hey guys, so My s3 died two days ago and I just got my s4. Ive been looking at how to root, but it seems like its a bit more difficult because of knox? Im running current firmware with VRUEMK2. Thoughts on easy ways to root and unlock the boot loader?
m4gkman said:
hey guys, so My s3 died two days ago and I just got my s4. Ive been looking at how to root, but it seems like its a bit more difficult because of knox? Im running current firmware with VRUEMK2. Thoughts on easy ways to root and unlock the boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Can't unlock the bootloader. Research Safestrap. It's your only option.
riker147 said:
Root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Can't unlock the bootloader. Research Safestrap. It's your only option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so safestrap is the only way ill be able to flash other roms?
m4gkman said:
so safestrap is the only way ill be able to flash other roms?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With MK2 build? Yes.....the ONLY way.
riker147 said:
With MK2 build? Yes.....the ONLY way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so hypothetically, if i was to do a factory reset, it would bring me back to the stock original firmware and i would have to re install ally he software updates. Which would be the best too stay on for my situation?
m4gkman said:
so hypothetically, if i was to do a factory reset, it would bring me back to the stock original firmware and i would have to re install ally he software updates. Which would be the best too stay on for my situation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're talking about reverting to an older build, forget it. It's impossible. All of your questions have been asked and answered many times. I suggest you do some research. This is a good place to start. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
Related
I have a rooted Nook tablet so not a complete noob, but how safe is the root process for a verizon Galaxy s4? I'd like to root it so I can get rid of some of the junk apps and install others I want, but I void my two yr warranty...thoughts from the experts? just want to feel comfortable moving forward and if so, is there a set of clear instructions somewhere?
Thanks to all
The search button is your friend.
I have also rooted verizon schi545 cm10'd I did not see aps to sd so now I went back to stock mdk 4.2.2 so now what take update or is there another rom that has aps to sd ?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
wedmiston said:
I have a rooted Nook tablet so not a complete noob, but how safe is the root process for a verizon Galaxy s4? I'd like to root it so I can get rid of some of the junk apps and install others I want, but I void my two yr warranty...thoughts from the experts? just want to feel comfortable moving forward and if so, is there a set of clear instructions somewhere?
Thanks to all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instead of an asinine comment that does you no go, here's some info.
Yes, rooting will void the warranty. However, you can always Odin to go back to stock should you have an issue that requires returning your phone to VZW.
I've rooted both my old S3 and my current S4. I JUST started rooting on the S3, so I'm relatively new as well but have learned a lot. My S3 was stock rooted, but I took the plunge with my S4 and am running HyperDrive ROM which is HOLY MOLY sweetness.
It's up to you, but if you're going to root, perhaps look at the ROMs that are available and flash one. I'm not sorry that I started flashing Roms. Not one bit
Wolffgirl
Three replies thus far and yours is the only one of solid benefit..thanks. Can you point me anywhere to see step by step to accomplish what you did on your S4?
wedmiston said:
Wolffgirl
Three replies thus far and yours is the only one of solid benefit..thanks. Can you point me anywhere to see step by step to accomplish what you did on your S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link to root: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2290798
How old is your S4? The reason that I ask is that there was an OTA update the broke root. Currently there are Dev's looking into how to root with the new firmware.
Have you installed the OTA update?
Phone is about a month old...I have made no changes to the existing phone so I don.t know about the OTA update (although the VW software that came with it appears to update the phones software when plugged into laptop)
wedmiston said:
Phone is about a month old...I have made no changes to the existing phone so I don.t know about the OTA update (although the VW software that came with it appears to update the phones software when plugged into laptop)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to ->Setting->More->About Phone and tell me what you Baseband version says. If it's VRUAME7, you have the OTA update. If it's VRUAMDK, you do not.
confirming VRUAME7
wolfgrrl said:
Go to ->Setting->More->About Phone and tell me what you Baseband version says. If it's VRUAME7, you have the OTA update. If it's VRUAMDK, you do not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
confirming VRUAME7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately you will not be able to root until a new method becomes available.
is it possible to back up to pre-OTA update status?
wolfgrrl said:
Unfortunately you will not be able to root until a new method becomes available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
is it possible to back up to pre-OTA update status?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.....there is no way to uninstall the update. Patience, young rooting grasshopper! A new method will be out shortly, I would imagine. Doesn't usually take too long,
Much appreciated...and lastly can you point me to how I would reinstall what you refer to as Odin should I screw up a future root process?
wedmiston said:
Much appreciated...and lastly can you point me to how I would reinstall what you refer to as Odin should I screw up a future root process?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link explains how to go back to stock by using Odin: http://www.sxtpdevelopers.com/showthread.php?t=237
Is this downgrading from ME7 to MDK possible? If so please guide me in the right direction.
