[Q] Cleaning out the clutter help - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I have a new S4. So far loving it! Major upgrade from my S!
I see that about 1/2 the internal memory is used up leaving me 8GB or so to use. Can anyone tell me WHAT is on this used 8GB and is there a way to clean it out?
I'm not experienced in rooting, so it's not an option. (I was never able to sucessfully root my Galaxy S :silly: ) I would not want to try aything this complicated on my new phone.
If rooting is my only option, about how much space can I recover and can I save the original OEM setup in the process in case I need to revert back for warranty or something.
Thanks

broderp said:
I have a new S4. So far loving it! Major upgrade from my S!
I see that about 1/2 the internal memory is used up leaving me 8GB or so to use. Can anyone tell me WHAT is on this used 8GB and is there a way to clean it out?
I'm not experienced in rooting, so it's not an option. (I was never able to sucessfully root my Galaxy S :silly: ) I would not want to try aything this complicated on my new phone.
If rooting is my only option, about how much space can I recover and can I save the original OEM setup in the process in case I need to revert back for warranty or something.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats due to tw and all the new gestures and etc. U can dl an app in the playstore to move apps and games to ur sd if ur still on mdk. The new update me7 u can move games and some apps to sd. Rooting the s4 was so easy a caveman could do it. Lol. As long as u got the correct .tar files u can revert back to stock firmware using odin. And yes rooting would be the only way to get rid of all the vzw bloatware
Sent from my Beastly powered S4 using Tapatalk 4

Yup rooting is the only option. When you first start you will have a bit less than 10gb available. The ~7 gb is used for system apps and Verizon bloatware, and once you get rid of that, I found you can have 1 or 2 gb more. The only way to do this is to root it, and debloat it using one of the available tools on the android development forums, or use a custom rom after a custom recovery is installed, which I always recommend. It's not that hard. This way all the bloatware is removed and performance is enhanced
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4

First, welcome to xda, I see you have been a member but have not posted much.
Second, one of the primary things users are expected to do is to search and read/study for the answers prior to posting. Unfortunately, I have to close this thread as all of your questions have been answered in these threads. I highly encourage you do some reading for a bit before you venture into the realm of rooting as everyone risks turning their phone into a costly paperweight if they "go in" without knowing what to do.

holla420 said:
Thats due to tw and all the new gestures and etc. U can dl an app in the playstore to move apps and games to ur sd if ur still on mdk. The new update me7 u can move games and some apps to sd. Rooting the s4 was so easy a caveman could do it. Lol. As long as u got the correct .tar files u can revert back to stock firmware using odin. And yes rooting would be the only way to get rid of all the vzw bloatware
Sent from my Beastly powered S4 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is ODIN? ME7? ROM? lol :silly: I'm so new to this, I've read several threads and no matter what I do I get lost and can't follow the directions very well. (It doesn't help that I have poor reading comprehention either! ~ But I'm good with math, I'm an engineer!)
How to I tell if I'm on mdk? I'll searcht the app store for a good app to move all the clutter out.
Thanks

