Any custom ROMs available yet for the H915 Canadian Version (Freedom Mobile)? - LG V20 Questions & Answers

LTE band 66 service and OTA updating is disabled through the DirtySanta root exploit on the stock build when rooted. I was hoping that there would be a ROM or two for the Canadian version of this device. Need something relatively stable, with nightly updates, and with support for AWS 3/Band 66 connectivity
Any leads are are appreciated. Thanks!

Considering the 915 isn't even a supported device no. If someone has gotten the 915 please let me know.

Until FREEDOM Mobile allows the LG V20 LOCKED bootloader to be UNlocked, there will be no FREEDOM to have a custom ROM anytime soon
That is what I got the T-mobile version with the unlockable bootloader which works great on NON-freedom.
lumberguy1028 said:
LTE band 66 service and OTA updating is disabled through the DirtySanta root exploit on the stock build when rooted. I was hoping that there would be a ROM or two for the Canadian version of this device. Need something relatively stable, with nightly updates, and with support for AWS 3/Band 66 connectivity
Any leads are are appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Well i have a theory about getting root and signal on the 915 but it involves losing recovery afterwards. If anyone wants to discuss it let me know

markbencze said:
Well i have a theory about getting root and signal on the 915 but it involves losing recovery afterwards. If anyone wants to discuss it let me know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually very interested. I have the LGUP tool on Windows with Uppercut drivers installed, so I can unbrick my device even without recovery. Living without a rooted device is causing me extreme stress and trauma.

lumberguy1028 said:
Actually very interested. I have the LGUP tool on Windows with Uppercut drivers installed, so I can unbrick my device even without recovery. Living without a rooted device is causing me extreme stress and trauma.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so here's my theory.
Basically we can root and have twrp but the problem is that signal ceases to exist afterwards which we assume is caused by the bootloader. Someone posted that they fixed their signal issues using the hidden menu features. But they didn't elaborate if they were rooted at the time and that was the direct reason for losing it in the first place. Nor have they replied. So that part is unknown. It may or may not be an option. The other question I had was is it just wind users who lose signals or does it affect wind devices that are unlocked but being used on other networks like bell, etc.
Anyway those are the unknown things that I'd like some clarification on. But in the meantime here's a theory I have that may or may not work if the above signal fix doesn't work.
So if the above fixing signal doesn't work via that hidden menu then we should be able to confirm the bootloader is the issue. What that means is that we need to have stock bootloader in order for everything to work.
But you cannot have stock bootloader with twrp unless you've "bumped" your recovery which we cannot do.
So my theory was to follow the whole root method and once your phone is booted up with root and twrp you would extract the stock recovery and stock bootloader from the restore file. Then you would flash them via flashfire which I'm told can be done. I'm told that flashing the bootloader does wipe your device which would eliminate root since it's the systemless method. So in theory you'd be back to pure stock again. That's not what we want to have. So we would have to use an alternative root like phh's root method flashed instead of supersu from twrp during the initial root process here. My theory is that you would be restored to stock again but you would have root at least.
So you would at least be able to tinker just not flash stuff. But I believe you can flash a few things from flashfire and still have root for general tinkering or ad block etc.
Of course there is also the possibility that with the locked bootloader (stock) that your phone may not even boot due to new security features in 7.0
But like I said this is just a theory that may or may not work. I haven't had time to try it because I'm constantly busy working and testing themes but if I do ever get time I would consider trying it if we can confirm that we are able to 100% restore to stock. At least with that confirmation we know that if it doesn't work we can get back to how things were.
Hopefully that makes sense.

markbencze said:
Ok so here's my theory.
Basically we can root and have twrp but the problem is that signal ceases to exist afterwards which we assume is caused by the bootloader. Someone posted that they fixed their signal issues using the hidden menu features. But they didn't elaborate if they were rooted at the time and that was the direct reason for losing it in the first place. Nor have they replied. So that part is unknown. It may or may not be an option. The other question I had was is it just wind users who lose signals or does it affect wind devices that are unlocked but being used on other networks like bell, etc.
Anyway those are the unknown things that I'd like some clarification on. But in the meantime here's a theory I have that may or may not work if the above signal fix doesn't work.
So if the above fixing signal doesn't work via that hidden menu then we should be able to confirm the bootloader is the issue. What that means is that we need to have stock bootloader in order for everything to work.
But you cannot have stock bootloader with twrp unless you've "bumped" your recovery which we cannot do.
So my theory was to follow the whole root method and once your phone is booted up with root and twrp you would extract the stock recovery and stock bootloader from the restore file. Then you would flash them via flashfire which I'm told can be done. I'm told that flashing the bootloader does wipe your device which would eliminate root since it's the systemless method. So in theory you'd be back to pure stock again. That's not what we want to have. So we would have to use an alternative root like phh's root method flashed instead of supersu from twrp during the initial root process here. My theory is that you would be restored to stock again but you would have root at least.
So you would at least be able to tinker just not flash stuff. But I believe you can flash a few things from flashfire and still have root for general tinkering or ad block etc.
Of course there is also the possibility that with the locked bootloader (stock) that your phone may not even boot due to new security features in 7.0
But like I said this is just a theory that may or may not work. I haven't had time to try it because I'm constantly busy working and testing themes but if I do ever get time I would consider trying it if we can confirm that we are able to 100% restore to stock. At least with that confirmation we know that if it doesn't work we can get back to how things were.
Hopefully that makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure how much you followed with me but... In my attempts to find a return to stock method i reflashed my stock aboot(bootloader). This bricked me. There is no way to use the stock bootloader once its been replaced that i have found.

me2151 said:
Im not sure how much you followed with me but... In my attempts to find a return to stock method i reflashed my stock aboot(bootloader). This bricked me. There is no way to use the stock bootloader once its been replaced that i have found.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for clearing that up. So then my next question was did you attempt that signal fix method and were you using yours on wind or was it an unlocked wind used on another network?
here's the link to this signal fix https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70328080&postcount=3
and here is a post about someone saying they used it to fix their signal but they wouldn't elaborate on anything else.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70571563&postcount=12

markbencze said:
Thanks for clearing that up. So then my next question was did you attempt that signal fix method and were you using yours on wind or was it an unlocked wind used on another network?
here's the link to this signal fix https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70328080&postcount=3
and here is a post about someone saying they used it to fix their signal but they wouldn't elaborate on anything else.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70571563&postcount=12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol Im the dirtysanta dev. I have a LS997. Not a 915.

me2151 said:
Lol Im the dirtysanta dev. I have a LS997. Not a 915.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I knew you had worked on ds. I wasn't sure however if you had a 915 or not. So then at this point it seems that if that signal fix is in fact valid that it is the only method to get things operational and I would presume it's a stretch given the user who posted about it doesn't seem to have any credibility to go by.

markbencze said:
Well I knew you had worked on ds. I wasn't sure however if you had a 915 or not. So then at this point it seems that if that signal fix is in fact valid that it is the only method to get things operational and I would presume it's a stretch given the user who posted about it doesn't seem to have any credibility to go by.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for this. Yeah DirtySanta may have been developed for LS997, but it seems to work on H915 minus the modem issue.

lumberguy1028 said:
Thanks for this. Yeah DirtySanta may have been developed for LS997, but it seems to work on H915 minus the modem issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct but it's useless to use since the phone doesn't function properly afterwards. If there was a confirmed way to have data and signal working then that would be great but there is nothing confirmed to work yet.

