I just replaced the display assembly and have my S4 back, but I haven't used it for at least a year. I'm on a rooted MK2 and would like to upgrade to Lollipop. What's the best way to get CM12 or something like it in my current state? Is it possible to use FlashFire?
If I can't, what options do I have being on MK2? I can't even apply Verizon OTA updates.
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Hey all, I'm thinking of getting a ( new) phone as I've had my vzw gnex for 2 yes now. As far as now I'm thinking of staying w vzw as I have unl. Data and honestly all the other carriers seem just as shady as vzw.
OK now on to what I was wondering. Since I plan on staying on my unl. plan I'm gonna buy a phone outright (craigslist, eBay, swappa, ect) so I don't lose my plan. Since I don't know what version of android the s4 will be running will the s4 be able to be rooted whether I get it with 4.2., 4.2.2, 4.3? I see the bootloader is not able to be unlocked so would that mean there are no custom kernels available? Since having the gnex I've been spoiled with full access to do whatever and however I want...ROMs, kernels, mods you name it. I know w the s4 I'll be limited verses the gnex but just curious on HOW limited?
Would you even advise against/for getting the s4?
Thanks in advance and at possible jumping into the s4 community...
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
The only version of the GS4 that has a bootloader exploit is the MDK version, so if you can find one of those then you'll be pretty much all set to flash whatever you want to. Any other version past that- ME7, MI1, or the latest MJ7 have locked bootloaders with no current workaround. Another thing to note is that once you upgrade there is NO way to flash back to an earlier firmware. ME7 and MI1 both have root methods, however the latest update MJ7 doesn't have a "safe" rooting option at the moment. The only version that's 4.3 is MJ7.
If you are on ME7 or MI1 you can use a special program called Safestrap to flash roms, however they have to be on a Touchwiz kernel (no AOSP roms) and you won't have full access to the storage on your device (read the Safestrap thread for more info). If you don't want to do that you can use Xposed to customize without flashing roms, although I find a lot of stuff kind of buggy, so I only use it for Greenify on mine.
I have ME7 and currently I've: rooted, disabled WiFi notification, disable e911 icon, increased the default volume, installed the International Dialer, and used Xposed for Greenify. I'm happy with how my phone runs and the battery life, but I definitely feel limited with a locked bootloader.
OK , some info to chew on. sucks. I am so spoiled w the Nex that any phone I look at can't unlock the BL and is severely crippled.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
if you can find a developer edition s4 it comes with an unlocked bootloader. other than that, try to find an mdk version, and you can use the loki exploit.
So my girlfriend has wants her S4 rooted. I have the S3 and its quite different as far as rooting goes. I am also on sprint whereas she is on verizon (although thats not such a big deal).
Anyways, what I would like to have clarified for me is this: She is currently unrooted with stock MK2. From what I have read you can only root and install compatible roms with safestrap. The main thing she wants is KitKat and possibly CM. Is there any way for her to get either of these. Also, would it be possible to revert back to stock and flash KitKat with the OTA from verizon when it is released?
Thanks for any help.
BioBot said:
So my girlfriend has wants her S4 rooted. I have the S3 and its quite different as far as rooting goes. I am also on sprint whereas she is on verizon (although thats not such a big deal).
Anyways, what I would like to have clarified for me is this: She is currently unrooted with stock MK2. From what I have read you can only root and install compatible roms with safestrap. The main thing she wants is KitKat and possibly CM. Is there any way for her to get either of these. Also, would it be possible to revert back to stock and flash KitKat with the OTA from verizon when it is released?
Thanks for any help.
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There's no way for her to get KitKat or CM or anything AOSP. Hopefully the next OTA will have an exploit, but there hasn't been a cracked bootloader since the first version of firmware on the initial releases. Realistically, never going to happen.
I am currently rooted on ME7 running 4.2.2. Is there any advantages/disadvantages to updating to a rooted kitkat? Since the bootloader is locked for both, I realize CM11 is not a possibility right now. But, should I just sit where I am right now or are there major improvements that I am missing out on.
