I am trying to install eos on a samsung galaxy A72 I have unlocked the bootloader (and therefore deleted the existing data). However, then realized that the current guide for installing e/os on the A72 requires the latest version of android 13 not 14 as is currently on it.
I have done a bit of looking and it appears that it may be possible to downgrade the phone to android 13 however, I am not sure. There are guides [1] and a repository of Samsung firmware here https://samfw.com/ as well as a number of other sources (but unfortunately the forum limits new users to only two links per post)
However, I am not sure how to check what the correct versions of the firmware are and/or where to find them, the droidwin article also mentions compatability issues with certain boot loader versions (his example shows U5 as part of the build number which apparently corresponds to bootloader version 5 whereas my device has U6 in it’s build number).
Can you please let me know:
is it possible to download to android 13 in this case and if so what firmware I need
if not is it possible to install e/os from android 14 (and if so how)
If not what is the next best alternative for privacy/usability until eos comes out with an android 14 version (lineage OS seems to have some android 14 versions and if I remember correctly there are some versions which come bundled with micro G)
As I said I have already wiped the phone so I would be extremely grateful for help getting it up and running again.
The search by IMIE may be useful. Different distributors may have different attitudes to speed of download or asking you to pay, maybe less so for your newer phone.
The best way to get help with the downgrade options would be to Search Settings on the phone for Baseband version and quote it here as well as the complete Build number.
You can also use the Baseband version in a web search, and see where it links for advice. If you get what looks like a promising Android 13 to download, please quote its Baseband version, there are those on the forum who will be able to help with its suitability.
You unlocked the bootloader so that is a good sign, perhaps also confirm you have a supported model, from the info page Info about Samsung Galaxy A72 - a72q
Models Supported
SM-A725F
SM-A725M
SM-A725F/DS
SM-A725M/DS
Other models are not supported
The only way is to downgrade manufacturer firmware to Android 13, there might be a “combination firmware” but let us check your numbers above first.
Re 3. In the event you cannot downgrade I see available lineageos4microg a72q at Android 14 (U). We are hoping the first tranche of Android 14(U) ROMs for certain devices maybe within a couple of months but no ETA yet, keep watching Development Updates published every Monday for updates.
@Manoj perhaps you could reinstate the OP, I saw nothing there from @incognito1 that would justify flagging.
Samsung Android 14 firmware A725FXXS8FXE3 + A725FXXU7FXE1 for Galaxy A72 “a72q” cannot be officially downgraded to Android 13 due to Samsung Rollback Protection.
It is officially only possible to downgrade the Samsung Android 14 firmware A725FXXU6EXB3 to Android 13 firmware A725FXXU6DWH + A725FXXU6DWE3.
Searching by IMEI on samfw gives https://samfw.com/firmware/SM-A725F/BTU would I be correct in thinking I want A725FXXU6DWH2 (which would appear to be the latest android 13 version)? and if so am I safe following the “How to flash Samsung SM-A725F / Galaxy A72 SM-A725F firmware” instructions at the bottom of the page or is there something else I need to do?
BTU - A725FXXU6DWH2 (A13)
Happy flashing!