I've just moved to a V20 from a Note 4. All my Note4 ROMS were T-Mobile versions. I believe Rogers/Fido phones are basically the same as T-Mobile, which uses freq. channel 66 as well.
Has anyone tried a T-Mobile (918) ROM on the 915 yet? Might just work...

no root yet for freedom????/

whats the method
whats the method to root the lg h915

diehard2013 said:
no root yet for freedom????/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 'Freedom' name becomes a bit ironic for the LG V20 H915 variant it seems. Not a lot of freedom when one can't unlock and root it. Just got one the other day as somehow my Note 4 stopped functioning as a phone, after a couple of months of fun running through loads of Lineage and other nightlies. Loved that phone, but I'll come to love the V20 I'm sure. Already like it a lot. But root seems essential. I haven't had an unrooted phone for more than a few hours in years. Adaway and just general user control of the file system seems essential. Getting rid of bloatware and such. I mean... I disabled a lot of that nonsense, but it's still there, existing in MY phone, which makes me mad. I want to dump a few custom notification sounds into root directories but can't. It's frustrating. So yeah, commenting to subscribe, and hoping a developer with a V20 in Canada decides to get excited enough to remedy the situation, whenever that becomes possible. Otherwise it seems I'll just have to get used to the odd ad and the other limitations.

GerardSamija said:
The 'Freedom' name becomes a bit ironic for the LG V20 H915 variant it seems. Not a lot of freedom when one can't unlock and root it. Just got one the other day as somehow my Note 4 stopped functioning as a phone, after a couple of months of fun running through loads of Lineage and other nightlies. Loved that phone, but I'll come to love the V20 I'm sure. Already like it a lot. But root seems essential. I haven't had an unrooted phone for more than a few hours in years. Adaway and just general user control of the file system seems essential. Getting rid of bloatware and such. I mean... I disabled a lot of that nonsense, but it's still there, existing in MY phone, which makes me mad. I want to dump a few custom notification sounds into root directories but can't. It's frustrating. So yeah, commenting to subscribe, and hoping a developer with a V20 in Canada decides to get excited enough to remedy the situation, whenever that becomes possible. Otherwise it seems I'll just have to get used to the odd ad and the other limitations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why Wouldent you just use the secret # in the hidden menu to change bands to get signial. Also you could try searching for exsisting bands that are near by, this dont require the hidden menu.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Not understanding what you are suggesting. I tried lots of hidden menu options to get the SIM recognized in the Note 4, but it appears the slot died on that phone. It just won't be a phone any more, no matter which ROM i flash.
If you mean the LG V20 I'm even more puzzled. How would changing hands help with rooting the phone?

GerardSamija said:
Not understanding what you are suggesting. I tried lots of hidden menu options to get the SIM recognized in the Note 4, but it appears the slot died on that phone. It just won't be a phone any more, no matter which ROM i flash.
If you mean the LG V20 I'm even more puzzled. How would changing hands help with rooting the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops my bad i was sleeping while i read that. You can fix your sim card reader just use a soder tool. Also there maybe a root for this phone but i don't think it is safe enough yet.
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app

Related

Samsung Galaxy J3 (SM-J320P) Virgin Mobile (or any carrier) Support???

