What to lookout for - Verizon Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am looking to get rid of my htc one m8 and go back to Samsung. I know the s5 does not have an unlocked boot loader but it looks like custom roms can happen via safestrap. My question is, when buying the phone used, is there a specific software version i DO NOT want? The goal is to root, safestrap and then put some sort of custom rom on the phone.
Thanks

dougmod said:
I am looking to get rid of my htc one m8 and go back to Samsung. I know the s5 does not have an unlocked boot loader but it looks like custom roms can happen via safestrap. My question is, when buying the phone used, is there a specific software version i DO NOT want? The goal is to root, safestrap and then put some sort of custom rom on the phone.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently you are good to go even on the latest NI2 update. You only need to downgrade the kernel to NCG via odin, run towel root, then reflash the newest NI2 kernel. There is a good write-up on it. Just look a few posts down.

BladeRunner said:
Currently you are good to go even on the latest NI2 update. You only need to downgrade the kernel to NCG via odin, run towel root, then reflash the newest NI2 kernel. There is a good write-up on it. Just look a few posts down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I'm so excited to get off of the m8. The reception is terrible.
I also see that the dev scene looks pretty limited in the Verizon section. Is that because everything has been unified like the s4 so I can pretty much use any rom? AOsp, cm, etc

dougmod said:
Thanks for the reply. I'm so excited to get off of the m8. The reception is terrible.
I also see that the dev scene looks pretty limited in the Verizon section. Is that because everything has been unified like the s4 so I can pretty much use any rom? AOsp, cm, etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, unfortunately, things are somewhat limited as the bootloader remains unlocked for the consumer edition so no custom kernels.

I think he meant to say the bootloader remains locked on the retail version.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

kclive said:
I think he meant to say the bootloader remains locked on the retail version.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks, you are correct :silly:

Related

Unlocked Bootlader/ safe strap Question????

