Hey guys!
I recently got my S4, and I updated to the 4.3 update, as I didn't know that I wanted to root my phone then. I have been looking all over, and I can't find a method that works for rooting my phone. I have the Verizon version of it. I have 2 questions.
1. Has someone figured out how to root this particular version of software? I have already tried Kingo, and it didn't work. Knox blocked it.
2. If not, is there a way that I can revert my phone back to 4.2.2 Android, so that I can root from there?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
-Whoonu
1. Yes, some great people on this forum have figured out how to root the 4.3 MJ7 update. You need to root with VROOT 1.7.2. Then you need to run the root_de_la_vega script to get rid of the Chinise superuser and install SuperSU instead.
Follow these instructions after VROOT - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47331487&postcount=169
Or follow these instructions if you don't know how to use VROOT - Mod Edit: Links to vRoot are currently not allowed on XDA. There are concerns as to the personal information such as IEMI numbers and Serial numbers it collects during he root process which is not necessary.
So, if your willing to try that, all you can do on this 4.3 at the current time is to root and then debloat the device. No custom recoveries have been developed (yet *holding breath).
2. From what I've read, once you update to 4.3 MJ7, your stuck with it, no downgrading.
Good luck and have fun!
Whoonu said:
Hey guys!
I recently got my S4, and I updated to the 4.3 update, as I didn't know that I wanted to root my phone then. I have been looking all over, and I can't find a method that works for rooting my phone. I have the Verizon version of it. I have 2 questions.
1. Has someone figured out how to root this particular version of software? I have already tried Kingo, and it didn't work. Knox blocked it.
2. If not, is there a way that I can revert my phone back to 4.2.2 Android, so that I can root from there?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
-Whoonu
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fourty8 said:
So, if your willing to try that, all you can do on this 4.3 at the current time is to root and then debloat the device. No custom recoveries have been developed (yet *holding breath).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last part of this is true, you can not install a custom recovery, so no ROMs.
The first part is not entirely true, you can do more than debloat. You can run apps requiring root, debloat or freeze apps using TB, remove ads, edit system files, etc.
I recall hearing that Hashcode was working on Safestrap for 4.3, so ROMs may be coming.
Thank you for explaining and clearing up my post a bit! I'm still quite new to all this stuff myself. Much appreciated!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Alright. Here's the situation. I have successfully rooted, but I can't update supersu. I can't download the binary SU for what ever reason. Does anyone know how to fix this? It seems like I can't give root access to apps, but I know that it is rooted. Any help is appreciated!
Whoonu said:
Alright. Here's the situation. I have successfully rooted, but I can't update supersu. I can't download the binary SU for what ever reason. Does anyone know how to fix this? It seems like I can't give root access to apps, but I know that it is rooted. Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I was in the same boat after vroot. After doing some research and reading threads on here I found that I had to run the root de la vega script as well. Bascially you need the android terminal emulator and titanium backup (paid verstion too, I believe to be able to freeze apps, specifically the "Superuser" after you've gained root access in terminal emulator) to succeed. Follow the instructions that I posted above (the ones from xda-develepors.com), and you will be able to rid your device of the Chinese "Superuser" program and have SuperSU installed instead, and it will be allowed to update its binaries.
Fourty8 said:
Yep, I was in the same boat after vroot. After doing some research and reading threads on here I found that I had to run the root de la vega script as well. Bascially you need the android terminal emulator and titanium backup (paid verstion too, I believe to be able to freeze apps, specifically the "Superuser" after you've gained root access in terminal emulator) to succeed. Follow the instructions that I posted above (the ones from xda-develepors.com), and you will be able to rid your device of the Chinese "Superuser" program and have SuperSU installed instead, and it will be allowed to update its binaries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try re-rooting. I followed all of the instructions, but I think I became unroofed when my phone reset. I'll let you guys know how that goes.
Sweet! Re-rooting worked. Supersu is updated and working well. Thank you to all who helped me! :good:
-Mitchell
(BTW: Use the free app App Quarantine to disable apps for free.)
Hi All,
In my quest to learn a little more about my device, I've decided that I want to know how rooting is actually done manually. Where it stands, my device is currently rooted using a CF Autoroot Odin flashable (recovery?).
I saw that Super SU provides a CWM flashable zip but I suspect that it's the same as sideloading the application or installing it from the store and that won't be enough to get rooted. Or is it?