Its not possible... Once you take the update theres no going back...
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
hondabomdc5 said:
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the search button...this has been posted about a 1000 times...but yes you can root it but no custom recovery.
hondabomdc5 said:
So I am new to the s4 and rooting. I really want to install the Hyperdrive ROM. I have been researching and researching what to do and I think i have found my answer for now and im not happy about it.
From what i gathered, since i installed the update and I am now on ME7, there is no root method bc they locked the phone down. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can root, but cant install custom recoveries or roms.
bfmetcalf said:
You can root, but cant install custom recoveries or roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for being kind and thanks for the info. I did state that I was new and have been looking. I could have started a whole new thread but instead asked the question in here. I do want to install the Hyperdrive rom but since with ME7 you cant install roms...looks like i wont be rooting until somebody gets this figured out. Again, thanks for being cool and answering my question.
y can't we just odin back to mdk?
Stauf99 said:
y can't we just odin back to mdk?
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Click to collapse
because of the bootloader will only allow signed packages to be installed on the phone and checks against older firmware and will not allow it. Unless you have the signed key you ain't flashing anything unless we find a workaround.
magneticzero said:
Use the search button...this has been posted about a 1000 times...but yes you can root it but no custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
This [email protected] sucks!
So, I'm stuck on ME7 as well (32GB S4, otherwise I'd just go down to the store and swap it, complaining about something -- seems they don't stock them at any local corporate stores).
I'm coming from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and we have OMAP-Flash, which is like a low-level PROM flashing tool from the Samsung R&D team, and I could fix even a DEAD, or bricked phone with that. Is there something like that here to get back the original bootloader? I cant believe we're stuck on this crap... How 'bout a 2nd-init like my Droid-x days, or something slick like SafeStrap on the RAZR family?
...Just thinkin' "out loud".
IMGetwired said:
So, I'm stuck on ME7 as well (32GB S4, otherwise I'd just go down to the store and swap it, complaining about something -- seems they don't stock them at any local corporate stores).
I'm coming from a Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and we have OMAP-Flash, which is like a low-level PROM flashing tool from the Samsung R&D team, and I could fix even a DEAD, or bricked phone with that. Is there something like that here to get back the original bootloader? I cant believe we're stuck on this crap... How 'bout a 2nd-init like my Droid-x days, or something slick like SafeStrap on the RAZR family?
...Just thinkin' "out loud".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Short answer is 'no' - you're currently stuck with root as your best option. Hopefully this will change in the not-too-distant future.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Yeah, this does suck.
Seems like we need someone to pick up the Dragonboard 8074 development kit to help us figure this out...even then, I'm sure Samsung has so many mods in there it'd be nuts to reverse engineer... Ugh, I'm so impatient! :silly:
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because there for people that didn't get robbed by Samsung and update through the evil over the air update lol
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're not quite understanding what a rom is and is not. There is no such thing as a rom for ME7. There are roms that use the ME7 base. They are flashable only by those who have the MDK bootloader. When a build number is listed for a rom, it is the build that the rom is based from.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4
Slimfast35 said:
So why is there ROMs for the ME7 build if they can't be flashed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ROM's that the devs based on MDK have been updated with the ME7 code just like any good developer does. But the bootloader those users have is still from their MDK (original) install. Once you go ME7 you can never go back, downgrade, crossgrade or get beyond the bootloader, for now anyways. Someone will find a way.