OK so I have no clue really want safestrap is really. I've only had phones that I could unlock my bootloader.
I guess my questions are is how much different is safestrap vs unlocked bootloader and did Verizon/Samsung lock this thing down to the point we can't unlock this thing.?
I just bought this phone on Verizon edge and had no knowledge about this thing being locked down.
Simple search will help.
Safe strap allows you to Flash stock ROMs and stock kernels. It is not a bootloader bypass. You cannot have recovery at this time. The chance of an actual bootloader unlock and/or recovery is slim.
We currently do have root.
If you want to do anything other than flash stock based ROMs and kernels (when SS is available, which is likely soon), then you should use a different device or get the Dev edition when it comes out.
You should do more research before putting that much money on a device down. I want the Note3 very much, but I much prefer a device with more flexibility, even if it isn't as badass.
I've had safe strap on my bionic and flashed asop ...but why would anyone on this device want asop??? ...that would not make a lot of..."touchwiz" lol.
Thanks for the reply. Yes your correct but no need to be an douche. Yes search answers questions but people who have used safestrap can sometimes provide better answers. This is the q&a section so that means you can ask questions. Anyways thanks for part of your reply.
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
jprovan1 said:
Thanks for the reply. Yes your correct but no need to be an douche. Yes search answers questions but people who have used safestrap can sometimes provide better answers. This is the q&a section so that means you can ask questions. Anyways thanks for part of your reply.
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope that was for the jerk and not the joke.....
Was for the jerk. I liked the joke
Sent from my SM-N900V using xda app-developers app
xdadevnube said:
Simple search will help.
Safe strap allows you to Flash stock ROMs and stock kernels. It is not a bootloader bypass. You cannot have recovery at this time. The chance of an actual bootloader unlock and/or recovery is slim.
We currently do have root.
If you want to do anything other than flash stock based ROMs and kernels (when SS is available, which is likely soon), then you should use a different device or get the Dev edition when it comes out.
You should do more research before putting that much money on a device down. I want the Note3 very much, but I much prefer a device with more flexibility, even if it isn't as badass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is wrong. Safestrap is a bootstrap recovery. It IS a "bootloader bypass" of sorts. Once everything is squared away, safestrap WILL allow flashing of non-stock ROMs and the execution of Kexec kernels. We will have access to almost everything available with an unlocked bootloader, except it will require room on our internal storage for the ROM files.
Banggugyangu said:
This is wrong. Safestrap is a bootstrap recovery. It IS a "bootloader bypass" of sorts. Once everything is squared away, safestrap WILL allow flashing of non-stock ROMs and the execution of Kexec kernels. We will have access to almost everything available with an unlocked bootloader, except it will require room on our internal storage for the ROM files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, it will not allow kexec, as that is a different exploit. Also, it cannot modify aboot. So you will not be able to install AOSP ROMs or anything but a modified stock kernel. Believe me, I would love to be wrong.
xdadevnube said:
AFAIK, it will not allow kexec, as that is a different exploit. Also, it cannot modify aboot. So you will not be able to install AOSP ROMs or anything but a modified stock kernel. Believe me, I would love to be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hashcode has implemented kexec into nearly every device's safestrap. Also, AOSP is still possible with the stock kernel. You simply have to incorporate certain parts of the stock ROM. I did all of this on the Droid Bionic. I had an AOSP ROM before safestrap was even created. It had a couple Blur elements that were very minor, but required.
Do we loose safestrap if we take OTA upgrade to Kitkat (when it's available)?
Banggugyangu said:
Hashcode has implemented kexec into nearly every device's safestrap. Also, AOSP is still possible with the stock kernel. You simply have to incorporate certain parts of the stock ROM. I did all of this on the Droid Bionic. I had an AOSP ROM before safestrap was even created. It had a couple Blur elements that were very minor, but required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking of the S4 that doesn't have kexec and cannot flash AOSP. It is reasonable to assume that the N3 could get kexec even although the S4 doesn't have it.
SS is not bootloader bypass. Many benefits of an unlocked bootloader will not be realized with SS. However, it should be a decent option for at least getting some ROMs. With kexec, then most people will be happy.
xdadevnube said:
I was thinking of the S4 that doesn't have kexec and cannot flash AOSP. It is reasonable to assume that the N3 could get kexec even although the S4 doesn't have it.
SS is not bootloader bypass. Many benefits of an unlocked bootloader will not be realized with SS. However, it should be a decent option for at least getting some ROMs. With kexec, then most people will be happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a huge difference when Hashcode has the phone in question. It's my understanding that this is the first Samsung phone he has had.
So he's stated that he plans to add kexec? That would be [email protected]$$.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Very confused about MF3

