[Q] NC5 root, updates and backup questions - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I am giving two VZW GS4's to my parents for Christmas and I would like to make things as simple as possible for them, which means getting rid of all the boatware that Verizon/Samsung includes. I'm familiar with rooting/flashing etc. with my Sprint GS4, but I am still somewhat bewildered by all the info regarding the VZW phones and all the different versions.
These VZW phones are on the NC5 baseband (?) and if I understand correctly they can be rooted with towelroot but cannot install a custom recovery because the bootloader is locked.
Once I root, will the phone still receive OTA updates and install properly, or will there just be a continual message saying that the update failed?
I don't plan on trying to install a custom ROM, but if I understand correctly the only way to do so is by using safestrap?
Is it possible to backup the phone, similar to a ROM backup in TWRP for example? Will I be able to return to a full stock state after root? In other words, after I root what happens if I do a factory data reset?
Thanks in advance.

buckeyestargazer said:
I am giving two VZW GS4's to my parents for Christmas and I would like to make things as simple as possible for them, which means getting rid of all the boatware that Verizon/Samsung includes. I'm familiar with rooting/flashing etc. with my Sprint GS4, but I am still somewhat bewildered by all the info regarding the VZW phones and all the different versions.
These VZW phones are on the NC5 baseband (?) and if I understand correctly they can be rooted with towelroot but cannot install a custom recovery because the bootloader is locked.
Once I root, will the phone still receive OTA updates and install properly, or will there just be a continual message saying that the update failed?
I don't plan on trying to install a custom ROM, but if I understand correctly the only way to do so is by using safestrap?
Is it possible to backup the phone, similar to a ROM backup in TWRP for example? Will I be able to return to a full stock state after root? In other words, after I root what happens if I do a factory data reset?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You are correct. The nc5 can only be rooted. The bootloader is not unlocked or even possible to workaround; safestrap is your only option.
2. Once you root, your phone will not be stock anymore so OTAs will not work. You must unroot and restore your phone back to stock in order to update via OTA. However, if you learn how to use ODIN, your life will become much easier.
3. Safestrap is the only way.
4. You can backup with Safestrap. Yes you will be able to return back to a full stock state using ODIN. If you use ODIN to factory reset, your phone becomes back to stock i.e. unrooted.

Raymondlikesroot said:
2. Once you root, your phone will not be stock anymore so OTAs will not work. You must unroot and restore your phone back to stock in order to update via OTA. However, if you learn how to use ODIN, your life will become much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. One more question: Once rooted, if I stay on the stock rom, will the phone still receive OTA update notifications (even though it will fail install)?
I'm a little familiar with odin so I should be able to go back to full stock if necessary.

buckeyestargazer said:
Thanks. One more question: Once rooted, if I stay on the stock rom, will the phone still receive OTA update notifications (even though it will fail install)?
I'm a little familiar with odin so I should be able to go back to full stock if necessary.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, unfortunately, you will receive constant update messages. However, if you are rooted, you can stop these messages. Download an app called "titanium Backup" and freeze fwupdate.apk. That specific app is what causes all the update messages to appear.

Related

[Q] Rooted & Getting Erro when trying to upgrade to Mi1

Really new to this. I did the verizon root methed for ME7. It says can't complete upgrade. Do I need to unroot in order to upgrade to MI1? If so, how do I do that?
bbroydri said:
Really new to this. I did the verizon root methed for ME7. It says can't complete upgrade. Do I need to unroot in order to upgrade to MI1? If so, how do I do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need to unroot, but you do need to have the device in a stock condition. If you've debloated and removed stuff, or frozen apps, then the upgrade will likely fail.
I wouldn't be in any rush to install MI1.
Had same problem, now soft bricke my phone and need help
k1mu said:
You don't need to unroot, but you do need to have the device in a stock condition. If you've debloated and removed stuff, or frozen apps, then the upgrade will likely fail.
I wouldn't be in any rush to install MI1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was in the same position trying to accept the update from ME7. I had re-downloaded the stock apps and was in the process of converting them to system apps when my phone froze. When I tried to reboot I could not get passed the Verizon screen. I have been trying to read about how to fix this but I am unable to get odin to recognize my phone. I have downloaded the Samsung drivers and tried every version of odin but nothing happens when I put my phone into download (odin) mode and connect it with odin open. The rest of the steps seem easy if I could just get it to see my phone. Any thoughts, going on 3 days with no phone.

