Camera seems like it's stuck in macro focus - Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

Hey guys, has anyone had this issue where your camera refuses to focus on anything further away than say about 6 inches? It can focus just fine close up, but beyond that it's garbage. It goes through the 'animation' of focusing, turns red like i can't focus, and doesn't actually adjust the focus at all. It started in about October and has persisted through 3 or 4 ROMs and various camera APKs.
Has anyone replaced their camera before? I doubt verizon would trade me for a new phone seeing as I've rooted it and flashed a lot of ROMs on it. What should I do? What have you done if this has happened to you? This thread outlines exactly the same thing I'm experiencing and seems as they've concluded it's hardware failure.
Thoughts?

Bump in hopes of someone's experience or advice.

falkon114 said:
Hey guys, has anyone had this issue where your camera refuses to focus on anything further away than say about 6 inches? It can focus just fine close up, but beyond that it's garbage. It goes through the 'animation' of focusing, turns red like i can't focus, and doesn't actually adjust the focus at all. It started in about October and has persisted through 3 or 4 ROMs and various camera APKs.
Has anyone replaced their camera before? I doubt verizon would trade me for a new phone seeing as I've rooted it and flashed a lot of ROMs on it. What should I do? What have you done if this has happened to you? This thread outlines exactly the same thing I'm experiencing and seems as they've concluded it's hardware failure.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you're right on the hardware issue. You could always use ODIN to restore the phone back to stock and turn it in for replacement. Verizon can't tell the difference as long as you restore it with the proper factory image. Bad thing is, replacement will probably come locked down with the currently unlockable 4.3 bootloader. At the very least you can restore it with ODIN just to see if it helps the focus issue.

*see below*

Jiggabitties said:
I think you're right on the hardware issue. You could always use ODIN to restore the phone back to stock and turn it in for replacement. Verizon can't tell the difference as long as you restore it with the proper factory image. Bad thing is, replacement will probably come locked down with the currently unlockable 4.3 bootloader. At the very least you can restore it with ODIN just to see if it helps the focus issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i think I might try going back to stock. I wanted to a little while ago just to remember what it was like having a stock system, but I can't find all the files I need. Wasn't there a sticky with Odin and all the right files in one thread? Thought it was stickied, but either I'm blind, or I'm not finding it.
Edit:
Nvm, I'm an idiot

falkon114 said:
Yeah, i think I might try going back to stock. I wanted to a little while ago just to remember what it was like having a stock system, but I can't find all the files I need. Wasn't there a sticky with Odin and all the right files in one thread? Thought it was stickied, but either I'm blind, or I'm not finding it.
Edit:
Nvm, I'm an idiot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah sometimes I go back to stock for a day or two just to remind myself why crack flashing is so worth it. But sometimes it's just needed to iron out some bugs. I was having radio issues not too long ago, tried different roms and radios and couldn't fix it. Flashed back to stock, worked like a charm. Haven't had an issue since.

Jiggabitties said:
Yeah sometimes I go back to stock for a day or two just to remind myself why crack flashing is so worth it. But sometimes it's just needed to iron out some bugs. I was having radio issues not too long ago, tried different roms and radios and couldn't fix it. Flashed back to stock, worked like a charm. Haven't had an issue since.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so I remember having some problems when I was first rooting/modifying/Custom recovery-ing...
Couple questions.
1. I use TWRP as my recovery of choice. Can I backup my current ROM as is and store it through there like I normally would when going to a new ROM in case I want to after I go back to stock? Or will going back to stock completely erase all saved ROM images?
If I go back to stock, can I boot into TWRP again like I do now, or is there some process I'll need to follow again to be able to flash my current ROM image? Should I flash the Root66 stock VRALJB 4.1.1 (12/2/12) in the previously linked thread so I can still use custom recovery?
What else should I know? I've become quite good and confident in flashing ROMs, but I'm nervous going back to stock since it seems easier to brick it/lock it down. I remember when I first downloaded and tried installing TWRP, it showed that infamous Yellow Triangle saying the device found unauthorized software and to take it to Verizon, and I remember spending hours trying to flash things to get past that, I don't want to have to deal with that again.

falkon114 said:
Alright, so I remember having some problems when I was first rooting/modifying/Custom recovery-ing...
Couple questions.
1. I use TWRP as my recovery of choice. Can I backup my current ROM as is and store it through there like I normally would when going to a new ROM in case I want to after I go back to stock? Or will going back to stock completely erase all saved ROM images?
If I go back to stock, can I boot into TWRP again like I do now, or is there some process I'll need to follow again to be able to flash my current ROM image? Should I flash the Root66 stock VRALJB 4.1.1 (12/2/12) in the previously linked thread so I can still use custom recovery?
What else should I know? I've become quite good and confident in flashing ROMs, but I'm nervous going back to stock since it seems easier to brick it/lock it down. I remember when I first downloaded and tried installing TWRP, it showed that infamous Yellow Triangle saying the device found unauthorized software and to take it to Verizon, and I remember spending hours trying to flash things to get past that, I don't want to have to deal with that again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, backup your current ROM, if you use the root66 Odin image it should not erase anything you have stored. But to be safe, I would copy your TWRP backup to either an external SD or to your computer for safe keeping. TWRP should survive, as long as you use root66, the others will overwrite recovery and lock the bootloader.
The only reason you should ever get the "Yellow Triangle", or trip any sort of security is if you attempt to install a custom recovery or ROM while the bootloader remains locked, or, you attempted to install the recovery via ODIN.
The most important thing here is, whatever you do, under any circumstance, DO NOT accept any OTA updates. As long as you don't accept the 4.3 OTA, you should be able to keep your TWRP.
You may want to try this flashable version of the stock VRAMC3 before you resort to ODIN http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261478

Jiggabitties said:
Yes, backup your current ROM, if you use the root66 Odin image it should not erase anything you have stored. But to be safe, I would copy your TWRP backup to either an external SD or to your computer for safe keeping. TWRP should survive, as long as you use root66, the others will overwrite recovery and lock the bootloader.
The only reason you should ever get the "Yellow Triangle", or trip any sort of security is if you attempt to install a custom recovery or ROM while the bootloader remains locked, or, you attempted to install the recovery via ODIN.
The most important thing here is, whatever you do, under any circumstance, DO NOT accept any OTA updates. As long as you don't accept the 4.3 OTA, you should be able to keep your TWRP.
You may want to try this flashable version of the stock VRAMC3 before you resort to ODIN http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261478
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I tried the last link there, and am back to relatively stock and still have the camera issue.
I'm excited for the 4.3 update to be hacked since I would really, really like multi-window and SNote capabilities on my 4.3 ROM, but who knows when that might happen.
Thanks for you help man!

falkon114 said:
Thanks. I tried the last link there, and am back to relatively stock and still have the camera issue.
I'm excited for the 4.3 update to be hacked since I would really, really like multi-window and SNote capabilities on my 4.3 ROM, but who knows when that might happen.
Thanks for you help man!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help in any way. Bummer about your camera.

