just got my s4 :( - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

and its on mf3, i really wanted to flash a gpe rom too.....
is there any way to flash it at all? i understand mf3 doesnt have a working recovery

Not at the moment. There is a root method, but no factory image to flash back to.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43890414 check here for recovery updates.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-i337) via Tapatalk 4

sheek360 said:
and its on mf3, i really wanted to flash a gpe rom too.....
is there any way to flash it at all? i understand mf3 doesnt have a working recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all just have to be patient! It's not the end of the world, rooting it allows you to remove some bloatware, then you can install themes and launchers to make it a little better!~
You can still tweak the device so it's enjoyable!

Think hard before you root it. There is currently no way to unroot. There also is no odin flashable firmware should you get into trouble and need to recover from it. Read a lot in this forum before you attempt to root. Everyday there are multiple users who run into trouble and end up with a crippled phone at best.

jd1639 said:
Think hard before you root it. There is currently no way to unroot. There also is no odin flashable firmware should you get into trouble and need to recover from it. Read a lot in this forum before you attempt to root. Everyday there are multiple users who run into trouble and end up with a crippled phone at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get around alot, have you seen any update to the MF3 bootloader issue?

TheAxman said:
You get around alot, have you seen any update to the MF3 bootloader issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.

jd1639 said:
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tons and tons of uninformed people are messing up their phones. You're right, it's sad.
It will be great when people can comfortably root their device knowing there is a way back when all is said and done.
In the mean time, to the OP, playing the waiting game will not kill anyone in this situation.

jd1639 said:
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, if most would have read just a little, they would not be having this issue. For me, I always wait until a dev gets a hold of an update and does their thing, and then I update to the newest...I have NEVER updated direct on the phone, even with all the phones I have ever owned.

Not happening OP, do a search on MF3 in the search bar you will find all kinds of things related to it.

I just want to say, if you root your MF3 phone, do NOT modify anything in the system partition, which means files that require root to edit. If you happen to do some sort of mod that borks your system, it will be very difficult and perhaps impossible to recover. Don't do anything that can't be undone with a factory restore done in recovery.
I'm fairly certain that it is possible to unroot once rooted, however, your phone and system partition must be in full working order and unmodified in order to be at complete stock. If you are new to rooting and customizing the phone in that matter, you are probably best not rooting at the moment, since you will likely mess something up on accident while learning. I think most every single one of us has borked our OS while tinkering with root stuff and had to use some sort of recovery method. At the time, no recovery method is possible, so I repeat, don't root if you don't know what you're doing.

ThePerson98 said:
I just want to say, if you root your MF3 phone, do NOT modify anything in the system partition, which means files that require root to edit. If you happen to do some sort of mod that borks your system, it will be very difficult and perhaps impossible to recover. Don't do anything that can't be undone with a factory restore done in recovery.
I'm fairly certain that it is possible to unroot once rooted, however, your phone and system partition must be in full working order and unmodified in order to be at complete stock. If you are new to rooting and customizing the phone in that matter, you are probably best not rooting at the moment, since you will likely mess something up on accident while learning. I think most every single one of us has borked our OS while tinkering with root stuff and had to use some sort of recovery method. At the time, no recovery method is possible, so I repeat, don't root if you don't know what you're doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanna plus 1 that for the OP
Sent from miPhone using XDA Premium HD app

As long as you're a smart cookie and don't go around attempting to mod your twframework and other important inner system files, I wouldn't get too disheartened and held back from touching the partition. Simply be intuitive and anything you intended on replacing, rename instead to the file with a *.temp extension. Wouldn't be that hard to roll back then (as long as you can still boot). Rooting itself mods the system, so people have already jumped ship in that regard.
Just don't go around trying to enable verbose boot or flash a recovery from some kind of mobile ODIN or GooManager.
BE SMART, not eccentric and living by the standards of yolo.

