yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Boots51:
Hi All

Have an S21 5g SM-G991U Snapdragon Android 11. It is showing service provider software version

SAOMC_SM991U_OYN_GCF_RR_0011

GCF/GCF/XAA

Since I dont appear to be getting any OTA updates, I have read so many threads now I am thoroughly confused about how to update to A12 or better still A13. I cannot find any matching CSC codes.

I am in New Zealand and my carrier is OneNZ (formerly Vodafone) but if my thinking is correct my phone is running either US or non specific CSC. My question is can I flash any A13 firmware or do I need a specific version.

Any help from other members would be much appreciaed, thanks.

Geoff
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
As is stated in the OP and many times throughout the thread:

You can flash ANY version of U or U1 firmware, which is newer than the version that you currently have.

But GCF is not a valid CSC for receiving OTA updates, so you still probably won't get updates until you change the CSC
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Boots51:
Hi guys

I am in New Zealand and I have a G991U which has ONY GCF/GCF/XAA as the software version. It is currently on Android 11 UI3.1

I would like to flash A13 but have a question before I do.

I can get 5g band n78 3500 mHz right now but I cant see this on any US variant.

Question is will I lose the 5g access if I do flash a US variant. Which variant should I go for?

Keep up the good work.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Flashing G991U firmware will have the greatest chance of you not losing that band
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] daniel2233:
Hi, I have s21 U1 model. I upgraded to the latest android 13 and UI 5.1. Is it possible at all to downgrade back to android 11 with UI 3. The reason is because there is no unlock bootloader option and no way to root the phone. So now basically there is no way to downgrade at all, or to even do any rom flashing?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Nope. The phone can only be bootloader unlocked if it's on bit 1, and only then via paid services
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] daniel2233:
Thanks for the quick reply. That is sad, was really hoping to bring out the most from the phone. Hope that perhaps at a later point, someone will make progress in making bootloader available
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Don't do any more updates, for the best chance of success
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
Thanks for this info. Am in the same position in Australia. Everything working ok but not getting updates. I used SamFW to change CSC successfully. Tried XSA which is Optus Australia but getting error that software update is interrupted. Also have red/blue circular arrows next to software update in settings. I’ve changed the CSC now to XAA (USA unbranded) but nothing changed, says to check again in 24 hours.

Is it likely that OTA updates will start working or should I just flash a new rom. I’m not quite sure where/which rom to use for XAA? I don’t see anything mentioning XAA on SamMobile downloads. Can I get it somewhere else?

TIA
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] derick2023:
Just get my Verizon SM-G991U to SM-G991U1, no more lot of downloads.

Thanks All!

1. download the firmware with Frija-v1.4.4. Model: SM-G991U1 , csc : XAA

2. download the Odin3 v3.13.3_3B_PatcheD.exe at this from.

3. factory rest SM-G991U

4. Disable firewall on the pc.

5. flash the firemware.

All done.

Here is the Odin3 v3.13.3_3B_PatcheD.exe

Patched Odin 3.13.1

For those looking for a modified, modded, or patched odin that is a newer build than all the fake and renamed prince comsy 3.12.3 versions floating around. I patch recent Odin versions to offer similar functionality to the princecomsy; in that...

xdaforums.com
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
Thanks for the quick instructions. Just did the same with my SM-G991U (ATT) I bought from eBay for use here in Australia. Followed above to flash SM-G991U1 XAA firmware and everything working great.

One tip is that even though I am on x64 install of Windows I had to download and install x86 versions of c++.