Related

Reverting to Stock Issue Inquiry

Hi am obviously new to these forums but not new to Android/Samsung development so I had custom roms installed on my I777 so I needed to revert back to stock in which I flashed a leak which apparently changed the pit so I was able to download all the stock files for Odin3 for my device in the Download Repository. My question is there any reason why my device just doesn't act as accurately as I though I remembered it being when it was stock. Is there any ultimately right process for flashing because most instructions including my own are all different, some say wipe cache and data first and battery pull then download mode Creepys says its not neccessary until after the flash as does ZedoMax. I've followed all of them and haven't understood why there is no ultimately right process if there is one at all using odin3 and one-click. And if this is the case what could possibly be going on with the force closes and hangups I'm getting? If someone is willing to take the time to help me with all these questions I'd greatly appreciate it.
Dunno if it'll help, but it won't hurt..
Boot into recovery and"fix permissions". *Should* help with the FC's - oh, and delete everything from your memory that you read on galaxys2root (zedomax). Whatever you've read from creepy, COMMIT to memory. The guy is ace!
Clay
Team Pirate
Sent from my PINK SGH-I777
clay101eve said:
Dunno if it'll help, but it won't hurt..
Boot into recovery and"fix permissions". *Should* help with the FC's - oh, and delete everything from your memory that you read on galaxys2root (zedomax). Whatever you've read from creepy, COMMIT to memory. The guy is ace!
Clay
Team Pirate
Sent from my PINK SGH-I777
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the option for fix permissions first of all is that a cwm option? Also I know creepy is one of the best but what's wrong with gs2root? And I appreciate the help but which process is the ultimate right way? Do you flash pit,PDA,modem all together or is that incorrect?
GalaxyHackster85 said:
I don't see the option for fix permissions first of all is that a cwm option? Also I know creepy is one of the best but what's wrong with gs2root? And I appreciate the help but which process is the ultimate right way? Do you flash pit,PDA,modem all together or is that incorrect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't remember for sure, but I don't think fix permissions in available in stock 3e recovery. It should be available in just about any custom recovery.
GalaxyS2Root, and it's owner who goes by the screen name zedomax, is a strictly commercial endeavour, designed to make money but not necessarily designed to help people. I think zedomax is a developer, but I'm not sure how good he is. Many of the offerings on that web site, and presumably on his dozens of other web sites for other phones, cause problems for folks, bricking phones, and other things. Further, he takes the work of developers here and posts their work on his sites without giving any attribution or remuneration. He's spread way too thin keeping up with all his various sites, and/or he just doesn't seem to care if his offerings cause problems. We've had so many people come to this forum with various problems due to GalaxyS2Root that when the name is mentioned, everyone is on it right away.
I would only use the pit to repartition on the I777 when everything else fails. It can be a help, but you should be sure that you are going to have a successful flash before you use it, since it repartitions the memory space of the phone.
Most firmware for the I777 has everything in one .tar file, which you put into the PDA slot. If you are flashing just a param.lfs or just a sbl.bin, then that goes into the PDA slot. You can also flash a modem at the same time as the rest of the firmware, using the Modem slot, but most firmware packages have the modem in them too.
So essentially the oneclicks are absolutely the only thing I need in order to ensure a 100% successful restocking? And if so am I always suppose to factory wipe/cache then battery pull (3e recovery doesn't have a power off option)? The reason why I ask so many questions is A. A lot of peoples data isn't accurate as you've stated and its better for me to have as much data as possible when potentially getting into these things. And B. I've been flashing my S2 like a madman with OCD because as soon as I'd get a force close or any sort of hiccup happened I assumed it was because I flashed it wrong when in fact I was just following some of the directions that I've aqquired from here or GS2Root and so far everything has flashed with the same results but as its been forever since my phone was purchased so I can recall if these are just the normal hiccups that come with the inconsistancy of android. So to me I'm just trying to.make sure that I'm doing things absolutely correct.
There is lots of material here to read. You can learn a lot about your phone by spending some time reading.
creepyncrawly said:
There is lots of material here to read. You can learn a lot about your phone by spending some time reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And you are absolutely correct and I have your guide bookmarked but with so many people having different takes on how to return to stock can you point me in a direction that's the completely right way of flashing your pit and attempt software. Or is your guide with one click the most surefire way to do it? Like I said before I'm a bit OCD when it comes to my phone so whenever I get a little hiccup I can't tell if those are just normal for I777 software or is it something I've done wrong which I probably haven't but it still worries me.
If you havn't done something absolutely ignorant, i.e. flash firmware for a different phone, then you should just use my guide with the linked one-click downloader. That package does not contain bootloaders or param.lfs. Those (the bootloaders and param) will always be good, and not needing replaced, if you only flash firmware from these forums and never flash leaked firmware (which usually contains bootloaders.) There should never, ever be a reason to use a pit file. As I said before, the phone has to be pretty seriously screwed before you need to repartition, and then it should be the absolutely last thing you try.
And inform yourself before you do any actual flashing. You should know exactly what you are doing to your phone, and also know what the remedy is before you do it. That way, you can avoid doing something stupid. If you really want to learn about your phone, read at least a little bit from the forums here every day for a few months, get involved in the discussions, and before you know it, you'll be one of the helpers.
Thank you so much for all of your prompt replies, I have been using the data from this site for quite some years now but never ran into any issues which required me to create an account (although I have wanted to), but for s**ts and giggles let me just say that due to the few hiccups I encountered and not knowing what would have caused them I have already flashed the pit and repartitioned as well as flashed the oneclick w/ bootloaders and param. Now asside from the few force closes that I ran into and the one time I bricked it and brought it back to fully functional is there any harm to the flashing of those tools that I've already done so far. Is there any negative side effects of what I've done that I may not be seeing or is it a case of well "there in the repository so theyre safe as long as I've flashed them correctly". And if so are these few force closes just everyday hiccups that every version of Android experiences and that I'm just overthinking it and it's just been a case of my ocd kicking me in the ass?
The danger in using those files is in the flashing. If a flash is inadvertantly interrupted or goes bad, then it can hard brick the phone. Once the flash is complete and successful, then you're fine. There are no side effects.
Force closes, and other anomalies can be caused by conflicting data is the system and data partitions. They can also be the result of bugs in the firmware distribution or in any of the various applications. To eliminate the first cause, following all the best proceedures when flashing such as wiping first, etc eliminates the possibility that the fc's are caused by improper proceedure.
With proper installation proceedure, and with a stable firmware, and with robust applications, you should experience little to no fc's.
creepyncrawly said:
The danger in using those files is in the flashing. If a flash is inadvertantly interrupted or goes bad, then it can hard brick the phone. Once the flash is complete and successful, then you're fine. There are no side effects.
Force closes, and other anomalies can be caused by conflicting data is the system and data partitions. They can also be the result of bugs in the firmware distribution or in any of the various applications. To eliminate the first cause, following all the best proceedures when flashing such as wiping first, etc eliminates the possibility that the fc's are caused by improper proceedure.
