[Q] How to check if S4 is rootable in store? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hi all,
I have had multiple iPhones over the years (boo me) and have recently started having issues with my current one, but I'm eligible for upgrade, and I think I want to buy an S4.
I have been looking at all the custom ROMs and functionality, etc. and it seems right for me. The problem is, I don't really want to buy the phone in the first place if it's not possible to root and install a custom ROM right off the bat, as I'm a developer and would like to look into taking advantage of the root.
So, is there a quick and easy way that I can have the salesperson show me that the phone doesn't have the newest OTA update which I understand breaks the ability to unlock the bootloader? I would be purchasing the AT&T version of the phone.

Yea. You could ask them to turn the phone on then check settings/about phone and look at the build number.
If it ends with mdk your still in the Loki/rootable version. If it is me7 then your on the new build that has an extremely locked down bootloader.
If you buy it with the me7 build you will be at the will of a developer/hacker to hopefully crack the bootloader lock down.
Good luck.
Ps. There's always the developer edition which comes unlocked
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium

Att firmwares are different so if it was an unrootable version it wouldnt show me7 anyway. I would post in the correct forum to get a better idea.
SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

hexitnow said:
Att firmwares are different so if it was an unrootable version it wouldnt show me7 anyway. I would post in the correct forum to get a better idea.
SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shoot sorry I didn't even realize this forum was Verizon specific. Thanks for the heads up.

No problem. Good luck.
SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

Last weekend I ordered a s4 from flywire .com using my Verizon upgrade.
A few days later it arrived without the sim card installed. I left the sim card out, booted to download mode, used Odin on my pc to root it. I proceeded to set it up, install apps via wifi, and used titanium backup to freeze SDM so it will not OTA in the future.
I installed cleanROM which also prevents OTAs. Then I read the developer left, so I am using CM10.
So, I was fortunate the phone came with Baseband MDK. I suppose if it came with ME7 I could return it.
If the Odin rooting process had failed, then it would obviously have ME7 installed.

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Related

[Q] Few questions dealing with Droid DNA

I'm not sure if all of these have been addressed or have a direct answer, but I just wanted to compile everything into
a concise post that I can refer to.
I SHOULD be getting my DNA in the mail today and it SHOULD be fresh out of the box and I am basing the questions off
of that.
Reason for rooting is mainly for the wifi tether app, since I have unlimited data and rather use that then pay for actual service.
1.) Since it should be fresh out of the box are the chances of it being unupdated likely? If so this means I can root it, correct?
2.) I'm pretty new in the rooting field, having only recently rooted my thunderbolt. How comparable will the process be to that?
I had to backdate the software or firmware to be able to do so and am hoping since this is new it wont require that.
3.) I haven't messed with roms too much and was looking at the ViperDNA rom, what would the perks of doing this be? Cons?
I may have future questions later, but this is all I can think of atm.
Thanks ahead of time!
nived09 said:
I'm not sure if all of these have been addressed or have a direct answer, but I just wanted to compile everything into
a concise post that I can refer to.
I SHOULD be getting my DNA in the mail today and it SHOULD be fresh out of the box and I am basing the questions off
of that.
Reason for rooting is mainly for the wifi tether app, since I have unlimited data and rather use that then pay for actual service.
1.) Since it should be fresh out of the box are the chances of it being unupdated likely? If so this means I can root it, correct?
2.) I'm pretty new in the rooting field, having only recently rooted my thunderbolt. How comparable will the process be to that?
I had to backdate the software or firmware to be able to do so and am hoping since this is new it wont require that.
3.) I haven't messed with roms too much and was looking at the ViperDNA rom, what would the perks of doing this be? Cons?
I may have future questions later, but this is all I can think of atm.
Thanks ahead of time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can almost guarantee you that the OTA will be installed on it and you will not be able to do anything with it until an exploit is found.
The root and S-off process is very easy if you are on the old firmware.
Crap, really? It's the same, power on + vol down process correct?
Even booting up the phone, this is talking if the OEM isn't updated, won't auto start the update, will it?
nived09 said:
Crap, really? It's the same, power on + vol down process correct?
Even booting up the phone, this is talking if the OEM isn't updated, won't auto start the update, will it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Well ya but you can decline it.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
kaliblazin707 said:
Nope. Well ya but you can decline it.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I'm hoping that it will be this way. Should definitely be getting it today and will check it out.
If I can't even root it, I don't know if I will even be activating it.
nived09 said:
Well I'm hoping that it will be this way. Should definitely be getting it today and will check it out.
If I can't even root it, I don't know if I will even be activating it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot it up without the sim in it. Let us know, as of last week I would have told you that it's probably not updated. But its been a few days since I've known anyone that got one new in the box.
If it's not updated and you would like me to help you pull and supercid and unlock just send me a pm. If you get offered the update you will want to defer it like 5 days I think is the most it allows.
CharliesTheMan said:
Boot it up without the sim in it. Let us know, as of last week I would have told you that it's probably not updated. But its been a few days since I've known anyone that got one new in the box.
If it's not updated and you would like me to help you pull and supercid and unlock just send me a pm. If you get offered the update you will want to defer it like 5 days I think is the most it allows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a few -new in box cause I convinced a few retarded reps referbs were the issue- from Verizon n one from amazon. All 2.04
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
Yea, I just got it an hour or so ago and booted right into the loader and asked in the IRC and I guess the OTA
was already accepted, so I'm sol for a bit.
Not even going to bother activating it, since I mainly use root for tethering.
I picked up the DNA in San Diego from BB for an upgrade on Verizon. It came with Software 1.15.605.4 710RD. I've s-off'd, root'd & TWRP'd with ease. Now I just need CM10.1 and I'll be happy.
I might fly to France and b-slap the CEO of the company who put the DCMA in.

