Modified OS on new Android Phone?

TheVoid · 29-12-2015, 23:07

I bought a 'new' handset from eBay and when checking for updates, I get told:

The operating system on your device has been modified in an unauthorised way. Try downloading software updates using Samsung Kies on your PC

Bit worrying... could this be because the seller unlocked the handset?

Thanks

TheVoid · 29-12-2015, 23:11

P.S. It's a Samsung Galaxy Mini S4... on Android 4.4.4... which surprises me as I thought this could get Lollipop?

sammy_boy · 29-12-2015, 23:28

Sounds like it's been rooted and a custom/modified ROM installed, could be why you're getting that message.

Aye Up · 29-12-2015, 23:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

P.S. It's a Samsung Galaxy Mini S4... on Android 4.4.4... which surprises me as I thought this could get Lollipop?

If you know the exact model number go to sammobile.com for instructions on getting the latest OS available for your handset.

TheVoid · 29-12-2015, 23:35

It's brand new though, with all the stickers on the handset so it's a bit odd.

I'm trying an update via the samsung pc software to see if that sorts it.

Aye Up · 30-12-2015, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

It's brand new though, with all the stickers on the handset so it's a bit odd.

I'm trying an update via the samsung pc software to see if that sorts it.

On the side of the box it came in, it should have a model number like SGH-800 or similar, post it here and I will try and get the right firmware update for you.

EDIT: Is it GT-I9190?

TheVoid · 30-12-2015, 06:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aye Up

On the side of the box it came in, it should have a model number like SGH-800 or similar, post it here and I will try and get the right firmware update for you.

EDIT: Is it GT-I9190?

It's GT-I9195I

Thanks

Stig · 30-12-2015, 07:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

I bought a 'new' handset from eBay and when checking for updates, I get told:

The operating system on your device has been modified in an unauthorised way. Try downloading software updates using Samsung Kies on your PC

Bit worrying... could this be because the seller unlocked the handset?

Thanks

Unless you are comfortable with installing custom ROMs on devices, you may want to consider sending it back for a refund. As you say, it might have been hacked to unlock it for all networks. Worst case, it has malware on it.

TheVoid · 30-12-2015, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stig

Unless you are comfortable with installing custom ROMs on devices, you may want to consider sending it back for a refund. As you say, it might have been hacked to unlock it for all networks. Worst case, it has malware on it.

If you do unlock a handset yourself, would this be classed as modified?

d123 · 30-12-2015, 09:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

If you do unlock a handset yourself, would this be classed as modified?

Depends how it was unlocked, with some methods some Samsungs are rooted as part of the unlocking process.

How was the phone unlocked?

TheVoid · 30-12-2015, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Depends how it was unlocked, with some methods some Samsungs are rooted as part of the unlocking process.

How was the phone unlocked?

No idea, the seller didn't tell me it had been unlocked.

Realistically, if I've reset the phone to factory settings, is there anything to worry about?

Stig · 30-12-2015, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVoid

No idea, the seller didn't tell me it had been unlocked.

Realistically, if I've reset the phone to factory settings, is there anything to worry about?

'Factory settings' will just use the modified ROM on the handset.

Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'd want a stock ROM on it:
http://www.smartphoneroot.in/2015/05...gt-i9195i.html

or a trusted ROM like this one:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2558685

TheVoid · 30-12-2015, 10:33

I don't think it is a custom rom. It doesn't say 'custom' anywhere in the device information.

Synthetic42 · 30-12-2015, 10:35

The S4 mini can't get Lollipop.

OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number.

Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this....

TheVoid · 30-12-2015, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

The S4 mini can't get Lollipop.

OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number.

Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this....

I tried that but it kept failing to verify after it had downloaded during the process?

finbaar · 30-12-2015, 10:56

A phone that is "new" should not have these issues. Just send it back for a refund. It just sounds dodgy to me.

d123 · 30-12-2015, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synthetic42

The S4 mini can't get Lollipop.

OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number.

Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this....

You would lose the root, but you wouldn't lose the unlock, the root is just required to physically gain access to unlock, but the unlock is permanent.

Synthetic42 · 30-12-2015, 11:36

I agree it sounds dodgy anyway, would send it back

29-12-2015, 23:07	#1
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Modified OS on new Android Phone? I bought a 'new' handset from eBay and when checking for updates, I get told: The operating system on your device has been modified in an unauthorised way. Try downloading software updates using Samsung Kies on your PC Bit worrying... could this be because the seller unlocked the handset? Thanks

29-12-2015, 23:11	#2
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	P.S. It's a Samsung Galaxy Mini S4... on Android 4.4.4... which surprises me as I thought this could get Lollipop?