With proper installation proceedure, and with a stable firmware, and with robust applications, you should experience little to no fc's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i did zedo then s2 unlock then aokp then siyah kernal change forgot to do triangle away then tryed a ota update messed up rom cwm messed up then i just did zedo again to get cwm again then i did aokp again then ran triangle away then i return to stock backup after root then odin flash for stock non root then i took stock and did ota update to 2.3.6 i dont think we will ever get 2.3.7 because google wallet is on 2.3.7 and we cant have it correctly .....on reboot it hangs so i did 3e wipe and cache delete reboot all has been good since batt has been outragously long on uckk7 but after ota update it shows as uckk6 i used a non rooted file maybe u used a rooted return to stock file ?anyway file i used was I777UCKH7-CL503881-No-BL as stated just used pda slot .....idk after all the custom roms theres a distinct feeling in knowing your stock again but have the ability to go and do it all over again i honestly just miss the torch feature and the easy brightness slider on the pulldown
im getting h+ but it doesnt seem like true h+ speed and i also lose h+ while holding the phone im waiting for this to change with tmobile and thier 1900mhz i hope it does or ill be looking into whats going on with the modem maybe
colorsharpkid said:
i did zedo then s2 unlock then aokp then siyah kernal change forgot to do triangle away then tryed a ota update messed up rom cwm messed up then i just did zedo again to get cwm again then i did aokp again then ran triangle away then i return to stock backup after root then odin flash for stock non root then i took stock and did ota update to 2.3.6 i dont think we will ever get 2.3.7 because google wallet is on 2.3.7 and we cant have it correctly .....on reboot it hangs so i did 3e wipe and cache delete reboot all has been good since batt has been outragously long on uckk7 but after ota update it shows as uckk6 i used a non rooted file maybe u used a rooted return to stock file ?anyway file i used was I777UCKH7-CL503881-No-BL as stated just used pda slot .....idk after all the custom roms theres a distinct feeling in knowing your stock again but have the ability to go and do it all over again i honestly just miss the torch feature and the easy brightness slider on the pulldown
im getting h+ but it doesnt seem like true h+ speed and i also lose h+ while holding the phone im waiting for this to change with tmobile and thier 1900mhz i hope it does or ill be looking into whats going on with the modem maybe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I have no idea what you just said, or what you're asking.
qwertyaas said:
Honestly, I have no idea what you just said, or what you're asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me either, sometimes punctuation goes a long way
Sent from team Pirate! Using Tapatalk 2
colorsharpkid said:
i flashed zedo then used s2 unlock. then i flashed aokp and siyah kernel. I forgot to do triangle away (because I used zedo) and then tried an ota update. This messed up my rom because I couldn't access cwm. then i flashed zedo again to get cwm back. After that i flashed aokp again and ran triangle away.
I then did a return to stock backup after root and an odin flash for stock non root. While on stock i did an ota update to 2.3.6. (some nonsense about 2.3.7 and Google wallet)
.....on reboot it hangs so i did 3e recovery wipe and wiped cache. Reboot has been good since. My batt has been outragously long on uckk7!! But, after an ota update it shows as uckk6 i used a non rooted file, maybe I should have used a rooted return to stock file?
Anyway, the file i used was I777UCKH7-CL503881-No-BL as stated and i just used pda slot .....idk, after all the custom roms theres a distinct feeling in knowing your stock again but have the ability to go and flash custom ROMs all over again. i honestly just miss the torch feature and the easy brightness slider on the pulldown.
im getting h+ but it doesnt seem like true h+ speed and i also lose h+ while holding the phone. im waiting for this to change with tmobile and thier 1900mhz i hope it does or ill be looking into whats going on with the modem maybe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fixed... I think. And "zedo" refers to the sh;t zedomax has on gs2root.
Clay
Team Pirate
Sent from my Buttery Pink SGH-i777
Ok thats where I'm a bit concerned because I ran into an issue before where I was going to do a flash and it choked up on me (mind you it was a pit and tar flash repartition) and it bricked on me but I was able to reflash the same process again once the pc was ok again. I also had on flash that was the 2.3.5 leak but flashed over that and it was fine. Now with that said the phone flashed well, and now it runs generally like it should have in the first place. But my question is did that fluke flash do anything negative to the device behind the scenes that will never be ok again?
creepyncrawly said:
The danger in using those files is in the flashing. If a flash is inadvertantly interrupted or goes bad, then it can hard brick the phone. Once the flash is complete and successful, then you're fine. There are no side effects.
Force closes, and other anomalies can be caused by conflicting data is the system and data partitions. They can also be the result of bugs in the firmware distribution or in any of the various applications. To eliminate the first cause, following all the best proceedures when flashing such as wiping first, etc eliminates the possibility that the fc's are caused by improper proceedure.
With proper installation proceedure, and with a stable firmware, and with robust applications, you should experience little to no fc's.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thats where I'm a bit concerned because I ran into an issue before where I was going to do a flash and it choked up on me (mind you it was a pit and tar flash repartition) and it bricked on me but I was able to reflash the same process again once the pc was ok again. I also had on flash that was the 2.3.5 leak but flashed over that and it was fine. Now with that said the phone flashed well, and now it runs generally like it should have in the first place. But my question is did that fluke flash do anything negative to the device behind the scenes that will never be ok again?
Sorry for double post but I wanted to make sure my questions are targeting creepy seeing as this thread is getting a bit off topic.
GalaxyHackster85 said:
Ok thats where I'm a bit concerned because I ran into an issue before where I was going to do a flash and it choked up on me (mind you it was a pit and tar flash repartition) and it bricked on me but I was able to reflash the same process again once the pc was ok again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, that would be fine. Someone with dev experience could look into partition sizes on the phone, and see what actually happened. As long as the firmware is functioning correctly, then I would assume the partition sizes are correct.
I also had on flash that was the 2.3.5 leak but flashed over that and it was fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess you didn't get a crippled bootloader. That was the main problem with some of the leaks.
Now with that said the phone flashed well, and now it runs generally like it should have in the first place. But my question is did that fluke flash do anything negative to the device behind the scenes that will never be ok again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know how to look behind the scenes... but I would think your phone is fine.
creepyncrawly said:
As far as I know, that would be fine. Someone with dev experience could look into partition sizes on the phone, and see what actually happened. As long as the firmware is functioning correctly, then I would assume the partition sizes are correct.
I guess you didn't get a crippled bootloader. That was the main problem with some of the leaks.
I don't know how to look behind the scenes... but I would think your phone is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK great info and definitely a relief but just out.of curiousity what are the repercussions of a bad bootloader flash or an improper pit flash? And how would we know that whatever pit or bootloaders flashed weren't for our phone or are corrupted data?
creepyncrawly said:
As far as I know, that would be fine. Someone with dev experience could look into partition sizes on the phone, and see what actually happened. As long as the firmware is functioning correctly, then I would assume the partition sizes are correct.
I guess you didn't get a crippled bootloader. That was the main problem with some of the leaks.
I don't know how to look behind the scenes... but I would think your phone is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And trust me I absolutely appreciate all the responses the answer to my last question is all I needed to know to truly understand how the i777 works and functions and I commend you for that. I felt that trying to find all these answers would have been trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Also regarding the repartioning I just wanted to make sure that everything is correct in terms of space. My device is showing only 1.89gb of "Device Memory" at the bout of the "Storage" screen is this normal I though it was higher before but I cant quite remember.