I’m hoping that I’ll get OTAs from now but not holding my breath.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Flickr!:
Is it safe to flash the US Firmware of G991U1 to a Canadian Phone such as the G991W I wanna flash the US version of the One UI 5.1 update and then flash the One UI 6 Beta Update. Here in Canada we dont get Betas
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] RAMAN JYANI:
Safety doesn't matter you can flash any CSC firmware for same model. But issue is their bootloader locked to specific carrier like vzw in my case, hence it will not work in other sim. 🚫 this symbol is shown if you flash firm of let say G991U1 XAA ( Usa default unlock).
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
Confirming that flashing my SM-G991U (ATT) with SM-G991U1 (unlocked) firmware I'm receiving OTAs now where previously I wasn't. Just received Nov security patch. Now just waiting for OneUI 6/Android 14 update :)
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
If you already changed firmwares, then obviously it's not a firmware problem
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] valiran:
Hello,

Is this U1 firmware (G991U1UES9EWK1 - CSC XAA) a good one for converting a SM-G991U for use in France?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
Depends on why the G991U does not currently work in France, and/or why it needs to be converted
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] valiran:
Mainly for debloat.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
G991U1 is the ONLY firmware that can be used to debloat a G991U
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] valiran:
Yes, but the question is mainly on the CSC for use in France :)

Is XAA ok? Or there is a better one?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
It doesn't matter what CSC you use. The firmware is identical, regardless
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] valiran:
ok thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Boots51:
Update. I flashed A13 using US variant CSC DSA. I happy to say it went flawlessly and all bands are functioning as they should. Thanks for help.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Kenshin1870:
Hi i got want of there with this software info, mine says "your phone is not registered on a network" i try to add apn and wont let me either. Is there a way to work in my country (nicaragua). The imei is suppose to be unlocked

I leave picture here
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
"not registered on network" could have 10 different possible reasons/causes. You need to have an experienced technician look at it, to see what the cause could be.

"no registrado en la red" podria tener 10 diferentes causas. El telefono lo tendrá que mirar algun tecnico con experiencia y sabiduria en esto, para ver cual de todas podria ser la causa de ese problema amigo
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] nduc:
Hi, can flashing sm-g991u1 enable 5G bands for Australia users? Moreover, does the xaa have call over wifi like the att
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
Maybe, or maybe not. You need to research the bands that your provider uses and then compare them to the bands supported by the phone
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
Finally received OneUI6 update this morning!!!!!
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] paul222008:
Hello, Do you have a USERDATA for S21 XAA firmware? Thank you in advance
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
I see you haven't read the OP at all.

USERDATA contains the carrier bloatware and therefore doesn't exist on U1 firmware
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Aftab Ahmed01:
After IMEI repair on g991u TMO bluetooth is not turning on.

I switched from 13 to 14 flashing by ODIN. Still not turning on.

Any thoughts on that?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
That has nothing to do with the topic of this thread. You need to talk to whoever did the repair
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Aftab Ahmed01:
I know that is doesn't concern here but if someone know about that he might help me.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
If Bluetooth was working fine before the repair, then the only person who can help you is the person who did the repair
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Aftab Ahmed01:
He is unable to do that.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Aftab Ahmed01:
[S21 SM-G991U/U1/W_Snapdragon]-[Upgrade Easily Firmware Using Odin]-[Automatically Root Remove Forceencrypt Patch Bluetooth And Fix Safetynet]

Must Have An Unlocked Bootloader To Do This! This An odin tar file I have created to flash along with stock odin firmware to automatically install TWRP recovery along with Disable VBMETA image. The tar file will also automatically install...

xdaforums.com

Can this work. Anyone tried?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
Then you should never purchase service from him ever again

It states very clearly that you need an unlocked bootloader in order to flash modified firmware
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Aftab Ahmed01:
I am sure now i must not take any services from him again.

Can you help me with unlocking bootloader
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
No
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Lamar02477:
Please have you received OTA updates after this?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
Yes I have. Even Android 14/OneUI 6.0 update. Last update received Feb security update
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Lamar02477:
I'm usin SM-G991U but i have to manually install the firmware every month by using Odin, so if i switch from U to U1 I'll get OTA updates
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] gjlamb:
That’s what I did and get updates like a regular local phone
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Lamar02477:
Oh ok thanks 😊
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Lamar02477:
And please can i see picture of your software information in the settings (service provider software version) 🙏
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Lamar02477:
Thanks a lot i just downloaded February update of the U1 yesterday and this morning i received March update
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] LeJardinier:
I flash a long time ago my old S7 to a custom rom... But now, im not sure how to flash my SM-G991U to work fine in Canada and receiving official update?..

