[Q] Any way to downgrade bootloader? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Alright, so I have a Verizon Galaxy S4, with 4.4.2 and an NC5 bootloader, I have it safestrapped, running Hypedrive 20. I was all excited when I saw that there was a Lollipop ROM released, because I have been anxious to try it. I downloaded everything in the tutorial, only to see Does not work with safestrap! That is when I started searching frantically how to get CWM or TWRP running on my device, finding disappointment after disappointment
So, my question is, has there been any way found to downgrade the NC5 bootloader to MDK? I see some posts/articles on downgrading to MK2, but would that allow me to get a CWM/TWRP up and running? Or has there been any way found to unlock the bootloader for the NC5?
If all else fails, maybe somebody could chime in about making a safestrapable Lollipop rom?
Thanks for any and all help, I'm so anxious for Lollipop its ridiculous!

We are stuck using Safestrap. There is no way to go from nc5 to mdk. There are some hybrids roms and a few gpe roms that are Safestrap compatible. But that's it.

N4styN1ghtm4r3 said:
Alright, so I have a Verizon Galaxy S4, with 4.4.2 and an NC5 bootloader, I have it safestrapped, running Hypedrive 20. I was all excited when I saw that there was a Lollipop ROM released, because I have been anxious to try it. I downloaded everything in the tutorial, only to see Does not work with safestrap! That is when I started searching frantically how to get CWM or TWRP running on my device, finding disappointment after disappointment
So, my question is, has there been any way found to downgrade the NC5 bootloader to MDK? I see some posts/articles on downgrading to MK2, but would that allow me to get a CWM/TWRP up and running? Or has there been any way found to unlock the bootloader for the NC5?
If all else fails, maybe somebody could chime in about making a safestrapable Lollipop rom?
Thanks for any and all help, I'm so anxious for Lollipop its ridiculous!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As of right now, there is absolutely no way to downgrade to MDK. Safestrap, and its limitations, is your only option. Believe me, if there was a way to Downgrade, you would, have found very easily.
Sent from my NCC-1701 using Tapatalk.

Now I'm thoroughly disappointed.
I guess I'll have to wait for a lollipop safestrap rom, which will likely be months away...
Would it be hard to port the Lollipop AOSP rom to a safestrap rom?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app

N4styN1ghtm4r3 said:
Now I'm thoroughly disappointed.
I guess I'll have to wait for a lollipop safestrap rom, which will likely be months away...
Would it be hard to port the Lollipop AOSP rom to a safestrap rom?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would probably be difficult.
First of all, at this point, we don't even know if aosp 5.0 could run with safestrap with stock kernel. Andriod 4.4 and 4.2 could, but 4.3 couldn't. And also, a lot of the devs for the s4 have already left so there are fewer people to work on any potential rom. Its pretty depressing, no lie.

N4styN1ghtm4r3 said:
Now I'm thoroughly disappointed.
I guess I'll have to wait for a lollipop safestrap rom, which will likely be months away...
Would it be hard to port the Lollipop AOSP rom to a safestrap rom?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is we can only flash TW based roms through Safestrap. As I had mentioned before there are a couple of Google Play Edition roms that will flash bit are a bit buggy. The closest we'll probably come are hybrid roms that have some lollipop features to go with TW

Well, I guess we'll have to wait for the official upgrade, then go from there.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app