[Q] Phone won't boot past Splash Screen.

Hi,
I've seen a few people with this problem and I've tried a few solutions, but here we go. Earlier today I took the phone out of my pocket and it was on the splash screen, rebooting it didn't fix it. Taking out the battery didn't seem to do much either. I can not get into recovery mode ( I'm holding power, home and volume up and all it does is constantly flash at me ).
I can get into download mode and I have tried flashing a stock Rom onto the phone, from the samfirmware site: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/3/?download=15332 this goes through the motions what appears to be successfully. But when I restart the phone I have the same problem and I still can't get into recovery mode.
I am a complete novice at this, the phone is still under its warranty so I was a little apprehensive to flash any other firmware but I fear that the phone may well be bricked. I have looked at this thread but as the Odin Flash hasn't technically failed I'm not too sure. I have downloaded the JellyBean leak to try and flash but again, I'm a little apprehensive to do so, other than that what are my options?
Thanks.
I bit the bullet and flashed the 'leaked firmware' and that seemed to have worked. Playing with it now, is it worth going back to stock or stick with this? Given its a test build.
davexeno said:
I bit the bullet and flashed the 'leaked firmware' and that seemed to have worked. Playing with it now, is it worth going back to stock or stick with this? Given its a test build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good man! That's exactly what you needed to do. Basically the JB leak firmware will wipe your device as it flashes, which is why it worked for you. As far as staying on that firmware goes, it is quite stable. You could stay on it if you like, or could just re-flash the stock ROM which you downloaded before. It should flash in Odin no problem now that you're booting.
Hopper8 said:
Good man! That's exactly what you needed to do. Basically the JB leak firmware will wipe your device as it flashes, which is why it worked for you. As far as staying on that firmware goes, it is quite stable. You could stay on it if you like, or could just re-flash the stock ROM which you downloaded before. It should flash in Odin no problem now that you're booting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, thanks for the reply!
Its actually my Misses phone. She seems happy with it now and on stock she was getting a "low memory" problem that I think was down to a perpetually generating log. Re-occurred no matter how many times we reset the phone, so I think I'll stick with this Rom to see if the problem comes back or not, it might actually end up being more stable.
Actually considering flashing my G Note now I realise how relatively easy it is!
davexeno said:
Hey, thanks for the reply!
Its actually my Misses phone. She seems happy with it now and on stock she was getting a "low memory" problem that I think was down to a perpetually generating log. Re-occurred no matter how many times we reset the phone, so I think I'll stick with this Rom to see if the problem comes back or not, it might actually end up being more stable.
Actually considering flashing my G Note now I realise how relatively easy it is!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always good to get the Misses' phone going again to stay in the good books Actually, the JB leak is still stock.. it's not a custom ROM. It's just a pre-release JB firmware, almost identical to the officially released JB firmware. By all means see how you go with it, as long as you're not having any issues.
Yes, really easy! Nothing to stress over The same process will apply for a Note, you just have to use different firmwares obviously.

[Q] Options for getting as close to Google Experience as Possible?

I got the S4 back when it first came out, and messed around with some CM ROMs and other custom ROMs that worked fairly well. The big killers for me though were bluetooth audio not working, not being able to use headphone microphones, and the proximity sensor being all weird. So I reverted to stock but kept root, and eventually upgraded to MJ7 while keeping root. When I boot I still get the 'Samsung Custom' bootscreen.
I've never been happy with Touchwiz, and have all of the Samsung features turned off. The stock messaging app is really the thing that bugs the hell out of me, since it takes forever to get messages (sometimes up to an hour, while Handcent will get them right away), and I love my Nexus 7 experience. I'd really like to get as close to a 'Google' phone as possible, but I'm currently stuck on Verizon.
I've tried using GooManager to download the recovery managers again, but it's having problems with 404 errors downloading the scripts. I tried ROM Manager and it says it installs ClockworkMod (6.0.44 in fact), but it refuses to boot into recovery mode. Most of the tools I'm finding are not for MJ7, so I'm kind of hesitant to solutions that aren't for my current version. Since I can't make any backups without being able to boot into a proper recovery mode, that's another kind of notch against using most of the guides.
I don't mind the actual process of doing the work, I'm just not sure where to go from here. What are my options?
dragonmantank said:
I got the S4 back when it first came out, and messed around with some CM ROMs and other custom ROMs that worked fairly well. The big killers for me though were bluetooth audio not working, not being able to use headphone microphones, and the proximity sensor being all weird. So I reverted to stock but kept root, and eventually upgraded to MJ7 while keeping root. When I boot I still get the 'Samsung Custom' bootscreen.
I've never been happy with Touchwiz, and have all of the Samsung features turned off. The stock messaging app is really the thing that bugs the hell out of me, since it takes forever to get messages (sometimes up to an hour, while Handcent will get them right away), and I love my Nexus 7 experience. I'd really like to get as close to a 'Google' phone as possible, but I'm currently stuck on Verizon.
I've tried using GooManager to download the recovery managers again, but it's having problems with 404 errors downloading the scripts. I tried ROM Manager and it says it installs ClockworkMod (6.0.44 in fact), but it refuses to boot into recovery mode. Most of the tools I'm finding are not for MJ7, so I'm kind of hesitant to solutions that aren't for my current version. Since I can't make any backups without being able to boot into a proper recovery mode, that's another kind of notch against using most of the guides.
I don't mind the actual process of doing the work, I'm just not sure where to go from here. What are my options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well unfortunately for you you're on MJ7 which means your only options right now are rooting and Xposed. Other than that though, there's really nothing else you can do at the moment. If you were on ME7 or MI1 still you could at least run Safestrap, but even then you would be limited to Touchwiz based roms. Unless you're willing to go on the hunt for an MDK S4 you'll just have to deal with your limited options for now. Oh and before you ask, there is absolutely no way to revert back to earlier firmwares. Once you update, you're stuck.
Crawshayi said:
Well unfortunately for you you're on MJ7 which means your only options right now are rooting and Xposed. Other than that though, there's really nothing else you can do at the moment. If you were on ME7 or MI1 still you could at least run Safestrap, but even then you would be limited to Touchwiz based roms. Unless you're willing to go on the hunt for an MDK S4 you'll just have to deal with your limited options for now. Oh and before you ask, there is absolutely no way to revert back to earlier firmwares. Once you update, you're stuck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I know I couldn't revert the firmware to something earlier. Is it possible to revert to stock even? At this point I think I just want to revert it and sell this phone off and get something else. I don't care about KNOX status, just getting it back to stock so that whomever buys it won't keep getting security notifications.
dragonmantank said:
Yeah, I know I couldn't revert the firmware to something earlier. Is it possible to revert to stock even? At this point I think I just want to revert it and sell this phone off and get something else. I don't care about KNOX status, just getting it back to stock so that whomever buys it won't keep getting security notifications.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe it's possible, I found this thread that gives you an Odin image to flash: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2507217
The security notification was actually fixed and supposedly an update was pushed out, but maybe yours didn't grab the update properly? I'm not sure, but that Odin image should get you back to factory stock. If I were you I would get an HTC One if you can live with not having a removable battery and sd card.
Awesome, thank you very much.
I'm re-flashing today take it back. I'll have a look at the HTC One, since it wasn't out when I got my S4. I know that (at the time) the S4 was the only Android phone I had found, with the One a close second but not available. I would really love a Google phone, but I get the feeling that will probably never happen on VZW.

So what's the deal with 4.4.3? Is it coming soon?

