Replacement Rumours VS What We Know So Far On XDA - Note 7 Questions & Answers

This thread will hopefully help anyone expecting a replacement Note 7 and distinguish the facts vs wild media 'grab articles'. Below are some gathered facts regarding replacements so far, including shared replacement experiences worldwide. Please add in your experience and any new facts.
The announcements by the media so far: (feel free to add in or correct this information in the thread, I will update anything that is confirmed)
• Samsung will block your devices from 30th September - (Unconfirmed)
• Samsung will force an OTA through carriers limiting your Note 7 to 60% charge - (Unconfirmed)
• Samsung is issuing refurbished devices - (False)
• Samsung have issued handsets only as a replacement without a box indicating a refurbished unit - (False)
• Samsung is indicating refurbished Note 7 devices (refurbished being recalled stock that is overhauled and reissued as the '2nd batch') via an 'RF' designation in front of the serial number - (False)
• Samsung have a black/blue Square on the replacement device boxes - (True)
• Samsung will have a blue 'S' on the boxes of new batch Note 7 devices - (Unconfirmed)
• Samsung will show a green battery icon via firmware on the new Note 7 batch - (True)
****What has been confirmed?****:
• The new devices have a black/blue square on the box
• Currently affected devices (at least in South Korea) will receive an OTA update to limit the charge capacity to 60% (Samsung have run newspaper ads)
• The serial number can start with 'RF', however, it is not indicative of a refurbished unit, Some of those who ordered directly from Samsung and received the very first units from the original batch had 'RF' beginning serial numbers. It doesn't indicate a refurbished device.
• From Tuesday 20/09/2016, affected devices in the UK will also receive a software update that limits the battery charge to 60% of its full capacity.
• Replacement batteries, some are still SDI, shown via the "batt_type" identification file on the new devices.
• Those who have reported in to XDA have all said that replacements were received in sealed boxes, a new device.
• Some users have been prompted with an error message affecting access to the Secure Folder and S Health. The error encountered on some replacement '2nd batch' Note 7 devices gives the following message:
Alert: Secure Folder cannot be setup because unauthorised software was installed on this device.
&
(S Health) Unable to open app: Your device has been compromised. Because of a new security policy introduced in version 5.0, Knox is not available on compromised devices.
If you're affected, XDA user @violet182 discovered that resetting the firmware using the 'Software update and initialisation setting' via SmartSwitch on a PC/Mac will resolve the issue.
What does this all mean? Well, it points to a frantic media running as many reports as they possibly can, greatly adding to the confusion as anything and everything is being reported without much investigation. Above are facts gathered from our very own community, by sharing first hand experience as Note 7 owners we can stay ahead of the rumour mill.​

Firstly well done for this thread
• Samsung is indicating refurbished Note 7 devices (refurbished being recalled stock that is overhauled and reissued as the '2nd batch') via an 'RF' designation in front of the serial number
Explain this then to the idiot's in the media ...
My 1st Note which received on the 30th August 2016 had RF in from of the serial
My replacement which i received 12th September 2016 has RF in front of the serial
So my 1st which I ordered from Samsung UK direct and was in 1st 1000 was a refurbished model ??? say is as I still have it at home

Ok to share my experience for this thread...
Country of Purchase - UK
Phone Supplier - O2
Date original received - 30/08/16
Date Replacement Recieved - 12/09/16
Sticker on replacement box - Small black square
Serial Number Starting Letters (Original) - RF
Serial Number Starting Letters (Replacement) - RF
Manufacture Date of Replacement - 01/09/2016
Country of Manufacture - Vietnam
The whole RF being a refurb is bull how can my device be manufactured on the 1st of the month, be sent out, sold to a customer, returned to Samsung, refurbished, sent back out to the network provider and then sent to me within 11 days!

