[GUIDE][All US Firmware][Switch Carrier][Flash Carrier/Unlocked]SM-N950U/U1/W

BlueFox721 · May 6, 2018

**Welcome to the Fox Den!**

This is a complete guide for flashing Unlocked Firmware, Carrier Firmware, and Carrier Switching for SM-N950U and SM-N950U1 (The guide can also be used for SM-N950W with appropriate files)

The firmware and files within this guide are hosted on various sites and I will try to keep updates available.
The steps in this guide require Samsung Drivers installed, adb setup, Odin & Odin (Prince Comsy), Download Mode, and Recovery Mode - Downloads are found below and are organized by guide used:

Before you proceed, I cannot be held liable for the damage or malfunction of your device using these files,
you proceed at your own risk and remove my liability by continuing to any portion of this thread! Flashing files from this thread will erase the internal storage so back up your files first!
***Note - Oreo releases on this thread will need to be flashed with New Odin3_v3.13.1 or Odin3_v3.13.1_3B_PatcheD - End Note***

!PLEASE BE SURE TO READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS THOROUGHLY AND SEARCH THE POSTS BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS!

Prerequisites:

- Your Note 8 and PC ready to flash
- READ THE GUIDE YOU WISH TO FOLLOW!
- Remove Samsung Kies/Switch if installed on PC
- Download and extract all required files to convenient location, keeping all files organized, on PC
- Install Samsung Drivers if not installed
- Setup adb if not setup
- Edit the "UMS/PATCH" of Odin3.ini file for Odin and Modified Odins from "0" to "1" and save ("Ctrl S")

+Updated Odin Zips so are already edited so there is no confusion, but feel free to double check.-

- I started packaging firmware in individual .rar files to save space so you will have to extract them to flash them, else you will get error...

Downloads:
Carrier Switching: Steps in Post 2
***Note - If you have updated to the V3 Bootloader, N950USQU3BRA?, for any carrier,Prince Comsy's Odin is not blocked - End Note***

Flashing Carrier Firmware: Steps in Post 3

Flashing Unlocked Firmware: Steps in Post 4

** Special Thanks **
- @Mike15678 - Guide Template
- @chrisusa96 - Testing/Contributing
- @TonkaToy87 -Testing/Contributing
- @leprkon - Hosting Combo/Contributing
- @realbbb - Odin3_v3.13.1_3B_PatcheD
* Other Thanks *
- @Team DevDigitel - Hosting Sprint Firmware
- @torreon901 - Hosting T-Mobile Firmware
- @norbarb - Hosting AT&T Firmware
- @Jammol - Hosting Xfinity Firmware
- @LMMT - Hosting XAA Firmware
...more coming...

Other Links
*Culpeo ROM*
*Fennec ROM*
*SM-N950U1 XAA Stock Recovery Guide*
*Edit APN Settings & Native HotSpot Guide*
*SM-N950U/U1 Factory Binary, Combination Firmware*
*S Note & Working Action Memo*
*Free SIM Unlock Service by: @instrumentaly*

BlueFox721 · Feb 8, 2018

Switching Carrier:
Disclaimer - Switching Carrier will not carrier unlock your device. For carrier unlock, call carrier or pay for unlock service.
***Note - If you have updated to the V3 Bootloader, N950USQU3BRA?, for any carrier, Prince Comsy's Odin is not blocked - End Note***
Note - This guide uses adb, regular Odin, Prince Comsy's Odin, Canadian XAC Home_CSC, and Factory Binary.

Download Firmwares that match your intended carrier's product code, ATT, CCT, SPR, TMB, USC, VZW, XAA, or XAS.
Make note that Firmwares based on SM-N950U1 are Unlocked Firmwares and do not contain carrier files even though they have carrier code. For Carrier versions, download SM-N950U Firmwares.
Some carrier features may not work on different carrier devices without modifications or having IMEI added to intended carrier's whitelist.

**Note: This will NOT change the CSC Product Code of the device, it only allows you to change carrier Firmware effectively...for instance, XXX/XXX/SPR**
Match Binary version to your Firmware Version as older binaries do not work with newer firmware..

If you are just flashing Carrier Firmware on SM-N950U1, skip to Flashing Carrier guide. If you are just flashing Unlocked Firmware on SM-N950U, skip to Flashing Unlocked guide.