Some news sites are saying AT&T will push it mid August.
In preparation, I've already returned to the stock 4.4.2 ROM and have flashed stock recovery. I'm still rooted, however. Will I still get the OTA update when it is released?
iArtisan said:
Some news sites are saying AT&T will push it mid August.
In preparation, I've already returned to the stock 4.4.2 ROM and have flashed stock recovery. I'm still rooted, however. Will I still get the OTA update when it is released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should get it. But if any system files are changed by root, the OTA will not install. Otherwise, you should be good to go.
BTW, the Dev Edition 4.4.3 ROM is already posted in Development.
iArtisan said:
Some news sites are saying AT&T will push it mid August.
In preparation, I've already returned to the stock 4.4.2 ROM and have flashed stock recovery. I'm still rooted, however. Will I still get the OTA update when it is released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What ROM were you running and how did you get back to stock? I'm stuck on ARHD 10.1 and can't get back to stock
noobsquared said:
What ROM were you running and how did you get back to stock? I'm stuck on ARHD 10.1 and can't get back to stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He probably made a nandroid backup of his stock rom so that he could always go back to stock in cases like this.
You could technically use someone else stock nandroid as well just as long as all the numbers match up. I believe there was a thread here on that.
---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 AM ----------
iArtisan said:
Some news sites are saying AT&T will push it mid August.
In preparation, I've already returned to the stock 4.4.2 ROM and have flashed stock recovery. I'm still rooted, however. Will I still get the OTA update when it is released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you restore all the bloatware as well or it won't update. I found this out with the last update. I would hold off on the update until you know it's safe to proceed without losing root unless you want to confirm it first for us. [emoji16]
noobsquared said:
What ROM were you running and how did you get back to stock? I'm stuck on ARHD 10.1 and can't get back to stock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean when you say you "can't get back to stock". What did you try and what was the result?
You can just flash a stock rooted ROM, a stock nandroid (as previously suggested) or run the 1.58 RUU.
volcalstone said:
He probably made a nandroid backup of his stock rom so that he could always go back to stock in cases like this.
You could technically use someone else stock nandroid as well just as long as all the numbers match up. I believe there was a thread here on that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
redpoint73 said:
What do you mean when you say you "can't get back to stock". What did you try and what was the result?
You can just flash a stock rooted ROM, a stock nandroid (as previously suggested) or run the 1.58 RUU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got this nandroid (1.12.502.18 - TWRP 2.6.3.3 Thanks to Wonders_Never_Cease) from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2701376 and tried to restore, it ends abruptly leaving wifi and boot screen broken. Phone still boots in ARHD 10.1 but doesn' work perfectly. I put the folder from rar file under TWRP Backup folder and it picked up fine but won't restore. Maybe because I have TWRP 2.7.1.0?
I just picked up the phone and it is S-ON with bootloader unlocked/tempered. I'm trying to get back to stock till we have RUU to convert it to DE eventually like the M7.
I was not able to download the RUU EXE file since it keeps ending abruptly like others suggested. I also tried the HBOOT no PC required version of RUU but it would end abruptly at parsing. Maybe because I'm S-ON? I checked the MID and CID, they are both AT&T stock.
Try flashing a stock rooted ROM from my Index (under CUSTOM ROMs): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751432
noobsquared said:
I was not able to download the RUU EXE file since it keeps ending abruptly like others suggested.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know lots of folks have been having this problem. One guy was going to post a mirror of the RUU, so you might see if he got around to that.
But honestly, the OTA isn't rolling out yet, so why bother at this point? I would just reflash Viper and get your phone fully working again and worry about the OTA later.
And why bother with the OTA at all, or wait for it to roll out? There are already 4.4.3 custom ROMs available. And there is also an AT&T version specific ROM based on the 4.4.4 Dev Edition RUU: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
The AT&T "official" OTA will probably have little if anything different from the DE ROM, aside from all of AT&T's crappy bloatware apps.
redpoint73 said:
Try flashing a stock rooted ROM from my Index (under CUSTOM ROMs): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2751432
I know lots of folks have been having this problem. One guy was going to post a mirror of the RUU, so you might see if he got around to that.
But honestly, the OTA isn't rolling out yet, so why bother at this point? I would just reflash Viper and get your phone fully working again and worry about the OTA later.
And why bother with the OTA at all, or wait for it to roll out? There are already 4.4.3 custom ROMs available. And there is also an AT&T version specific ROM based on the 4.4.4 Dev Edition RUU: http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-htc-one-m8/development/att-4-4-3-2-22-1540-3-debloated-sense-6-t2837365
The AT&T "official" OTA will probably have little if anything different from the DE ROM, aside from all of AT&T's crappy bloatware apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the links and everything man but the whole reason I'm trying to go back to completely stock is that I feel there is something wrong with my phone or maybe this is normal for M8. When I flash ARHD 10.1 and click on finish installation, screen gets back to TWRP but then it goes dark for around 2 minutes. I thought it was dead but it finally lit back up and let me restart the phone. Tap on restart and it took a minute. First boot took well over 5 minutes. Been working fine since but I'm not sure why it sometime just sits there with screen off and pimps on it's own. I may try the full AT&T 4.4.3 ROM since it's very close to stock. If I update firmware, can I not go back to stock nandroid? Which I can't anyways but just wondering.
noobsquared said:
When I flash ARHD 10.1 and click on finish installation, screen gets back to TWRP but then it goes dark for around 2 minutes. I thought it was dead but it finally lit back up and let me restart the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So after the ROM fully installs (progress bar fills up) and you click "Finish" in AROMA, the screen goes blank for 2 minutes? I haven't seen that. But it might be a ARDH anomaly (I've never flashed it).
noobsquared said:
First boot took well over 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally normal on the first boot after any ROM flash.
noobsquared said:
Been working fine since but I'm not sure why it sometime just sits there with screen off and pimps on it's own.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm, not sure what is being said here "pimp on it's own". I'm guessing a typo or darned auto correct!
noobsquared said:
If I update firmware, can I not go back to stock nandroid? Which I can't anyways but just wondering.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would highly recommend updating firmware if anything is acting buggy on a 2.22 base ROM.
You should be able to restore a nandroid fine with updated firmware. Only thing, is if the nandroid was based on a 1.XX ROM and doesn't play well with the new firmware, you may need to downgrade the firmware.
But honestly, things tend to be always moving forward firmware-wise. It won't be long until all custom ROMs are based on 2.XX, and the 1.XX base wil become obsolete; with most folks being on the newer firmware and few (if any) reasons to go back or be on old firmware.
redpoint73 said:
So after the ROM fully installs (progress bar fills up) and you click "Finish" in AROMA, the screen goes blank for 2 minutes? I haven't seen that. But it might be a ARDH anomaly (I've never flashed it).