Related

[Q] Update to MI1 from VRUAMDK

I'm currently rooted on VRUAMDK with (what I believe to be anyway) the first method from when the phone was released. I didn't have much time to bother with it when ME7 came out so I just froze SDM in TiBu and ignored it until now.
Today I saw the info about the MI1 update and decided to give it a shot updating. I saw that it was already rooted so I figured I'd just go for it and do an OTA after unfreezing SDM. However, when I tried that the install restarted the phone into Team Win Recovery and didn't complete. I assume this was because TWR blocks the install to avoid you losing root or something like that.
What I'm wondering is if there's a way to update to MI1 through TWR or some other alternative to the Verizon OTA so I don't lose root at all? I would like to know if there's a similar method for rooted phones with ME7 (since my girlfriends phone is rooted on that.).
Thanks in advance.
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
ozzzzysh said:
Don't take the OTA. Just get an MI1 stock deodex ROM. For the love of God keep your bootloader intact. The newer ones are not exploitable.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
The MI1 OTA, from what I've gathered, enables a custom software counter. So unless she's planning on staying fully stock I would avoid the update. MI1 didn't really change enough to justify anyone to update as far as I know.
By custom software counter, I mean that if you were to tinker with your phone too much, it would blow a permanent qfuse that would let Samsung know not to grant your warranty when the time comes.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Reonar_Dauth said:
Okay, I thought that might be the right course of action but wasn't sure that the ROMs were equivalent of an OTA or just a custom rebuild of the old version.
As for my Girlfriend whose phone came with ME7? Should she just take the OTA and then Root again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither update offers anything of real value that the custom rom's aren't bringing to the table. Hell there are flashable radios even. Apps to SD for me7 might be the only useful feature. But there are custom me7 roms. Wait on the devs to update you.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
No real value over the MDK release. It just locks things down.
Get one of the ROMs based on MI1.
Move along,,,, Nothing to see....
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Verification please
PeterifficX said:
Bump
If I am still on MDK, can I use any rom (4.3/4.4) or only roms for 4.2.2 MDK?
Things were much simpler on my GNex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crawshayi said:
You can flash any rom you want. The only way you'll lock yourself down is if you take an official update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey folks...... :highfive: I'm currently working on my Ex Wifes phone SCH-I545. I've not updated or done anything to her phone since I rooted and installed Beanstown. Quite some time ago. Any way, Her Android version is 4.2.2/VRUAMDK. :good: TWRP for recovery, not sure the version. My question is, Can I just flash any of the latest ROMs to her phone? I just want to make sure I don't screw her phone up. @Crawshayi, I see your answer right there. I just want to double check and know that I won't lock her phone down.
I really appreciate you guys. Without you and XDA, I'd be completely lost.
Sincerely
David C
Edit: Thanks guys. Everything worked perfect. My phones are running flawless.
Showing off here. NOTE 2 left side this on my right.

[Q] Updating MDK and ME7

I asked a similar question back in October, but fell out of the loop again and didn't want to necro an old post. I just want to verify that the information I got back then is still relavent.
Is installing custom ROMs still the best way to bring my MDK S4 up to the current version? If so, what should I be looking for in a ROM title to tell me that it's just a stock ROM that gives the same experience as the OTA? Someone mentioned Deodex'd in my last post, but I have no idea what that means or if it's what I should be looking for.
And for an S4 that came stock with ME7? Should my girlfriend (with an ME7 update) just take the newest OTA and root that, or is there a benefit to sticking with ME7 and installing a ROM? If the answer is to go with a ROM then she'll want the stock new OTA experience as well for now, are there any ME7 ROMs available that can do that?
Thanks again guys!
Don't touch your MDK S4. Leave it on MDK with Loki. It's practically an unlocked bootloader with actual TWRP and CWM. You can still install 4.3 TouchWiz stock ROMs on it because you can change the kernel. Plus you can run AOSP ROMs, which is awesome.
Reonar_Dauth said:
I asked a similar question back in October, but fell out of the loop again and didn't want to necro an old post. I just want to verify that the information I got back then is still relavent.
Is installing custom ROMs still the best way to bring my MDK S4 up to the current version? If so, what should I be looking for in a ROM title to tell me that it's just a stock ROM that gives the same experience as the OTA? Someone mentioned Deodex'd in my last post, but I have no idea what that means or if it's what I should be looking for.
And for an S4 that came stock with ME7? Should my girlfriend (with an ME7 update) just take the newest OTA and root that, or is there a benefit to sticking with ME7 and installing a ROM? If the answer is to go with a ROM then she'll want the stock new OTA experience as well for now, are there any ME7 ROMs available that can do that?
Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're girls me7 s4 might as well update to mj7 or mk2 (4.3) as then she'll still be using Safestrap. Mostly everyone is running Hyperdrive anyways. Great performance and battery life with that. Update it, throw Safestrap 3.71 on there then Hyperdrive 12....pretty much bug free.
As far as you're MDK phone just grab whatever AOSP 4.3 or 4.4 ROM you like. You're lucky to have that phone!!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have ME7 on my phone and decided to update to be compatible with hyperdrive.
I started the installation like 6 hours ago; is it supposed to take this long?
I had it rooted and got rid of all the bloatware from Verizon using titanium. Would that have something to do with it? Otherwise, I don't know what's going on. Thank you, and I apologize if this was addressed in any other thread.
TheDarkAbed said:
I have ME7 on my phone and decided to update to be compatible with hyperdrive.
I started the installation like 6 hours ago; is it supposed to take this long?
I had it rooted and got rid of all the bloatware from Verizon using titanium. Would that have something to do with it? Otherwise, I don't know what's going on. Thank you, and I apologize if this was addressed in any other thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No its not supposed to take that long. So you're trying to take the ota from me7 you're saying right? You may have to Odin if that doesn't work for you. Sometimes unfreezing and removing mods just doesn't do it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Mistertac said:
No its not supposed to take that long. So you're trying to take the ota from me7 you're saying right? You may have to Odin if that doesn't work for you. Sometimes unfreezing and removing mods just doesn't do it
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry. Can you link me to where I can find how to do that
Thanks again
TheDarkAbed said:
Sorry. Can you link me to where I can find how to do that
Thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Several youtube videos on Odin process
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
decaturbob said:
Several youtube videos on Odin process
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
TheDarkAbed said:
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Process is similar. ..you just need to have correct image file.
safestrap enabled, Hyperdrive driven
TheDarkAbed said:
I went on youtube, but all of them say that they are for I9505. I'm not sure where I'm supposed to look, but my model number says SCH-I545. Does that mean I'm unable to use the process?
Sorry again for asking so many questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same process, but get the image for your i545 from the Android Development forum for this phone.
is there any benefit to keeping ME7 or just update to most recent update? thanks for the help.