Related

questions about rooting and getting rid of bloatware

Well, I just got my phone yesterday and before I start adding a apps that I like. Would it be better to root now? I know the phone just came out, so are the rooting methods we have good quality roots? because I don't want to mess up my phone since I already had it for 2 days. . I know im just over thinking but just would like some feedback from xda. Also is there anyway getting rid of all the bloatware this phone has? or do I have to wait for a custom rom?
note: I'm with AT&T
thanks alot xda
Hey whats up? You might want to play with your new GS3 for a bit to see what you like and dislike about the phone. That way, when you are ready to flash a custom ROM, you know what style of ROM that you like. For instance, the Galaxy S3 uses the TouchWiz interface. Some ROM's are based on TouchWiz and some are striped down like AOKP or CyanogenMod. Hopefully you know what I'm talking about, otherwise you shouldn't think about rooting or flashing ROM's until you do some research. Make sure you know what rooting is before you jump in. To answer your question, you can remove bloatware after you root your phone with Titanium Backup. (purchase the pro version) You do not need a custom ROM to remove bloatware. By having root access, you open up your phone to a whole new world! After you gain root access, your next step is flashing custom ROM's. My advice, do a lot of reading here on XDA and learn. Also, YouTube has some great videos on rooting and flashing ROM;s. (check out galaxyS3root.com) Make sure that anything you flash/mod, specifically says it is for your phone. Make/Model/Carrier etc. If you have any questions about this stuff, PM me. I like to help.
dave2metz said:
Hey whats up? You might want to play with your new GS3 for a bit to see what you like and dislike about the phone. That way, when you are ready to flash a custom ROM, you know what style of ROM that you like. For instance, the Galaxy S3 uses the TouchWiz interface. Some ROM's are based on TouchWiz and some are striped down like AOKP or CyanogenMod. Hopefully you know what I'm talking about, otherwise you shouldn't think about rooting or flashing ROM's until you do some research. Make sure you know what rooting is before you jump in. To answer your question, you can remove bloatware after you root your phone with Titanium Backup. (purchase the pro version) You do not need a custom ROM to remove bloatware. By having root access, you open up your phone to a whole new world! After you gain root access, your next step is flashing custom ROM's. My advice, do a lot of reading here on XDA and learn. Also, YouTube has some great videos on rooting and flashing ROM;s. (check out galaxyS3root.com) Make sure that anything you flash/mod, specifically says it is for your phone. Make/Model/Carrier etc. If you have any questions about this stuff, PM me. I like to help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow thanks for such an awesome reply. I actually just rooted my phone 2mins ago and installed CWR. Right now, im not interested getting a new rom until like you said did my research. However, I didnt know Titanium Backup can get rid of all the bloatware. THANKS!!!
rayoubi said:
wow thanks for such an awesome reply. I actually just rooted my phone 2mins ago and installed CWR. Right now, im not interested getting a new rom until like you said did my research. However, I didnt know Titanium Backup can get rid of all the bloatware. THANKS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also be sure if you should manually remove any bloat you do not remove anything you are not sure 100% about. there are many components that are bloat but linked directly to Touchwiz....if parts are removed upon reboot or a factory rest your phone may not be able to fully boot and you will be busting out ODIN.
After rooting and having CWM installed, first thing you should do is do a nandroid backup. If you ever screw up removing stuff from your phone, you can just restore it. I have a backup of my phone rooted before removing bloat and another after I have all the bloat removed.
rayoubi said:
wow thanks for such an awesome reply. I actually just rooted my phone 2mins ago and installed CWR. Right now, im not interested getting a new rom until like you said did my research. However, I didnt know Titanium Backup can get rid of all the bloatware. THANKS!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup finally rooted myself after having the phone for nearly two weeks. I'm patiently waiting until Blazer ROM 1.3 is available for download so I don't need to worry about what bloatware is ok/not ok to remove. :victory:
After rooting your phone is anyone having problems with system update alerts that keep coming up ?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app