I would highly recommend updating firmware if anything is acting buggy on a 2.22 base ROM.
You should be able to restore a nandroid fine with updated firmware. Only thing, is if the nandroid was based on a 1.XX ROM and doesn't play well with the new firmware, you may need to downgrade the firmware.
But honestly, things tend to be always moving forward firmware-wise. It won't be long until all custom ROMs are based on 2.XX, and the 1.XX base wil become obsolete; with most folks being on the newer firmware and few (if any) reasons to go back or be on old firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, once the rom is installed, it exits out to TWRP, I get a flash of TWRP screen and then it goes dark. I press power button and wait for 2 minutes for it to come back on. I'm tempted to just convert it to Dev Edition but with all the issues people are having with phones these days, I want to make sure I can get it fixed under warranty or something if hardware craps out.
I am not even able to restore the nandroid for AT&T at this point. TWRP starts restoring nandroid and then goes back to TWRP main screen and the ARHD rom becomes very buggy (wifi won't turn on, gets super slow, developer warning on boot screen goes away, etc.)
I will try to update the firmware and try to get on that AT&T Rom bandwagon to see how it goes. Thanks for all your help and input. I wish it wasn't so complicated with M8. M7 was so easy to mess with or maybe I got used to that lol
noobsquared said:
I am not even able to restore the nandroid for AT&T at this point. TWRP starts restoring nandroid and then goes back to TWRP main screen and the ARHD rom becomes very buggy (wifi won't turn on, gets super slow, developer warning on boot screen goes away, etc.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After a aborted TWRP restore, I'm actually surprised to see the formerly installed ROM (I think that is what you are saying) to boot at all. Wipe and reflash ARHD.
Broken WiFi is a known issue with the 2.22 based ROMs + outdated firmware. Not sure about the other issues, but updating the firmware and reflashing ARHD might do the trick.
noobsquared said:
Yes, once the rom is installed, it exits out to TWRP, I get a flash of TWRP screen and then it goes dark. I press power button and wait for 2 minutes for it to come back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd. Did this only happen once, or can your reproduce this bug? Any mention of this on the ARHD thread?
You might also try to wipe cache and re-install TWRP. Could just be a bad TWRP install.
noobsquared said:
I'm tempted to just convert it to Dev Edition but with all the issues people are having with phones these days, I want to make sure I can get it fixed under warranty or something if hardware craps out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FYI, as long as you are a current account holder, AT&T doesn't give a darn what you change in software, they will still honor the warranty if there is a hardware issue.
redpoint73 said:
After a aborted TWRP restore, I'm actually surprised to see the formerly installed ROM (I think that is what you are saying) to boot at all. Wipe and reflash ARHD.
Broken WiFi is a known issue with the 2.22 based ROMs + outdated firmware. Not sure about the other issues, but updating the firmware and reflashing ARHD might do the trick.
That's odd. Did this only happen once, or can your reproduce this bug? Any mention of this on the ARHD thread?
You might also try to wipe cache and re-install TWRP. Could just be a bad TWRP install.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information on hardware warranty. I hope it never comes to that.
I actually installed ARHD twice or 3 times last night since every attempt to go back to AT&T stock failed and I had a half working jacked up device. I went in TWRP, re-installed ARHD and everything was good to go. Every time I installed the ROM, I had to wait a couple minutes to hit reboot after ROM installation since TWRP would take a nap. I'm not too worried about it since everything seems to be working fine but it's still kinda bothersome, you know?
At this point in time, everything is running well on ARHD 10.1 so I guess I will take a chill pill.
Thanks once again for all your help
noobsquared said:
Thanks for the information on hardware warranty. I hope it never comes to that.
I actually installed ARHD twice or 3 times last night since every attempt to go back to AT&T stock failed and I had a half working jacked up device. I went in TWRP, re-installed ARHD and everything was good to go. Every time I installed the ROM, I had to wait a couple minutes to hit reboot after ROM installation since TWRP would take a nap. I'm not too worried about it since everything seems to be working fine but it's still kinda bothersome, you know?
At this point in time, everything is running well on ARHD 10.1 so I guess I will take a chill pill.
Thanks once again for all your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just an FYI- the black screen is a common problem with aroma installers and is well known.. All the other issues? I haven't a clue.
Hello!
I'm using 2.22 WWE version stock rom with 4.4.3, but I have long boots of device with old AT&T firmware.
Is there any way to update firmware?
I'm s-on, and firewater doesn't works.
noobsquared said:
Thanks for the information on hardware warranty. I hope it never comes to that.
I actually installed ARHD twice or 3 times last night since every attempt to go back to AT&T stock failed and I had a half working jacked up device. I went in TWRP, re-installed ARHD and everything was good to go. Every time I installed the ROM, I had to wait a couple minutes to hit reboot after ROM installation since TWRP would take a nap. I'm not too worried about it since everything seems to be working fine but it's still kinda bothersome, you know?
At this point in time, everything is running well on ARHD 10.1 so I guess I will take a chill pill.
Thanks once again for all your help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP here.
The black screen you're getting is due to TWRP timing out. You can turn that off in the settings. This is a non-issue though and nothing to worry about.
The long boot times, however, is a problem. This is happening because you're on the old AT&T firmware. Unfortunately, there's no way to flash the latest firmware without S-OFF. Your only option is to return to stock and wait for the official 4.4.3 OTA. Flash a nandroid backup (I'll send you a link to the one I used later, or just search around for the master list here.) through TWRP and then flash stock recovery through fastboot. Let me know if you need detailed instructions on how to do this.
Thanks guys for all the help and support. I messed with the phone quite a bit and tried quite a few things and all the posts here help me learn a lot too. I was able to go all stock after s-off using that RUU method. I tried a couple other roms and finally back to dev edition stock for now. Was able to convert completely to stock with all the info and so far so good.
Once again, thanks a bunch everyone
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app
iArtisan said:
OP here.
The black screen you're getting is due to TWRP timing out. You can turn that off in the settings. This is a non-issue though and nothing to worry about.
The long boot times, however, is a problem. This is happening because you're on the old AT&T firmware. Unfortunately, there's no way to flash the latest firmware without S-OFF. Your only option is to return to stock and wait for the official 4.4.3 OTA. Flash a nandroid backup (I'll send you a link to the one I used later, or just search around for the master list here.) through TWRP and then flash stock recovery through fastboot. Let me know if you need detailed instructions on how to do this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bit the bullet and just paid $25 for SunShine so I could get S-OFF and update the firmware
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2792487
cachookaman said:
I bit the bullet and just paid $25 for SunShine so I could get S-OFF and update the firmware
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2792487
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to do the same thing but given that what a pain it is without s-off, I'm not complaining. $25 is a small fee to pay for the peace of mind that you ha e almost full control of the device now.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Free mobile app

