yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
You can flash any in the same bootloader version...for example, if you are on v1, AQH7 - AQI5...v2, BQJA-BQLA, if you update to the v3 that is with the unreleased Oreo update you cannot downgrade...you do not have to flash latest but if you don't you will get update notifications unless you disable...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jcrompton:
Thank you

I guess I was just wondering what makes the update zip to CRA4 fail when trying to run on a device that is CRA2 (same bootloader)

It would seem that there might be a way to make it run since the bootloader is the same
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
The instructions say to use regular Odin for carrier firmware...you should be able to flash USERDATA file...that is the one with updated carrier specifics...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
-You can revert and Sprint OTA's work...ATT has to sideload...

-The most recent Unlocked for Sprint is BQL2

-Bands are available I believe as hardware is the same for all US versions...firmware enables bands

-look a few posts back for my VoLTE instructions...

-again, OTA works on Sprint...even if you flash full carrier version on unlocked devices...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Are you doing adb sideload or update.zip from recovery
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jcrompton:
From sd card recovery
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Ok..that update is built for BQK2 to CRA4...soon there may be an update that goes from CRA2...you just need to keep an eye out...I'll watch as well..
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jcrompton:
From sd card recovery

Edit

Weird double post.... not sure why ???
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] android-incredible:
[MENTION=5649240]BlueFox721[/MENTION] i bought a at&t note 8, the phone was a carrier lock but the guy get the unlock code,I did the carrier changed and flashed the VZW carrier firmware 2BQK2 , Do you think the phone still a carrier unlocked or now is a carrier lock?.thanks..
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Yes it is still unlocked...but if you plan on switching, you would need to follow the guide again and flash intended carrier...carrier lock is done with imei...the Verizon firmware may or may not block other carrier SIM...if it does it is just firmware not iemi
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
HOME_CSC_OYN_N950UOYN2BQLA (Used on my VZW NMF26X.N950USQS2BQL5)

https://nofile.io/f/jWnNV92F82S/HOM...065630_REV00_user_low_ship_MULTI_CERT.tar.md5
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
That's the T-Mobile one
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] imblfmstr:
Thanks Dear for the reply

The ROM link is for Sprint unlocked firmware, May I request to give me the Unlocked firmware link which I can us on Sprint.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] android-incredible:
[MENTION=5649240]BlueFox721[/MENTION] Transaction ID

1TE02099W4212600
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Thank You!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
The XAA (Stock Unlocked Firmware) - https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=817906626617955896

These are essentially the same except for Updated Sprint Settings and Some features are already included with the SPR version of the Unlocked Firmware...With the Stock XAA, the SPR settings and Features will be changed upon insertion of SPR SIM, along with the SPR CSC code if you are already on Sprint...Sometimes the carrier version will have updated files in other words, but they are essentially the same Firmware...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Sprint BQL9 added to OP
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] mostcallmerob:
BlueFox, thanks for the guide, but I'm running into some trouble with my data connection. My phone was originally an AT&T phone that was unlocked and running on T-Mobile. Last night I flashed it to run unlocked firmware and I managed to get WiFi calling and VoLTE back, which is pretty nice, but I'm running into other connection problems.

Today, I was at work and connected to WiFi all day. When I left work and got out of WiFi range, LTE took over and I had a solid signal, but when I went to search something it said I was offline. The LTE signal was showing in the navigation bar and the signal was strong, but I wasn't receiving any data. It wasn't until I put the phone in airplane mode and then turned it off that I got mobile data. Is this a firmware problem or maybe somewhere in the settings? When I was running factory firmware I didn't run into this issue. Any help is appreciated, thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
You could try to enable aggressive WiFi/ cell handover and keep data turned on in the developer settings
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] mostcallmerob:
Thanks for the quick response. I'll give it a go and see if that helps. If it doesn't help though, any ideas what might be the fix? It's odd because it seems to only be a problem if I'm connected to WiFi for an extended period of time and then switch to mobile data.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
You could also try a factory reset...that works sometimes...or just flash the carrier csc file
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 10pmStalker:
It's quite a lot when I've never done anything like this before.

If someone could link me to the exact files I need to flash AT&T, I should be able to manage from there.

SM-N950U1

N950U1UES2BQL2
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
Files you need to do what?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 10pmStalker:
Sorry, I'm trying to get AT&T firmware so I can use wifi calling.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mr. Orange 645:
Gotcha. The first three posts of this thread include detailed instructions and links to the files you need. Make sure you read the posts carefully and click the "click to show content" buttons.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
If you look at the section for flashing carrier you will see ATT firmwares...top is most recent...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] thunderbread:
I keep getting o thread succeeded and 1 fail. wont flash on vzw and using correct files. any idea?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] 10pmStalker:
Thanks for the reply OP. Is there any chance you would gather and link everything I need for SM-N950U1 N950U1UES2BQL2

I messed up a Moto x back in the day, don't want to do that again.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
The link is very clear in the download section...