Bumping my thread :laugh:
oreo27 said:
Hi All,
In my quest to learn a little more about my device, I've decided that I want to know how rooting is actually done manually. Where it stands, my device is currently rooted using a CF Autoroot Odin flashable (recovery?).
I saw that Super SU provides a CWM flashable zip but I suspect that it's the same as sideloading the application or installing it from the store and that won't be enough to get rooted. Or is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
(1) please read the FAQ and stickies to understand what rooting is and why CF autoroot has nothing to do with recovery
(2) cf autoroot, if I am not wrong, but I might be, injects files that will enable you to have full access to the device, after that for instance you can flash a new recovery, use apps that need root etc. super user is the app to control which apps you allow to obtain root.
chrismast said:
(1) please read the FAQ and stickies to understand what rooting is and why CF autoroot has nothing to do with recovery
(2) cf autoroot, if I am not wrong, but I might be, injects files that will enable you to have full access to the device, after that for instance you can flash a new recovery, use apps that need root etc. super user is the app to control which apps you allow to obtain root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've read and followed the procedure for rooting ang flashing with a custom recovery previously but I've followed your suggestion and re-read it anyway, in case I missed something or my memory loss kicked in again.
Perhaps you are correct. I was a little confused since I flashed it with Odin as well but come to think of it; it's like an upgrade package that, as you mentioned, uploads files to the device that give Superuser Access.
after that for instance you can flash a new recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've flashed a custom recovery before rooting but I suppose that only applies to some devices. Samsung is great because it has Odin!
Alright, so SuperSU only allows me to control what applications require root access (something like User Account Control for Windows).
Thanks for clearing that up!
As for my original question, the manual rooting process and what's required to gain root access seems undocumented since there are a ton of methods to accomplish it automatically. I hope someone can point me to the right place to understand what CF Autoroot or other apps actually do to gain root.
Hi all,
I'm a bit of a n00b at this, so please forgive me.
I started with Android 4.1.2, Kernel 3.4.0-g298631f-02047-gec59411, build 10.1.C.0.370.
I rooted it using Doomlord's easy-root and then when attempting to flash custom recovery, I accidentally flashed some other .img and the tablet wouldn't even turn on. I cried. Like, a few good tears.
Went online, found out I wasn't screwed, and figured out how to flash SGP312_10.4.B.0.577_VMo DE_1273-3719_WIFI312G.
But, as I said, I lost root, and am confused about how to downgrade back to 4.1.2 properly without bricking.
Here is my current info:
Version 4.3, Kernel 3.4.0-g1b44cd5, build 10.4.b.0.577
In this thread, under "Downgrade your rom" and "back to 4.1.2 and rooting" it says "if you're in 4.3, Flash this SGP 351 4.1.2 FTF using Flash Tool and it will be booted in 4.1.2. if you have different Variant downgrade to your Variant FTF file"
What is a variant FTF file? Can I just use any SGP 312 4.1.2 FTF? Does anyone know a safe one to use?
Thanks!
Just wipe EVERYTHING on flashtools. Make sure that you have al wipe checked, and press start flashing.
But be careful, sometimes, bootloader is messed up with updates, not sure if it is your case because i don't have a SGP312. Instead i have the LTE variant, wich turned itself into an stubborn piece of technology LOL
Sent from my little big badass boy!
worf_1977 said:
Just wipe EVERYTHING on flashtools. Make sure that you have al wipe checked, and press start flashing.
But be careful, sometimes, bootloader is messed up with updates, not sure if it is your case because i don't have a SGP312. Instead i have the LTE variant, wich turned itself into an stubborn piece of technology LOL
Sent from my little big badass boy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response!
Just not sure what you mean by "wipe everything". What am I flashing it with? Which firmware? And what's "al wipe"?
I tried posting a screenshot of the flash tools but as a new user I can't do it. Sorry for being a n00b.
UberBaumer said:
Thanks for the response!
Just not sure what you mean by "wipe everything". What am I flashing it with? Which firmware? And what's "al wipe"?
I tried posting a screenshot of the flash tools but as a new user I can't do it. Sorry for being a n00b.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe by "wipe everything" and "al wipe", they mean select to wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, and DATA during the flashing process. The flash tool you need can be downloaded from HERE. You can download a US version of the firmware from my post HERE.
