Just bought the Verizon s4 - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Well the title says it all just bought the Verizon s4, upgraded from an HTC DNA because I can no longer WiFi tether on it. Just one question is the s4 still rootable. not sure which android version is on yet. But I would like to be able to install custom roms.
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jtio21 said:
Well the title says it all just bought the Verizon s4, upgraded from an HTC DNA because I can no longer WiFi tether on it. Just one question is the s4 still rootable. not sure which android version is on yet. But I would like to be able to install custom roms.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll probably never be able to install a custom rom.
Best you'll be able to get is modded TouchWiz, e.g. Hyperdrive: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301724
Check your build version in Settings -> About Phone.
If the last 3 characters are M** (e.g. MK2), you can root/flash TouchWiz roms. If it's NC5, you can't do anything, not even root.

Alright. Hopefully it's still on android 4.2.2
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You can downgrade to mk2 and root nc5 now with safestrap. There is a post toward the top with complete instructions.
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Well the place I bought it from says it's still on android 4.2.2 so I should be good to go once it arrives. Does Samsung drivers work well with Windows 8 or do I need to use 7 or xp like HTC requires?
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jtio21 said:
Well the title says it all just bought the Verizon s4, upgraded from an HTC DNA because I can no longer WiFi tether on it. Just one question is the s4 still rootable. not sure which android version is on yet. But I would like to be able to install custom roms.
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 was a new experience for me when it comes to modding the ROM. It turns out that the revision of the phone makes a large difference. It is very important that you read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501 thread started by decaturbob. Instructions that work for some versions of the S4 will brick others, so read that thread first. Then you will have a better understanding of your limits.
I picked up mine a few months back, so I have one of the most locked down versions. I can say that I've installed Hyperdrive, and I'm very happy with it. I do miss the CM ROM I had with my old phone (Razr), but that's not gonna happen soon, if at all, with this one.
Good luck!

jtio21 said:
Well the place I bought it from says it's still on android 4.2.2 so I should be good to go once it arrives. Does Samsung drivers work well with Windows 8 or do I need to use 7 or xp like HTC requires?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you got an mdk(4.2.2)on the way,count your blessings and whatever you do don't take any ota updates... Its hard to get one of these baby's anymore...luckily I read heavily about the s4 when I was looking to buy and knew before I even had it in hand not to update it...good luck and happy modding

If possible, Go back to Verizon and return s4!! Get LG G2 or HTC One M7 instead!!!

Belive me if it wasn't for the fact that foxfi works on kitkat I would have got another phone. But the s4 is a great phone and If I can root it that will be even better if not no biggy I just have to be able to WiFi tether.
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jtio21 said:
Belive me if it wasn't for the fact that foxfi works on kitkat I would have got another phone. But the s4 is a great phone and If I can root it that will be even better if not no biggy I just have to be able to WiFi tether.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all root and use modded roms for various reasons. Some want to explore the newer ideas and try the latest cool roms at will. Others, including myself, want a good, stable rom with lots of custom options. After a few weeks of tweaking it, I just go back to using the phone. Both are fine approaches, it depends on what you want. The first option, with easily swapped roms, is not going to happen with the S4. The second, works just fine with the Hyperdrive mod. I agree that the S4 is a great phone, I did root it, I like Hyperdrive, and I use the WiFi tether routinely.
The advice is this: If you want to choose from a variety of roms, especially if you want an AOSP rom, you'll be needing to have an older S4 or another phone altogether. If you're content with the one or two custom rom mods available for the newer S4, such as Hyperdrive, you'll be fine.

dustyshoes said:
We all root and use modded roms for various reasons. Some want to explore the newer ideas and try the latest cool roms at will. Others, including myself, want a good, stable rom with lots of custom options. After a few weeks of tweaking it, I just go back to using the phone. Both are fine approaches, it depends on what you want. The first option, with easily swapped roms, is not going to happen with the S4. The second, works just fine with the Hyperdrive mod. I agree that the S4 is a great phone, I did root it, I like Hyperdrive, and I use the WiFi tether routinely.
The advice is this: If you want to choose from a variety of roms, especially if you want an AOSP rom, you'll be needing to have an older S4 or another phone altogether. If you're content with the one or two custom rom mods available for the newer S4, such as Hyperdrive, you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome and thanks.
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So my s4 is on android 4.3 is their still a way to root it
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jtio21 said:
So my s4 is on android 4.3 is their still a way to root it
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Saferoot will take care of that for you
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48392009
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Related

