Hello!
I am very new to XDA and looking for some direction. Please direct me to the right post if this has been already asked a million times but here it goes.
I have a verizon s4 with 4.3 and Mk2. I havent done anything with the phone yet except using custom launchers and icons. I want to install a pure kit kat on my device and dont care about warranty. I am very confused with all the different kernels, root procedures and looking for a step by step guide - call it unlocking, rooting and installing for dummies
Where should i start and is it even possible with my phone/carrier/baseband version.
Thanks in advance for your time and attention and have a good day!
R
rs32 said:
Hello!
I am very new to XDA and looking for some direction. Please direct me to the right post if this has been already asked a million times but here it goes.
I have a verizon s4 with 4.3 and Mk2. I havent done anything with the phone yet except using custom launchers and icons. I want to install a pure kit kat on my device and dont care about warranty. I am very confused with all the different kernels, root procedures and looking for a step by step guide - call it unlocking, rooting and installing for dummies
Where should i start and is it even possible with my phone/carrier/baseband version.
Thanks in advance for your time and attention and have a good day!
R
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this sticky thread in the General forum.
No kitkat currently for MK2.
Thanks a lot! any reason why there is none for Mk2. i did read the thread and was able to understand most of it. I guess i will hang around and wait till they release one.
Can you advise if my understanding is correct to have a stock kit kat cynaogen mod on my s4 verizon with mk2 ( when it is available)
1) unlock bootloader (with safe strap or loki)
2) root device - what tool to use?
3) flash a custom cyanogen mod
4) install gapps and other apps
Thanks again!
R
U r on mk2 firmware so u will not be able to run any aosp ROMs or kernels on ur phone til someone or @Hashcode has figured out a way for safestrap users. As of now we can root and install safestrap and then flash safestrap only ROMs with the correct modules.
Sent from my Beastly powered S4 using Tapatalk
holla420 said:
U r on mk2 firmware so u will not be able to run any aosp ROMs or kernels on ur phone til someone or @Hashcode has figured out a way for safestrap users. As of now we can root and install safestrap and then flash safestrap only ROMs with the correct modules.
Sent from my Beastly powered S4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. What are some good safe strap rooms you suggest?
rs32 said:
Thanks for the info. What are some good safe strap rooms you suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hyperdrive is beast. All of them have been my daily driver. If ur into aosp kinda rom check out foxhound. I haven't tried many since I'm a hyperdrive fanatic. I'm sure there r a few more that's solid
Sent from my Beastly powered S4 using Tapatalk
yep, im running Hyperdrive RLS 12 on mk2 right now, I dont want to update to RLS14, because i use google wallet and a lot of users have been reporting problems using it.
ppat324wi said:
yep, im running Hyperdrive RLS 12 on mk2 right now, I dont want to update to RLS14, because i use google wallet and a lot of users have been reporting problems using it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks everyone! I think im gonna checkout the foxhoud roms since i like the aosp feel close to kitkat. I will check back when i can run something very similar to stock kit kat on my mk2 s4 verizon
have a great weekend!
R
Related
Hey guys,
I'm sorry if this question has already been asked, I currently have a verizon Gs4 that is running the new MK2 update. I have been looking around at ROMS online and I would like to install a kit kat rom onto my phone. My question is after rooting am I limited to what type of recovery and roms i can use? My co worker has a GS4 for sprint and uses PHILZ custom recovery.
Can anybody help me with some explanation? I am trying to figure out if it is worth rooting the phone. I also want to make sure I have all my ducks lined up before plunging into the process.
Thank you,
kendeezy said:
Hey guys,
I'm sorry if this question has already been asked, I currently have a verizon Gs4 that is running the new MK2 update. I have been looking around at ROMS online and I would like to install a kit kat rom onto my phone. My question is after rooting am I limited to what type of recovery and roms i can use? My co worker has a GS4 for sprint and uses PHILZ custom recovery.
Can anybody help me with some explanation? I am trying to figure out if it is worth rooting the phone. I also want to make sure I have all my ducks lined up before plunging into the process.