Nm
Been reading various threads and wondering if there is a preferred method for rooting S4. If so, is it based on ability the unroot it later? I am a noob to phone rooting...having only (but successfully) rooted my Nook Tablet a long time ago. I want to make sure I choose the "best practice" method to minimize my risk of borking it. I am on verizon and have
SCH-1545
Build: JDQ39.1545VRUAME7
As for the specifics, is it assumed once I format the SD card to exfat that it runs from and remains in the phone itself or can it be repurposed?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380325
This is for root. With ME7 you can not use a custom recovery just as a FYI. But safestrap recovery works with ME7. You can find that also in the android Dev section.
wedmiston said:
Been reading various threads and wondering if there is a preferred method for rooting S4. If so, is it based on ability the unroot it later? I am a noob to phone rooting...having only (but successfully) rooted my Nook Tablet a long time ago. I want to make sure I choose the "best practice" method to minimize my risk of borking it. I am on verizon and have
SCH-1545
Build: JDQ39.1545VRUAME7
As for the specifics, is it assumed once I format the SD card to exfat that it runs from and remains in the phone itself or can it be repurposed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each firmware version has its own method, and theres only 1 for each. Since your on me7 you have to use the .pwn method and once your rooted you can reformat your card/delete the files that were used.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk. now Free
I have also noticed a number of people wanting to go back to stock. Is this because root is unstable or has issues? Is there a pretty foolproof method for going back (my phone is only 3 months into my renewed VZ contract so unlike my Nook, I may need support at some point)
wedmiston said:
I have also noticed a number of people wanting to go back to stock. Is this because root is unstable or has issues? Is there a pretty foolproof method for going back (my phone is only 3 months into my renewed VZ contract so unlike my Nook, I may need support at some point)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its absolutely stable. Most realize its not for them or they return their phones. Odin in my.opinion is the easiest way to remove root.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk. now Free
So does this NOT apply to my phone since it cites a different model?
\http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2465713
Travisdroidx2 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380325
This is for root. With ME7 you can not use a custom recovery just as a FYI. But safestrap recovery works with ME7. You can find that also in the android Dev section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
So does this NOT apply to my phone since it cites a different model?
\http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2465713
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That root method is for Verizon S4 on ME7 firmware. If that is not you then I would not try it myself.
Could qualify as the dumb question of the day, but I have Build: JDQ39.1545VRUAME7...is this considered ME7 or are there different flavors?
Travisdroidx2 said:
That root method is for Verizon S4 on ME7 firmware. If that is not you then I would not try it myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
Could qualify as the dumb question of the day, but I have Build: JDQ39.1545VRUAME7...is this considered ME7 or are there different flavors?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only one ME7 for Verizon you are good.
Given that this was profiled as a "cover story" on the XDA home page is this the latest and greatest and is it different than
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380325
Just want to clarify before i proceed
Travisdroidx2 said:
Only one ME7 for Verizon you are good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
Given that this was profiled as a "cover story" on the XDA home page is this the latest and greatest and is it different than
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2380325
Just want to clarify before i proceed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the same link I sent you in post 2. That is the root method for you on ME7.
OK, then maybe my question is, how is that different from this?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-android-4-3-i9505xxuemj5-firmware-for-the-galaxy-s-4/
Travisdroidx2 said:
That is the same link I sent you in post 2. That is the root method for you on ME7.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wedmiston said:
OK, then maybe my question is, how is that different from this?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-android-4-3-i9505xxuemj5-firmware-for-the-galaxy-s-4/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats for a different model of s4 and is android 4.3 while me7 is 4.2.2
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk. now Free
wedmiston said:
OK, then maybe my question is, how is that different from this?
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/official-android-4-3-i9505xxuemj5-firmware-for-the-galaxy-s-4/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because that is not for Verizon. Or ME7. Your build version shows ME7. The root method is in the Verizon thread for ME7. It is pretty clear.
Affirmative to both of you and very much appreciated!
as long as I have two guys smarter than me, one more...how is this different
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252248
wedmiston said:
as long as I have two guys smarter than me, one more...how is this different
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252248
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats motochopper I believe and its for mdk verizon versions.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk. now Free
and I know I have to block OTA updates...want to get this in place immediately so what is the best way to do this?
wedmiston said:
and I know I have to block OTA updates...want to get this in place immediately so what is the best way to do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put the phone in airplane mode. Freeze or delete SDM.apk
Confirm successful root. Also froze SDM.01 file via TB Pro - am I good to go? Any other files need attention?
