[Q] Cyanogenmod 12 and Superbrick - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello everyone,
I have recently purchased this phone from my (much) younger brother, who is requires it for school next year. I got it for only £25 used, which was a bargain in my opinion.
My plans are to upgrade it directly to Cyanogenmod 12.1 Lollipop, as I use the same ROM on my other two devices (Nexus 7 2k13, Moto G)
However, I have just found out about the "superbrick" bug which affects our devices. I ran Chainfires app, and it said that my emmc chip and firmware were known to cause issues. The phone is currently still on android version 4.0.3 (ics), so am I right in saying that the superbrick bug is present on this phone currently?
Therefore, what is the best way that I can safely upgrade the phone to Cyanogenmod 12.1, without experiencing this bug? In addition, does CM 12 have the "fix" for superbrick, so that it will not happen again in the future?
Finally, I have read a bit about system partitioning. I would quite like to not have to do this, so can I just Flash CM 12 with the MINI GApps, and not run into any issues?
Thanks a lot for the support, and I look forward to receiving and answer

xN1ghtShadoWx said:
Hello everyone,
I have recently purchased this phone from my (much) younger brother, who is requires it for school next year. I got it for only £25 used, which was a bargain in my opinion.
My plans are to upgrade it directly to Cyanogenmod 12.1 Lollipop, as I use the same ROM on my other two devices (Nexus 7 2k13, Moto G)
However, I have just found out about the "superbrick" bug which affects our devices. I ran Chainfires app, and it said that my emmc chip and firmware were known to cause issues. The phone is currently still on android version 4.0.3 (ics), so am I right in saying that the superbrick bug is present on this phone currently?
Therefore, what is the best way that I can safely upgrade the phone to Cyanogenmod 12.1, without experiencing this bug? In addition, does CM 12 have the "fix" for superbrick, so that it will not happen again in the future?
Finally, I have read a bit about system partitioning. I would quite like to not have to do this, so can I just Flash CM 12 with the MINI GApps, and not run into any issues?
Thanks a lot for the support, and I look forward to receiving and answer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing I would do is upgrade to jellybean stock. The kernel you have(4.0.3) is vulnerable to the superbrick bug, and rooting the phone from 4.1.2 is easier/safer. Once you do this, you almost never need to worry about this bug again, as the newer kernels are safe. From there use philz kernel to root the phone. Just follow the steps in that thread and match the kernel to the rom. Have a good read, but particularly the 2nd and 3rd posts. Then you need a "kitkat compatible" recovery to flash cm12. You can use the newer philz recovery from HERE. Just flash it then reboot straight back to recovery. Then flash cm12 and gapps etc as normal

Bootloader
Hi, I have recovery installed fine, but inside the CM 12 rom zip, I see a boot.img. If I brick my phone whilst installing the rom, can I still unbrick with the offical 4.1.2 firmware via odin?
Thanks!

xN1ghtShadoWx said:
Hi, I have recovery installed fine, but inside the CM 12 rom zip, I see a boot.img. If I brick my phone whilst installing the rom, can I still unbrick with the offical 4.1.2 firmware via odin?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about that. That is just the kernel(not bootloader if thats what you thought). Yes it is fine to flash stock firmware if you need.