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No custom recovery exists for mk2...hashcode is working on safestrap recovery but it is buggy at best right now and only works for touchwiz ROMs...others are working tirelessly toward unlock or workaround...mk2 is very new...give it time and read up on mk2...more will come
You can't flash a custom rom or recovery if your on the MK2 update. You can only root MK2. The devs are working hard to make that possible for us that are on the MK2 update.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
It is absolutely worth rooting, but being on MK2 your recovery options are limited to Safe strap. Philztouch will only work on the original MDK firmware. I haven't used Safe strap since the Bionic but Hashcode and his work are amazing. Head over to his blog and his thread for more info. If you are just looking to theme your phone you can stay stock rooted and use Xposed with Wanam settings. All of this info is right here on XDA and most likely on the first page of their respective forums. My first recommendation is to read a lot first. Second, before you start the process have all emergency restore files downloaded and ready to go with your device recognized by your computer. (Always have Odin, your current Factory Firmware, and USB drivers ready)
You're on MK2....you can't install a custom ROM. This topic has been discussed many times.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
kendeezy said:
Hey guys,
I'm sorry if this question has already been asked, I currently have a verizon Gs4 that is running the new MK2 update. I have been looking around at ROMS online and I would like to install a kit kat rom onto my phone. My question is after rooting am I limited to what type of recovery and roms i can use? My co worker has a GS4 for sprint and uses PHILZ custom recovery.
Can anybody help me with some explanation? I am trying to figure out if it is worth rooting the phone. I also want to make sure I have all my ducks lined up before plunging into the process.
Thank you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to be rude, but this has been answered 1,000,000 times, you couldn't have searched or even read a few posts down. The only version of the S4 that can install a custom recovery is MDK. You can root, and Hashcode just released a version of safestrap that works with MJ7, but this just happened. As far as I am aware, only Hyperdrive will work on a phone on MJ7 or MK2.
hey guys this isn't my first rodeo however it is with safestrap and all this crap so i just got a replacemtn s4 from verizon running mi1 downloading the de la vega root tool currently taking a lot longer than expected so here is my goal, root got that part covered seems pretty self explainatory what i want to do is install safestrap or somehting to flash roms my plan is for now to be stock rooted... 4.3 and eventually flash other tw roms from what i understand that is all that can be installed using s.s. i have searched and search and cannot find any safestrap threads with info on how to's do's and don'ts so if someone can leand me a helping hand that would be fantastic sorry for the poor english i just work up and am too lazy to fix things atm
Bfitz26 said:
hey guys this isn't my first rodeo however it is with safestrap and all this crap so i just got a replacemtn s4 from verizon running mi1 downloading the de la vega root tool currently taking a lot longer than expected so here is my goal, root got that part covered seems pretty self explainatory what i want to do is install safestrap or somehting to flash roms my plan is for now to be stock rooted... 4.3 and eventually flash other tw roms from what i understand that is all that can be installed using s.s. i have searched and search and cannot find any safestrap threads with info on how to's do's and don'ts so if someone can leand me a helping hand that would be fantastic sorry for the poor english i just work up and am too lazy to fix things atm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure if you stay with MI1 you won't be able to flash any 4.3 ROMs. As of now the only one available is Hyperdrive 11 (soon to be 12). If you update to MJ7 or MK2 then you can flash 4.3 ROMs.
There are a few more 4.2 based ROMs in the dev section.
My advice to you (and everybody) would be to do your research. Read, read, read.
with my expirience with safe strap on the motorola razr,
safe strap, like its name is safe
before the stock rom loads it let you choose which rom to use.
you have few rom slots and and you can choose.
