[Q] [Newbie] Can i do this? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I have an I9100 running stock 4.0.3 in portuguese-br. I've never rooted or done anything "illegal" to it.
I'm willing to install CM10, but in the installation page is written:
"Some second-generation Samsung Exynos devices are potentially susceptible to a "superbrick" caused by performing a factory reset with the stock kernel, which effectively kills the internal memory in the device. It is highly recommended you do not perform this operation while using a stock kernel for safety reasons. The install guide assumes the device is already running stock Android 4.x. This device used to be called galaxys2 on get.cm, so older builds of CM can still be found under that title."
I'm running the stock kernel, but i'm also running an stock android 4.x. Is safe to me to install CM10 without changing kernels?
Thanks in advance,

This brickbug appears only at 4.0.4 stock kernel, in some cases. Just don't do anything unwise in stock recovery, but flash a custom kernel with Odin first (a must for rooting anyway). When you've done this, you're safe, and you don't need to worry about it anymore when you're about to flash something from CWM (like CM).
Sent from the Matrix

I would just like to add that rooting/flashing etc is not "illegal" in any way shape or form. It may void your warranty but it is in no way "illegal" so relax. Its like a PC, you can install any OS you want on it, Its your hardware.

TheATHEiST said:
I would just like to add that rooting/flashing etc is not "illegal" in any way shape or form. It may void your warranty but it is in no way "illegal" so relax. Its like a PC, you can install any OS you want on it, Its your hardware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the US it is now illegal to unlock your bootloader without carrier approval. :x
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

SGS2 bootloaders aren't 'locked' in the first place.

MistahBungle said:
SGS2 bootloaders aren't 'locked' in the first place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoops sorry guys.. I get confused with the app I can't even see what forum this thread is in.
Edit: I just figured it out, never paid much attention since I usually go directly to "Participated"
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

thefatalepic said:
In the US it is now illegal to unlock your bootloader without carrier approval. :x
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... its illegal in US to unlock carrier network lock. Plus nobody mentioned anything about unlocking. The topic is about rooting/flashing roms.

TheATHEiST said:
No... its illegal in US to unlock carrier network lock. Plus nobody mentioned anything about unlocking. The topic is about rooting/flashing roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I completely screwed up on that post didn't even realize what device it was for. I had also just read something putting relating bootloader and carrier but I now know thats utterly and completely wrong. Nothing to do with each other, though I think s-off might.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

Related

[Q] Updating Samsung Vibrant

I have a Unlocked Samsung Vibrant from T Mobile. I unlocked it after rooting superuser, busybox and using SGSUnlock.. My phone currently have
Firmware - 2.2
Baseband - T959UVKA6
Kernel - 2.6.32.9
Build No - FROYO.UVKA6
My question which is the best OS for my phone.?
Can the phone be upgraded to that OS without Locking?
And if Locked how to Unlock it again?
THANKS IN ADVANCE..
If by unlocked, you mean rooted, by all means keep it rooted. As for os and roms, i find that it's best to test them out and see what you like. I ran bionic for a while and recently switched to MIUI which is an amazing rom. Follow noob in 3D guide on how to install miui and give it a shot.
If by unlocked, you mean carrier unlocked, then no it will not relock when you flash another ROM, it will stay unlocked.
Depends on your taste. I've ran bionix, trigger, and many other roms. Miui, surpasses them all in customizabilty. If you want a truly custom experience use my guide (link in signature and stickied in this section) that will take you step by step through flashing the rom. However, expect slight more battery drain compared to Froyo (2.2). That's a flaw of gingerbread (2.3) based roms.
Sent from my SGH-T959 (Samsung Vibrant)
sumit1003 said:
I unlocked it after rooting superuser, busybox and using SGSUnlock..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am particularly interest in this part. I have read the reviews on the market and half of them say it "bricked" their phones and other say it worked. Please elaborate if you will on this. EFS/IMEI is something not to be messed with, so that is one thing I am leary about.
I want to unlock mine, however my carrier is notoriously stubborn when it comes to that. So much so they actually tell customers to go to the corner places and have them do it.
So this app, "sgs_unlock", will remove the carrier lock if you have one?
(Edit: Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread Woodrube. I just was curious because I had never heard of being able to do this before.)
Sent from my SGH-T959 (Samsung Vibrant)
Unlocking or Jailbreaking Whatever!!
N00B_IN_N33D said:
So this app, "sgs_unlock", will remove the carrier lock if you have one?
Sent from my SGH-T959 (Samsung Vibrant)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup it worked like a charm for me, so I could, insert a different Sim card into my T959, and start running, Simple Mobile!!
Used to run T-Mobile, but now fully open to any GSM type of provider!!
Thread hijack, but other than inserting another SIM how do you know you are unlocked? I just used Galaxy Unlock in the market, mainly bc it had far fewer negative reviews and made backup of efs folder. Is there somewhere to look to see if it is truly unlocked? Some file created?

