Updating to Marshmallow on OF1 - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Been off this thread for awhile (you know how life gets in the way) and was wondering if there are any meaningful upgrades to an S4 with 1545VRUGOF1 rooted via Flashfire. with stock.
C

If you want marshmallow, then custom ROMs are the only way to get it.

Which s4 do you have? Isn't flash fire for the i337?

audit13 said:
Which s4 do you have? Isn't flash fire for the i337?
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SCH-1545
Android 5.0.1
I545VRUGOF1
At the time, Flashfire was the only path to root

Look here for a possible answer: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon

Any guidance? I have the VRUGOF1 Bootloader and consequently was only able to root with Flashfire. Not sure if there has been any development to allow Marshmallow to be put on this device

wedmiston said:
Any guidance? I have the VRUGOF1 Bootloader and consequently was only able to root with Flashfire. Not sure if there has been any development to allow Marshmallow to be put on this device
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Yes, there are ROMs for that device. But you can only flash with a custom recovery so you'll have to find one.

Look in the Verizon forum. This forum is for the international version of the s4.

Pwnycorn said:
Yes, there are ROMs for that device. But you can only flash with a custom recovery so you'll have to find one.
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Maybe I'm not being clear, but I was uder the impression if you have the OF1 Build you can only root with Flashfire, and, you cannot install CWM or TWRP as it will brick your device. I am not looking to add another ROM, I am fine with stock. My goal is to see if there is a way to go from Lollipop to Marshmallow safely given my specific device parameters

wedmiston said:
Maybe I'm not being clear, but I was uder the impression if you have the OF1 Build you can only root with Flashfire, and, you cannot install CWM or TWRP as it will brick your device. I am not looking to add another ROM, I am fine with stock. My goal is to see if there is a way to go from Lollipop to Marshmallow safely given my specific device parameters
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Click to collapse
If you can't install any custom recovery, then there isn't any way you can.
There is no official TouchWiz Marshmallow ROM for the S4, as such, the only way to get marshmallow is through a custom ROM.
A custom ROM can only be flashed via custom recovery.
Ergo, if you can't flash a custom recovery, there is no way to get marshmallow.

The Verizon OF1 bootloader is locked and not exploitable. Only the MDK bootloader had that luxury. You also cannot downgrade to it. If you want to flash a ROM other that stock head to the Verizon Galaxy S4 development forum and read up on SafeStrap and ROMs that can be installed with it. A custom recovery such as TWRP is not able to be installed on your device. Because of that ROMs such as CM, JDC custom ROMs, etc. are out of reach for you.

Pwnycorn said:
If you can't install any custom recovery, then there isn't any way you can.
There is no official TouchWiz Marshmallow ROM for the S4, as such, the only way to get marshmallow is through a custom ROM.
A custom ROM can only be flashed via custom recovery.
Ergo, if you can't flash a custom recovery, there is no way to get marshmallow.
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Thanks
So to summarize, since I am on the OF1 build and could only root via Flashfire, the bootloader remains locked...consequently I still cannot flash TWRP or CWM, and as you put it, out of luck to get Marshmallow.
However, has anyone successfully used Flashfire and Xposed? I saw it on another thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/406o9w/verizon_galaxy_s4_unlocked_bootlaoder/
but there was no definitive conclusion that it was successful. Anyone have any direct experience with this? Since Safestrap and Flashfire are both custom recoveries installed alongside of your locked bootloader, do either work to get to Marshmallow?

wedmiston said:
Thanks
So to summarize, since I am on the OF1 build and could only root via Flashfire, the bootloader remains locked...consequently I still cannot flash TWRP or CWM, and as you put it, out of luck to get Marshmallow.
However, has anyone successfully used Flashfire and Xposed? I saw it on another thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/406o9w/verizon_galaxy_s4_unlocked_bootlaoder/
but there was no definitive conclusion that it was successful. Anyone have any direct experience with this? Since Safestrap and Flashfire are both custom recoveries installed alongside of your locked bootloader, do either work to get to Marshmallow?
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Click to collapse
You are a little confused. SafeStrap is not a custom recovery so to speak, TWRP is. SafeStrap allows the installation of some mods, etc. on devices with a locked BL. A quick look in the Verizon S4 Android Development forum does not show a MM build that can be installed via SS, only LP builds.
The issue with a locked BL and SS is you cannot install a different kernel which limited what could be installed.

I saw a set of OF1 instructions out on Stang5litre's OP for his ROM. Has this been validated as a stable rom for those of us on OF1?

