All,
I have the Verizon Galaxy S4 Developer Edition. I purchased this one b/c it had an unlocked bootloader and I like to install custom recoveries so I can install custom ROMs. Originally, it came with the MDK firmware on it and I was able to root it and install a custom recovery.
I applied the OTA MJ7 update. While I am able to root the device, I have not been able to install a custom recovery. After doing a ton of reading and soft bricking, everyone says that the latest firmware locks down the bootloader so that you cannot install custom recoveries.
Here lies my confusion...I bought the Developer Edition so my bootloader would never be locked and I could always install custom recoveries. Is there something I'm missing? Is it possible for me having a Developer Edition phone to install a custom recovery even though I'm on build I545VRUEMJ7?
In talking with Samsung support, they said that the bootloader will NEVER be locked with any updates on the Developer edition. Any information or help is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Where did you purchase it from?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
richii0207 said:
Where did you purchase it from?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I purchased it directly from the Samsung website. I tried to post the link but it wouldn't let me since I haven't made enough posts. If you google "galaxy s4 developer edition", it is the first non-advertised link that shows up. That's where I purchased it from.
If you take the cover and battery out, it says Developer Edition on the phone.
jontjioe said:
I purchased it directly from the Samsung website. I tried to post the link but it wouldn't let me since I haven't made enough posts. If you google "galaxy s4 developer edition", it is the first non-advertised link that shows up. That's where I purchased it from.
If you take the cover and battery out, it says Developer Edition on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As i understand it when you took the update it locked your bootloader, but please anyone correct me if im wrong
See that's what I thought too... That the update possibly locked my bootloader but how can I check if it is locked or not?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
michaelg117 said:
As i understand it when you took the update it locked your bootloader, but please anyone correct me if im wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I've heard too. I'm no expert in the Dev S4, but I think I've seen a thread or two stating the same kind of problem. Which is crazy if you ask me.
Edit
I know Surge1223 I think posted the Dev Edition MDK firmware somewhere on here, I suggest maybe checking with him, maybe you can flash that back in your phone and be good?!
If nothing else, find that thread and ask him what to do... My guess is he'll have an answer for you.
I've read that it can re lock your phone and ive also read that the updates will not lock it up.... So I'm not really sure.
Good luck though!!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jontjioe said:
See that's what I thought too... That the update possibly locked my bootloader but how can I check if it is locked or not?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you took the OTA, you no longer have the same bootloader and in effect locked the bootloader on your phone. Far as I know.
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
jontjioe said:
All,
I have the Verizon Galaxy S4 Developer Edition. I purchased this one b/c it had an unlocked bootloader and I like to install custom recoveries so I can install custom ROMs. Originally, it came with the MDK firmware on it and I was able to root it and install a custom recovery.
I applied the OTA MJ7 update. While I am able to root the device, I have not been able to install a custom recovery. After doing a ton of reading and soft bricking, everyone says that the latest firmware locks down the bootloader so that you cannot install custom recoveries.
Here lies my confusion...I bought the Developer Edition so my bootloader would never be locked and I could always install custom recoveries. Is there something I'm missing? Is it possible for me having a Developer Edition phone to install a custom recovery even though I'm on build I545VRUEMJ7?
In talking with Samsung support, they said that the bootloader will NEVER be locked with any updates on the Developer edition. Any information or help is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You locked your bootloader.
You used ODIN to install a MJ7 OTA file?
Consumer firmware can be installed on a Dev. edition, but it locks the bootloader.
They should have said something about that. They didn't?
I don't think you are going to get anywhere with support unless you send the phone back for a replacement. IMHO
tech_head said:
You locked your bootloader.
You used ODIN to install a MJ7 OTA file?
Consumer firmware can be installed on a Dev. edition, but it locks the bootloader.
They should have said something about that. They didn't?