[Q] Don't know what's wrong...

I'm new to rooting and the whole android scene. Just bought my s4 a month ago and rooted it this week. I've been trying to customize themes and icons and I know I need to deodex the files on my phone. I downloaded universal deodexer and dropped the files where I needed to but the program wouldn't run. My question is, is there any other way to deodex the files and how exactly do I locate them? Maybe I didn't locate the right ones.
First off, its pretty cool that you are actually trying to learn what you are doing. The initial learning curve is pretty big but you will get the hang of it piece by piece. I can't speak for everyone but I as still learning and started with the Droid years ago. Take a look at this post for some useful info. Credit to Obsidian for the definitions and links. Just take note that some of his definition do not apply to this phone since it was created for the Bionic, but most of the info is helpful and universal.
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/28127-ob...omsrootwipthreadsguidessafestrap/#entry751016
Now, to answer your question. Honestly I would flash a pre-deodexed rom and use it to modify things. A few are in the Samsung Development section that are basically TouchWiz minus the bloat. You may even find one there that suits you perfectly with no extra modding.
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
Yea I was trying to learn. Then I bricked my phone by trying to install a new font. Now waiting for a replacement.
unbrick...
Anthony825 said:
Yea I was trying to learn. Then I bricked my phone by trying to install a new font. Now waiting for a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check out the youtube channel of DroidModd3rX... find his video titled "Verizon Galaxy S4 How To Unbrick, Unroot, Return to Factory Set"... even if you don't have a Verizon GS4 this will help you if you bricked your device. If you have a different Carrier than verizon then check out "wwjoshdew" channel on youtube........ check out his video titled "How To Unroot and Flash your Galaxy S4 to Stock Android 4.2.2"..... I'm sorry i didn't find you earlier.:crying: ........ this might help you to not pay where you "voided your warranty... please please please do this if you can get your phone back from the company. It will re-warranty your device.
It's ok, I found that video on you tube, and a couple others. I tried all their methods for I bricking, but to no avail. Now all it says is "firmware upgrade error. Please continue in Kies". But it won't let me do anything else.
Anthony825 said:
It's ok, I found that video on you tube, and a couple others. I tried all their methods for I bricking, but to no avail. Now all it says is "firmware upgrade error. Please continue in Kies". But it won't let me do anything else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even ODIN?
Yea i tried Odin, 3.07 and I tried three different stock images and none of them worked. It got to a part during the process that said "Auth (fail)" and then it would close out the program. I just got my replacement yesterday but I'm kind of afraid to root it again lol.
Although I would really like to root it again, since half of the stuff I used it for had nothing to do with what caused the problem in the first place. I was just really excited to download and install a custom room that didn't lag as much as this nonsense from Samsung.
Anthony825 said:
Although I would really like to root it again, since half of the stuff I used it for had nothing to do with what caused the problem in the first place. I was just really excited to download and install a custom room that didn't lag as much as this nonsense from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your original problem sounded like you were trying to flash the mdk firmware on a me7 firmware which would cause auth fail in odin.
But I couldnt find any info above. If you did the the me7 root method you wont have write permissions because boot loader is locked. which would brick your phone when you flash a rom.
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Anthony825 said:
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you did it through terminal then yes. you are on me7 which is why odin gave you problems. currently there is no way to unlock the bootloader. only the firmware previous to me7 can unlock it. So you might be stuck for a while.
Well that's kind of a drag. Installing custom ROMs is the only thing that an unlocked bootloader does? Or is there another reason to root the phone now instead of waiting for a root that unlocks it? Sorry for all of the questions...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
update when you got your phone?
Anthony825 said:
Is the me7 root method the one that roots through the micro SD? Is there a way to do so and unlock the bootloader currently or has one not been released yet for the newest Verizon update?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you update to the new update that the phone was bugging you about when you first got your phone? if yes, then, YOU CANNOT FLASH ANYTHING! OR IT WILL BRICK YOUR DEVICE. if you haven't, then, thank the good Lord that you didn't fall into the samsung trap. you can check on Settings/mydevice/about_phone/Build_Number.... i believe the last frace would say me7... if then, you're kinda screwed for now... if you have something else than youre ok:good:... If you're verizon you WANT TO HAVE "MDK" as your last 3 characters on your build number. MDK=:angel: ......Good luck!:laugh:
Anthony825 said:
Well that's kind of a drag. Installing custom ROMs is the only thing that an unlocked bootloader does? Or is there another reason to root the phone now instead of waiting for a root that unlocks it? Sorry for all of the questions...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root still lets you uninstall or freeze that bloatware on your phone. Only thing I used iy for anyways. have about an extra 400mb of ram freed.
Well that is good to know in case I decide to go through with rooting again. Is there a way to uninstall that update? Or am I stuck waiting for a new method to root the phone that allows flashing? I might root again just to have some of the apps like gmd gesture and greenify.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Anthony825 said:
Well that is good to know in case I decide to go through with rooting again. Is there a way to uninstall that update? Or am I stuck waiting for a new method to root the phone that allows flashing? I might root again just to have some of the apps like gmd gesture and greenify.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no you cant do anything right now besides the root. cant uninstall because the bootloader is locked.
some rooted apps are nice to have. just gonna have to wait patiently
In that case, are there any apps you would suggest getting that won't destroy my phone again? I checked online for a list of must-have apps but half of them were directed at people who were experienced with rooting.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Anthony825 said:
In that case, are there any apps you would suggest getting that won't destroy my phone again? I checked online for a list of must-have apps but half of them were directed at people who were experienced with rooting.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just get titanium backup for now. and remove some bloatware a safelist can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314265 would not experiment with deleting random things it could cause brick problems nothing much else. if you are not comfortablr with that just try and wait for bootloader to be unlocked which has no eta
I may just do that. If I were to root again on me7 since there's no unlock method, if one were to be released would I be screwed or is there normally a way to do that at a different time than the root?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

