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Need to update from 5.1.1 but am a bit confused...

A

andyandtherman

Member
Hello All,

I have an unlocked ATT Note 4 which I use with my T Mobile account. I realized that Chase's app, for example, won't work unless I update to something 6. or newer for security reasons.

I went to settings:aboutdevice:search for updates, etc, but there are none on the ATT server it says... and I have T Mobile remember.

How can I go about downloading an update for this thing? Can I do it on a PC from some site and then install it from there via USB? Lastly, what should I be running???

Thanks in advance!

Andy
 
Android version upgrades get determined by the manufacturers and the carriers, not by the latest version available. If your carrier isn't providing you with a newer OTA upgrade that leaves you with very few options. An even more limiting factor in your case is you have an AT&T model, with AT&T being very stingy about making ROMs for their phones freely available (something you noticed in your search, it's not just a Note 4 matter). But the bottom line is older Android phones tend to be left unsupported so upgrading the firmware is either a hobbyist/tinkerer's project or a matter of just buying something newer(er).

You might want to try and install Samsung's Smart Switch utility and see if that will allow you to upgrade your SM-N910A. Not likely given the circumstances but something to try. And it provides you with a good way to at least create a backup of your phone.
https://www.samsung.com/us/smart-switch/
A last resort option is to root your Note 4 and then flash a non-stock, third-party ROM (flashing stock ROMs on your Note do not require rooting, custom ROMs do). Although that's also an issue though too depending on the availability of custom ROMs for your model.
 
I guess I'm at the end of the road. Perhaps I'll wait for the Note 10, or grab a slightly older model... In any case, thank you all very much for your time and insights!!!!
 
AT&T is stingy with their software and updates.
The easiest way to receive a Software update for a AT&T Samsung is to borrow someone's AT&T Sim card, reboot the phone, then check for the update.
AT&T doesn't release their software so unless someone makes a leaked copy available or captured the OTA zip files that you can install through the stock recovery, not much you can do.
Not sure if the Samsung reps at Best Buy are still flashing AT&T updates but if one of their stores are nearby, worth checking out.
 
Jfalls63 said:
AT&T is stingy with their software and updates.
The easiest way to receive a Software update for a AT&T Samsung is to borrow someone's AT&T Sim card, reboot the phone, then check for the update.
AT&T doesn't release their software so unless someone makes a leaked copy available or captured the OTA zip files that you can install through the stock recovery, not much you can do.
Not sure if the Samsung reps at Best Buy are still flashing AT&T updates but if one of their stores are nearby, worth checking out.
Click to expand...

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but since I have T Mobile as a provider, can I get them or get an update from them somehow? The phone was originally an ATT, but I bought it unlocked and threw in my sim card when my original Note 4 died after 4 years
 
With a AT&T branded phone, when you check for updates, AT&T servers check if you have a Active AT&T Sim. No AT&T Sim, no update. Even though your phone is unlocked, AT&T still controls the update.
 
TMobile software is readily available for manual update and OTA, regardless of which carrier sim you have.
Not sure,but I think the highest stock android version for any Note4 is 6.0.1
 
Jfalls63 said:
TMobile software is readily available for manual update and OTA, regardless of which carrier sim you have.
Not sure,but I think the highest stock android version for any Note4 is 6.0.1
Click to expand...

So then could I simply update my T Mobile run unlocked ATT phone then and spare the expense of a new phone?
 
andyandtherman said:
So then could I simply update my T Mobile run unlocked ATT phone then and spare the expense of a new phone?
Click to expand...
Not exactly sure what you are asking. If you bought a used 910T and it was not already on the latest 6.0.1 available, you should be able to update it to the last released version, which for the T branded would be 6.0.1 QI2
 
Sorry for the ambiguous phrasing. Yes, that answers it exactly. I didn't want to purchase another phone and run into the same issue of being unable to update it. Thanks again for all of your help!
 
andyandtherman said:
Sorry for the ambiguous phrasing. Yes, that answers it exactly. I didn't want to purchase another phone and run into the same issue of being unable to update it. Thanks again for all of your help!
Click to expand...

Avoid any carrier customised variant phones in the future, such as AT&T apparently? Although I've never seen or had to deal with US carrier version phones of course.
 
Ok, that being said with your last two texts..and if I were to follow your advice on no more branded devices..and I want to buy a Samsung galaxy Note 4 no branded..how do I know I'm not buying a fake one either??
 
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