Related

[Q] Xposed on locked bootloader and Rolling back questions

Hello all,
I recently installed 5.0.1 rooted on galaxy s4 I337 using muniz's method and had some questions?
The main reason I rooted was to try to get xposed so I can edit the ui, I understand that it is not working on samsung devices right now, but when it does work, I understand the only way to install it is using a custom recovery.
Since I have a locked bootloader and am on 5.0.1 I don't think there is a way to get a custom recovery on here, correct me if I'm wrong.
How would I install the xposed framework? Will flashfire be able to load it?
Also, if I were to revert back to the stock NB1 build, can I re-root and install clockworkmod (would LOKI work then?) on it and then go to a custom rom like cynogenmod or are there problems with this because I already have updated all the way to 5.0.1? (I've done this rollback through ODIN before and it's not too bad.)
I'm new to android modding so this has been a learning experience.
Thanks
Once upgraded to the locked bootloaders, there is no going back to loki. You can downgrade from 5.0.1 to 4.4.2, but you can only use safestrap recovery, and only touchwiz based firmware. Also, safestrap doesn't work on 5.0.1 yet. From what I have read, with 5.0.1 you'll have to wait and see what the developers come up with. If you care to learn more about the history of bootloaders, there is lots of info in these forums.
Engitheneer said:
Hello all,
I recently installed 5.0.1 rooted on galaxy s4 I337 using muniz's method and had some questions?
The main reason I rooted was to try to get xposed so I can edit the ui, I understand that it is not working on samsung devices right now, but when it does work, I understand the only way to install it is using a custom recovery.
Since I have a locked bootloader and am on 5.0.1 I don't think there is a way to get a custom recovery on here, correct me if I'm wrong.
How would I install the xposed framework? Will flashfire be able to load it?
Also, if I were to revert back to the stock NB1 build, can I re-root and install clockworkmod (would LOKI work then?) on it and then go to a custom rom like cynogenmod or are there problems with this because I already have updated all the way to 5.0.1? (I've done this rollback through ODIN before and it's not too bad.)
I'm new to android modding so this has been a learning experience.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If xposed ever is updated to support Lollipop Touchwiz, you'll be able to flash it using Flashfire or using the Safestrap workaround (flash 4.4 kernel so you can get into safestrap, flash files, then flash 5.0 kernel). There's no way to go back to CWM or TWRP past the old MF3 4.2.2 update, which has long come and gone now.

[Q] question concerning install of optimal rom

I am running a rooted stock verizon galaxy s5 4.4.4 with safestrap installed. I just need to know whether I need to flash capable firmware before or after installing custom optimal rom with safestrap
[email protected] said:
I am running a rooted stock verizon galaxy s5 4.4.4 with safestrap installed. I just need to know whether I need to flash capable firmware before or after installing custom optimal rom with safestrap
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You could ask the question in the Optimal ROM thread...
Either or. It doesn't matter unless Safestrap requires a different version. Just make sure to NOT boot into the OS if you flash the firmware later unless you already flashed it before you boot.

OK2, Android 5.0.1--what are my options?

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 ...
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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?
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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.

Few questions on TWRP install and 6.0 flashing

Hi all, I wanted to get some info on this topic, I have done allot of searching/reading and still have a bit of confusion. Currently I have a SGH-I337 AT&T S4 that is running 5.0.1 that I rooted. I want to update to the custom 6.0 ROM, which I downloaded from the JDC Team along with Gapps and superSU 2.52. I am going to follow the directions on their thread, but my issue is flashing the latest correct version of TWRP. I am able to boot into recovery and when Im flashing the TWRP version they have on their site (recovery,flash from SD, TWRP-2.8.7.2-F2FS.ZIP) I get a footer and authenticate error. Im assuming this version of TWRP is not compatible with this ver. S4? Or is there another way I have to flash it to the phone. Please point me to a thread that has the steps to do this if possible.
jgig73 said:
Hi all, I wanted to get some info on this topic, I have done allot of searching/reading and still have a bit of confusion. Currently I have a SGH-I337 AT&T S4 that is running 5.0.1 that I rooted. I want to update to the custom 6.0 ROM, which I downloaded from the JDC Team along with Gapps and superSU 2.52. I am going to follow the directions on their thread, but my issue is flashing the latest correct version of TWRP. I am able to boot into recovery and when Im flashing the TWRP version they have on their site (recovery,flash from SD, TWRP-2.8.7.2-F2FS.ZIP) I get a footer and authenticate error. Im assuming this version of TWRP is not compatible with this ver. S4? Or is there another way I have to flash it to the phone. Please point me to a thread that has the steps to do this if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone has the newer bootloader which is locked. Only variants with older bootloader, mdl and mdb will be able to flash twrp.
You can still use flashfire but your options are limited and marshmallow isn't one of them.
Airtioteclint said:
Your phone has the newer bootloader which is locked. Only variants with older bootloader, mdl and mdb will be able to flash twrp.
You can still use flashfire but your options are limited and marshmallow isn't one of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks..
jgig73 said:
Hi all, I wanted to get some info on this topic, I have done allot of searching/reading and still have a bit of confusion. Currently I have a SGH-I337 AT&T S4 that is running 5.0.1 that I rooted. I want to update to the custom 6.0 ROM, which I downloaded from the JDC Team along with Gapps and superSU 2.52. I am going to follow the directions on their thread, but my issue is flashing the latest correct version of TWRP. I am able to boot into recovery and when Im flashing the TWRP version they have on their site (recovery,flash from SD, TWRP-2.8.7.2-F2FS.ZIP) I get a footer and authenticate error. Im assuming this version of TWRP is not compatible with this ver. S4? Or is there another way I have to flash it to the phone. Please point me to a thread that has the steps to do this if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Currently I have the same phone and carrier...
If you are still interested in a custom recovery our only option is SafeStrap Recovery, you might want to check out this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925. I was able to install SafeStrap and utilize NC1 Flasher to facilitate booting into SafeStrap Recovery with no problems whatsoever. Once you have SafeStrap Recovery operational on your phone you can also flash custom TouchWiz ROM's.
I hope that helps and, I'm far from an expert but, don't hesitate asking any questions!
PEACE

Is it possible to flash custom rom with stock OF3?

My son's ATT GS5 is currently on stock rom OF3 and want to experiment flashing custom rom. Can someone point us into the right direction.
Here's my understanding, need to flash recovery (where can I find instructions) and then rom. Also, do I need root in order to do all this?
Thanks.
Unfortunately the AT&T G900A has a locked bootloader so custom roms are extremely limited. There are also no custom recoveries available for the G900A except safestrap, but even then it cannot do much.

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