My battered S4 is on its last legs, so I'll probably replace it with an S5. TMo lists it as coming with 4.4.2, but has an update to 5.0 available. So two questions: have you guys found any real advantages to using Lollipop? And if I gave it a go & liked KK better, can I revert back? Thanks!
I am sticking with KK for only 1 reason is that i am using "Safe Areas" app that its only work KK or 5.1 since 5.0 has a bug that it cant work well with it.
To revert from Lollipop to KK if i dislike it, yup gotta to have custom recovery/rooted and i dont update bootloader to OB1 (lollipop of an official firmware) its still on KK. I think when ya update bootloader to OB1 become to non-revert to KK.
Thank you, sir. It's good to know I can try both without having to commit to either one, at least initially.
I need a bit of help with this one.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on Verizon, Android 4.4.2 Build VRUFNK4 (I believe this is an intermediate build between the stock VRUFNK1 and Lollipop).
What I'd like to do is root, backup the current build and then revert back if possible to VRUFNK1.
I'm new to rooting a phone so I could use a bit of help and links. I've read many of the posts and tips, but most specifically don't mention my build, which makes me a bit nervous.
Will towelroot work with this ?
Should I use TWRP or Titanium for backup ?
And.........can I find and revert back to the official build VRUFNK1 (4.4.2)
I simply want to get out of this strange build, remove bloatware........ and have some control over not being pestered over OTA updates from Verizon/Samsung.
Possibly, in the future, I'll play around with some custom ROM's.
Any help and opinions would be appreciated.
For what it's worth...................
After digging around on the net for a few days, I found the following. Now, I can't be sure if this works, so consider the implications. If someone else here on XDA can verify it then it might work.
If you have a Verizon Galaxy S4 with the 4.4.2 build of VRUFNK4 this was part one of two updates to Lollipop. Many people like me had been deferring the update and then somehow pushed the wrong button and "wham" got stuck with VRUFNK4., but they were able to stop further installation to Lollipop.
So for people stuck on VRUFNK4 it's pretty much the same as the previous VRUFNK1 except mine seems to eat battery power. AND, from what I know VRUFNK4 is not directly rootable( list below).
i545vrugOC1 5.0.1 Lollipop
i545vrufnk4 4.4.2 (intermediate update to prepare for Lollipop, part one)
i545vrufnk1 4.4.2 Kitkat
i545vrufng6 4.4.2 Kitkat
i545vrufnc5 4.4.2 Kitkat
So, you basically have three choices:
-- Leave it on VRUFNK4 (which is part one of a two part update to Lollipop) and live with the issues.
-- Allow the update all the way to Lollipop and live with Lollipop (and possibly root there)
-- Use the following procedure (yet to be confirmed by someone here at XDA and hopefully help with details)
1. Use Odin 3.09 to flash back to VRUFNC5 (KitKat 4.4.2)
2. If the flash is successful, root with TowelRoot
3. Once rooted on NC5 you should be able to flash whatever build you want, backup and recovery using
Titanium Backup, etc.
Anyone that wants to chime in here, it would be appreciated.
Just thinking.........
Could someone with experience in flashing explain to me why a person can't flash directly to a certain build, in this case,
Android 4.4.2 VRUFNK1 from a newer one (reverting to an earlier build) ??
from what i understand, you should be able to flash anything from NC5 and above via odin with NK4. the Bootloader was changed in lollipop builds OC1 and OF1 so that you can no longer downgrade to older builds from those.
Thanks bangdosa for the info. You seem to be familiar with all this stuff.
So, just to clarify, would it be true that if you're on NK4, you could flash using Odin to NC5 ? And hopefully root.
bangdosa said:
from what i understand, you should be able to flash anything from NC5 and above via odin with NK4. the Bootloader was changed in lollipop builds OC1 and OF1 so that you can no longer downgrade to older builds from those.
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