yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] TWiiTCH:
I'm guessing as the way Android is going and especially the second parties who produced the phones are manufacture them are all combining together to try and lock us down even though Android started as an open source project, but now they will not even disclose certain changes at church and times or unless they feel it's necessary which defeats the whole purpose of Open Source. I am sick of Samsung even though their devices work well, the next device I buy will be one that is easily rootable and will allow me to stay on a certain version of Android and allow me to make the changes that I wish with my own phone when according to note 9 prices is around a grand. Why pay that much money and be forced into garbage that you cannot downgrade from or control on your own when it is supposed to be an open source project, despite Samsung's overlay we should still be able to choose what we wish 2 use on phones we pay a lot of money for. This really pisses me off but there is nothing I can do so I guess I buy cheap phones that can be rooted versus expensive phones that have good or high quality components. Maybe a cheaper phone minus the bloatware and all the extras that aren't necessary will run somewhat better then the same phones versus somebody who dress not roots and remove the extras. I would love to root my Snapdragon note 9 and there is somebody working on it and is actually close to achieving it but I would also rather snapdragon versus enynos because Samsung's in-house processor maybe better in some ways, none that I am aware of but cannot be sure on that, but snapdragon kicks ass minus the fact that cannot be rooted at this point.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] carlitos66:
I don't know, I searched for way to do this downgrade and it was suggested to use version B. Good to know that even version 3.13.3 works. thx
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] :
How did you finally get out of the bootloop?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Birdsfan:
I booted into recovery, wiped and restarted, all was good after that.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] pizza_pablo:
Can I use this process to downgrade a Verizon / Snapdragon Note 9 from Pie/CSB3 to Oreo?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Spicyi:
Guys I hate one ui so much I need help I dont know how to downgrade
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] patensas:
How about security updates after downgrading to Oreo? Don't you guys fear of getting far behind or is there a way to keep receiving them without updating to Pie again?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] bober10113:
woo wait a minute,

you sir are making way to much sense.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] patensas:
Lol no sense at all just wondering
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] bober10113:
no but seriously, i dont know what they are going to do.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Mwyann:
Just my 2 cents, but I just re-upgraded to Pie (CSC1) after having downgraded to Oreo (wiping everything every time), and I must say I have a better feeling this time, especially with the Good Lock 2019 release. I can get the new features of Pie and keep the good things I loved in Oreo ;) Swift Installer works nicely to complete the Night Mode, I applied an icon theme to get rid of the gay icons, and everything is good in the world!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] JohnNadeau:
Hey Spicyi, I read this whole thread, then attempted to outline the steps for a U.S. Unlocked Snapdragon version.

Click here for Post: Confirm These Steps to Downgrade US Unlocked SM-N960U1 from Pie to Oreo

Some Notes/Warnings:

Those steps have not been confirmed by more experienced users here at XDA, nor have I tried it myself yet, but it may provide a starting point for you.

It was intended for a US Unlocked SM-N960U1. So if you have a locked version (ATT, Verizon, Sprint, etc.), surely there are some other steps needed.

---------- Post added at 08:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:02 AM ----------

Hmmm... haven't explored the Good Lock 2019 option yet. Maybe that's a better approach than downgrading to Oreo due to security concerns expressed in other posts above. I'm curious, what Icon Theme did you choose and does it more closely resemble Oreo?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Mwyann:
I've tested some themes, and I settled on Zero, from MINU. There's also Dream Play which looks like Oreo but I don't quite like the colors.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] N1NJATH3ORY:
if everyone would mgs Samsung via Samsung Members app, to give us security patches as we are not going to upgrade to One UI pie 9!! Maybe Samsung would take notice! As mgs via members app it goes to their head office!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] darthmalus:
I tried out the U1 Pie rom and didnt like it and flashed right back to the U oreo one with no problems.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Secondlaw:
I just want my ACR to work again!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Secondlaw:
Is there some documentation on how you did this?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] darthmalus:
Not really i just Downloaded a U oreo rom and flashed it back to it using patched odin.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Cjcharles:
When you flashed the Oreo firmware back on, did you have to factory reset?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] sireted:
hi I was wondering if someone could suggest where I am going wrong. I have a tmobile note 9 that is running pie. I"m trying to downgrade to 8.1. I downloaded the firmware right from samsung. I'm not using the patched odin, although I have tried both. I have us debugging clicked on, but I don't have an option for oem unlocking. Is that my problem and if so how do I get that option to show up. here is the output from odin. Thanks in advance.

<ID:0/005> Added!!

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<OSM> Enter CS for MD5..

<OSM> Check MD5.. Do not unplug the cable..

<OSM> Please wait..

<OSM> Checking MD5 finished Sucessfully..

<OSM> Leave CS..

<ID:0/005> Odin engine v(ID:3.1301)..