Related

updating from rooted 2.2

Apologies if this is a noob question. I didn't see any obvious answer to this, and I'm guessing I"m not the only one to question this.
I have a rooted stock 2.2, rooted with Unrevoked3. Now that there's a root exploit for GB, I'm trying to make sense of what I need to do to get the OTA installed.
Reading through the Unrevoked site, it looks like I need to find the appropriate .img first to restore me back to original? And Unrevoked's site directed me back here, but i didn't see where to find the correct file.
Second, I assume, and correct me if I'm wrong, that I simply copy the correct .img file back to my phone (which directory?) and boot up into recover to restore? At that point, i'll be able to get and update with the OTA?
-Brian
Why not flash a stock rooted GB ROM?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
That would certainly be the easiest solution, but i'd rather go OTA for a couple reasons:
1) while absolutely nothing against the great work the devs have done, I've gone back and forth on this and really end up wanting to keep mine stock (with a lot of sprint crap-ware frozen)
2) and a more direct reason for my question in the first place, this isn't just for my own phone, which i don't mind "hacking" with as much, but also for a coworker's phone I've rooted, the wife's (don't want to mess too much with hers) and even the in-law's two phones.
3) least required reason, I have very little actual use for Root, especially on the other listed phones, but the primary requirements on why i've rooted theirs is for wireless tethering and freezing of crapware.
1) while absolutely nothing against the great work the devs have done, I've gone back and forth on this and really end up wanting to keep mine stock (with a lot of sprint crap-ware frozen)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, the stock rooted roms are exactly that: stock, but rooted. Everything is still there.
2) and a more direct reason for my question in the first place, this isn't just for my own phone, which i don't mind "hacking" with as much, but also for a coworker's phone I've rooted, the wife's (don't want to mess too much with hers) and even the in-law's two phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again, flashing a stock rooted rom is NO different than taking the ota, except you will stay rooted and will not have to re-root.
3) least required reason, I have very little actual use for Root, especially on the other listed phones, but the primary requirements on why i've rooted theirs is for wireless tethering and freezing of crapware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, well if you don't need root, then take the ota and you will be unrooted.
Ok, fair points. So which rom(s) would be the original stock roms with nothing but Root added?
They would be in the threads that say Stock ROMs

[Q] General questions about motochopper

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
HardOnChairs said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We cant have CWM until bootloader is unlocked (assuming you have the US AT&T version)
That being said, seeing how there is no custom ROMs you can use ODIN as a kind of backup. It'll wipe and then install factory /system partition, leaving /data alone (you can wipe /data in stock recovery if needed).
CWM works better as it backs up YOUR phone (including mods and /data).
_Dennis_ said:
We cant have CWM until bootloader is unlocked (assuming you have the US AT&T version)
That being said, seeing how there is no custom ROMs you can use ODIN as a kind of backup. It'll wipe and then install factory /system partition, leaving /data alone (you can wipe /data in stock recovery if needed).
CWM works better as it backs up YOUR phone (including mods and /data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would a stock firmware be enough to get me back up if I mess up my phone with root access? That's my main concern.
HardOnChairs said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answers to all of the questions you asked are in these threads...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252248
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2259933
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261232
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2254274
I found a few of those threads, they are what prompted my additional questions. But the second to last one seems to answer my question. Thanks.
HardOnChairs said:
I found a few of those threads, they are what prompted my additional questions. But the second to last one seems to answer my question. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use either Kies or Odin and the stock factory firmware to completely return to factory stock, but be careful with ODIN, if you check the wrong options it can hard brick your phone.
MotoChopper
I would like to know ...
I rooted my S4 with Motochopper and I realized that my boot animation changed (to the one Samsung used in older models...) Is it easy to put back the new one ?