29-12-2015, 23:28	#3
sammy_boy Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Lichfield, Staffordshire Posts: 118	Sounds like it's been rooted and a custom/modified ROM installed, could be why you're getting that message.

29-12-2015, 23:30	#4
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid P.S. It's a Samsung Galaxy Mini S4... on Android 4.4.4... which surprises me as I thought this could get Lollipop? If you know the exact model number go to sammobile.com for instructions on getting the latest OS available for your handset.

29-12-2015, 23:35	#5
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	It's brand new though, with all the stickers on the handset so it's a bit odd. I'm trying an update via the samsung pc software to see if that sorts it.

30-12-2015, 00:08	#6
Aye Up Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: North West Posts: 4,885	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid It's brand new though, with all the stickers on the handset so it's a bit odd. I'm trying an update via the samsung pc software to see if that sorts it. On the side of the box it came in, it should have a model number like SGH-800 or similar, post it here and I will try and get the right firmware update for you. EDIT: Is it GT-I9190?

30-12-2015, 06:27	#7
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by Aye Up On the side of the box it came in, it should have a model number like SGH-800 or similar, post it here and I will try and get the right firmware update for you. EDIT: Is it GT-I9190? It's GT-I9195I Thanks

30-12-2015, 07:49	#8
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid I bought a 'new' handset from eBay and when checking for updates, I get told: The operating system on your device has been modified in an unauthorised way. Try downloading software updates using Samsung Kies on your PC Bit worrying... could this be because the seller unlocked the handset? Thanks Unless you are comfortable with installing custom ROMs on devices, you may want to consider sending it back for a refund. As you say, it might have been hacked to unlock it for all networks. Worst case, it has malware on it.

30-12-2015, 08:48	#9
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by Stig Unless you are comfortable with installing custom ROMs on devices, you may want to consider sending it back for a refund. As you say, it might have been hacked to unlock it for all networks. Worst case, it has malware on it. If you do unlock a handset yourself, would this be classed as modified?

30-12-2015, 09:35	#10
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid If you do unlock a handset yourself, would this be classed as modified? Depends how it was unlocked, with some methods some Samsungs are rooted as part of the unlocking process. How was the phone unlocked?

30-12-2015, 09:41	#11
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Depends how it was unlocked, with some methods some Samsungs are rooted as part of the unlocking process. How was the phone unlocked? No idea, the seller didn't tell me it had been unlocked. Realistically, if I've reset the phone to factory settings, is there anything to worry about?

30-12-2015, 10:26	#12
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Quote: Originally Posted by TheVoid No idea, the seller didn't tell me it had been unlocked. Realistically, if I've reset the phone to factory settings, is there anything to worry about? 'Factory settings' will just use the modified ROM on the handset. Maybe I'm paranoid, but I'd want a stock ROM on it: http://www.smartphoneroot.in/2015/05...gt-i9195i.html or a trusted ROM like this one: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2558685

30-12-2015, 10:33	#13
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	I don't think it is a custom rom. It doesn't say 'custom' anywhere in the device information.

30-12-2015, 10:35	#14
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	The S4 mini can't get Lollipop. OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number. Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this....

30-12-2015, 10:52	#15
TheVoid Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 2,642	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 The S4 mini can't get Lollipop. OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number. Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this.... I tried that but it kept failing to verify after it had downloaded during the process?

30-12-2015, 10:56	#16
finbaar Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 3,921	A phone that is "new" should not have these issues. Just send it back for a refund. It just sounds dodgy to me.

30-12-2015, 11:14	#17
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Synthetic42 The S4 mini can't get Lollipop. OP - Connect your phone to Kies and do an emergency software recovery, it'll wipe the phone and install the latest official firmware for your phone's serial number. Although as others have said, if it's been rooted to unlock it to all networks, you'll lose this.... You would lose the root, but you wouldn't lose the unlock, the root is just required to physically gain access to unlock, but the unlock is permanent.

30-12-2015, 11:36	#18
Synthetic42 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Newcastle Posts: 1,510	I agree it sounds dodgy anyway, would send it back

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Modified OS on new Android Phone?