Q about Roms

I currently have the Verizon Note 2, now rooted, and wondering if I can use the Dirty AOKP 5.1 rom. I know it is under the nexus 7 developer site, but are roms able to be used on different phones?
Also, I used casual to root my device, then backed up my apps and systems on titanium backup (not pro), but do not know where to go from here to load the rom. Do i run casual again and once I get into that team wiz menu, flash the rom from there?
Sorry, been reading up on this site but some of the lingo i'm not familiar with quite yet.
Do i make a new folder on my sd card and move the rom to that folder first?
Thanks a bunch~
Unless the rom is meant for our phones. Flashing something like that can brick your phone. Now that you're rooted, install twrp and then you can start flashing custom roms. There are plenty of good aokp roms here, but don't risk damaging your device.
Current device:
Samsung Galaxy Note 2
Running Moon rom V2 w/ Perseus OC to 1.8ghz, pimped out with the zero lemon 9300 mah
Retired devices:
Huawei Ascend, Droid Charge, Droid Bionic
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
tigersfa8 said:
I currently have the Verizon Note 2, now rooted, and wondering if I can use the Dirty AOKP 5.1 rom. I know it is under the nexus 7 developer site, but are roms able to be used on different phones?
Also, I used casual to root my device, then backed up my apps and systems on titanium backup (not pro), but do not know where to go from here to load the rom. Do i run casual again and once I get into that team wiz menu, flash the rom from there?
Sorry, been reading up on this site but some of the lingo i'm not familiar with quite yet.
Do i make a new folder on my sd card and move the rom to that folder first?
Thanks a bunch~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i suggest going over to droidstyle's guide and checking it out before doing anything.
---------- Post added at 07:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 PM ----------
ztotherad said:
i suggest going over to droidstyle's guide and checking it out before doing anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: hers the link to the guide bro. hit it up before you go and brick your $700 phone. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2024207
tigersfa8 said:
I currently have the Verizon Note 2, now rooted, and wondering if I can use the Dirty AOKP 5.1 rom. I know it is under the nexus 7 developer site, but are roms able to be used on different phones?
Also, I used casual to root my device, then backed up my apps and systems on titanium backup (not pro), but do not know where to go from here to load the rom. Do i run casual again and once I get into that team wiz menu, flash the rom from there?
Sorry, been reading up on this site but some of the lingo i'm not familiar with quite yet.
Do i make a new folder on my sd card and move the rom to that folder first?
Thanks a bunch~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As ztotherad said you need to read droidstyles guide.
As for using Roms, if you want Roms check the ones in the Verizon Note 2 Development and Original Development sections. Those are the only ones for our phones.
If you're going to flash a Touchwiz ROM you can flash Roms from the other Note 2's but only the LTE ones and then you have to use a patch to make them work. The Note 2 Roms from other carriers are only from specific phones though, the include the N7105, the AT&T version, the T-Mobile version, and maybe another. You have to use the patch with those though our else they will not work. You cannot however flash a ROM for the Nexus 7 or other devices unless it has been ported to our phone, in which case it would be in the Development section.
That being said it is very obvious that you don't know what you're doing yet, before you attempt to flash ANYTHING from another carrier you must know what you're doing and understand the ins and outs of modding and ROM flashing and the only way to do this is to read all the guides and if you don't understand something to ask questions in the Q&A section if you don't understand something or need clarification.
For the time being you only need to flash Roms from the Verizon Note 2 Development and Original Development Section and only after you have read droidstyles sticky that ztotherad posted above.
Verizon Note 2 Development Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1888
Verizon Note 2 Original Development Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1889
As I said, and everyone else has, you need to at least read droidstyles guide before doing ANYTHING.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
shangrila500 said:
As ztotherad said you need to read droidstyles guide.
As for using Roms, if you want Roms check the ones in the Verizon Note 2 Development and Original Development sections. Those are the only ones for our phones.
If you're going to flash a Touchwiz ROM you can flash Roms from the other Note 2's but only the LTE ones and then you have to use a patch to make them work. The Note 2 Roms from other carriers are only from specific phones though, the include the N7105, the AT&T version, the T-Mobile version, and maybe another. You have to use the patch with those though our else they will not work. You cannot however flash a ROM for the Nexus 7 or other devices unless it has been ported to our phone, in which case it would be in the Development section.
That being said it is very obvious that you don't know what you're doing yet, before you attempt to flash ANYTHING from another carrier you must know what you're doing and understand the ins and outs of modding and ROM flashing and the only way to do this is to read all the guides and if you don't understand something to ask questions in the Q&A section if you don't understand something or need clarification.
For the time being you only need to flash Roms from the Verizon Note 2 Development and Original Development Section and only after you have read droidstyles sticky that ztotherad posted above.
Verizon Note 2 Development Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1888
Verizon Note 2 Original Development Section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1889
As I said, and everyone else has, you need to at least read droidstyles guide before doing ANYTHING.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, believe me, you don't want to brick this phone, it's easy to mess up.
Thank you for the guides. So what I have done so far is ran casual to root it, flashed aokp nightly, then flashed gapps-jb-20130301-signed. From what people have advised me, I haven't done a proper flash. Next, I have read up on the the droidstyle guide [GUIDE][VZW Edition]How to Root/Rom/Return to Stock the VZW Galaxy Note II many times and still have questions.
I have access to team win recovery project by pressing up volume, power, and home button.
People have been suggesting that I take it easy step by doing the flash of the rom provided on the droidstyle guide, and I will follow those newbie steps first.
Could people verify if the following step will be ok to take?
