hi
i purchased a unlocked at&t phone off ebay and it works fine but its on 4.4.2. i want to root and install new custom firmware based on the S6/7 rom - newest android basically that'll work.
What rooting guide should i use and whats the best rom to get it flashed to a UK based rom?
If you are on 4.4.2, do NOT take the OTA update. updating to the official AT&T Lollipop gets you an encrypted bootloader that is unlockable.
look for guides based on 4.4.2. you'll want to install a recovery, then you can flash custom roms.
Related
Hi,
I would really appreciate some advice on installing the latest 4.4.2 update on my S4 i9505.
I've been using the MIUI CM rom the last few days but have found it too buggy (it's actually getting worse with updates).
I've also tried installing the Samy Delux rom, although it installs it just won't boot.
My phones boot loader is currently unlocked (no knox, early version of 4.1.2), I know if I install the new OEM rom it will install a secure bootloader.
Can someone please advise if my phone can be rooted if I install the latest rom for my phone and what the process is.
In the past I was able to install a stock rom pre-rooted, but from what I've read on forums that's no longer possible ??
Any advise would be appreciated.
you can root 4.4.2 but you will trip knox
and you can flash Pre-rooted Roms via Recovery
I currently have AT&T stock (I used to have a custom ROM then had to flash to stock ROM to be able to flash to another custom ROM--however, I accidentally flashed a newer version of the AT&T stock ROM which locked my bootloader and I could no longer flash to a custom ROM). I updated my AT&T stock ROM recently and now my back/menu buttons don't work, so I want to see if I can flash to a custom ROM now.
I don't remember the procedure to flash a custom ROM--do I first need to get root in order to unlock the bootloader to be able to flash ROMs (i.e. if I have root then I am guaranteed to be able to unlock bootloader in order to flash ROM)? Is the baseband version the only thing that determines whether I can unlock the bootloader and then be able to flash ROMs?
I currently have OK2 as broadband version and checked one of the stickied threads which said this:
" ROOT
OK2 -- No direct root method. Must Odin OC4 kernel, use Kingroot, then Odin OK2 kernel back."
Does that mean what I have to do is use Odin to get OC4 kernel, then use Kingroot, then Odin OK2 kernel and then I will be able to have root, which means I can then unlock my bootloader and be able to flash to ANY ROM (not just TouchWiz-based ROMs)? Is there anything else I need to consider or is this 100% foolproof? In the future, what should I be careful of in order to prevent getting my bootloader locked again--just that I don't flash a stock (AT&T) ROM that is known to lock back the bootloader?
Thank you all!
There's no way to unlock the bootloader if you have updated your device to the lastest firmware version. The only thing you can do is flash SafeStrap and use Stock Kernel Based ROMs which are compatible with Safestrap.
As regards to the procedure of rooting an OK2 firmware, I'm afraid I won't be able to help you.
Have a happy new year.
mindstormer said:
...however, I accidentally flashed a newer version of the AT&T stock ROM which locked my bootloader ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was just about to sit down and flash a stock ROM. Can you explain what you mean by this? Did you flash OK2 and it caused you a problem?
smock9 said:
I was just about to sit down and flash a stock ROM. Can you explain what you mean by this? Did you flash OK2 and it caused you a problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was a while ago but I used to have I believe an MDL broadband version which meant I could flash any ROM available. I tried a different ROM, didn't like it, then decided to flash back to the stock ROM but accidentally flashed a newer version of it, which meant that my bootloader is now locked. With a locked bootloader, apparently I can only flash to a newer stock ROM (not other ROMs like Cyanogenmod) via Safestrap.
I think if you don't have the MDL broadband version you shouldn't worry about it anyway because it is locked and you will only be limited to flashing stock ROMs.
Slight correction
The previous entry is not entirely correct. Like the OP, I was originally on an unlocked bootloader on my i337. I'd purchased my i337 on the first day and eschewed OTA updates. I wanted to try a touchwiz based ROM, Hyperdrive, and in doing so I recall flashing the stock NB1 firmware. Every firmware beginning with NB1 has a locked bootloader and there has been no progress for more than a year in unlocking the bootloader again. This can limit you to either stock ROMs OR other touchwiz based ROMs like Hyperdrive. I love the Hyperdrive ROM (now on release 21) but its developer has moved on to a newer phone, so it's stuck at Android 4.4.2 and no one has picked up the project in many months. There are several other touchwiz based ROMs for the i337 version of the S4 which I have also tried but I prefer Hyperdrive's myriad customization, even without proper patching. I'll be moving on soon to the Nexus 6P as my daily driver, but would very much like to keep my S4 up to date with a custom ROM. Given the number of people that have been in this same situation, where a newer stock ROM from AT&T locked a previously unlocked bootloader, it's been surprising that the issues have not been overcome on a phone as popular as the Galaxy S4 was and continues to be. I've seen unlocked versions of the S4 selling for just under $400 in the last week of 2015.
