[Q] 1st step with S4 - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I'm new to rooting, and have a 16GB AT&T S4 that is as you know bloated. I have been told I wanted to root it in order to have a better experience with the phone, what is my 1st step?

Find your build number and read all you can on rooting that build. Threads are in General Section. You will probably be moved to Q&A also--

GlockandRoll said:
I'm new to rooting, and have a 16GB AT&T S4 that is as you know bloated. I have been told I wanted to root it in order to have a better experience with the phone, what is my 1st step?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rugmankc said:
Find your build number and read all you can on rooting that build. Threads are in General Section. You will probably be moved to Q&A also--
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. If someone needs to tell you to do something or not to do it, your not ready for it. Reading the Pinned threads in general and Q&A is a great starting place.

Related

Root with Odin

I've seen a lot of threads about Odin and recently rooted my friend's Droid Charge. I had flawless results and another friend who wants his Samsung Fascinate rooted and a custom ROM installed.
I greatly enjoyed using the Odin software and I am wondering if I follow the instructions on this thread (switching out for a Fascinate compatible Odin rom of course) I will get the same result on the Fascinate as I did on the Charge?
Otherwise if that one won't work, I am specifically interested in a root using Odin thread for the Fascinate (I did search but haven't had much luck with it.). Thought I would ask the experts
BrettKoster said:
I've seen a lot of threads about Odin and recently rooted my friend's Droid Charge. I had flawless results and another friend who wants his Samsung Fascinate rooted and a custom ROM installed.
I greatly enjoyed using the Odin software and I am wondering if I follow the instructions on this thread (switching out for a Fascinate compatible Odin rom of course) I will get the same result on the Fascinate as I did on the Charge?
Otherwise if that one won't work, I am specifically interested in a root using Odin thread for the Fascinate (I did search but haven't had much luck with it.). Thought I would ask the experts
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes pretty much works the same... fyi for future reference please post your questions in the q&a section. You will get more responses there.
Thanks I had not thought about the Q&A forum, I will keep that in mind for next time!
BrettKoster said:
Thanks I had not thought about the Q&A forum, I will keep that in mind for next time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem... here is a good thread for rooting your phone!
http://www.galaxyforums.net/forum/fascinate-rs-guides/1967-how-root-froyo-gingerbread-your-fascinate.html

Wanting to root my tab, need an idea of where to look

I have the jelly bean update, but am not 100% sure of the exact firmware at the moment. I am looking for a general starting point, I have already unlocked it, but need to root and install custom recovery. I will answer any questions needed to help me out.
Thank you in advance,
Section 8
There are sticky topics at the top of this very forum waiting for you to read them.
sbdags said:
There are sticky topics at the top of this very forum waiting for you to read them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been through them, am not sure which one to follow.

How to root my Canadian S4 ?

I have no idea if its MF3 or anything,I don't even know how to find that out!
I had my SII X and Galaxy Ace rooted,so I know a bit. I already have Rom Manager installed but I don't wanna **** my phone up. I only wnana root it to put apps on the sd card and maybe delete some useless apps. But I don't plan on adding a ROM im extremely happy with the Samsung Firmware and all. Is it even worth rooting? I mean I can live without it lol....I just wanna use my sd card more cause I don'T wanna overload my internal storage.
SO how do I root it? I did teh update that they suggested me,its on 4.2.2
Thanks!
Questions go in Q&A. I know you have prior rooting knowledge and mean well in your post but you really do need to do a bunch of reading up before you continue. Cheers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494
check out the android development section and look for the cf-autoroot thread
xBeerdroiDx said:
Questions go in Q&A. I know you have prior rooting knowledge and mean well in your post but you really do need to do a bunch of reading up before you continue. Cheers
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you have the same logo as the link, is my device rootable? Cause I heard some firmwares are but can't put roms(idc)
Diamondsupply said:
I see you have the same logo as the link, is my device rootable? Cause I heard some firmwares are but can't put roms(idc)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you have a canadian s4 (i337m). unlocked bootloader. ready to go.
the MF3 you've heard of is on the at&t (locked bootloader) i337 s4.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Diamondsupply said:
I have no idea if its MF3 or anything,I don't even know how to find that out!
I had my SII X and Galaxy Ace rooted,so I know a bit. I already have Rom Manager installed but I don't wanna **** my phone up. I only wnana root it to put apps on the sd card and maybe delete some useless apps. But I don't plan on adding a ROM im extremely happy with the Samsung Firmware and all. Is it even worth rooting? I mean I can live without it lol....I just wanna use my sd card more cause I don'T wanna overload my internal storage.
SO how do I root it? I did teh update that they suggested me,its on 4.2.2
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800
Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk 4