Download one of the touchwiz jelly bean roms from Section 2: How to flash a Touchwiz 4.1.1 rom/kernel from a Custom Recovery. (I've decided to go with mean bean)
Download file, transfer file onto sd micro card, power device off, restart device by going into volume up + power + home button. select wipe, then wipe cache.
Select install, then select the rom. Then reboot system. Is that it? or...
Do I also follow How to flash a custom Touchwiz kernel, and section 3? Or are those extra?
Edit: Also, in the team win recovery project, do I only need to go to wipe, swipe to factory reset to erase the previous roms? What is a good way to wipe to start from scratch again before flashing the mean bean rom that I'm downloading? I don't really need anything else on the phone...
Thanks again~
tigersfa8 said:
Thank you for the guides. So what I have done so far is ran casual to root it, flashed aokp nightly, then flashed gapps-jb-20130301-signed. From what people have advised me, I haven't done a proper flash. Next, I have read up on the the droidstyle guide [GUIDE][VZW Edition]How to Root/Rom/Return to Stock the VZW Galaxy Note II many times and still have questions.
I have access to team win recovery project by pressing up volume, power, and home button.
People have been suggesting that I take it easy step by doing the flash of the rom provided on the droidstyle guide, and I will follow those newbie steps first.
Could people verify if the following step will be ok to take?
Download one of the touchwiz jelly bean roms from Section 2: How to flash a Touchwiz 4.1.1 rom/kernel from a Custom Recovery. (I've decided to go with mean bean)
Download file, transfer file onto sd micro card, power device off, restart device by going into volume up + power + home button. select wipe, then wipe cache.
Select install, then select the rom. Then reboot system. Is that it? or...
Do I also follow How to flash a custom Touchwiz kernel, and section 3? Or are those extra?
Edit: Also, in the team win recovery project, do I only need to go to wipe, swipe to factory reset to erase the previous roms? What is a good way to wipe to start from scratch again before flashing the mean bean rom that I'm downloading? I don't really need anything else on the phone...
Thanks again~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You hold power+volume up+home button to boot into TWRP. Then hit wipe.
At this point you have a couple options. You can simply swipe to factory reset.
If you have an external sd card, I like to move the rom (meanbeanice.zip) to the external. then i hit format data to completely wipe the internal sd.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
So if I do an entire format data to completely wipe the internal sd, then flash go to install to install meanbean. I would have a clean new start with mean bean?
Yes, just make sure you hit the backup tab first to make a 'nandroid'. if anything goes wrong, you can boot into recovery and hit the restore tab to boot into the state of the phone as it was when you backed up.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
I'll make the backup first. It will keep my team wiz recovery I'm assuming then?
For mean bean, I'll do the wipe, backup, then format data completely, install mean bean, go back and install sticky settings, go back and install sticky debloat to delete all the unwanted softwares? (Such as the nfl, amazon, and etc.)
Taking and reading how to properly flash one step at a time.~
Thanks everyone~
tigersfa8 said:
I'll make the backup first. It will keep my team wiz recovery I'm assuming then?
For mean bean, I'll do the wipe, backup, then format data completely, install mean bean, go back and install sticky settings, go back and install sticky debloat to delete all the unwanted softwares? (Such as the nfl, amazon, and etc.)
Taking and reading how to properly flash one step at a time.~
Thanks everyone~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you got everything right but you want to make a backup before you wipe anything..
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
I did everything above, but for some reason, nfl, amazon, kindle softwares showed up even though i did run the sticky debloat. Something I'm missing? I guess I can just diable them, but wondering if I missed a step for the future.
Thanks again~
tigersfa8 said:
I did everything above, but for some reason, nfl, amazon, kindle softwares showed up even though i did run the sticky debloat. Something I'm missing? I guess I can just diable them, but wondering if I missed a step for the future.
Thanks again~
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you change the .blt file as explained in the OP of Mikey's thread? You have to edit that file then run the sticky debloat. It's unlikely that at this point you would have the experience to edit that file before flashing the ROM (please take no offense...) that's why I'm guessing that's your issue.
ztotherad said:
yeah, believe me, you don't want to brick this phone, it's easy to mess up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually one of the hardest to brick I have ever seen as long as you didn't update to VRAMC3, it seems like the minority of the issues come from phones with that update and is utterly puzzling. I'm just glad that I got my phone before *any* updates came out.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
shangrila500 said:
It's actually one of the hardest to brick I have ever seen as long as you didn't update to VRAMC3, it seems like the minority of the issues come from phones with that update and is utterly puzzling. I'm just glad that I got my phone before *any* updates came out.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i believe before i bricked mine it was on the previous update, but this new one i have it's on the vramc3 update. i accepted it ota before i decided to unlock and root my phone.
ztotherad said:
yeah i believe before i bricked mine it was on the previous update, but this new one i have it's on the vramc3 update. i accepted it ota before i decided to unlock and root my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder why it seems like VRAMC3 is causing more issues, I know its 4.1.2 and has a new bootloader but is there a reason aside from that causing the issues.... It could also just be that more people are buying the Note 2 since the update.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
shangrila500 said:
I wonder why it seems like VRAMC3 is causing more issues, I know its 4.1.2 and has a new bootloader but is there a reason aside from that causing the issues.... It could also just be that more people are buying the Note 2 since the update.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh who knows. but yeah, it could be, i wish Samsung would release 4.2.2, cause I'd be a super happy camper
ztotherad said:
oh who knows. but yeah, it could be, i wish Samsung would release 4.2.2, cause I'd be a super happy camper
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here, hell if they would just leak it id be happy.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
shangrila500 said:
Same here, hell if they would just leak it id be happy.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love it on my S4

