Help galaxy s5 problem

[kalimba]

Hello there, I've recently just bought this galaxy s5 from CL and I'm having issues with it that are streading me out I can't use my google account in the phone wich means I can't download apps or sync contacts this really sucks also the phone don't want to update it says that "the operating system on your device has been modified in an unauthorized way" ugh please some one help me..

 

[mikedt]

Sounds very much like the previous owner rooted it, and has upset the OTA update and Knox security most likely. It's one reason why I've avoided Samsungs these days. What you can do about it I'm not sure, I don't have an S5. Maybe someone else knows or you could have a look in the S5, All Things Root forum. I know there's a non-resettable anti-tamper e-fuse in them, which could have been tripped.

 

[kalimba]

Is it fixable? What if I try unrooting it or rooting it? What's your suggest?

 

[cmichael258]

What about doing a factory reset?

 

[easybreezy]

May want to look into installing a custom ROM. Do what mikedt suggest with all things root forum. Maybe see if you can get root checker on your s5 to see if you are indeed rooted. Then you can proceed with custom ROM cm 12 is what I am running. Then you will be able to log into Google play like its a new phone.

 

[mikedt]

What about doing a factory reset?

If it's rooted and the Knox e-fuse is blown, which is what it sounds like, a factory reset won't fix that.

I think loading a custom ROM would be best option now. At least that way the phone is in a known clean state and will be fully usable. It won't have the Samsung specific stuff like Touchwiz and other bloat, but IMO that's not a problem.

 

[spagman72]

Find out what bootloaders /firmware version is on the phone.
Then flash the phone using odin with the same version that's already on the phone....... After the flash "factory reset" from recovery.
The Knox counter might be tripped... But it will return your phone to "out of the box" new.