Database Users

[Q] Some questions about rooting

Hello guys, I have some questions I am hoping you experienced people can answer for me.
After doing a bunch of research, I am left a bit confused since a lot of the posts are older, and things have changed over the last few months, especially with locked bootloaders and such.
My current phone is:
-Samsung S4 (Fido based) SGH-i337M
-Android Version 4.3
-Baseband Version i337MVLUEMK6
I only want to ROOT the phone, so I can remove a bunch of excess Samsung bloatware that I never use, I am not really interested in custom ROM's at this time.
1. What is a Custom Recovery exactly?
I keep reading about Custom Recoveries but I don't really know what they are exactly... . Is this just a Firmware mirror that I can go back to at any time AFTER I root the device? Do I need to root the device to CREATE the Custom Recovery?
2. CAN I go back to "Stock" easily? Can I just find the original 4.3 Samsung FW and load it up?
3. I know that moving to 4.4 will require another Root when it becomes available later this month from Samsung, however can I go to the Default Android 4.4 ROM at this time, skipping all the Samsung Stuff?
4. I see a programmed called KINGO offering to root my phone for me, but then somebody said something about there not being a Custom Recovery available for it, which goes up to my original question. Can I not just revert back to unrooted status after?
Thanks to anybody who can help me with these noobish questions, I appreciate it.

I don't have your model so don't want to guess at rooting.
But:
Do not remove Bloatware after rooted. Get Titanium BackuP from the Market. The paid version (support devs) and just freeze the apps until you know they have no negative impact after freezing.
Do a Nandroid ASAP and put a copy on PC also.
Read this on your Recovery question:
http://freedupthoughts.com/2013/04/what-is-custom-recovery-why-should-i.html
You have an unlocked bootloader with the i337m
Someone else can address correct rooting for your specific device and get the correct recovery for it. I prefer TWRP.

[Q] [Newbie Question] Details about rooting

Hello all, and please help me with some small details before rooting.
I have an LG G2 with stock KITKAT 4.4.2., baseband M8974A-1.0.190084,kernel 3.4.0., build D80220b, software D80220b-219-02.
My questions
- do I need to upgrade stock firmware to D802d or D802f before rooting, and if yes wich is more stable
- is a SIM card needed (as inserted in the phone) for rooting process
- do I need to unlock the phone before rooting since it is locked with my local carrier (TELE 2 HR)
- does a custom ROM automaticly eliminate OTA upgrade and so prevent from bricking, or it must be unchecked manualy
- when installing a custom ROM (probably Cludy G3) do I need to flash a new custom kernel or it doesent mater (probably Bruce if it is compatibile)
- how does one check for compatibility ROM - kernel, is it just simple as finding "stock ROM" - "stock kernel" in the title
- do I need to instal a new KK baseband before custom ROM since I am allready on KITKAT
- do I need to do any kind of factory reset and/or wipe before rooting or later instaling a custom ROM
Thank you very much in advance, I have been searching all over for this simple answers but couldnt find any,
Sorry if the questions are too noobish but I am afraid tostart anything before I find the answers

tomarin said:
Hello all, and please help me with some small details before rooting.
I have an LG G2 with stock KITKAT 4.4.2., baseband M8974A-1.0.190084,kernel 3.4.0., build D80220b, software D80220b-219-02.
My questions
- do I need to upgrade stock firmware to D802d or D802f before rooting, and if yes wich is more stable
- is a SIM card needed (as inserted in the phone) for rooting process
- do I need to unlock the phone before rooting since it is locked with my local carrier (TELE 2 HR)
- does a custom ROM automaticly eliminate OTA upgrade and so prevent from bricking, or it must be unchecked manualy
- when installing a custom ROM (probably Cludy G3) do I need to flash a new custom kernel or it doesent mater (probably Bruce if it is compatibile)
- how does one check for compatibility ROM - kernel, is it just simple as finding "stock ROM" - "stock kernel" in the title
- do I need to instal a new KK baseband before custom ROM since I am allready on KITKAT
- do I need to do any kind of factory reset and/or wipe before rooting or later instaling a custom ROM
Thank you very much in advance, I have been searching all over for this simple answers but couldnt find any,
Sorry if the questions are too noobish but I am afraid tostart anything before I find the answers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You don't have to upgrade because you can use rooter that is compatible with your current firmware build, the differences between the firmware are only on their features, with less case of minor problem solved from previous build.
2. No, you don't need to put your SIM on.
3. Custom ROMs are meant to give you better performance of the current build, especially if it is Stock Based Custom ROM. Why you shouldn't update via OTA? because with several changes in the custom ROM, Official build will find it different from its official release, which would cause errors that could ended up with bootloop, even worse.. Hopefully, several developers also have their own OTA feature so people can easily get the update.
4. It doesn't matter since Custom ROMs sometimes come with their own suggested kernel that fit with the ROM. But you can also try other kernels if it suits you.
5. Yes, it is quite that simple, but also try to find out whether it is compatible or not with the ROM.
6. No, if you already on KitKat, you don't need to flash KK baseband.
7. Only when you are about to flashing new ROM..