If you want full ATT download the BQL5 link that is in the flashing carrier section under ATT...

If you want stock Unlocked with no bloat, download the XAA BQL2 or the ATT branded Unlocked BQL2 in the flashing unlocked section...I have made everything organized so everyone can find what the need...Go to OP and look...

You can't mess it up if you follow directions...I have edited the OP to be more specific just so it could be found...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Different usb port, usb cable, bad download, wrong version (trying to flash older firmware on updated device), Prince Comsy's Odin, or just a bad download...try any to see if works...if not, a factory reset in recovery then back out to main recovery menu and select boot to bootloader then flash Firmware...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Yay for me! I finally got my Verizon N8 over to Tmobile thanks to this guide, and all rooted and themed and whatnot.

Quick question though... Anyone know how to have the Tmo PowerOn.ogg occur at the beginning of the bootsamsung.qmg? In Verizon mode I had this great audio of Jarvis talking with a green ironman video I made on Samsung's dev site... but with the Tmo csc they have their quick little jingle start right before the Samsung logo... damn I miss romming lll
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
You can root and then replace the PowerOn.ogg with the one you want...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Well I did lol. But it seems to start further into the boot sequence running Tmo csc instead of Verizon. Trivial thing...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
I took a look at that OP and it says it requires bootloader unlock. So, unless I'm missing something it won't work with any of our US snapdragon devices?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
It says "OEM Unlock"...our device does show OEM Unlock=1

So even though our bootloader is locked...this service uses the same files that are used to pay for unlock service...otherwise no SM-N950U and SM-N950U1 would ever be unlocked...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] cam30era:
Gotcha.. thanks
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Thank you so much! Finally got the correct unbranded Tmobile U1 software... and the speed on the "LTE+" network is awesome! Pretty sure I didnt have LTE+ before :D

Not sure if the pic worked... but I'm getting 103mbps down 51 up!!!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mitchrd2004:
Note 8 in XAA/XAA/XXX

Guys I am trying to switch carriers from on a NOTE8 950U Sprint to Verizon and ran into an issue that might be simple fix. I have searched and see others have had this issue but not sure what the fix is. In steps 22 and 25 of the OP I entered VZW so I could switch my Note 8 to Verizon however after loading the Verizon firmware I see the phone is XAA/XAA/XXX. Is this simply because I didn't have the sim card installed during this process and the default was XAA? I even tried to flash the user files again and get the same thing after the process. It has to be something simple that I am missing. :confused:

BTW I have Downloaded the following and the correct VZW firmware, followed the directions without seeing any errors.

N950USQU2AQK3_COMBINATION (Latest)

HOME_CSC_OYV_N950WVLS2BQK1 (Latest)
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] colonel187:
Still not what I'm looking for.

I bought the Unlocked version from Samsung however I do miss my carrier features (verizon). Is there a way to edit the user data to remove the awful bloat apps and only keep like MyVerizon, and Visual Voicemail? I know I can disable the other apps but that doesn't get me my storage space back....... I need Wifi Calling and LTE+ and visual voicemail would be nice and hotspot is needed at full speed which is why I am flashing the Verizon firmware.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Any reason you don't use Unlocked FW and DL those 2 Verizon apps from the play store?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] colonel187:
I tried the unlocked firmware and it looks exactly the same as unbranded stock. None of Verizon's features work on the vzw unlocked firmware. Unless I'm missing something.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Try this?

xdaforums.com/galaxy-note-8/how-to/tips-unlocked-branded-phone-volte-t3675532
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
The branded unlocked firmwares are the same as the XAA unlocked firmware, the branded unlocked firmware just adds the carrier info in a USERDATA file like the complete carrier firmwares do...

To get carrier functions you can flash the Carrier CSC file from the Verizon Firmware...

In other words, VZW BQL2 and XAA BQL2 are identical except for VZW USERDATA file that adds updated settings...

You can flash Carrier VZW BQL5 CSC file to get carrier functions...or CSC and USERDATA files from VZW BQL5...

Cannot edit files but I don't think the BQL5 USERDATA file has much bloat...

For visual voicemail on any carrier with unlocked firmware, whether XAA or VZW, you can use Google Voice or Flash the Carrier USERDATA file to get carrier voicemail...