thre SS roms dont overwrite the stock
Bfitz26 said:
hey guys this isn't my first rodeo however it is with safestrap and all this crap so i just got a replacemtn s4 from verizon running mi1 downloading the de la vega root tool currently taking a lot longer than expected so here is my goal, root got that part covered seems pretty self explainatory what i want to do is install safestrap or somehting to flash roms my plan is for now to be stock rooted... 4.3 and eventually flash other tw roms from what i understand that is all that can be installed using s.s. i have searched and search and cannot find any safestrap threads with info on how to's do's and don'ts so if someone can leand me a helping hand that would be fantastic sorry for the poor english i just work up and am too lazy to fix things atm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I posted a guidline in general section to show step by step to go from ME7 to MJ7, install saferoot, safestrap and HD11.0...would apply to what you want to do
Thanks man unfortunately the phone I had was wonkey sent it back and got a new one came installed with me7 guessing that is in there as well u mind shooting me a link to your guide thanks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Bfitz26 said:
Thanks man unfortunately the phone I had was wonkey sent it back and got a new one came installed with me7 guessing that is in there as well u mind shooting me a link to your guide thanks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2579278
I'm running an i545 S4, rooted, hotspot tether, 4.3, MJ7. I ultimately want to be running MK2 4.4 kit kat, rooted, with wifi hotspot. What if anything can I do at this time to get my phone best setup to be ready to take advantage of new releases and who would be the most likely builders. I been read about some stuff cyanogenmod is doing and I like the Toro eclipse rom stuff (inverted) as well. Should I focus on trying to get MK2 build first?
Thanks for your help in advance cuz you guys always come thru!
Michael S.
mshawn3 said:
I'm running an i545 S4, rooted, hotspot tether, 4.3, MJ7. I ultimately want to be running MK2 4.4 kit kat, rooted, with wifi hotspot. What if anything can I do at this time to get my phone best setup to be ready to take advantage of new releases and who would be the most likely builders. I been read about some stuff cyanogenmod is doing and I like the Toro eclipse rom stuff (inverted) as well. Should I focus on trying to get MK2 build first?
Thanks for your help in advance cuz you guys always come thru!
Michael S.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is really no telling man at this point. A lot of people are already running CM 4.4 Kitkat but for that you must be on MDK. Your best bet would be for Samsung to release a 4.4 TW build at some point and wait for someone to post build.
ahoslc said:
There is really no telling man at this point. A lot of people are already running CM 4.4 Kitkat but for that you must be on MDK. Your best bet would be for Samsung to release a 4.4 TW build at some point and wait for someone to post build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's MDK bro? Is that an older version thats easier to hack
mshawn3 said:
What's MDK bro? Is that an older version thats easier to hack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it the first version S4 shipped with and at this point there is no way to downgrade to it.
This should be in Q&A
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
mshawn3 said:
What's MDK bro? Is that an older version thats easier to hack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, to add to what the other poster said, it's the first version that the S4 came out with, and it was easy to hack by using something called Loki, which bypasses the bootloader and lets you change your kernel and run AOSP ROMs.
mshawn3 said:
What's MDK bro? Is that an older version thats easier to hack
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MK2 isn't 4.4....
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
MK2 isn't 4.4....
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KitKat has not yet been released for the S4. MK2 is just the latest verizon build for the S4. The phone is on 4.3
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Development sections are for developers to post work
Thread moved
Thanks
FNSM
I apologize for posting in the wrong place
Demiurge7 said:
This should be in Q&A
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info and moving it to the appropriate thread for me.
Ok i just rooted my s4 using saferoot im on 4.3. Just got the phone and did not update. Im wondering whats next as far as installing a custom rom. Im new to Samsung devices and a lil confused. I want to run roms if i can and get updated to 4.4. Im a noob with samsung, im coming from the htc one which i had rooted with the boot loader unlocked.
Alright so... Since you're still on 4.3 you have a ton of options. Because our boot loader is locked you can only really use things based on TouchWiz. But one of the cool things is you have a crap ton to chose from. Now that you're rooted what you want to do is go to the safestrap thread and download that. Just read the op it's rather straight forward. Then you have choices. Most people then create "slots" using safestrap. You can change the sizes so that you have more space for the rom and what you will download as in apps. Then find a ROM... Like hyperdrive or bonestock or Eclipse or anything gigilie has moved from the International s4 thread. Or what you can also do is go to the international thread s4 i505 I believe and instal those. Be sure to download older versions as they are already on 4.4.2 once you have found one you like then you find jrkruses page and install his patch for 4.3 this is what makes international roms work. If you need more details or anything as in links just send me a PM
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
I am right with you. I the q and a forum I posted a thread called
I need the run down
It has everything you want.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon/general?nocache=1&z=8569479685651129
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2630040
whitetiger2429 said:
Ok i just rooted my s4 using saferoot im on 4.3. Just got the phone and did not update. Im wondering whats next as far as installing a custom rom. Im new to Samsung devices and a lil confused. I want to run roms if i can and get updated to 4.4. Im a noob with samsung, im coming from the htc one which i had rooted with the boot loader unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
decaturbob gave you the 2 links for what you need. Personally I have found that HyperDrive RLS 15 gives you the most for your money! lol
this thread is track information on SS 3.72 compatible ROMS for kitkat. Please be aware that you must upgrade/downgrade to NC5 via several methods listed below. The discussion of that process not the purpose of this thread so lets not make work for the mods to clean out such postings.