Related

[Q] cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 & cyanogenmod 7.2

Hello to xda-forum's community!
I've bought new unbranded SE Xperia Mini Pro and it's my first Android device. I'm new to this forum and Android phones, but I'm aware of possibilities custom mods provides. I want to change stock Android to cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 from official cyangoenmod site. But before I'll try all this I have couple questions for you:
1) Should I update my phone's official firmware before unlocking bootloader and flashing cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2?
2) Is there any option to make a full copy of my official Android before trying to flsh new one? I heard about NANDroid backup available in bootloader, but will it restore Sony Ericsson's Android if anything will go wrong?
3)What is the difference between mods and kernels? I assume I will flash new rom (cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2), but what will be the kernel?
4) How can I prevent bootloop problem during flashing cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2? From what I've read, it's a pretty big problem and nobody presented a full solution, in fact there wasn't any help at all. I searched a bit on other Sony Ericsson Xperia's forums, and this problem is not exclusive for Xperia Mini Pro, but appears in i.e. Xperia Neo, Xperia Mini etc. People claim that removing AntHalService.apk from zip archive (update-cm-7.1.0.2-XperiaMiniPro-SK17i-signed.zip/system/app) made flashing new stable cyanogenmod possible. But I don't know what to tkink about removing one of system apps. I have no idea what is it doing and if it's safe. What do you think?
4) Is everything working in this cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 release?
5) What's the difference between cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 from official site and the cyanogenmod 7.2 made by freexperia team? It's completely new cyanogen or maybe they're upgrading version 7.1.0.2? Or maybe they're making their own version of cyanogenmod and that's why it's still in development and some things arent fully working now?
I really hope someone will help me. Have a nice day
1) Yes you should update to the latest firmware .62 because the latest FXP106 requires the latest baseband to work properly.
2) Yes, once you have access to CWM, you can backup your rom.
3) I don't understand what you mean by "mod", you mean like a visual mod, like a .zip file you flash in CWM? A kernel is "a bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level". People flash kernel for extra function, like CWM, Root, and Overclocking.
4) I never had any bootloop with custom ROMs, you just need to follow the instructions step by step and everything should work perfect.
4bis) Yes the phone is very functional with Cyanogenmod. Screen, 3G, Camera everything seems to works good, at least for me.
5) Freexperia Team makes both versions to my knowledge. 7.2 is an RC version, it has the latest fixes, changes.
Hope I answered your questions. If I were you, since you are new to Android phones, I would not try to switch to Cyanogenmod for the moment. Get used to your phone before doing anything serious (Cyanogenmod requires an unlocked bootloader, meaning you lose your warranty). Read information, threads, on your phone and Android to learn how things work.
I think I'll take your advice and won't try serious things right now. But I have couple more questions, it will be great if you'll answer
1) I see FXP106 requires the latest firmware, but there are some things not working properly in this version (i.e. radio), propobably because it's a RC. So are there things not working in latest stable cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 from wiki.cyanogenmod.com/wiki/Sony_Ericsson_Xperia_Mini_Pro:_Full_Update_Guide? I prefer older release where everything is running than new but buggy.
2) Should I update my firmware to the newest one in order to install cyanogenmod from the above link? I still hesitate to do this because there is no way (at least for now) to root latest baseband .64 and rooting seems to be less complicated operation than flashing new rom.
3) In my previous post I asked about the difference between rom and kernel.
4) There's something I don't understand in the guide I linked. At first I'm unlocking the bootloader. Can I make a full backup of my firmware just after this point? Or should I update the kernel (via step with boot.img) and then make a backup?
5) Is it possible to boot firmware after step with updating the kernel? I mean, can I boot the phone after this step?
