[Q] truth about the bootloader - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've read elsewhere that the new S4 bootloader has locked.
Can someone verify this?
How does it affect the usage of the device?(i.e CM,AOSP etc)

So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.

ChronoReverse said:
So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
But it's not confirmed yet,isn't it?

hunhool said:
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

short story: the international isn't the carriers are
effect on dev gives them a extra work to do

inlineboy said:
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?

hunhool said:
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't sadly. People were saying if you boot into download mode and it said Write Protection: Enabled that the bootloader was locked, as is the case for atnt and verizon, but the it says the same thing for sprint and our bootloader does not seem to be locked- it's a bit more complicated to actually know and I don't have the tech knowledge to explain it as well as someone else probably could. Probably should find others with your exact phone in the forum and just read what they have said cause this has been a huge topic over the last few days that everyone has been asking.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

Related

Is my bootloader unlocked?

I'm would assume my bootloader is locked but when I got my phone and turned it on for the first time the boot logo said Samsung with a unlocked logo underneath. I haven't seen it again since. I can get into download mode does that mean it's unlocked? If by chance it is not I would love to be able to help I can follow instructions but I'm no developer. Let's hope that it is and that it can help
Edit: found how to tell and I'm just as locked as everyone else. To check get into download mode and in the top left write protection will be enabled if you are.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
You sure you got a new phone? that unlocked logo means its been rooted.... weird you would get one rooted right off the bat.
Im going to be that guy. Should of been in Q&A Section.
But thanks for trying to help!
derek210 said:
Edit: found how to tell and I'm just as locked as everyone else. To check get into download mode and in the top left write protection will be enabled if you are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just so you know, the "WRITE PROTECTION: ENABLED" message has nothing to do with the bootloader being locked. Don't get me wrong; you're still locked up as everyone else, but that particular message is not how you tell.
Questions go in Q&A
Thread moved
I'm in Mexico and the biggest carrier Telcel is going to have the exclusive on the SGS4 for a couple of months.
Apparently we are going to receive the same version as AT&T (SGH-i337) with Qualcomm processor.
Do you guys think our bootloader is going to be locked? How to know if it is locked?
I'm also from Mexico and would like to know if the BL is unlock.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 2
xavivo said:
I'm also from Mexico and would like to know if the BL is unlock.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I would also like to know. Im in Puerto Rico and we have the i337M in our carrier Claro PR and I would like to know how can we tell if bl is locked.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium

How to unlock ATT S4's bootloader

Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should search or look in the developers section
Dude you didn't even try to look in the other forums
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Search is your friend.
Sent from my GT-N7100
I highly suggest you read...read...and read again
To start you off in the right direction though, read up on Loki as that is our bootloader bypass method...basically anything that has been lokid can be flashed...
But seriously read!!! Don't want to waste a headache and trouble shooting on a soft brick
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2
go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
sent from xda app
The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?
puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS INFO IS EVERYWHERE! READ MAN. useless thread here serious.
hey there bud, sorry everyone feels the need to repeatedly tell you to search instead of ending the thread with an explanation. im also sorry everyone else feels like this information is readily available, when its the furthest from that. you will require some digging and deduction skills to acquire all the information needed to fully utilize the loki function.
Since att took it upon themselves to lock the bootloader, the kernel has to be properly provisioned before it will allow it to boot (if the kernel is not set up correctly, you will receive an error about unapproved software on the device and will have to restore sans odin....yuck), so our awesome drjbliss and the infamous adamoutlers have provided a tool called "loki" which will allow bypassing of the locked bootloader and allow us to run the custom firmware.
please ensure that whatever ROM you are running has been previously provisioned with loki, or you are flashing a custom kernel that has loki baked in. Alternatively, there is an auto loki tool floating around called "loki doki" that can be flashed after any ROM to pre-loki it before boot.
You can PM me with any specific questions, and all you trolls should learn to help instead of complaining. In the amount of posts it took to complain about the OP not searching, it would have only taken one post to clarify and then this thread would have simply got buried.
---------- Post added at 06:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
Screwbal said:
The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is close enough to an unlocked bootloader, no worries my friend. Flash away and enjoy!
So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?
ShowMeMo said:
So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? You can't unlock the bootloader. The i337 never had and never will have a bootloader that can be unlocked
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk
rugmankc said:
Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been doing fine jd, thanks. Hope you are too.
Yes, I really like it. Not gonna Jailbreak, but my bank just started accepting Apple Pay. So, going to play with it. Something for an old man to have fun with.
It's just picking up steam as far as number of merchants, so ordered and will mess with the LoopPay FOB where AP isn't used yet. A year ago I would have sworn I would never use this techy stuff for banking. Must be getting soft.