Received mine today (Canada). Original = 08/31/16, replacement = 09/15/16. Small black square on box, Made in China, serial number opening characters on both original and replacement = R28.
Also just set up Secure Folder and no problems there as I wanted to test that line in OP.
edit: This might be completely unrelated to the exchange program, but my original had the screen protector placed inaccurately, in that the lower half of the top speaker+lens+sensors were covered by it, letting it get some air underneath and struggle to stay on with my case (at the top). The replacement is placed perfectly, and I mean I just grabbed my measuring tape and checked like the huge nerd I am and it is precise, just perfect.

stevierayvaughan said:
Received mine today (Canada). Original = 08/31/16, replacement = 09/15/16. Small black square on box, Made in China, serial number opening characters on both original and replacement = R28.
Also just set up Secure Folder and no problems there as I wanted to test that line in OP.
edit: This might be completely unrelated to the exchange program, but my original had the screen protector placed inaccurately, in that the lower half of the top speaker+lens+sensors were covered by it, letting it get some air underneath and struggle to stay on with my case (at the top). The replacement is placed perfectly, and I mean I just grabbed my measuring tape and checked like the huge nerd I am and it is precise, just perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this, I'm going to amend the line accordingly. I have noticed with my replacement that the reported expansion gap (present on my first device) is no longer present, no light bleed can be observed either.
stevierayvaughan said:
Received mine today (Canada). Original = 08/31/16, replacement = 09/15/16.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are those your manufacture dates? I guess not given the replacement date being the 15th.?

alltaken123 said:
Are those your manufacture dates? I guess not given the replacement date being the 15th.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I see the manufacture dates? I checked on the box there's nothing nor on the little label on the back of the phone, just serial number and model number etc. The dates I gave are for when I received/activated the phones.

stevierayvaughan said:
How can I see the manufacture dates? I checked on the box there's nothing nor on the little label on the back of the phone, just serial number and model number etc. The dates I gave are for when I received/activated the phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use this it should give you the info:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en_GB

Ok here's what I get:
Original N7 - MADE IN CHINA / 2016.08.13
Replacement N7 - MADE IN CHINA / 2016.08.31
And thank for the app link, it even has the temperatures very useful!

stevierayvaughan said:
Ok here's what I get:
Original N7 - MADE IN CHINA / 2016.08.13
Replacement N7 - MADE IN CHINA / 2016.08.31
And thank for the app link, it even has the temperatures very useful!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, thanks for contributing.

my note 7 bought before the recall, on 28 august, has a a serial beginning with RF, so, RF means nothing

From Canada here. Received my replacement phone today. It is sealed in the box but it does not have black or blue dot or sticker. Not sure if I should open it still.

Hey guys I'm curious did you have to return the phone and the box with everything to get the new one or just the phone? Thanks

Ss4kak said:
Hey guys I'm curious did you have to return the phone and the box with everything to get the new one or just the phone? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've still got my 1st note 7 ...wondering when Samsung will call for me to return it

Ss4kak said:
Hey guys I'm curious did you have to return the phone and the box with everything to get the new one or just the phone? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Return the box with everything in it. No need to return your gifts.

alltaken123 said:
If you use this it should give you the info:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en_GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find the manufacturing info to be terribly inaccurate. My GS7 clearly states "MADE IN INDONESIA" on the box, but the app says China.

I'm in abu dhabi. Unit manufactured July 30, serial number starts with RF. Waiting for replacement. Is anyone there returned the unit with box incomplete accessories? They accept?

marktang said:
From Canada here. Received my replacement phone today. It is sealed in the box but it does not have black or blue dot or sticker. Not sure if I should open it still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the imei listed on the sticker on the outside of the box? If so check it on samsung website to see if it says you are OK.

Novarider said:
Is the imei listed on the sticker on the outside of the box? If so check it on samsung website to see if it says you are OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes i checked...it says unrecognized. but my old phone it says affected...so i'm assuming the new one is ok

My replacement also shows as unrecognised. I think you're okay to keep the device. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for anymore reports of a replacement in Canada not having a sticker, if another instance occurs I'll update.
Thanks for sharing!

How can I see the batt_type for my note 7. I've tried the Phone INFO Samsung App?

Related

[Q] So, did your ZL first arrive sealed?