6) If I follow the above guide, at which point am I rooting the phone?
I'll try my best to answer your questions.
1) Honestly I didn't try Cyanogenmod much time but the latest FXP ROMs worked great for me, no major bugs and pretty stable! I would prefer the latest release if I were you.
2) Anyways if you want Cyanogenmod, you NEED an unlocked bootloader. That will make the ROOT process easy. First you ROOT your device to get access to recovery with a new kernel then you will flash the ROM. And yes you should upgrade to the latest version for Cyanogenmod.
3) ROM = it's the complete system, think of it like installing the OS on your computer. KERNEL = the drivers that allow software and hardware to interact.
4) Once you unlock you bootloader, you will be able to flash a custom kernel that will give you access to recovery (CWM) and there you will be able to perform a backup.
5) Once you flash a new kernel, it depends. If it's a kernel for stock ROM yes you can boot right away. But Cyanogenmod used a different kernel.
6) If you follow the guide, you are rooting your phone at the moment you flash a kernel that gives you root access.
polik1 said:
Hello to xda-forum's community!
I've bought new unbranded SE Xperia Mini Pro and it's my first Android device. I'm new to this forum and Android phones, but I'm aware of possibilities custom mods provides. I want to change stock Android to cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 from official cyangoenmod site. But before I'll try all this I have couple questions for you:
1) Should I update my phone's official firmware before unlocking bootloader and flashing cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2?
2) Is there any option to make a full copy of my official Android before trying to flsh new one? I heard about NANDroid backup available in bootloader, but will it restore Sony Ericsson's Android if anything will go wrong?
3)What is the difference between mods and kernels? I assume I will flash new rom (cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2), but what will be the kernel?
4) How can I prevent bootloop problem during flashing cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2? From what I've read, it's a pretty big problem and nobody presented a full solution, in fact there wasn't any help at all. I searched a bit on other Sony Ericsson Xperia's forums, and this problem is not exclusive for Xperia Mini Pro, but appears in i.e. Xperia Neo, Xperia Mini etc. People claim that removing AntHalService.apk from zip archive (update-cm-7.1.0.2-XperiaMiniPro-SK17i-signed.zip/system/app) made flashing new stable cyanogenmod possible. But I don't know what to tkink about removing one of system apps. I have no idea what is it doing and if it's safe. What do you think?
4) Is everything working in this cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 release?
5) What's the difference between cyanogenmod 7.1.0.2 from official site and the cyanogenmod 7.2 made by freexperia team? It's completely new cyanogen or maybe they're upgrading version 7.1.0.2? Or maybe they're making their own version of cyanogenmod and that's why it's still in development and some things arent fully working now?
I really hope someone will help me. Have a nice day
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope you enjoy your Xperia Mini Pro! I'm loving mine
1)Yes, you should update your phone to the lastest firmware. It worked for me when I did it
2)Yes there is, after you unlocked the bootloader and flashed a kernel on, in the ClockWorkRecovery Mod, there is a "backup or restore" option to backup the Xperia Mini Pro stock ROM
3)ROMs is the UI your phone will be using for example HTC Sense is HTC Sense UI and Kernel is the driver for yours phone software and hardware to interact and process
4)I tried to flash CyanogenMod 7.1.0.2 and I got stuck on the bootloading screen, I did many methods and such and I couldn't stop the looping. Plus the Official CyanogenMod team has given a statement or a bug fix to fix it. Though CyanogenMod 7.1.0.1 works but has many bugs to fix out, the biggest one is that Vibration doesn't work.
5)The FreeXperia teams works more on the Mini phones then the Official CyanogenMod team because the CyanogenMod team, usually ports the ROM from another phone and then does all the bugs fixes. While the FreeXperia Team, works fully with the Mini and Mini Pro phones, building a ROM around the phone instead of a port. (Thats what I heard, not fully sure)
If your new to the Android community, do not root or flash a ROM without getting to know how it all works. Plus it will void your warranty. Hope all this helps