Use the desktop version of Kingoroot to root and use Super su and update the binary. Don't forget to hit thanks if this helped.
The bootloader for the at&t s4 was never unlocked. The MDL bootloader had a flaw in it that allowed you to use LOKI which is a lock bypass, not a way to unlock the bootloader.
Hi,
i want to buy a new note 4 - the version 910f.
If i update the new phone with stock 4.4.4 rom to the latest 5.1.1 - will there be any problem if i want to install root or anything like this later on? Can i still install custom roms?
I want to now this, becqause if i update my new amazon fire 7 (2015) to latest stock 5.1.1 rom - there is no chance to start recovery anymore for installing custom rom. With only 5.0.1 all is good and i can install custom rom with recovery.
Is there a similar problem with note 4 or can i install latest stock rom and won´t get any problems later?
Only thing i found is that i can´t go back to 4.4.4 when installing 5.1.1? And i can´t go back to 5 when i´m installaing marshmallow because of changing partitions size?
So if i go to stock 5.1.1 it doesn´t matter, because i don´t want to use 4.4.4 and i can still use all stock roms and change to marshmallow later?
Bib_x said:
Hi,
i want to buy a new note 4 - the version 910f.
If i update the new phone with stock 4.4.4 rom to the latest 5.1.1 - will there be any problem if i want to install root or anything like this later on? Can i still install custom roms?
I want to now this, becqause if i update my new amazon fire 7 (2015) to latest stock 5.1.1 rom - there is no chance to start recovery anymore for installing custom rom. With only 5.0.1 all is good and i can install custom rom with recovery.
Is there a similar problem with note 4 or can i install latest stock rom and won´t get any problems later?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem if you don't plan to use 4.4.4. Note that if you update to latest 5.1.1
>your bootloader will be locked you can't go back to previous roms or use custom roms which are based on earlier versions such as 4.4.4 custom roms or 5.0.1 custom roms.
>you can still root your phone install custom recovery and install custom roms which have newer bootloaders. However rooting 5.1.1 is bit different because with android 5.1.1 there is an extra security layer in the kernel which detects and stops device from being rooted you need a "permissive kernel" to root 5.1.1. And then you can do whatever you like.
Would it be a better decision to stay on 5.0.1 for the moment and later install 5.1.1 custom rom? To not loose unlocked bootloader?
And one more question: if I deactivate bloatware in application setting off stock rom, is bloatware complete deactivated or is it still running in the background somehow?
Bib_x said:
Would it be a better decision to stay on 5.0.1 for the moment and later install 5.1.1 custom rom? To not loose unlocked bootloader?
And one more question: if I deactivate bloatware in application setting off stock rom, is bloatware complete deactivated or is it still running in the background somehow?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install 5.1.1 with these bootloaders coj3, coi3, pok1 , coh4 these are safe and won't lock your bootloader. i'd recommend 5.1.1 over 5.0.1 because the difference is day and night in long term use (when u have many apps) 5.1.1 is much smoother and better battery life just don't install coj5 or newer bootloaders. I don't use custom roms because in my experience stock rom is the best custom roms have some bugs etc. If you deactivate bloatware in application settings then its no more running in background.
OK, thank you. But so I should deactivate ota updates and flash latest stock update with Odin, so that I don't get latest locked bootloader?
How can i update to latest 5.1.1 update and keeping the (old) unlocked bootloader?
Do i have to donwload version from smamobile and flash with odin? How can i disallow to update bootloader too?
And if i update with ota - i will get latest (locked) bootlader automatically - no chance anymore to remove it?
-----------------------------
I don´t want to root my phone the first time (because of knox) but later on i maybe want to root too.
Bib_x said:
How can i update to latest 5.1.1 update and keeping the (old) unlocked bootloader?
Do i have to donwload version from smamobile and flash with odin? How can i disallow to update bootloader too?
And if i update with ota - i will get latest (locked) bootlader automatically - no chance anymore to remove it?
-----------------------------
I don´t want to root my phone the first time (because of knox) but later on i maybe want to root too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to be sure if the older bootloader will work with latest 5.1.1 rom. So its better to stick with the bootloader which comes with the rom and yes if you update with OTA you will get latest 5.1.1 and bootloader automatically. Just go to sammobile and download 5.1.1 with COJ3, COi3, or POK1 (nordic countries). and Flash with odin.
Hello,
I have a rooted i337 with MDL baseband, running stock 4.2.2 firmware. I am currently out of the US and therefore cannot receive any OTA. I want to upgrade to Lollipop or Marshmallow based custom ROMs, esp those that can still use the IR feature of the S4.
Can anyone guide me on how I do this upgrade, without bricking my phone? Would truly appreciate your help. Thanks.
Have you tried running ota updates via wifi without a SIM card in the phone.