All things ME7 discussion here

As there are multiple posts/thread about ME7 issues and challenges, going to make this here thread the general clearing house for this topic.
Let's use this thread for discussion and not make any more general threads on this topic, OK?
now, here are two links to two recent threads, Have since closed them, but referencing them for information and discussion here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2417567
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2417291
All XDA posting rules apply...
Let's solve this riddle, shall we?
What's the outlook? Any updates on whether or not it will happen? I just got a 32gb s4 from big red, with me7 naturally, and am now strongly considering leaving for T Mobile even though getting a 32gb for them sounds like a pain.
I just went to 5 different retailers hunting for an MD phone and no one has one to my dismay. Maybe I should just settle for the HTC One if both of my options are locked devices.
Cares said:
I just went to 5 different retailers hunting for an MD phone and no one has one to my dismay. Maybe I should just settle for the HTC One if both of my options are locked devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Picked up my gs4 recently, wish I still had my note 2 :banghead:
Sent from my still locked down bootloader Galaxy S4 on Verizon
The last real update I saw was in the Bounty Discussion thread where Obsidian sent the ME7 boot img to hashcode so I don't know if they are working on something or not. Maybe one of them can chime in and offer an update or give us some hope. Thanks to all those working on this!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Have there been any phones that have came out thus far that haven't been able to be rooted? Seems like people easily got around every attempt to lock down android thus far so my hopes are high for this. However it does seem like a long time has passed with quite the sum of money at hand.
th3drow said:
Have there been any phones that have came out thus far that haven't been able to be rooted? Seems like people easily got around every attempt to lock down android thus far so my hopes are high for this. However it does seem like a long time has passed with quite the sum of money at hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phone is rooted just not with recovery or any kind of emploit on the bootloader.
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4
nativi said:
Phone is rooted just not worth recovery or any kind of emploit on the bootloader.
Sent from my VZW Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
err ya my bad I meant bootloader/recovery cracked. I know they had to safestrap the razr line but I think eventually they even cracked that. And even so anything to install custom roms would be great even if safestrap type solutions are kind of annoying to use.
I hope they get a recovery for us soon. I'm getting bord with this phone.
jcwilliams said:
I hope they get a recovery for us soon. I'm getting bord with this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto I need some flashing action
Sent from my still locked down bootloader Galaxy S4 on Verizon
I'm ready for a rom. I hope something is found soon.
I am definitely ready for a new ROM too. Touchwhiz is depressing haha. I'm definitely surprised there isn't more people trying to unlock the bootloader with such a big bounty on the table.
My new replacement S4 came with MDK. If I unlock the bootloader before upgrading to ME7, does ME7 re-lock it? I'm putting off the upgrade notice until I know for sure.
DeerSteak said:
My new replacement S4 came with MDK. If I unlock the bootloader before upgrading to ME7, does ME7 re-lock it? I'm putting off the upgrade notice until I know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
would NOT give that a try, leave it as is
I hate stock lol I should have done some research before I got this phone.
Im use to flashing with my bionic and d1. Now I'm just bored lol
I looked into the new moto phone but it don't have a ext sd which is a no for me.
th3drow said:
would NOT give that a try, leave it as is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's kinda what I was thinking. I kind of like stock, but not enough to wind up with a totally locked phone.
DeerSteak said:
My new replacement S4 came with MDK. If I unlock the bootloader before upgrading to ME7, does ME7 re-lock it? I'm putting off the upgrade notice until I know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cant actually unlock the bootloader, there is just a workaround for recovery on mdk so if you update then you lose recovery. I think there is a stock rom in development that leaves out yhe bootloader and is rooted...
DeerSteak said:
My new replacement S4 came with MDK. If I unlock the bootloader before upgrading to ME7, does ME7 re-lock it? I'm putting off the upgrade notice until I know for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No reason to try something that risky. Root, use Loki to bypass the locked bootloader, and flash something new. There's quite a few ME7-based ROMs that you can use to get all the benefits of the upgrade without losing control of the phone.
Well ****, I was about to pick this phone up today. Where would it say me7 if it has it? Hoping to find one with mdk now
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
vaeevictiss said:
Well ****, I was about to pick this phone up today. Where would it say me7 if it has it? Hoping to find one with mdk now
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it would say in the last 3 numbers of the build number

[Q] Is there a master link to stop Verizon's forced install. of 4.3?

