S20 5G - unlocked open box purchase - not updating past 2022?

[boatxr]

I recently bought 2 unlocked phones from an online reseller.
They looked brand new.
There is alot of AT&T software on these so an AT&T unit's I would assume.

It refuses to update ever and when I check the baseband version that refers to US Cellular or Verizion?

What should I do, if anything to update these phones?
I'm new to this, but understand computer tech well.

They run very well as is...so should I bother?
I read that Android 14 will not be available, but is the latest 13 worth it?
Or atleast security updates?

Here are the screen shots,
Thanks!

 

[boatxr]

ps I'm using Ting (T-Mobile) as my carrier vs ATT if that matters?

 

[mustang7757]

Hi , it's a branded Att device that's sim unlock
ATT version did have issues updating with users so can try flashing with Odin the stock firmware and use TMB (, TMobile CSC) with frija firmware download or can go to the Samsung stock unlock firmware without any carrier bloat and don't ever have to worry about not getting updates

 

[boatxr]

Hi , it's a branded Att device that's sim unlock
ATT version did have issues updating with users so can try flashing with Odin the stock firmware and use TMB (, TMobile CSC) with frija firmware download or can go to the Samsung stock unlock firmware without any carrier bloat and don't ever have to worry about not getting updates

Thanks for the road map!
Since I'm brand new to this with phones, I've been reading up on technastic.com all the pieces to this and how it all works.

I understand that Frija is step #1 to getting the new phone software (firmware) and Odin is step #2 to flash that. I have Frija updated and installed on my PC so far.

-reading about CSC codes and which to use.
Is my phone OYN as I read my code... But I cant find that in the list?
Or ATT as reported by Frija?

List of All Samsung CSC Codes (Firmware Region Codes)

Here's a complete list of Samsung CSC codes. Find out the firmware region codes of Samsung Galaxy devices and multi-CSC like OXM, EUX, etc.

technastic.com

-phone works great as is...can I update the security patch only on my phone and keep Android 12?
or is it an all in with an update?
Do I even want Android 13?

-when I update am I loosing all my apps and files and should assume this is like a factory reset?
Or can I update and keep what is but have Android 13/security updates?

-ATT vs TMB firmware?
If I use ATT will that keep all my apps and files?
If I choose TMB instead will that wipe out my apps/data?

-What is the stock Samsung unlocked CSC? XAA, GCF
If that gets me to fucntional baseline (updates are active OTA again in the future) I'll commit to do that?

Once I figure out my best plan then I move on to Odin.

Thanks!

 

[boatxr]

ps I do travel at times to other countries and I have SIMs from those.
I had an unlocked S7 that I used those with.

Will that have any effect? Is is the CSC chosen just come with extra carrier software or not (if it's base Samsung)...but the unlock SIM part works anywhere in the world?

 

[boatxr]

So checking CSC options

These are listed as not available for this model on Frija:
-ATT
-GFC
-XAA
-XAS

TMB is the only firmware option that I can find as available.

What is this magical CSC for this = "or can go to the Samsung stock unlock firmware without any carrier bloat and don't ever have to worry about not getting updates"???
If it actually exists?

Thanks

 

[boatxr]

Found this list elsewhere:

• Samsung United States CSC Codes:
  • ATT: AT&T USA.
  • LRA: Bluegrass Cellular.
  • BST: Boost Mobile.
  • CCT: Xfinity Mobile (Comcast).
  • XAR: Cellular South US.
  • AIO: Cricket Wireless.
  • GCF: Global Certification Forum.
  • TMK: MetroPCS USA.
  • ACG: Nextech / C-Spire.
  • CHA: Spectrum Mobile (Charter).
  • SPR: Sprint (CDMA).
  • TMB: T-Mobile USA.
  • TFN: Tracfone.
  • USC: US Cellular.
  • XAS: USA (Unbranded/Unlocked).
  • XAA: USA (Unbranded/Unlocked).
  • VZW: Verizon.
  • VMU: Virgin Mobile USA.

 

[mustang7757]

If going to unlock firmware you can use CSC XAA or Vzw , TMB

On carrier you can use TMB , VZW and ATT not available for frija might have to looks sam mobile or sam firm


Either firmware unlock no bloat or carrier are universal firmware only thing if carrier u flash different bootloader u might have to flash with Odin if your original carrier wasn't on it until that happens u will flash to new updates with Odin

 

[boatxr]

If going to unlock firmware you can use CSC XAA or Vzw , TMB

On carrier you can use TMB , VZW and ATT not available for frija might have to looks sam mobile or sam firm


Either firmware unlock no bloat or carrier are universal firmware only thing if carrier u flash different bootloader u might have to flash with Odin if your original carrier wasn't on it until that happens u will flash to new updates with Odin

Ok thanks.