Wondering if anyone in the know has heard of any development going on for this device? I recently bought one and it's not a bad phone for the price, but I've seen absolutely -nothing- on it anywhere online for the most part. It's barely root-able with what I've been able to find, and no custom recovery or really anything custom has popped up that I've seen.
Not sure if it's just that it's been only a few months since the phone came out, or if it's just not that great a phone. I upgraded from an HTC Desire 510 to this, and it was heavily customized/rooted/etc, and I want so badly to get back to where I was with it on this phone I cant stand it!
I also want to root my Galaxy J3! I just want to root it so I can use AdAway and Titanium Backup.
triiuzii said:
I also want to root my Galaxy J3! I just want to root it so I can use AdAway and Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now rooting isn't the problem so much as keeping root. Because apparently the colonel has protection and will remove root whenever you reboot. That means things that require root on boot like backups, Xposed and a lot of other things won't work for us until someone complies a kernel with root protection removed. You can do some debloating and possibly the AdAway but that's about it right now.
*kernel. Damn voice to text.
That sucks. I upgraded from an LG Volt and I was able to do a whole bunch of stuff on it. The J3 is still very new, so hopefully development will happen soon.
I just got this phone if there is anything i can do to help move this along let me know. I have the virgin mobile one.
mallamike said:
I just got this phone if there is anything i can do to help move this along let me know. I have the virgin mobile one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that would depend on what you have experience with and what you can do. Thus-far root has been able to be achieved with Kingroot, though it wont stick through a power cycle (reboot/power off/etc), and using any of the methods available (at least that I'm aware of, only found two legitimate ones) to replace Kingroot with SuperSU (to facilitate having root stick past the reboot hopefully) causes a soft-brick every time forcing a re-flash of stock firmware through Odin.
At the very least make your voice heard, if nothing else hopefully more popularity will come this devices way and we'll see some development for it. My roommate is considering writing something for it, but it is a long process working solo, so anyone who has experience working with kernels or editing stock rom/writing custom roms feels up to helping out, shoot me a message and I'll get it over to him. He's a fairly experienced programmer and picks up what he doesn't already know pretty quickly.
Got one recently too. Would also appreciate any more information on rooting.
I have a J320A (AT&T) came stock with 6.0.1, can help test if needed
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/recovery-teamwin-recovery-project-3-0-2-t3356616
I know this is an old thread, just making my rounds looking for anything on the J3 myself (SM-J320P Boost, Virgin, etc...) and have found TWRP & permanent root with Chainfire's SuperSU (system-less though). Everything is great except a lag issue with supersu. There is an exposed by wanum that works as well. Only app that has root issue so far is ES File Explorer. If anyone is still looking hope this helps.
zach
coolbeans2016 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/recovery-teamwin-recovery-project-3-0-2-t3356616
I know this is an old thread, just making my rounds looking for anything on the J3 myself (SM-J320P Boost, Virgin, etc...) and have found TWRP & permanent root with Chainfire's SuperSU (system-less though). Everything is great except a lag issue with supersu. There is an exposed by wanum that works as well. Only app that has root issue so far is ES File Explorer. If anyone is still looking hope this helps.
zach
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this version of TWRP work on the Att variant running 6.0.1? Is there a way to root that device yet?
coolbeans2016 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/recovery-teamwin-recovery-project-3-0-2-t3356616
I know this is an old thread, just making my rounds looking for anything on the J3 myself (SM-J320P Boost, Virgin, etc...) and have found TWRP & permanent root with Chainfire's SuperSU (system-less though). Everything is great except a lag issue with supersu. There is an exposed by wanum that works as well. Only app that has root issue so far is ES File Explorer. If anyone is still looking hope this helps.
zach
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anything yet for J320A/Z models? (AT&T/cricket)
This version of TWRP won't work will it? Totally different phone?
EDIT: just realized the guy above has the same question... something tells me we won't see root on the ATT/cricket variants for a while.
TechShui said:
Anything yet for J320A/Z models? (AT&T/cricket)
This version of TWRP won't work will it? Totally different phone?
EDIT: just realized the guy above has the same question... something tells me we won't see root on the ATT/cricket variants for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try official TWRP of galaxy J2. Your variant shares the same specs as J2. Others also did this to galaxy On5, it works 100%.
what about the
SM-J320VPP = the verizon pre paid planversion. any working roots for me yet?
oh pretty pleeeeeez
Azhero said:
Try official TWRP of galaxy J2. Your variant shares the same specs as J2. Others also did this to galaxy On5, it works 100%.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So can you confirm this method works? Does OEM unlock setting in dev options unlock the bootloader on AT&T variant? If so couldn't I temp root and flash TWRP via Flashify?
AnierinB said:
So can you confirm this method works? Does OEM unlock setting in dev options unlock the bootloader on AT&T variant? If so couldn't I temp root and flash TWRP via Flashify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work tried it 3 times. I even tried other ones no luck. They locked this thing down. Im surprise chainfire haven't tried this phone yet.
Hi, guys! I understand it was an old thread, but I was referred here from Reddit. I have a Galaxy J3 (SM-J3109) purchased in Mainland China (Service provider is China Telecom). I rooted it with Kingo Root. Kingo Root stated that it successfully rooted the device, but the phone OS had given me warnings about unauthorized access to the device or something.
One week later (I did *not* reflash the phone nor install any applications after I rooted the phone) I found the phone stuck in an annoying bootloop. The device status is still "official" and the Knox counter is still set at 0x0.
Now that it's bootlooping I'd like to know if it's possible to take the applications and files off the phone before I factory reset it. It's not looking hopeful as I read similar threads from 2012 saying that once other Android devices bootloop, getting stuff off of them is impossible. I tried using ADB to take data off the phone (while Odin3 was detecting it being connected to the PC) but ADB doesn't detect the phone. Should I try a different cable?
Gotbootloopedtoomuch said:
Hi, guys! I understand it was an old thread, but I was referred here from Reddit. I have a Galaxy J3 (SM-J3109) purchased in Mainland China (Service provider is China Telecom). I rooted it with Kingo Root. Kingo Root stated that it successfully rooted the device, but the phone OS had given me warnings about unauthorized access to the device or something.
One week later (I did *not* reflash the phone nor install any applications after I rooted the phone) I found the phone stuck in an annoying bootloop. The device status is still "official" and the Knox counter is still set at 0x0.
Now that it's bootlooping I'd like to know if it's possible to take the applications and files off the phone before I factory reset it. It's not looking hopeful as I read similar threads from 2012 saying that once other Android devices bootloop, getting stuff off of them is impossible. I tried using ADB to take data off the phone (while Odin3 was detecting it being connected to the PC) but ADB doesn't detect the phone. Should I try a different cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best advice would be to try flashing the stock firmware with odin. That shouldn't delete any of your data and will usually fix a bootloop. You can Google your phones stock firmware and see if you can download it.
darknaio said:
Best advice would be to try flashing the stock firmware with odin. That shouldn't delete any of your data and will usually fix a bootloop. You can Google your phones stock firmware and see if you can download it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! I tried using Odin to flash a software update and it worked perfectly. The phone is back up and running and all of the files are still there!
Right now i have TWRP 3.0.2 with supersu and i havent lost root yet also had no problem switching between backups, xposed working fine and also overclock too with setcpu, im currently running 5.1.1 using j320FN but TWRP was from j320F, i will put up links to the files if any of you are willing to try its up to you.
TWRP flash through odin : http://www.mediafire.com/download/blk7qa90vs6wik3/TWRP_3.0.2-0_SM-J320F.tar.tar
Supersu flash through recovery then update through playstore then install busybox after through playstore : http://www.mediafire.com/download/cpv2c71cp11x41f/UPDATE-SuperSU-v2.76-20160630161323.zip
Remember to turn on usb debugging and turn on oem unlock before flashing recovery, also if you manage to get recovery press they grey box on the right to change language to english. Hope this might help somebody on here because we really need full root for everyone.

H910 (ATT variant) firmware?

Has a KDZ (or other method to get back to factory stock) been created for the ATT model? This is a reason why I'm apprehensive about doing the dirtysanta root. If I get a boot loop with no way back, and cant get into twrp, I will lose a lot of work. I just cant stand the f-ing bloat on my phone. And the skins suck!!
cwis said:
Has a KDZ (or other method to get back to factory stock) been created for the ATT model? This is a reason why I'm apprehensive about doing the dirtysanta root. If I get a boot loop with no way back, and cant get into twrp, I will lose a lot of work. I just cant stand the f-ing bloat on my phone. And the skins suck!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No KDZ exists for our variant - and I honestly doubt that it ever will. However, the chances of getting into a permanent bootloop are very minimal. Just know as long as you have access to fastboot and/or TWRP, you will be able to fix your phone. However, its generally not recommended to unlock & root your phone if you dont have at least a little technical competence. Theres a valid reason on why such security measures are in place.
If you get stuck you already know where to go to ask for help! But dont ****talk devs and people who are willing to help out. For some reason it seems theres quite a bit of hostility inside our phone's section. Good luck!
I only **** talk people who start with me.
I've been rooting since the Google g1. I don't know there's something more complicated with this one. The hell with it. I'm going to try.