I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note II and enjoyed it for 20 days before I saw it auto-updating and I stopped it mid-stream. Then I let it (where it still remains) in Airplane mode.
I learned since that if the update from auto-update is done, 4.3's bootloader is no longer available and it can no longer be restored to 4.1.2.
I am learning terms and procedures to the best of my novice abilities, but I am still confused on how and IF I can keep my 'download-in-progess' GNII that is still 4.1.2 at 4.1.2.
Verizon and Samsung say absolutely not as you probably know and that it would be a forced installation and factory reset now or afterwards = 4.3.
SO , my question is:
is there a master link for this procedure (and a best ROM?!)
&
Also do all procedures to accomplish my goal of not updating to 4.3 involve rooting that would void the warranty as FAQ#19 states (? Or is there a non-rooting method?
[OK moderator, be kind as this is my 1st post!]
To stop the update you need to freeze an app called SDM 1.0. You will need to be rooted to do that. I guess you need to decide what direction you want to go in. If you want to unlock and flash roms then you need to do that now, before it updates. If you don't want to do that you can update and stay stock. Just be aware that if you update to 4.3 there is no going back. You can root 4.3 but you cannot unlock the bootloader.
Thank you. I see that xda's FAQ #19 says:
"Q19: Can Verizon scan my phone to see if it is rooted?
There are security features on the VZW servers that can block rooted phones from access. Know that when calling Customer Service, they can actively search your phone and see what version of Android Software you are running."
SO: Question>>> Does it not make sense to root since Verizon might actively search phone and shut me out since I did not do their forced installation?
Perhaps the answer is at best "maybe" since there are members here for sure that have rooted this and not been cut off by Big Red Verizon?
Thank you for the reply. I will look up the info. on that 1.0 program. I will prefer being rooted when I find the proper process (here is superior than youtube vids)
but the possibility of Verizon blocking phone if they can legally makes it illogical to purse rooting, unless I am missing something.
wherewasNORAD? said:
"Q19: Can Verizon scan my phone to see if it is rooted?
There are security features on the VZW servers that can block rooted phones from access. Know that when calling Customer Service, they can actively search your phone and see what version of Android Software you are running."
SO: Question>>> Does it not make sense to root since Verizon might actively search phone and shut me out since I did not do their forced installation?
Perhaps the answer is at best "maybe" since there are members here for sure that have rooted this and not been cut off by Big Red Verizon?
Thank you for the reply. I will look up the info. on that 1.0 program. I will prefer being rooted when I find the proper process (here is superior than youtube vids)
but the possibility of Verizon blocking phone if they can legally makes it illogical to purse rooting, unless I am missing something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is false. Verizon customer service cannot scan your phone. They do not know if you are rooted. Even if they did, they are not going to cancel your service. They want your monthly payment. If all of us on here have rooted several phones and still have service, don't you think that info you found is false? And if you do believe it to be true, why worry about taking the 4.3 OTA?
Sent From My Sticky Note, Too?
wherewasNORAD? said:
I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note II and enjoyed it for 20 days before I saw it auto-updating and I stopped it mid-stream. Then I let it (where it still remains) in Airplane mode.
I learned since that if the update from auto-update is done, 4.3's bootloader is no longer available and it can no longer be restored to 4.1.2.
I am learning terms and procedures to the best of my novice abilities, but I am still confused on how and IF I can keep my 'download-in-progess' GNII that is still 4.1.2 at 4.1.2.
Verizon and Samsung say absolutely not as you probably know and that it would be a forced installation and factory reset now or afterwards = 4.3.
SO , my question is:
is there a master link for this procedure (and a best ROM?!)
&
Also do all procedures to accomplish my goal of not updating to 4.3 involve rooting that would void the warranty as FAQ#19 states (? Or is there a non-rooting method?
[OK moderator, be kind as this is my 1st post!]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you really think that you will want to root your device eventually then now is the time to do it so you can update when you would like to. Adam Outlet has a step by step method that sounds scaryer than it is, just read throughly and you'll be fine. Good luck in which ever way you decide. :thumbup:
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Thank you
TonikJDK said:
To stop the update you need to freeze an app called SDM 1.0. You will need to be rooted to do that. I guess you need to decide what direction you want to go in. If you want to unlock and flash roms then you need to do that now, before it updates. If you don't want to do that you can update and stay stock. Just be aware that if you update to 4.3 there is no going back. You can root 4.3 but you cannot unlock the bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This was what I was looking for for a while now. Thanks for answering my question.

