Root your ICS/JB phone S2 + Samsung + not Samsung phones - No more waiting for custom kernels
This topic provides universal root methods to bypass the use of custom kernels. I took the time to write it as I was tired from waiting for a Dev to publish a custom kernel for the last firmware released.
I will try here to reference most threads and ways to root your phone. Some methods will let you root as soon as you get the new ROM, no more waiting for some dev to release a kernel for you.
I will not list here custom kernels that come with root, you can find them in other threads.
As a general rule, do not forget to take extra precautions when you flash anything: ALWAYS DO A NANDROID BACKUP IN CWM
Method 1 - Recommended
Push superuser + Busybox (Now v1.20.2 from Linus Yang) in recovery
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Now, on the i9100 and some other phones (N7000...), you can flash the attached signed zip files in stock recovery, no more need to CWM.
A BIG BIG THANK YOU TO Chainfire for his support that made it possible and to Entropy512 who pushed me to look for a fix
Attached is the CWM Recovery 4.x non touch version, confirmed safe for wiping. It will not superbrick your phone
>>>>>> Now it is even getting greater with attached Clockworkmod v6.0.1.2 !!!! <<<<<<
>>>>>> Also probably safe from brickbug <<<<<<
Pros
Universal and will probably work on any ICS phone, if you have a CWM image. No longer wait for a modded kernel
On the i9100 and some other phones (N7000...), you can now even root from the stock recovery, no need to the cwm image
No PC needed, only an android device and the zip files that you download to your sd card
Fully reversible unroot without PC needed
No Yellow Triangle (Only for phones with a zip CWM image)
No custom counter increased (Only for phones with a zip CWM image)
Only copies superuser +/- busybox, nothing else is touched, neither /data nor the kernel
No brick risk while flashing cwm even if things go wrong as it will be always overwritten by stock recovery after a reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cons
None since I switched to the CWM4 and CWM6 recoveries (no more superbrick risks under 4.0.4 ICS kernels, only CWM5.x was affected)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Special notes about busybox
The zip files attached in this post install busybox only in /system/xbin. I do not put any symlink in /system/bin
If you previously installed other versions of busybox, I advise to run Busybox Uninstaller v1.0 zip in the thread dedicated to it here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853419
It will clean any orphan symlink that could be left from a previous install. After that, install busybox from any of the attached files in this post
The uninstaller in this post, only removes busybox package from /system/xbin. I do not delete any package put in bin, as it is assumed it was put there by another program, not my script. It will not remove any symlink either. So, run the Busybox Uninstaller v1.0 for that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This method was first inspired from Rachmat3 thread here and Chainfire script here (do not forget to thank them). I modified it to work in stock recovery, enhanced script, include Chainfire superSU last version + BusyBox last binary. I also keep a ChainsDD superuser version.
Instructions
For phones affected by the superbrick bug (i9100, N7000) and that has a stock recovery accepting update.zip files (most phones with a temporary cwm.zip file at Clockworkmod site:
You can flash the attached files directly in stock recovery 3e, no need to cwm:
Download the root file:
- Root_SuperSU.0.96.Only-signed.zip for Chainfire SuperSU (the one that comes with CF_Root) without busybox.- Root_SuperSU.0.96-FreeSpace.zip for Chainfire SuperSU without busybox (use only if you have issues with previous one, usually for phones having a /system partition with 0 free space).- Root_SuperSU.0.96-Busybox.1.20.2-S2-signed.zip to install superSU + busybox v1.20.2 from Linus Yang.- Root_Superuser_3.1.3_Busybox_1.20.2-Update1-signed.zip if you prefer the classic ChainsDD superuser + Busybox from Linus Yang.- Root_Busybox_1.20.2_Only_XXX.zip to install only Busybox from Linus Yang.
I advise Chainfire SuperSU for 2 reasons: it lets you unroot from within superSU application and it lets you migrate to ChainsDD superuser if you like later
.
Copy the Root_XXX.zip file you downloaded to externalsd card
Boot into stock recovery (volume up+home+power), and select "apply update from external storage". Now select the Root_XXX.zip file downloaded above and you are rooted
To unroot, do the above steps and replace the file Root_XXX.zip by the attached Unroot_SuperUser-Busybox-Uninstaller-Update2-signed.zip. It will delete superuser, su and busybox packages.