I don't think you are going to get anywhere with support unless you send the phone back for a replacement. IMHO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I used ODIN to flash MJ7. Sucks. I will just have to be more patient next time and not flash the latest thing right away. Seems like it is taking forever for someone to crack this bootloader.
jontjioe said:
Yeah, I used ODIN to flash MJ7. Sucks. I will just have to be more patient next time and not flash the latest thing right away. Seems like it is taking forever for someone to crack this bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
most likely, the bootloader won't be cracked. Too much security in place
decaturbob said:
most likely, the bootloader won't be cracked. Too much security in place
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How bad is it that people like him hey a Dev Edition that SHOULD always stay unlocked in my opinion, then are able to lock it back up?!?!
To me that's ridiculous. I'd be more than pissed if that was me.
There was a thread somewhere on here containing a conversation between that person and Samsung I think, and the Sammy rep told that person that the Dev Edition would never be locked even through any OTA.
Seems like such a circle jerk dealing with those people, I've fired off a couple emails myself just for laughs to Samsung about various things, and that's all they do is BS us.
What a shame, a Dev S4 that is just like my locked up mj7 S4.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I am an owner of a DevS4. What the OP did was definitely not a good thing. The DevS4 came originally with I545OYUAMDK. The retail S4 came with I545VRUAMDK. The only difference is that the DevS4 has a different ABOOT partition which allows for the unlocking. By applying the MJ7 OTA or ODIN file he essentially over-wrote his ABOOT partition, locking his phone down and turning it into a regular retail S4. The DevS4's are now sold with I545OYUEMJ7 - he applied I545VRUEMJ7. Unless Samsung will help him out by flashing the firmware to his phone so he can go back to Developer state, he is SOL with a DevS4 now turned into a locked down retail S4.
I only say this based on what I have seen/witnessed.
I've seen this happen before and Samsung took the phone and flashed the correct firmware, not saying you'll be so lucky but search around and you may find what I'm remembering.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Crazy. Dev edition phones should have an efuse that prevents locking. Trying to flash locked firmware should fail.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
tech_head said:
Crazy. Dev edition phones should have an efuse that prevents locking. Trying to flash locked firmware should fail.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. Lot of money for something that can easily be screwed up.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Just goes to show they don't have a real interest in a Dev device.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
tech_head said:
Just goes to show they don't have a real interest in a Dev device.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not so sure if it a case of not having interest, I just don't think they thought it out fully. They produced them and spent the money investing in it. There is a Note 3 Developer edition as well. They just didn't fully think out the implications of support, updating, etc. Which is a shame. The Samsung Developer Device program could have been huge if it was executed properly. To take a retail device, change a few letters from "VRE" to "OYU", slap a sticker on it and call it a developer device, while it still contains KNOX and other developer unfriendly aspects was poor execution.
Maybe there should be a caution sticky here to not ODIN Consumer Ed images onto Dev Ed devices.
Its odd that Samsung even has this program but I guess they want devs to create Samsung Apps for carrier devices.
Skeetch79 said:
Not so sure if it a case of not having interest, I just don't think they thought it out fully. They produced them and spent the money investing in it. There is a Note 3 Developer edition as well. They just didn't fully think out the implications of support, updating, etc. Which is a shame. The Samsung Developer Device program could have been huge if it was executed properly. To take a retail device, change a few letters from "VRE" to "OYU", slap a sticker on it and call it a developer device, while it still contains KNOX and other developer unfriendly aspects was poor execution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DEV owners gotta understand wtf they are doing
Listen I feel sorry for the OP but it's completely his fault for flashing a consumer device image. I know if I were Samsung I wouldn't expect people who buy DEVELOPER editions to do something as silly as that.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Related
After all this me7 crap I'm wondering if the developer edition is unlocked? Boot loader I mean. I guess I'm just wondering what's so special about it?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
brandonhatty said:
After all this me7 crap I'm wondering if the developer edition is unlocked? Boot loader I mean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes
brandonhatty said:
I guess I'm just wondering what's so special about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought the DEV version because I was in the market for a new S4, and I wanted to keep my unlimited data. Furthermore I didn't want to risk buying the consumer edition from Verizon, because I didn't want to receive a device with ME7 firmware. The cost of the DEV version was the same as the consumer version, except it's unlocked. So it's a no-brainer for me.