First time installing a custom ROM, I need some hand holding

Hey folks.
The S4 is my first smartphone. Ever. I rooted it a few weeks ago and have been playing with different tools and utilities. I love the extra control it gives me.
Been using Smartlauncher Pro as my launcher as well, but it doesn't give me the customization I want. I dig the UI though, it's minimalist just the way I like.
I've been keeping my eye out for ROM's I can try out, and I think I want to try Cynogen for the S4. However, I am terrified of destroying my investment. I've read horror stories of flashes gone wrong... I don't want to permanently brick my device.
Is there anyone here who can hold my hand while I install my ROM? I seriously have no idea what I'm doing, instructions or no.
...I sound so pathetic right now.
Thanks folks.
shaddz said:
Hey folks.
The S4 is my first smartphone. Ever. I rooted it a few weeks ago and have been playing with different tools and utilities. I love the extra control it gives me.
Been using Smartlauncher Pro as my launcher as well, but it doesn't give me the customization I want. I dig the UI though, it's minimalist just the way I like.
I've been keeping my eye out for ROM's I can try out, and I think I want to try Cynogen for the S4. However, I am terrified of destroying my investment. I've read horror stories of flashes gone wrong... I don't want to permanently brick my device.
Is there anyone here who can hold my hand while I install my ROM? I seriously have no idea what I'm doing, instructions or no.
...I sound so pathetic right now.
Thanks folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have a custom recovery installed like TWRP or CWM? If you do all you need to do is download the rom (I put them on ext sd)....and gapps if your flashing cyanogen, boot into recovery, make a backup (I put this on my ext sd card too), wipe, flash rom, flash gapps and reboot.
shaddz said:
Hey folks.
The S4 is my first smartphone. Ever. I rooted it a few weeks ago and have been playing with different tools and utilities. I love the extra control it gives me.
Been using Smartlauncher Pro as my launcher as well, but it doesn't give me the customization I want. I dig the UI though, it's minimalist just the way I like.
I've been keeping my eye out for ROM's I can try out, and I think I want to try Cynogen for the S4. However, I am terrified of destroying my investment. I've read horror stories of flashes gone wrong... I don't want to permanently brick my device.
Is there anyone here who can hold my hand while I install my ROM? I seriously have no idea what I'm doing, instructions or no.
...I sound so pathetic right now.
Thanks folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi!
The first thing you need to find out is what build number you have. This will tell you if you are able to root and install recovery in order to put a new rom on the phone. Do NOT update your phone by the over the air update that is currently available! To find your build number go to settings: the more tab: about phone, then scroll down. If you have JDQ39.I545VRUAME7 then you are in the same boat as many of us and accidently did the upgrade which at this moment has no way to root. If you haven't done the upgrade than you need to find one of the many threads on here that will walk you through the process.
Hope this helps some, there are others on here that can give you a much more detailed walkthrough of how to root if you are on the correct older build.
The best advice I can give is to read the entire original post (OP) for the ROM you like, and as much of the thread as you can. 9 times out of 10 when someone has a problem with the ROM it's been discussed, and is often listed in the OP. Usually there are step by step instructions on installing the ROM. I believe there's a general ROM flashing guide in this forum somewhere as well.
Good luck and have fun :good:
Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
FNM
shaddz said:
Hey folks.
The S4 is my first smartphone. Ever. I rooted it a few weeks ago and have been playing with different tools and utilities. I love the extra control it gives me.
Been using Smartlauncher Pro as my launcher as well, but it doesn't give me the customization I want. I dig the UI though, it's minimalist just the way I like.
I've been keeping my eye out for ROM's I can try out, and I think I want to try Cynogen for the S4. However, I am terrified of destroying my investment. I've read horror stories of flashes gone wrong... I don't want to permanently brick my device.
Is there anyone here who can hold my hand while I install my ROM? I seriously have no idea what I'm doing, instructions or no.
...I sound so pathetic right now.
Thanks folks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to start reading, period.
srphoenix said:
Hi!
