Hi, new here, just moved to a VZW Galaxy S4. So, I made the mistake of allowing it to upgrade to NC5 when I unboxed (stupid, I know). What I'd like to know is, am I stuck with it? Can I do a factory reset, or will it still have the same baseband? Is there something I can do with Heimdall (not ODIN, I'm a Linux user) to completey wipe it and start over?
If I can, would it be better to downgrade, then install a different bootloader, and then flash the ROM I actually want? Or can I wipe and go straight to what I want?
I really detest TW, worse than MOTOblur! I was also really looking forward to getting away from SafeStrap (with all due respect to Hash). I'd really like something light and clean based on 4.4.2-4 like AOSP/GE, or maybe CM. Not just for looks but to save space, performance and battery.
I've looked around, and I see a lot of conflicting info. I can't find a clear concise answer. If I've missed something, I'm sorry, just direct me to it. Otherwise, please advise. Thanks!
Towel root will give you root... Safestrap will give you some rom choices. Take time and research and read.
sent via safestrap 3.72 and echo v25.1! !
decaturbob said:
Towel root will give you root... Safestrap will give you some rom choices. Take time and research and read.
sent via safestrap 3.72 and echo v25.1! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Um, I am rooted and I do have SafeStrap. But my understanding is that I'm stuck with TW based ROMs and no AOSP with SS. I though Loki was my only option for such ROMs, which is a no go with NC5. Also, am I truly stuck with NC5, or not? Not to be rude, but it seems like you didn't read the entire post. Thanks for the reply, all the same.
ouroboroswyrm said:
Um, I am rooted and I do have SafeStrap. But my understanding is that I'm stuck with TW based ROMs and no AOSP with SS. I though Loki was my only option for such ROMs, which is a no go with NC5. Also, am I truly stuck with NC5, or not? Not to be rude, but it seems like you didn't read the entire post. Thanks for the reply, all the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A stickie thread in general forum would provide you most of info you are looking for. You are stuck with nc5 ...Either way you can run numerous roms via ss... As long as they are compatible with SS... Like I said research and read..
sent via safestrap 3.72 and echo v25.1! !
decaturbob said:
A stickie thread in general forum would provide you most of info you are looking for. You are stuck with nc5 ...Either way you can run numerous roms via ss... As long as they are compatible with SS... Like I said research and read..
sent via safestrap 3.72 and echo v25.1! !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, read the post.It wasn't at all clear to me whether I can change bootloader, as most of what I found was over a year old. Wanted a stock recovery level solution. Anyway, never mind.
You can't downgrade the nc5 bootloader, there's no possible way to get working aosp or cm or a custom recovery like twrp or cwm onto an vzw s4 with an nc5 booyloader.
You can root using towelroot, you can use at&t's safestrap 3.72 to flash tw roms
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 currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
GlitchMob said:
I'm currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
decaturbob said:
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay maybe my understanding on the purpose of unlocking the bootloader is incorrect.
I thought the bootloader has to be unlocked in order to install a custom rom?
On my S3 if the bootloader wasn't unlocked the phone would brick.
Safestrap is a custom recovery so how is that relevant to bootloader? I can't seem to draw the connection.
Thanks!
GlitchMob said:
Okay maybe my understanding on the purpose of unlocking the bootloader is incorrect.
I thought the bootloader has to be unlocked in order to install a custom rom?
On my S3 if the bootloader wasn't unlocked the phone would brick.
Safestrap is a custom recovery so how is that relevant to bootloader? I can't seem to draw the connection.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
plenty of threads here to read to educate yourself.
S4 bootloader is locked since mdk firmware. MDK had an exploit that Loki process allowed custom recovery
safestrap uses an exploit to work around it so its the only custom recovery for the locked bootloader.
Each subsequent firmware release locks the bootloader and exploits down further. Anyone taking the next round of kit kat OTA's will likely loose root as well.
GlitchMob said:
I'm currently on a Galaxy S3, but I have an S4 coming in on Friday.
I saw a thread for rooting the S4, but do I need to unlock the bootloader like I did in the S3 to install a rom?
Basically, where is the thread that has all the info I need to root, unlock, and install a custom recovery for the S4?