Additionally SS3.72 has only been OFFICIALLY released for ATT S4's but can be used on Verizon with some limitations with the most important one being the lack of ROM Slot creation and installs. ALL roms must be loaded to the stock slot.
I repeat, ALL roms must be loaded to the stock slot. Please be advise to follow all ROM install steps outlined in their particular thread.
As with my thread on SS3.70/3.71, I will try to personally load the ROMS myself before I place in my list but posters can post ROMS they have loaded and tried that will run locked bootloaders via SS3.72 but I will only place in my list once I have done the deed. This thread is NOT for discussion on what ROMs are best as that is best for each user to decide for themselves. This thread is not for discussion of ROM issues, that is best serve in that ROm's home thread.
>>>>All verizon S4 people who contemplate modding their phone should bookmark/subscribe to the following thread beforehand<<<<<
[WIP] What you need to know before, during and after modifying your verizon S4 [05/13/2014]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
>>>>Can KitKat NC5 be rooted?? The answer is yes, the "towel root" method is available presently. There are downgrade methods that allow you to attain root and retain older bootloaders<<<<<
>>>>Please note that the processes involving upgrading/downgrading must be followed as written. The process is a bit more complicate than previous ROM installs and be sure to scan those threads for any additional information. I strongly urge to set up a check list. If you miss a step, you will have to start all over, you may soft brick your phone, you may turn your phone into a paperweight <<<<<
NC5 native root method (tower root) video by tomsgt/rootjunky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3JOeQSvxD4
[HOW-TO]Upgrade to 4.4.2 VRUFNC5 and keep root (for NC2 and MK2 devices) [05/13/2014]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726868 by surge1223
4.x to 4.4.2 SAFE Up & Downgrade w Root n SafeStrap feat. 1File/Flash&Done!MK2-NC2/NC5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2720163 by gigilie
How I downgraded from NC5 OTA to MK2 and back to Rooted NC5!!! Complete Step-By-Step
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2763834 by techguy2002
Helpful videos
Verizon Galaxy S4**KitKat (NC5) Upgrade**With Root&Tethering
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIRoQKTLeJQ by Bobby Onesios
Verizon Galaxy S4 KitKat**DOWNGRADE**to Jellybean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZweIJrompdk&index=1&list=FLxv0tpwsgGZLKkTDHG1sC8A by Bobby Onesios
Verizon Galaxy S4 Odin Restore and Unbrick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GL8XwuRYoWU&feature=youtu.be by tomsgt (rootjunky)
Verizon Galaxy S4 Odin Restore and Unbrick
All revisions of the I545 after MDK (ME7, MI1, MJ7, MK2) can NOT have a custom recovery, only Safestrap can be used.
To locate your firmware version (build number) use Settings/More/About phone. Read the "Build number". The last 3 characters are how we describe what version your phone is using and why we always ask what build or base you have. Do not confuse this with the radio baseband. I strongly urge to install "phone info.apk" from the playstore. This an invaluable app for all S4 users!!!!
I545VRUFNC5-Stock-Root-Deodex
I have loaded and setup this ROM that surge1223 has provided (prior to my initial install of Baja)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726868
Bajarom V2.2
I have loaded this rom and ran it for 2 weeks with little issues
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2696872
Echo v24
I have loaded this rom and currently running it. Install went flawlessly and I posted my steps in Echo Rom thread, no issues whatsoever
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2702592
reserved #2
[ROM][PORT][TW][MDK&SS][4.4.2] Updated 5-1 Echoe v20.3 for Verizon
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2702592
(Working fine although I did notice a bit more battery drain than on Surge's base NC5 pre-rooted)
[ROM][4.4.2][MAY 26] Hyperdrive KK RLS16.1 ¯`•._
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301724
(Working fine with the exception, I couldn't get my Galaxy Gear 1 to connect through Gear Manager) Other BT functions and connect seemed to work flawlessly) May have another look if/when I update my Gear to Tizen.