[Q] Trying to understand MDK vs NC5

Guys...
SOrry if this is a poor post, but I'm still new to the gs4 on verizon.
When I got the phone about a week ago, It immediately took an OTA upgrade. I'm geussing this was a mistake?
Only reason I say this, is because i'm now on NC5, and it seems that I'm limited as to what I can do as far as ROMS.
However, I'm seeing that there are people on "MDK" which I'm assuming is an older base...are able to put whatever AOSP rom posted in the forum....
DO all phones comes with MDK base?
I can call them and ask to send a replacement....what are the chances its MDK?
A little help would be appreciated....Thanks!
Doubtful vzn has any phones left with mdk (I'm assuming, it was the original base when this phone came out last summer). If it makes you feel any better you were probably on mk2 4.3 when you took the upgrade, so you didn't really lose anything.
You can root, just no custom kernels, no custom recoveries, just safestrap. I'm running a Google play edition aosp 4.4.3 on safestrap and it runs pretty well. There's a thread in the general section.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
docluv01 said:
Guys...
SOrry if this is a poor post, but I'm still new to the gs4 on verizon.
When I got the phone about a week ago, It immediately took an OTA upgrade. I'm geussing this was a mistake?
Only reason I say this, is because i'm now on NC5, and it seems that I'm limited as to what I can do as far as ROMS.
However, I'm seeing that there are people on "MDK" which I'm assuming is an older base...are able to put whatever AOSP rom posted in the forum....
DO all phones comes with MDK base?
I can call them and ask to send a replacement....what are the chances its MDK?
A little help would be appreciated....Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDK bootloader was on the original GS4 and an exploit called loki was found that could bypass the bootloader lock so that you could root & install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM & thereby flash both TouchWiz and AOSP roms. Thanks to Vzw /Att /Samsung, ota updates were issued that kills this exploit. All new phones are locked down. Can still root & use Safestrap recovery to flash TW based roms into a "sandbox" parallel system. Can't flash new kernels though.
Got it! Thanks
You know I looked at that ROM....considering giving it a try.,
Im on NC5 and SS, are there any issues with GPS etc?
rrrrrrredbelly said:
Doubtful vzn has any phones left with mdk (I'm assuming, it was the original base when this phone came out last summer). If it makes you feel any better you were probably on mk2 4.3 when you took the upgrade, so you didn't really lose anything.
You can root, just no custom kernels, no custom recoveries, just safestrap. I'm running a Google play edition aosp 4.4.3 on safestrap and it runs pretty well. There's a thread in the general section.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
docluv01 said:
Got it! Thanks
You know I looked at that ROM....considering giving it a try.,
Im on NC5 and SS, are there any issues with GPS etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have flashed several ss compatible kitkat roms and used gigilies nc2 wifi fix and never had issues with wifi or bluetooth or GPS
sent by safestrap powered echo v26

[Q] How to install CM11 on Galaxy S4? (Verizon)