MDK, ME7 or MI1 which are you on

Not the rom your running but the official version release from Samsung and Verizon.
I'd like to get a decent percentage of who's on what so if people would please just vote (can't think of a better word atm) I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Mdk
hyperdrive powered s4
Ryno77 said:
I'd like to get a decent percentage of who's on what so if people would please just vote (can't think of a better word atm) I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OYUAMDK.
Developer edition
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ME7
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MDK all the way! Liquid Smooth 4.3 AOSP Based ROM
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MDK. Stock Rooted.
ME7 stock rooted. Kicking myself for waiting so long and missing out on easily obtaining an MDK. Not willing to pull warranty fraud or anything like that either.
This is what I thought was happening. We have a pretty even mix of people on 3 different versions on this phone. The forum here has been dead lately and I think this is the reason. It's unfortunate Samsung gave in to Verizon..... That or the possibility of gaining a government contract was too much for Samsung to turn down. The situation bums me out. I enjoy reading the forums and the lack of activity is disappointing.... However the news of 4.3 seems to have resparked some interest which is encouraging.
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Me7 stock but thinking of taking the update. Haven't had time to root. The only reason I have not taken the update is I am hearing issues with the battery life is this as much of a problem or is it just a few?
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dangerousjenny said:
Me7 stock but thinking of taking the update. Haven't had time to root. The only reason I have not taken the update is I am hearing issues with the battery life is this as much of a problem or is it just a few?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The real question is do you need this update? Unless you're in a low LTE reception area there's really no reason to even consider it. I see a lot of posts about failed rooting with MI1 vs ME7 too, so if you're still wanting to root taking the update could be a bad idea. I'd just wait to see what 4.3 brings
MDK here
MDK here.
Running CM 10.2 nightlies with the MI1 baseband.
Ryno77 said:
I'd like to get a decent percentage of who's on what so if people would please just vote (can't think of a better word atm) I would appreciate it. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
why?
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I rooted the phone, deleted the bloatware via titanium back up but don't know what to do next. What else did you do? Direct me to a video please. Thanks
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MDK stock rooted. Im only missing blocking mode and torch toggle. now with 4.3 I need the gear support, otherwise no need to leave. (but man I would really love to use my watch) coming from a completely tweaked X and RAZR MAXX this phone was awesome out of the box. so with so many stable roms from the get go, maybe thats why there is so little traffic with this phone
ME7 Rooted and some bloatware frozen. Not using TW however. I bounce between Apex Pro, and Next Launcher. Still deciding if i want to update to MI1 and then 4.3. I'll probably wait till 4.3 has a root process.
MDK but thinking about taking the latest stock 4.3 update.
v3rn said:
MDK but thinking about taking the latest stock 4.3 update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may be stuck on that for a long time or forever. So far everything has been rootable and 4.3 might be but why take that chance? I would wait at least a week to see if any stock 4.3 roms come out for us on MDK. There is not tar available to make a rom from. I've only read of one person keeping root and it was an extensive process.
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MJ7
I love that they got rid of the notification wi fi thing