[Q] New-Be up-grading from 4.04 to ?

Please excuse my lack of knowledge. I would like to know if I can up grade my 10.1 tab GT-7510 running 4.04 to a higher Androind operating system.
ricmck said:
Please excuse my lack of knowledge. I would like to know if I can up grade my 10.1 tab GT-7510 running 4.04 to a higher Androind operating system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure you can! ☺
You can run almost any version you want. I'm running kitkat 4.4.4 (the very latest version) on it now.
But you'll have to root it first and perhaps change the bootloader (I did) and install a custom recovery. After all this you can flash almost any ROM you want.
Have fun and Always make a backup!
Sent from my GT-P7510 running KK 4.4.4 nameless
OK Great, can you point me to where to get the instructions to do the rooting, change the bootloader, install the custom recovery and then the 4.44 upgrade?
I am asking about the rooting because I have see many different suggestions. It there a thread that describes each one of these processes?
Thanks
Rick McK
Olivier V said:
Sure you can! ☺
You can run almost any version you want. I'm running kitkat 4.4.4 (the very latest version) on it now.
But you'll have to root it first and perhaps change the bootloader (I did) and install a custom recovery. After all this you can flash almost any ROM you want.
Have fun and Always make a backup!
Sent from my GT-P7510 running KK 4.4.4 nameless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ricmck said:
OK Great, can you point me to where to get the instructions to do the rooting, change the bootloader, install the custom recovery and then the 4.44 upgrade?
I am asking about the rooting because I have see many different suggestions. It there a thread that describes each one of these processes?
Thanks
Rick McK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2029664
Guide for rooting GT-P7510 with Stock 4.0.4 ROM
This is the classic way with all the steps explained.
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013
Getting your tablet 'upgraded'
ricmck said:
OK Great, can you point me to where to get the instructions to do the rooting, change the bootloader, install the custom recovery and then the 4.44 upgrade?
I am asking about the rooting because I have see many different suggestions. It there a thread that describes each one of these processes?
Thanks
Rick McK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is ever so simple to upgrade your tablet to CM10.1, look at http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_p4wifi (I assume it is a P7510 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi version) to get the quick and easy method of getting Android 4.2.2 on your tablet from a very stable and reliable Custom ROM, superuser and more built-in by default. If ever it does not work for you, then you can always revert to Stock 4.0.4 from Samsung (see sammobile.com for downloads of stock recovery images. You will need to register for free to be able to download).
Hope this is the quick and easy way for you. If you want to go to KitKat 4.4.4, then the nameless (official nightly build) ROM at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2716016 is where you want to start out. Please keep in mind that this release may still have some issues for the Tab, as it still is under development.
Your choice. But no need to root beforehand if you want to load a custom ROM, you only need a recovery manager (either CWM or TWRP, all to personal taste) loaded to continue. Mostly, just to make sure, do the bootloader-thing beforehand as the default Samsung bootloader hates both CMW and TWRP recovery mode, and you could end up with the infamous rolling screen problem.
My suggestion is to start with CM10.1 as that is almost a walk in the park, and the steps are both easy to follow and [almost] never fail.
Hope this makes it a bit clearer. Best of luck in your endeavours to get the stock bloatware off your tablet...
THANK YOU for the complete instructions. this is GREAT. I have several final questions before I try it.
My Tab has Kernal# 3.1.10 [email protected] - 116#2 SMPT PREEMPT Tues Aug 7 19:16:14 KST 2012
Is this process still OK and valid?
I want to be sure I fully understand the process:
1: I install a new bootLoader. WHERE is the code-file, and what is the process?
2: Do the Odlin3 method- Windows (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_p4wifi)
3: I perform the next step: "Installing CyanogenMod from recovery"
4: where do I find the "required Google Apps" as noted in the above "step three".
5: HOW to find and install 4.2.2, or what ever is the most stable OS for this Tab.
Is this process correct? If no please clarify
Sorry for all the "dumb" basic questions. ;(
Thanks
Rick McK
Just_Another_N00b said:
It is ever so simple to upgrade your tablet to CM10.1, look at http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_p4wifi (I assume it is a P7510 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 WiFi version) to get the quick and easy method of getting Android 4.2.2 on your tablet from a very stable and reliable Custom ROM, superuser and more built-in by default. If ever it does not work for you, then you can always revert to Stock 4.0.4 from Samsung (see sammobile.com for downloads of stock recovery images. You will need to register for free to be able to download).
Hope this is the quick and easy way for you. If you want to go to KitKat 4.4.4, then the nameless (official nightly build) ROM at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2716016 is where you want to start out. Please keep in mind that this release may still have some issues for the Tab, as it still is under development.
Your choice. But no need to root beforehand if you want to load a custom ROM, you only need a recovery manager (either CWM or TWRP, all to personal taste) loaded to continue. Mostly, just to make sure, do the bootloader-thing beforehand as the default Samsung bootloader hates both CMW and TWRP recovery mode, and you could end up with the infamous rolling screen problem.
My suggestion is to start with CM10.1 as that is almost a walk in the park, and the steps are both easy to follow and [almost] never fail.
Hope this makes it a bit clearer. Best of luck in your endeavours to get the stock bloatware off your tablet...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ricmck said:
THANK YOU for the complete instructions. this is GREAT. I have several final questions before I try it.
My Tab has Kernal# 3.1.10 [email protected] - 116#2 SMPT PREEMPT Tues Aug 7 19:16:14 KST 2012