For a complete removal of busybox, look here at my Busybox Uninstaller which will remove ALL busybox symlinks (over 600 files depending on installers used before):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853419
To get temporary cwm (to make nandroid backups...) or if stock recovery gives you a signature error, follow the next more universal steps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
.
For most (if not all?) ICS phones having a CWM image at Clockworkmod site:
Download attached cwm-touch-6.0.x.x-i9100.zip for the i9100 Galaxy S2. This is the touch version but it also works with volume up/down keys and power button to select menu.
CWM6 is now thought to be probably safe for wipe, no superbrick risks under ICS 4.0.4: read more here
I also attached the cwm6 non touch version and the recovery-clockwork-4.0.1.5-galaxys2.zip. CWM4 is also confirmed to be safe for wipe by Entropy512 Recognized Developer
For other phones, download the cwm image from here http://clockworkmod.com/rommanager
.
Put the previously downloaded cwm-touch-6.0.x.x-i9100.zip file on your external sd card
Download the attached root file you want as per instructions above
I advise Chainfire SuperSU for 2 reasons: it lets you unroot from within superSU application and it lets you migrate to ChainsDD superuser if you like later
Copy the Root_XXX.zip file you downloaded to internal or external sd card
Boot into stock recovery (volume up+home+power), and select "apply update from external storage". Now select the cwm-touch-6.x.x.x-i9100.zip file you copied in previous step (this step gives a temporary flash that will disappear after reboot)
You get CWM recovery interface (this custom recovery is temporary, not permanent)
Inside CWM, select "install zip from sdcard". Then, select "choose zip from sdcard". Now, scroll down to the "Root_XXX.zip" file and hit power button to install it.
It will add SuperSU or Superuser last version apk to system/app, last superuser binary (su) to system/xbin and busybox last version to system/xbin, all with correct file permissions.
Reboot and you get permanent root + busybox installed on your stock kernel.
To unroot, do the above steps and replace the file Root_XXX.zip by the attached Unroot_SuperUser-Busybox-Uninstaller-Update2-signed.zip. It will delete superuser, su and busybox packages.
For a complete removal of busybox, look here at my Busybox Uninstaller which will remove ALL busybox symlinks (over 600 files depending on installers used before):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853419
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fix common issues: You end with both ChainsDD and Chainfire superuser and SuperSU
Also another symptom is having constantly superuser asking for updates from market.
Some people are getting duplicates from previous root methods using ChainsDD superuser instead of Chainfire superSU or vice versa when they come from SuperSU and switch to superuser.
Also, this can happen when you updated let's say to a future Chainfire SuperSU v1.0 and later you use one of my outdated scripts (with version 0.94 for example).
The cause is that I do not delete anything from /data/app. I can add it, it is not an issue, but till these brick things are fixed, I chose not to do it.
The solution is very easy:
Just uninstall from stock application manager all superuser applications. The /system/app application will stay as system applications cannot be removed normally in application manager
After that, just update your superuser application from market. Updates are put in /data/app and original copy will stay in /system/app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 2
CF_Root + stock kernel + [optional] Mobile Odin Free version
Here, you use an older CF_Root kernel, and flash your newer stock kernel
First, get a CF_Root kernel from CF_Root thread here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1103399. Just get the nearest one to your ROM. You can download any ICS kernel, it will do the job for the root only purpose
Flash the CF_Root kernel with odin
Now, flash again your stock kernel with odin. You can get a stock kernel from lyriquidperfection thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619525
Do not forget to thank / donate to him
No stock kernels for you? use Mobile Odin free version (see below)
After flashing the stock kernel, root will usually stay and you will be reverted back to your stock recovery instead of CWM recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 3
Insecure Kernels + SuperOneClick + [optional] Mobile Odin Free
Not tested by me. You get superuser instead of Chainfire superSU + an older busybox
First, get an insecure kernel from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619525
Do not forget to thank/donate lyriquidperfection
No insecure kernel for your ROM? Just try a kernel from same ICS version, it usually works fine for rooting
Flash the insecure kernel with odin
Download SuperOneClick v2.3.3 from here http://shortfuse.org/?p=193 and look at this thread for an overview: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=803682