Rei Zazie said:
1. You don't have to upgrade because you can use rooter that is compatible with your current firmware build, the differences between the firmware are only on their features, with less case of minor problem solved from previous build.
2. No, you don't need to put your SIM on.
3. Custom ROMs are meant to give you better performance of the current build, especially if it is Stock Based Custom ROM. Why you shouldn't update via OTA? because with several changes in the custom ROM, Official build will find it different from its official release, which would cause errors that could ended up with bootloop, even worse.. Hopefully, several developers also have their own OTA feature so people can easily get the update.
4. It doesn't matter since Custom ROMs sometimes come with their own suggested kernel that fit with the ROM. But you can also try other kernels if it suits you.
5. Yes, it is quite that simple, but also try to find out whether it is compatible or not with the ROM.
6. No, if you already on KitKat, you don't need to flash KK baseband.
7. Only when you are about to flashing new ROM..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much for your detailed answers !! :good::good:

Update and keep old bootloader

I'm currently on 4.3 with the original bootloader. Is it possible to update to an official touchwiz 4.4 or 5.0 rom and keep the old bootloader?
If no, are there any touchwiz roms modified to work with the old bootloader?
Does CM12 work well with the 4.3 bootloader?
Edit: I have the n9005 (n900x LDU to be exact) version of the Note 3.

You need to post in Q&A section mate but to answer your question no. Bootloaders are compatible with past versions of Android but not future versions. For example: 4.4 Bootloader is compatible witn Android 4.3 but not Android 5.0. Android 5.0 Bootloader is compatible with 4.4 + 4.3 but not Android 6.0 (if it even exists, but as i said, for example) hope this makes sense
P.S welcome to XDA

Are you sure about the backward compatibility? I read in multiple places that people couldn't downgrade to 4.3 because the new bootloader doesn't work with 4.3.

The 5.0 bootloader works fine with 4.3. I've seen and done it myself (I'm a flashaholic).

Do you have the n9005, n900 or some other version of the phone?

I have the N9005 mate.

So these threads are a bunch of baloney?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-3/help/bootloader-free-n9005-downgrade-4-4-2-t2817775
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2613745

Yes....i will post screenshots of me on 4.3 if you like?

I believe you, I'm just surprised as there are lots of threads that claim otherwise. Can you post exact steps of how you upgrade and downgrade? Maybe there's something special about the way you do it as others have obviously had problems with downgrading.
Also, can you respond to my other two questions (CM12 and touchwiz based roms that work with the old bootloader)?
Ideally I'd like not to upgrade my bootloader as this n900x (demo unit) that I have reportedly has major issues on new bootloaders (most probably because no new versions of the modem exist).

errmalt said:
I believe you, I'm just surprised as there are lots of threads that claim otherwise. Can you post exact steps of how you upgrade and downgrade? Maybe there's something special about the way you do it as others have obviously had problems with downgrading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no special way of downgrading or upgrading, its just the normal way.
PS: One thing I should have mentioned, if you wipe before upgrading and all that (that's what I do) and wipe via TWRP and then reboot the phone after wiping via TWRP then the bootloader won't upgrade, at least that's what I think, cause that's what happened to me while I was upgrading from KK to LP, the bootloader wasn't updated because I rebooted the phone from TWRP. So to avoid that you need to turn off the phone (if you are in recovery) and then enter download mode by Vol Down and Power, once again, rebooting to download mode from recovery won't upgrade the bootloader, you need to manually do that by powering off the phone and so on.

Trough Odin, not through a custom recovery? What about my other two questions (CM12 and touchwiz based roms that work with the old bootloader).