Which Rom Thread

I just won a Galaxy S 4 At&t, but I'm a T-Mobile Guy. The device is coming to me unlocked, if I can get it off of Edge and running correctly, do I flash At&t custom rom or T-Mobile?
I would think At&t and go with the device model but I could be wrong.
i'd flash ATT roms and manually input my tmobile APNs. be sure to follow the correct procedures for rooting/flashing on our bootloader-locked devices. if your device arrives with the MF3 build, read up before you proceed as there are many ways to brick your device on that firmware release. cheers
I would sell it while it's still brand new, unused. Get the maximum dollar for it. Then go and buy a T-Mobile S4.
The biggest reason is, you don't want the AT&T locked bootloader. If you get an OLD S4, then you can flash custom ROM's. If you get an S4 with the most recent firmware on it, then you're screwed and can't flash any custom ROM's.
Either way, if you're not an AT&T user then DON'T get an AT&T S4.
CZ Eddie said:
I would sell it while it's still brand new, unused. Get the maximum dollar for it. Then go and buy a T-Mobile S4.
The biggest reason is, you don't want the AT&T locked bootloader. If you get an OLD S4, then you can flash custom ROM's. If you get an S4 with the most recent firmware on it, then you're screwed and can't flash any custom ROM's.
Either way, if you're not an AT&T user then DON'T get an AT&T S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if he chooses to keep that phone, there's an option BUT ONLY if the phone came with MDB/MDL update. Then he can use loki to bypass the locked bootloader and install custom roms.
Just an option, not great but still an option :cyclops:
Personally, I'd go with CZ Eddie's post lol
Excuse me sir, how can I win an s4?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
The device might update itself if it connects to the network. Don't connect to your wifi until you know what version you have. The MF3 update closes the exploit that was being used to root, I believe.
Hi. So i just bought a i337 i guess this is the at&t right. So i can flash any rom as long as i have the loki kernel right. And yes i have the MDL so i guess is ok. To use loki. And is there a way to do a bootloader unlock?. Thanks
Enviado desde mi SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 usando Tapatalk 2
sg3love said:
Excuse me sir, how can I win an s4?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PinStack.com has great Anniversary Contests, this was their 9th
bighleo114312 said:
Hi. So i just bought a i337 i guess this is the at&t right. So i can flash any rom as long as i have the loki kernel right. And yes i have the MDL so i guess is ok. To use loki. And is there a way to do a bootloader unlock?. Thanks
Enviado desde mi SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 usando Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader is still locked and cannot be unlocked.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Ahh go here, it will explain how and what to do to run other carriers roms on your newly won g4...
[GUIDE][ROMS]RUN OTHER CARRIER ROMs on AT&T/TMO/Canadian S4 devices. Here's how! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295557