<ID:0/005> File analysis..

<ID:0/005> Total Binary size: 5563 M

<ID:0/005> SetupConnection..

<OSM> All threads completed. (succeed 0 / failed 1)
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
Try this version of Odin 3.13.1_3B for snapdragon.

https://xdaforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4446947

Also have the latest version of Oreo for your phone model. Reset before installation and after installation.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Cjcharles:
If you start with a totally official firmware (Android Pie 9 update that was delivered via OTA a few days ago) with no root, no unlocking, etc. And you want to switch to a totally official Android Oreo 8.1 update (from January this year downloaded off Updateo), do you still need to reset? Or is it just that there is a risk you might need to?

Thanks very much
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
I'm exynos and so I did. I was on the Pie with security patch March and I passed to the last Oreo with the security patch from December. First we reset Pie to delete the Google and Samsung accounts, then install Oreo and last time I reset it to be everything ok. I have not restored settings or programs from backup.No problemes. ?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] sireted:
So I tried what you said. I used the version of odin that you had the link to, and I reset my phone and I'm still getting the same error. any other ideas.

thanks!!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
I'm sorry, did you look for this topic to see if a colleague managed to downgrade your phone model? Maybe the software version is not good.

Some info here about a snapdragon:

https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=79031596&postcount=198
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] qnc:
Try to uninstall and reinstall the samsung drivers that worked for me and use the 3.13 patched version to flash your phone.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Ahad S.:
Factory Reset

If i factory reset my Note 9, will it take me back to 8.1 or put me back to 9 One UI?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] amorosa:
If you are on 9.0, you will stay at 9.0
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Ahad S.:
That sux, i guess, i gotta go the long way around to get back the awesomeness.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] smentoma:
I downgrade to oreo last firmware after few days on pie. Pie and one ui was many compromises for me. No call recorder, volume limited, verry weak battery and to much heat. After first day on oreo no calibration or other tweaks i had after 20 hours. 8 hours of screen. 7 hour of tv stream with only 49%. Battery is amaziing. No more heat and no more problems. I download last 8.1. from samfrew.com. on samfirmware there is only android 9 for note 9. I begining to think samsung update note 9 to pie in hurry because note 9 on oreo was equal to s10+ and the update broke some of note 9 features.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Ahad S.:
Downgrade

If I downgrade my Note 9 running on Android 9 One UI 1.0 to Oreo 8.1, will the Phone status still say "Official"? Will my warranty with Samsung be voided or something like that?

---------- Post added at 09:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:29 PM ----------

Thank you
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] K-alz:
TMobile has a locked bootloader and you won't see the OEM unlocking part there. Thanks to the carriers.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] amorosa:
Knox 0x0 it will stay official.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] aryaankhan:
Problem Issue

I think that it should be possible with Odin but honestly I never done it before so don't know.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Ahad S.:
Thank you
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] pizza_pablo:
You will need to choose a way to disable the system update apps, in order to prevent OS update, by using a package disabler app, adb commands or what one person has reported as working, flashing an older modem / CP.

You can find details and how to's, in this thread, the other thread with similar title and these and other samsung device forums.

Edited, modem is CP, not CS as I previously posted. Apologies!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] JohnNadeau:
So far, this ADB method has worked for me on four Note 9's (U.S. Unlocked) Stopping PIE Update
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] gd761:
After Downgrading from PIE to OREO make sure that you Stop PIE from Downloading to your Phone.

1. Go to Settings.

2. Go to Software Update.

3. Go to Download Updates Automatically and Slide the Bar to the Left to turn this Off.

If you forget or just don't after Downgrading, then PIE Will Download to your Phone and you Will get the Install Screen Every time you unlock your screen. Then you will have to reinstall OREO again and then follow the steps above in order to Stop this from happening.

You Will have a Notification that you have an update Available, but will only get the Full Screen Message when you reboot your phone or turn it on. After that, it will just sit in the Notification Bar up on the Left side as well as be seen when swiping down to see your Notifications.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] pizza_pablo:
That would be terribly annoying.

That, alone makes it worth the extra effort to disable the update apps via ADB or a Package Disabling app.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
In order to avoid any problems with updating notifications, or install a version of Oreo that did not exist for yours country csc(for Europa the last firmware OXM Oreo is ARL3(no Vodafone,Orange...)and install OXM ARL4 with csc BRI(Taiwan)) or when installing with Odin at the cp you go through a previous version and it does not bother you with any notifications at Pie. Now if your ADB and Disabrer suit you is your choice.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] pizza_pablo:
I'm still on ARL1 and plan to stay there.