Sprint V20 In-Store Restore Question

I have successfully rooted my Spring LG V20 using DirtySanta and it seems to be working for the most part, but I'm not really impressed with the benefits of rooting at this point. What's even more disappointing was the lack of a method for reverting to stock. My question is--can I bring this in to a Sprint store and ask them to restore it to stock? I checked fastboot for oem status and everything reads false. I don't have SuperSU or any other root apps installed on the phone. The only thing that shows up is the damn red triange every time I boot. Anyone have any experience with this? I don't really want to get in trouble for rooting, but I'd really like to get back to factory stock. Doesn't look like we'll be getting a restore method any time soon either, correct? Thanks in advance...
I don't think there is a revert method (inside or outside the store). I know it's after the fact, but on your next device, you may want to figure out exactly what you'd want to do with root before you go through with it. I typically only do it for TB backup purposes and XPOSED, but I've found that I can back up in other ways, and I dig stock enough not to risk rooting. I don't knock you for rooting (there are plenty of good reasons to), this is just my advice going forward. In the meantime, you should look around XDA, you may find your golden goose app that you can leverage root for. Good luck.
bgibson72 said:
I have successfully rooted my Spring LG V20 using DirtySanta and it seems to be working for the most part, but I'm not really impressed with the benefits of rooting at this point. What's even more disappointing was the lack of a method for reverting to stock. My question is--can I bring this in to a Sprint store and ask them to restore it to stock? I checked fastboot for oem status and everything reads false. I don't have SuperSU or any other root apps installed on the phone. The only thing that shows up is the damn red triange every time I boot. Anyone have any experience with this? I don't really want to get in trouble for rooting, but I'd really like to get back to factory stock. Doesn't look like we'll be getting a restore method any time soon either, correct? Thanks in advance...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey sorry to hear that your having issues,
but you and the other poster are correct, sprint never released a restore file that wasn't encrypted.
And to my knowledge the repair centers would not be able to fix this issues, and sadly lg would more then likely deny a
warranty claim as this was modifications done by the end user.
A good chance in the future that we will get the files needed or a process to revert back to stock, but currently there is no SAFE method to try, and pushing the stock aboot and system.img back to the device WILL hard brick the device.. @me2151 attempted the restore process once, and failed, so please be careful as you may have issues.. The red warning triangle is due to your aboot "bootloader" being swapped for the debug version and will never go away, unless we get a dev willing to risk his device for a .png swap of the warning RED img. Other wise its there forever.
The static on boot up can be removed using a custom kernel but be aware it WILL break things in return. Typically update to prl and profile
fm radio, comfort view and a few other little things..
Hey, thanks for the reply. I can deal with the red warning screen, I just get a little anxious when I can't use the touchscreen or my cellular data gets hosed. As long as there are fixes here (which there have been--thanks to all) and I can use my phone, we're good. I figured if someone could break encryption on government files then why would an encrypted KDZ file be such a challenge? At any rate, I appreciate the help. I'll just keep my fingers crossed for a PNG swap!