It's funny how hard it is to find a link to SS3.72.
I finally found it but I would think that it would be listed in the Hyperdrive thread and this one but apparently it's not.
-Lawless said:
It's funny how hard it is to find a link to SS3.72.
I finally found it but I would think that it would be listed in the Hyperdrive thread and this one but apparently it's not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to Surge's thread it's in Directions Step #2; there's a direct download link for SS 3.72
HOW-TO]Upgrade to 4.4.2 VRUFNC5 and keep root (for NC2 and MK2 devices) [05/13/2014]
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726868
Thanks,
I found it after searching around. Usually they give these links in places like Hyperdrive required items etc.
I just figured there must be a reason people weren't linking it in informational threads like this one.
-Lawless said:
Thanks,
I found it after searching around. Usually they give these links in places like Hyperdrive required items etc.
I just figured there must be a reason people weren't linking it in informational threads like this one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I linked to the rom thread....
sent by baja kitkat S4
no love for gDux 2 or the KNOX free deodex'd Stock but Rooted NC5 ROM from my thread? or Phoenix 8 or Blackbox 3 from my thread or Purified or Foxhound ahhh now im sad no body loves me anymore... u looking sharp as always bob!
gigilie said:
no love for gDux 2 or the KNOX free deodex'd Stock but Rooted NC5 ROM from my thread? or Phoenix 8 or Blackbox 3 from my thread or Purified or Foxhound ahhh now im sad no body loves me anymore... u looking sharp as always bob!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't link to roms I haven't loaded myself. ..I have no problems with others posting links
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
decaturbob said:
I don't link to roms I haven't loaded myself. ..I have no problems with others posting links
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but posting links is soo hard....
jk
heres a AFH - SS442 directory full of SS 442 ROMS tho
Blackbox 3, Purified, Phoenix, gDux, the 1st NC5 Prerooted KNOX FREE Stock ROM, VDSS, Foxhound, Chaos, CarHD are all sitting there. some are test versions but none the less. should keep someone busy for a day or two
Where can I get more information on Blackbox 3, Phoenix, Chaos, and CarHD Roms? I can't seem to find any info on them on the S4 Android Development section.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
looking forward to finding an awesome kit kat rom now that I'm all rooted and ready to go!
Heres so 4.4.2 safestrap ROM's I found
Slimrom and AOSP Illusion
Foxhound
Bajarom
gDux
PurifieD
BlackBox
Bunch of SS 4.4.2 Roms here
I downloaded the Chaos Rom bc it really seems interesting. However, it seems that it has to be installed via recovery. What are the prerequisites before installing this rom?
I know I have to backup my current cache in recovery and replace the cache.ext4.win file, but which one gets replaced? The one from my backup or the one from the Chaos Rom I want to install? Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
dm1105 said:
I downloaded the Chaos Rom bc it really seems interesting. However, it seems that it has to be installed via recovery. What are the prerequisites before installing this rom?
I know I have to backup my current cache in recovery and replace the cache.ext4.win file, but which one gets replaced? The one from my backup or the one from the Chaos Rom I want to install? Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread is not meant for questions on any specific rom...post those in the appropriate rom thread please.
sent by bajarom v2.2 kitkat
I didn't see jrkruse's XXUGNE8 4.4.2 International port listed. I'm running it on SS with no problems.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552605
It's good for those that want the stock look, but without Knox (interferred with my VPN widget, even when "disabled") and also Google Wallet working.
neonpolaris said:
I didn't see jrkruse's XXUGNE8 4.4.2 International port listed. I'm running it on SS with no problems.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552605
It's good for those that want the stock look, but without Knox (interferred with my VPN widget, even when "disabled") and also Google Wallet working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to post link. I only post links once I load and try.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
decaturbob said:
Feel free to post link. I only post links once I load and try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob, I appreciate there being a list of "confirmed" ones. The link was in the post. I'm still using it so I can vouch that it works.
Eclipse TW should be included when it updates to 4.4.2 using safestrap
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app