The first thing you need to find out is what build number you have. This will tell you if you are able to root and install recovery in order to put a new rom on the phone. Do NOT update your phone by the over the air update that is currently available! To find your build number go to settings: the more tab: about phone, then scroll down. If you have JDQ39.I545VRUAME7 then you are in the same boat as many of us and accidently did the upgrade which at this moment has no way to root. If you haven't done the upgrade than you need to find one of the many threads on here that will walk you through the process.
Hope this helps some, there are others on here that can give you a much more detailed walkthrough of how to root if you are on the correct older build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK is the version I have. I froze the updater using Titanium a couple weeks ago... And my phone is already rooted.
shaddz said:
JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK is the version I have. I froze the updater using Titanium a couple weeks ago... And my phone is already rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good! You haven't been updated which means you can still flash ROMs. Are you familiar with both types of ROMs, TouchWiz and AOSP? CyanogenMod is an AOSP ROM, which will be completely different from what you're running right now, TouchWiz. You're rooted, but have you installed a custom recovery? You need one to flash ROM's, either TWRP or CWM. You can also make a nandroid backup in recovery, and if anything goes wrong, you can go back to exactly how you are now. Definitely read the OP of the ROM thread multiple times and follow the flashing instructions correctly.
thesoldier said:
That's good! You haven't been updated which means you can still flash ROMs. Are you familiar with both types of ROMs, TouchWiz and AOSP? CyanogenMod is an AOSP ROM, which will be completely different from what you're running right now, TouchWiz. You're rooted, but have you installed a custom recovery? You need one to flash ROM's, either TWRP or CWM. You can also make a nandroid backup in recovery, and if anything goes wrong, you can go back to exactly how you are now. Definitely read the OP of the ROM thread multiple times and follow the flashing instructions correctly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I just made a full phone backup using GooManager/TWRP.
Now for the next step...
shaddz said:
Okay, I just made a full phone backup using GooManager/TWRP.
Now for the next step...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If anything goes wrong with the flash in the next step, go to restore and you'll be back to how you are now.
Did you download the ROM to your phone along with Gapps? For AOSP Roms you need a separate gapps package, which is Google apps.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
thesoldier said:
If anything goes wrong with the flash in the next step, go to restore and you'll be back to how you are now.
Did you download the ROM to your phone along with Gapps? For AOSP Roms you need a separate gapps package, which is Google apps.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just started the download for gapps package using Goomanager.
I checked out the Cyanogenmod site, apparently there's no stable versions for the VZW GS4?
Oh wells, flash anyway! That's what I do!
Worst case scenario, you have to use Odin to get back to stock. I used to keep a nandroid on my PC for just in case scenarios as well. One time on my GNex I flashed something really bad and had to adb pull everything off my phone, wipe the whole thing, and start over.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
jova33 said:
Oh wells, flash anyway! That's what I do!
Worst case scenario, you have to use Odin to get back to stock. I used to keep a nandroid on my PC for just in case scenarios as well. One time on my GNex I flashed something really bad and had to adb pull everything off my phone, wipe the whole thing, and start over.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloading the most recent nightly.
What do I do to get it on here?
shaddz said:
Downloading the most recent nightly.
What do I do to get it on here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you'll have to download a nightly, I don't think there are any stable versions out yet. Are you downloading it directly on your phone? Or on your PC?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Thread cleaned of useless comments.
Thread is also closed - as XDA, even though full of helpful and nice people, is not a direct support site.
Users are expected to do some reading before they post and blatantly ask for hand holding. And, as you have seen, other users have a tendency to not be so nice and make trolling comments because of that.
This is a development site and is about development - so, please, study up first, then post questions based from what you have learned.