I guess I was just plain stupid. I came from the galaxy s3 and I just assumed that all phones were as easy. I won't make that mistake twice! I don't have much faith in the bootloader getting exploited so I think I will buy the DEV and sell the other on Ebay.
brandonhatty said:
I guess I was just plain stupid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not at all
brandonhatty said:
I guess I was just plain stupid. I came from the galaxy s3 and I just assumed that all phones were as easy. I won't make that mistake twice! I don't have much faith in the bootloader getting exploited so I think I will buy the DEV and sell the other on Ebay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The thing people often forget is an insecure boot loader was leaked. The stock firmware released boot loader was never cracked for the S3. This same method worked on the Note 2.
got556 said:
The thing people often forget is an insecure boot loader was leaked. The stock firmware released boot loader was never cracked for the S3. This same method worked on the Note 2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So who leaks this kind of information? And are these blocks done by carrier or manufacturer? Are all phones and carriers like this?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Seems like the s4 forum is plagued with bootloader talk :-/ nobody cared about it when we had loki
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Hi All,
I'm a little new here but I've done a lot of searching and haven't been able to find anything recent on this topic. From what I can see there has been no progress unlocking the bootloader to flash custom Roms on the i545vruame7 s4 in a few months. I just got my S4 yesterday and when I received it, it already had i545vruame7 installed. I am able to gain root access but not unlock the bootloader to flash any custom roms. Have I missed something? Is there any way to flash back to the old version?
Thanks,
Peter
peterfran2112 said:
Hi All,
I'm a little new here but I've done a lot of searching and haven't been able to find anything recent on this topic. From what I can see there has been no progress unlocking the bootloader to flash custom Roms on the i545vruame7 s4 in a few months. I just got my S4 yesterday and when I received it, it already had i545vruame7 installed. I am able to gain root access but not unlock the bootloader to flash any custom roms. Have I missed something? Is there any way to flash back to the old version?
Thanks,
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome to the S4! So long as you are not on mj7 firmware you can still install Safestrap which allows you to run touchwiz based ROMs. Just search for it in development. If I'm not mistaken, it works with the Google Play Edition ROM too, so you can have a little bit of AOSP goodness.
Just to be curious, where did you get your phone from?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Bradh024 said:
Just to be curious, where did you get your phone from?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ordered it from Amazon, brand new for $49 using my Verizon upgrade.
bjoostema said:
Welcome to the S4! So long as you are not on mj7 firmware you can still install Safestrap which allows you to run touchwiz based ROMs. Just search for it in development. If I'm not mistaken, it works with the Google Play Edition ROM too, so you can have a little bit of AOSP goodness.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info! I've been thinking about getting involved in the development side, I develop android apps but have never touched anything as far as Roms and bootloaders. I just want it working so I can install CM on my phone so I figured it might be worth a shot.
I installed Safestrap and then stupidly tried to flash a rom slot with CM 10.1 which didn't work. Is there a list available anywhere of touchwiz based ROMs?
I ordered mine from best buy, im really hoping it doesnt have the update
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Bradh024 said:
I ordered mine from best buy, im really hoping it doesnt have the update
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please let me know, I have 15 days to return this, I could always return and swap for a bestbuy version if it came to it.
peterfran2112 said:
Please let me know, I have 15 days to return this, I could always return and swap for a bestbuy version if it came to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you have, I believe is the best your going to get until somebody figures out how to crack the bootloader. Im hoping the phone I ordered is running the same software that you have on yours.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
peterfran2112 said:
Thanks for the info! I've been thinking about getting involved in the development side, I develop android apps but have never touched anything as far as Roms and bootloaders. I just want it working so I can install CM on my phone so I figured it might be worth a shot.
I installed Safestrap and then stupidly tried to flash a rom slot with CM 10.1 which didn't work. Is there a list available anywhere of touchwiz based ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448726 there ya go bud! And np, that's what the community is for!