MK2 mobile Odin ROM options

I've been away a while. If I'm understanding correctly I can one click route my MK2 and install Samsung based ROMs without a custom recovery using mobile Odin. Can anyone please confirm it or correct me? If I'm right can you give me ideas what to look for in a ROM that will work with this method. Thanks and sorry if this has been asked. I did search but there wasn't much to look at in terms of direct solutions.
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Decepticaons said:
I've been away a while. If I'm understanding correctly I can one click route my MK2 and install Samsung based ROMs without a custom recovery using mobile Odin. Can anyone please confirm it or correct me? If I'm right can you give me ideas what to look for in a ROM that will work with this method. Thanks and sorry if this has been asked. I did search but there wasn't much to look at in terms of direct solutions.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, I've never heard of what you're describing. The only way I know of with MK2 is to root using this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758.
After that, your only option for roms is Safestrap. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441. You will only be able to install TouchWiz 4.3 based roms. Make sure they're compatible with Safestrap before you install.
My advice would be to do a lot of research. This is a good place to start. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501.
Good luck
Edit: Just noticed your profile says your using AT&T. This is the Verizon forum.
Decepticaons said:
I've been away a while. If I'm understanding correctly I can one click route my MK2 and install Samsung based ROMs without a custom recovery using mobile Odin. Can anyone please confirm it or correct me? If I'm right can you give me ideas what to look for in a ROM that will work with this method. Thanks and sorry if this has been asked. I did search but there wasn't much to look at in terms of direct solutions.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the Verizon forum, not at&t. However I believe mobile odin is only useful for restoring the phone to a factory state without a computer, not flashing roms, yet you must be rooted. I could be wrong though.
riker147 said:
Personally, I've never heard of what you're describing. The only way I know of with MK2 is to root using this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758.
After that, your only option for roms is Safestrap. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441. You will only be able to install TouchWiz 4.3 based roms. Make sure they're compatible with Safestrap before you install.
My advice would be to do a lot of research. This is a good place to start. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501.
Good luck
Edit: Just noticed your profile says your using AT&T. This is the Verizon forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't updated that, I'm with Verizon.
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It is possible to flash rom via Odin have done it on me devices not sure if this would be a exception maybe contact some devs to see where this lies
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Bfitz26 said:
It is possible to flash rom via Odin have done it on me devices not sure if this would be a exception maybe contact some devs to see where this lies
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Click to collapse
Well as far as I know Odin is just for flashing the firmwares and a custom recovery is for flashing ROMs. Maybe there is an exception, but I don't think so
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Mistertac said:
Well as far as I know Odin is just for flashing the firmwares and a custom recovery is for flashing ROMs. Maybe there is an exception, but I don't think so
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my understanding too..Perhaps one of our brainiacs can clarify
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
This is my understanding too..Perhaps one of our brainiacs can clarify
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe just clarifying what someone thinks a ROM is, guess you could think firmware is a ROM if you're new to this kind of stuff.
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Generally yes for recoveries and stock firmwares however it does need to be in a tarball file which would take some time I imagine trying to recall what phone it was but this was a few years ago a lot has changed since the n
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Ok looking like I misunderstood then. Thanks for the clarification. I don't think I trust the idea of the safestrap. I know it's safer, but I have been flashing ROMs for years and the recovery method makes me warm and tingly. I don't think they'll ever crack into the ability to flash the way we're all used to. For every genius we have that's capable of figuring it out, Samsung has 10 that can stop it. I pray they get it, but my hopes are fading.
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Decepticaons said:
Ok looking like I misunderstood then. Thanks for the clarification. I don't think I trust the idea of the safestrap. I know it's safer, but I have been flashing ROMs for years and the recovery method makes me warm and tingly. I don't think they'll ever crack into the ability to flash the way we're all used to. For every genius we have that's capable of figuring it out, Samsung has 10 that can stop it. I pray they get it, but my hopes are fading.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
safestrap has been around for years for other phones and recently hashcode ported to the S4 last fall. I have used it since that time with zero issues and have been running several ROMs at a time to evaluate, with again no issues with safestrap. Not sure why you wouldn't "trust it".....as it gives all us non-MDK owners ability to run something else than just stock.
decaturbob said:
safestrap has been around for years for other phones and recently hashcode ported to the S4 last fall. I have used it since that time with zero issues and have been running several ROMs at a time to evaluate, with again no issues with safestrap. Not sure why you wouldn't "trust it".....as it gives all us non-MDK owners ability to run something else than just stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, I've been hammering away on Safestrap since my RAZR and it's really safe just like the name implies. Granted I could flash AOSP on the razr, but my guess is at some point kexec will come around for the S4 as well. Too many really smart people working on that project for it to fail in my opinion.
Anyways.... For now Safestrap is awesome, and happy to have it.
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Now if there were more ROM options lol!
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Decepticaons said:
Now if there were more ROM options lol!
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slowly getting there. Takes some time and while many SS roms are available they all come up short to my main day to day HD12 Rom....battery life is simply amazing