I'm not sure what you are addressing, but my post that you quoted was in response to a post from gd761.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] brooon:
I plan to downgrade today from

N960FXXS2CSC1 / N960FOXM2CSA7

to

N960FXXS2ARL3 / N960FOXM2ARK2

Do you guys have any recommendation which modem/CP I should flash in order to prevent the system from updates? Am I right to assume that I can´t simply use the PIE modem (as it´s already on my hdd ;))?

---------- Post added at 04:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 AM ----------

PS: Just realized that I´m on N960FXXU2CRLT. Does that mean (as I´m not on U1 anymore) that a downgrade to Oreo isn´t that easy anymore?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
You do not want to use the pie modem. I think so. If you install ARL3-ARK2(december build) which is the latest Oreo software then you need the modem from the last by one ARK2-ARK2 software(november build).

Or download ARL4 software with csc BRI(Taiwan) part of OXM and install with Odin.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] brooon:
Thx for your reply - I guess my main problem is the U2 Bootloader now. Seems like there is no chance to downgrade to Oreo anymore :(
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
Why?On Pie and Oreo is U2 bootloader for exynos.I downgrade from Pie CSC1-CSA7 at Oreo ARL4 without problems.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] g1-and-only:
Well it looks like this latest update with April security patch changes the bootloader to 2, so that means no going back to 8.1 if you accept. You can only now go

Between January pie update and 8.1 ,so beware.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] brooon:
Hmm...ok, just to be sure here: I´m on the March security patch (see screenshot below, latest firmware) and am therefore currently running on N960FXX

U2

CRLT (U2 Bootloader). According to [MENTION=2059103]g1-and-only[/MENTION] there are Oreo versions on U2 as well - which is new to me. I that true? Which of the listed 8.1 firmwares in the screenshot am a safely able to flash (if at all)?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
I really do not understand why you get the bootloader on exynos. It did not support any changes and is the same as Oreo. In conclusion, you can downgrade to Oreo. If it becomes future U3 then it can unlock from the developer mode, unlock the OEM. Follow the version of Odin.

---------- Post added at 09:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:34 AM ----------

You flash ARL3-ARK2 or ARL4 csc BRI(Taiwan)

---------- Post added at 09:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:38 AM ----------

Link ARL4

https://samfrew.com/download/Galaxy__Note9__/padw/BRI/N960FXXS2ARL4/N960FOXM2ARK2/

---------- Post added at 09:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 AM ----------

No csc change,remain DBT.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] brooon:
This is what the SamMobile packages contain - latest PIE vs OREO (AP, BL, CP, CSC) - seems like U2 is indeed part of the latest OREO release.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
I confirm today downgrade from Pie CSD2-CSA7 to Oreo ARL4-ARK2. It goes without a problem with Odin 3.13.1.

Cheers!!!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] g1-and-only:
No, oreo is U1 only. I was saying you can only go from pie with the February patch, which is what I have

(N960USQU1CSB3) back down to oreo. I have the un locked model but flashed tmobile full firmware. If you take the March update you will have U2 and from previous updates that change bootloader you couldn't go back.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] michelino159:
You have snapdragon version and [MENTION=263247]Broon[/MENTION] have exynos.On exynos downgrade is not a problem,Oreo and Pie are U2 bootloader.

Can not make downgrade to the first ARH5 software in rest can do to anyone even more at ARL3. ;)
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] leoet1975:
Holy crap, I wish I had one of you guys next to me to walk me through this complex stuff. My phone is Note 9 N960U locked to Verizon. Is there any way I can actually downgrade to Oreo 8.1? This new Pie update is absolutely horrible; I hate it! Please help. I don't speak developer language, by the way.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] qnc:
I just did it on my note 9 and S9+ VZW

Non developer here you go.

This is from memory but I think I have covered all steps.

1. Get the Modded Odin

A. Unzip files

2. Get lagest Samsung drivers

A. Install and reboot

3. Go to updato.com to get your oreo firmware. If you dont want VZW splash screen and forced updates use the XAA version to unbrand which I used. Or where ever you get your firmware. Just make sure it is for your phone.

If you want:

XAA Files from my Google drive here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tdPH8l4iaK8bQg6Xd-BjF6HypFIKk980/view?usp=drivesdk

A. Unzip files

4. Open Odin and load firmware files

A. AP file will take time to load

B. I suggest to do a full wipe with the CSC file dont try to save data it does nott always go correctly

5. Turn off phone to prepare for download

A. Hold volume down, Bixby and power buttons to go into download mode

B. Press volume up to confirm download mode

6. Connect your phone to computer

A. Odin should recognize the phone with a com port showing in the application

7. Hit start and after data transmission starts walk away.

It only takes a couple of minutes for the downgrade to complete. At least for me.

I had issues where the downgrade process would not start in Odin so I rebooted my phone and computer and it worked.

After you get the phone downgraded and activated, my first suggestion is to enable super user and turn off automatic upgrade.

In settings -> software update turn off down load updates.