[Q] regarding: Loki + TWRP + Motochopper CASUAL

Hey folks.
I attempted to ask this in the most relevant thread, but as a new user I can not.
My question pertains to the CASUAL root tool for the S4.
Developed by AdamOutler.
Described in the thread "[ROOT[RECOVERY] Loki + TWRP + Motochopper CASUAL-R527b release"
The tool looks pretty amazing.
But I do have some questions.
Please forgive me in advance I am an UBER NEWBIE.
Many of the terms thrown around here are completely foreign to me.
(Yes, I've searched for that knowledge - but perhaps you are underestimating my noobness. )
(Yes, I have read the "[HOW-TO] The All-In-One Root/Backup/Flash Guide - [I337 & I337M]" thread as well... it helped but... yeah still a noob.)
FYI: The only reason I want to root my S4 (AT&T) is so I can remove the crappy bloatware, and also configure the anti-theft/find-phone features of the avast! app.
Ok so on to the questions...
1) Once this is done what's to stop some update from my carrier un-doing it all?
2) If that were to happen how much pain would I be in for?
3) If the only way to protect one's self from this is to somehow disable OS/firmware updates... is the only way to get future OS updates through a ROM?
4) This TWRP thing seems to be a backup/recovery tool?
I gather that it also enable ROMs flashing, etc?
I've read others like "Titanium Backup" because it can freeze/remove the bloatware.
Are they both kinda the same thing?
Will the two conflict?
5) This "Nandroid" is another backup tool?
Am I correct in my understanding that the TWRP leverages nandroid - or are they comepeting solutions.
6) Is Nandroid a system function or some other tool that needs installed?
Thanks a bunch folks!
~Doug
DougYITBOS said:
Hey folks.
I attempted to ask this in the most relevant thread, but as a new user I can not.
My question pertains to the CASUAL root tool for the S4.
Developed by AdamOutler.
Described in the thread "[ROOT[RECOVERY] Loki + TWRP + Motochopper CASUAL-R527b release"
The tool looks pretty amazing.
But I do have some questions.
Please forgive me in advance I am an UBER NEWBIE.
Many of the terms thrown around here are completely foreign to me.
(Yes, I've searched for that knowledge - but perhaps you are underestimating my noobness. )
(Yes, I have read the "[HOW-TO] The All-In-One Root/Backup/Flash Guide - [I337 & I337M]" thread as well... it helped but... yeah still a noob.)
FYI: The only reason I want to root my S4 (AT&T) is so I can remove the crappy bloatware, and also configure the anti-theft/find-phone features of the avast! app.
Ok so on to the questions...
1) Once this is done what's to stop some update from my carrier un-doing it all?
2) If that were to happen how much pain would I be in for?
3) If the only way to protect one's self from this is to somehow disable OS/firmware updates... is the only way to get future OS updates through a ROM?
4) This TWRP thing seems to be a backup/recovery tool?
I gather that it also enable ROMs flashing, etc?
I've read others like "Titanium Backup" because it can freeze/remove the bloatware.
Are they both kinda the same thing?
Will the two conflict?
5) This "Nandroid" is another backup tool?
Am I correct in my understanding that the TWRP leverages nandroid - or are they comepeting solutions.
6) Is Nandroid a system function or some other tool that needs installed?
Thanks a bunch folks!
~Doug
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Once this is done what's to stop some update from my carrier un-doing it all?
If you root you will not be able to get updates any longer.
2) If that were to happen how much pain would I be in for?
Its not going to happen because you are rooted.
3) If the only way to protect one's self from this is to somehow disable OS/firmware updates... is the only way to get future OS updates through a ROM?
The only way you will get updates is ODIN back to stock. Again, no worries.
4) This TWRP thing seems to be a backup/recovery tool?
I gather that it also enable ROMs flashing, etc?
I've read others like "Titanium Backup" because it can freeze/remove the bloatware.
Are they both kinda the same thing?
Will the two conflict?
TWRP - is a recovery, so you can perform nandroid backups, and to flash roms, and to restore backups. Nothing more, nothing less.
Titanium Backup is a app you use within the rom, to backup and restore apps with, you can read more on this going to the market, it will explain this app's features and what it does.
They are not the same, 2 different programs, that do 2 different things.
Question 5 & 6 answered in #4 answer.
Hope this helps, kinda down and dirty, try and do some reading on all of the above.
Appreciate the thanks.
Thank you and good luck.
Thanks a bunch TheAxman
You said...
TheAxman said:
1) Once this is done what's to stop some update from my carrier un-doing it all?
If you root you will not be able to get updates any longer.
3) If the only way to protect one's self from this is to somehow disable OS/firmware updates... is the only way to get future OS updates through a ROM?
The only way you will get updates is ODIN back to stock. Again, no worries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does the Root tool (in this case the CASUL script by Adam) do something to shut down carrier updates or I need to do something extra?
Also if one were to ODIN back to stock... and get an update... and then re-root...
I assume you could get an old backup from an external storage area and try to get all your "stuff" back?
DougYITBOS said:
Thanks a bunch TheAxman
You said...