[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

For people that need help (NEW TO ANDROID)

I want to post this thread to help those of you
who are new to android and to the Galaxy S4.
There are many videos on how to do kool things
to your S4, but most of them don't include the
Verizon version of those kool new things. If you
need help and you are relatively new, I ca listen
to your questions and help you out. Most of the
developers are too busy doing other things so we
can have kooler things for our devices, they don't
need another task to take upon their shoulders.
Thank you all developers for Giving us the great
power that comes with Android.
Don't take this the wrong way, but something about this post makes me hope that you'll only be pointing people in the direction of the proper guide, not trying to explain it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
thecrunked said:
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All the 4.3 ports are aosp I believe. So no TW. theres a thread about them in the Q and A section.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
thecrunked said:
Thanks for the thread, i am new to android, just switched over from iphone (but i am actually not very tech savvy). any idea how/if i can update to android 4.3 on touchwiz while while maintaining my root on the mdk version? i read an article saying you can force the 4.3 update to any s4
edit:
just realized the article was for google play edition, but seeing that i am rooted, does it make a difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. That's not how android works. It's not like an iPhone where all of the updates come from apple. Android updates don't come from Google unless you own a Nexus device or a GE device. They usually come from the OEM and carrier. And it's not universal. You can't apply an update from another carrier on your device. The only thing you could do at this point is to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. I think there are a few ROMs in development that have a 4.3 base, but that's it. Also, you can't maintain the MDK version and also update to 4.3. They're two completely different versions with many of the components being different, including the bootloader and recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
mateopase said:
No. That's not how android works. It's not like an iPhone where all of the updates come from apple. Android updates don't come from Google unless you own a Nexus device or a GE device. They usually come from the OEM and carrier. And it's not universal.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC and Samsung handle the updates for their Google Play edition device.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Well , i think i posted this on the verizon GS4 forum... which i have quite of bit of knowlege... if you are already advanced in rooting ROMs and etc.... this is not for you... im trying to help those with little knowledge the best i can... thats all
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
There are no touch wiz android 4.3 yet.... your best bet is staying on mdk.... because any update that verizon pushes out will lock the loki hack and brake root.... check out the post on the list of ROMs the GS4 has. If you don't like any of the ROMs you'll have to wait for a prerooted Android 4.3for Galaxy S4 to come out.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
And yes... if i don't know something... of course ill point to the direction that is needed.... i dont know everything.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
thepianoman77 said:
And yes... if i don't know something... of course ill point to the direction that is needed.... i dont know everything.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your willingness to help out folks newer to Android.
thanks for the info. my gs4 is rooted on mdk with goomanager's recovery. i have been happy with touchwiz so far, so i haven't flashed any other roms yet. i disabled the OTA update with titanium backup but i am a little curious about the VRUAME7 update. what exactly is the deal with that, you can root but not use a custom recovery (so your stuck on touchwiz) or can i get a rooted version of it and have recovery too while enjoying whatever the new updates are.
I have one question for everyone. Depending on the answers I get, the if it aint broke dont fix it rule will apply. So here it goes. (fingers crossed)
I was on Beans MDK Rom with stock kernel and decided to try Darkslide Rom. My phone didnt like the that rom so I flashed back to Beans using my nandroid backup using TWRP. Everything is working fine with no issues at all. Here is where my question comes. I looked at my baseband and it show ME7. Why? My backup should have put me on MDK...right? How I get baseband back to MDK? Anyone have suggestions?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
thecrunked said:
thanks for the info. my gs4 is rooted on mdk with goomanager's recovery. i have been happy with touchwiz so far, so i haven't flashed any other roms yet. i disabled the OTA update with titanium backup but i am a little curious about the VRUAME7 update. what exactly is the deal with that, you can root but not use a custom recovery (so your stuck on touchwiz) or can i get a rooted version of it and have recovery too while enjoying whatever the new updates are.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a device that wasn't officially updated to ME7 then you can flash any of the ME7 roms in the dev section. You'll enjoy the new features such as apps2sd and you can flash the ME7 modem separately (Darkslide flashes it for you).
GameChanger said:
I have one question for everyone. Depending on the answers I get, the if it aint broke dont fix it rule will apply. So here it goes. (fingers crossed)
I was on Beans MDK Rom with stock kernel and decided to try Darkslide Rom. My phone didnt like the that rom so I flashed back to Beans using my nandroid backup using TWRP. Everything is working fine with no issues at all. Here is where my question comes. I looked at my baseband and it show ME7. Why? My backup should have put me on MDK...right? How I get baseband back to MDK? Anyone have suggestions?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The baseband refers to the modem which isn't changed by flashing most roms or restoring nandroids. However, since Darkslide flashes it alongside the rom (only rom that does this) that is why your baseband changed to ME7. You can get back the MDK modem in a few threads but there is an easy one to find in the second post of the BoneStock rom.
Sent from my GS4
il buono said:
If you have a device that wasn't officially updated to ME7 then you can flash any of the ME7 roms in the dev section. You'll enjoy the new features such as apps2sd and you can flash the ME7 modem separately (Darkslide flashes it for you).