Can i use the firmware SM-G991W with CSC: FIZ and flash it with Odin ?

Does i need a bootloader like TWRP ?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
Yes
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] LeJardinier:
Thank you, everything seem to work fine!
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Sabab21:
Anyone know how to downgrade?

After updating to one ui 6.1 my touch became unresponsive so I want to downgrade to 6.0 but getting error on odin
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] drnightshadow:
Make backup of your data, pictures, etc and try factory reset. Upgrades sometimes won't play well.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Sabab21:
already did everything
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] drnightshadow:
You can downgrade only the same binary.

You can try this, not sure if it will work for you

How to Downgrade Samsung from One UI 6 to 5 [Android 14 to 13]

In this guide, we will show you the steps to downgrade your Samsung device from One UI 6 to One UI 5 i.e. from Android 14 to Android 13.

droidwin.com
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] matti88:
As long as you have not also updated to the May security patch, you can downgrade to 6.0

If you're getting an error, you need to be specific and give details
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] petiolarissean:
Can use this for s21+
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] N0v1c3:
No. There is a thread specific to the S21+
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] petiolarissean:
Cant find thread s21+ could you please send me link
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
I created the thread. So you can find it via my profile
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mesa3d:
I've noticed with my Galaxy S10 (AT&T carrier variant) that sometimes the build number for the firmware is different than the build numbers for the other carriers (e.g., VZW, SPR, TMB, USC). So, I'm a little hesitant to installing the latest firmware from TMB for example on my ATT phone. I'm worried that the ATT specific version may have special coding for connecting to the 5G network towers, for example. Is this a real concern? Or, can I install the released firmware for TMB or USC on my ATT phone and not have any issues? Thanks.

Also, does anyone know the firmware number being installed via OTA on the ATT variant Galaxy S21 phones (Feb release)?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Firmware is universal. Flashing a build that AT&T didn't get isn't going to change the phone's configuration to match that carrier. It will still have all of AT&T's apps and settings
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] petiolarissean:
I have s21+ but this should help here anyways.I flashed u1 firmware and im even getting u1 firmware updates.Im on verizon and removed 409 files bloat right off phone.

One last thing very important

After flashing u1 firmware and start up screen appears go back into recovery and wipe cache then reboot set up phone,sean
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Visionography:
Hey, could I ask for the TMO user data please?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
You can get the full TMO firmware via the various firmware download tools like SamFirm or Frija. Or someone might have already uploaded it to AFH
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mesa3d:
@iBowToAndroid, Thanks for the detailed information on the S21 firmware.

Question

: I have an AT&T carrier unlocked S21. If I use Odin to install the TMB version of a firmware will my phone be able to receive future software updates from AT&T via their OTA delivery system?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
I don't know whose update schedule you'd be on, at that point
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mbze430:
I have a U1 are there ANY firmware I can flash where I can use the eSIM?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
It has nothing to do with firmware. It's the carrier that has to enable eSIM support
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mbze430:
this is a snip from AT&T website. it said for all other sSIMs to follow that directions but my phone don't have them?

So is it carrier or phone??
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Carrier
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mbze430:
just got back from AT&T. They said that if my phone was the Japanese or China model or even the european model then the firmware has the eSIM option. He said that since it's the US Model they can't do anything about eSIM because he said Samsung locked out that options in US

So once again... has anyone cross flash firmware to get eSIM working? Since I heard that Samsung is slow to the eSIM for North America market.

@iBowToAndroid

So unless you know the secret password to get AT&T to enable my eSIM or secret handshake? let me know
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Carriers are the ones that dictate which carrier features get enabled. If Samsung isn't enabling it, it's because the carriers aren't supporting it. Think about it: Samsung has no reason to enable that feature for some countries and not for others.

No, cross-flashing isn't possible
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mbze430:
All based on assumption.. because iPhones are able to use eSIM on AT&T network. So it isn't AT&T blocking eSIM.