So does the Root tool (in this case the CASUL script by Adam) do something to shut down carrier updates or I need to do something extra?
Also if one were to ODIN back to stock... and get an update... and then re-root...
I assume you could get an old backup from an external storage area and try to get all your "stuff" back?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once you root,, it changes the rom status to custom, so the update see's that and does NOTHING. if you odin back to stock, un-root, you can force updates, but be careful with updates, carriers are patching things so we can not do what we do, and that is to run custom roms on phones THAT WE OWN!
And btw, if this person xBeerdroiDx gives me a thanks, he is saying I did ok... If you seem to have anymore questions, his guide is one of the best....
[HOW-TO] The All-In-One Root/Backup/Flash Guide - [I337 & I337M]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2314494
Thanks to xBeerdroiDx - For this great Startup Guide
Thanks again!
DougYITBOS said:
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your quite welcome, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask them in the thread I gave you or mine.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295557
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I figured Axman may know.
In the past on my S2, I would flash a lot of roms. maybe after every 5 or 10 I would odin back to stock, boot it up, re-root, re-twrp, then flash another rom. just to get a very clean slate in a sense.
If I were to do this with the S4, you dont think the ATT update would get pushed in the 30 mins to an hour that the phone is in its stock state, do you? I dont want to get mf3'd.
orlandoxpolice said:
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I figured Axman may know.
In the past on my S2, I would flash a lot of roms. maybe after every 5 or 10 I would odin back to stock, boot it up, re-root, re-twrp, then flash another rom. just to get a very clean slate in a sense.
If I were to do this with the S4, you dont think the ATT update would get pushed in the 30 mins to an hour that the phone is in its stock state, do you? I dont want to get mf3'd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hehe it could, but highly unlikely, and if you feel that it may happen, do what I do, remove the sim until you get rooted, and then put the sim back in and complete the setup. Your not going to get calls in that time period anyways.
Good luck.
btw..this is cool, name please.
Dog: [Pitbull Sharpei Mix] Rom: Stock
TheAxman said:
hehe it could, but highly unlikely, and if you feel that it may happen, do what I do, remove the sim until you get rooted, and then put the sim back in and complete the setup. Your not going to get calls in that time period anyways.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah good idea. i suppose airplane mode would accomplish the same thing as well
orlandoxpolice said:
Sorry to hijack the thread, but I figured Axman may know.
In the past on my S2, I would flash a lot of roms. maybe after every 5 or 10 I would odin back to stock, boot it up, re-root, re-twrp, then flash another rom. just to get a very clean slate in a sense.
If I were to do this with the S4, you dont think the ATT update would get pushed in the 30 mins to an hour that the phone is in its stock state, do you? I dont want to get mf3'd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just throwing my limited experience out. I have never went back to stock via Odin simply to get a "clean slate." Completing a full wipe including a system format in recovery will be sufficient for a clean OS. I would reserve Odin flashing as a last resort for when problems aren't being remedied by a full wipe and format via recovery.
CamFlawless said:
I'm just throwing my limited experience out. I have never went back to stock via Odin simply to get a "clean slate." Completing a full wipe including a system format in recovery will be sufficient for a clean OS. I would reserve Odin flashing as a last resort for when problems aren't being remedied by a full wipe and format via recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you sir, appreciate the help, and yes, good idea.
TheAxman said:
Thank you sir, appreciate the help, and yes, good idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
might have been a placebo effect for me, lol.
TheAxman said:
1) Once this is done what's to stop some update from my carrier un-doing it all?
If you root you will not be able to get updates any longer.
2) If that were to happen how much pain would I be in for?
Its not going to happen because you are rooted.
3) If the only way to protect one's self from this is to somehow disable OS/firmware updates... is the only way to get future OS updates through a ROM?
The only way you will get updates is ODIN back to stock. Again, no worries.
4) This TWRP thing seems to be a backup/recovery tool?
I gather that it also enable ROMs flashing, etc?
I've read others like "Titanium Backup" because it can freeze/remove the bloatware.
Are they both kinda the same thing?
Will the two conflict?
TWRP - is a recovery, so you can perform nandroid backups, and to flash roms, and to restore backups. Nothing more, nothing less.
Titanium Backup is a app you use within the rom, to backup and restore apps with, you can read more on this going to the market, it will explain this app's features and what it does.
They are not the same, 2 different programs, that do 2 different things.
Question 5 & 6 answered in #4 answer.
Hope this helps, kinda down and dirty, try and do some reading on all of the above.