Bradh024 said:
What you have, I believe is the best your going to get until somebody figures out how to crack the bootloader. I'm hoping the phone I ordered is running the same software that you have on yours.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes sense, I used titanium to freeze the SDM app so I'm hoping that will stop it from auto updating, along with a whole bunch of other crapware.
OK. I am going to provide as much detail as I can for now. Please let me know what additional information will help you help me. Thanks
I have a S4 for Verizon. I have been trying to root it so I can load the Google edition image on it. However, none of the tutorials I have seen seem to work on my device. I bought it brand new direct from Samsung off contract (didn't want to loose my unlimited data) so I don't think I can get a warranty replacement through Verizon (haven't rooted it yet). The furthest I seem to get is that SuperSU gets installed but will not download the binaries. So I cannot continue with the rest if the steps with rooting and re-imaging. Also, most steps have you install a specific kernal version as the first step but not sure if that is happening because my screen don't look the same as the ones in the tutorials.
Phone: SCH-1545
OS ver: 4.3
Kernal: 3.4.0
Build: JSS15J.1545VRUEMJ7
HW ver: 1545.06
Thanks.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2531704
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2550383
Sent from The new iPad using Tapatalk HD
rsalas187 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2531704
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2550383
Sent from The new iPad using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will check those out. Thanks for the quick response. :good:
Just so you know, the only thing available for MJ7 build is root. Installing a custom recovery or custom ROMs is not possible at this time.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
riker147 said:
Just so you know, the only thing available for MJ7 build is root. Installing a custom recovery or custom ROMs is not possible at this time.
Sent from my NCC 1701 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you certain? Other people seem to be imaging their Verizon devices with the Google Edition images. Thanks
deathtical said:
Are you certain? Other people seem to be imaging their Verizon devices with the Google Edition images. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not with MJ7 firmware they aren't.
If you didn't buy a developer edition, you my friend, are screwed.
tech_head said:
Not with MJ7 firmware they aren't.
If you didn't buy a developer edition, you my friend, are screwed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Typical. Is there no way to flash it with a different firmware so that I can do more with it? Thanks
deathtical said:
Typical. Is there no way to flash it with a different firmware so that I can do more with it? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Once the phone is updated, there is no way to go back.
As I stated above, all we can do is root. With root we can debloat and use Xposed framework to make some changes.
riker147 said:
No. Once the phone is updated, there is no way to go back.
As I stated above, all we can do is root. With root we can debloat and use Xposed framework to make some changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't really accomplish what I want though. Not your fault obviously. Do you know if this is a Verzion thing or just the device itself? Thanks
deathtical said:
That doesn't really accomplish what I want though. Not your fault obviously. Do you know if this is a Verzion thing or just the device itself? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's Verizon, they lock down every phone they sell. You have to do research before you buy your phone if you want custom software on Verizon, or switch carriers.
joshm.1219 said:
It's Verizon, they lock down every phone they sell. You have to do research before you buy your phone if you want custom software on Verizon, or switch carriers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know Verzon sucks in that regard but the service is awesome. I get full 4G coverage just about everywhere and I've got unlimited data still. Plus, I didn't buy it from them, I payed full price from an online vendor so that I wouldn't have to change my contract.
Oh well, guess I'll just have to keep an eye out for when someone finally cracks it.
I hate waiting....
Hey guys,
I'm new coming from a GS3 running synergy. Some unexpected events forced me to upgrade to a GS4. I haven't really kept tabs on the gs4 because my upgrade was due around the time the GS5 is supposedly going to come out.
I'm disappointed to find that the bootloaders are locked for us newer owners. My question is, my phone came with 4.2.2 MI1 should i allow it to update to 4.3? I would like to stay on what ever SW will likely get cracked in the future. I've read as much as i could and it seems like the older sw is closer to having a bootloader unlocked than the newer. It also looks like you can't go backwards anymore.
I love flashing and tinkering with my phones and i dunt want to safe strap another phone. I got to use to having a completely unlocked phone. Any advice is welcomed.