No idea about CM12, not in that sort of stuffs.
You will flash the ROM via Odin yes, but my previous comment is only valid if you wipe your phone via recovery before upgrading. I always wipe my phone before upgrading (and this was a big platform upgrade from KK to LP), thus thought about mentioning that.

How can you tell which bootloader you have? I wiped everything via TWRP and then used odin to flash a 5.0 rom.
Not sure what bootloader I have though..

That's the thing, I don't know that either! I guess when you enter bootloader there might be a mention of it, or not, not sure really.
I wouldn't have understood that anyway if I didn't have the WiFi password reset problem with LP. A user then pointed out that my bootloader wasn't updated and thus the WiFi problem was happening, and he was right.

errmalt said:
Trough Odin, not through a custom recovery? What about my other two questions (CM12 and touchwiz based roms that work with the old bootloader).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cm12 works with any bootloader

I know it does. How well it works on the 4.3 bootloader was the question.

S5 recovery 20$ min read all please. I'm desperate

- Intro
- Done and searched so far
- My Questions. (Jump to the end unless you think I haven't search prior )
- Bounty
INTRO
Hey guys. I'm french Canadian (please understand my bad written )
and thanks to the phone I choosed (s5 active g870w telus)
I'm becoming pretty much bilingual I've checked all over
around The Web and over this forum. And can't find an accurate
answer . I know I picked the wrong phone for rooting but
as a construction worker it was a good compromise.
DONE AND SEARCHED
My Samsung Galaxy s5 Active g870w from Telus
is still on 4.4.2 since there is no and there will not be
any update for a while.
I managed to used the g900w8 version of
Chain fire auto root method using Odin 3.09
to get roots.
I have also succès to flash Unity 2.0.1 rom.
So far I figured that my version can count as
the Canadian version of the s5 small g900w8. (I may be wrong)
I found a stock Firmware (that accualy make my
lies in russian ) Wich I used a lot lately due to all
my soft brick.
My goal is to be able to upgrade to a nice custom rom
on lollipop. I was hoping Fusion. And as for the recovery
TWRP would be my choice if it was possible.
Now I am stuck trying to install TWRP. I have followed
multiple guide. I have tried to install from TWRP manager
the version 2.8.6.0 klte. I have tried 3 times and after the app
installation I tried to reboot to recovery using Quick boot,
i always end up in Odin mode.
I then tried to install using Odin flashing the same version
Downloaded from TWRP.me site. Then it let me load into
my stock version. Then if I try to reboot in recovery
it still stock.
I even tried to use safestrap both version at&t and Verizon
and both soft bricked me.
I have read or scan about every thread and none talk about
S5 a g870w. Beside the att version Wich are locked.
QUESTIONS
My Questions and I really beg for answers even if
You have only 1 answer.
1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
BOUNTY
It might not be much but I offer a 20$ minimum bounty for who ever
take me outta this non ending bulls*"t.
Thanks guys. And please I swear I have search and read a lot
just Google my model number and you'll always end up on me
Searching and I seems to be the only one g870w talking about
recovery or custom rom. All I found is how to root...
Jon

1- Is my phone g870w compatible g900w8?
No, it is different flashing anything that isn't designed for your exact model number ( even the AT&T ones which are one letter different) won't work.
2-is it compatible to any other versions?
No, only firmwares for your exact phone will work without someone modifying something specific for you.
3-when looking should I only look for Canadian version or I can also
use either g870 from at&t,Verizon or international. Or I look for
International g900. Since I guess my bootloader is unlocked .
Flashing any other model number but your own risks bootloop/bricking as they although look similar can have different firmware partitions amongst other things.
4- Since only at&t and Verizon are supposed to be lock I guess
I can't use safestrap... so are TWRP and CWM the only options?
If someone can have a look at TWRP is possible that they can make a version work for you: ideally I would say with it being so difficult as so few have your model I would go to stock: root and use xposed, and leave the rest.
5- Can someone help me troubleshoot my installations. ?
Sure, happy to help but don't know how much can help when you are trying firmwares for different versions.
6- After I install my recovery a a g870w on kitkat 4.4.2
Should I be able to flash lollipop base custom rom?
Unless someone has made I've for your model type I doubt it.
7- Is it possible that there is no option for me beside
Unity and stock rom.
Yeah unfortunately this is quite likely.

thanks for taking the time.
Now I'll go private with you for personal things.
but before maybe few extra questions will help the very few others in
the same painful situation.
about compatibility you answered no.
What made me search so bad is that I've seen
other members(g870a) claiming they we're using
g900 roms I'll search for a link.
-Does it mean even tho its risky or
it means that American version have more luck ?
-am I still able to use a recovery like safestrap?
-can I hang myself?
- and if I'd like to have TWRP and a know custom rom
would it be a lot of works for Des.
Is it "askable" are some working for money?
I hate stuck to death I miss my note 3 like crazy. .. damn

Which first?