Appreciate the thanks.
Thank you and good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but its my understanding if you're rooted and still stock the MDL will still update to MF3 unless you either completely flash a custom ROM or rename the OTA files that At&t have on our devices.
where you end up, depends on where you start.
AT&T SGH-I337 32G
lilbigdude1 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but its my understanding if you're rooted and still stock the MDL will still update to MF3 unless you either completely flash a custom ROM or rename the OTA files that At&t have on our devices.
where you end up, depends on where you start.
AT&T SGH-I337 32G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
somewhat, but as soon as you root, your phone status is custom correct? therefor how can it update? Yes, it is better to do a custom rom, but you can still stay on MDL and never get updates, freezing the samsung update will work, but I gave the easiest way in his situation.
TheAxman said:
Once you root,, it changes the rom status to custom, so the update see's that and does NOTHING. if you odin back to stock, un-root, you can force updates, but be careful with updates, carriers are patching things so we can not do what we do, and that is to run custom roms on phones THAT WE OWN!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi...I'm another noob with a question about this. I also just used CASUAL to root my phone yesterday. I am definitely rooted but my Device Status actually still shows Official. Following the info in another thread, I used ES File Explorer's Root Manager to rename the wssyncmldm.apk.
Info from: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268946
The thread was actually written for a previous update, but renaming the apk should still be relevant.
Maybe this was overkill, but...
texasniteowl said:
Hi...I'm another noob with a question about this. I also just used CASUAL to root my phone yesterday. I am definitely rooted but my Device Status actually still shows Official. Following the info in another thread, I used ES File Explorer's Root Manager to rename the wssyncmldm.apk.
Info from: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268946
The thread was actually written for a previous update, but renaming the apk should still be relevant.
Maybe this was overkill, but...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just rooted and it showed custom status after, so no updates, you must check the status. just flashing a kernel will change the status, if you are going to root and install a recovery, some things are to go without saying.
Btw, I have learned, that nothing with information is an overkill, if you haven't notice xda is a bunch of peoples ideas and such, and many do not work for others, it is a hit miss.
TheAxman said:
I was just rooted and it showed custom status after, so no updates, you must check the status. just flashing a kernel will change the status, if you are going to root and install a recovery, some things are to go without saying.
Btw, I have learned, that nothing with information is an overkill, if you haven't notice xda is a bunch of peoples ideas and such, and many do not work for others, it is a hit miss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah...maybe I am referring to the wrong thing, but I was surprised that Settings > More > About Device > Status > Device Status still said "Official" on mine. I know CASUAL succeeded. TWRP is installed, SuperUser is installed. And I was able to use ES File Explorer's Root Manager to change system to R/W and rename the apk. So even though I'm very much an android novice, I'm pretty certain I'm rooted. I don't necessarily plan to flash a rom yet...but since I was still on MDL I wanted to retain the current ability to do so!
Is there some other place that it would show Custom as opposed to Official? That's actually why I went ahead and renamed that file.
texasniteowl said:
Yeah...maybe I am referring to the wrong thing, but I was surprised that Settings > More > About Device > Status > Device Status still said "Official" on mine. I know CASUAL succeeded. TWRP is installed, SuperUser is installed. And I was able to use ES File Explorer's Root Manager to change system to R/W and rename the apk. So even though I'm very much an android novice, I'm pretty certain I'm rooted. I don't necessarily plan to flash a rom yet...but since I was still on MDL I wanted to retain the current ability to do so!
Is there some other place that it would show Custom as opposed to Official? That's actually why I went ahead and renamed that file.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not mean to confuse anyone. Yes you did the right thing by renaming the the file. if your device says official then this step is needed. mine said custom. umm i stand corrected fellows..another step is needed. thanks for the oversight. i am only human..im not a animal.
TheAxman said:
I did not mean to confuse anyone. Yes you did the right thing by renaming the the file. if your device says official then this step is needed. mine said custom. umm i stand corrected fellows..another step is needed. thanks for the oversight. i am only human..im not a animal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you are paranoid then there are 3 files you can freeze. i cant remember which ones, but one is att update something something, thats all i can remember.
im no help
I think everyone gets the picture.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