TWRP (custom recovery) ROM of stock, pre-rooted PH1 update

This is a Backup of the PH1 ROM's system and modem partitions. This is a Pre-Rooted ROM with the SD Card write permissions fix. This is different from my other post in those two differences.
You will need a custom recovery to install this ROM. (http://forum.xda-developers.com/note...lipop-t3089382)
Always perform the appropriate backups and other steps just in case something messes up. If you are on Lollipop, you should be able to just flash and go without any data loss (except custom system apps), but no promises.
Extract the folder (ES File Explorer or 7 Zipper) to "extsdcard/TWRP/backups/[serial number]" then boot into recovery and restore the image. The easiest way to get this folder is to simply perform a backup first, then unzip this folder next to the one for the backup you just created.
I didn't factory reset prior to this backup because it's just system partitions, so let me know if there's anything weird.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2iEgzRTFjrQa2JEbE1DSE9qNHM
Here's the Odin ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/general/rom-odin-ph1-update-t3463178/page1
Here's my non-rooted TWRP ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/not...stom-recovery-rom-stock-rooted-t3449321/page1
Still 5.0 this is probably just a security update
RDF
http://device.sprintpcs.com/Samsung/SM-N900P-SPRINT/PH1.rdf
evilvoice said:
Still 5.0 this is probably just a security update
RDF
http://device.sprintpcs.com/Samsung/SM-N900P-SPRINT/PH1.rdf
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, just a security update most likely. Looks like some of the stock (Sprint) apps may have been updated as well . The update file was only about 190 megabytes if I remember correctly.
Quick question on updating modem & firmware.. I'm stock rooted ok2, and i dont have this update yet. I am working toward flashing the newly released and highly anticipated DL Modded N5N7 v4 which requires the PH1 updated firmware.
Do I need to ODIN flash the update files from the other PHI ROM thread or can I just do a full wipe and flash this backup with TWRP?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Labs
MeAtKeRtN said:
Quick question on updating modem & firmware.. I'm stock rooted ok2, and i dont have this update yet. I am working toward flashing the newly released and highly anticipated DL Modded N5N7 v4 which requires the PH1 updated firmware.
Do I need to ODIN flash the update files from the other PHI ROM thread or can I just do a full wipe and flash this backup with TWRP?
Thanks in advance.
Sent from my SM-N900P using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just flash the rom you want and keep your current bootloader/modem. But it's always suggested to keep current with any bootloader/modem, that the OP mentioned. That way if there is a issue with the install, it wouldn't be that.
Sent from my Nexus s using XDA-Developers mobile app
jhunt75 said:
You can just flash the rom you want and keep your current bootloader/modem. But it's always suggested to keep current with any bootloader/modem, that the OP mentioned. That way if there is a issue with the install, it wouldn't be that.
Sent from my Nexus s using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The preferable answer would have been 'NO' or 'I'M NOT SURE' as a direct answer to my very specific question... as I now have a phone that doesn't make phone calls.
MeAtKeRtN said:
The preferable answer would have been 'NO' or 'I'M NOT SURE' as a direct answer to my very specific question... as I now have a phone that doesn't make phone calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I've seen you in a few threads and figured I ask before I made the same mistake. I'm looking to upgrade to DL Modded N5N7 v4 like yourself. I have a exploding Note 7 still and I'm anticipating being blacklisted at some point. As crazy as it sounds I like my Note 3's snappiness and everything else over the 7. My issue is my Note 7 radio gets 4g in my job and my Note 3 radio is 3g or spotty. I'm sure my modem and baseband is outdated and may help being updated
I'm on a older Moars Rom Baseband Nk4 android version 4.4.2. Did you figure out where things went bad. I was thinking of following these instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/general/rom-odin-ph1-update-t3463178 don't want to mess this up.
What did you use and what should you have used?
Thanks
Lyvewire said:
Hey, I've seen you in a few threads and figured I ask before I made the same mistake. I'm looking to upgrade to DL Modded N5N7 v4 like yourself. I have a exploding Note 7 still and I'm anticipating being blacklisted at some point. As crazy as it sounds I like my Note 3's snappiness and everything else over the 7. My issue is my Note 7 radio gets 4g in my job and my Note 3 radio is 3g or spotty. I'm sure my modem and baseband is outdated and may help being updated
I'm on a older Moars Rom Baseband Nk4 android version 4.4.2. Did you figure out where things went bad. I was thinking of following these instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/general/rom-odin-ph1-update-t3463178 don't want to mess this up.
What did you use and what should you have used?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My mistake was following bad advice and flashing the TWRP Backup of PH1 in the OP of this thread instead of ODIN flashing the full ROM-ODIN-PH1- Update- t3463178.
I was able to get TWRP to restore my backup to OK2. From there I did a full wipe 3x and ODIN flashed the full PH1 update, immediately rooted with CFautoroot and reinstalled TWRP 2.8.7.0.
From there I followed the OP instructions in the DL Modded N5N7 thread which require the ROM, Kernel Cleaner, MVNO Buzbee2, Sprint VVM, and I installed the DL MM UIX Kernel.
The ROM and kernel are both really well put together except my mobile network connection to Sprint has been intermittent... the phone was stuck roaming and was connecting in spurts with Verizon, sprint, or the network was unavailable.
I just dirty flashed the Rom, Kernel, and MVNO fix an hour or so ago and the APNs seem to be sticking now. We'll see.
I have three Note 3's and each has its own quirky 'personality'- not especially playing nicely with most of the Port ROMs available these days. Hope this answers your questions and helps someone else trying to keep their Note 3 thriving.
MeAtKeRtN said:
The preferable answer would have been 'NO' or 'I'M NOT SURE' as a direct answer to my very specific question... as I now have a phone that doesn't make phone calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not trying to start any trouble, but from reading your comment it seems you are suggesting I gave you bad or wrong advice. So I want to explain myself just in case it was a misunderstanding. All roms are capable of being flashed with older bootloaders and modems. But the proper thing to do, is to always be up to date with all bootloader/modem files. This way you will not run into any problems. Now I didn't mention anything about flashing the OP'S twrp backup method. I figured you may have been experienced enough to flash these BL/modem files from a source like sammobile. Then proceed to flash your rom of choice. As you experienced you lost your signal. It may have been a few reasons why this happen. 1. The way the OP mentioned to flash wasn't meant for your phone. Every phone response differently. 2. The rom for whatever reason can only be used if you dirty flashed over your current system. This will not be the only time you may have to do it this way. So instead of being sarcastic with your reply, maybe try and ask the one who is helping you to explain themselves more. We are all here to help each other, and by no means was my response to your question was meant to harm your phone.
Sent from my SM-N920C using XDA-Developers mobile app
jhunt75 said:
I am not trying to start any trouble, but from reading your comment it seems you are suggesting I gave you bad or wrong advice. So I want to explain myself just in case it was a misunderstanding. All roms are capable of being flashed with older bootloaders and modems. But the proper thing to do, is to always be up to date with all bootloader/modem files. This way you will not run into any problems. Now I didn't mention anything about flashing the OP'S twrp backup method. I figured you may have been experienced enough to flash these BL/modem files from a source like sammobile. Then proceed to flash your rom of choice. As you experienced you lost your signal. It may have been a few reasons why this happen. 1. The way the OP mentioned to flash wasn't meant for your phone. Every phone response differently. 2. The rom for whatever reason can only be used if you dirty flashed over your current system. This will not be the only time you may have to do it this way. So instead of being sarcastic with your reply, maybe try and ask the one who is helping you to explain themselves more. We are all here to help each other, and by no means was my response to your question was meant to harm your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No misunderstanding here... I asked a specific either/or question directly related to the thread topic (twrp custom recovery version) and you either misunderstood my question or decided it required an answer other than a 'yes or no' As a result of your longwinded answer, I lost several hours working through how to get a signal back on my phone. Was pretty annoying.
MeAtKeRtN said:
No misunderstanding here... I asked a specific either/or question directly related to the thread topic (twrp custom recovery version) and you either misunderstood my question or decided it required an answer other than a 'yes or no' As a result of your longwinded answer, I lost several hours working through how to get a signal back on my phone. Was pretty annoying.
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Click to collapse
I never knew giving someone detailed information was a problem. It's funny how I never had an issue with the install, but you did. It seems you lack enough experience to realize a few things. But I will make it a point to never help you again. Whether that's to long-winded or not for you, oh well.
Sent from my SM-N920S using XDA-Developers mobile app
MeAtKeRtN said:
No misunderstanding here... I asked a specific either/or question directly related to the thread topic (twrp custom recovery version) and you either misunderstood my question or decided it required an answer other than a 'yes or no' As a result of your longwinded answer, I lost several hours working through how to get a signal back on my phone. Was pretty annoying.
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Click to collapse
Did you get it all figured out?
I did get it figured out. Wasn't much more than an unnecessary inconvenience that someone else might be able to avoid.
Ok, so something weird...
Im running KK4.4.2 with the NC5 baseband on Sprint.