I just bought the HTC One for $200, but then I saw that Best Buy had the Samsung Galaxy s4 on sale for $50. I did not know which one I wanted and was truly torn between the two and ended up buying the HTC but if I can save $150 I will gladly get the s4. My only problem is that as I've been reading up on cs4 forums to make sure that I would be able to unlock root and flash custom roms I had came across what seems to be the problem with an AT&T firmware update known as mf3. If I cannot root and flash custom kernels and roms I do not think I will take advantage of the offer from Best Buy. My problem is that even after all the reading I cannot figure out whether it is possible to root and flash custom ROMs and kernels to the new version from AT&T, known as mf3, or if it is still not possible, or if it will be possible very soon so that I'm may use Android 4.4 Kit Kat on the phone or any custom Rom I wish. Can someone please clarify this for me as soon as possible because my time to return the HTC One to AT&T is coming close to its end?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
You can root and flash some roms using safestrap. But it's very limited. Imo I'd stay away from the s4
It's there any progress toward cracking MF3? I've had a one x for pat year and kinda wanted a change and I love the screen on the s4. If you had to choose between the s4 and the HTC one taking into consideration the mf3 problem, which would you choose? And which would you choose if there was no mf3 problem?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app
If you can find a S4 with MDL or earlier firmware it's a excellent phone. Personally if it has MF3 or later I wouldn't bother. But that's just my opinion.
You might as well get rid of the One as well. It's just as locked down.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Untrue, about HTCone being just as locked down. It can have it's boatload unlocked quiet easily and if you want to, although it's not necessary, you can even do s-off to get full unbridled access. I previously had a HTC one x and also from everything I've read it seems AT&T went out of there way to lock down s4 tight , just like they did to the one x but eventually the devs got it. I do want the s4 though,even though this phone is awesome(HTC One), and I can live with no custom Rom for a while but I can't go without root. So if I get a s4 with mf3 will it still be able to be rooted ? I've read up on it but don't understand what everyone is talking about when they say if the phone is encrypted or notand it seems to be random.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
So sick and tired of reading about MF3, or MK2 constantly on these forums. If you want to buy an S4 on AT&T look for an MDL one on eBay. It's not that hard, really.
Or buy the T-Mobile variant or International version.
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone new on these forums just asks over and over about MF3 and the Android 4.3 update. Basically, if you get an S4 with Mf3 or later firmware, you are pretty much stuck on stock. Then we have noobs who don't read and attempt to root their MF3 phones and brick them.
On pure stock, the S4 is a bad phone. The software is very laggy and needs a lot of improvement. I was one of the early adapters when it first came out. The phone was a nightmare with MDB and MDL firmware. Mf3 made slight improvements, but not enough.
I would not even invest in buying this phone right now. Most development for it has died down because of the restrictions. Developers are moving on. Those of us with MDL firmware (like myself) won't see much continued support for Loki nowadays anyway. If the bootloader could be unlocked, I believe it would have been unlocked by now. All these workarounds are very limited, and dangerous.
Personally, I wouldn't even buy the phone at this point. Scrape the funds together for either the T-Mobile S4 or Note 3.
Get the nexus 5, you'll be very happy
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The development for the AT&T S4 has died down. In my opinion, no one will ever unlock the bootloader for it. Maybe someday with some future device, but not this device. The closest we got was with the loki method, which was great. But that's long gone now.
Look on negri for the T-Mobile variant. I think its M919. I'm not sure. T-Mobile developers have been able to make great roms for the device, instead of wasting so much time to find a workaround. Maybe even try T-Mobile out and see if they've improved in your area. They got a lot better in my area, but still a lot of EDGE.
If I were you, I'd go for the Nexus 5.
Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres my suggestion, if you want the s4, get it from best buy than sell it unopened for as much as you can and than with the money you get buy a tmobile or i9505 international variant...(not i9500 or the verizon or sprint one)
The tmobile variant is probably your best bet, the tmobile variant supports all of ATT service bands so youll have no issues with reception or internet. The tmobile variant can flash roms from any of the other s4 variants (verizon sprint att i9505...just not any roms from the i9500)