*Downloads are in OP*

Steps:

Step 1 - Turn OFF your Galaxy Note 8.
Step 2 - Press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby + Power Buttons.
Step 3 - After the Samsung logo, you will see a screen with a warning sign. Proceed ahead by pressing the Volume Up button.
You are in the Download Mode. If you want to get out of it, simply hold the Volume Up and Power buttons for a few seconds (around 10 sec.) and your phone will reboot normally.
Step 4 – Navigate to extracted Regular Odin folder and right click on the .exe, select Run as administrator.
Step 5 – Connect your device via USB, Odin output should read "Added!!".
Step 6 – Add extracted Factory Binary file (COMBINATION file that matches your firmware, if you have updated to the latest then you need the latest) in the Odin section labeled AP by clicking AP in Odin and selecting COMBINATION file.
Step 7 – Ensure that only “Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are selected under the options tab.
Step 8 – Click log tab and then click the Start button on the bottom right.
Step 9 – Output should be shown in the log, take a break for a few….
Step 10 – If the flash is successful, the top left box will become green and will read PASS.
Leave your phone connected and let your it reboot into the Factory Binary homescreen..*IT WILL BE ERASED*.
If Factory Binary homescreen does not load or device is stuck on Boot, power off device with Volume Down + Power Button and boot into Revovery, Volume Up + Bixby + Power buttons and perform a Factory reset.
***It is best to perform a factory reset anyways***
Then choose Reboot device.
Step 11 - Navigate to extracted adb folder (platform-tools) and Shift+Right click on any blank space in file explorer with that folder open and select "Open command window here".
If the option is missing search for cmd via Windows Start Button or Cortana search and Right-Click the cmd.exe and select Run as administrator.
Step 12 - Type in:

Code:

adb reboot bootloader

Step 13 - Leave ADB open, your device will reboot into download mode and stay connected to adb.
Step 14 - Navigate to extracted Odin (Prince Comsy's) folder and right click on the .exe, select Run as administrator.
Step 15 - Odin output should read "Added!!".
Step 16 - Add extracted Canadian HOME_CSC file in the Odin section labled CSC by clicking CSC in Odin and selecting XAC_HOME_CSC file.
Step 17 - Ensure that only “Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are selected under the options tab.
Step 18 - Click log tab and then click the Start button on the bottom right.
Step 19 - Output should be shown in the log, should be quick.
Step 20 - If the flash is successful, the top left box will become green and will read PASS.
Step 21 - Once your phone reboots, you will see an "IME" button on the bottom of 'factory binary homescreen'.
Step 22 - Select the "IME" button and dial:

Code:

*#243203855#

Step 23 - After menu pops up, Scroll down until you find an "XAC" option. Select "XAC" and then select "Install".
Step 24 - Your phone will reboot. Once it reaches the 'Factory Binary homescreen', go back to command prompt on your computer and type in:

Code:

adb shell

Step 25 - In the cmd window type the following exactly, with XXX being replaced by intended CSC "code" below:

Code:

echo "XXX" > /efs/imei/mps_code.dat

Choose one of these CSC "codes" to replace XXX in the info above:

ACG - C Spire
AIO - Cricket
ATT - AT&T
BST - Boost
CCT - Xfinity
SPR - Sprint
TFN - Tracfone
TMB - T-Mobile
TMK - MetroPCS
USC - US Cellular
VMU - Virgin Mobile
VZW - Verizon
XAS - Sprint
XAA - US Unlocked

Step 26 - In the cmd window, type in:

Code:
exit

Step 27 - In the cmd window, type in:

Code:
adb reboot bootloader

Step 28 - Flash your desired Firmware by following the "Flashing Carrier Firmware" or "Flashing Unlocked Firmware" guides below.

BlueFox721 · Feb 4, 2018

Flashing Carrier Firmware:
Disclaimer - Flashing different Carrier Firmwares will not switch carrier.
***Note - Using Prince Comsy's Odin is not blocked - End Note***
Note - If you are flashing Carrier Firmware from Unlocked Firmware you can use regular Odin.

Download and flash SM-N950U Firmwares that match your carrier's product code, ATT, CCT, SPR, TMB, USC, VZW or XAS.
Firmwares based on SM-N950U1 are Unlocked Firmwares and do not contain carrier files even though they have carrier code.
Some carrier features may not work on Unlocked devices flashed to carrier Firmware without modifications or having IMEI added to carrier's whitelist.

*Downloads are in OP*

Steps:

BlueFox721 · Apr 6, 2018

Flashing Unlocked Firmware:
Disclaimer - Flashing Unlocked Firmwares will not unlock your device.
***Note - Using Prince Comsy's Odin is not blocked - End Note***
Note - If you are flashing Unlocked Firmware from Carrier Firmware you must use Prince Comsy Odin otherwise, use regular Odin.

All SM-N950U1 Firmwares are unlocked and you may have better connectivity by flashing your carrier's, ATT, CCT, SPR, TMB, USC, or VZW, version of Unlocked Firmware.
XAA is Factory Unlocked Firmware and will work on all US carriers.
Some carrier features may not work on Unlocked Firmware without modifications.