[Q] Help Wanted: revert SG4 to ME7

I had ME7 and rooted that, MODded some stuff, tweaked settings, disabled/froze bloatware... and everything was fine. Stable, fast enough.
Then I allowed (because I couldn't stand the constant Update Nag!!!) the MI1 update and DeLaVega Rooted that and things have been unstable since. Seemingly random apps are crashing and occasionally causing rebooting, sometimes it needs the battery pulled. The most critical app, and the one that leads to reboots the most, is Google Maps Nav - the one app I need most.
I am thinking I would like to revert to factory stock ME7, then re-root it, and maybe TWRP (and I have Titanium). There's nothing in MJ7 I need or want and I don't trust MI1 (it was out what... three weeks?)
I would do this myself but I can seem to find a ME7 Image that WIPES and unroots the phone.
It would probably help if someone would explain a bit more how the pieces work. I gather there's a bootloader, a kernal, the ROM and user data. Rooting deals with the boot cycle, the kernal is the main OS, the ROM contains OS layer above the kernal along with system apps and such. Obviously, those three have to get along. So my question is, if I used DeLaVega to root MI1, Can I just flash a non-wipe ME7 ROM? It seesm to me that the MI1 root tool would not get along with the ME7 ROM -- is that right?
BTW, I'm not a ROMmer. I get how ODIN works but I've never flashed anything (via Odin) to my phone(s) other than that MI1 root image (and WHY/WHAT is that 1.3gb?!? The ME7 exploit was a few KB)
Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for explanations, links and so on.
-- Bear
lordbear said:
I had ME7 and rooted that, MODded some stuff, tweaked settings, disabled/froze bloatware... and everything was fine. Stable, fast enough.
Then I allowed (because I couldn't stand the constant Update Nag!!!) the MI1 update and DeLaVega Rooted that and things have been unstable since. Seemingly random apps are crashing and occasionally causing rebooting, sometimes it needs the battery pulled. The most critical app, and the one that leads to reboots the most, is Google Maps Nav - the one app I need most.
I am thinking I would like to revert to factory stock ME7, then re-root it, and maybe TWRP (and I have Titanium). There's nothing in MJ7 I need or want and I don't trust MI1 (it was out what... three weeks?)
I would do this myself but I can seem to find a ME7 Image that WIPES and unroots the phone.
It would probably help if someone would explain a bit more how the pieces work. I gather there's a bootloader, a kernal, the ROM and user data. Rooting deals with the boot cycle, the kernal is the main OS, the ROM contains OS layer above the kernal along with system apps and such. Obviously, those three have to get along. So my question is, if I used DeLaVega to root MI1, Can I just flash a non-wipe ME7 ROM? It seesm to me that the MI1 root tool would not get along with the ME7 ROM -- is that right?
BTW, I'm not a ROMmer. I get how ODIN works but I've never flashed anything (via Odin) to my phone(s) other than that MI1 root image (and WHY/WHAT is that 1.3gb?!? The ME7 exploit was a few KB)
Thank you VERY MUCH in advance for explanations, links and so on.
-- Bear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
as for as i know there is no method to downgrade once you have taken an update, not even with ODIN. once you take an OTA or update it you are stuck with it, you cannot go backwords
th3bl3d said:
as for as i know there is no method to downgrade once you have taken an update, not even with ODIN. once you take an OTA or update it you are stuck with it, you cannot go backwords
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
Now the only thing I can say is backup using TI and do a FDR (factory data reset).
This should clean up your issue. You will not lose root.
After that restore your apps one at a time and by all means make sure you *DO NOT* take the MJ7 update.
You think you are stuck now????
I have MI1 and it's rock solid with no crashes.
I have all the bloat frozen or disabled.
My phone never reboots or hangs.
tech_head said:
+1.
Now the only thing I can say is backup using TI and do a FDR (factory data reset).
This should clean up your issue. You will not lose root.
After that restore your apps one at a time and by all means make sure you *DO NOT* take the MJ7 update.
You think you are stuck now????
I have MI1 and it's rock solid with no crashes.
I have all the bloat frozen or disabled.
My phone never reboots or hangs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did FDR twice. Turned off restore of Google stuff during setup wizard, turned of AutoUpdate in Store so I could control what apps loaded, too.
After first FDR it appears I still had root. I think that MAYBE something went funky because I was rooted on ME7, let MI1 come via OTA, then DeLaVega'ed that. I just don't know.
Now, I have a different phone, I am going to need to UNroot and FDR the phone I will send back. Haven't found info on UNroot for Mi1/DeLaVega yet. I've seen ROMs for ME7-nowipe and MJ7-wipe.
Thanks
Bear
lordbear said:
I did FDR twice. Turned off restore of Google stuff during setup wizard, turned of AutoUpdate in Store so I could control what apps loaded, too.
After first FDR it appears I still had root. I think that MAYBE something went funky because I was rooted on ME7, let MI1 come via OTA, then DeLaVega'ed that. I just don't know.
Now, I have a different phone, I am going to need to UNroot and FDR the phone I will send back. Haven't found info on UNroot for Mi1/DeLaVega yet. I've seen ROMs for ME7-nowipe and MJ7-wipe.
Thanks
Bear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at this thread. -> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259