Put your phone on USB debugging mode (System Settings / Developer Options)
Launch SuperOneClick and root using auto or psneuter method. Do not use the ZergRush Exploit as it is meant for older exploited GB versions
Now, flash again your stock kernel with odin. You can get a stock kernel from lyriquidperfection thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619525
Do not forget to thank / donate to him
No stock kernel for your ROM? Use Mobile Odin Free version (see below)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Method 4
Insecure Kernels + S2 Root - For SAMSUNG Devices
The tool and all instructions are on lyriquidperfection thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414
It will do the same as in method 3, but using a newer and better supported tool than SuperOneClick
You have to flash an insecure kernel, root with S2Root and flash again your stock kernel
It roots using Chainfire SuperSU and busybox 1.20.1 at time of posting
Author is a recognized developer and offers great support
You are still depending on author to release a custom kernel for all your new ROMs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile Odin Free version
Flash your stock kernel from complete ROM file
Now that Intratech stopped releasing stock kernels in his thread, rooting using methods 2 and 3 can be a problem. In fact, you will not be able to flash your newer original stock kernel after rooting with insecure or cf_root older kernel. You can look in above lyriquidperfection thread for a stock kernel to flash in odin. But, if you do not like to wait for him to release a kernel, you can get Mobile Odin Free version
Download Mobile Odin Free version from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1347899
Do not forget to thank donate to Chainfire
From your stock tar.md5 ROM file, extract the zimage file (your stock kernel)
Put zimage file on external sd card
Run Mobile Odin and specify the zimage file in kernel box like in this image:
Flash, you get your stock kernel and root is normally left
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile Odin Pro (Payed) version
Root + Flash - You should consider buying it.
With this method, you will have SuperSU from chainfire (that can be updated from market) but no Busybox.
You can install busybox from market or from attached CWM_Root_Busybox_1.20.2_Only_(No_SuperSU)-S2-Update2-signed.zip file in this thread
Buy Mobile Odin Pro from market here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.mobileodin.pro
If you want to flash a full new rom, put the tar file on the external_sd. Point all boxes to the ROM tar file. Enable EverRoot option like in image below. Flash
If you flashed your ROM using odin and only want to root, proceed like in Example 4 above to flash only the kernel (zimage file from your actual ROM). Enable EverRoot option and flash
Now, install BusyBox from market or flash my CWM_Root_Busybox_1.20.2_Only_(No_SuperSU)-S2-Update2-signed.zip file with cwm to get last busybox.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chainfire - adbd Insecure app
Getting switchable insecure kernel WITH stock kernel
One of the advantages for some people in CF_Root kernel is the insecure mode. Now, you can have insecure kernel like behavior without flashing a custom kernel. There is a magic app for that, signed Chainfire.
Thread + free download link here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1687590
And you can buy it from market to support author:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.adbd
Instructions, quoted from chainfire
If you are running a stock (made by the phone manufacturer) kernel on your device, chances are adbd is running in "secure" mode, even if you are rooted. This app lets you run adbd in "insecure" mode, which gives you root access in "adb shell", allows access to system files and directories through "adb push/pull", and lets you run the "adb remount" command to make your /system partition writable.
Of course, your device must already be rooted for this to work. It may not work with "S-ON" devices and locked bootloaders.
This app does not make any permanent changes to your device - a reboot will undo any modification. That's why there is also the option to enable this feature at boot.
Note that if you have USB connected when the app activates or deactivates adbd root mode, you may need to unplug/replug the cable or run "adb kill-server" on your computer before adb will work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Feel free to comment or suggest enhancements
Big Thanks! Very usefull post.
Links seems down. Ive took it from Your post #382 in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1501719&page=39
Method #1 working very well with LPD kernel. Thanks Again.
Yes, sorry
It is a forum problem, hope it is fixed. I will update it as soon as it is fixed
While waiting for forum to fix my attachments, I edited post 1 with mediafire mirrors to the files
Sorry
nabuhonodozor said:
Big Thanks! Very usefull post.