Okay starting off, I went straight to cyanogenmod's page but it specifically stated "you must be on build I545VRUAMDK"...
There lies the problem. My phone is build KOT49H.I545VRUFNC5.
I got it from Verizon like this, already updated.
It's running kitkat 4.4.2.
Now, the benefit is that I already have root, through Towelroot V3.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
I've searched on Google and still cannot find a direct answer.
So please can someone tell me where to go to figure this out? Or if you know how kindly tell me?
I've installed Safestrap as well.
Thank you for any help!
Jerald_B said:
Okay starting off, I went straight to cyanogenmod's page but it specifically stated "you must be on build I545VRUAMDK"...
There lies the problem. My phone is build KOT49H.I545VRUFNC5.
I got it from Verizon like this, already updated.
It's running kitkat 4.4.2.
Now, the benefit is that I already have root, through Towelroot V3.
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
I've searched on Google and still cannot find a direct answer.
So please can someone tell me where to go to figure this out? Or if you know how kindly tell me?
I've installed Safestrap as well.
Thank you for any help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you MUST be on MDK to install the ROM and you are on NC5, then I reckon you can't install the ROM. There are not many ROM's available for those of us on NC5 and Safestrap unfortunately.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S4 BlackBox using XDA Free Mobile App
liljoe727 said:
If you MUST be on MDK to install the ROM and you are on NC5, then I reckon you can't install the ROM. There are not many ROM's available for those of us on NC5 and Safestrap unfortunately.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S4 BlackBox using XDA Free Mobile App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man, that is what I was worried about... I've heard of hyperdrive being good, it's a 4.4.2 rom, have you had any experience with it?
Jerald_B said:
Man, that is what I was worried about... I've heard of hyperdrive being good, it's a 4.4.2 rom, have you had any experience with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HyperDrive is solid. I'm on BlackBox right now and I like it better. It is stupid fast but a little buggy as it is a newer ROM. Another option would be to stay with the stock NC5 use Wanam Xposed from the XposedFramework. It allows quite a bit of customization if that is what you're looking for. There are some solid options being on NC5, just make sure you take the time to read through the threads before you flash anything.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S4 BlackBox using XDA Free Mobile App

[Q]: TW 5.0.1 and SafeStrap

Yesterday Verizon posted information about the lollipop update 5.0.1.
I'm assuming that the current 5.73 SafeStrap will not work with the stock 5.0.1 firmware. Do any devs have an idea how to load Roms onto the s4 after the update? Or do we assume that anyone not running an MDK bootloader is stuck in 4.4.x based or with the stock 5.0.1 TW?
mkglitzman said:
Yesterday Verizon posted information about the lollipop update 5.0.1.
I'm assuming that the current 5.73 SafeStrap will not work with the stock 5.0.1 firmware. Do any devs have an idea how to load Roms onto the s4 after the update? Or do we assume that anyone not running an MDK bootloader is stuck in 4.4.x based or with the stock 5.0.1 TW?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say wait and see. I have been seeing other updates to 5.0 also updating the bootloader. Maybe a new exploit in there? I would wait to take the update until either A: It is confirmed that SS will/will not work or B: they find a new exploit to use.
Currently, there is no new exploits for lollipop, and there is no rooting method to lollipop. If you REALLY want lollipop, I suggest you flash NC5 and then use software update to update all the way to lollipop.
mcbeat257 said:
Currently, there is no new exploits for lollipop, and there is no rooting method to lollipop. If you REALLY want lollipop, I suggest you flash NC5 and then use software update to update all the way to lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waiting on a boot.img so we can get the 5.01 GPE rom to run under safestrap ...
I gotta say, they did update the recovery modules, and the boot modules too. The only downside is that they did not implement certain features that the galaxy s5 right now has, but overall probably the best update yet. Plus it is pretty smooth.
mcbeat257 said:
I gotta say, they did update the recovery modules, and the boot modules too. The only downside is that they did not implement certain features that the galaxy s5 right now has, but overall probably the best update yet. Plus it is pretty smooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
touchwizz is still crap tho
I can agree with that. I updated this morning. I'm disappointed that the s5 camera and the favorites in messenger didn't make it into the update, but I can't complain. It's still lollipop.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
I presume that this update loses (unpaid) WiFi tether?
Currently on rooted NG6 with tether modules on VZW unlimited. Keeping tether is the only mandatory feature for me.
Wait?
There are guides out there to upgrade and keep root.i would advise using one of those.
If you upgrade to the OTA OC1 you will be on another locked boot loader with no way to downgrade back to Kitkat if you don't like it.
Currently as it stands, there's no root for OTA OC1. There's also no Safestrap that will work with it and no way to Odin back to nc5 once you do the OTA upgrade.
Development Forums are for developers to share their work and post their Roms and Mods.
Questions belong in the Q&A section.
Thread has been moved to correct section, please pay attention to XDA rules.
.
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