If you want just unlocked firmware, with no additional flashing, and get functions working...use shortcut master lite...there are posts all over on different settings to change...just search forum for shortcut master lite from desktop pc...

Additionally, if csc code will not change to VZW...you can follow the switching carrier guide to change code to VZW and then flash the firmware you wish to use, unlocked XAA or VZW, or complete VZW firmware...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
If code did not stick, something didn't work...and you need to follow the guide again...but you can put the SIM in after switching carrier guide is complete and right before flashing VZW Firmware....

Typically, the code should have stayed even if you flashed the XAA firmware...

Make sure adb is working...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Good news! Driving around I tried speed tests in different places and saw 60mbps in one spot. Guessing it's a location issue not software keeping me from seeing the speeds I saw last night. Very happy indeed!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] colonel187:
Thanks I'll try that
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] oldsap:
i have unlocked a T-Mobile Note 8 N950U phone using a 3rd party service. i used t-mobile's app to unlock it and it said it's permanently unlocked. after unlocking, i did a factory reset and it went back to being locked. i had to reinsert the tmo sim to do the sim unlocking again, and it worked again.

can i flash XAA Factory Unlocked Firmware on it? if so, will a factory reset lock the phone again?

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Just flash the firmware after unlocking...it should stay
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] oldsap:
i used Unlocked XAA Firmware N950U1UEU2BQL2 on my T-Mobile USA sim unlocked phone (using a 3rd party service)

- after encountering Failed, SHA256 error, i edited config file for UMS/patch from 0 to 1 for USERDATA and used Prince Comsy's Odin

- after i got stuck in ODIN again, closed ODIN, restarted it

- on the phone side, to get out from the Downloading screen, pressed Vol DOWN + Bixby + Power buttons for 10sec

- went back to the Downloading screen, reconnected the phone to my PC and ODIN, and was successful the 3rd time around.

now my phone is still sim unlocked and running on an unlocked non-carrier specific firmware.

Thank you. worked great.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] Mitchrd2004:
Ok I will give it another shot. This time I added another step to my word document. "Test mps_code.dat by running abd cat /efs/imei/mps_code.dat;echo" to verify that the CSC code has taken properly after running echo "VZW" > /efs/imei/mps_code.dat. I will also put the sim card in the phone before doing anything just to be safe.

The downloaded files I am using are...

N950USQU2AQK3_COMBINATION (Latest)

HOME_CSC_OYV_N950WVLS2BQK1 (Latest)

N950USQS2BQK2_N950UOYN2BQK2_VZW

UPDATE: It is alive! VZW/VZW/SPR

I didnt do anything different but put my SIM card in and check that the mps_code.dat had VZW in it after the addition.

Thank you to everyone for all the help and the knowledge provided on this site. Everyone saved me from a MASSIVE pita.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jigubhai2001:
Need some clarification

I am buying AT&T version Note-8 because of a 50% off deal from a Sam's Club that is closing permanently. I use T-Mobile for my service. I have read through all the posts but the more I read, more confused I am getting. So I have a few questions so that I understand what firmware I need to install and if infact I need to follow the procedure for Carrier Switch or just for Unlocked Firmware flash.

If I flash the unlocked firmware, will I be able to use T-Mobile Wifi Calling? The reason I ask is because I have read on other forums that users who bought an unlocked version of Note-8 from Samsung directly, were able to get Wifi calling and other features to work right out of the box. I do not care about Video Calling or Visual Voicemail as I primarily use Whatsapp, Duo and Google Voice for those features.

The 2nd question I have is that, if I load the unlocked XAA firmware will I be able to recieve OTA updates? If so which one will it be? i.e. OTA from AT&T, OTA from T-Mobile or OTA from Samsung?

I do understand that the hardware is the same on all US models and that there is carrier specific and unlocked versions for firmware. However the confusion I have is with the baseband versions. Meaning If I go straight to unlocked XAA version of firmware, will the phone register on T-Mobile's network as an AT&T phone, T-Mobile Phone or as Samsung Unlocked Phone.

The last part of the confusion is that the carrier specific firmware locks certain radio frequencies. With the unlocked XAA version version are all the frequencies unlocked? If so will the future XLTE from T-Mobile work on this phone?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] BlueFox721:
Some T-Mobile users were able to use carrier functions straight out of the gate with unlocked firmware. Others had to flash carrier CSC and others needed csc and USERDATA files...some were able to use just shortcut master lite to enable features...

OTA updates on unlocked firmware come from Samsung and are carrier branded...they just add updated settings and a few apps to improve connectivity (supposed to anyways)...some may come from a carrier server but are generally from Samsung...