[Q] Rooted, and want KitKat

I rooted my phone to prevent KitKat from installing, because I didn't want to lose access to FoxFi. I forze the SDM file so it wouldnt look for updates. Today FoxFi has fixed the problem, so I no longer fell the need to be rooted, and I would very much like a taste of that KitKat. If I understand correctly I should not unfreeze the the SDM file and take the OTA update, because it could "brick my phone". Is that the case?
Do I need to unroot first, and is there a thread without a hundred pages that explains how to unroot. I am on Build VRUEMK2.
Thoughts?
Under the settings in the Superuser app is an option to "Full Unroot" Will this really work for unrooting the device, or do i need to do the odin thing i keep reading about? Why would odin even be necessary if this is an option. It seems to easy.
You will need to return your phone to stock, root will prevent the OTA. You can try to unfreeze SDM and take the update, it won't brick your phone, it will just fail to install because root will cause it to fail.
There are threads about using Odin and no-wipe MK2 or MJ7 files to return your phone to stock without losing data. That is the best way to roll your phone back to take the update. Alternatively, you could just do a factory reset from the stock recovery, but you'll lose all your data on the phone. Otherwise, you can just update using the Odin tars that are available now, but since it seems like you don't want to do the research on how to do that, you'd probably better not try.
Paramemetic said:
There are threads about using Odin and no-wipe MK2 or MJ7 files to return your phone to stock without losing data. That is the best way to roll your phone back to take the update. Alternatively, you could just do a factory reset from the stock recovery, but you'll lose all your data on the phone. Otherwise, you can just update using the Odin tars that are available now, but since it seems like you don't want to do the research on how to do that, you'd probably better not try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks,
So you do not recommend or know about the "Full Unroot" option in the Superuser settings.
I do not mid a factory reset, as this is phone is only a month old. If it is that easy, I will probably go that route.
I am currently downloading a file called VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.zip which I understand to be a stock image of my android before i rooted that is supposed to take me back to pre-root. But if factory resetting will accomplish the same goal, then that seems like an easier way to go.
I do like the openness of being rooted, but My concern about updating with the root, is that some functions may not work like they are supposed to. I haven't been involved in rooting since the days of playing with my HTC Eris, and Droid X. Maybe things a re different today, but most roms I played with were found to have issues with thinks not functioning correctly. Do the 4.4 "tars" that you are referring to have all the functions?
I'd sit tight and see what comes from the latest tar files of NC5. Maybe nothing, but can't hurt to wait.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Rageboardr said:
Thanks,
So you do not recommend or know about the "Full Unroot" option in the Superuser settings.
I do not mid a factory reset, as this is phone is only a month old. If it is that easy, I will probably go that route.
I am currently downloading a file called VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.zip which I understand to be a stock image of my android before i rooted that is supposed to take me back to pre-root. But if factory resetting will accomplish the same goal, then that seems like an easier way to go.
I do like the openness of being rooted, but My concern about updating with the root, is that some functions may not work like they are supposed to. I haven't been involved in rooting since the days of playing with my HTC Eris, and Droid X. Maybe things a re different today, but most roms I played with were found to have issues with thinks not functioning correctly. Do the 4.4 "tars" that you are referring to have all the functions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The no wipe image you are downloading is probably not the correct version for your phone unless you are still on the MDK firmware.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
jmgib said:
The no wipe image you are downloading is probably not the correct version for your phone unless you are still on the MDK firmware.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bummer, I was wondering about that after i started looking at different image names. I started seeing the common theme, and no I am not on MDK, I am on MK2. Bummer because that file took along time to download here at work.
kude87 said:
I'd sit tight and see what comes from the latest tar files of NC5. Maybe nothing, but can't hurt to wait.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the difference between a tar file, and ROMing. Are TAR files more reliable?
I am in no real hurry, but as this is my daily phone, I need everything to work correctly, and no reason to wait if its like ROMs, and there seem to always be things that are quirky in a ROM.
Rageboardr said:
What is the difference between a tar file, and ROMing. Are TAR files more reliable?
I am in no real hurry, but as this is my daily phone, I need everything to work correctly, and no reason to wait if its like ROMs, and there seem to always be things that are quirky in a ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it is your daily and you aren't in any hurry, I strongly suggest waiting it out. Read some forums and get a better feel about rooting and romming.
A tar file is flashed through Odin, and depending which one you download, could lock your bootloader (I forget which firmware you're on). I'd personally wait for/if NC5 is rooted and proceed then.
"Romming" is a broad term used to define flashing custom roms. Predominantly, this means you have an unlocked bootloader and are flashing zip files through a custom recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using XDA Free mobile app
Rageboardr said:
I rooted my phone to prevent KitKat from installing, because I didn't want to lose access to FoxFi. I forze the SDM file so it wouldnt look for updates. Today FoxFi has fixed the problem, so I no longer fell the need to be rooted, and I would very much like a taste of that KitKat. If I understand correctly I should not unfreeze the the SDM file and take the OTA update, because it could "brick my phone". Is that the case?
Do I need to unroot first, and is there a thread without a hundred pages that explains how to unroot. I am on Build VRUEMK2.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I had the same issue. mk2, rooted, wanted to take the ota update and didn't mind losing root.
You won't brick trying to take the update it will just fail with error 402. I wrote out my steps below to guide you thru the process I used and were successful for me.
1. Unroot using SuperSU.
2. Use Kies to update/restore firmware on your PC.
3. Once rebooted search for system update.
4. Download and install the update. I did the whole process using only data no WiFi (not sure if it makes a difference but that's what I did).
5. Once your phone reboots you will be greeted by a lovely red Verizon splash screen.
Hope this helps you and others!
Sent from my Hp Touchpad Android 4.4.2 using Tapatalk Pro