I have one for the S3, but can't find it for the S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
More then likely the device you get will come with the new baseband MJ7 or MK2. You need to check this before you start messing with anything. That said the bootloader is locked up tight and you will be very limited with what you can do with it. You can root, and install safestrap(a custom recovery by Hashcode that bypasses the bootloader). This will allow you to install certain touchwiz based roms but you have to be sure they are compatible with safestrap.
Root for 4.3 baseband:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Safestrap:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Both these links are in the android devlopment section. It is very difficult with this device because there are multiple root methods and recovery methods depending on baseband version. If by some chance you get the phone and the baseband is MDK, DO NOT UPDATE!!!! This will allow you to install loki'ed recovery and flash any rom you want. Chances are that won"t happen though. Good luck
decaturbob said:
you cant find thread? How hard did you look? There is a stickie can't be missed in the general section.
BTW, the bootloader is locked for all versions of firmware since mdk.
only option is safetrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
decaturbob said:
plenty of threads here to read to educate yourself.
S4 bootloader is locked since mdk firmware. MDK had an exploit that Loki process allowed custom recovery
safestrap uses an exploit to work around it so its the only custom recovery for the locked bootloader.
Each subsequent firmware release locks the bootloader and exploits down further. Anyone taking the next round of kit kat OTA's will likely loose root as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand that I need to look into it, but the way things are organized is different. I've been on an S3 for almost two years now and the forums in the S4 are just overwhelming with information that is scattered. Here is an example of what I was hoping for when I came to the S4 section.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709
onemeila said:
More then likely the device you get will come with the new baseband MJ7 or MK2. You need to check this before you start messing with anything. That said the bootloader is locked up tight and you will be very limited with what you can do with it. You can root, and install safestrap(a custom recovery by Hashcode that bypasses the bootloader). This will allow you to install certain touchwiz based roms but you have to be sure they are compatible with safestrap.
Root for 4.3 baseband:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
Safestrap:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Both these links are in the android devlopment section. It is very difficult with this device because there are multiple root methods and recovery methods depending on baseband version. If by some chance you get the phone and the baseband is MDK, DO NOT UPDATE!!!! This will allow you to install loki'ed recovery and flash any rom you want. Chances are that won"t happen though. Good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. This is the response I was looking for. As you said there are many stipulations with each baseband. This is something I am not used to coming for an S3, which is far simpler to deal with. Thanks again!
GlitchMob said:
Thank you. This is the response I was looking for. As you said there are many stipulations with each baseband. This is something I am not used to coming for an S3, which is far simpler to deal with. Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference isn't in the baseband, it's in the bootloader. You can run a newer baseband than your bootloader, for example, especially if you have the MDK bootloader.
Since you're starting from stock, the baseband and the bootloader revisions are the same and can be found from Settings/More/About phone.
Before you flash anything, please read the what you need to know thread in the General section. Also, there's my thread in this forum.
The S4 is more complicated than the S3 largely because Samsung has really locked it down much more effectively than the S3. Consequently, there's lots of ways to go wrong. Reading first can save you a lot of grief.
k1mu said:
The difference isn't in the baseband, it's in the bootloader. You can run a newer baseband than your bootloader, for example, especially if you have the MDK bootloader.
Since you're starting from stock, the baseband and the bootloader revisions are the same and can be found from Settings/More/About phone.
Before you flash anything, please read the what you need to know thread in the General section. Also, there's my thread in this forum.
The S4 is more complicated than the S3 largely because Samsung has really locked it down much more effectively than the S3. Consequently, there's lots of ways to go wrong. Reading first can save you a lot of grief.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question. Is there a way to flash the s4 back to stock? I'll find the info on how, but going into the whole rooting and coming phase it would be nice to know that I could flash back to stock with odin. As I have with my s3.