So in other words if you get the tmobile variant you dont have to worry about a dead dev scene as you can always flash roms from a differnt carrier...only thing is you will probably have to set up your apns for att rom flashes
Hope that helps you
And on another note if you decide to stick with the ATT s4, every firmware can be rooted
Mdb has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel - Unfortunately I do not think there are any stores that are selling phones with this firmware
Mdl has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel...Unfortunately it is pretty much impossible to find a phone with this firmware in any store now
Mf3 has safestrap which is kinda like a recovery, with it you can flash any touchwiz based 4.2.2 rom (stock roms) or any 4.2.2 Google Phone Edition (aka GPE, which is an aosp experience S4, no bloatware no samsung features, its like having a nexus in the body of an s4) rom...NO CUSTOM KERNELS, NO AOSP ROMS (no cyanogenmod) - this is the firmware most phones come with
Mk2 (latest firmware) recently got a beta safestrap...as of now you can flash some 4.3 touchwiz stock based roms, alot dont boot yet, and the GPE 4.3 rom doesn't boot with it either. As it becomes stable it should work identical to the one for mf3 - phones will probably start coming with this one soon
In other words, safestrap allows you to run roms that are built off the same firmware version as your stock rom, safestrap flashes no kernel, so whatever rom you flash has to be compatible with the stock kernel of your current firmware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They actually seem to be getting close to another work around which will allow you to flash any rom or kernel using safestrap...turns out theres a feature in the 4.3 mk2 kernel which allows unsigned drivers to run, in theory they can compile a kexec driver for the kernel which would allow you to use any kernel thus allowing the flash of any rom...theres a how-to thread in the original development section with more info, however...its not a guarentee we will see this anytime soon, as you never know what issues they may run into...but something to look into if your interested
EDIT: actually heres a post from the thread i mentioned which pretty much sums up how we hope this "exploit" will work as far as kernel flashing goes http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48703510&postcount=10
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With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.
Yes
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noel_leon said:
With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is literally impossible to have officially updated through OTA while on a custom Recovery. What I suspect has been done is the same as my phone. I got an MDL device and quickly installed TWRP and a custom ROM. As new updates came out, I flashed just the baseband. So now, I have a 4.4 ROM with the MK2 baseband and am able to install anything I like.
If I were to have ever done an OTA, I would no longer be able to have a custom recovery because of a blown Qfuse.
Please don't try to say that what you have is the only phone with OTA MF3 and custom recovery.
The only way to have anything like that is through SS and that is not a true recovery. If you do have that, you can only install certain ROMs not including AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, or CM.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
When did I ever say I was the only one? I asked a simple question that I mostly had the answer to already; which in turn was answered by a simple "Yes" from HiTideBlastoise.
And I never said anything about OTA either. I said I had installed custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then my baseband was updated but recovery was still intact.
I never said you did say that. It was preemptive. Secondly, you make it out to seem like you did nothing to update your baseband. You are making it seem like it just happened. Well, that can't happen without either updating the entire phone or flashing it yourself. The funny thing is the baseband means nothing when it comes to recoveries and flashing ROMs. It can only be used as a possible sign on a stock device as to what version one is running. On a modified device, like yours, it is worthless information on the version of Android. Like I said before, I have 4.4 with MK2 as my baseband. How can I install ROMs. Not because it updated my baseband after I already have a custom recovery... But because I never took an OTA and made it do the stuff I wanted.
Basically what I am saying is that you need to be clear with what you say. Everything you said makes it sound like your phone did it all by itself without you or someone else making it the way it is. There is no other option. You have to have done something to have a custom recovery and an MF3 baseband with pre MF3 bootloaders.
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I agree with graydiggy that the only way to still have a custom recovery and mf3 baseband is that you either flashed an mf3 tw rom with a modem or a a standalone modem to your mdl software. If you took the "OTA" successfully, you will definitely have a locked down bootloader now.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Please Help!