The baseband refers to the modem which isn't changed by flashing most roms or restoring nandroids. However, since Darkslide flashes it alongside the rom (only rom that does this) that is why your baseband changed to ME7. You can get back the MDK modem in a few threads but there is an easy one to find in the second post of the BoneStock rom.
Sent from my GS4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am back on MDK again. I searched everywhere for an answer. Thanks il buono
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
There is one ROM that someone created that is pre rooted... i forgot where i saw it... but yes... its only a Rom so you would be able to go back to whatever Rom you backed up... that being CM10 or stock...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
GameChanger said:
I am back on MDK again. I searched everywhere for an answer. Thanks il buono
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im glad you you found the answer you were looking for.=]
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda app-developers app
How do I tell which build the phone is at the store
Hi,
I'm new to android and all internet phones.
I'm using a relic right now Motorola e815 with just the phone (text blocked) and I need to get a GS4 for Verizon. I modified my e815 7 years ago, so I could put ringtones on it from the card, but the state of the art (SOTA) curve seems a bit steep with never having used an android phone.
I would like to get the GS4 root it and put custom ROMs on it. From what I read currently, I think this can be done only on the expensive developer phones, or pre ME7 builds.
My questions are:
How do I tell which build the phone has at the store so I can tell if they are selling ME7 or not? Another thread from today said the stock 16gb phones at the store a few days ago when he got his were all pre ME7. Another thread on another board said try asking for the least popular color. OK, but how do I quickly check what the build version is. Yes I've UTFSE, but I must not be calling something by the correct name in the search engine.
Also how do I make sure the CSA does not update the phone and that there is no automatic update before I get home and turn it off? I don't want to find a phone I can root and ROM, but have some idiot screw it up for me by doing the OTA or it happening on my way home from the store. Also if I go to get an app from ? (titanium backup) to turn off autoupdate, do I risk it automatically updating before I can get the chance to root it?
Thank you very much for any help your suggestion you have to offer me and anyone else reading this.
minionhunter said:
Hi,
I'm new to android and all internet phones.
I'm using a relic right now Motorola e815 with just the phone (text blocked) and I need to get a GS4 for Verizon. I modified my e815 7 years ago, so I could put ringtones on it from the card, but the state of the art (SOTA) curve seems a bit steep with never having used an android phone.
I would like to get the GS4 root it and put custom ROMs on it. From what I read currently, I think this can be done only on the expensive developer phones, or pre ME7 builds.
My questions are:
How do I tell which build the phone has at the store so I can tell if they are selling ME7 or not? Another thread from today said the stock 16gb phones at the store a few days ago when he got his were all pre ME7. Another thread on another board said try asking for the least popular color. OK, but how do I quickly check what the build version is. Yes I've UTFSE, but I must not be calling something by the correct name in the search engine.
Also how do I make sure the CSA does not update the phone and that there is no automatic update before I get home and turn it off? I don't want to find a phone I can root and ROM, but have some idiot screw it up for me by doing the OTA or it happening on my way home from the store. Also if I go to get an app from ? (titanium backup) to turn off autoupdate, do I risk it automatically updating before I can get the chance to root it?
Thank you very much for any help your suggestion you have to offer me and anyone else reading this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer SOME of your question... I believe that there is really no way to know if the phone has the me7 update on it without turning it on to check... I'm sorry.... I got my phone around the same time the new update was coming out. You can always ask the store assistant to try to set up the phone while you're in the store, that way you can quickly set it up... then go to settings/more/about phone/build number to check if the last three characters are me7 or not...... Although it would be hard to find a way out of that if you find out it has the me7 update.......
If you know for sure that the phone does not have me7 on it for sure..... turn all data off ... wi-fi, moble network... etc.... and download Titanium Backup apk to your computer..... from there you can transfer it to an sd card or USB it to your phone and install it manually....... BUT... for the app to work you have to be already rooted.... so before you buy the phone you need to watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm3jw3hft1g and follow all instructions for the downloads... You dont nee a network connection to root.... DO NOT TURN YOUR DATA/WI-FI CONNECTION UNTIL YOU FOLLOW ALL I'M TELLING YOU..... once you are rooted SUCCESSFULLY..... run titanium backup find "SDM 1.0" click on it and freeze it!... this will make it so Titanium Backup will Deny the process that pushes the updates.... ater THE APP HAS BEEN FROZEN. You can turn the data back on.... Having done this... you are now able to install the Loki hack and flash ROMs... instructions for Loki hack= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc_Mh_nNPPw ...... if you have any more questions... PLEASE ASK.... Good Luck. so review...................... ALSO if you need very extremely thorough instructions on how to use Titanium backup see this video. "" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZEa10WtFng
1. Find GS4 without me7
2. Turn off all data
3. Root GS4
4. Download Titanium Backup.apk to PC
5.Transfer apk to phone storage
6. Install Titanium Backup manually on GS4
7. Find "SDM 1.0" and Freeze it
8. You are now safe from me7 update
9. Turn data back on if wished
10. Loki hack bootloader
11. GO CRAZY!!!
"unrelated"
BTW to anyone reading this.... how do you add a link to a word... you know... like when people say.... click here.... and then the word "here" has a ling in it... ??
thepianoman77 said:
snip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you very much, that is excellent!!!
I'll let you know how it goes.
thepianoman77 said:
"unrelated"
BTW to anyone reading this.... how do you add a link to a word... you know... like when people say.... click here.... and then the word "here" has a ling in it... ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
type something like this:
Click (URL=www.google.com]This[/URL] Link
except put in a [ instead of ( infront on where i initially typed URL

Categories

Resources