Note 4 Settings->System->System Update missing?

[Jason William]

I've had Galaxy devices for years, but just noticed on my (2 month old) Note 4 that there's no System Update option under settings. What gives?

 

[SpookDroid]

Ummm... it hasn't been directly under Settings for a while... It's Settings, General, About Device, Software Update.

 

[Jason William]

Ummm... it hasn't been directly under Settings for a while... It's Settings, General, About Device, Software Update.

Thanks for the reply.

However I have no option to update within "About Device". I have:
Software Version
Hardware Version
Status
Legal Information
Report diagnostic info
Device name
Model number
Android version
Baseband version
Kernel version
Build number
SE for Android status
Security software version
KNOX version

That's it. Any other suggestions?

 

[SpookDroid]

Which carrier are you on? I'm on T-Mobile and I checked an International version (still on KitKat) and it's there. Same thing with a Note 10.1 and a Tab S 10.5.

Have you tried going into Status or Software Version?

This is what I have on my Note 4, and looks similar on the Tab S.

 

[Jason William]

Which carrier are you on? I'm on T-Mobile and I checked an International version (still on KitKat) and it's there. Same thing with a Note 10.1 and a Tab S 10.5.

Have you tried going into Status or Software Version?

I'm on Sprint. In fact that's what brought this up. I'm getting the WiFi calling activation error on every restart, and they were going to have me go into settings to update a few things. We couldn't find it. The tech lady was blown away saying I'm the first she's run into that didn't have it, and that shes worked with "dozens of Note 4s" that did.

Within Status all options are grayed out, and Software Version is also grayed out.

Bizarre, eh?

 

[SpookDroid]

Very! Was this an unit purchased directly from Sprint? Or was it bought somewhere else?

I'd try first booting up into Safe Mode and see if the option is there then.
Access Safe Mode - Samsung Galaxy Note® 4

 

[Jason William]

Very! Was this an unit purchased directly from Sprint? Or was it bought somewhere else?

I'd try first booting up into Safe Mode and see if the option is there then.

Yep brand new bought from direct from Sprint.

I booted into safe mode (thanks for the link) and no change; all options are still grayed out and there's no Software Update button

 

[Rukbat]

Regardless of where it was bought, Sprint (a company store, not a privately owned "Sprint" store) will probably either reflash the ROM or replace the phone. (I know that AT&T does it - I've had it done, and I didn't buy my phones from them), so if the store won't, call the retention department. To keep you as a customer, they'll probably replace the phone. (After, when they can't help you, you mumble something about this being the last time you get a contract with Sprint no matter how cheap it is.)

 

[SpookDroid]

Yup, I'd go with Rukbat's suggestion. Get it replaced. But first make sure that they do have a Note 4 unit that has it (I doubt they wont, but what if this is just not there on any of their phones?).

 

[Jason William]

Was afraid you were gonna say that.

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[SpookDroid]

Well, the only other thing left to do is do a Factory Reset first...which you might as well try if you're turning in your device anyway... Maybe that'll fix the broken ROM

 

[Jason William]

Well, the only other thing left to do is do a Factory Reset first...which you might as well try if you're turning in your device anyway... Maybe that'll fix the broken ROM

Done... still not there. Doh!

 

[SpookDroid]

Then it's definitely something wrong with the ROM that's loaded in your phone. They might just re-flash their stock image if they have the right equipment and not have to ship out your phone, but maybe you'll get a new one right away. It's up to how Sprint handles these warranty services.

 

[Jess Shade]

try hooking it up to a pc and connecting to Kies, if that doesn't work turn on developer options first and reconnect. just an idea...

 

[Jason William]

try hooking it up to a pc and connecting to Kies, if that doesn't work turn on developer options first and reconnect. just an idea...

Thanks for that. Got it installed plugged in and immediately it wants to update my phone. Here's a copy paste from the update screen:

Current version: PDA:NIE / CSC:NIE / PHONE:NIE (SPR)
Latest version: PDA:NK2 / CSC:NK2 / PHONE:NK2 (SPR)

Updating now (gonna take a long time; slow intertubes here and its a 1.6GB download )

 

[SpookDroid]

Kies would update it if it was available, and I hope that update 'patches' your phone, but if it still doesn't show the update option in your phone after that, I'd still get it replaced. That might be the only 'obvious' thing missing, but what if there's something else that you're not seeing?

 

[Jason William]

Kies would update it if it was available, and I hope that update 'patches' your phone, but if it still doesn't show the update option in your phone after that, I'd still get it replaced. That might be the only 'obvious' thing missing, but what if there's something else that you're not seeing?

The only other thing I've noticed is that WiFI calling activation error; that's what brought this up in the first place. Every time I restart the phone it throws a WiFi calling activation error. Its easily fixed by tapping and letting it reactive itself, but still annoying. Sprint has already removed and readded the service, but still the problem persists.

Question: will this update to NK2 factory reset the phone? Or will all my settings and stuff stay put?

 

[SpookDroid]

Nope, the update will not wipe your phone. If you want you can do a factory reset but the update will still be installed.

 

[Jason William]

Nope, the update will not wipe your phone. If you want you can do a factory reset but the update will still be installed.

Cool thanks for the info. Already did the factory reset and still no bueno. We'll see after the update...

 

[Jason William]

So the update failed. It got stuck downloading to the phone.

I'm trying it again (downloading now) and would like to try again if it fails again without having to download the 1.6GB file. I've found the file and will copy the folder once done (as per these instructions: http://androidforums.com/threads/how-to-backup-firmware-from-kies-upgrade-process.458795/) But I'm not sure what "multiloader" is. Anyone mind pointing me in the right direction?