*Downloads are in OP*

Steps:

vsmendes76 · Jan 15, 2009 5 0 0

Switch from AT&T

So with this method, could I unlock my AT&T Galaxy note 8 and install the unlocked firmware, thus allowing me to install twrp and custom ROMS?

BlueFox721 · Dec 16, 2017

vsmendes76 said:
So with this method, could I unlock my AT&T Galaxy note 8 and install the unlocked firmware, thus allowing me to install twrp and custom ROMS?

This will NOT unlock your device...for that you need to call your carrier or pay for unlock service.

You can flash unlocked firmware on any U.S. snapdragon device even if it is carrier locked.

To root your device go to: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-8/development/root-samfail-galaxy-note8-t3685340

This does not unlock bootloader though, so no TWRP. You can, however use flashify from the app store to make recoveries, flash mods, and ROMs (once available)

You can also use this guide to switch carriers if you wish...

Note: if you root, you can change csc without this method to change carriers

wolfgart · Oct 11, 2017

BlueFox721 said:
Flashing Unlocked Firmware:
Disclaimer - Flashing Unlocked Firmwares will not unlock your device.
Note - If you are flashing Unlocked Firmware from Carrier Firmware you must use Prince Comsy Odin otherwise, use regular Odin.

All SM-N950U1 Firmwares are unlocked and you may have better connectivity by flashing your carrier's, ATT, CCT, SPR, TMB, USC, or VZW, version of Unlocked Firmware.
XAA is Factory Unlocked Firmware and will work on all US carriers.
Some carrier features may not work on Unlocked Firmware without modifications.

*Downloads are in OP*

Steps:

Step 1 - Turn OFF your Galaxy Note 8.
Step 2 - Press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby + Power Buttons.
Step 3 - After the Samsung logo, you will see a screen with a warning sign. Proceed ahead by pressing the Volume Up button.
You are in the Download Mode. If you want to get out of it, simply hold the Volume Up and Power buttons for a few seconds (around 10 sec.) and your phone will reboot normally.
Step 4 – Navigate to extracted Odin or Prince Comsy Odin folder and right click on the .exe, select Run as administrator.
Step 5 – Connect your device via USB, Odin output should read "Added!!".
Step 6 – Add extracted firmware files (your carrier version of Unlocked or XAA) in the Odin sections appropriately, BL for BL, AP for AP, CP for CP, CSC for CSC (not HOME_CSC).
Step 7 – Ensure that only “Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are selected under the options tab.
Step 8 – Click log tab and then click the Start button on the bottom right.
Step 9 – Output should be shown in the log, take a break for a few….
Step 10 – If the flash is successful, the top left box will become green and will read PASS.

Your Device can be disconnected..*IT WILL BE ERASED*.

Errors - Failed, SHA256? - Try again after editing config file for UMS/patch from 0 to 1 for USERDATA to write as well as using Prince Comsy's Odin. If it keeps failing, re-download Firmware and try again. You may also need to boot to Recovery and perform Factory Reset before trying again.

**If any functions or system apps seem glitchy, you may benefit from a factory reset**

great guide bro !

you missed to write that the last CSC value can't be changed without root because is hard written in EFS config, es:

if you bought a TMO Note 8 ( for example ) and you want carrier switch to Unlocked Firmware following this guide you always have a device like this in "About Phone" :

XAA/XAA/TMB and never XAA/XAA/XAA

For sure the last third CSC code value is not relevant because it only specify which is the original Vendor and it doesn't impact at all in any aspect of new installed firmware

BlueFox721 · Oct 11, 2017

wolfgart said:
great guide bro !

you missed to write that the last CSC value can't be changed without root because is hard written in EFS config, es:

if you bought a TMO Note 8 and you want carrier switch to Unlocked Firmware following this guide you always have a device like this in "About Phone" :

XAA/XAA/TMB and never XAA/XAA/XAA

For sure the last CSC code is not relevant because it only specify which is the original Vendor and it doesn't impact in any aspect of new installed firmware

Right the last code requires root...but this guide is for changing carrier...for instance, if you attempt to install Verizon Firmware on T-MOBILE you will still have T-Mobile bloat...this changes T-Mobile csc to (for example) To Verizon so you can flash Verizon and have Verizon bloat...I will update to include that it does not change the device csc....thank you...

There is a root method on S8+ for doing this though, I may add it later in a new thread...but for our device...of course our root may not allow it...

delugeofspam · Oct 11, 2017 at 7:37 AM

I nave an N9500 (Snapdragon). Can I use these files to load AT&T Firmware? What is really the benefit of that?

BlueFox721 · Oct 11, 2017 at 7:44 AM

delugeofspam said:
I nave an N9500 (Snapdragon). Can I use these files to load AT&T Firmware? What is really the benefit of that?