[Q]update this or not

I just got gs3 and i have this update. Question is,is it worth updating or if i update, would i not be able to root the phone or install custom roms on it. How does it work on s3?
Hey
Give some information about the update file that u hav..
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
shad0wboss said:
I just got gs3 and i have this update. Question is,is it worth updating or if i update, would i not be able to root the phone or install custom roms on it. How does it work on s3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am i right in thinking you are coming from an iPhone? Rooting an android phone isn't like jailbreaking in the sense that no matter what firmware you have, you can still root your phone and flash custom ROMs.
tomosh22 said:
Am i right in thinking you are coming from an iPhone? Rooting an android phone isn't like jailbreaking in the sense that no matter what firmware you have, you can still root your phone and flash custom ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, never had an iphone, never will i hope. I have had several android phones (moto defy, galaxy s/s2/s3, xperia s, htc desire hd). My qustion is whether it's a complicated method or is it root->cwm->flash type of thing...I just got it and don't wanna mess anything badly without knowing.
Haha nevermind, it was just asking for registering my device. Oddly enough it's already update, don't know if it's normal.
Anyways i would like to have some info about how flashing works on S3 because i have had phones where "unlocking bootloader" and actually letting the company know that the device has been unlocked like in xperia s case. So i just need some info regarding the method. Also some info whether it's worth flashing a specific version or rom out there that provides a better overall experience than stock.
Its all posted in the faqs and guides .
Rom you make up your own mind no best rom posts allowed .
BASICS
UNDERSTAND FIRST
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2362743
Network IMEI EFS
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2393289
Downgrade and network problems .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2531221
Phone Freezes
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2133401
Sudden Death .
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2091045
RETURN TO STOCK
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2323847
That's helpful ! i'll give it a read later.
Thanks a lot
shad0wboss said:
No, never had an iphone, never will i hope. I have had several android phones (moto defy, galaxy s/s2/s3, xperia s, htc desire hd). My qustion is whether it's a complicated method or is it root->cwm->flash type of thing...I just got it and don't wanna mess anything badly without knowing.
Haha nevermind, it was just asking for registering my device. Oddly enough it's already update, don't know if it's normal.
Anyways i would like to have some info about how flashing works on S3 because i have had phones where "unlocking bootloader" and actually letting the company know that the device has been unlocked like in xperia s case. So i just need some info regarding the method. Also some info whether it's worth flashing a specific version or rom out there that provides a better overall experience than stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All of the GT-i9300 phones (that's the model number for the international version) have the boot loader unlocked. All you need to do is, like you said, root it, flash CWM, and flash the ROM of your choice.
Samsung did implement a flash counter which will turn from 0 to 1 when anything is flashed, there is an app on the play store that can change it back to 1 called Triangle Away.
Personally i use cyanogenmod, if you don't know, it is the most popular ROM right now (i think) and it is based on AOSP (the Android source code from Google) but with many tweaks and added features that make it much faster and a better experience than stock. Right now I'm running the unofficial KitKat 4.4 version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529775
A lot of people get scared by the word "unofficial" but after a few weeks of running it i haven't had a single issue.
I use a custom kernel so i can overclock and undervolt, it's the boeffla 2.1-beta2.
http://boeffla.df-kunde.de/sgs3/boe...st/boeffla-kernel-CM-2.1-beta2-cm11.0.CWM.ziphttp://boeffla.df-kunde.de/sgs3/boeffla-kernel-cm/cm11.0_download/Test/boeffla-kernel-CM-2.1-beta2-cm11.0.CWM.zip
wait so the counter stays at 1? no way to make it 0?
Oh sorry, typo Triangle Away resets the counter to 0

