Hey. After spending hours trying to discover a working method to root my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4, I've succeeded. Now, I want to try to install some sort of bootloader like TWRP or something so I can install a custom ROM. What do I install and HOW do I install a bootloader? I'm confused. I also want to install the the latest CyanogenMod for it. I think I can do that on my own after getting a bootloader installed on my phone, but what file am I supposed to be installing is the question. Thank you for any and all help. This is my first smartphone, so I'm trying to figure this out.
GogoplataMMA said:
Hey. After spending hours trying to discover a working method to root my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4, I've succeeded. Now, I want to try to install some sort of bootloader like TWRP or something so I can install a custom ROM. What do I install and HOW do I install a bootloader? I'm confused. I also want to install the the latest CyanogenMod for it. I think I can do that on my own after getting a bootloader installed on my phone, but what file am I supposed to be installing is the question. Thank you for any and all help. This is my first smartphone, so I'm trying to figure this out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now the bootloader is still locked down for the Verizon (unless your phone is on the MDK bootloader). So unfortunately you won't be able to do more than root the phone. You can use Safestrap to use some ROMs, but I don't think CM exists for the Verizon S4.
toaster22 said:
Right now the bootloader is still locked down for the Verizon (unless your phone is on the MDK bootloader). So unfortunately you won't be able to do more than root the phone. You can use Safestrap to use some ROMs, but I don't think CM exists for the Verizon S4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, that's a shame. I was looking forward to this part. I wondered why I only found outdated information or a lack of information. I don't even know what a good ROM would be for this phone if there's no Cyanogen for it. Well I appreciate your reply very much. Thank you.
GogoplataMMA said:
Oh, that's a shame. I was looking forward to this part. I wondered why I only found outdated information or a lack of information. I don't even know what a good ROM would be for this phone if there's no Cyanogen for it. Well I appreciate your reply very much. Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a Cyanogen build for the Verizon GS4 but as mentioned, only for folks with the MDK bootloader. Only TouchWiz based roms can be used with SafeStrap - no AOSP based roms (yet).
To see what bootlader you are on, just go to ABOUT PHONE under settings.
Related
Dear XDA Developers Comunity,
First of all, I really appreciate the hard work to keep us satisfied with the updates and improvements in technological systems.
Yesterday, I made my first Root on my phone ( Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 ).... unfortunately brings with the latest version and has the VRUMI1 basis, I have understood that the Bootloader is locked, however, if anyone has had the honor of installing any Recovery to a phone with the same version as mine, I would appreciate very much if you indicate me how to do it.
What have I done so far?
Rooted my phone
I rooted my phone very easy following the steps of ..... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2487142 (Thanks beanstown106 for this)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then I´ve been looking for a recovery like CWM or TWRP but No luck.
.............I have tried several processes,
********* I tried via ROM Manager (CWM Recovery does not work The me .... says it installed, but it always works the recovery system default.)
********* I tried via GooManager (But the download never starts, I do not understand how bad could it be their the download servers).
********* I tried via Loki_Flash but I indicates this message "Loki about version does not match device" till after I understood that this way of flashing devices is to the MDK basis only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never get tired to find a solution, I hope to find soon .... I appreciate your help.
Ruslanguns!!
ruslanguns said:
Dear XDA Developers Comunity,
First of all, I really appreciate the hard work to keep us satisfied with the updates and improvements in technological systems.
Yesterday, I made my first Root on my phone ( Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 ).... unfortunately brings with the latest version and has the VRUMI1 basis, I have understood that the Bootloader is locked, however, if anyone has had the honor of installing any Recovery to a phone with the same version as mine, I would appreciate very much if you indicate me how to do it.
What have I done so far?
Rooted my phone
Then I´ve been looking for a recovery like CWM or TWRP but No luck.
.............I have tried several processes,
I never get tired to find a solution, I hope to find soon .... I appreciate your help.
Ruslanguns!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh lordy, please read and search the threads, you already managed to read enough to get as far as you did. You can install Safe Strap, although it is a bit buggy on MI1 from what I have read. No custom recovery option. Just root and debloat and be happy, that is the best route for now. See if 4.4 can bring some new exploits. I was rooted on MI1, I just followed the thread to upgrade to MJ7 and stay rooted. I am not dealing with safe strap, just seems like too much work for a phone that already works great.
Thanks for reply
fillyo said:
Oh lordy, please read and search the threads, you already managed to read enough to get as far as you did. You can install Safe Strap, although it is a bit buggy on MI1 from what I have read. No custom recovery option. Just root and debloat and be happy, that is the best route for now. See if 4.4 can bring some new exploits. I was rooted on MI1, I just followed the thread to upgrade to MJ7 and stay rooted. I am not dealing with safe strap, just seems like too much work for a phone that already works great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really appreciate your prompt response. As you see, I am a new user to this kind of things. But still I seek the opportunity to find the best sources to make these changes on my phone and be lucky with testing ROMs and the best Deployed Apps .... Yes I have read that so far no method for Recovery, but you never know if someone has made work and willing to show how.
I have read about Safestrip, but I see there are errors with the Bootloader, do you think this could work for me?.