Questions on rooting

Hi everyone, first time posting, but I usually look around the forums every now and again. I was planning to root my s4 from Fido. I never rooted or had experience with it but I'd like to do it. I have a few questions about it first though. Since I already downloaded the Mf3 update, is the newest root method safe? I also got the protection plan from future shop which I'd like to keep since my old phone did break and i used it to get my s4. I doubt it covers a rooted phone, so is there any way to reset it back to original factory settings or make it look like it, if i need to bring it back to them. (my last phone stopped recognizing micro sd cards) And are custom roms better than the stock? I read about how they are like a complete new OS for the phone and completely changes how the device feels. Thanks for any help.
michael9441 said:
Hi everyone, first time posting, but I usually look around the forums every now and again. I was planning to root my s4 from Fido. I never rooted or had experience with it but I'd like to do it. I have a few questions about it first though. Since I already downloaded the Mf3 update, is the newest root method safe? I also got the protection plan from future shop which I'd like to keep since my old phone did break and i used it to get my s4. I doubt it covers a rooted phone, so is there any way to reset it back to original factory settings or make it look like it, if i need to bring it back to them. (my last phone stopped recognizing micro sd cards) And are custom roms better than the stock? I read about how they are like a complete new OS for the phone and completely changes how the device feels. Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure about the MF3 update. I think it probably is still rootable as the Canadian devices don't have a locked bootloader, but somebody else should confirm this. I never updated my Bell S4, because i know on the MDL it atleast works for sure, and when installing custom ROMS, you can atleast be always updated to the build of the custom ROM regardless.
I think you are fine though, i would look for the motochopper thread, and i think it would have a warning if there was any incompatibility with a certain build.
And for removing root, its simple. Use triangle away to reset your flash counter, and you can just unroot (if on stock) or odin flash to go back to stock.
Monkz said:
I'm not sure about the MF3 update. I think it probably is still rootable as the Canadian devices don't have a locked bootloader, but somebody else should confirm this. I never updated my Bell S4, because i know on the MDL it atleast works for sure, and when installing custom ROMS, you can atleast be always updated to the build of the custom ROM regardless.
I think you are fine though, i would look for the motochopper thread, and i think it would have a warning if there was any incompatibility with a certain build.
And for removing root, its simple. Use triangle away to reset your flash counter, and you can just unroot (if on stock) or odin flash to go back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there is a new method that came out about 2 weeks ago. Can any issues arise with it being such a new method? Sorry I'm more familiar with pc software and new sometimes has bugs, problems, etc. Motochopper doesn't work, I tried it but it just says root successful and when i try to use a rooted app it says my phone isn't rooted. As for flashing roms with odin do you know any good websites that have have a list of them and reviews, etc. Also what happens if i accept an ota update when rooted?
Questions go in Q&A. Check out this guide. Read up. Cheers.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494
Rooting ATT Galaxy S4 But Why Bother?
michael9441 said:
Hi everyone, first time posting, but I usually look around the forums every now and again. I was planning to root my s4 from Fido. I never rooted or had experience with it but I'd like to do it. I have a few questions about it first though. Since I already downloaded the Mf3 update, is the newest root method safe? I also got the protection plan from future shop which I'd like to keep since my old phone did break and i used it to get my s4. I doubt it covers a rooted phone, so is there any way to reset it back to original factory settings or make it look like it, if i need to bring it back to them. (my last phone stopped recognizing micro sd cards) And are custom roms better than the stock? I read about how they are like a complete new OS for the phone and completely changes how the device feels. Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently ATT has locked the bootloader which means essentially that you can root all you want BUT you can't flash anything to the phone without bricking the phone. At this point, there is no way to flash this phone how you want it for the average Joe. But I ran across an article that describes how ATT has programmed this to prevent the average Joe meaning probably 98% of us from messing with the firmware. Apparently someone has succeeded in cracking this. Why can't our illustrious developers do the same? No disrespect intended here because we have some of the best such as Chainfire and Mark Skippen and others. Anyway here is the link to the article I ran across. Hope this info helps someone.:good:
http://threatpost.com/researcher-unlocks-samsung-galaxy-s4-bootloader-for-att-verizon-android-phones
Developers please take note! :good:
AHLASSICH said:
Apparently ATT has locked the bootloader which means essentially that you can root all you want BUT you can't flash anything to the phone without bricking the phone. At this point, there is no way to flash this phone how you want it for the average Joe. But I ran across an article that describes how ATT has programmed this to prevent the average Joe meaning probably 98% of us from messing with the firmware. Apparently someone has succeeded in cracking this. Why can't our illustrious developers do the same? No disrespect intended here because we have some of the best such as Chainfire and Mark Skippen and others. Anyway here is the link to the article I ran across. Hope this info helps someone.:good:
http://threatpost.com/researcher-unlocks-samsung-galaxy-s4-bootloader-for-att-verizon-android-phones
Developers please take note! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Why can't our illustrious developers do the same"
Developers please take note!
Why are you posting an old topic. You should take note... LOKI was the method used to side step the locked bootloader on MDB and MDL firmware. This was well known in this forum and there is information about it all over. Loki still works with MDB and MDL firmware, however, the MF3 OTA (AT&T) patched the exploit that was used with LOKI. There are entire threads dedicated to the subject in the AT&T S4 forums. Trying to help people is a good thing but spreading completely out of date information can do nothing but cause confusion and harm.