I am not sure...have you checked the S8 and S8+...they have had their devices longer...and might have discussed the same

leprkon · May 7, 2009 51 8 0

Worked like a charm! Switched the phone from Verizon to TMO. I encountered one hiccup, but that was easily remedied. I got the '$ADB_VENDOR_KEYS is not set' error when I tried sending the reboot command through adb. I fixed this by deleting the adbkey and adbkey.pub files from in Users/YourSystemName/.android and then generating a new set of keys using

Code:

adb keygen C:\Users\YourSystemName\adbkey

and placing the newly generated keypair in the .android folder. You can try generating the keys in the .android folder directly, but I had some trouble with that (something about access and permission). Once you do this, try

Code:

adb reboot bootloader

again and it should work!

BlueFox721 · Oct 11, 2017 at 8:22 AM

leprkon said:
Worked like a charm! Switched the phone from Verizon to TMO. I encountered one hiccup, but that was easily remedied. I got the '$ADB_VENDOR_KEYS is not set' error when I tried sending the reboot command through adb. I fixed this by deleting the adbkey and adbkey.pub files from in Users/YourSystemName/.android and then generating a new set of keys using and placing the newly generated keypair in the .android folder. You can try generating the keys in the .android folder directly, but I had some trouble with that (something about access and permission). Once you do this, try again and it should work!

Yeah...I just factory reset to solve it...but adb command is quicker...glad it worked.. :cowboy:

leprkon · May 7, 2009 51 8 0

BlueFox721 said:
Yeah...I just factory reset to solve it...but adb command is quicker...glad it worked..

The factory reset solution to getting Factory Binary to boot was so genius and obvious that I felt stupid for not thinking of it when I was troubleshooting. Good on you for getting this guide together! Thanks again!

bambam126 · Oct 11, 2017 at 4:57 PM

If I clash the Verizon one will Verizon see a note 8 right now they see some Lame phone. Cause I got it from Samsung

datder · Oct 11, 2017

For flashing unlocked firmware, I see

All SM-N950U1 Firmwares are unlocked and you may have better connectivity by flashing your carrier's, ATT, CCT, SPR, TMB, USC, or VZW, version of Unlocked Firmware.
XAA is Factory Unlocked Firmware and will work on all US carriers.

Will flashing carrier's unlocked firmware include all the bloatware? Or is it just different CSC files for connectivity?

BlueFox721 · Oct 11, 2017 at 6:36 PM

bambam126 said:
If I clash the Verizon one will Verizon see a note 8 right now they see some Lame phone. Cause I got it from Samsung

For carriers to show the correct device on account...the imei must be in their list and provisioned correctly...each carrier is having issues with this, mostly with devices bought from Samsung...

BlueFox721 · Oct 11, 2017 at 6:38 PM

datder said:
For flashing unlocked firmware, I see

Will flashing carrier's unlocked firmware include all the bloatware? Or is it just different CSC files for connectivity?

Connectivity info and required files that also set when you put your SIM in...

Krayziepop · Oct 11, 2017 at 8:14 PM

I flashed the ATT firmware to my unlocked SM-N950U1 this morning using your guide, and everything is working perfectly. No startup issues, no snags. Thanks for making it easy to follow along. VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, Advanced Messaging, Video Calling, etc all are working perfectly without a call to AT&T. Lots of bloat, but I disabled the bulk of it with BK.

Thank you!

car2carl · Dec 8, 2015 51 16 0

wolfgart said:
great guide bro !

if you bought a TMO Note 8 ( for example ) and you want carrier switch to Unlocked Firmware following this guide you always have a device like this in "About Phone" :

XAA/XAA/TMB and never XAA/XAA/XAA

For sure the last third CSC code value is not relevant because it only specify which is the original Vendor and it doesn't impact at all in any aspect of new installed firmware

I am exactly in this situation but could you please confirm that the CDMA freq /band will be working once we flash the CSC even with XAA/XAA/TMB?
Thank you

BlueFox721 · Oct 12, 2017 at 6:27 AM

car2carl said:
I am exactly in this situation but could you please confirm that the CDMA freq /band will be working once we flash the CSC even with XAA/XAA/TMB?
Thank you

If you use carrier switching guide to change to the desired csc, for instance changing from TMB to SPR...you will then flash your intended firmware like SM-N950U SPR...as long as your device is carrier unlocked or factory unlocked...you should be able to insert desired carrier SIM, like Sprint, and activate...the last three of code are for product origination...your SIM and firmware control the connectability not the last three of product code...S8+ users have even stated they flashed on Canadian devices or Canadian firmware and connected...in other words, if you use CDMA SIM you will connect

[GUIDE][All US Firmware][Switch Carrier][Flash Carrier/Unlocked]SM-N950U/U1/W

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