BTW Can you please give me more information about "debloat"? Thank you very much my friend.
ruslanguns said:
Yes I have read that so far no method for Recovery, but you never know if someone has made work and willing to show how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, actually you do know, because anyone that has made it work will post to XDA that they did it.
Relax. The S4 is a nice phone as it is, enjoy it for now. Pay attention here at your leisure for any new developments if you must.
There's still a huge bounty if someone gets a bootloader unlock. I doubt if somebody figured it out they would turn down a huge chunk of money and not tell anyone about it.
Don't worry, if someone unlocks the bootloader it will be all over XDA.
Sent from the 215
Hey i got a quick question for everyone,
Do you think the CyanogenMod installer will work with the rooted but locked bootloader of the GS4
Answer yes or no and a reason behind your answer
I don't think it would work, I haven't tired it myself but I would think the Cyangenmod Installer would still have to change the bootloader, unless it has some built in work-around. I would suggest just installing a recovery instead of using the installer, also CWM or TWRP allow you to make backups of your stock rom. You would still have to unlock the boot loader though.
GalaxySubie said:
Hey i got a quick question for everyone,
Do you think the CyanogenMod installer will work with the rooted but locked bootloader of the GS4
Answer yes or no and a reason behind your answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. It's for Nexus devices first off and you can not flash a ROM on a locked bootloader without an exploit.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
joshm.1219 said:
No. It's for Nexus devices first off and you can not flash a ROM on a locked bootloader without an exploit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just picking peoples brains i have a GS4 on MJ7 Rooted and a Galaxy Nexus with TWRP running CM 11 4.4.2 nightly im just dying here waiting for the GS4 to be unlocked but it doesnt look like anytime soon
What provider are you using?? My vzw s4 had the Unlocked Icon on it when it first turned on, I think it was just a workaround but I had a custom recovery and rom on it.
timjp692 said:
What provider are you using?? My vzw s4 had the Unlocked Icon on it when it first turned on, I think it was just a workaround but I had a custom recovery and rom on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do too, i am also on VZW but that is not the bootloader that is just saying you have Root Permissions
Have you tried to install a custom recovery yet, I think once your rooted, you can install the recovery.
Yes I have I used Goo Manager to try to install TWRP and it will brick your device but only soft brick so you can use Kies to do emergency firmware restore and it will start right back up.
Oh yeah your right, my bad. I originally rooted my S4 in June so it wasn't the MJ7.
im just waiting paciently for a bootloader unlock and since im not part of the progress i cant complain like most people where i was part of the jailbreaking community im now just getting into android.
Not sure if you saw this thread, but it seems to be updated frequently. Looks like it may be a least an alternative to the stock rom.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441&highlight=mj7&page=122
Ok, a little info on me. I have had an iPhone since 2007. I decided to buy a used G S4 to see if I would like it. So far I like it a lot but need help getting it just right.
I am trying to install custom roms on my device. I want to try CM.10 first. So far I have achieved root aaccess, and installed gooManager.
The problem is that when I install a custom recovery script so I can have a custom recovery the phone locks up. What could I be doing wrong? I am sure this has been covered a hundred times but there is so much info on here its overwhelming to someone new to android. Thanks to everyone for the great work and contributions s already made.
Try odin to flash!
iPhone*convert said:
Ok, a little info on me. I have had an iPhone since 2007. I decided to buy a used G S4 to see if I would like it. So far I like it a lot but need help getting it just right.
I am trying to install custom roms on my device. I want to try CM.10 first. So far I have achieved root aaccess, and installed gooManager.
The problem is that when I install a custom recovery script so I can have a custom recovery the phone locks up. What could I be doing wrong? I am sure this has been covered a hundred times but there is so much info on here its overwhelming to someone new to android. Thanks to everyone for the great work and contributions s already made.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when i installed my custom recovery i used cwm recovery (my preference) and used odin to flash it. its not as easy but its more reliable to me just look up a tutorial on how to flash custom recovery on odin. There are many vids on youtube
mylifeandroid said:
when i installed my custom recovery i used cwm recovery (my preference) and used odin to flash it. its not as easy but its more reliable to me just look up a tutorial on how to flash custom recovery on odin. There are many vids on youtube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I watched all of the videos. Do I have a locked boot loader? Does that keep me from installing open recovery script? If so do I need a device with an older baseband in order to root, install custom recovery, and run custom roms?
I have a SCH-I545 running 4.3 with an mk2 baseband.
Yes, your bootloader is locked and currently there is no way to unlock it. Safestrap is your only option for ROMs now. Start with reading the OP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2441441
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where your phone says mk2 the other will say mdk. . As far as finding one people sell them on ebay
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check out www.swappa.com
People have em up for sale, just look for the last three letters of the build (or baseband I suppose) to be MDK. Anything newer than that is locked down.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
iPhone*convert said:
How do I find an older gs4 with an unlocked bootloader? How will I know when I find one? What baseband version should I be looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Information is easily available in these forums concerning bootloaders and rooting and recoveries....with you phone your only option is safestrap and just one or 2 roms are available..
look before you jump
Nobody posts the build number in their adds on ebay or that swappers site. I'm messaging them all individually haha. Lmfao why didn't I read about this more before buying this boot locked pos lol.