Carrier reads imei and sales code is related to that...you can try to get your carrier to add IMEI to their whitelist and reprovisioned as a T-Mobile device but the last csc code will always be the device origin of ATT unless you change it after rooting...debranding can also be done but I am not familiar may be it's just rooting and removing sales code...I do not think it matters as long as your carrier turns on features...

Yes unlocked firmwares have all radios but are activated by SIM and firmware code...so T-Mobile XLTE will be used in areas that support it...my unlocked switches to Sprint's LTE+ whenever available...If there are issues, though, you can flash the T-Mobile stock CSC file...many find this works best....try without first though...and Unlocked WiFi calling setting is in the phone settings not regular settings...so you would go to the phone app and click menu and settings...many went months without finding it...

Did this help?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
I received a Verizon Note 8 that I flashed over to Tmobile with the guide. If you follow it correctly your phone will be almost exactly like the Tmobile version. Wi-Fi calling, LTE+ service if you use the Unlocked Tmo Rom. When I say "almost" there is a place that can't be changed that will always say your phone is att, but it's trivial and you will have a 99.99% Tmobile phone like I do. Buy a few of them and sell on eBay lol!

EDIT:

I heard the Note 8 in general doesn't support the new 5g, but I get Carrier aggregation (using two different cell signals to increase your speed) up to 103mbps download. It's pretty damn fast compared to 4glte 20-40 mbps. Grab the bargain Note and if you can follow the guide (of course people can help you) you will be very pleased.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] car2carl:
if you don't mind, I would like to know what zip code you were using the Note 8 to gain that kind of speed from T-Mobile, with my stock T-Mobile Rom, where I live, I would be very happy if I can get a half of your speed..
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
92691... Mission Viejo .CA.

I am moving to Fabulous Las Vegas tomorrow so I will check speeds there as well. If your modem doesn't support CA (Carrier Ag) you wont get those speeds.

Only the U1 firmware is capable. If its right you should see LTE and LTE+ as your signal. Occasionally it drops to H+. I haven't been very successful in keeping the LTE+ after rooting, but I have gotten it to work a few days ago so I must be doing something differently...
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] car2carl:
Thanks for the response :D your are not too far from me as I am in Pasadena, CA , I have this T-mobile version of Note 8 and had been SIM permanent Unlocked and Flashed with U1 ( N950U1OYM2BQL2_XAA) I saw LTE and LTE+ but the speed was the same , Are you able to see the service mode *#2263# and see the band LTE preference ?

As I am using LG V30+ i will compare the speed later and see the difference outside, as in my house I am getting very terrible signal for all carriers .

do I need to flash the Home csc from U1 TMB?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] yanik73:
Hello. Thank you BlueFox721 for this AMAZING thread. I have verizon note 8 with the latest sw update 2BQL5. I'd like to gain access to all the missing features like Samsung Cloud, Caller ID and Spam Protection, Device Maintenance and other features available on unbranded note 8 devices. On the other hand, I'd like to keep Verizon features such as HD and Video Calling, Wi-Fi Calling, Messages+ etc. I have. Can you please help me out here with a basic guide describing exactly what firmware to flash, best way to back up my existing apps settings etc. I have some experience with jailbreaking iphones in the past, but this stuff is a little advanced to me, since this is my 1st android device. Thank you in advance.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] OptimuSlime:
Pardon me

I think (Bluefox will let you know if I'm wrong) that you can flash the U1 software to get Samsung, and then the user data in ComsyOdin to get the Verizon features. I started exactlt where you are, same FW.

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:02 PM ----------

At the moment I'm using a S8+ Rom without LTE+, but as soon as I flash back to U1 I will post a screenshot.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] yanik73:
Thank you for your reply, I'll certainly wait for BlueFox's hopefully more detailed explanation, because I'm a little lost here with all the available options.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Guides, News, & Discussion] jigubhai2001:
Thankyou for your reply and all the great work you have done. For now I am going to first Flash Unlocked Rom and see if I can get the Wifi calling to work. If it does then that will give me a phone without any carrier bloatware and the feature I want.

I understand now about the carrier codes and OTA updates, however I still have one more question. If I have Unlocked Rom and carrier code ATT and using it with Tmobile Sim. What update will I get in future? The reason I ask is when Oreo comes out, ATT might be a few months behind than T-Mobile to release it, in this case will I have to wait for ATT to release Oreo update, or any of this will not matter as I have an unlocked rom and will get it from Samsung directly as soon as they release it.

I bought 2 AT&T versions. One for me and one to sell. If I can get the features I want to work with Unlocked version, then I think that is the best thing. Get a Rom with no Bloatware and almost all of the TMobile's features.