Help rooting SM-G900V on 6.0.1

Hi, first, I am pretty new to rooting, yet I have done similar things on other devices. Second, here is the info on my android phone:
Samsung galaxy S5 model SM-G900V
Android Version 6.0.1
EMMC: 11xx...
it is a verizon phone so I'm pretty sure the bootloader is locked, and the latest towelroot throws the "this phone isn't currently supported" error on any of the modstrings I use, as well.
I am looking for some more direction on how to root this phone, and would like some help.
TimX24968B said:
Hi, first, I am pretty new to rooting, yet I have done similar things on other devices. Second, here is the info on my android phone:
Samsung galaxy S5 model SM-G900V
Android Version 6.0.1
EMMC: 11xx...
it is a verizon phone so I'm pretty sure the bootloader is locked, and the latest towelroot throws the "this phone isn't currently supported" error on any of the modstrings I use, as well.
I am looking for some more direction on how to root this phone, and would like some help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't. Root is not available for 6.0.1. At this late in the game, it's unlikely to ever be rootable.
painiac said:
You can't. Root is not available for 6.0.1. At this late in the game, it's unlikely to ever be rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, wondering if any other new verizon android phones will be rootable since I am available for an upgrade
painiac said:
You can't. Root is not available for 6.0.1. At this late in the game, it's unlikely to ever be rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine into a 4.4.2 rom and it was successfully rooted w busybox, but I can't install the SU binary or activate safestrap since it seems like I need one to get the other. is there a way around that?
painiac said:
You can't. Root is not available for 6.0.1. At this late in the game, it's unlikely to ever be rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, I have seen sites claim things like you can root it, such as the one below:
androidinfotech.com/2016/07/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v-verizon.html
(had to edit out the www. part of the link)
however, they all require doing stuff with odin, and I am still concerned about files being lost.
Trying to get more info on this, I would appreciate any and all help.
TimX24968B said:
Also, I have seen sites claim things like you can root it, such as the one below:
androidinfotech.com/2016/07/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v-verizon.html
(had to edit out the www. part of the link)
however, they all require doing stuff with odin, and I am still concerned about files being lost.
Trying to get more info on this, I would appreciate any and all help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I find it highly suspicious that this method hasn't been trumpeted here on xda. The broken english doesn't ease my suspicion, either. Personally, I would want to have a disposable phone on hand to try it out, since it hasn't been vetted here first.
Before you do anything, read through the guide linked in my sig to get yourself familiar with the process. If you decide to tackle it, let us know how it turns out.
painiac said:
I find it highly suspicious that this method hasn't been trumpeted here on xda. The broken english doesn't ease my suspicion, either. Personally, I would want to have a disposable phone on hand to try it out, since it hasn't been vetted here first.
Before you do anything, read through the guide linked in my sig to get yourself familiar with the process. If you decide to tackle it, let us know how it turns out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea I know it seemed suspicious, so I didn't want to try it. However, would you happen to know of any newer androids that can be rooted, particularly verizon ones? I saw the guide but I don't think I can downgrade since I'm on verizon and 6.0.1, and I'm still afraid of losing my data if I do. Thanks for the help.
You can root that phone, there is a guide in the general section: [GUIDE] Root, Bootloader Unlocks, and More!
Look at the cid 11 section. It will erase all of your data though and downgrade you to lolipop. I used that guide on a marshmellow cid 11 Verizon S5 recently and it worked just fine.
Sadly, the bootloader of cid 11 Verizon S5s are still locked. I dont think there is a way yet to root Verizon S5s with cid 11 without losing your data.
Thanks for letting me know! How would I go about backing up my data for this kind of task, in that case? I am pretty sure I do not use verizons cloud services, but i do use their app for messaging.
As long as I can get root access so i can free up some space on my phone and possibly do other stuff in the future as well, it would be great if theres a way to back everything up aside from just copying the whole sd card, particularly things like contacts and text messages in that verizon app. Im fine being on lolipop, and if i can back up my data, i do have my escape method of just ditching this phone and using my upgrade.
Second question: what would be a newer verizon phone that would be rootable on the latest android?
I didn't need the data when I rooted the S5 I had, so I didnt back anything up.
There should be various apps on google play you can use to backup your text messages and contacts. You can manually backup any pictures and other media to a pc or something. I dont think there is much you can do to save your app data without root already. You can probably look up the save loactions of some of your apps and manually backup those.
I dont keep up with phone releases, so I cant reccomend anything.
Sorry I can't be of more help.
Ammalin said:
You can root that phone, there is a guide in the general section: [GUIDE] Root, Bootloader Unlocks, and More!
Look at the cid 11 section. It will erase all of your data though and downgrade you to lolipop. I used that guide on a marshmellow cid 11 Verizon S5 recently and it worked just fine.
Sadly, the bootloader of cid 11 Verizon S5s are still locked. I dont think there is a way yet to root Verizon S5s with cid 11 without losing your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem here is the understanding of the word ROOT, those instructions allow you to do stuff to you cid11 s5's yes, however, if you install the LL stuff then yes you can achive root, or even flash an LL rom that already has root, if you install the MM stuff YOU CANNOT and WILL NOT achieve ROOT. There is NO root exploit or method for 6.0.1 What you will be able to do after puting the MM stuff in there is be able to flash a small file and access safestrap to flash whatever zips or things (within context) that you might need, but this will be needed everytime you want to access safestrap. You will also need to flash another file once in safestrap to correctly exit. It Will NOT EVER give you root in MM. But with this you can flash a debloat script and even an add block to make your phone more usable to you. (All of which is explained in detail in the MM section of that thread).
tong6998 said:
The problem here is the understanding of the word ROOT, those instructions allow you to do stuff to you cid11 s5's yes, however, if you install the LL stuff then yes you can achive root, or even flash an LL rom that already has root, if you install the MM stuff YOU CANNOT and WILL NOT achieve ROOT. There is NO root exploit or method for 6.0.1 What you will be able to do after puting the MM stuff in there is be able to flash a small file and access safestrap to flash whatever zips or things (within context) that you might need, but this will be needed everytime you want to access safestrap. You will also need to flash another file once in safestrap to correctly exit. It Will NOT EVER give you root in MM. But with this you can flash a debloat script and even an add block to make your phone more usable to you. (All of which is explained in detail in the MM section of that thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never said he could have root on marshmellow. Sorry if that was confusing as I never said it exactly. The linked guide says no root on marshmellow in bold near the top. Just wanted to let the OP know he could get root on the phone in some way at least.
To all:
I'm perfectly fine with downgrading. It was just the issue with backing up data which was holding me back there. However, I am still looking into doing this and appreciate the help. I think all I would need now is to know if anyone knows if there is any relatively new verizon phone that could be rooted out of box. Thanks.
If you know little about rooting, I will advice you to read more information about sm-g900v marshmallow root, like rooting with one click rooting software, just try their free trail and see if you can accept. Android Root from RenewAndroid has help me to solve this similar issue before, my device is Samsung S6.
tong6998 said:
The problem here is the understanding of the word ROOT, those instructions allow you to do stuff to you cid11 s5's yes, however, if you install the LL stuff then yes you can achive root, or even flash an LL rom that already has root, if you install the MM stuff YOU CANNOT and WILL NOT achieve ROOT. There is NO root exploit or method for 6.0.1 What you will be able to do after puting the MM stuff in there is be able to flash a small file and access safestrap to flash whatever zips or things (within context) that you might need, but this will be needed everytime you want to access safestrap. You will also need to flash another file once in safestrap to correctly exit. It Will NOT EVER give you root in MM. But with this you can flash a debloat script and even an add block to make your phone more usable to you. (All of which is explained in detail in the MM section of that thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you compile the Greyhat Root Console for the S5 Device and use a 6.0.1 ROM still exploitable by dirtycow, there is a chance you may be able to adjust the sepolicy on your device enough, or setup supersu manually. I have yet to try this on my MM G900V. But the code is there. It is just down to the device specific commands to run.
People say dirtycow is a tethered/temporal root that only lasts until you reboot the device, but that isn't always the case if you run the right commands in the right order, or have an APP that sets up the temporal root after boot has completed automatically.
Delgoth said:
If you compile the Greyhat Root Console for the S5 Device and use a 6.0.1 ROM still exploitable by dirtycow, there is a chance you may be able to adjust the sepolicy on your device enough, or setup supersu manually. I have yet to try this on my MM G900V. But the code is there. It is just down to the device specific commands to run.
People say dirtycow is a tethered/temporal root that only lasts until you reboot the device, but that isn't always the case if you run the right commands in the right order, or have an APP that sets up the temporal root after boot has completed automatically.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My biggest gripe is the native emulated disk-space....I have had LL PB1 rooted on 900V S5 (CID 11) for sometime. But even with de-bloat, tons of lockups, freezing, constantly wiping cache, was hoping a move to MM (with root, hadn't checked in a while hoping bootloader was solved...) would be the savior....
Alas, it seems PB1 rooted is still the way to go as I have an additional "APPS" EXT FORMATTED partition mounted for apps that behave on it...and use APPS2SD and soft-links to keep storage balanced...but it's still a pain...
Now I have that same question, what is panacea?
If I have to get a new phone (pay exorbitant retail price or some "bargain" on ebay) which is the best root-able/boot-load-able or allows for miniSD expansion (hate the finite XXGB storage ever dictates) with space that can all be recognized for Apps+....
Replies bc or otherwise welcome
Col. P.
Adopting MM...
c0lp4nik said:
My biggest gripe is the native emulated disk-space....I have had LL PB1 rooted on 900V S5 (CID 11) for sometime. But even with de-bloat, tons of lockups, freezing, constantly wiping cache, was hoping a move to MM (with root, hadn't checked in a while hoping bootloader was solved...) would be the savior....
Alas, it seems PB1 rooted is still the way to go as I have an additional "APPS" EXT FORMATTED partition mounted for apps that behave on it...and use APPS2SD and soft-links to keep storage balanced...but it's still a pain...
Now I have that same question, what is panacea?
If I have to get a new phone (pay exorbitant retail price or some "bargain" on ebay) which is the best root-able/boot-load-able or allows for miniSD expansion (hate the finite XXGB storage ever dictates) with space that can all be recognized for Apps+....
Replies bc or otherwise welcome
Col. P.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected... I now see *Storage Adoption* as part of MM, that could be the ticket for me! Obviously it formats the whole SD as EXT format...which is no big deal for me...at that point, since MM is un-rootable....do I take the leap? Will it really improve the S5?
Thanks for listening!
C0l. P.
painiac said:
You can't. Root is not available for 6.0.1. At this late in the game, it's unlikely to ever be rootable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it possible to go back to Lollypop version from 6.1
Billy7891 said:
Is it possible to go back to Lollypop version from 6.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
how can you that be done .It is my understanding that downgrades would be blocked. Is there another way?