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
iPhone*convert said:
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be honest this is the first phone that i have ever been satisfied with rooted debloated stock but I am very greatful my flashing itch is able to be somewhat scratched with safestrap. The above builds aren't worthless but I guess that all depends on your point of view and what your wanting to do with your device.
iPhone*convert said:
Me7 and mj7 are worthless right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
don't understand the statement?
the stock roms run extremely well and with root you can debloat pretty easily. S4 phone is a superior device to most anything else out there at this moment whether you mod it or not
Hey your in luck there is a guy selling his mdk s4 for 330 on the general thread.
Hello,
I have a Galaxy S4 Developers Edition (SCH-I545, running Android 4.2.2), Baseband version YUAMDK. I would like to install Kitkat on it. The problem is that I cant seem to find clear instrcutions on what I need to do to install a different ROM on it. Can some one please help. Also as a side question, where can I find the stock samsung kitkat ROM for our phone.
Thank you
Amir
silver7x said:
Hello,
I have a Galaxy S4 Developers Edition (SCH-I545, running Android 4.2.2), Baseband version YUAMDK. I would like to install Kitkat on it. The problem is that I cant seem to find clear instrcutions on what I need to do to install a different ROM on it. Can some one please help. Also as a side question, where can I find the stock samsung kitkat ROM for our phone.
Thank you
Amir
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KitKat hasn't been released on Verizon yet.
riker147 said:
KitKat hasn't been released on Verizon yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, is the process for being able to to load another ROM... all the ones I have seen are not for the Developers edition.
Thanks again.
silver7x said:
Thank you, is the process for being able to to load another ROM... all the ones I have seen are not for the Developers edition.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a Developer Edition S4, you can flash just about any ROM you want on it...it has an unlocked bootloader. Not sure what recovery you have, but you'll need a custom recovery like TWRP (I recommend 2.5.0.2) or PhilZ. Either one of those can be found in this forum. The one thing you don't want to do is take an Over The Air Update from Verizon...or anywhere else for that matter. Your in good shape for flashing just about anything as long as you don't change/replace your bootloader. I haven't seen any ROMs on this forum that touches the bootloader. There are a number of good ROMs available. Just follow the Developer's installation instructions. If you're looking for a really good TW ROM I recommend trying Eclipse 3.0.
silver7x said:
Hello,
I have a Galaxy S4 Developers Edition (SCH-I545, running Android 4.2.2), Baseband version YUAMDK. I would like to install Kitkat on it. The problem is that I cant seem to find clear instrcutions on what I need to do to install a different ROM on it. Can some one please help. Also as a side question, where can I find the stock samsung kitkat ROM for our phone.
Thank you
Amir
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a good thread for you to read. It probably answers a lot of your questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578569
Just keep in mind there is no factory image for the dev edition Gs4, (each developer edition device supposedly has a slightly different aboot) this is why no ota updates from big red.
I dont know how to do it but get some advice on how to back up your factory firmware before going to far. If this is even possible without a custom recovery????
Don't make the mistake I made and get a soft brick and have to flash a consumer version of mdk. My bootloader is now locked but at least I am still mdk with custom recovery and flashing capability.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
vaindil said:
I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
vaindil said:
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Surge1223 said:
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
Sent from my my Lollipopped S4
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install hyperdrive rom
its not lolipop but its worlds better then stock ...
also there is a chance of getting the 5.01 GPE edition rom running when Samsung releases the lolipop update for the vz s4
that would at least give us a working lolipop kernel to use with the gpe rombase
and hey you never know there could be a exploite in the lolipop rom/kernel that lets us get kexec working
Basically safestrap loads after the kernel but early enough to replace point to a different root for the system. So we can load what ever system we want... But are stuck with the kernel the phone booted. If the system is based on the stock kernel this is fine... But when it starts making calls to custom kernel stuff you will have trouble.
So Cyanogenmod only provides the GUI? I've installed CM on two B&N tablets and I've been asked to root a new Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4. I've assumed that, because it's new, it will have I545VRUFNK1 4.4.2. I rooted my VSG s3 years ago to 4.3 and there was no going back on that one. It looks like it's the same with VSG s4. So, if CM provides only the GUI, then a rooted VSG s4 can still access Google Apps? What is the concern with with TW based ROMs? Is it the recovery/backup feature or only being stuck with the VSG s4 GUI?
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
ryant35 said:
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha yeah, that could maybe potentially probably be the issue. Just maybe.
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Lockett said:
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, in order to get CM, you'll need to be on MDK. Samsung prevents downgrading.
btw. the baseband version doesn't matter much. Its the bootloader version that is the toughie.
Boo! I just picked up my S4 yesterday after a 5 month run of using Windows Phone so I'm trying to figure this phone out. I'm on NK1 and trying to figure out how to root now.
vaindil where did you find a VRUFNK1 compatible version of Safestrip?