Based on my "assumption" Samsung disabled North America phones from using eSIM because carriers in NA doesn't quite have it figured out with Samsung's implementation
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Then the problem is still with the carriers, not with Samsung. Apple could have easily issued an edict forcing carriers to support eSIM or they wouldn't be allowed to sell iPhones. Apple controls everything about their products, and puts all sorts of requirements on carriers in order to be able to carry their products. Samsung has historically never been that anal
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] mbze430:
yet and here we are. at least according to the AT&T rep. NA phones locked or unlocked doesn't have eSIM support but Asian and European version of the same phone does by Samsung. I have the unlock S21 and he wasn't able to to get to the eSIM menu on my phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] entropism:
First, don't listen to AT&T reps (or ANY store reps) for inside info. Most are dumber than a bag of wet hammers. I worked for 3 carriers in the past, and my coworkers were absolute morons when it came to phones.

That being said, the CTO of T-Mobile announced 2 months ago that ESIM will be enabled (at least on the T-Mobile version) "soon" with a software update. Feel free to go over @AskDes 's twitter feed for the tweet.

That's not how it works. There's no "Samsung implementation", you either enable it or you don't. The S20 had the potential to have ESIM enabled. My AT&T S20 came with 2 IMEIs right there on the box. EVERY US S20 was the same, but AT&T actually listed the 2nd IMEI. We were promised Samsung would enable it with a software update. They never did.

Carriers request ESIM to be removed. The carriers don't want ESIM because it's "easier to change carriers", which is completely bull**** logic, but whatever. The iPhone has it enabled because Apple has the power in the manufacturer/carrier relationship. So does Google, which is why the Pixel has ESIM. These are the only 2 manufacturers that have ESIM in the US.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
AT&T USERDATA for bootloader 2 has been added - build UB5. The rest of the UB5 files (if needed) were already uploaded by others to AFH, or you can grab them yourself via the various firmware download tools, if AFH tends to always give you a crappy mirror. This looks like a universal update - pretty much every other carrier has gotten it so far
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] st0n36:
quick question: I have an S21 from tmobile and its network locked. Will it be network unlocked after flash U1 firmware?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Nope. Flashing different firmware will never SIM unlock a device. The SIM unlock resides much deeper than firmware level. I can provide a recommendation for a professional 3rd party business to do the SIM unlock, if needed
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] sonnycds:
I would be interested in a recommendation for unlocking.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] entropism:
nevermind
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] sonnycds:
Ok, sorry if is a beginner problem.

The last device I switched from a no company version was an S10, with no major issues. But with the S21 from T-Mobile I've been hanging around for a while now.

I used "Odin3_v3.14.1_3B_PatcheD" and the firmware G991U1UEU2AUB6_XAA downloaded with Frija. I enter download mode, insert BL/AP/CP/CSC and everything normal until it freezes in "super.img".

I left it for about 4hs and it never advanced, so I decide to interrupt the process...

Obviously it doesn't turn back on normally, I can go back to download mode, but with several warnings.

I try again with another firmware and the same.

I try with Odinv3.14 official and the latest official T-Mobile firmware, and it freezes again in the same part. I leave the Odin screenshots.

Let's see if someone can give me a hand, and I'm left without knowing where to go.