Is this process still OK and valid?
I want to be sure I fully understand the process:
1: I install a new bootLoader. WHERE is the code-file, and what is the process?
2: Do the Odlin3 method- Windows (http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_p4wifi)
3: I perform the next step: "Installing CyanogenMod from recovery"
4: where do I find the "required Google Apps" as noted in the above "step three".
5: HOW to find and install 4.2.2, or what ever is the most stable OS for this Tab.
Is this process correct? If no please clarify
Sorry for all the "dumb" basic questions. ;(
Thanks
Rick McK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The process is defined for the p4wifi (i.e. P7510 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the original Samsung WiFi only, not 3G).
If you have a tab2/tab3/note etc, then you need to navigate a bit there to find your machine. But most of the process is the same, just other binaries/ROM.
The bootloader download is mentioned in the Odin3 method (windows only) of this documentation, within step 1: download pershoots recovery package. Steps 2 to 8 there explain exactly how to start up odin, get your tablet into download mode and transfer the bootloader. Step 10 explains that your have to follow the same steps 2 to 8 to get the recovery tool installed on your tablet.
For the p4wifi the CM10.1 stable roms can be found at: http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=p4wifi
The applicable google apps can be downloaded from http://goo.im/gapps , where you have to load the one, related to the flavour. In your case the CM10.1, one (3rd line at this moment) of 20130812.
PLEASE NOTE: If your tablet is not the P7510 (Wifi), but, for example the P7500 (3G), then you might need a different bootloader, recovery mod and CM10.1
CM10.1 is 4.2.2, and has root built-in by default. This 4.2.2 also allows you to create more 'users' on the tablet, do all kinds of nice things, and can be finetuned to improve performance (like overclocking). All built-in by default.
Happy Hunting!
Hey, and don't apologise for asking dumb questions, we all started out asking questions, and this forum is really there to get people started on the path of getting the most out of their tablets. Keep on asking, and there is always somebody out there to help you out if you get stuck.
One advise: get the exact model-number of your tablet (build) and register at sammobile to get a plain stock recovery image, so you can always get back to the default setup, and not lose hope when your tablet gets 'bricked'. We have more than enough expensive doorstoppers in the world to need to add one more. Sammobile gives you the recovery image, base on model and country. These stock recovery images are about 450 MB, and can be restored easily with your big friend Odin (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2142268).
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for clarifying my questions and process. In my prior life I was a process engineer (semiconductors, and hydrogen fuel cells). Thus I like clear instructions. I also see now some of the challenges the web and forums like this one present, because links go dead, and new process and data are constantly being created. Thus the "process" is always in flux.
I think I can now go and try this.
Thanks
Rick McK
Just_Another_N00b said:
The process is defined for the p4wifi (i.e. P7510 Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, the original Samsung WiFi only, not 3G).
If you have a tab2/tab3/note etc, then you need to navigate a bit there to find your machine. But most of the process is the same, just other binaries/ROM.
The bootloader download is mentioned in the Odin3 method (windows only) of this documentation, within step 1: download pershoots recovery package. Steps 2 to 8 there explain exactly how to start up odin, get your tablet into download mode and transfer the bootloader. Step 10 explains that your have to follow the same steps 2 to 8 to get the recovery tool installed on your tablet.
For the p4wifi the CM10.1 stable roms can be found at: http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=p4wifi
The applicable google apps can be downloaded from http://goo.im/gapps , where you have to load the one, related to the flavour. In your case the CM10.1, one (3rd line at this moment) of 20130812.
PLEASE NOTE: If your tablet is not the P7510 (Wifi), but, for example the P7500 (3G), then you might need a different bootloader, recovery mod and CM10.1
CM10.1 is 4.2.2, and has root built-in by default. This 4.2.2 also allows you to create more 'users' on the tablet, do all kinds of nice things, and can be finetuned to improve performance (like overclocking). All built-in by default.
Happy Hunting!
Hey, and don't apologise for asking dumb questions, we all started out asking questions, and this forum is really there to get people started on the path of getting the most out of their tablets. Keep on asking, and there is always somebody out there to help you out if you get stuck.
One advise: get the exact model-number of your tablet (build) and register at sammobile to get a plain stock recovery image, so you can always get back to the default setup, and not lose hope when your tablet gets 'bricked'. We have more than enough expensive doorstoppers in the world to need to add one more. Sammobile gives you the recovery image, base on model and country. These stock recovery images are about 450 MB, and can be restored easily with your big friend Odin (see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2142268).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ricmck said:
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for clarifying my questions and process. In my prior life I was a process engineer (semiconductors, and hydrogen fuel cells). Thus I like clear instructions. I also see now some of the challenges the web and forums like this one present, because links go dead, and new process and data are constantly being created. Thus the "process" is always in flux.
I think I can now go and try this.
Thanks
Rick McK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are welcome. I myself have been a Software Engineer since the early seventies of the 20th century (40+ years of IT), and started out as Computer Operator loading punchcards and papertape into old IBM and UNIVAC computers. The world has changed dramatically since then. Not all good though...
Good luck, and always peruse XDA to get answers to your questions. Sometimes you have to trudge through a lot of mess, but the diamonds are there to find.And ask, ask, ask...