I can only suggest that you start in the "General" and "Q & A" sections and read the "pinned" threads so you can update yourself on information before you make any other posts. You can find links to important posts in those "pinned" threads that will help bring you up to speed.
To the OP, only AT&T and Verizon S4s have a locked bootloader, you said you are on 'FIDO", so are you sure you are on MF3?
My Sincere Apologies!
scott14719 said:
"Why can't our illustrious developers do the same"
Developers please take note!
Why are you posting an old topic. You should take note... LOKI was the method used to side step the locked bootloader on MDB and MDL firmware. This was well known in this forum and there is information about it all over. Loki still works with MDB and MDL firmware, however, the MF3 OTA (AT&T) patched the exploit that was used with LOKI. There are entire threads dedicated to the subject in the AT&T S4 forums. Trying to help people is a good thing but spreading completely out of date information can do nothing but cause confusion and harm.
I can only suggest that you start in the "General" and "Q & A" sections and read the "pinned" threads so you can update yourself on information before you make any other posts. You can find links to important posts in those "pinned" threads that will help bring you up to speed.
To the OP, only AT&T and Verizon S4s have a locked bootloader, you said you are on 'FIDO", so are you sure you are on MF3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for setting me straight. I will take your advise seriously. I have read and read through the forums and I never saw this information. I suppose I will get the hang of it. I will try to be a little more diligent in my research from now on. I did not realize what a pinned thread was and I will certainly check there first from now on. I dare say it is very difficult to follow the tracks on the different posts to arrive at a correct conclusion. Very convoluted especially for a noob like me!
AHLASSICH said:
Thank you for setting me straight. I will take your advise seriously. I have read and read through the forums and I never saw this information. I suppose I will get the hang of it. I will try to be a little more diligent in my research from now on. I did not realize what a pinned thread was and I will certainly check there first from now on. I dare say it is very difficult to follow the tracks on the different posts to arrive at a correct conclusion. Very convoluted especially for a noob like me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. Part of the difficulty (as you stated) is the fact that this forum (AT&T S4) is fragmented and hard to follow. There are several different carriers with several different firmwares all being represented in one forum. That is why the pinned threads are so important. The people who maintain those threads put a lot of time into them and make sure they are constantly updated. The Q & A forum is nearly useless (besides the pinned threads in it) due to the repetitive questions clogging it up. And people not following forum rules make the other sub forums difficult to use.
Most (99%) of all of the questions people come here to ask have already been addressed (usually several times) but people don't take the time or effort to read the answers, they come here to make another post about the same stuff over and over again, which causes even more confusion.
So, if you follow the pinned threads, and a few of the threads that tend to stay towards the top of the "General" section, you will be up to date on most things dealing with the S4s covered in this forum. Good luck.
scott14719 said:
"Why can't our illustrious developers do the same"
Developers please take note!
Why are you posting an old topic. You should take note... LOKI was the method used to side step the locked bootloader on MDB and MDL firmware. This was well known in this forum and there is information about it all over. Loki still works with MDB and MDL firmware, however, the MF3 OTA (AT&T) patched the exploit that was used with LOKI. There are entire threads dedicated to the subject in the AT&T S4 forums. Trying to help people is a good thing but spreading completely out of date information can do nothing but cause confusion and harm.
I can only suggest that you start in the "General" and "Q & A" sections and read the "pinned" threads so you can update yourself on information before you make any other posts. You can find links to important posts in those "pinned" threads that will help bring you up to speed.
To the OP, only AT&T and Verizon S4s have a locked bootloader, you said you are on 'FIDO", so are you sure you are on MF3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I am on mf3 since i got the most recent update from Fido. I thought that all updates are the same for the carriers that use the spectrum.
michael9441 said:
I think I am on mf3 since i got the most recent update from Fido. I thought that all updates are the same for the carriers that use the spectrum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check and see what your baseband / firmware says it is in "about phone" in the settings.

Can someone help me root, unclock, and flash a custom ROM?

Hi, I just got an AT&T S4.
It's currently on Android version 4.3
Can I use this tool to root/unlock it?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
My baseband version is I337UCUEMK2
Once I unlock/root it, can I flash any ROM in this forum?
Thanks
smokarz said:
Hi, I just got an AT&T S4.
It's currently on Android version 4.3
Can I use this tool to root/unlock it?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
My baseband version is I337UCUEMK2
Once I unlock/root it, can I flash any ROM in this forum?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to read the threads that are in the General and q & a sections. Start with the pinned threads. The questions you asked show that you have not done any reading and all members are expected to search and read. You will be glad if you do, because if you don't you will more than likely end up with a brick. There are several threads that already have the answers you asked. Good luck.
I read the stickied Q&A, which linked to the thread I posted above. It seems that the tool should be able to root and unlock my MK2 phone. I just wanted to confirm to double check.
smokarz said:
I read the stickied Q&A, which linked to the thread I posted above. It seems that the tool should be able to root and unlock my MK2 phone. I just wanted to confirm to double check.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't. Read all section stickies, there is a big guide in the general section telling you what works.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Hint--SafeStrap
You are going to have limitations on that build bc of the locked down bootloader by Samsung

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