how to fix sim card not working:

PLEASE WITH SIM CARD INSERTED BOOT STOCK ROM AT LEAST ONCE!

  • while still in stock rom insert sim card and TEST & CONFIRM that CALLING and INTERNET (LTE) are working
    • (test if stock rom can use sim card, set APN test if internet is working)
  • this (probably) does some modem settings, that then allow LinageOS to use the modem correctly (make calls, use internet) = chances are good it will also work in LineageOS 😀
  • if the user already flashed LinageOS scroll down to “back to stock firmware?” how to flash back stock firmware

security warning

Android 11 via LinageOS on Samsung A5 2017

Android 11 via LinageOS on Samsung A5 2017

What is this all about?

  • sustainability, to recycle old devices and give them a second life with newer software, that vendors could not be bothered to provide
  • Just as Apple, Samsung and many other IT entities have never heard of “software minimalism”
    • aka UNIX KISS = run as little software on devices as possible = faster & better & safer working devices 😀
    • also for data gathering purposes a sh*t load of pre-installed Android Apps are clogging up the system and it’s resources

WARNING: DO NOT DO THIS ON FOR-WORK-COMPANY-PHONES!

Because if the company get’s ransomeware hacked by a phone with outdated firmware… it’s Samsung’s fault, not the user’s and the company can (in theory) sue Samsung (have fun!) for not providing security updates.

Also good security practice is: to keep at least the apps on the phone as up to date as possible

LinageOS18_aka_Android11_on_Samsung_A5_A520F_aka_a5y17lte_running_latest_firefox_app

LinageOS18_aka_Android11_on_Samsung_A5_A520F_aka_a5y17lte_running_latest_firefox_app

1) either: delete all non-wanted apps via adb (which is possible)

2) install a custom rom that does not come with all this garbage pre installed 😀

pro: the user will get a newer (hopefully more secure) version of Android than Samsung would allow 😀

WARNING! ALL FILES ON THE DEVICE WILL BE DELETED IN THE PROCESS!

CONCENTRATE: FOLLOW INSTRUCTION STEP-BY-STEP CAREFULL!

(checkout xdaforum.com to find a good rom if there is no LineageOS available)

search it like this: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=xdaforum.com+A520F

where A520F is the Samsung Model Code <- this A5 even has an FM Radio when Headphones are connectd 😀 (IMHO VERY AWESOME and a SHAME that later models abandoned that)

https://wiki.lineageos.org/devices/a5y17lte/ -> possible to Update from Android 8.0 (default stock) to Android 11! NICE 😀

hostnamectl; # tested on
Operating System: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm) 
Kernel: Linux 6.1.0-13-amd64

su - root
apt install adb heimdall-flash

# get a GOOD QUALITY USB cable
# connect the phone and issue command:
heimdall print-pit
# if device reboots that indicates that Heimdall is installed and working properly
# it also spits out a ton of info: A5120F_print_pit.txt
# If it does NOT REBOOT: try a different USB cable or different USB port

# to get into "download" mode (allow to flash recovery mode)
# 1) power off device
# 2) disconnect USB cable
# 3) hold Volume Down + Home + Power

# almost immediately a cyan screen should show up

# continue with Volume Up key

# 4) connect USB cable

# then back to terminal
heimdall flash --RECOVERY recovery.img --no-reboot

# output
Heimdall v1.4.2

Copyright (c) 2010-2017 Benjamin Dobell, Glass Echidna
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/

This software is provided free of charge. Copying and redistribution is
encouraged.

If you appreciate this software and you would like to support future
development please consider donating:
http://www.glassechidna.com.au/donate/

Initialising connection...
Detecting device...
Claiming interface...
Setting up interface...

Initialising protocol...
Protocol initialisation successful.

Beginning session...

Some devices may take up to 2 minutes to respond.
Please be patient!

Session begun.

Downloading device's PIT file...
PIT file download successful.

Uploading RECOVERY
100%
RECOVERY upload successful

Ending session...
Releasing device interface...

# now trickiest part of the whole process:
# booting into LineageOS recovery.img
# 5) disconnect USB cable
# 5.2.) hold VOL DOWN + POWER until screen goes black, then release keys
# 5.1.) screen black: IMMEDIATELY hold VOL UP + POWER for 3 to 4 Sec

# if the user DOES NOT SEE LineageOS LOGO
# the user is in Samsung's recovery
# and need to re-flash recovery.img

# it worked? :D congratz! let's continue!

# tap Factory Reset, then Format data / factory reset
# this is required or flashing will result into an error


# on the android device tap "enable ADB" (it might be under "Advanced")

# back to terminal:

# the device should show up
adb devices
List of devices attached
5XXXXXXXXXXXXXX1 recovery

# on the android device tap "Apply Update" -> "Apply Update from ADB"


# back to terminal: # let's start the flashing :D
adb sideload lineage-18.1-20231014-nightly-a5y17lte-signed.zip
Total xfer: 1.00x

# pacience: let it sit for a while

# now if the user wants Google Play Store

# tab on "enable adb" again


# then go
adb -d sideload MindTheGapps-11.0.0-arm64-20230922_081122.zip

# confirm to install this unsigned zip

# it should install like this


# let it sit for a bit
# go back one menu
# now tap on "Reboot device"

# if it does this:


# DO 3 MIN OF DANCE-of-SUCCESS! :D

happy with the result? 😀

https://gitlab.com/MindTheGapps/vendor_gapps <- no idea how to donate here

this only works in LinageOS:

  • secret menu that shows imei, phone carrier and transmission modes
  • *#*#4636#*#*

screenshots:

Links:

tool for flashing: (can also be installed apt install heimdall-flash)

https://glassechidna.com.au/heimdall/

https://bitbucket.org/benjamin_dobell/heimdall/downloads/?tab=downloads

https://github.com/Benjamin-Dobell/Heimdall

https://www.reddit.com/r/privacytoolsIO/comments/fit0tr/taking_almost_full_control_of_your_unrooted/

https://randhome.io/blog/2021/01/16/how-to-check-if-an-android-phone-has-a-stalkerware-installed/

UNTESTED: https://github.com/botherder/snoopdroid

UNTESTED: https://github.com/botherder/androidqf

UNTESTED: https://github.com/opengapps/opengapps

What is Com Samsung Android Rubin App? (Everything to Know)

back to stock firmware?

in order to flash another rom it might be required to go back to stock firmare.

this was tested to work with:

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