Questions on VS995 vs US996, hardware diagnostics, and ability to root/custom

I'm expecting delivery of 2 V20s in the next couple of days. These are "refurbs" of the VS995 variety. These are advertised from the seller as "unlocked." I will be using these on Verizon (or MVNO).
I did some basic research before I bought and I was pretty sure I saw info on rooting this model and the ability to do custom ROMS on an unlocked, but I am a little concerned.
I have 3 main questions:
1) I see there is both a VS995 and a US996. I'm having a hard time finding info on the differences spelled out exactly - but it appears that the VS995 is locked to verizon and US996 is unlocked for all GSM. Is this correct? If so, wouldn't an "unlocked" VS995 be equivalent to a US996? If not, what would be different.
2) I want to do a comprehensive check on these phones before I start tinkering to make sure everything works. My last HTC phone had a hidden diagnostics menu which would test everything (battery, compass, gps, sensors, buttons, etc, etc...). I would like to know if the V20 has something similar? Also I want to know what the "problem areas" of V20s are. Things I should check out to make sure they aren't wonky.
3) I need to know if I can root this phone. I've seen a couple methods but I'm not sure now if they apply to my model and if they still work and/or if they are safe (relatively speaking). I definitely need root and would also like to load custom recovery so I can do alternate ROMS, thought I probably will run with stock for a while to get used to it. I would like to upgrade to latest official ROM (for the newest features), but don't want to do any upgrades if it will ruin my chances to root/unlock/etc. What do I need to check on the phone and what is the method I should follow (links are fine for this).
I recently bought a refurb VS995 because I like my original VS995 so much and I am thinking that shortly after the Oreo upgrade comes out, any refurb might come with Oreo and may or may not be easily rootable. (and it is looking very unlikely any phone in the future will come with replaceable batteries) That said, mine came with 15A and I was easily able to roll back to 12A with the 'hacked' LGUP tool and then root it and flash the at-the-time current AlphaRom (now discontinued) without issue. AFAIK *all* current VS995 ROMs can be rolled back to 12A (rootable), up to the latest 1BA. This may or may not change soon (some versions of the V20 CANNOT be rolled back after they take specific updates) The SuperV20 ROM is running the almost up to date version 1AA (with hints of an update coming soon) so you'd be up to date with a close to stock ROM. I will say the rooting process on the V20 is a bit more convoluted than most other phones, which leads to the issue that the rooting threads are nearly incomprehensible anymore-- too many people not following directions, not reading, and complaining about tons of "normal" issues-- static screen (normal after rooting with stock kernel, once the phone boots up fully cover the proximity sensor until the 2nd screen blanks out and then the static will go away-- replace the stock kernel with the mk2000 kernel to fix), phone vibrates on boot after charging (no fix, but will stop the first time it's made to vibrate after booting). I would stay stick to the original rooting thread and READ CAREFULLY. I had issues trying to follow some of the "updated"/new threads where I had issues trying to get the phone to boot properly.
That said, if you do hit a roadblock, DON'T PANIC. The V20 is more resilient than you might think and you can almost always get it back from soft bricking with the LGUP tool (I had to reflash mine 2 or 3 times before I finally got root to stick with the ORIGINAL DirtySanta thread). Basically, the process is flash it back to 12A, use DirtySanta, **boot it once or twice after getting root via DS** (first reboo.t may take a while, with a static screen and vibrating phone, let it sit 10-15 minutes before panicking as it's rebuilding the app cache), then get into TWRP, do a factory reset, flash the new ROM and BTTF kernel, then it should work.
The VS995 has a more limited LTE band selection than the US996. While it can sort of work with other carriers (you'll have to search for instructions/compatibility), the US996 will provide a better experience.
Keep in mind, each version of the phone is SLIGHTLY different, so MAKE SURE you're always using VS995 builds of ROMs/kernerls/recoveries. Apparently you can use US996 ROMs as well but I've never bothered. (you gain a few things, you lose a few things [like wifi calling I think], do your research) Trying to use anything other than VS995 or US996 roms is asking for trouble/limited functionality/soft bricking.
I haven't really used my refurb all that much but it seems mostly fine. The only glitch I see is that the battery seems to drain faster than my original V20 but that might have more to do with the battery condition-- I need to get around to swapping batteries between the phones to see what happens. Given everything else is fine I am very hesitant to return it under warranty. I don't know if there is a way to run a self-test, I would hope there is..!
Good luck, the phone is amazing once you get it tamed...
Links:
Downgrade: the VS995 "all in one" thread has a good video for this. That said I think I had to piece together a working LGUP from a few threads since you need a tweaked DLL file. https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/lgv20-vs995-verizon-aio-post-06-19-2017-t3624326 (when I tried to follow the root directions in that link I had issues and had to re-flash 12A and start over, YMMV)
DirtySanta: https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/ls997vs995h910-dirtysanta-bootloader-t3519410
Once you get a working TWRP from DirtySanta, update it to this one: https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/recovery-twrp-3-2-1-0-t3720239
SuperV20 ROM: https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/rom-superv20-h918-t3764390
mk2000 kernel (I'd use the "back to the future" version of the kernel to start): https://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/development/h918-h910-us996-ucl-mk2000-kernel-t3708330
Buzzy42 said:
Good luck, the phone is amazing once you get it tamed...
[/url]
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Click to collapse
thanks.
Been doing research for the past hour or two and am getting a little bit of a better handle. I've seen the downgrade tutorial and looks solid.
I'm not worried about "convoluted" and the phone seems pretty brick proof so I'm good there.
Just to confirm - if I want root I need to go no later than 13A firmware? My understanding is "firmware" in context of this phone is ROM+Kernel rolled into one.
So if I want root, I can't be on the latest stock ROM (18A), right? Looks like features are all the same - although I do like having the latest security updates, but I guess I will need to forgo those for root?
One other thing I'm looking at is that I prefer to root with Magisk. I've seen a couple threads dealing with this and they recommend to use the "reStock" kernel. My understanding is that you would flash the "reStock" after reverting to the 13A firmware. What I'm trying to understand is if the kernel can be separated from the ROM, could one not flash 18A and then the reStock kernel (which is based on 10b)?
Also, still really interested in the answer to my 2nd question in OP regarding accessing diagnostics for the phone and any problem hardware/screen/etc issues to look out for before I accept this "refurb" as golden.