Travisdroidx2 said:
Put the phone in airplane mode. Freeze or delete SDM.apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anybody know if anyone is building a root and recovery process for the VRUEMJ7 build. I got this S4 unrooted with the new build done....UGG
downhillvinnie said:
Does anybody know if anyone is building a root and recovery process for the VRUEMJ7 build. I got this S4 unrooted with the new build done....UGG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are people working on root and @Hashcode is looking into getting Safestrap to work with it. But as to a recovery like twrp or CWM no dice on any build after mdk to install that.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I think you are hosed if you are already on MJ7
Pardon if this is a noobish response, but can't we just use ODIN to force downgrade back to a build we can root and/or use custom recoveries?
OrionSX said:
Pardon if this is a noobish response, but can't we just use ODIN to force downgrade back to a build we can root and/or use custom recoveries?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader blocks being downgraded. Only way to downgrade would be to jtag from what I heard which us extremely dangerous to the average user
DemonSoul1996 said:
The bootloader blocks being downgraded. Only way to downgrade would be to jtag from what I heard which us extremely dangerous to the average user
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no confirmed cases of anyone managing to downgrade even using JTAG. It's best to assume that you'll probably never be able to downgrade.
k1mu said:
There are no confirmed cases of anyone managing to downgrade even using JTAG. It's best to assume that you'll probably never be able to downgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure there is read the original thread about it from hellsdroid he commented he downgraded an me7 phone to mdk several times.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk.
hexitnow said:
Sure there is read the original thread about it from hellsdroid he commented he downgraded an me7 phone to mdk several times.
Hit thanks if I helped you out. Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way. Sent via tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm. The basis of my statement:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2500826
Has anyone ever heard more from h311sdr0id about his post (see here) to get more info about this "state" that allows you to flash MDK over ME7 in Odin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No response. I know that h311sdr0id is "indisposed", of course. However, nobody has come forward to say that they've witnessed this. Thus my claim that it's unconfirmed.
It'd be great if JTAG was able to do this, but I'm rather skeptical given the fuses that get blown with each build to block going backwards. However, there is some hope as these are qfuses.
I originally updated from MI1 to MJ7, which was a stupid move, but just wondering if there is anyway to downgrade back in order to have full root and benefits?
I want to restore my phone and if I can go back, that would be great, because I don't want to go forward because if there is a new upadte it would make it worse instead of better, in terms of rooting.
Please advise
elite-fusion said:
I originally updated from MI1 to MJ7, which was a stupid move, but just wondering if there is anyway to downgrade back in order to have full root and benefits?
I want to restore my phone and if I can go back, that would be great, because I don't want to go forward because if there is a new upadte it would make it worse instead of better, in terms of rooting.
Please advise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can root mj7 mine is
i heard that vroot isnt a good way to go...no?
Can I install custom roms on MJ7?
what would be the best way to restore this? with a file, or just go through the settings and do a factory reset?
elite-fusion said:
i heard that vroot isnt a good way to go...no?
Can I install custom roms on MJ7?
what would be the best way to restore this? with a file, or just go through the settings and do a factory reset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just keep taking OTAs up to MK2 (The latest). From there you can root and install safestrap (and a safestrap compatible rom). You cannot flash AOSP roms; the bootloader is locked down post MDK. This thread is pretty much all you need http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
so can mk2 be rooted?
elite-fusion said:
so can mk2 be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should probably read the stickied thread at the top of the forum.
Its called What you need to know before, during and after modifying your verizon S4
Its probably relevant to your interests no?
This is the second time someone has linked you to it. I promise you if you READ THE WHOLE THING before asking anymore questions, you wont have questions to ask.
elite-fusion said:
so can mk2 be rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Search for "Saferoot". I can't stress enough....... RESEARCH FIRST. It will save you a lot of headaches.
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk 4
alright, one last question because it is NOT listed in that thread,
Where can i download the mk2 to load it manually because i am not a verizon customer but have a verizon s4 which i use with tmobile so it does not allow me to do OTA because it keeps telling me that Service is temporarily unavailable.
Please advise
elite-fusion said:
alright, one last question because it is NOT listed in that thread,
Where can i download the mk2 to load it manually because i am not a verizon customer but have a verizon s4 which i use with tmobile so it does not allow me to do OTA because it keeps telling me that Service is temporarily unavailable.
Please advise
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As linked to from the provided thead Customizing your Verizon Galaxy S4 - what's possible and what's not
Has links to the updates that it is possible to flash, see the recover by reflashing stock section.
Seriously, its a pretty expensive phone and you can totally ruin it. Not a bad idea to read through that info people keep trying to give you.