Links seems down. Ive took it from Your post #382 in http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1501719&page=39
Method #1 working very well with LPD kernel. Thanks Again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happy it helped
Hi, I always install new ics Sammy roms using Mobile Odin pro, but didn't know that busybox wasn't installed, so I need to know what is the point of installing it? What is the real use of busybox? I've been using my s2 rooted just with mobile Odin pro without any issue... Every root app that I need like titanium backup, root explorer, etc. Are working great, so I don't know what busybox is for...
Sorry for the dumb question and thanks in advance for the help!
Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk 2
Maybe you once installed a CF_Root or other kernel that comes with busybox
If you do not format /system, most system apps are kept, include busybox
Titanium backup uses its internal busybox version, not the /system one
Root explorer does not use busybox I think, but not sure
To know if it is installed or not, look for busybox file in /system/xbin or /system/bin
thanks ,hey can you also post way to change cf root's recovery (non touchable) to tuch recovery that would be really awesome :highfive:
apk_xiz said:
thanks ,hey can you also post way to change cf root's recovery (non touchable) to tuch recovery that would be really awesome :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is not cf_root or a kernel, sorry
CWM from cf_root is proprietary coded by Chainfire
Phil3759 said:
This is not cf_root or a kernel, sorry
CWM from cf_root is proprietary coded by Chainfire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok my bad
Phil3759 said:
Maybe you once installed a CF_Root or other kernel that comes with busybox
If you do not format /system, most system apps are kept, include busybox
Titanium backup uses its internal busybox version, not the /system one
Root explorer does not use busybox I think, but not sure
To know if it is installed or not, look for busybox file in /system/xbin or /system/bin
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, thanks a lot for the help!
Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk 2
apk_xiz said:
oh ok my bad
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you frequently use cwm, there is really no need to use cf_root. Only really missing thing is insecure kernel to have adb access as root. I will edit post 1 for adding insecure behavior without flashing
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Done,
I added a paragraph at the end with instructions to have adb shell root access like in insecure kernels
Updated first post with new SuperSU 0.93
If you already used this method, no need to flash again, just open superSU and update through market. After that, open app and it will update the su binary
i think guides belong in the general section
nice guide though
Forum attachments are fixed now
You can download again from forum, but I will keep mediafire mirrors
edit 2: fixed the 0kb download attachments corrupted uploads when forum was broken
Mobile Odin
Thanks for the great guide Phil. A couple of questions..
I have Mobile Odin Pro and I want CWM as well so i have to do this?
Flash new rom with superuser injected, cwm manager and everoot ticked.
Flash CWM with instructions from 1st method
Flash with CWM CWM_Busybox_Only_1.20.1.zip
thats it? I guess this emulates a CF-ROOT kernel right?
thanks again.
No, Chainfire CWM manager app will detect a CF_Root kernel and refuse to launch if another kernel is there
Only CF_Root has Chainfire CWM, a custom written CWM
Other kernels include custom CWM too, look for them
The CWM image here will give you all functions from the original CWM project, but you need to launch it from stock recovery. Just keep the zip on your external sd card, that's it, only more 2 clicks. At the end, you get all CWM functions
Phil3759 said:
No, Chainfire CWM manager app will detect a CF_Root kernel and refuse to launch if another kernel is there
Only CF_Root has Chainfire CWM, a custom written CWM
Other kernels include custom CWM too, look for them
The CWM image here will give you all functions from the original CWM project, but you need to launch it from stock recovery. Just keep the zip on your external sd card, that's it, only more 2 clicks. At the end, you get all CWM functions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. I won't tick cwm manager and install the original CWM.
Thanks bro.
borolo222 said:
I see. I won't tick cwm manager and install the original CWM.
Thanks bro.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In any case, you need CWM image for the method in post 1
From CWM, you flash root file
But on reboot, you will still have your original stock recovery. To launch CWM, you have to launch it from your stock recovery
I know this isn't the correct forum to post in, but I don't have enough posts to put this in the developer section. If you'd like to move this, mods, please feel free.
This update .zip is for those who are having issues updating the su binary. Personally, every time I would try to update the binary my phone would reboot. This is for users who prefer Superuser over Super SU. The .zip file in the instructions contains the Superuser binary.