I want to unroot my phone without losing data. Is this possible?

Also, since it was previously rooted, can I immediately get to installing the OTA updates/most recent At&t updates for my device? Will they even be there? If not, can anyone leave me a link and explain how to do so after I finish the unrooting process? Thank you.
Also, I just found the rom page on HTC, and I think this is correct. I'm still on 4.4.2 anyways That, or 4.2.2 Not quite sure. Is it possible for me to just download this from the website? If that's the case, then I won't unroot it. My only gripe is that I can't uninstall anything on my phone even though it's rooted. When I restart, the app still remains. This is only with stock apps, of course. Anyways, with the HTC rom, if I have to flash this or something, etc., I'd need this to be explained.
Edit: I did find a youtube video in which I can get OTA updates on my phone, but it says that I need to have a twrp custom recovery. All I really did was root my phone and I have the super su app.
You need to relock the boot loader and then select unroot in super su options. You will also need to flash stock recovery if you want to receive OTAs.
This shouldn't delete any data.
I would recommend going s-off and flashing dev edition Rom. Quicker updates and no bloatware to deal with. Worked great for me.
Before doing so, just copy your contacts and messages to ext SD card. Reinstalling your apps isn't too much of an inconvenience considering you get out from under AT&T restrictions.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 in a van down by the river.
chevyjohn01 said:
You need to relock the boot loader and then select unroot in super su options. You will also need to flash stock recovery if you want to receive OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relocking the bootloader typically wipes data and renders the phone unbootable (expect the RUU).
Also, it seems like you are suggesting the method or return to stock for OTAs. In that case, relocking the bootloader is not necessary. Relocking the bootloader is only required to RUU (not for OTA).
---------- Post added at 02:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 PM ----------
Tiffianie said:
Also, since it was previously rooted, can I immediately get to installing the OTA updates/most recent At&t updates for my device? Will they even be there? If not, can anyone leave me a link and explain how to do so after I finish the unrooting process? Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For OTA, you need stock ROM (nothing modified in system partition - but from your subsequent statement it sounds like you were never able to, anyway) and stock recovery.
From there, and also as long as you are on AT&T's network, you should be able to get OTA updates. Root is okay (does not prevent OTA updates in itself). Unlocked bootloader is also ok.
You should be able to return to stock and OTA update without losing your data. However, you should always be backing up your data (and be able to restore it accordingly), if its that important to you. Your data is never guaranteed to be safe, even with normal day to day usage (much less OTA updates or rooting) and you should backup to avoid regret.
Tiffianie said:
My only gripe is that I can't uninstall anything on my phone even though it's rooted. When I restart, the app still remains. This is only with stock apps, of course. Anyways, with the HTC rom, if I have to flash this or something, etc., I'd need this to be explained.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could have easily searched these forums for that answer. System partition (where the stock apps are stored) on this phone is write protected. Even with root, you need to install a kernel mod to disable write protection.