[Q] A wild MDK Appears! Help please!!

My specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Kernel: 3.4.0-562219
[email protected] #1
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
CWM Recovery Installed
My questions:
1. I've found many threads and great instructions for installing CyanogenMod. I'm still having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff - Which version should I use for my phone, given that I'm an MDK still running 4.2.2?
2. Which version of Gapps will I need for that version of CyanogenMod?
3. If the answers to the previous questions are NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT, is there a way for me to update my Android Version to the most current, and THEN flash CyanogenMod?
I understand that there are resources out there to get this done. I've searched and found most of them. I'm just not entirely clear on which version is most appropriate for my phone, which by most standards here is somewhat pristine in that it's still running MDK, and a bit outdated in that it's running on 4.2.2. Please be gentle with me. I'm just trying to get up to speed and be productive in this forum. Thanks for your help!!
onearmsysiphus said:
My specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Kernel: 3.4.0-562219
[email protected] #1
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
CWM Recovery Installed
My questions:
1. I've found many threads and great instructions for installing CyanogenMod. I'm still having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff - Which version should I use for my phone, given that I'm an MDK still running 4.2.2?
2. Which version of Gapps will I need for that version of CyanogenMod?
3. If the answers to the previous questions are NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT, is there a way for me to update my Android Version to the most current, and THEN flash CyanogenMod?
I understand that there are resources out there to get this done. I've searched and found most of them. I'm just not entirely clear on which version is most appropriate for my phone, which by most standards here is somewhat pristine in that it's still running MDK, and a bit outdated in that it's running on 4.2.2. Please be gentle with me. I'm just trying to get up to speed and be productive in this forum. Thanks for your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) You need to download a nightly version of CM, I would advise reading the thread over there to see which one is the most stable before flashing. From what I've heard though CM has been very buggy.
http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=jflte&type=nightly
2) You should download the latest version of KitKit's GApps
https://goo.im/gapps/ ( gapps-kk-20140606 )
3) Happy flashing.
onearmsysiphus said:
My specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Kernel: 3.4.0-562219
[email protected] #1
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
CWM Recovery Installed
My questions:
1. I've found many threads and great instructions for installing CyanogenMod. I'm still having difficulty separating the wheat from the chaff - Which version should I use for my phone, given that I'm an MDK still running 4.2.2?
2. Which version of Gapps will I need for that version of CyanogenMod?
3. If the answers to the previous questions are NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT, is there a way for me to update my Android Version to the most current, and THEN flash CyanogenMod?
I understand that there are resources out there to get this done. I've searched and found most of them. I'm just not entirely clear on which version is most appropriate for my phone, which by most standards here is somewhat pristine in that it's still running MDK, and a bit outdated in that it's running on 4.2.2. Please be gentle with me. I'm just trying to get up to speed and be productive in this forum. Thanks for your help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you have a CWM that is Kitlat capable!!!!
scrillakev said:
1) You need to download a nightly version of CM, I would advise reading the thread over there to see which one is the most stable before flashing. From what I've heard though CM has been very buggy.
http://download.cyanogenmod.org/?device=jflte&type=nightly
2) You should download the latest version of KitKit's GApps
https://goo.im/gapps/ ( gapps-kk-20140606 )
3) Happy flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Scrillakev:
1. Ok. Does CM 11 differ from 10.x in that it isn't compatible with kit Kat? Does it matter what OS I'm running in terms of what version of CM I flash? Can you recommend any particularly stable Roms?
2. Thank you!
3. Thank you again!
npjohnson:
I installed clockworkmod recovery 6.0.4.7 through the flashify app. Can you point me towards a place I can verify that this is the correct version for kit Kat?
Thank you for your help!
onearmsysiphus said:
Scrillakev:
1. Ok. Does CM 11 differ from 10.x in that it isn't compatible with kit Kat? Does it matter what OS I'm running in terms of what version of CM I flash? Can you recommend any particularly stable Roms?
2. Thank you!
3. Thank you again!
npjohnson:
I installed clockworkmod recovery 6.0.4.7 through the flashify app. Can you point me towards a place I can verify that this is the correct version for kit Kat?
Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6.0.4.7 is kitkat comp.
Personally, I run the Google Edition ROM, but Ive run CM11, and it works equally well, and had all the CMish stuff. *Some* issues with mms on cm.
In the CM11 thread is a link for CWM 6.0.5.0. I have successfully flashed CM11 with versions as early as 6.0.4.4. There are no KK compatible (meaning they work with everybody) but the most up to date is recommended. The latest nightlies have been very good. The only issue I currently experience is compass orientation is off by 180°. Maps and navigation work properly. I would recommend using the NC5 or NG6 modem only for best results. Don't flash a modem+nonhlos later than MDK, flashing a later modem only is fine and will cause no problems. Because of the kernel and code changes over the last couple months you will want a newer modem to prevent BT/WiFi/Mobile Data issues. Before you flash make a nandroid and be sure to clean flash since you are coming from a different ROM. As for Gapps they are all written by Google so Gapps are Gapps. I use the Paranoid Android flavor, they have also been updated just a few days ago.
Happy Flashing!!
FernBch, thank you for the excellent summary. That is all very useful info, and I feel way more confident about doing all this now thanks to you all.
OK last question - Is there a way for me to update my OS to 4.4 without losing my MDK status? If so, where can I find a procedure for doing that??
You guys rock. Seriously. Thank you!!
onearmsysiphus said:
Scrillakev:
1. Ok. Does CM 11 differ from 10.x in that it isn't compatible with kit Kat? Does it matter what OS I'm running in terms of what version of CM I flash? Can you recommend any particularly stable Roms?
2. Thank you!
3. Thank you again!
npjohnson:
I installed clockworkmod recovery 6.0.4.7 through the flashify app. Can you point me towards a place I can verify that this is the correct version for kit Kat?
Thank you for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For a stable ROM I would recommend either the Google Play Edition ROM or The Dan's CM ROM.
Also you asked about not losing MDK, you won't lose MDK when flashing those ROMs just be sure to NOT take any OTA updates and you should be fine.
Thank you SkrillaKev! I've hunted a bit to find a thread that explains how to disable OTA but can't seem to find it.
I'm sure it'll pop up.
Hopefully soon - those daily OTA reminders are super annoying!
FernBch, regarding your 180deg compass issue, have you tried third party kernels? I've been fighting this issue for over a year and gave up. I had with stock, stock based, and any other roms I ever tried. Been running GPE rom for some time now, decided to give ktoonsez kernel a try. Compass problem solved! Worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet.
gpz1100 said:
FernBch, regarding your 180deg compass issue, have you tried third party kernels? I've been fighting this issue for over a year and gave up. I had with stock, stock based, and any other roms I ever tried. Been running GPE rom for some time now, decided to give ktoonsez kernel a try. Compass problem solved! Worth a shot if you haven't tried it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
None of the third party kernels work with the latest CM nigbtlies that I know of. When CM made the code and kernel changes they all quit working. As far as I know no one has updated them to work with the latest versions.
^^Good point. Completely forgot that change took place.
Maybe this device will get the support it needs at some point. Maybe not.