Requirements:
1) Unlocked bootloader (http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/11/24/exclusive-how-to-unlock-the-droid-dnas-bootloader/)
2) Some sort of recovery image; ClockworkMod or TWRP
To install a recovery follow the instructions outlined in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996389 which is where I got the .zip file from -- I have only modified it to not install a su permission management app (I.E. Superuser/Super SU) and to make the su binary more update friendly
Instructions:
1) Download super.zip it's in the attachments or in my dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/md84v0rgyd6ogvz/super.zip
2) Flash the .zip in your recovery (power down then boot up while holding the volume down key.)
3) Download Superuser from the Play Store.
4) Enjoy!
Credits:
Unlocked Bootloader: Justin Case
ClockworkMod Recovery: ClockworkMod team
Update script for the zip file: HQRaja
Superuser: ChainsDD
If there are any issues/questions feel free to post here.
Mazer_R said:
I know this isn't the correct forum to post in, but I don't have enough posts to put this in the developer section. If you'd like to move this, mods, please feel free.
This update .zip is for those who are having issues updating the su binary. Personally, every time I would try to update the binary my phone would reboot. This is for users who prefer Superuser over Super SU. The .zip file in the instructions contains the Superuser binary.
Requirements:
1) Unlocked bootloader (http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/11/24/exclusive-how-to-unlock-the-droid-dnas-bootloader/)
2) Some sort of recovery image; ClockworkMod or TWRP
To install a recovery follow the instructions outlined in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1996389 which is where I got the .zip file from -- I have only modified it to not install a su permission management app (I.E. Superuser/Super SU) and to make the su binary more update friendly
Instructions:
1) Download super.zip it's in the attachments or in my dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/s/md84v0rgyd6ogvz/super.zip
2) Flash the .zip in your recovery (power down then boot up while holding the volume down key.)
3) Download Superuser from the Play Store.
4) Enjoy!
Credits:
Unlocked Bootloader: Justin Case
ClockworkMod Recovery: ClockworkMod team
Update script for the zip file: HQRaja
Superuser: ChainsDD
If there are any issues/questions feel free to post here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For those weary of downloading a file on dropbox from a user with one post...
Download directly from Superuser Dev site ~~> http://androidsu.com/superuser/
You want this one:
ARM devices (2.0 – 4.1)
3.1.3
md5: b3c89f46f014c9df7d23b94d37386b8a
Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip
No offense Mazer
None taken, man. I'd be weary too. That's where I got the binary from -- the only problem is that that zip contains the superuser app in the /system/app folder which what is thought to be causing the update problems. If you don't want to use the .zip I provided here are the steps:
1) Download the superuser .zip androidsu.com/superuser/ (Superuser-3.1.3-arm-signed.zip) as disc0rdian suggested.
2) Open the .zip file.
3) Browse to the 'system' directory.
4) Delete the 'app' folder.
5) Flash as instructed in the OP.
6) Install superuser from the Play Store.
Tools needed (if you're running windows and don't have an archive program):
7zip -- 7-zip.org/download.html
Or
WinRAR -- win-rar.com/
Edit: Also, in the .zip that I have provided in the OP there is a script to completely remove all su binaries and applications before reinstalling to eliminate any source of problems. A person on the internet's word isn't worth much, but there's nothing harmful in that .zip. If anyone would like to verify that feel free.
I am looking for any help or information on rooting visual land prestige elite 10q please help
Me too!!!
Root (& install SuperSu) AND install Xposed Framework w/o TWRP/CWM/a custom recovery
Visual Land Prestige Elite 10 QL
I have a Visual Land Prestige Elite 10QL tablet. I spend two days trying to root/get SuperSu to install/get a custom recovery so that I could install a ROM or Xposed Framework. I had a very hard time, but with A LOT of research... I found the below information.
Rooted with Kingroot
Added Super Su, but would not install properly. If you root with Kingroot and want to use Super Su as your superuser instead of Kingroot's, I found the fix. Install Super Sume , which will delete the Kingroot files (but will not unroot the phone) and will replace with the Super Su files.
Then get this!!! Because TWRP and CWM custom recoveries are not compatible with VL PE 10ql tablets, I could not use them to flash a custom ROM or install Xposed Framework.