Cat McGowan said:
I believe by "wipe everything" and "al wipe", they mean select to wipe APPSLOG, CACHE, and DATA during the flashing process. The flash tool you need can be downloaded from HERE. You can download a US version of the firmware from my post HERE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THANK YOU, SIR.
I really appreciate it!
Back onto 4.1 and just rooted again. Now I just need to manage not screwing up installing CWM like I did last time!
Grrr...so I'm having trouble again.
When I try flashing CWM it keeps soft-bricking or whatever my tablet. It won't boot and I need to put it into fastboot mode and reflash the firmware.
I'm using the command fastboot flash boot TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img
Is there a better or another way to get CWM installed?
UberBaumer said:
Grrr...so I'm having trouble again.
When I try flashing CWM it keeps soft-bricking or whatever my tablet. It won't boot and I need to put it into fastboot mode and reflash the firmware.
I'm using the command fastboot flash boot TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img
Is there a better or another way to get CWM installed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img is for the SGP321 running firmware 10.1.1.A.1.253.
You have a SGP312.
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-344-v01.img is for the SGP312 running firmware 10.1.C.0.344.
You are running firmware 10.1.C.0.370.
You would probably have better luck trying to install Nut's XZDualRecovery.
Cat McGowan said:
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-253-v01.img is for the SGP321 running firmware 10.1.1.A.1.253.
You have a SGP312.
TabZ_DooMLoRD_AdvStkKernel_FW-344-v01.img is for the SGP312 running firmware 10.1.C.0.344.
You are running firmware 10.1.C.0.370.
You would probably have better luck trying to install Nut's XZDualRecovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Jeez, dude, you're totally rocking my world. Thanks a ton for all your help.
I've successfully installed the XZ DualRecovery.
But now something weird is happening: when I try installing various roms (cm-10.2.0-pollux_windy or cm-11-20140418-nightly-pollux_windy) I get the error that it's for the wrong device. It tells me that I have a Pollux, but according to google, Pollux is the LTE version - I most definitely have the SG312 32GB WiFi version).
Did I go wrong somewhere here?
UberBaumer said:
Jeez, dude, you're totally rocking my world. Thanks a ton for all your help.
I've successfully installed the XZ DualRecovery.
But now something weird is happening: when I try installing various roms (cm-10.2.0-pollux_windy or cm-11-20140418-nightly-pollux_windy) I get the error that it's for the wrong device. It tells me that I have a Pollux, but according to google, Pollux is the LTE version - I most definitely have the SG312 32GB WiFi version).
Did I go wrong somewhere here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not install custom ROMs. No ROM has ever impressed me enough to cause me to want to install it. However, I have read posts regarding your problem in the Xperia Tablet Z Original Android Development forum. Look there and perhaps you will find the answer you need.
Cat McGowan said:
I do not install custom ROMs. No ROM has ever impressed me enough to cause me to want to install it. However, I have read posts regarding your problem in the Xperia Tablet Z Original Android Development forum. Look there and perhaps you will find the answer you need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I see. I was excited to install Cyanogenmod because I have it on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and enjoy the customization and ability to remove all the bloatware.
According to your signature, I see that you're on 4.2... A few questions:
Did you do this through an official update?
Can I somehow flash 4.2 through recovery mode (so if I decide I don't like it, I can just load a system backup and go back to 4.1.2)?
If I were to update through the automatic system update, I'm assuming I'll lose my root access and won't be able to get back into recovery mode (in case I figure out a way to install a custom rom in the future)?
Is there a way to remove all the sony bloatware without root access (if I were to install an official system update)?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get this all figured out before I start downloading all my apps and getting comfortable with the interface.
Thanks again so very much.
UberBaumer said:
Hmm, I see. I was excited to install Cyanogenmod because I have it on my Samsung Galaxy S3 and enjoy the customization and ability to remove all the bloatware.
According to your signature, I see that you're on 4.2... A few questions:
Did you do this through an official update?
Can I somehow flash 4.2 through recovery mode (so if I decide I don't like it, I can just load a system backup and go back to 4.1.2)?
If I were to update through the automatic system update, I'm assuming I'll lose my root access and won't be able to get back into recovery mode (in case I figure out a way to install a custom rom in the future)?
Is there a way to remove all the sony bloatware without root access (if I were to install an official system update)?
Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get this all figured out before I start downloading all my apps and getting comfortable with the interface.