I recently bought a C6503 from a German eBay seller, but it wasn't sealed in any way. More importantly, the phone had clearly been removed at least once from the plastic bag it came in, because there was a dent from the camera on the other side. It had been reinserted the other way around, then sent to me. I returned the phone.
I've now imported another C6503 from phonehouse.de and it too has arrived unsealed - neither the box nor the phone arrived sealed in any way. It mostly looks like it's been untouched. Some unboxing videos on YouTube show sealed versions, others not.
Which was yours? The most important reason for it to be sealed, to me, is because I want to condition the battery before turning the phone on, and if someone has used it before me then there's a chance I won't be able to. Plus, I like new stuff
Was your box sealed? Was the phone sealed in the plastic bag when in the box?
I bought my ZL at Amazon.de and it was not sealed. But I am sure that device was unused. The plastic protector was originally on the phone, also USB cable and earphones were not touched.
I know sometimes the box must be opened to insert local guarantee sheet, manuals, etc. in the box. Sometimes also some local changes are made on the device.
I don't have any troubles with my phone and I am really surprised when I see so many posts where users state their problems. Camera is great, battery life is excellent, scrolling is smooth, really no problems with my ZL, although the package was not sealed.
I got mine from Bell Canada and was sealed with a sony sticker
Sent from my C6506 using xda app-developers app
Bought mine from eBay and the box was sealed with a Sony sticker.
Sent from my Sony Xperia ZL
Mine was sealed, purchased from Newegg.
Interesting.. so far, all the North American phones have been sealed, but those from Europe (although mine's manufactured in China) were not.
schnidex said:
Interesting.. so far, all the North American phones have been sealed, but those from Europe (although mine's manufactured in China) were not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Newegg buys it's Z/ZL from Malaysia.
ryude said:
Newegg buys it's Z/ZL from Malaysia.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, fair enough. Meanwhile, slightly worrying for me is that when I 'first' turned the phone on today, it booted straight away in German and didn't ask me to select a language or any other setup. It all looked new, but this suspects me to think someone else has turned it on before me. I don't know if there's a way I can check, but I was pretty disappointed by this.
I'm wondering however if it's a German retail thing, because this is the second order I've had from Germany (from different suppliers) and both were completely unsealed. Perhaps there's a law that requires them to check it boots up before shipping..?
schnidex said:
Okay, fair enough. Meanwhile, slightly worrying for me is that when I 'first' turned the phone on today, it booted straight away in German and didn't ask me to select a language or any other setup. It all looked new, but this suspects me to think someone else has turned it on before me. I don't know if there's a way I can check, but I was pretty disappointed by this.
I'm wondering however if it's a German retail thing, because this is the second order I've had from Germany (from different suppliers) and both were completely unsealed. Perhaps there's a law that requires them to check it boots up before shipping..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The language is determined by the customization, different regions have different customizations. Mine came with English (UK) pre-selected.
Bought mine from eBay (USA) and the box was sealed with a Sony sticker. Model C6503.
mine sealed c6506 usa
schnidex said:
Okay, fair enough. Meanwhile, slightly worrying for me is that when I 'first' turned the phone on today, it booted straight away in German and didn't ask me to select a language or any other setup. It all looked new, but this suspects me to think someone else has turned it on before me. I don't know if there's a way I can check, but I was pretty disappointed by this.
I'm wondering however if it's a German retail thing, because this is the second order I've had from Germany (from different suppliers) and both were completely unsealed. Perhaps there's a law that requires them to check it boots up before shipping..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My ZL was bought at Amazon.de as I told you in my previous post and the box was not sealed, but as I remembered the first thing when I turned the phone on was selecting the language and setup guide ...
In general, I'm also wondering what happens with those products that had been sold through internet sales and later returned by customers and of course already used? Is there any rule that buyer must get completely new device ?
schnidex said:
I'm wondering however if it's a German retail thing, because this is the second order I've had from Germany (from different suppliers) and both were completely unsealed. Perhaps there's a law that requires them to check it boots up before shipping..?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know about that, I got a Panasonic ELUGA from Germany last year and it was sealed in the box. It had never been booted up.
Sent from my Sony Xperia ZL
Sealed from Indonesia
Sent from my C6502 using xda app-developers app
sarobi said:
My ZL was bought at Amazon.de as I told you in my previous post and the box was not sealed, but as I remembered the first thing when I turned the phone on was selecting the language and setup guide ...
In general, I'm also wondering what happens with those products that had been sold through internet sales and later returned by customers and of course already used? Is there any rule that buyer must get completely new device ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for this. The phone is probably fine, but for the time being there is doubt in my mind.
I don't suppose anyone knows if there's a system menu I can access that will tell me how many times the phone has been booted? So far, I have only turned it on once, so if that number is anything more than one and can be shown on the system, I will have my answer.
I'd love to keep it, and not have the hassle of returning it, but it's such a lot of money and I want to love my handset 100%, and not have any doubt. It does seem strange that it didn't ask me for the setup guide, and the phone was also already set to vibrate which I thought was strange. Also, the Developer Options were already exposed, but I was of the belief that these need to be enabled by pressing the version number seven times.
The only thing is that I haven't yet put a SIM card in it, so I don't know if that means the phone wouldn't go straight to Setup.
Bought it straight from Sony Shop. That shop also sells other Sony products. Sealed.
C6503 Philippines.
I noticed the Sony Mobile shops here sell unsealed phones. Happen with my former Xperia S. Bought it there unsealed.
Sent from my C6503 using xda app-developers app
Bought a white one from Amazon.de and whilst the box was sealed the unit itself was defective - the metal around the lens was chipped and the glass side near the camera button was cracked. I sent it back yesterday and will get a refund. When I booted it up, it went straight into the German menu without asking me to choose language.
Anyway, I ordered another ZL (this time black) as I saw a cracking deal on Amazon.it who were charging just €310! Price now back up to €499.
6503 from amazon.de - sealed , brand new, perfect in every respect
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:01 PM ----------
schnidex said:
Thank you for this. The phone is probably fine, but for the time being there is doubt in my mind.
I don't suppose anyone knows if there's a system menu I can access that will tell me how many times the phone has been booted? So far, I have only turned it on once, so if that number is anything more than one and can be shown on the system, I will have my answer.
I'd love to keep it, and not have the hassle of returning it, but it's such a lot of money and I want to love my handset 100%, and not have any doubt. It does seem strange that it didn't ask me for the setup guide, and the phone was also already set to vibrate which I thought was strange. Also, the Developer Options were already exposed, but I was of the belief that these need to be enabled by pressing the version number seven times.
The only thing is that I haven't yet put a SIM card in it, so I don't know if that means the phone wouldn't go straight to Setup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tejstar said:
Bought a white one from Amazon.de and whilst the box was sealed the unit itself was defective - the metal around the lens was chipped and the glass side near the camera button was cracked. I sent it back yesterday and will get a refund. When I booted it up, it went straight into the German menu without asking me to choose language.
Anyway, I ordered another ZL (this time black) as I saw a cracking deal on Amazon.it who were charging just €310! Price now back up to €499.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If a "new" phone doesn't boot into
setup (language choice) then it is not new! And, obviously, if it's broken in the box and the box is undamaged it's not new! Law is strict, if it is sold as new in product description it should be in factory condition ie. As left factory after fabrication...sealed and not having been switched on!
Sent from my GT-P7510 using xda premium
stinky73 said:
If a "new" phone doesn't boot into
setup (language choice) then it is not new! And, obviously, if it's broken in the box and the box is undamaged it's not new! Law is strict, if it is sold as new in product description it should be in factory condition ie. As left factory after fabrication...sealed and not having been switched on!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my thoughts, which is why I was surprised, since it was ordered direct from Amazon.de and I've never had any 'returns' passed off as a new phone before from them. Anyway, it went straight back as it was clear that either it was already used or someone at the Sony factory didn't do their job properly in passing appropriate QA tests.
Tejstar said:
Exactly my thoughts, which is why I was surprised, since it was ordered direct from Amazon.de and I've never had any 'returns' passed off as a new phone before from them. Anyway, it went straight back as it was clear that either it was already used or someone at the Sony factory didn't do their job properly in passing appropriate QA tests.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck!! It'll be worth waiting for, but I'd be wary of the 4.2.2 update! Lots having troubles with it in other threads. I have had nothing but grief on many devices ! Out of the box on 4.1.2 easily the best android phone I have ever owned (there have been many ) and I am not going to spoil it with 4.2.2