[Q] How to Disable write protection on GS4 for Sprint

I ve rooted s3s note 2 etc... BUt I just tried to root my GS4 on Sprint, and it said write protected, now even though I was able to install super user on the device but it isn't working properly, and I cant flash any rom's any advice would be very much appreciated, I also noticed when I out the device into download mode to push cwm recovery it said write protection enabled, how can I disable this. thanx ahead XDA members...:fingers-crossed:
Are you on MF9 or MDL?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Mf9
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
Which root method did you use?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
I don't know how members mess up rooting a device. We have great and VERY easy methods. Plus tutorial vids from QBKing77.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
You're supposed to use ChainFire's auto root method: CF-auto-root
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
PearlS4 said:
I ve rooted s3s note 2 etc... BUt I just tried to root my GS4 on Sprint, and it said write protected, now even though I was able to install super user on the device but it isn't working properly, and I cant flash any rom's any advice would be very much appreciated, I also noticed when I out the device into download mode to push cwm recovery it said write protection enabled, how can I disable this. thanx ahead XDA members...:fingers-crossed:
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The write protect is normal and does not impact rooting or flashing anything. So any issues you are having are unrelated. It would be a problem with something you installed or are trying to install.
As Salil999 said, cf auto is the preferred rooting method if you aren't installing an already rooted Rom.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
an updated method/step by step procedure "how to root" IS really needed.
Salil999 said:
You're supposed to use ChainFire's auto root method: CF-auto-root
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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(Sorry but this is NOT directed at you i am simply quoting to prove a point)
This is something I have had an issue with as well. Despite how easy it might be for most not everyone catches on as quickly because of common misconceptions or how they might perceive the information because everyones mind works differently. I have used the CF root method and it is NOT the best method to use considering even after I used it i still had NO root. Top that off and add the fact that i even downgraded the version I had several times and i have searched countless times how to do a manual root and just havent had the time to complete a full root. Not everyone has the option to tinker all day (not saying that you do) to understand or figure it out IE real life - kids work school etc. what ever the case is. I have flashed a bootloader several times after establishing root to do nandroid backups/iso imgs and actually completed several come to find out that for some reason my Root did not stick at all when i had thought it did and i followed everything many times step by step to no avail achieve a permanent root. There is a problem with the process and I am sorry but everyone else that has gotten root is just fortunate the latest update has really put a damper on doing root the way it is described and is NOT current to fit everyones needs ATM. I am sure there are MANY others like the OP myself and others that are having the SAME EXACT ISSUE. I am not new to ADB and have been rooting my phones since the HTC came out with the original Supersonic Evo 4G using the ADB method and some people without providing any options just have to think that because some of us are having problems that we (or I) are not "intelligent" enough to figure it out and i have worked with computers since windows for workgroups 3.11 and construct my own Gaming RIGs, Servers, Laptops (and phones recently as of the last 2+ years) never having any issues because its just second nature to me at times with PCs and Laptops. Phones on the other hand are much more complicated because of incompatibility issues with OTA updates from the manufactures and cellular service providers either because they dont want people messing with their brands and wish to be a pain in the butt for whatever the reason, financial or whatnot. I am seeing it ALL over XDA for Sprint Users mostly since thats where i am confining my search patterns. I am actually going through ADB to manually archive root because im tired of searching through countless postings to find nothing on the subject and do not enjoy the dumb comments people think they have to leave on my post and others posters. Im sure im going to get a stupid comment or a flame of some type because even when im just "venting" at my frustrations as im sure everyone does from time to time no one enjoys being messed with when they are already pissed off and frustrated that just makes matters worse for the OP and the community. Eventually the problem works itself out, but c'mon people, seriously not everyone gets to have the opportunity to get the root achieved right because of the stupid OTAs released time and time again that make the latest root option obsolete because thats what it IS RIGHT NOW OBSOLETE. It is being a pain in my ass because KNOX was tripped with a custom rom and even though the custom ROM sticked the ROOT DID NOT. they (cell manufactures or providers) prevent rooting in the first place by ADDING additional roadblocks in OTAs just to slow down/prevent users or people that enjoy the ability of having the option to use root to their technical advantages (because they lose money, which really is more profit on top of original costs inflated to a ridiculous amounts not fair to consumers). Even with development, future development, paying employees, etc. its not even close to being fairly priced market for consumers and already the rate are increasing at a rate to costly and unfair to consumers with little to no option of maxing the potential life of a product. I dont know about everyone but not all can afford to keep updated with the latest gear. We have great developers that probably get no where NEAR the amount of donations that they SHOULD be receiving to keep up when they are devoting their own personal time and currency to making apps and ROMs but the fact remains that it is easier for a huge company to crank out software because they PAY people to do it knowing that freeware developers are not going to have the time or resources to keep up. If anyone knows of an updated method or a manual method to root or another option the help is very much appreciated by myself others and the OP. Thank you to the people that have taken the time to help everyone else in a positive manor.
VenomousViper said:
(Sorry but this is NOT directed at you i am simply quoting to prove a point)
This is something I have had an issue with as well. Despite how easy it might be for most not everyone catches on as quickly because of common misconceptions or how they might perceive the information because everyones mind works differently. I have used the CF root method and it is NOT the best method to use considering even after I used it i still had NO root. Top that off and add the fact that i even downgraded the version I had several times and i have searched countless times how to do a manual root and just havent had the time to complete a full root. Not everyone has the option to tinker all day (not saying that you do) to understand or figure it out IE real life - kids work school etc. what ever the case is. I have flashed a bootloader several times after establishing root to do nandroid backups/iso imgs and actually completed several come to find out that for some reason my Root did not stick at all when i had thought it did and i followed everything many times step by step to no avail achieve a permanent root. There is a problem with the process and I am sorry but everyone else that has gotten root is just fortunate the latest update has really put a damper on doing root the way it is described and is NOT current to fit everyones needs ATM. I am sure there are MANY others like the OP myself and others that are having the SAME EXACT ISSUE. I am not new to ADB and have been rooting my phones since the HTC came out with the original Supersonic Evo 4G using the ADB method and some people without providing any options just have to think that because some of us are having problems that we (or I) are not "intelligent" enough to figure it out and i have worked with computers since windows for workgroups 3.11 and construct my own Gaming RIGs, Servers, Laptops (and phones recently as of the last 2+ years) never having any issues because its just second nature