So I just rooted my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Kingo. All I have installed so far is SuperSu Pro and Titanium backup. Im on android 4.3 and I have the MJE version. (which seems to be the most uncommon because I cant find any help anywhere, so im posting this thread). All I want to know is how or if I even can get the CyanogenMod rom on my phone. This is my first android device ever and I've had it for 5 months and Im definitely never going back to Apple devices. Anyway, I just rooted, I dont care about tripping Knox because I dont have a warranty anyways. I just need someone to explain to me how to get all the things I need including CM. From what ive read I need CWM and GAPPS.
khampton_03 said:
So I just rooted my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Kingo. All I have installed so far is SuperSu Pro and Titanium backup. Im on android 4.3 and I have the MJE version. (which seems to be the most uncommon because I cant find any help anywhere, so im posting this thread). All I want to know is how or if I even can get the CyanogenMod rom on my phone. This is my first android device ever and I've had it for 5 months and Im definitely never going back to Apple devices. Anyway, I just rooted, I dont care about tripping Knox because I dont have a warranty anyways. I just need someone to explain to me how to get all the things I need including CM. From what ive read I need CWM and GAPPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slow down there. Lol. Do you have a developer edition Note 3 or just a regular retail Note 3 you purchased from Verizon?
Adam Browning said:
Slow down there. Lol. Do you have a developer edition Note 3 or just a regular retail Note 3 you purchased from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol sorry Im very new to android. I got it from Verizon but i enabled Developer mode if thats what youre asking haha.
khampton_03 said:
Lol sorry Im very new to android. I got it from Verizon but i enabled Developer mode if thats what youre asking haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good lol. No, developer mode just gives you some extra features if you want to debug your device. A developer edition Note 3 is a phone that was available directly from Samsung in a small quantity. It had the bootloader unlocked, which is a must for a AOSP ROM such as Cyanogenmod. Cyanogenmod requires a custom kernal, which a retail Note 3 (that you purchase through Verizon or another retail store) can not flash due to the locked bootloader. I would suggest peeking over in the Android Development section to check out the ROMs you are able to flash. Just steer clear of the ones saying for the developer edition or DE (for short). If you're wanting a ROM that has an AOSP feel to it though, check out Eclipse.
Here is a link for the Eclipse thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620723
Adam Browning said:
It's all good lol. No, developer mode just gives you some extra features if you want to debug your device. A developer edition Note 3 is a phone that was available directly from Samsung in a small quantity. It had the bootloader unlocked, which is a must for a AOSP ROM such as Cyanogenmod. Cyanogenmod requires a custom kernal, which a retail Note 3 (that you purchase through Verizon or another retail store) can not flash due to the locked bootloader. I would suggest peeking over in the Android Development section to check out the ROMs you are able to flash. Just steer clear of the ones saying for the developer edition or DE (for short). If you're wanting a ROM that has an AOSP feel to it though, check out Eclipse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So could I somehow unlock the bootloader??
khampton_03 said:
So could I somehow unlock the bootloader??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people have looked into that, and no luck so far. It is still locked for devices such as ours. Kind of sucks, I know. Almost every Android phone I've owned, I have ran Cyanogenmod on it. With Verizon being difficult about locking the bootloaders, and Samsung introducing Knox, I don't think we will see a bootloader unlock anytime soon, if ever. With the new 4.4.2 leak that BeansTown106 has made available for us here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Kernal modules are enabled, so we may have a workaround in the near future for the locked bootloader. I would suggest not taking the OTA for 4.4.2, but instead flashing the leaked 4.4.2 that is available via that thread. Once you take the OTA, it isn't known if you'll ever be able to flash this leak, which may allow for a modified kernal and therefore AOSP ROMs. I may be mistaken in some of the details, and someone can correct me if I have said something wrong in this, but this thread will explain it a little better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876
Adam Browning said:
Many people have looked into that, and no luck so far. It is still locked for devices such as ours. Kind of sucks, I know. Almost every Android phone I've owned, I have ran Cyanogenmod on it. With Verizon being difficult about locking the bootloaders, and Samsung introducing Knox, I don't think we will see a bootloader unlock anytime soon, if ever. With the new 4.4.2 leak that BeansTown106 has made available for us here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Kernal modules are enabled, so we may have a workaround in the near future for the locked bootloader. I would suggest not taking the OTA for 4.4.2, but instead flashing the leaked 4.4.2 that is available via that thread. Once you take the OTA, it isn't known if you'll ever be able to flash this leak, which may allow for a modified kernal and therefore AOSP ROMs. I may be mistaken in some of the details, and someone can correct me if I have said something wrong in this, but this thread will explain it a little better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So back to the beginning haha how do I flash a rom or what should I do since I just rooted and only have supersu haha