Thank you guys
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
3000gtmr said:
Hey guys,
I'm new coming from a GS3 running synergy. Some unexpected events forced me to upgrade to a GS4. I haven't really kept tabs on the gs4 because my upgrade was due around the time the GS5 is supposedly going to come out.
I'm disappointed to find that the bootloaders are locked for us newer owners. My question is, my phone came with 4.2.2 MI1 should i allow it to update to 4.3? I would like to stay on what ever SW will likely get cracked in the future. I've read as much as i could and it seems like the older sw is closer to having a bootloader unlocked than the newer. It also looks like you can't go backwards anymore.
I love flashing and tinkering with my phones and i dunt want to safe strap another phone. I got to use to having a completely unlocked phone. Any advice is welcomed.
Thank you guys
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
samsung has locked down the bootloader pretty well and some have been working on finding an exploit since MDK base exploit was blocked by ME7. So if you are going to wait until an unlock mechanism is found for base firmware releases since MDK S4, you may never see it.
The only option presently for ME7 and later firmware S4's is safestrap. Right now many of us that couldn't get a MDK phone are running 4.3 android base HD12 which has specific release for safestrap.
good luck but the trend is clear by phone manufs and the service providers who are demanding locked bootloaders except for Dev phones.
Thanks for the reply. So I'm not going to loose out on anything by allowing my phone to OTA update to the latest?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
3000gtmr said:
Thanks for the reply. So I'm not going to loose out on anything by allowing my phone to OTA update to the latest?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Awesome thank you!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
So I did a little searching before posting so don't ream me please ??
1) Does the dev edition s4 also have a locked bootloader? That would be f'in whack.. If it us unlocked and my second q doesn't pan I may try and swoop one up. ..
2) I have a friend with a tmobile s4 that he cracked the digitizer and just reported it lost... If I took his board could I unlock it to big red? If so what would be the consequences?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Zooandbio4me said:
So I did a little searching before posting so don't ream me please ??
1) Does the dev edition s4 also have a locked bootloader? That would be f'in whack.. If it us unlocked and my second q doesn't pan I may try and swoop one up. ..
2) I have a friend with a tmobile s4 that he cracked the digitizer and just reported it lost... If I took his board could I unlock it to big red? If so what would be the consequences?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Dev Edition S4 normally does not have a locked bootloader. I say normally because some users took an Over The Air update which did lock the bootloader. So it depends on whether the bootloader is a stock MDK bootloader or if the user took a subsequent OTA update which in turn locked / changed the bootloader. Also, there is no factor image for the Dev Edition, so if it is locked it is going to stay locked for the foreseeable future. As for your second question, I'm not sure that will work. I think the firmware differences between TMO and Verizon plus the difference between GSM and CDMA will not be easy to overcome. But I don't know that for sure.
I'm not trying to be a know it all trust me lol but the dev s4 never got otas I don't believe. The users who locked then up did so by using Odin and retail firmware.
Just throwing that out there.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mistertac said:
I'm not trying to be a know it all trust me lol but the dev s4 never got otas I don't believe. The users who locked then up did so by using Odin and retail firmware.
Just throwing that out there.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't take that as you being a know it all, you're probably right. I just know some Dev owners did something to lock their bootloaders I just assumed (wrongfully) that it was an OTA of some sorts. Sorry for the misinformation.
Mistertac said:
I'm not trying to be a know it all trust me lol but the dev s4 never got otas I don't believe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know one user who received his DevEd about the same time as me. He received an OTA that locked his bootloader. I have never received an OTA, and I'm still running stock (more or less) DevEd.
It's funny how I bought the DevEd, because I wanted a guarantee that I could ROM the device. But I fell in love with the stock OS, and don't care if I ever have KitKat.
asharad said:
I know one user who received his DevEd about the same time as me. He received an OTA that locked his bootloader. I have never received an OTA, and I'm still running stock (more or less) DevEd.
It's funny how I bought the DevEd, because I wanted a guarantee that I could ROM the device. But I fell in love with the stock OS, and don't care if I ever have KitKat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No kidding? I didn't know any of them got OTAs. At least you have the option to flash whatever you want if you did get bored with stock.
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