to me at times with PCs and Laptops. Phones on the other hand are much more complicated because of incompatibility issues with OTA updates from the manufactures and cellular service providers either because they dont want people messing with their brands and wish to be a pain in the butt for whatever the reason, financial or whatnot. I am seeing it ALL over XDA for Sprint Users mostly since thats where i am confining my search patterns. I am actually going through ADB to manually archive root because im tired of searching through countless postings to find nothing on the subject and do not enjoy the dumb comments people think they have to leave on my post and others posters. Im sure im going to get a stupid comment or a flame of some type because even when im just "venting" at my frustrations as im sure everyone does from time to time no one enjoys being messed with when they are already pissed off and frustrated that just makes matters worse for the OP and the community. Eventually the problem works itself out, but c'mon people, seriously not everyone gets to have the opportunity to get the root achieved right because of the stupid OTAs released time and time again that make the latest root option obsolete because thats what it IS RIGHT NOW OBSOLETE. It is being a pain in my ass because KNOX was tripped with a custom rom and even though the custom ROM sticked the ROOT DID NOT. they (cell manufactures or providers) prevent rooting in the first place by ADDING additional roadblocks in OTAs just to slow down/prevent users or people that enjoy the ability of having the option to use root to their technical advantages (because they lose money, which really is more profit on top of original costs inflated to a ridiculous amounts not fair to consumers). Even with development, future development, paying employees, etc. its not even close to being fairly priced market for consumers and already the rate are increasing at a rate to costly and unfair to consumers with little to no option of maxing the potential life of a product. I dont know about everyone but not all can afford to keep updated with the latest gear. We have great developers that probably get no where NEAR the amount of donations that they SHOULD be receiving to keep up when they are devoting their own personal time and currency to making apps and ROMs but the fact remains that it is easier for a huge company to crank out software because they PAY people to do it knowing that freeware developers are not going to have the time or resources to keep up. If anyone knows of an updated method or a manual method to root or another option the help is very much appreciated by myself others and the OP. Thank you to the people that have taken the time to help everyone else in a positive manor.
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Click to collapse
Wow, sounds like you are having a bad day. Not trying to piss you off or anything. But cf autoroot works, and works very well. And all knox does is trigger a warranty flag that can not be reset and limits you going backwards on firmware. It doesn't do anything to prevent rooting. I think the best method for you would be to reset and start with a clean phone. By reset, I mean downloading and installing the full MJA tar file and doing a factory reset. This way you have a clean phone with nothing that might be blocking your rooting process. Next, grab cf autoroot and make sure you are using a newer version of odin. I use odin3 ver. 3.07. Run cf autoroot and let it boot all the way up. Now go into your app drawer and see if supersu is installed. If it isn't install it from the play store. Open cf autoroot and install the binaries, use the normal button. Now, if it errors on the binary install don't panic. Redo the cf autoroot and repeat the install of supersu again if it is not in the app drawer. If it is in the app drawer open it and install the binaries if it asks. It's basically a rinse and repeat operation. On MJA it sometimes takes a few attempts for it to stick. After you successfully have root, then use goo manager to install twrp or install the latest philz recovery. It takes a little patience but cf autoroot does work, and it is the best method available. Remember, starting with a clean slate is best. And if you want to be the most up to date, take the MK2 OTA before you start the root process. CF autoroot works on MK2 also.
Thanks for the useful help
cruise350 said:
Wow, sounds like you are having a bad day. Not trying to piss you off or anything. But cf autoroot works, and works very well. And all knox does is trigger a warranty flag that can not be reset and limits you going backwards on firmware. It doesn't do anything to prevent rooting. I think the best method for you would be to reset and start with a clean phone. By reset, I mean downloading and installing the full MJA tar file and doing a factory reset. This way you have a clean phone with nothing that might be blocking your rooting process. Next, grab cf autoroot and make sure you are using a newer version of odin. I use odin3 ver. 3.07. Run cf autoroot and let it boot all the way up. Now go into your app drawer and see if supersu is installed. If it isn't install it from the play store. Open cf autoroot and install the binaries, use the normal button. Now, if it errors on the binary install don't panic. Redo the cf autoroot and repeat the install of supersu again if it is not in the app drawer. If it is in the app drawer open it and install the binaries if it asks. It's basically a rinse and repeat operation. On MJA it sometimes takes a few attempts for it to stick. After you successfully have root, then use goo manager to install twrp or install the latest philz recovery. It takes a little patience but cf autoroot does work, and it is the best method available. Remember, starting with a clean slate is best. And if you want to be the most up to date, take the MK2 OTA before you start the root process. CF autoroot works on MK2 also.
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No Sir, not pissed off and maybe what i wrote was misconstrued since I left out some pertinent information listed here now... very pleased with your answer. Probably some of the most productive and useful information thus far and the best I have received/come across yet. I was currently trying to update the post when I saw your comment to me. I had failed to mention some important facts to include what I have had successfully completed listed down here:
KNOX tripped of course 0x30 Custom ROM via Odin Flashed/Stuck; MDC/MDL downgraded from a MF9 Baseband Modem Flashed via Odin/Stuck; Custom Recovery CWM 6.0.6.6 touch Flashed via Oden/Stuck PASSED; Root I HAVE TRYED MANY DIFFERENT WAYS POSTED VIA POSTS ON THE SPRINT COMMUNITY and FAILED TO KEEP ROOT. HOWEVER, it was succesful according to ODIN 1.85 & 3.07 many times over and over with CF-Auto-Root it stated as it PASSED via Odin... DID NOT STICK OR STAY when the reboot restarted the phone and loaded the Custom ROM every time I look up with root checker as stated still NO ROOT!
There isn't much I can possibly be missing but I am hoping there is some kind of solution via information you have provided by MK2 OTA root
I certainly am going to try posting all of this information for others to see in an easier to read/find post to benefit the community sometime before the new year. I was able to gain more by reading the posts to Unlock SIM which helped a lot since it was a refresher on ADB commands/steps for me.
Thanks again. i will update as soon as I figure it out or do not figure it out.
I LOVE YOU!!!! I feel the same way. Like im smart ok i am not near as knowledgeable as u r but i have messed with phones since iphone 3g came out and since the first ibm desktop cost 4000.00 lmao my dad and i are alike in that we cant just leave **** alone lol i dont understand a damn bit of what these posts say. Sometimes u have someone who has no knowledge of how these damn phones work mentally but u give me one i can tear it appart and fix anything on it even waterdamage thats my favorite. But no one tells you what these files are what they do and why u want it and then in like odin what the abrev mean what file goes there and why like if a rom is basicay windows but custom what slot does it go in then what are the rest for? Do u need to fill all or just one u need, why? Would it mess it up, why will one mess it up n the other not? What is this mk9 bs and how do i know what mine is? Ya know and im a single mom with 2 kids and my phone is important and the damn thing is stuck cause its update jacked up and now its in a boot loop and i cant get it out. It wont recongnize it in kies it wont take the md5 update through odin it wont even let me get to the menu that lets me clear cache or factory reset it. Ive done all sorts n got no where.