Tiffianie said:
Edit: I did find a youtube video in which I can get OTA updates on my phone, but it says that I need to have a twrp custom recovery. All I really did was root my phone and I have the super su app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you didn't install custom recovery, how did you root?
chevyjohn01 said:
You will also need to flash stock recovery if you want to receive OTAs.
This shouldn't delete any data.
I would recommend going s-off and flashing dev edition Rom. Quicker updates and no bloatware to deal with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I probably won't unroot if I can try to get ota updates. How can I check what recovery I have installed? I downloaded flashify and backed up the current kernel through my drop box, so I'm not sure if that did a damned thing.

Update to Lollipop or flash another rom?

I've been having some terribly sluggish issues lately. Lagging when I text, browse the web, even listen to music.
I honestly do not remember which method I used to root, but I rooted & kept the stock rom. I just deleted the bloat.
Not sure if this will help
http://i.imgur.com/L9prnWv.png
I'm at a point where the lagging is really irking me, but I'm not sure which route I should go.
Since I'm rooted, can I just go ahead with the OTA update without any issues? If so, is there a method to root on lollipop?
If not...Should I just go ahead and flash another rom?
Don't take the ota! Follow he thread about upgrading to 5.01 keeping root! Totally worth going to LP. The speed is great! Give it a shot.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
This one? http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i545oc1-5-0-1-keeproot-t3096558
yes, that one
XxD34THxX said:
yes, that one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that, and it says i'm still on 4.4.2. Very strange.
I'm still getting the pop up for the OTA
Make sure to back up any data and do a full wipe to nc5. That can make a difference. Or, Odin back to nc5, and use the Echoe ROM or the Super6 ROM, both of which are on Lollipop.
XxD34THxX said:
Make sure to back up any data and do a full wipe to nc5. That can make a difference. Or, Odin back to nc5, and use the Echoe ROM or the Super6 ROM, both of which are on Lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is all foreign language to me
Sorry.
OK, get a program called odin. It is leaked Samsung software that allows to flash stock firmware on your phone. You have to flash the stock nc5 firmware with this and THEN continue the upgrade to lollipop
Laziness and not knowing much has lead me to not doing anything about the issue until now.
The phone gets slower by the day, so it's time for a change.
I'd like to flash this rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2550770 but i'm not too sure if I can flash this via the stock recovery?
If not, how would I go about installing TWRP? I did try to search, but the page kept timing out.
DO NOT TRY TO INSTALL TWRP. YOU WILL BRICK. Thanks to Verizon, we have a locked bootloader, which means we only have Safestrap and Flashfire. SS is based off of TWRP, but is a really really really gimped version. Flashfire is an app that functions like a recovery.
You cannot install that ROM at all, because of this POS bootloader.
What you CAN DO, is install Roms such as Eclipse,Kitpop,Hyperdrive, and Stang's 5.0.1 ROM.
OR, you could do the OTA with root method.

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