So with Frija (fully updated) and SM-G981U (S20 5G 128GB) selected as my model, I can download this CSC:
-TMB

These CSC say - error: CSC not found
-XAA
-VZW
This CSC says - error:CSC not supported
-ATT (even though my phone is branded ATT and has ATT apps loaded?)

So my only choice from your list is TMB - that being T-Mobil.

So is there another place for Samsung unbranded software downloads besides Frija and if so where? Or is that just for VZW & ATT firmware?

VZW and ATT not available for frija might have to looks sam mobile or sam firm

Next I'm trying to fully understand what you are telling me here?

Either firmware unlock no bloat or carrier are universal firmware only thing if carrier u flash different bootloader u might have to flash with Odin if your original carrier wasn't on it until that happens u will flash to new updates with Odin

I understand I will take that firmware I choose and use Odin to update my phone, but what else are you saying?

So far using Frija to get TMB firmware and use Odin to update my phone is my best plan?

Thanks!

 

[mustang7757]

Ok thanks.

So with Frija (fully updated) and SM-G981U (S20 5G 128GB) selected as my model, I can download this CSC:
-TMB

These CSC say - error: CSC not found
-XAA
-VZW
This CSC says - error:CSC not supported
-ATT (even though my phone is branded ATT and has ATT apps loaded?)

So my only choice from your list is TMB - that being T-Mobil.

So is there another place for Samsung unbranded software downloads besides Frija and if so where? Or is that just for VZW & ATT firmware?


Next I'm trying to fully understand what you are telling me here?


I understand I will take that firmware I choose and use Odin to update my phone, but what else are you saying?

So far using Frija to get TMB firmware and use Odin to update my phone is my best plan?

Thanks!

Ok no problem
SM-G981U this is your current model

Samsung makes 2 versions of it
The carrier is your model number SM-G981U

The other is Samsung unlock bloat free
Model number SM-G981U1

You can flash to model number if you choose
SM-G981U1

For model number SM-G981U on frija is TMB CSC

If you decide to go on unlock model number SM-G981U1
CSC available is TMB/VZW/XAA

Since your model number SM-G981U which is a carrier version and Att if you use TMB CSC it will work without issues but sometimes carrier can have different bootloader and will prevent further updates by over the air from manufacturer until your on the same as your original phone carrier Att.

Me personally would flash to unlock model number SM-G981U1 with CSC XAA
Which unlock bloat free and is updated by Samsung not carrier like your version

Hope this is more clear

 

[mustang7757]

You can go sam mobile site or samfirm to see if ATT firmware are available but you need to know what to look for

 

[boatxr]

Ok no problem
SM-G981U this is your current model

Samsung makes 2 versions of it
The carrier is your model number SM-G981U

The other is Samsung unlock bloat free
Model number SM-G981U1

You can flash to model number if you choose
SM-G981U1

For model number SM-G981U on frija is TMB CSC

If you decide to go on unlock model number SM-G981U1
CSC available is TMB/VZW/XAA

Since your model number SM-G981U which is a carrier version and Att if you use TMB CSC it will work without issues but sometimes carrier can have different bootloader and will prevent further updates by over the air from manufacturer until your on the same as your original phone carrier Att.

Me personally would flash to unlock model number SM-G981U1 with CSC XAA
Which unlock bloat free and is updated by Samsung not carrier like your version

Hope this is more clear

Awesome thanks for the clarity!
I was not fully understanding that SM-G981U1 was the unlocked I should be using in Frija vs mine : SM-G981U.

I agree completely I want to be using CSC XAA and I see that available now to me.

 

[boatxr]

Ok i'm downloading CSC XAA to my computer (Window 10 64bit) now, thanks.

So I'm reading up about the next steps with Odin etc. What is the best place for an accurate completestep by step guide? Like I said first time ever for me with this.

You mind if I pick your brain if I get stuck on something? Thanks

 

[mustang7757]

I made a sticky here let me know if need further help

S20 Firmware For Odin Flash?

Ruben and I be adding firmware for carriers to flash as we go along

forums.androidcentral.com

 

[boatxr]

I made a sticky here let me know if need further help

S20 Firmware For Odin Flash?

Ruben and I be adding firmware for carriers to flash as we go along

forums.androidcentral.com

Thanks!