Yeah, the phone is mostly brickproof and most issues you run into can be solved. If all else fails, just re-roll it back to 12Ain download mode (pull battery, hold down volume, plug in USB cord which will make the phone boot into download mode) and start over. I've seen very little signs of anyone TRULY bricking a V20 who wasn't really trying. (I.e., doing major hacking on it or totally throwing caution to the wind and flashing something they shouldn't have flashed)
You have to downgrade to 12A or 13A to root the phone and get TWRP properly installed the first time, but then you can flash any ROM/recovery you want, so you don't need to worry as much about security patches (just find a ROM that's as up to date as possible). There was AlphaRom up to 1AA which works great (and what both of my V20s are on), Super V20 is being updated but apparently has known issues on the VS995 that the developer has issued a patch for... you might want to skim the various ROM threads to know what works for you. My V20s are both using Magisk.
You can flash kernels and ROMs separately. Some ROMs have a kernel baked in-- I usually boot them once or twice and then re-flash the kernel if I want to. Some ROMs need a kernel flashed separately during the install process. So yeah, you could install an 18A based ROM and then the reStock kernel. (some ROM/kernel combinations work better than others, but you'll have to figure out what you want as some kernels do more than others-- specifically look for KCAL color adjustments, as you can slightly tweak the colors on the screen to help with the screen retention issue the phone has)
The kernel versions and ROM versions are different. I don't fully understand it myself either but AFAIK kernels based on 10b are the latest for the VS995. ROMs based on 1BA would be the latest (they're using hex numbers, so releases go 11A, 12A, 13A.... up to 1AA, 1BA). Some variations of the V20 seem to have more versions of the kernels than the 995 does.
Buzzy42 said:
...
You have to downgrade to 12A or 13A to root the phone and get TWRP properly installed the first time, but then you can flash any ROM/recovery you want, so you don't need to worry as much about security patches (just find a ROM that's as up to date as possible). There was AlphaRom up to 1AA which works great (and what both of my V20s are on), Super V20 is being updated but apparently has known issues on the VS995 that the developer has issued a patch for... you might want to skim the various ROM threads to know what works for you. My V20s are both using Magisk....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm wanting to run stock for a while (with Root though) so I can get a feel for how everything is "supposed" to work.
I'm not sure if I will find benefit in the "Second screen", but if I do I would like to find a ROM that supports it.
I've been running latest LineageOS on my HTC M8 for a while now and wouldn't mind sticking with it. However I would like to find some ROMS that are still being actively developed. Honestly I plan to have this phone for at least 2 years so the most up to date stuff I can find now will hopefully future proof me a little from that angle.
TraderJack said:
Thanks. I'm wanting to run stock for a while (with Root though) so I can get a feel for how everything is "supposed" to work.
I'm not sure if I will find benefit in the "Second screen", but if I do I would like to find a ROM that supports it.
I've been running latest LineageOS on my HTC M8 for a while now and wouldn't mind sticking with it. However I would like to find some ROMS that are still being actively developed. Honestly I plan to have this phone for at least 2 years so the most up to date stuff I can find now will hopefully future proof me a little from that angle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, totally understand not wanting to jump in to custom ROMs right away, especially if you're testing a refurbed phone. Flashable truly stock ROMs have been a weakness of the V20, but I think a version of 17A was floating around if you want something a bit newer than the 12A/13A that are rootable. Someone else might be able to help with that. Sadly there isn't a lot of development-- there have been big bursts of activity, then a lot of silence-- which mostly mirrors LG's seeming abandonment of the phone. You should still be able to flash other kernels (restock, mk2000, etc) over whichever rom you run, though. Be careful not to take any official OTA updates because the rooting process installs a debug-bootloader (someone got a hold of an engineering sample of the phone and dumped that phone's bootloader which is what allowed us all to get rooted with an unlocked bootloader) that gets wiped out and leaves the phone in a weird state.
The second screen is really useful once you look at it as a very powerful LED notification light. It takes a while to get used to but I don't know if would want to use a phone without it (or some sort of always-on feature) now. Unfortunately the Lineage ROMs lose a lot of the cooler functionality of this phone due to it having some many weird non-standard functions, but for some people that's not as big of a deal as staying current, so it's whatever your priority is. I am really hoping once the phone gets Oreo (which seems to be "real soon now"..) that we'll still be able to upgrade to it and use that as a base for a while, but keep root/etc..
Buzzy42 said:
...My V20s are both using Magisk....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a special process to use Magisk instead of SuperSU? My search found some convoluted answers which "required" the reStock kernel to get it working.
I don't know if Magisk has been updated to make it easier...but is there any instructions/link you can forward on how to get rooted with Magisk after I do the 13A downgrade?
Also, it would appear that everything up to 1BA does *not* have anti rollback enabled (ARB=0). Is this correct?
I was told on reddit that you can only root firmware where ARB=0, but clearly this is not the case if you can't root anything past 13A.
Do you have any idea what specifically is the block as to why we can't root past 13A?
thanks
TraderJack said:
Is there a special process to use Magisk instead of SuperSU? My search found some convoluted answers which "required" the reStock kernel to get it working.
I don't know if Magisk has been updated to make it easier...but is there any instructions/link you can forward on how to get rooted with Magisk after I do the 13A downgrade?
Also, it would appear that everything up to 1BA does *not* have anti rollback enabled (ARB=0). Is this correct?
I was told on reddit that you can only root firmware where ARB=0, but clearly this is not the case if you can't root anything past 13A.
Do you have any idea what specifically is the block as to why we can't root past 13A?
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to remember what I did for Magisk. There wasn't anything particularly special. That said, I switched to Magisk when I re-flashed the phone (so I flashed the rom/kernel/Magisk together, in that order I think), I didn't try to just swap between SuperSU and Magisk on a running ROM. Once you get TWRP going you *should* be ok to just remove SuperSU and then reboot into TWRP and flash Magisk. I am on the mk2000 kernel with Magisk so you definitely don't need to be on Restock.
I am not sure if it is possible to do the rooting process without SuperSu and using Magisk instead, if that's what you're asking. I think it'd be safest to use SuperSu and then switch it out later once you're sure you're rooted in the first place.
As for the rollback, there are a few different issues here.
