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
I know the fw switch has less bloat. I meant under the carrier switch to XAA. I do apologize
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
I think depending on your carrier you'll possibly get some of these features. Wifi calling, mobile hotspot and VOLTE maybe
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
Cause right now I am running the unlocked firmware but never did the carrier switch to XAA at all. So I am wondering if I do carrier switch to XAA will it make a difference or add benefits
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Just do it and see if it works.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
I'll wait and see what others say before I try. Maybe I'll pm the one who made this post. I really appreciate your time though
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
From what I've seen and done with my own phone. Switching to XAA will likely cause to lose carrier specific features if they don't exist in the generic XAA CSC.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
Yes, of course I am aware of that since its the firmware switching. I'm wondering about doing carrier switch from Verizon (VZW) to Unlocked(XAA). would it add more benefits to the unlocked firmware or allow me to access future betas, etc. since its still Verizon on unlocked firmware
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
It would definitely put you on samsungs schedule for software updates instead of the carrier s
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
I'll see if I try it. I mean I'm currently on the unlocked firmware and running great why try to do something if it isn't broken you know.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
It doesn't. It won't send you any ota's
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] Ganibal_Lector:
I think you will loose more than you will get, if you are on Verizon right now. I don't see any reasons if you are running unlocked firmware U1 to do any carrier switch. It is needed only of you are going to use it with different carriers outside US. Inside US it looks like more reasonable to stay with an original carrier and I would say with an original carrier's firmware as you can use all features. As soon as you will get XAA you will loose VoLTE etc. I switched to XAA for example only because I had some mad combination of Chinese and US firmwares (not even from G955U but from G9550 Chinese version) and in the same time I am not from US. As I will not use it with any US carriers I simply don't need anything except XAA.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
I'd rather be on the unlocked firmware. It bothers me more knowing that Verizon has removed very useful features from Samsung. Plus the unlocked firmware does offer VOLTE, but I wish I had video calling but all the other stuff makes up for it.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Why is that? If you flash the unlocked XAA firmware and do the carrier switch to use the XAA CSC. Why would the OTAs not work from samsung?
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
I have been getting updates on the unlocked firmware on a Verizon phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
Ok

---------- Post added at 07:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:32 PM ----------

I never get updates because I don't have a sim card in this phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] eddyo1993:
Then maybe that's why
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] alirz:
Well having no sim card in a phone shouldn’t prevent any updates from coming to it. That doesn’t make any sense.
[Samsung Galaxy S8+ Guides, News, & Discussion] xdanilva:
I dont know then

---------- Post added at 10:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:10 PM ----------

Probably because I update to later firmwares than otas