Is there a way to determine my N8's Manufacture date.

Wondering if anyone knows of a method/place to determine the manufacture date of my used Note 8 I just picked up....everything works great, registered it w/Samsung (gave me another 50gb dropbox), and happy thus far .
I sold my Nexus 7, regardless of the better resolution, I wanted the Note's larger screen/ratio.
thanks for any direction...couldn't find anything myself so thought I'd consult the experts!!
(Oh, it's a GT-N5110 currently on 4.1.2, Jun 13, ...MF2 and downloading some update...don't know which one):cyclops:
Yes there is,
andrawer said:
Wondering if anyone knows of a method/place to determine the manufacture date of my used Note 8 I just picked up....everything works great, registered it w/Samsung (gave me another 50gb dropbox), and happy thus far .
I sold my Nexus 7, regardless of the better resolution, I wanted the Note's larger screen/ratio.
thanks for any direction...couldn't find anything myself so thought I'd consult the experts!!
(Oh, it's a GT-N5110 currently on 4.1.2, Jun 13, ...MF2 and downloading some update...don't know which one):cyclops:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found it today accidentally.
Was looking for something about firmware updates for my brand new Note 8 that just arrived today.
I wen to samsung website and decided to register it.
As soon as you will type in your serial number it will provide you with manufacture date below the box with the serial number.
Just visit the us site of samsung - i didnt see it on uk or ie website.
Hope this helps.
mine was manufactured in early January 2013......

What firmware does the new fire TV 2 ship with?

Anyone know this answer?
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? I'm guessing the current firmware or maybe an older one. You just never know.
blue1978 said:
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? I'm guessing the current firmware or maybe an older one. You just never know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol thanks for the reply anyways
biglo said:
Lol thanks for the reply anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine came with 5.2.4.2, bought last week in MediaMarkt in Germany.
Today it goes back to store to be replaced by Shield TV.
No root - no Amazon TV.
Due to the large number of factors at play, it can be very difficult to say, sight unseen, which firmware will be on a device.
I have a few tips if you are trying to find one with rootable firmware. It's difficult but not impossible.
Where to look:
-Very high volume vendors receive a large number of devices at a time & take awhile to sell out
Leaving potential for in-stock devices they received several months back.
-A vendor who accepts returns, only sells AFTV devices by special order (or both) has potential, if one was bought & returned, or ordered & not picked up.
What to avoid:
-Direct from Amazon
-Refurbished devices
Both will most likely be on up-to-date firmware.
Firmware version can be estimated by dissecting the serial number on the box
If you're looking online, buying secondhand from non-bulk sellers will yield the best results. Just ask the seller for the serial number, or check the package if you're at a store, then plug it in to this handy tool from aftvnews: http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
It won't tell you with absolute certainty which firmware is installed, but it will give you the 'when' and 'where' of manufacture.
Cross-reference with firmware version release dates and you can get a pretty good idea, without having to pay $50-100 to find out.
I found an unopened AFTV1 on the initial software release (unlockable bootloader) in December, and Bestbuy was even shipping out AFTVS-1's carrying 5.2.1.0 up until last Christmas.
New rootable devices are still out there, just gotta know where to look.
Good luck, hope this helps!
phresch said:
Due to the large number of factors at play, it can be very difficult to say, sight unseen, which firmware will be on a device.
I have a few tips if you are trying to find one with rootable firmware. It's difficult but not impossible.
Where to look:
-Very high volume vendors receive a large number of devices at a time & take awhile to sell out
Leaving potential for in-stock devices they received several months back.
-A vendor who accepts returns, only sells AFTV devices by special order (or both) has potential, if one was bought & returned, or ordered & not picked up.
What to avoid:
-Direct from Amazon
-Refurbished devices
Both will most likely be on up-to-date firmware.
Firmware version can be estimated by dissecting the serial number on the box
If you're looking online, buying secondhand from non-bulk sellers will yield the best results. Just ask the seller for the serial number, or check the package if you're at a store, then plug it in to this handy tool from aftvnews: http://www.aftvnews.com/amazon-fire-tv-serial-number-decoder/
It won't tell you with absolute certainty which firmware is installed, but it will give you the 'when' and 'where' of manufacture.
Cross-reference with firmware version release dates and you can get a pretty good idea, without having to pay $50-100 to find out.
I found an unopened AFTV1 on the initial software release (unlockable bootloader) in December, and Bestbuy was even shipping out AFTVS-1's carrying 5.2.1.0 up until last Christmas.
New rootable devices are still out there, just gotta know where to look.
Good luck, hope this helps!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice that's for the very informative response!