[Q] Upgrade to 4.4.2 and the future of unlocking the bootloader

I've read most of the posts on here, but all of them seem to be concerned with keeping root. Really I don't even know if this is a question that can be answered since I know the bootloader is still locked. I don't really care about root, the only thing that I would REALLY like to do is install CyanogenMod, which isn't an option at the moment. Given that, I'm thinking about taking the 4.4.2 update so I can have access to a lot of the new features, and get this annoying "Software update ready to install" message off of my screen.
The thing that worries me is that, if I do take this and the bootloader does get unlocked in the future, what are the chances this will affect my ability to use that unlock? For example, lets say an exploit is found that allows MK2 and previous bootloaders to be unlocked, but not NC5 (I believe that's the new version).
I think the question can be answered if anyone knows if the update changes or adds new security to the bootloader? If it does, then it may affect a future update. If it doesn't, then an unlock for one should work for the other right?
Like I said, I don't need or use root, but should I worry about rooting it before updating? From what I read, I can root MK2 and keep that root after updating, but I won't be able to root once I update to NC5. The only reason I would want it is, again, if it would be necessary for a future bootloader unlock.
Like I said, I know this unlock is only hypothetical, but maybe someone that knows more about it than me can extrapolate from past experience and requirements.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
deleted
You can upgrade to nc5 with keeping the mk2 bootloaders if you dont take the ota
You got a very slim chance of either 4.3 or 4.4 being unlocked. Of course if you want to put yourself in the best possible position, stay on 4.3 since you can always upgrade to 4.4 if something did happen.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Joshm is spot on...what little improvements found in kitkat doesn't strike me as enough of a reason to move to 4.4...I'm running baja rom with awesome performance.
sent by safestrap enabled bajarom
Thanks, follow up question then. Is there any way to get rid of that annoying "Software update ready to install" popup from Verizon?
BeanBagKing said:
Thanks, follow up question then. Is there any way to get rid of that annoying "Software update ready to install" popup from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root your phone using SafeRoot then grab Titanium Backup from play store and freeze "SDM" . for good measure you can freeze " FWUgrade" too but SDM should do it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
Root your phone using SafeRoot then grab Titanium Backup from play store and freeze "SDM" . for good measure you can freeze " FWUgrade" too but SDM should do it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too late This morning I was unlocking my phone and hit the stupid install now popup that defaults to the top of everything when my phone wakes up.
The good news is the new Google Camera is amazing and I'm really no worse off. The bad news will come if anyone ever finds a way to unlock the bootloader that only works with previous versions
Thanks for the help everyone.
BeanBagKing said:
Too late This morning I was unlocking my phone and hit the stupid install now popup that defaults to the top of everything when my phone wakes up.
The good news is the new Google Camera is amazing and I'm really no worse off. The bad news will come if anyone ever finds a way to unlock the bootloader that only works with previous versions
Thanks for the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well there is a downgrade method that partially puts your phone back to mk2 after taking the nc5 ota. You'd be able to have root and SafeStrap again. It's in Android Development. I haven't done it myself but hear it's not to hard to do
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Q] Unroot Verizon S4 on MC5

Hi, I'm kinda new here, well just created an account have been using the site for info for quite some time. So here is my problem. My Verizon s4 i545 has been rooted since the day I got it, literally. I had no intentions of upgrading to MC5 but while my brother was using my phone, the notification for the software update popped up and he clicked on it like a Dumb A**. So now I have a rooted S4 with MC5 firmware, and it is giving me all kinds of problems. Most noticeably, it freezes constantly, to the extent I have to take out the battery and do a hard reset. *Takes breath* So, I am in need of help, I want to unroot my phone for the time being. I can not find a download for i545VRUFNC5 stock firmware. I know I have to use oden for the flash. Can I get away with using the stock ME7 rom? or will that brick my phone? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: I just discovered a download for the MC5 but the sites servers are experiencing problems and download speeds are around 2kb/s. Thats a no go. So now i'm looking for alternates. Thanks in advance!
MC5?
Kick Out the Jams!
Mc5 is the end of the build number of 4.4.2. At least it is for verizon.
Last I heard it was NC5. I would find surge1223's thread that has the no wipe odin file for NC5 and flash this.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA mobile app
My bad, you are correct. I read it wrong lol. And thanks ill check it out.

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