Thanks again so very much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I first received my XTZ, it was running 4.1.2. I gained root access using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit. I also installed SuperSU Pro and enabled its Survival mode and Install SuperSU into /system settings. Doing that allowed me to update firmware builds via OTA twice without losing root access. I have chosen not to update to 4.3 for various reasons; however, I did attempt updating to 4.3 via OTA like I have in the past, but the update failed to install. And from what I have seen of 4.4.2 on my son's Nexus 7, I may chose not to update to 4.4.2 also. My 4.2.2 install is working flawlessly and my XTZ does everything I need it to do, so I see no reason for updating yet. I live by the aphorism "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access. Be aware that in the past, Vroot had a bad reputation regarding its loading unwanted apps during the root process, but I believe xda-developers and Mgyun-team (Vroot developers) had a talk and Mgyun-team has since changed their ways. In my opinion, Vroot is now safe to use. Many people have posted saying they have used it and have not experienced any problems.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Cat McGowan said:
When I first received my XTZ, it was running 4.1.2. I gained root access using DooMLoRD's Easy Rooting Toolkit. I also installed SuperSU Pro and enabled its Survival mode and Install SuperSU into /system settings. Doing that allowed me to update firmware builds via OTA twice without losing root access. I have chosen not to update to 4.3 for various reasons; however, I did attempt updating to 4.3 via OTA like I have in the past, but the update failed to install. And from what I have seen of 4.4.2 on my son's Nexus 7, I may chose not to update to 4.4.2 also. My 4.2.2 install is working flawlessly and my XTZ does everything I need it to do, so I see no reason for updating yet. I live by the aphorism "If it's not broken, don't fix it."
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access. Be aware that in the past, Vroot had a bad reputation regarding its loading unwanted apps during the root process, but I believe xda-developers and Mgyun-team (Vroot developers) had a talk and Mgyun-team has since changed their ways. In my opinion, Vroot is now safe to use. Many people have posted saying they have used it and have not experienced any problems.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn, maybe I was a bit too hasty in rooting my tablet; why is it that I can no longer to OTA updates? If I were to buy SuperSU PRO (for survival mode) is there any benefit to me? I see that it allows for OTA updates.
I am currently rooted via Superuser (by clockworkmod).
When you say I'll need to install 4.2.2 by flashing, you mean through Flashtool, right? Which build should I get (and where, one of the development forums)?
Is the reason why one is advised to install custom roms via recovery mode in order to maintain root access (which I'm assuming doesn't happen if you flash through Flashtool)?
Something I forgot to mention earlier is that I did unlock the bootloader. I'm not sure if that helps or hinders me at this point.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer all my questions. I really love this new toy, and I'm so terrified of bricking it.
Cat McGowan said:
If you install 4.2.2 (via flashing, you can no longer do it via OTA), you can use Vroot - English version to gain root access.
I do not know of any way to remove bloatware without having root access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I were to say flash this version: http://android.sc/official-android-4-2-2-on-xperia-tablet-z/ I should still be able to install Vroot, right?
Also, do you just manually remove the bloatware yourself, or is there a particular script/app that goes in and cleans up all the unnecessary stuff?
UberBaumer said:
If I were to say flash this version: http://android.sc/official-android-4-2-2-on-xperia-tablet-z/ I should still be able to install Vroot, right?
Also, do you just manually remove the bloatware yourself, or is there a particular script/app that goes in and cleans up all the unnecessary stuff?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean 10.3.1.A.0.244 is for the SGP321. You have a SGP312, so you need firmware 10.3.1.C.0.136 (same as mine), which you should be able to download from HERE (upload credit goes to user named spectre51). Flash it then gain root access using Vroot.
Regarding SuperSU Pro versus Superuser, I use Chainfire's SuperSU Pro because it has superior functionality and more options compared to ChainsDD's Superuser. And I use SuperSU Pro because it is more likely to retain root access rights after an OTA update than the free version of SuperSU; e.g., SuperSU Pro provides OTA survival mode, the free version does not.
Regarding uninstalling bloatware, that is something you need to be careful with. Some apps you want to keep have dependencies on apps you consider bloatware and want to uninstall, especially when it concerns system apps. So, investigate the app before you uninstall it. Most times, I use Titanium Backup Pro or ROM Toolbox Pro to uninstall apps that cannot be uninstalled via the Apps list found in the tablet's Settings. At other times, I have had to use a file explorer and text editor to uninstall an app.