New to Samsung Note Series

Recently I purchased a note 3 off ebay to use tell Im available for an upgrade. I'm not sure what software version is on it cause I haven't gotten it. Just have a few questions.
Is the only way you can root is in 4.4.2 ?
If the phone comes can't I downgrade from 5.0 to 4.4.4 and them to 4.4.2.
Please understand I'm new to Samsung so not sure it all works. Coming from all htc devices like DNA and one max.
Welcvome aboard
thayl0 said:
Recently I purchased a note 3 off ebay to use tell Im available for an upgrade. I'm not sure what software version is on it cause I haven't gotten it. Just have a few questions.
Is the only way you can root is in 4.4.2 ?
If the phone comes can't I downgrade from 5.0 to 4.4.4 and them to 4.4.2.
Please understand I'm new to Samsung so not sure it all works. Coming from all htc devices like DNA and one max.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, you can root Lollipop as well.
there are ways to downgrade but you have to be careful...
Look out for threads in General section and work on the method specific to your model (about downgrade)
this is for N900 http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/safe-to-downgrade-ll-to-kk-sm-n900-t3016966 :angel:
nijom said:
no, you can root Lollipop as well.
there are ways to downgrade but you have to be careful...
Look out for threads in General section and work on the method specific to your model (about downgrade)
this is for N900 http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/general/safe-to-downgrade-ll-to-kk-sm-n900-t3016966 :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the quick reply is the n900 and n900v the same thing cause !my model coming is the n900v
Do you think I should try to root lollipop before I try to downgrade.
Wouldn't I follow this guide to root and install trwp n custom rom after.
https://youtu.be/eDHSXn5KwAw
thayl0 said:
Thank you for the quick reply is the n900 and n900v the same thing cause !my model coming is the n900v
Do you think I should try to root lollipop before I try to downgrade.
Wouldn't I follow this guide to root and install trwp n custom rom after.
https://youtu.be/eDHSXn5KwAw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not downgrade. Why would you do that?
No it is not the same, flashing other variants roms will brick yours. Or supersu twrp etc.
V is for Verizon
kenny1991 said:
Do not downgrade. Why would you do that?
No it is not the same, flashing other variants roms will brick yours. Or supersu twrp etc.
V is for Verizon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please link me to an guide on n900V and how to root it on lollipop. Samsung and HTC devices are way different in how to do things and I don't want to screw up. Hopefully you understand.
thayl0 said:
Could you please link me to an guide on n900V and how to root it on lollipop. Samsung and HTC devices are way different in how to do things and I don't want to screw up. Hopefully you understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon version is not rootable, nor does it accept custom recoveries. You better choose another variant, if that is important to you.
jisoo said:
Verizon version is not rootable, nor does it accept custom recoveries. You better choose another variant, if that is important to you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it has locked bootloader, right?
So there is no way to unlock the bootloader like with Sonys? Like asking for unlock code from Verizon?
kenny1991 said:
Because it has locked bootloader, right?
So there is no way to unlock the bootloader like with Sonys? Like asking for unlock code from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. Samsung phones all come bootloader unlocked, unless the carriers wants them locked (as was the case with Verizon and AT&T for the Note 4).
The locked versions have almost never successfully been unlocked.
So if you can, stay away from these two variants.
jisoo said:
You are correct. Samsung phones all come bootloader unlocked, unless the carriers wants them locked (as was the case with Verizon and AT&T for the Note 4).
The locked versions have almost never successfully been unlocked.
So if you can, stay away from these two variants.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then why are people saying I can root it.... I do know the phone is coming networked unlocked. I find it crazy that if you can't unlock a verizon bootloader that there are roms that support verizon.
So what your telling me is there's no possible way to root even on stock so i can run xposed framework.?
thayl0 said:
Then why are people saying I can root it.... I do know the phone is coming networked unlocked. I find it crazy that if you can't unlock a verizon bootloader that there are roms that support verizon.
So what your telling me is there's no possible way to root even on stock so i can run xposed framework.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some firmware versions have vulnerabilities, which can be exploited to gain root/install safestrap. Some versions allow downgrading to vulnerable versions. But not all.
You should check the Verizon forums for more information http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3.
jisoo said:
Some firmware versions have vulnerabilities, which can be exploited to gain root/install safestrap. Some versions allow downgrading to vulnerable versions. But not all.
You should check the Verizon forums for more information http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-note-3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?
thayl0 said:
Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I don't know much about the US carriers, so don't know how they interoperate.
thayl0 said:
Will do. But say I buy a note 3 that either from Sprint or T-Mobile and install custom rom want I be able to use Verizon but only if I have a custom rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Verizon uses CDMA and will not allow 3rd party phones on their network. T-Mobile uses GSM and will NOT work on Verizon network. Period. You MUST use a Verizon branded device on Verizon network.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
toastido said:
No. Verizon uses CDMA and will not allow 3rd party phones on their network. T-Mobile uses GSM and will NOT work on Verizon network. Period. You MUST use a Verizon branded device on Verizon network.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, just got the phone in the mail and it seems that it came with 5.0 so I guess I'm outta luck for root. First phone I've ever had that I can't root. I'm sad aha

Have a rooted SM-G900V on Android 5.0 ... Need better kernel

I come from rooted HTC phones, and need some help. Samsung Verizon version seems particular. I am looking for better or best battery life, in comparison to my current kernel. Please see screenshots. Thanks!
As far as I know you can't flash custom kernels on the G900V, sorry :/
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Verizon versions have locked bootloaders, no way to install custom recovery, so too bad.
Frost009 said:
Verizon versions have locked bootloaders, no way to install custom recovery, so too bad.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before telling other people to do research before posting - why not take some of your own advice
http://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5-bootloader-has-been-unlocked/
Verizon bootloader has been unlocked for days now
*Detection* said:
Before telling other people to do research before posting - why not take some of your own advice
http://www.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5-bootloader-has-been-unlocked/
Verizon bootloader has been unlocked for days now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's been unlocked as a proof of concept as part of private research, that is not released and for the masses its still locked.
Sent from my Tw5ted SM-G900A using Tapatalk
Yeah... Nice try there, the hypocrisy....

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