khampton_03 said:
So back to the beginning haha how do I flash a rom or what should I do since I just rooted and only have supersu haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on what you want to do. How knowledgeable are you with rooting, Odin, and flashing in general?
Adam Browning said:
It all depends on what you want to do. How knowledgeable are you with rooting, Odin, and flashing in general?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive never flashed anything and I dont know how to use odin. Lol
khampton_03 said:
Ive never flashed anything and I dont know how to use odin. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Oh goody. Well you're in for a lot of reading then. If you're already rooted and have supersu installed, then at least you have that part out of the way. The way that we install custom ROMs onto our phones (since the bootloader is locked) is by using Safestrap, developed by Hashcode. You can find any and all information you will need on it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517610
Safestrap gives you the ability to have multiple custom ROMs on your phone, without having to flash directly over your stock ROM (if you don't want). It is an application that you download onto your phone, you then open it up and install custom recovery. Once that is completed, you will then see a Safestrap screen everytime you turn on or restart your phone. I would suggest reading through or at least skimming the thread via the link provided above.
Once you have created a ROM slot and have it selected as the active slot, you can then proceed to install a custom ROM into that slot. Once you have everything set up, you can then switch between the custom ROM in "Slot x" to the stock ROM slot, giving you a cushion in case you completely screw up.
You're going to have to decide whether or not you want to stay on the 4.3 base, or update to the 4.4.2 base leak. The only advantages of either one are strictly your personal preference. There are a few that prefer the 4.4.2 base over the 4.3 base due to one reason or another. If you want to update the the newest 4.4.2 base leak though, follow the instructions provided via this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Adam Browning said:
Lol. Oh goody. Well you're in for a lot of reading then. If you're already rooted and have supersu installed, then at least you have that part out of the way. The way that we install custom ROMs onto our phones (since the bootloader is locked) is by using Safestrap, developed by Hashcode. You can find any and all information you will need on it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517610
Safestrap gives you the ability to have multiple custom ROMs on your phone, without having to flash directly over your stock ROM (if you don't want). It is an application that you download onto your phone, you then open it up and install custom recovery. Once that is completed, you will then see a Safestrap screen everytime you turn on or restart your phone. I would suggest reading through or at least skimming the thread via the link provided above.
Once you have created a ROM slot and have it selected as the active slot, you can then proceed to install a custom ROM into that slot. Once you have everything set up, you can then switch between the custom ROM in "Slot x" to the stock ROM slot, giving you a cushion in case you completely screw up.
You're going to have to decide whether or not you want to stay on the 4.3 base, or update to the 4.4.2 base leak. The only advantages of either one are strictly your personal preference. There are a few that prefer the 4.4.2 base over the 4.3 base due to one reason or another. If you want to update the the newest 4.4.2 base leak though, follow the instructions provided via this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I am going to install Kitkat by watching the video on the thread. He said something about making sure the "MD5's match". What does that mean?
khampton_03 said:
So I am going to install Kitkat by watching the video on the thread. He said something about making sure the "MD5's match". What does that mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That, you don't really have to worry about honestly. I never check, though it may be good practice to. Just follow along with the video in the thread and you will be good to go. Just remember that after you install 4.4.2, you cannot flash 4.3 based ROMs. Also, there is a bug in Safestrap right now that renders the ROM slots somewhat useless, though you can attempt to use them at your own risk. If you want to flash one of the 4.4.2 based ROMs afterwards, it is suggested to back up the stock ROM, and flash the custom ROM in the stock ROM slot. All I can say is, goodluck. Lol. It is a fun process, though somewhat difficult at times. If you have anymore questions after the fact, just reply here. I'll help out as much as I can. It always puts a smile on my face to help convert an Apple fanboy/girl over to Android.