[Q] Customization Ideas Help

Hey guys. I just rooted my Galaxy Mega with the Kingoapp, very easy and is awesome so far. I have supersu and a few rooted apps already. Just wanted to see if you guys have any suggestions of other apps to use with this since there isn't that many options with this device already. I do have Xposed Installer already as well.
Thank You
Well i think you should first install a custom recovery before you start to mod your device. That way you will have a way to recover your device. just in case that somthing goes wrong.
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alexischino said:
Well i think you should first install a custom recovery before you start to mod your device. That way you will have a way to recover your device. just in case that somthing goes wrong.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would want to know what variant he has before suggesting he do something like that. If he has i527, he is going to have a brick with a 6.3 inch screen.
Yes, I thought I recognized from other post......he has ATT variant. We have no recovery yet.
DO NOT FLASH ANYTHING.
You have exposed and you have not upgraded yet. Keep your eye on your phone though, it may want to upgrade on its own. I am pretty sure root will protect you however.
Hopefully there will be more Xposed modules that work for you than me.
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I would like to add that do not unroot and update to the new firmware. You will gain knox and it is a right pain. If you want to keep root access and custom recovery (as of writing this, there is no recovery for the AT&T variant), STAY ON JELLY BEAN to keep these privileges.
Wanam module. You can make it look like a custom rom.
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do you have a custom launcher? if not you should try Nova launcher
Buy Titanium Backup Pro. Freeze the Auto Updates app. This way you don't have to worry about an OTA coming through and killing root. It's definitely worth the money even if this is the only thing you use it for.
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Just root on 4.4.2

Ever since Beans stopped updating his awesome rom I have been looking for a replacement. It seems that there are issues with just about every rom out there. G_p_s, camera not working, or some other deficiency that keeps the rom from being complete.
My question is this:
Is there a way just use the original, Verizon. 442. Update and maintain root? (and keep from having bootloader locked). I don't need all the extra add ons and debloat at the cost of losing my GPS... stock look is fine for now until the other things are sorted.
Thanks for any advice you can offer
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No
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crash613 said:
Ever since Beans stopped updating his awesome rom I have been looking for a replacement. It seems that there are issues with just about every rom out there. G_p_s, camera not working, or some other deficiency that keeps the rom from being complete.
My question is this:
Is there a way just use the original, Verizon. 442. Update and maintain root? (and keep from having bootloader locked). I don't need all the extra add ons and debloat at the cost of losing my GPS... stock look is fine for now until the other things are sorted.
Thanks for any advice you can offer
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an unlocked bootloader, you may want to check this thread out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2765021
and remember to thank @lacoursiere18 and the N3BULA team for bringing this to us
crash613 said:
Ever since Beans stopped updating his awesome rom I have been looking for a replacement. It seems that there are issues with just about every rom out there. G_p_s, camera not working, or some other deficiency that keeps the rom from being complete.
My question is this:
Is there a way just use the original, Verizon. 442. Update and maintain root? (and keep from having bootloader locked). I don't need all the extra add ons and debloat at the cost of losing my GPS... stock look is fine for now until the other things are sorted.
Thanks for any advice you can offer
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used the official rooted stock 4.4.2 ROM mentioned above (via lacoursiere18), and didn't have any issues with anything (GPS, camera, etc all worked fine).
Have you tried that ROM yet?
Have vacation next week. Going to try it then, when I get some time
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Custom Rom on 4.4.2

Hello all,
New to the note 2 scene but have been a long time s3 owner and I'm very familiar with flashing rooting and custom roms and recoveries. I've been reading a bit and it seems like I'm stuck on nd7. Is there no safestrap method for those who received the device with nd7 already? I like some of the features like ultra battery saver and air command but am stuck with just stock TW?
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anyone guide me in the right direction?
Currently nd7 can only be rooted. I believe I have heard someone is trying to work on safestrap for nd7.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=55512585
Here's the post/thread where Beastmode talks about seeing if he can get a safestrap working for 4.4.2.
About a week ago, Beastmode said he was about 30% there with it... so it sounds like progress is happening.
thanks guys i really like the phone but i'm so used to being able to flash roms that i feel lost:silly: any way thanks guys i really hope beastmode gets it going, i'm gonna head over there and give him a little paper motivation
I know the pain. One of my criteria for buying this GN2 was that it have the old firmware, so I found a guy that had BNIB old stock Notes for $300. Still sporting MC3! Any chance you could go shopping for one that is still on old firmware and trade the other off on Swappa?
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Yes I have been debating but im gonna wait some to see if beastmode gets safestrap running on the note. If not I may have to try to find an older firmware gn2 or go to gn3.
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