GlitchMob said:
One more question. Is there a way to flash the s4 back to stock? I'll find the info on how, but going into the whole rooting and coming phase it would be nice to know that I could flash back to stock with odin. As I have with my s3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Read the second link in my reply above - it tells you how to identify what build you're on and has links to the downloadable Odin images for each build.
k1mu said:
Yes. Read the second link in my reply above - it tells you how to identify what build you're on and has links to the downloadable Odin images for each build.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help. Turns out I'm on MJ7. I'm going to let this puppy charge while I hit the gym. I'll root it and see what rom I can install later tonight. Thanks again!! :victory:
GlitchMob said:
Thanks for your help. Turns out I'm on MJ7. I'm going to let this puppy charge while I hit the gym. I'll root it and see what rom I can install later tonight. Thanks again!! :victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mind as well update to mk2. You can do the same as mj7 but are most up to date. Just my 2 pennies. Btw I'm on bonestock 2.1 in SS romslot 1.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Slowbalt said:
Mind as well update to mk2. You can do the same as mj7 but are most up to date. Just my 2 pennies. Btw I'm on bonestock 2.1 in SS romslot 1.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a noticeable difference? If its the same, why upgrade?
I am coming from a similar situation as you. I cracked my screen on my S3 and Asurion replaced it with an S4, which I received on Monday. I thought that I was going to be able to load SlimKat and pick up where I left off, but no.
The posts that k1mu linked are a great starting point. A few of my thoughts that I came to realize this week. These are my ways of looking at it and may not be totally correct.
The bootloader is locked and there isn't a total unlock (yet). Safestrap allows you to crack the door open a little and reach your arm in to grab a few things.
You will need to stick with ROMs that work with the TouchWiz kernel. The post that k1mu referenced has a link to compatible ROMs. You will not be able to load SlimKat, CM, Carbon, etc. Basically any ROM you choose will have TW underneath. Some of the ROMs will try to look like an ASOP, but it is still a TW base.
Safestrap will allow you to create ROM slots where you can try out the ROM to see if you like it. I am still trying to decide what I want to use. Currently I have Hyperdrive as the leader. Everything that I do continues to work. The Eclipse ROM looks good but it is not quite there yet, but he is working on a build in the next couple days. Here is a link to their website with more up to date status. Eclipse . I also looked at the Foxhound ROM and it is good also. For me support and future upgrades are the most important. I am starting to think that i will embrace TW instead of trying to cover it up and will go with Hyperdrive.
If you use TiBu, read this post, especially with Hyperdrive http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2653044.
The other realization that hit me was that while Safestrap can create partitions for loading different ROMs, each one is restricted to a maximum of a 3GB /data partition. When I tried to restore all of my apps this was quickly used up. It isn't supported by Safestrap to flash to the stock location, but it can and has been done. Since Safestrap isn't doing a flash there are more risks and I think that this should probably be kept to a minimum. This is where you want to test all the candidate ROMs first and then decide which one to use and then flash to the stock location. Obviously this could cause problems with the phone and would use ODIN as a fallback. Unless something get totally hosed and then you are out of a phone.
One thing that I realized a long time ago is that when you change devices you may want to do everything exactly the way it was before. On the phone or even when looking for information. But in most cases it is better to change your processes or work flow to work with the new device than it is to change the device to work in your previous work flow.
Hey guys I have the sch-i545 on verizon running 4.2.2 with base ME7, I have been postponing the update, if I take it I know I will loose root but can I just root it again with safe root? And will I also be able to load safe strap? I know the bootloader is locked but I would like to try some of the custom roms for the me7 . I also saw a thread that said updating from me7 to MJ7 what would be the significance of that? Thanks guys..
vafangool said:
Hey guys I have the sch-i545 on verizon running 4.2.2 with base ME7, I have been postponing the update, if I take it I know I will loose root but can I just root it again with safe root? And will I also be able to load safe strap? I know the bootloader is locked but I would like to try some of the custom roms for the me7 . I also saw a thread that said updating from me7 to MJ7 what would be the significance of that? Thanks guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me7 was still 4.2 while mk2/mj7 are both 4.3. Yep you just reroot using saferoot it's very easy to use. I'm on mk2 rooted myself. Safestrap I's also compatible with it but you'll want to read into those threads some more
Nvidia Shield Root and More
Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way.