Can we still change APN settings without root?, other ST&T phones for ST LTE?

I do not have an S4. I ordered one from Swappa expecting to use it on Straighttalks LTE service. Already ordered the sim card as well.
However, of course right after this I started digging a bit more and found that it is currently impossible to root an S4 after it's updated to 4.4.2. The one I ordered is updated.
I'd highly prefer to have root. I don't "need" it. But, if I can achieve root without much issue I'd prefer it.
I did find a few posts about using something called Odin and safestrap. I didn't read fully through them yet. But, I'm curious if doing these methods actually work for downgrading? If they do what are the "limits"? Can I put any Rom in or is it only a specific Rom?
Will I likely run into issues doing this while using the ST LTE settings?
Just trying to cover my bases before I start on this phone. It's not here yet and I'd rather resell it if I'm better off doing that.
I am curious what would be suggested purchase for the ST LTE service since it seems the AT&T S4 is out of question if I can't even update the damn thing. I'd rather be capable of updates and having root. I don't care about being able to do Roms and stuff.
Dude, you can have root on any firmware but it may not be easy to get it. Do you know what firmware your device will have?
Odin flashes the stock firmware onto your device. Safestrap is a custom recovery that you'll need to flash custom touch wiz roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Dude, you can have root on any firmware but it may not be easy to get it. Do you know what firmware your device will have?
Odin flashes the stock firmware onto your device. Safestrap is a custom recovery that you'll need to flash custom touch wiz roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading nonstop that the 4.4.2 AT&T Galaxy s4 is not rootable? If this is inaccurate can you lead me to a post that shows the method for rooting this version?
I do not know anything about the phone other than it being updated to 4.4.2.
GamerXavier said:
I've been reading nonstop that the 4.4.2 AT&T Galaxy s4 is not rootable? If this is inaccurate can you lead me to a post that shows the method for rooting this version?
I do not know anything about the phone other than it being updated to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be rooted. You'll need to downgrade thru Odin to mk2 firmware, root it with saferoot then instill safestrap and flash a 4.4.2 rooted rom Start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
And keep asking questions. You're limited to the roms you can flash but you can get root
jd1639 said:
It can be rooted. You'll need to downgrade thru Odin to mk2 firmware, root it with saferoot then instill safestrap and flash a 4.4.2 rooted rom Start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
And keep asking questions. You're limited to the roms you can flash but you can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about Cyanogenmod? If it's worth it or possible atm?
Once I get the phone probably later this week I'll get started on the process.
GamerXavier said:
I'm curious about Cyanogenmod? If it's worth it or possible atm?
Once I get the phone probably later this week I'll get started on the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, cm is not possible. Only touch wiz based roms
Edit, as an fyi, if your phone is on 4.4.2 it'll be on nb1 or nc1 firmware. Read up on how to downgrade to mk2. Look in the general forum. Also look at rebel1699's venom magic tool kit. There's a lot of reading and studying to do before you get your phone
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...ve-and-maybe-almost-any-other-current-device/
Is this going to work on the ATT S4? It's stated that it would. Would save me the trouble of doing all of this other stuff.
GamerXavier said:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...ve-and-maybe-almost-any-other-current-device/
Is this going to work on the ATT S4? It's stated that it would. Would save me the trouble of doing all of this other stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does if you're on nc1 firmware. Seems it didn't work on nb1
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I shall hope to get lucky and have the NC1 firmware