<ID:0/008> Odin engine v(ID:3.1401)..
<ID:0/008> File analysis..
<ID:0/008> Total Binary size: 10127 M
<ID:0/008> SetupConnection..
<ID:0/008> Initialzation..
<ID:0/008> Set PIT file..
<ID:0/008> DO NOT TURN OFF TARGET!!
<ID:0/008> Get PIT for mapping..
<ID:0/008> Firmware update start..
<ID:0/008> NAND Write Start!!
<ID:0/008> SingleDownload.
<ID:0/008> abl.elf
<ID:0/008> xbl.elf
<ID:0/008> xbl_config.elf
<ID:0/008> tz.mbn
<ID:0/008> hypvm.mbn
<ID:0/008> bksecapp.mbn
<ID:0/008> vaultkeeper.mbn
<ID:0/008> engmode.mbn
<ID:0/008> tz_iccc.mbn
<ID:0/008> tz_hdm.mbn
<ID:0/008> tz_kg.mbn
<ID:0/008> devcfg.mbn
<ID:0/008> aop.mbn
<ID:0/008> km41.mbn
<ID:0/008> qupv3fw.elf
<ID:0/008> storsec.mbn
<ID:0/008> NON-HLOS.bin
<ID:0/008> dspso.bin
<ID:0/008> shrm.elf
<ID:0/008> cpucp.elf
<ID:0/008> sec.elf
<ID:0/008> uefi_sec.mbn
<ID:0/008> spunvm.bin
<ID:0/008> apdp.mbn
<ID:0/008> vbmeta.img
<ID:0/008> quest.fv
<ID:0/008> testvector.fv
<ID:0/008> boot.img
<ID:0/008> recovery.img
<ID:0/008> vendor_boot.img
<ID:0/008> dtbo.img
<ID:0/008> super.img
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
All I can recommend is to use a different USB port on the computer, a different USB cable, or entirely different computer
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] sonnycds:
I solve it! the problem occurs when using the thunderbolt port, use another computer or another port and that's it!!!!

Thanks to this post I found out:

https://xdaforums.com/t/odin-flash-of-stock-image-hangs-on-super-img.4246719/
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] jasonbiggs:
Eom
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
You don't ever really NEED U firmware, except maybe in cases of a very specific carrier feature that only exists in their bloatware. I have no idea which MVNOs will and will not work with an S21, but any that will, will do so fine on U1
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] enettrek:
I've been on a Moto Z Force 1st gen for almost 4 years now on verizon. I just got a Tmo S21 and I've not modded a phone since the Note4.. My Z Force usb tethers via a usb to ethernet (with power) belkin to a ethernet port on my pc. I'm trying to do same on the s21 but the usb to ethernet defaults to ethernet tethering which Tmo slows down to a crawl. will changing to the U1 rom stop that? should I wait for root method for the 3.1 BL ?
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
1. No idea

2. Don't ever expect a root method for this device
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] enettrek:
wow... first flagship samsung phone I've ever had that didn't maintain a root method. Damn and I switched back to Samsung thinking I'd be able to root. Might send this thing back and go back to a unlocked international moto... their screens are way harder to break and I like them better. haha
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
You must have been away from Samsung for a long time. Their USA flagships haven't been widely rootable since the S5
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] enettrek:
Note4 was my last samsung phone before switching to VZW from sprint.... My moto Z Force never was available for root due to verizon's locked bootloader agreement with Moto. That was 2016-17.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] Vazovski2007:
Just updated
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Full bootloader 3 firmware has been added, as well as the AT&T USERDATA - build UDB
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] this.guy.lol:
I didn't get a chance to read everything because my vision is not what it used to be. I just would like to know if there is full functioning roots bootloader unlock and twrp for the US variation of the s21 ultra with Rom support? I have not bought a new phone or a new US base made phone since the note 9 and I'm still using the note 9. Would be fantastic to go ahead and be able to get this phone from a US carrier root it unlock it bootloader unlock it rom it out and customize it. Please somebody give me every detail possible!
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Yes it's possible, but it (well, the bootloader unlock at least) requires paying a professional business - it's not something that you can do on your own
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] clipdawg05:
hello i have an s21+ us unlocked. I now live in europe and have no carrier aggregation available. Does anyone know if i can change the csc and if that will give me carrier aggregation in europe.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
North American firmware will not contain any CSCs for European carrier aggregation. If you want European carrier aggregation, you need a European device
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] clipdawg05:
ok, thank you very much. Kind of dissapointed by this and samsung. I am guessing that there is no workarounds.
[Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides, News] iBowToAndroid:
Samsung never allows cross-flashing firmware from a totally different region. They never have, and probably never will. That's why it's best to do your research BEFORE purchasing the device