Custom Kitkat ROM with empasis on battery life, or 4.x emulation for 1 app?

The only S5 Kitkat ROMs I've found either haven't been updated in over a year, or many users are reporting severe bugs like no camera support, or severe battery drain issues.
I'm just trying to get an app called Winulator running so I can play Starcraft: Broodwar on android, but it isn't working and one user said that is because Lolipop broke it (I'm on 5.1.1 atm). The app is no longer supported so I don't think it will ever run properly on 5.x. If anyone knows of a way to emulate 4.x for just 1 app maybe that would be the best shortcut for me overall here.
Barring that, could someone please recommend a guide to installing a lightweight, power-user-oriented ROM that is 4.x or older and has excellent battery life? I was going to try the official 4.4.4 VanirAOSP release but there are too many reports of poor battery performance in the last 2 pages of that thread for my liking.
I think the first thing I need to do is unlock the bootloader, and I've yet to find a definite answer on the best method of doing this from FOL1 (12/15). It seems I will need Odin on my PC and I have it. I've also started backing up all the data from my phone by manually copying/pasting to my PC.
I guess once everything is finally backed up (it's taking FOREVER, explorer literally been calculating time to copy for 10 minutes now just on the phone/android folder), then I will try and flash the official 4.4.2 VanirAOSP ROM since that one doesn't have any reports of battery issues and possibly only the camera and a few things won't work.
BTW, is there a step specially to unlock the FOL1 bootloader that I am missing, or can I just flash that ROM with Odin straight up? I found a comment stating NOT to flash 5.1.1 with Odin or I'd be stuck on Lollipop until some new bootloader-unlock method comes out. The 5.1.1 I'm running wasn't flashed with odin it was sent OTA and I've never rooted or had custom rom/bootloader, so I should be good on that I guess?
I am actually about to dive into this, if no one has any suggestions for me: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2752995 (don't bother, too many missing major features)
edit: I used this guide and it was quick and painless, highly recommend! http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmo...l/root-how-to-root-sm-g900t-firmware-t3358190
Unfortunately the "sick n twi5ted" rom that I chose to install (only because the 600+ Infinity ROM thread has broken DL links) is a buggy PoS on the g900t so I'm still looking for a decent rom.