I also paid for the Package disable pro from app store and disabled the Samsung update processes.

I have not received any update notifications.

Oreo for life.

This is in response to leoet1975 that is on a VZW device, but it should work for others if going to XAA.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] JohnNadeau:
Hey QNC, looks like you're quite adept at this and you can probably do it in your sleep! :)

I, on the other hand, am still a bit reluctant to try, especially remotely to help a friend :D

That being said, when you get a minute, would you be so kind as to put your eyes on this post and let me know if any of the steps need to be tweaked?

Confirm These Steps to Downgrade US Unlocked SM-N960U1 from Pie to Oreo

Since that post, I did disable one Software Update (com.sec.android.soagent) via Odin and have not received the Pie Update Notification (on four Note 9's), so I will add that step for sure.

Stopping PIE Update

Any input would be greatly appreciated!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] c3poo:
Could you do root as before?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] qnc:
Everything looks good. You even mentioned the boot loader number. As long as they match the downgrade will be no problem. 5th number counting right to left.

Remember if you run into problems reboot the phone and your computer. That has always worked for me.

Good luck.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] docdg:
Greatest downgrade since Windows Vista.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] qnc:
Hilarious cracking up :laugh:
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] JohnNadeau:
Hey QNC... I really appreciate your input! I went ahead and updated my original post to reflect answers. Thanks very much!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] _GRIZZLY_:
So anybody confirm back to oreo with april security patch?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] qnc:
I can not. I blocked all updates to my phone
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] brooon:
I made it back to Oreo from PIE March edition ;) (EU exynos version - U2 BL to U2 BL).

Sad fact: my battery life is still not king. Not the worst ever, but far away from those 9 hours SOT success stories.
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Timre10:
Samsung J600FN downgrade. Possible?

Sorry, I wrote the wrong place
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] pizza_pablo:
I am now using Package Disabler Pro to disable update apps.

I had been using AdHell 3.

I put AdHell back on to block ads. When I reinstalled AdHell the update apps were selected as disabled, as if AdHell recalled my previous settings.

Is it OK to have two different apps disabling the update apps, or will it present a conflict of some sort?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] xupd39baw:
After attempting to downgrade I am now faced with a blue screen that says installing system update for quite a while. Wondering what I screwed up?? Any help would be appreciated!

After quite some time it rebooted only to tell me an unauthorized attempt had been made to update my phone.... Any ideas?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] N1NJATH3ORY:
HI what’s your Note 9 Model number ? And did you take a screen shot, of your software version installed before you tried to downgrade ? As I heard only U1 and U2 Bootloader versions allow you to downgrade!

Also what files are you using to flash via Odin patched can you upload pic! Need all this info before can guide you!

---------- Post added at 01:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:27 AM ----------

Man i wish we had that battery charge care function where it only charges to 85% but shows 100%! Also has anyone tried One Ui Pie 9 Lately ? Has it improved! or is it best to stick to Oreo 8.1 ?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] xupd39baw:
I got it. For whatever reason sammy.exe wasn't giving me the correct choice. Somebody else had the flashes posted. Was able to flash unlocked version, then let it upgrade back to pie, now I have my hotspot back. Good to go..
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Rukbat:
Kinda-sorta. If you root with Magisk (topjohnwu is a developer here), there's Magisk Charging Switch, which can be set to stop at any level you choose, so set it to charge to 85% and it will shut off charging when it gets there. (Set it to 85 84, and it will keep the battery between 84% and 85%.) To get the 100% indication, just calibrate the battery (there are a few apps that do a real calibration) at 85%, and the phone will indicate 100% with 85% charge. (I don't know what that will do for MCS - you might have to reset it to charge to 100% to get the battery to 85%. [To bring everything back to normal, you'd have to disable MCS, then charge the phone while watching a calibration app. When the voltage stops rising for 2 or 3 minutes, calibrate it again, then 100% will be a real 100%.])
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] dragen23:
what applications do you recommend for calibration?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] N1NJATH3ORY:
Thanks i'm not planning on rooting the Note 9 as it's not really needed in this day and age, i was using the Magisk Charging Switch on my Tab S4 as i'm rooted! but since i upgraded to One UI i've got the 85% enabled via settings so Magisk Charging Switch is not needed now.. Thanks for the suggestion though!
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] Jostian:
Only problem with samfirm is that even when you put in the details of the Oreo firmware samfirm finds the latest version instead of the one you ask it to find... Any advice?
[Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Questions & Answers] N1NJATH3ORY:
Give me the PDA CSC & PHONE codes ? And let me try!

Update!! yeah your right, it only give the latest PIE 9 that sucks! no matter what you input!

https://updato.com/firmware-archive-select-model/?q=sm-n960&exact=1&r=&v=&rpp=15 <--Pretty fast downloads for firmwares from here!!