Its been a few years so i was needing a refreshing (& though simple question, i cant seem to find exact answer).
I have the sm-t337a tab 4. If i plan on rooting it but i also was looking at installing a ROM, which order do i need to (or which do you recommend) do them in???
Thank you for your assistance

gdownloads said:
Its been a few years so i was needing a refreshing (& though simple question, i cant seem to find exact answer).
I have the sm-t337a tab 4. If i plan on rooting it but i also was looking at installing a ROM, which order do i need to (or which do you recommend) do them in???
Thank you for your assistance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You always have to root first before you are able to install a custom rom. That said, to the best of my knowledge, there aren't any custom roms available for the SM-T337A. Unfortunately, AT&T and Verizon lock the bootloader on their devices now. This means that you can't have a custom kernel or a custom recovery. Since Cyanogenmod and similar roms based off of it require a custom kernel, you can't have any cyanogen-type roms. That said, a stock based rom (anything capable of running on the stock kernel) should work fine, but as I've said, to the best of my knowledge nobody has made any roms like that for this device yet. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

thisisapoorusernamechoice said:
You always have to root first before you are able to install a custom rom. That said, to the best of my knowledge, there aren't any custom roms available for the SM-T337A. Unfortunately, AT&T and Verizon lock the bootloader on their devices now. This means that you can't have a custom kernel or a custom recovery. Since Cyanogenmod and similar roms based off of it require a custom kernel, you can't have any cyanogen-type roms. That said, a stock based rom (anything capable of running on the stock kernel) should work fine, but as I've said, to the best of my knowledge nobody has made any roms like that for this device yet. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with just rooting it and maybe a different stock rom, if any available.
I was just searching on here & I'm not sure what instructions are the ones I need for this tab. I saw where someone says they tried towelroot & 1 other but did not work, & other similar posts, then find several posts mentioning that they have rooted it, so I'm not sure what way DOES work to root it. (I also found on another site, which I don't know if Im allowed to post the external link, "Working Tutorial How To Update/Upgrade Samsung SM-T337A To Android 5.1 Lollipop!) Needless to say Im a little unsure of what method I need to root it. ANDROID VERSION: 4.4.2 BUILD: kot49h.t337aucu1ank2
Also Is there a alternative stock based rom (with tutorial) you might recommend ?

gdownloads said:
That sucks. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with just rooting it and maybe a different stock rom, if any available.
I was just searching on here & I'm not sure what instructions are the ones I need for this tab. I saw where someone says they tried towelroot & 1 other but did not work, & other similar posts, then find several posts mentioning that they have rooted it, so I'm not sure what way DOES work to root it. (I also found on another site, which I don't know if Im allowed to post the external link, "Working Tutorial How To Update/Upgrade Samsung SM-T337A To Android 5.1 Lollipop!) Needless to say Im a little unsure of what method I need to root it. ANDROID VERSION: 4.4.2 BUILD: kot49h.t337aucu1ank2
Also Is there a alternative stock based rom (with tutorial) you might recommend ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All you can do is try towelroot. If it comes back as failed, then oh well, it doesn't mess anything up. Towelroot will only work for kernel dates before July 2014 I believe. There are NO custom ROMs, no recovery, no alternatives for this tablet. No developer interest, no carrier support, so no android version beyond 4.4.2. We have been abandoned by AT&T with no way of getting any updates ever again because they locked us out. So we are stuck with a worthless pile of crap tablet that gets more laggy by the day. No more carrier variants of any device for me ever again. International only.

rootng that works
pre4speed said:
All you can do is try towelroot. If it comes back as failed, then oh well, it doesn't mess anything up. Towelroot will only work for kernel dates before July 2014 I believe. There are NO custom ROMs, no recovery, no alternatives for this tablet. No developer interest, no carrier support, so no android version beyond 4.4.2. We have been abandoned by AT&T with no way of getting any updates ever again because they locked us out. So we are stuck with a worthless pile of crap tablet that gets more laggy by the day. No more carrier variants of any device for me ever again. International only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kingroot works perfectly on the T337A tab4