[Q] Removing root. Unable to upgrade

Hello folks. Unsure weather or not i post this in the correct place. So i rooted my SM-N9005 the other day just because well i"had" to. Ofcourse the next day the 4.4 update got released and i couldn't upgrade since my by now unfriendly phone told me i had tampered with it. I tried to restore it without really knowing what the hell i did and feeling a bit stupid for not getting it. I managed to remove root but it still says it's tampered with. Reckon i triggered the flash counter somehow. I could really use your help removing root and get my little phone back to "original" shape. Talk to me like a 3 year old since i apparently couldn't figure it out on my own. Cheers!
(And yes I have been reading so much about this my head spins now. I tried different ways to recover but i cant get it to work. I intentionally left out all the different apps i used here from the forum since that will probably confuse you guys aswell.)
how did you root?
download the kitkat firmware from sammobile then flash it using odin (so you don't need to upgrade via ota) then re-root
toinktoink said:
how did you root?
download the kitkat firmware from sammobile then flash it using odin (so you don't need to upgrade via ota) then re-root
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Ok, it started when i tried to root it by following an online gtuide. However it didnt work so I tried another one and "semi-bricked" it. Using odin. I tried readiing up on it as much as i could but the more i read the more different ways i found. Long story short, i rooted it. It worked fine. But removing root didnt seem to do the trick. I would just like to return it to stock without ruining anything. And be able to upgrade OTA if possible.I love fiddling with these things but since i pay so much for this damn phone I rather not do anything more that can destroy warranty etc. As i understood it rooting it wouldnt leave a trace and should be easy to undo. Now I understand that wasnt the case. I know I am the one to blame but would love if anyone could just try to explain what to do in a simple step by step way. If you need any info on what i did I can try to explain but i ended up with like 12 different webpages open with different solutions and to be honest I am not sure I can explain everything i tried...
JFKruuse said:
Ok, it started when i tried to root it by following an online gtuide. However it didnt work so I tried another one and "semi-bricked" it. Using odin. I tried readiing up on it as much as i could but the more i read the more different ways i found. Long story short, i rooted it. It worked fine. But removing root didnt seem to do the trick. I would just like to return it to stock without ruining anything. And be able to upgrade OTA if possible.I love fiddling with these things but since i pay so much for this damn phone I rather not do anything more that can destroy warranty etc. As i understood it rooting it wouldnt leave a trace and should be easy to undo. Now I understand that wasnt the case. I know I am the one to blame but would love if anyone could just try to explain what to do in a simple step by step way. If you need any info on what i did I can try to explain but i ended up with like 12 different webpages open with different solutions and to be honest I am not sure I can explain everything i tried...
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