To run a custom rom, you would need to install a custom recovery to flash the rom. Some mm and LP ROMs may not work with a 4.2.2 modem and bootloader.
If you want to use a custom ROM, DO NOT take any OTA updates. If you take an OTA and it is successful, then you will no longer be able to install a custom ROM.
Here is the Cyanogenmod thread to install CM to your phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3008609
If you would like to update to official ATT/Samsung lollipop(there is also a way to have root)[remember, once you take an official update from MDL, then you will no longer be able to install a custom ROM and you may never be able to get Marshmallow]: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2926642
Hello
My LG V10 came across the famous bootloop issue, and I shipped it to LG. In the meantime, I am using an old S4 that was saved for emergencies like this one. It is running 4.4.4, I337UCUFNJ4, and I rooted it with Kingoroot.
I understand that it should OTA to 5.1 in pronably a day or 2 if I check for a software update; it sat turned off since 2014, so it did not receive anything.
1. Do I OTA and reroot?
2. Can I manually jump to 5.1?
Ultimately, I would like to install TWRP and the Blissrom or some other ROM, but I don't want to take an OTA that may screw me up for later. I read that there's a loki thing that will prevent future installations of recovery or something like that. I realize that I will be using a short time (2-3 weeks), but I would like to leave it rooted and with a good ROM.
Thank you
The bootloader is locked so that means TWRP cannot be flashed to the phone and the phone will only run custom ROMs based off a stock Samsung ROM.
OTA updates will not work if the phone is rooted.
audit13 said:
The bootloader is locked so that means TWRP cannot be flashed to the phone and the phone will only run custom ROMs based off a stock Samsung ROM.
OTA updates will not work if the phone is rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused or perhaps you are misinformed. I have seen a lot of ROMs for this device including Blissrom and many others. All od them get flashed through twrp or Safeway or aome name like that.
You mean safestrap?
Maybe you are thinking of the non-AT&T models of the s4 that work with custom ROMs such as Lineage and Validus. Only the AT&T version of the s4 has a locked bootloader, starting with Android 4.3 and up.
There has never been an sgh-i337 s4 with a locked bootloader than can run TWRP. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a note 3 with a locked bootloader.
audit13 said:
You mean safestrap?
Maybe you are thinking of the non-AT&T models of the s4 that work with custom ROMs such as Lineage and Validus. Only the AT&T version of the s4 has a locked bootloader, starting with Android 4.3 and up.
There has never been an sgh-i337 s4 with a locked bootloader than can run TWRP. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a note 3 with a locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But there's a forum dedicated to AT&T development full of roms here on xda.
Yes, there is a full section but you need to look at the ROM requirements. Some of these ROMs were developed before AT&T pushed out an OTA update that locked the bootloader. Other ROMs are made for the non-AT&T s4 such as the sgh-i337m and gt-i9505.
You will not see any ROM that is not based off a stock Samsung ROM that can be installed onto an AT&T s4 that has a locked bootloader. Also, you will not see any version of TWRP/CWM/Philz that can be installed onto an AT&T s4 that has a locked bootloader. Same goes for the AT&T sm-n900a.
I understand your skepticism and appreciate your posts as we are all here to learn from each other.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2785166
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/ez-unlock-bricked-phone-galaxy-att-s4-t3703235
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/help-installed-chainfire3d-phone-doesnt-t3700830
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/help/samsung-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-ok2-locked-t3458353
Thanks for the clarification. So how do I know if my bootloader is locked? If I took that ota update that messed things up?
The bootloader becomes locked when the phone is updated to Android 4.3 or newer. I think it needs to be on the MDL bootloader to be unlocked. Anything beginning with an "N" or "O" means that the bootloader is locked.
Thanks audit. And I assume that there's no way to go backwards to a pre-4.3 rom and unlock that bootloader.
So. I'm on 4.44 rooted. Do i remove root and take any ota and reroot? I guess that I'll settle for going as high as possible with the stock rom but rooted with the ability to disable some of the bloatware.
How can I proceed?
In those links that you mentioned, it states that we can flash debloated TouchWiz roms that might be better than stock. Is that right? So can I do that?
You will need to install safestrap to flash a custom ROM. The debloated ROMs must be based off a ROM that is designed for the AT&T s4.
I recommend reading through this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Audit... I odined back to nb1, rooted, and used flashify to get to rooted stock oc3.
How can I get to ok3? And should I leave ota services frozen so as to not ruin and loose root?
OTA will not work with a rooted phone.
Maybe this will help: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=56453108&postcount=2
I don't have an sgh-i337 so I can't tell you how to get back to a completely stock ROM to get OTA updates. I have the sgh-i337m which is the Canadian version of the s4 without a locked bootloader.
I wrote a guide and FAQ revolving around the MDL bootloader here (if anyone cares to read it):
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-one-guide-to-mdl-bootloader-t3584122