vafangool said:
Hey guys I have the sch-i545 on verizon running 4.2.2 with base ME7, I have been postponing the update, if I take it I know I will loose root but can I just root it again with safe root? And will I also be able to load safe strap? I know the bootloader is locked but I would like to try some of the custom roms for the me7 . I also saw a thread that said updating from me7 to MJ7 what would be the significance of that? Thanks guys..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
takes a few minutes find some helpful threads...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2579278
hexitnow said:
Me7 was still 4.2 while mk2/mj7 are both 4.3. Yep you just reroot using saferoot it's very easy to use. I'm on mk2 rooted myself. Safestrap I's also compatible with it but you'll want to read into those threads some more
Nvidia Shield Root and More
Doing a little bit of reading goes a long way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok so I will just take the update and than re root it. It read that safe strap is compatible with me7 with a few custom roms. Thanks for the help
decaturbob said:
takes a few minutes find some helpful threads...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2606501
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2579278
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey decaturbob thanks for the reply I was actually all over those 2 threads, there was some great info in the one you had posted, I just wasn't understanding about the post to update from me7 to mj7 but as I read it again for the 3rd time I realized it was to get hyperdrive, It's just I'm new to this and I have been reading all these threads like crazy and have learned a lot these last few days. So my plan is to just take the 4.3 update, root again using safe root, install safe strap v3.65 I believe is the one I need for me7 but I'll double check, and then there was that thread on some of the custom roms that were usable with safe strap. Thanks again for the help guys
Just got this S4 yesterday and have been reading & reading & reading. Let me start by telling you what I have and where I am.
1st I have a SCH-I545 with Android 4.2.2, Baseband RUDMI1
2nd I am using it on AT&T network and have rooted with "root de la vega" method
3rd I have Safestrap Installed and and Nadroid Backup on extSDcard.
I am not a complete newb to samsung as I used to have Note2 Rooted with Rom Flashing exp.
Now for the part I dont understand is what do I need to do to install Hyperdrive RLS17.1 KitKat ROM
to this device. I DOnt see a lot of info on MI1 upgrading or ROM flashing. Mostly MJ7, MK2, MDK & MJ7 stuff.
So does anyone have a quick set of instructions in Upgrading/downgrading my Version to install this ROM
if its even possible. If not where can I find the next best thing. Recomendation on what I should do next.
These threades are just so big I cant keep reading about everything but my RUDMI1
Thanks In Advance.
xGr4ndx2 said:
Just got this S4 yesterday and have been reading & reading & reading. Let me start by telling you what I have and where I am.
1st I have a SCH-I545 with Android 4.2.2, Baseband RUDMI1
2nd I am using it on AT&T network and have rooted with "root de la vega" method
3rd I have Safestrap Installed and and Nadroid Backup on extSDcard.
I am not a complete newb to samsung as I used to have Note2 Rooted with Rom Flashing exp.
Now for the part I dont understand is what do I need to do to install Hyperdrive RLS17.1 KitKat ROM
to this device. I DOnt see a lot of info on MI1 upgrading or ROM flashing. Mostly MJ7, MK2, MDK & MJ7 stuff.
So does anyone have a quick set of instructions in Upgrading/downgrading my Version to install this ROM
if its even possible. If not where can I find the next best thing. Recomendation on what I should do next.
These threades are just so big I cant keep reading about everything but my RUDMI1
Thanks In Advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In order to flash Hyperdrive kitkat, you need to be on the kitkat base firmware, aka NC5. you could do this a couple ways, it sounds like you're rooted and i think someone has a guide on how to upgrade to NC5 without losing safestrap and other things.. although to be honest i would actually flash NC5 through odin.
MI1, as far as i understand, was actually a leaked build (either that or it only got released through Kies, never went OTA). That's why you dont see much discussion on it.
Thanks for the responce and please anybody else you you can jump in and help with a link or short simple "how to" would get me on my way in the right direction of getting this MI1 of this phone.
xGr4ndx2 said:
Thanks for the responce and please anybody else you you can jump in and help with a link or short simple "how to" would get me on my way in the right direction of getting this MI1 of this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the no-wipe NC5 ROM image. That will get you to Kit Kat and ready to go.
The directions for this upgrade are already posted in the development forum.
Read first, understand what you're doing, THEN flash.