Tab S4 - Live Demo Unit

Hello guys,
I acquired Samsung galaxy Tab S4 SM-T830X for 300 euros and it is live demo unit and I have a question how I can remove "retail" mode where I can not install some apps as Antutu and CPU-Z?
Should I root it or what to do?
Thank you in advance!
bojanoo7 said:
Hello guys,
I acquired Samsung galaxy Tab S4 SM-T830X for 300 euros and it is live demo unit and I have a question how I can remove "retail" mode where I can not install some apps as Antutu and CPU-Z?
Should I root it or what to do?
Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you enabled developer mode? As on mine in dev mode it allows me to toggle retail mode. Check there..
Acquired.... Hmm I'm sure.
N1NJATH3ORY said:
Have you enabled developer mode? As on mine in dev mode it allows me to toggle retail mode. Check there..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried that and nothing happens with all Samsung apps, but other apps can be inactive... Any idea? I am getting error 501 while I am trying to install some apps...
ashyx said:
Acquired.... Hmm I'm sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it in local shop... How they get it, I don't know...
Download FW from SAMFIRM for the device - Flash with ODIN for the device with your countries FW
See if that will allow it around...
Just a thing as well - Some stores here in the UK will sell Demo units as stock if the customer asks if end of line etc
fkofilee said:
Download FW from SAMFIRM for the device - Flash with ODIN for the device with your countries FW
See if that will allow it around...
Just a thing as well - Some stores here in the UK will sell Demo units as stock if the customer asks if end of line etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Tab S4 has just been released. How is that end of line?
For what reason would a store sell a demo model when stock is still available?
ashyx said:
The Tab S4 has just been released. How is that end of line?
For what reason would a store sell a demo model when stock is still available?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First off - Great to see you here - Noticed you had created a Tab S4 TWRP
Second - I agree with you. But if you are over here in the UK - CPW and O2 barely have any stock of these... Ive seen a couple of stores sell demo units in some capacities. Back in 2012 - When Comet went under - They were selling Demo units real cheap for IPADs etc because of administration.
If the user has picked up a demo unit lawfully (Notice how i say that ) Then it could be that a store was going to stock the device but due to delays in procuring etc (CPW had issues and pushed back release from Samsung by WEEKS!) they no longer plan to stock it.
Either way there are numerous reasons why they have a demo unit. Some legal some not so much... But either way while we dont know the full circumstances... We can assist if need be.
If the OP has stolen / obtained unlawfully then there is very little that can be done apart from to block the IMEI.
I wonder if the OP would like to tell us how he acquired said device,...
fkofilee said:
First off - Great to see you here - Noticed you had created a Tab S4 TWRP
Second - I agree with you. But if you are over here in the UK - CPW and O2 barely have any stock of these... Ive seen a couple of stores sell demo units in some capacities. Back in 2012 - When Comet went under - They were selling Demo units real cheap for IPADs etc because of administration.
If the user has picked up a demo unit lawfully (Notice how i say that ) Then it could be that a store was going to stock the device but due to delays in procuring etc (CPW had issues and pushed back release from Samsung by WEEKS!) they no longer plan to stock it.
Either way there are numerous reasons why they have a demo unit. Some legal some not so much... But either way while we dont know the full circumstances... We can assist if need be.
If the OP has stolen / obtained unlawfully then there is very little that can be done apart from to block the IMEI.
I wonder if the OP would like to tell us how he acquired said device,...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See that's the issue. These devices are not supposed to be released to the public, but destroyed.
I agree there are instances where demo devices end up in public hands, but not usually brand new recently released devices.
FRP is meant to protect unlawfully 'acquired' devices from being accessed and we get a lot of posts regarding that also.
I'd gladly assist anyone with a legitimate issue, but I feel uneasy with this sort of thing without actual proof of 'aquirement' especially considering posts related to unlawful practices are not allowed on XDA.
I'm not pointing fingers here, just voicing concern.
Thats very true with FRP. What should also be kept in mind here.
Samsung's retail mode is very different to the Retail Mode built into Developers Options.
Thing is - If the user does as my advice. Very quickly we will know if there is an issue with the device. It will ask for the original Google Account Assigned to the device ^_^
Lets see what happens
I removed retail software and flash new one and everything is working fine now... It was also some issues with charging but now everything is great. Like this forum!
Sorry for the inconvenience, but the guy sold me and I don't have idea how he got it... In my country there is no possibility to get it so soon after official release.
Can you share solution please
When I try to flash it says no flash interface found
I'd love to get a copy of the DeX switcher app that's included with the real Retail Mode.