No name android phones and CM

Hey guys,
Got on hands noname Chinese android phone with lollipop on board (even though it says 6.0.1 in settings) and MTK6580 quad processor, 3.10.72 kernel
can I somehow put cyanogen rom from another phone?
Yes, find another phone using that chip: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_devices_using_Mediatek_SoCs
Then go here: http://www.needrom.com and find THAT phone(s) and see if there is a custom rom for THAT phone also using the same kernal 3.10/3.12 etc
Download that rom and port it yourself using the boot.img from YOUR phone using this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/guide-how-to-port-lollipop-based-roms-t3223938
And get it at least booting on your phone, out of loads I've done on MTK phones, 95% boot up first time, 50% of those have no issues, the other 50% have issues with cameras/wifi/video/phone that can be fixed literally with trial and error of swapping files from your stock rom to the new rom, can take hours/days of trial and error or could take minutes.
Have fun
EDIT: try to use a custom rom from a brand you have at least kinda heard of, doogee, walton, infinix...etc to make it more likely to work well.
robneymcplum said:
Yes, find another phone using that chip: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_devices_using_Mediatek_SoCs
Then go here: http://www.needrom.com and find THAT phone(s) and see if there is a custom rom for THAT phone also using the same kernal 3.10/3.12 etc
Download that rom and port it yourself using the boot.img from YOUR phone using this guide: https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/development/guide-how-to-port-lollipop-based-roms-t3223938
And get it at least booting on your phone, out of loads I've done on MTK phones, 95% boot up first time, 50% of those have no issues, the other 50% have issues with cameras/wifi/video/phone that can be fixed literally with trial and error of swapping files from your stock rom to the new rom, can take hours/days of trial and error or could take minutes.
Have fun
EDIT: try to use a custom rom from a brand you have at least kinda heard of, doogee, walton, infinix...etc to make it more likely to work well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your response!
After few hours of research I have found many ROMs that are applicable for my phone. The thing is, I want it to be and look as close to stock android as possible, and as close to most recent version as well.
But still I have few questions:
1)Am I right by saying that kernel 3.10.72 is suitable only for android 5.x?
2)Is it possible to put android 6.x or 7.x?
3)If it is do I need to ugrade kernel?
4)Is it possible to upgrade kernel?
I really hope it's not too much to ask from you.
Regards,
vant2239
Vant2239 said:
Thank you for your response!
After few hours of research I have found many ROMs that are applicable for my phone. The thing is, I want it to be and look as close to stock android as possible, and as close to most recent version as well.
But still I have few questions:
1)Am I right by saying that kernel 3.10.72 is suitable only for android 5.x?
2)Is it possible to put android 6.x or 7.x?
3)If it is do I need to ugrade kernel?
4)Is it possible to upgrade kernel?
I really hope it's not too much to ask from you.
Regards,
vant2239
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is basically the same as mine, and sadly the kernal has to be the same for every custom ROM, there are no kernel sources so no custom kernels, which means we are both stuck with lollipop
The infinix hot 2 for example, is the same MTK chip and was released with lollipop and kernel 3.10 but then infinix released a stock marshmallow upgrade, with a stock 3.12 kernel so they could get a custom 6.0 rom which im 99% sure we will never get.
If you go here: http://www.needrom.com/author/robneymcplum/ this is me on there, where I have ported the best 5.1.1 roms with our kernel. You will need to port to your phone, which is literally just swapping about 10 files from your stock rom so make a backup of your stock rom or find stock firmware, and get the files from there and use the guide i already posted.
Hope this helps. And if you have never done it, its way, WAY easier than you think it might be

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