Help a noob get PAC on his phone

I've hard bricked this thing once trying to flash a rom once. Tried to gain custom recovery via AUTOREC. Should be called Autowreck.
Sometimes it is best just to ask to be pointed in the right direction.
I just learned about LOKI and SAFESTRAP. BUT are these just for TW based ROMS? I want a CM based ROM. PACROM, specifically. I see others with this AT&T phone running it.
Will someone please help a noob with a tutorial or advice and stop me from running in circles? W/ rooted 4.4.2, NC1 build.
Start with reading well the SafeStrap thread by Hashcode in Q&A
and the All Thinks ATT, MK2 in General
You can only use SafeStrap and can not flash non TW roms or custom recoveries/kernels, so CM AOSP etc
Sorry
rugmankc said:
Start with reading well the SafeStrap thread by Hashcode in Q&A
and the All Thinks ATT, MK2 in General
You can only use SafeStrap and can not flash non TW roms or custom recoveries/kernels, so CM AOSP etc
Sorry
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been reading the safe strap thread. 89 pages! Stumped on the first one. ENCRYPTED? Not sure. How do I tell? Nb1, Mk2, Mf3 software? No idea. Did not see it in settings> about device. How do I tell is the next step I guess.
On to check the All Thinks Mk2 thread. Sorry for my noobness.
New Song said:
Been reading the safe strap thread. 89 pages! Stumped on the first one. ENCRYPTED? Not sure. How do I tell? Nb1, Mk2, Mf3 software? No idea. Did not see it in settings> about device. How do I tell is the next step I guess.
On to check the All Thinks Mk2 thread. Sorry for my noobness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a terminal emulator on your phone. In it type:
su
getprop ro.bootloader
What does it say? Look at the last three characters
Edit, in about devices what is your baseband, last three characters?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Sorry, I thought you NC1 now?
jd will get you sorted, he is more hands on with safestrap than i am
but, the gist of it is going to All Thinks ATT, MK2 and to post 5
but read all you can in both threads--:good:
Nc1. So this is the SafeStrap file: JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01.apk. How a bow the encryption determination? Sound like a bootloader if it is encrypted.
New Song said:
Nc1. So this is the SafeStrap file: JFLTE-3.72-kk-B01.apk. How a bow the encryption determination? Sound like a bootloader if it is encrypted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get nb1 from your baseband? Is your device encrypted? That's different than than the bootloader. Your bootloader is definitely locked. But you can root by updating to nc1 and using towelroot and then safestrap.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Did you get nb1 from your baseband? Is your device encrypted? That's different than than the bootloader. Your bootloader is definitely locked. But you can root by updating to nc1 and using towelroot and then safestrap.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NC 1
I am rooted. SS installed. ROM DL'ed ready to go. Creating ROM slot. Or trying t seems stuck. I know it takes about 5 minutes. But it's been about 15-20
sorry for the pic quality. No zoom on this tab 4. It's next.
New Song said:
NC 1
I am rooted. SS installed. ROM DL'ed ready to go. Creating ROM slot. Or trying t seems stuck. I know it takes about 5 minutes. But it's been about 15-20
sorry for the pic quality. No zoom on this tab 4. It's next.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to use the stock slot, not a secondary slot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
You have to use the stock slot, not a secondary slot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Aaaaand. S'S stopped working. Uninstalled, reinstalled and the same. Technology fails me.
New Song said:
Aaaaand. S'S stopped working. Uninstalled, reinstalled and the same. Technology fails me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are you trying to flash? PAC isn't going to work, it's cm based. You can only flash touch wiz based roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Anything else. I have Gravitron zip ready to go. But I cannot even get S'S to open now. "SafeStrap has stopped working". Even after attempted reinstalls. If there was someone here local I could just delegate this to, I would.
New Song said:
Anything else. I have Gravitron zip ready to go. But I cannot even get S'S to open now. "SafeStrap has stopped working". Even after attempted reinstalls. If there was someone here local I could just delegate this to, I would.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably have to use Odin to re-flash nb1 and start over
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
You probably have to use Odin to re-flash nb1 and start over
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may be. Got safestrap to start working by using se linu mode changer. Still stuck at updating partition details. Gonna start a thread on that I think. Maybe one on the search functions too.
New Song said:
That may be. Got safestrap to start working by using se linu mode changer. Still stuck at updating partition details. Gonna start a thread on that I think. Maybe one on the search functions too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just as an FYI, I've had very good results with Golden Eye installed via SafeStrap. No problems with it, whatsoever, in my experience. That being said, I'm tired of being restricted to touchwiz ROMs so I've bought a T-Mobile S4 (unlocked SIM/Bootloader) and will be selling my ATT one soon.
Marc
Frankenscript said:
Just as an FYI, I've had very good results with Golden Eye installed via SafeStrap. No problems with it, whatsoever, in my experience. That being said, I'm tired of being restricted to touchwiz ROMs so I've bought a T-Mobile S4 (unlocked SIM/Bootloader) and will be selling my ATT one soon.
Marc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Starting to feel the same way. Flashing this sgh-i337 is turning out to be quite an infuriating ordeal. So much conflicting info. Allllll these ROMs available for S4, it seems. But they don't work because this version isn't compatible. And the Tw ones I've tried ALL DAY are not working either. Granted, I was not using SS correctly initially, but now that they are successfully loading in the stock slot are not working. Graviton never boots, stays on the ouroboros snake screen. Imperium has no data or wifi etc (i9505 rom? I tried it as it said it was verified working 9th i337. Nope. Figured it was a problem when it said i9505 on my model). Goldeneye, actually can connect, wifi etc. But when I change settings in Wanam, it does not take them (after reboot). Had all the other connectivity issues until I flashed a patch. Also, I was pretty happy to see than I could activate hotspot. But my device was nowhere to be found by other devices. Modules, kernals, patches, oh my... out of all the tutorials for S4's on the wide wide world of internets, nothing seems to fly. This must be the red headed bastard child of Android.
I know it is all user error, but can nothing be simple?
Just want a simple rom and hotspot. That looks awesome. Hrm.
About to try this GE download. GE-XXUGNG4-37.zip. I tried the later NG-8-38 version last time. And yes, I did the ST update at&t module update previously.
Great googley moogley! I think he's finally got it, folks! Ooooh. Niiice. So smooth. Roomy!
This hacking biz ain't for the faint of heart. Thanks guys!!! MUCH APPRECIAT3D! :good:
Paraphrasing, I think, Tom Hanks
"It's suppose to hard, the hard is what makes it great. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it."
:good:
rugmankc said:
Paraphrasing, I think, Tom Hanks
"It's suppose to hard, the hard is what makes it great. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it."
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Avoid the clap.... Jimmy Dugan.
Hey that's good advice kid....

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