Back with samsung

Hey folks. I just recently switched from oneplus to samsung. Haven't used a samsung device since the galaxy s5 with the bootloader unlock exploit.
Used LG for a while, then tried out the oneplus 8pro which is now at the repair center. I picked up what was advertised as an open box galaxy s20 + 5g (986u1) device.
After I powered it on, and set it up, I went to activate developer options and found that they were already on. Does that sound right that dev options would already be turned on if it was a new unused device?
Thanks.
Turn them off for your answer...
Yeah, I thought it sounded like a silly question.... Deserves a silly answer.
Ballroomblitz said:
Yeah, I thought it sounded like a silly question.... Deserves a silly answer.
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Samsung QC might have been playing with it and forgot to turn it off. Still it's disconcerting for a number of reasons.
blackhawk said:
Samsung QC might have been playing with it and forgot to turn it off. Still it's disconcerting for a number of reasons.
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Appreciate that. I found it interesting, and bit concerning that a brand new device would have developer settings activated. I purchased from an ebay seller. Based on their high approval scores, I felt pretty safe. I'll probably question them about it. Thankfully, everything on the phone seems to be working well. Peace.
Ballroomblitz said:
Appreciate that. I found it interesting, and bit concerning that a brand new device would have developer settings activated. I purchased from an ebay seller. Based on their high approval scores, I felt pretty safe. I'll probably question them about it. Thankfully, everything on the phone seems to be working well. Peace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You could reflash it to make sure there's no possibility of a rootkit. Probably just a goofball tech...
Ballroomblitz said:
Hey folks. I just recently switched from oneplus to samsung. Haven't used a samsung device since the galaxy s5 with the bootloader unlock exploit.
Used LG for a while, then tried out the oneplus 8pro which is now at the repair center. I picked up what was advertised as an open box galaxy s20 + 5g (986u1) device.
After I powered it on, and set it up, I went to activate developer options and found that they were already on. Does that sound right that dev options would already be turned on if it was a new unused device?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what you've shared it sounds like you're in the clear. "Open Box" offerings always give me pause since sellers rarely post why the item was unsealed. At times sellers declare they only opened the item for testing but unless the offer is at a considerable discount below a comparable new, sealed unit and listed by a reputable seller with a fair return policy I'd avoid it.
I recently purchased a Dell XPS laptop on ebay from a dealer specializing in refurbished units. The listing reflected the item as "new". Before confirming the order I reached out and asked is the laptop factually new, has it ever been used? The seller replied "It's new to us"? WTF does that mean? lol!
varcor said:
From what you've shared it sounds like you're in the clear. "Open Box" offerings always give me pause since sellers rarely post why the item was unsealed. At times sellers declare they only opened the item for testing but unless the offer is at a considerable discount below a comparable new, sealed unit and listed by a reputable seller with a fair return policy I'd avoid it.
I recently purchased a Dell XPS laptop on ebay from a dealer specializing in refurbished units. The listing reflected the item as "new". Before confirming the order I reached out and asked is the laptop factually new, has it ever been used? The seller replied "It's new to us"? WTF does that mean? lol!
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Click to collapse
Wow!

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