But, I found a fix!
You CAN install Xposed Framework without TWRP/CWM custom recovery.
I did a Nandroid backup using Titanium Backup and saved to SD card, although it is brand new and I could just do a factory reset if it screwed up. I don't recommend going to the next step before doing a Nandroid backup. (google it)
Use FlashFire to flash Xposed Framework directly w/o custom recovery.
Download the latest derivative version of Xposed for Lollipop (Android 5.0 or 5.1) by romracer. You need two files, the Xposed installer apk and the Framework flashable zip. Read about it and get the files here: Xposed Files Please Read Their Q&A to make sure you get the correct files!
1. Install the Flashfire app
2. Open The FlashFire app, then grant superuser when requested.
3. Tap the plus (+) button at the bottom to show the menu.
4. Choose “Flash ZIP or OTA” menu, and keep the “Auto-mount” option unchecked then tap checkmark icon to continue.
5. Tap the EverRoot menu, and ensure every single options remains unchecked.
6. Leave the Reboot menu to normal to boot system after flash.
7. Just hit the "Flash" button to start the process.
8. You will get a blank screen, then display the contents of your system just before it start the flash procedure. Don't freak out! Your device will reboot and it may take awhile.
9. Find the Xposed Module Management APK file (download file or system files), open it, follow the directions
10. Start customizing by installing modules from the repository!
Thanks to Robbie S www.andromods.com for contributing much of directions for installation
Your comprehensive guide to rooting the NC5 and fixing it if/when something goes wrong
To start out I found it very time consuming to find the 'right' information on rooting the NC5 or that it wasn't possible. So I went on the mission to see if i get what was out in the wild to work.
Well I figured it out and I hope this helps!
Step One: Charge your phone! In the event we need to use Odin to fix a boot-loop/soft-brick.
Step Two: Check your version number. As the title suggests this method is only for Verizon Galaxy S4 NC5!
(ENABLE USB DEBUGGING AND UNKNOWN SOURCES IN SETTINGS BEFORE PROCEEDING)
Step Three: Time to download the tools we will need to get this done. Place these files on your SD card. This is the only time you will need your computer. CLICK IT> ONE STOP SHOP
Towel Root: Okay, this is version 1 of the app. I know there are newer versions but they don't work and this does so use it. Select and install. Open the app and select 'make it rain', your phone will reboot and base root has been achieved!
Super User: Select and install. Open the app and install the SU binary at the prompt. The app will also ask to disable KNOX, if you do the app might hang. Home button out and try again after a reboot. Eventually it will work though a bit funky at times.
Safe Strap: Select and install. Open the app and select 'install recovery'. After it installs reboot to the recovery by selecting 'reboot to recovery'. When the recovery loads select the backup option and make a backup!
This is our recovery and allows nandroid backups(you should have done this) and flashing of safestrap ROMs. The bootloader is locked on this phone so no flashing of CM11 or any custom kernels. Do some research before you start flashing things!
Well that was easy! Now you have a rooted and safestrapped NC5 S4!
FAQ\INFO
This recovery is BETA and does not support ROM slots. Everything must be done on the STOCK slot. MAKE A BACKUP!
Nandroid backup and restore is working completely with this recovery!
If you remove Samsung Hub auto rotation will break. Attached is the library file that fixes this. Extract libgnustl_shared.so from the attached zip. Copy and paste to System\Lib and change permission to rw-r--r--. I use Root Explorer, though not free is a very good file manager. There are free alternatives on Google Play.
CREDITS DUE!
HASHCODES< Safe Strap!
CHAINFIRE< Super SU!
GEOHOT< Towel Root!
Thank you for your work. But I have a few major points to address with this:
1. There is a newer, stable SAFESTRAP out (3.75), this one also supports ROM slots, and doesn't corrupt the Non-HLOS Partition.
2. Version 3 of TowelRoot is out, and alot more stable/clean than Version 1.
3. SAFESTRAP really should be installed after busybox is installed, which you did not recommend.
The Samsung Hub Auto Rotation bug is a very nice find though! Thank you for that.
Hey thank you! I will update accordingly.
However TowelRootv3 would not root my phone. I tried changing the strings, the app just states the phone isn't supported.