Question on i605 VRUEMJ9 4.3

Question:
I know there is no bootloader unlock for the VRUEMJ9 4.3, but does that mean I cannot put a Custom ROM on it like Jedi X20?
I have tried with ClockWork Recover Mod, and of course I get the "Unauthorized Software" message.
Is there a way and I am just missing a step, like disabling KNOX before hand.
Any help / guidance will be greatly appreciated....
And yes I have been searching for this answer, but everything I read, doesn't answer that one question for me.....
Then this may be my answer....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2619294
Question:
I know there is no bootloader unlock for the VRUEMJ9 4.3, but does that mean I cannot put a Custom ROM on it like Jedi X20?
I have tried with ClockWork Recover Mod, and of course I get the "Unauthorized Software" message.
Is there a way and I am just missing a step, like disabling KNOX before hand.
Any help / guidance will be greatly appreciated....
And yes I have been searching for this answer, but everything I read, doesn't answer that one question for me.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locked bootloader and no compatible safestrap = no custom rom, no custom recovery, enjoy your stock rom.
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app
palmbeach05 said:
Locked bootloader and no compatible safestrap = no custom rom, no custom recovery, enjoy your stock rom.
Sent from my MB886 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya, OK, I get it. You don't have to be sarcastic about it. I will enjoy the "stock rom", it is still rooted.
ipstack said:
Ya, OK, I get it. You don't have to be sarcastic about it. I will enjoy the "stock rom", it is still rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He is being sarcastic becsuse your answers lie in stickies all over this forum...research then flash, do not flash then research.
droidstyle said:
He is being sarcastic becsuse your answers lie in stickies all over this forum...research then flash, do not flash then research.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't have even asked.
I not only mentioned that I searched, but then posted what I thought was the answer. And I BOUGHT the phone with this firmware.
You guys really need to learn some common decency.
Ignore palmbeach... he obviously has nothing better to do than troll these forums and insult anyone that doesn't dedicate their entire life to hacking android devices.
As for being stuck on stock, since the device is over a year old and most devs have moved to other projects, it's likely this bootloader will be locked for some time. Rooting 4.3 and doing cosmetic tweaks should be enough to at least make the phone bearable.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
in50mn14c said:
Ignore palmbeach... he obviously has nothing better to do than troll these forums and insult anyone that doesn't dedicate their entire life to hacking android devices.
As for being stuck on stock, since the device is over a year old and most devs have moved to other projects, it's likely this bootloader will be locked for some time. Rooting 4.3 and doing cosmetic tweaks should be enough to at least make the phone bearable.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. I don't dedicate my life to android development 24/7. although that is the percieved perception, that is not the reality.
Returning from the off-topic content that wasn't necessary in the first place.
Yes, this device may be over a year old, however, there are still developers working on devices older than this device (personal experience/example, Droid X (KitKat attempt) and Atrix 4G (various boot.imgs, info, and ICS leak home button fix)). locked or unlocked, you will never hear me put down any attempt on any device as long as someone still has a will to push forward.
As far as common knowledge goes, yes, i will advise where needed/necessary/whenever i have knowledge of a topic that could be useful. If i come off as sarcastic and someone gets butt hurt about it, then i refer you to the wise words of DSs of Ft. Jackson. "Got a problem? You'll be fine. Just take a knee and drink water."

to root or not. request for opinion

sorry for such a simple question but I need expert and/or experienced advise.
I have a samsung galaxy S4 AT&T I337 Ver 5.0.1 firmware OK2.
Out of contract
I want to rid myself of the bloatware, my principal objective.
I worry about not getting security updates once rooted, (even though at&t is not quick about doing updates anyway). Do I just track the forums here to look for updates? Will i have to go back to kitkat for every update?
And second I have a mac air computer, so odin may not be easily done without ready access to a pc., and maybe not at all. I understand I have to odin back to 4.4.4 and then update with a rooted rom. I haven't found recent experiences using jodin on this particular device, and the jodin posts I found indicate it doesn't flash a large file. I don't know if I would be doing that or not.
Thanks for your all's opinion.
Do you play Pokemon go, then no, else of course root it!
AT&T phones have locked bootloaders, thus no root.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using XDA Labs
krasCGQ said:
AT&T phones have locked bootloaders, thus no root.
Sent from my ASUS_Z00A using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see talk of locked bootloaders and then I see this thread about getting to root on OK2 http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-installed-custom-lollipop-rom-t3135396
Can you explain please.

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