Cat McGowan said:
Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean 10.3.1.A.0.244 is for the SGP321. You have a SGP312, so you need firmware 10.3.1.C.0.136 (same as mine), which you should be able to download from HERE (upload credit goes to user named spectre51). Flash it then gain root access using Vroot.
Regarding SuperSU Pro versus Superuser, I use Chainfire's SuperSU Pro because it has superior functionality and more options compared to ChainsDD's Superuser. And I use SuperSU Pro because it is more likely to retain root access rights after an OTA update than the free version of SuperSU; e.g., SuperSU Pro provides OTA survival mode, the free version does not.
Regarding uninstalling bloatware, that is something you need to be careful with. Some apps you want to keep have dependencies on apps you consider bloatware and want to uninstall, especially when it concerns system apps. So, investigate the app before you uninstall it. Most times, I use Titanium Backup Pro or ROM Toolbox Pro to uninstall apps that cannot be uninstalled via the Apps list found in the tablet's Settings. At other times, I have had to use a file explorer and text editor to uninstall an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you again my friend.
Is there a list of apps that are safe to uninstall, or, rather, a list of apps that I shouldn't tinker with (for fear of uninstalling an app that has a dependency on something critical)?
Also, I'm on the Google Play store and I see both Titanium Backup Pro and Rom Toolbox Pro. Should I buy both? If you had to buy just one, which would it be?
My main goal is to just make the smoothest experience possible. I want to take maximum advantage of the hardware in the tablet and have as few unnecessary programs running as possible.
Hi!
I have the SGP311 with the 4.2.2 Version of Android. Back then I rooted it using the tool VRoot (i think that was the name).
As all I wanted was root for TiBackup I left it at that. Stock ROM, some modifications through root access, but I saw no need to go further.
I would now like to update. OTA does not work, either because I am root or because the bootloader unlock (which I think happened during the root process).
There are so many guides out there, some contradictory or rather relying on going from certain versions to the newest.
What is my best bet?
Unroot and Relock, OTA update, then re-root? Is there a Guide to that?
Or how do I get a recovery on there easily? Guide?
Then assuming I have recovery on, what do I flash. Sony has grown on me, so I am happy with a stock rom or something very close to it, if I can root it for my mods.
What is the least dangerous way to get this tablet up to date?
Thanks for your help!
Walter_White said:
Hi! I have the SGP311 with the 4.2.2 Version of Android. Back then I rooted it using the tool VRoot (i think that was the name). As all I wanted was root for TiBackup I left it at that. Stock ROM, some modifications through root access, but I saw no need to go further. I would now like to update. OTA does not work, either because I am root or because the bootloader unlock (which I think happened during the root process). There are so many guides out there, some contradictory or rather relying on going from certain versions to the newest. What is my best bet? Unroot and Relock, OTA update, then re-root? Is there a Guide to that? Or how do I get a recovery on there easily? Guide? Then assuming I have recovery on, what do I flash. Sony has grown on me, so I am happy with a stock rom or something very close to it, if I can root it for my mods. What is the least dangerous way to get this tablet up to date? Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Vroot would not have unlocked the tablet's boot loader, so are you sure it is unlocked? And have you tried using Sony PC Companion to update the firmware? I was going to recommend trying to use Sony Mobile Update Service, which I preferred over PC Companion, but it appears Sony stopped supporting it.
My Thor device is on 4.5.5.3. My goal is to root, and I don't plan to install custom roms.
After researching the forum, here comes a few questions I have:
Kingroot should work (with retries) ?
I don't need to unlock bootloader or install twrp if I'm cautious with SuperSU grants. If I always know what I'm doing with root, risk should be minimal?
Can system update (say future 4.5.5.4) brick the device if all I did is root? Should i block the update?
Thanks in advance!
ssaaxx said:
My Thor device is on 4.5.5.3. My goal is to root, and I don't plan to install custom roms.
After researching the forum, here comes a few questions I have:
Kingroot should work (with retries) ?
Can system update (say future 4.5.5.4) brick the device if all I did is root? Should i block the update?
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While past OTA updates have simply removed root that may not hold true with future updates. Recommend blocking.
Kingroot for me only took 2 tries ( withlastest version) , you can check the root with ES File, if you can activate root explorer, its done.
I dont think this device get more updates at this point.