I upgraded my TWRP to 2.780 to flash the recovery both first time 'dirty flashing' and the 2nd time doing a facory wipe.
I removed the battery after the flash.
When I reboot, the phone stays on the Yellow Sprint screen and the LED pusles blue slowly. So far been doing it for 15 mintues.
What am I missing?
Dave
Unidave199 said:
Ok, so something weird...
Im running KK4.4.2 with the NC5 baseband on Sprint.
I upgraded my TWRP to 2.780 to flash the recovery both first time 'dirty flashing' and the 2nd time doing a facory wipe.
I removed the battery after the flash.
When I reboot, the phone stays on the Yellow Sprint screen and the LED pusles blue slowly. So far been doing it for 15 mintues.
What am I missing?
Dave
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Click to collapse
Give it 30 minutes? It seriously takes a long time. Are you sure you want to upgrade to lollipop? In just asking because you've been on Kit Kat long after support for lollipop or this phone has long stopped. I'd suggest downloading the latest Odin and flashing that instead, unless there is something here you wanted? I'm rooted on PL1 and have no issues other than my phone being as old as it is and how many times it's been flashed.
evilvoice said:
Give it 30 minutes? It seriously takes a long time. Are you sure you want to upgrade to lollipop? In just asking because you've been on Kit Kat long after support for lollipop or this phone has long stopped. I'd suggest downloading the latest Odin and flashing that instead, unless there is something here you wanted? I'm rooted on PL1 and have no issues other than my phone being as old as it is and how many times it's been flashed.
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30 minutes? Woah that is a long time. Ok I will give it a try sometime when I go to bed.
I am mainly trying to get the PL1 update and not mess with Odin if I can get around it. I would like to try and port the Darklord Marshmellow ROM and take advantage of built in google assistant
So I thought I would try them. And always get back if I need to but wanted to keep the PL1 modem updates.
I only have one problem with one other phone user... She doesnt always get my texts and I dont always get hers. I dont know if others arent getting them and just dont know but my 1 friend I text a lot so she notices when there is a gap.
Anyways. Just feeling out how I can maximize this phone's performance. NO plans on changing phones anytime soon.
Unidave199 said:
30 minutes? Woah that is a long time. Ok I will give it a try sometime when I go to bed.
I am mainly trying to get the PL1 update and not mess with Odin if I can get around it. I would like to try and port the Darklord Marshmellow ROM and take advantage of built in google assistant
So I thought I would try them. And always get back if I need to but wanted to keep the PL1 modem updates.
I only have one problem with one other phone user... She doesnt always get my texts and I dont always get hers. I dont know if others arent getting them and just dont know but my 1 friend I text a lot so she notices when there is a gap.
Anyways. Just feeling out how I can maximize this phone's performance. NO plans on changing phones anytime soon.
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Click to collapse
I still use my note 3. Granted not for main phone as I switched to iPhone, but I use it every day. I don't really know the hesitation of using Odin, but to each their own. If you did decide to use Odin, I'd flash the ROM, boot it, go to download mode again, flash TWRP, boot recovery (so it sticks and doesn't go back to stock recovery), flash SuperSU, done. You're rooted on PL1. Hopefully you have already backed up your text messages and other various things to either SDCard or something else. I'm not sure if that survives whether you wipe and flash clean or Odin. Depending on provider, that could be your issue with text messages. If you're with Sprint, check that you are on latest PRL. If not, make sure APN settings are correct.
If you're only looking for Assistant, I had it running on stock PL1. XDA did a blog post about enabling it in Lollipop, so once you upgrade, check it out. I couldn't stay on Marshmallow. Being that these are ports and not specifically built for our phone, I ran into issue with every single ROM either not being able to place calls, text (MMS actually), or wireless/data not working. No matter what I changed APN to, I would always have issues. Some do not. I just can't recommend a port when they haven't worked for me. Some roms have been abandoned, which meant if I found one that I could at least handle, it was so outdated that it was unusable (issues had arisen and the developer had moved on so they weren't being fixed). By handling a rom, I mean that after I upgraded to iPhone, I only needed wireless to work (to connect to hotspot) and it not go into a boot loop or crash all the time (some do). Those roms I have no idea if calls or text work because I wasn't using that. A lot have issues with wireless working.
One more thing you can try is to do a flash, wait about 30 minutes. If it still doesn't boot, pull the battery and reboot into recovery. Wipe data and cache and reboot again. It should boot. It'll still take a long time. Make sure you wait the 30 minutes before pulling the battery (it should have finished upgrading your system by then). Do note that first boot from now on will take forever no matter if it's a port or stock. Lollipop and higher take a long time to upgrade. I've only had 1 or 2 roms take around 5 minutes and that's because they were minimalist and without Google apps. The phone does get a little warm and uses a lot of battery, so I'd keep it plugged in.
Please report back if you got it to work and how. Like I said, I still use mine. I still visit this forum every day even though I've had an s5 and an s7 edge. I love this phone. I need to get mine replaced because I've worn it out: broken charger port so I have to make sure the cable is plugged in a certain way and I can't touch the phone while charging, side molding is broken off in places, some of my partitions can't be changed which means the memory is failing (not even Odin flashes correctly anymore let alone custom roms). But, it still keeps on ticking.
evilvoice said:
I still use my note 3. Granted not for main phone as I switched to iPhone, but I use it every day. I don't really know the hesitation of using Odin, but to each their own. If you did decide to use Odin, I'd flash the ROM, boot it, go to download mode again, flash TWRP, boot recovery (so it sticks and doesn't go back to stock recovery), flash SuperSU, done. You're rooted on PL1. Hopefully you have already backed up your text messages and other various things to either SDCard or something else. I'm not sure if that survives whether you wipe and flash clean or Odin. Depending on provider, that could be your issue with text messages. If you're with Sprint, check that you are on latest PRL. If not, make sure APN settings are correct.
If you're only looking for Assistant, I had it running on stock PL1. XDA did a blog post about enabling it in Lollipop, so once you upgrade, check it out. I couldn't stay on Marshmallow. Being that these are ports and not specifically built for our phone, I ran into issue with every single ROM either not being able to place calls, text (MMS actually), or wireless/data not working. No matter what I changed APN to, I would always have issues. Some do not. I just can't recommend a port when they haven't worked for me. Some roms have been abandoned, which meant if I found one that I could at least handle, it was so outdated that it was unusable (issues had arisen and the developer had moved on so they weren't being fixed). By handling a rom, I mean that after I upgraded to iPhone, I only needed wireless to work (to connect to hotspot) and it not go into a boot loop or crash all the time (some do). Those roms I have no idea if calls or text work because I wasn't using that. A lot have issues with wireless working.
One more thing you can try is to do a flash, wait about 30 minutes. If it still doesn't boot, pull the battery and reboot into recovery. Wipe data and cache and reboot again. It should boot. It'll still take a long time. Make sure you wait the 30 minutes before pulling the battery (it should have finished upgrading your system by then). Do note that first boot from now on will take forever no matter if it's a port or stock. Lollipop and higher take a long time to upgrade. I've only had 1 or 2 roms take around 5 minutes and that's because they were minimalist and without Google apps. The phone does get a little warm and uses a lot of battery, so I'd keep it plugged in.
Please report back if you got it to work and how. Like I said, I still use mine. I still visit this forum every day even though I've had an s5 and an s7 edge. I love this phone. I need to get mine replaced because I've worn it out: broken charger port so I have to make sure the cable is plugged in a certain way and I can't touch the phone while charging, side molding is broken off in places, some of my partitions can't be changed which means the memory is failing (not even Odin flashes correctly anymore let alone custom roms). But, it still keeps on ticking.
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Come back to Android! We miss you!!!!
Yes I am backed up and also have a Titanium Backup of everything so I am pretty much covered... I have even backed up the backups to my PC!
You have much wisdom in what you are saying. I thought I would play around with some other ROM's and see what the potential is.
I hear good things about the Darklord Reborn by Midevil and JCorderno so thought I would investigate.
I am not opposed to using Odin, but I was at work, and no access to a computer so wanted to see if I could do the upgrade 'on the fly' since I am already rooted and with recovery.
Man, waiting 30 minutes for a phone to boot sounds like a anxiety attack waiting to happen! But still wanna give it a try.
As to your USB port. Have you thought of going wireless charging? I did and haven't looked back! You can get a wireless charging back and a case that will fit at...
for the charging back
https://smile.amazon.com/Samsung-Ga...=8-2&keywords=samsung+note+3+wireless+charger
for the case
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F3KP156/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Clone Wars....
Just wanted to put out a big THANKS for this.. I broke my Note 3 after 2,433 days (long story) but had bought a stock spare on Ebay last year... Making the switch now, but your PH1 Flashable update is making it super easy!
To let everyone who needs to use this nowdays... you will need to Flash an older TWRP (I used 2.7.8) in order to allow the Modem partition to be overwritten. Then you can flash up to 3.x to load a Android 10 based rom.

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