12A/13A have the Android vulnerability which allows DirtySanta to work to root the phone. This was patched after 13A, so DirtySanta can't run and you can't root the phone on a later version of the firmware. If you run anything later than 13A you can't start the rooting process (but you can upgrade your rooted phone past 13A using TWRP to flash an appropriate ROM, but not through the OTA process)
ARB (anti-rollback) prevents you from rolling back to a previous version of the firmware. It has nothing to do with rootable/non-rootable. But it prevents the phone from going back to a rootable firmware on SOME V20s. So far, no firmware on the VS995 has enabled this, so you are safe rolling back to 12A and trying to root with any firmware currently available up to 1BA (definitely 1AA but I have read a few comments that 1BA is still safe). On SOME other models of the V20, ARB *has* been set, which prevents you from rolling back to a previous version of the firmware with ARB=0 (if you try to roll back on a phone with ARB=1 you get an unrecoverable brick.)
So if tomorrow Verizon released a hypothetical update with ARB=1 and you updated, you could no longer roll back to 12A or 13A to root your phone, and you'd be stuck without root unless someone developed a new workaround.
Does that make more sense? Keep in mind that with all of the different versions of the V20, what is appropriate (or even relevant) for one model may not apply at all to another. Thankfully the VS995 still is pretty hackable at this moment. This could all change at any time.
Buzzy42 said:
...12A/13A have the Android vulnerability which allows DirtySanta to work to root the phone. This was patched after 13A, so DirtySanta can't run and you can't root the phone on a later version of the firmware. If you run anything later than 13A you can't start the rooting process (but you can upgrade your rooted phone past 13A using TWRP to flash an appropriate ROM, but not through the OTA process)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hold on.. So are you saying I can flash 13A, then root with Magisk, then upgrade the ROM itself to 18B to get all the latest patches?
If so, I haven't seen any instructions yet for doing that method, but that would be ideal for me for starters until I want to mess around with custom ROMS and Kernels.
TraderJack said:
Hold on.. So are you saying I can flash 13A, then root with Magisk, then upgrade the ROM itself to 18B to get all the latest patches?
If so, I haven't seen any instructions yet for doing that method, but that would be ideal for me for starters until I want to mess around with custom ROMS and Kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite that simple-- you have to downgrade to 13A if you're not already there when you get the phone.
When you run the DirtySanta rooting process, when it's done, you will end up with a rooted 13A with TWRP and SuperSu. I believe it will have the debug kernel which has a lot of issues, but you can flash any kernel you want at this point (like ReStock to get rid of the static screen you'll see at every boot). That way you'll have a 99% stock (except the ReStock kernel tweaks), rooted, 13A phone.
You can now flash any ROM you want in TWRP. If you want to stay truly stock, I'm not sure what is out there that is flashable, beyond I vaguely remember there was a 17A flashable. You do need to use a repackaged update in TWRP no matter what you want to update to, if you try to just take whatever OTA update the phone offers you (the "software update available" notification pops up and asks you to install while you're using it), you'll lose root and have to do everything over again. This is where you will most likely not be able to get to a truly stock 1BA unless it's floating around.
If I were you, I'd roll it back to 13A, get it rooted (with Supersu), flash the Restock kernel, disable updates (use Titanium Backup to freeze "FOTA Update 7.0") and stay there for a while for testing. If you want to try to switch to Magisk, remove SuperSu and flash Magisk through TWRP. The phone's functionality hasn't changed much/at all. When you're more comfortable, move forward to a ROM based on 1BA.
When you flash a new ROM most will include a kernel or ask you to flash a kernel along with it.
Basically, any updating you do has to go through TWRP. After you get root initially, though, it's really straightforward.
TraderJack said:
I'm expecting delivery of 2 V20s in the next couple of days. These are "refurbs" of the VS995 variety. These are advertised from the seller as "unlocked." I will be using these on Verizon (or MVNO).
I did some basic research before I bought and I was pretty sure I saw info on rooting this model and the ability to do custom ROMS on an unlocked, but I am a little concerned.
I have 3 main questions:
1) I see there is both a VS995 and a US996. I'm having a hard time finding info on the differences spelled out exactly - but it appears that the VS995 is locked to verizon and US996 is unlocked for all GSM. Is this correct? If so, wouldn't an "unlocked" VS995 be equivalent to a US996? If not, what would be different.
2) I want to do a comprehensive check on these phones before I start tinkering to make sure everything works. My last HTC phone had a hidden diagnostics menu which would test everything (battery, compass, gps, sensors, buttons, etc, etc...). I would like to know if the V20 has something similar? Also I want to know what the "problem areas" of V20s are. Things I should check out to make sure they aren't wonky.
3) I need to know if I can root this phone. I've seen a couple methods but I'm not sure now if they apply to my model and if they still work and/or if they are safe (relatively speaking). I definitely need root and would also like to load custom recovery so I can do alternate ROMS, thought I probably will run with stock for a while to get used to it. I would like to upgrade to latest official ROM (for the newest features), but don't want to do any upgrades if it will ruin my chances to root/unlock/etc. What do I need to check on the phone and what is the method I should follow (links are fine for this).
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I found your thread her and on Reddit and was hoping you have found an answer to the hardware check feature you were looking for. I am having radio off issues with my V20 and was hoping to have the phone run a hardware check. It seems that someone posted the code "##22378" to do this but this does nothing for my older sprint v20 and my Verizon model has the MOBO back in a bag of rice. Is this only code?
redsphinx said:
I found your thread her and on Reddit and was hoping you have found an answer to the hardware check feature you were looking for. I am having radio off issues with my V20 and was hoping to have the phone run a hardware check. It seems that someone posted the code "##22378" to do this but this does nothing for my older sprint v20 and my Verizon model has the MOBO back in a bag of rice. Is this only code?
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I had a Verizon V20 (VS995) and these are all the codes I found (from my notes):
Hardware Diagnostics
To run in-built hardware diagnostics use the following phone code:
##228378
Select Device Test > SAAT
Other Diagnostic Menus
##DEBUG
##PROGRAM
##PROGRAM995
##FEATURE
** Service codes for all above should be "000000" **
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I'm pretty sure the ##228378 code was the one that brought up a pretty comprehensive hardware test menu. But, as you know each vendor does their own and this very possibly doesn't work on non-Verizon models. Sorry that's all I got!

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