Warning: VRUGOC1 is impervious to previous bootloader bypass methods, and cannot be downgraded. Proceed with caution.
I managed to hose my phone while rooting it somehow, so I had to track down the factory image for I545VRUGOC1 / I545VZWGOC1. To actually flash it, I had to use Odin 3.10.6 rather than 3.09 for some reason, which is available in the links below. I also replaced Odin's SS_DL.dll with the one from the zip that contains the tar file, but I'm not sure if that was necessary.
Hope this helps anyone else from who's stuck
TAR
https://mega.nz/#!T0tTDZKA!tIw4ebWEWhsTJWTbyWVx9e07aSBSc_1_Xm2mWWkdu8I
Mirror: http://upple.it/4b1331ec4f4dd04e/VZW-I545VRUGOC1-20150502144520.zip
Slower / crappier mirrors I found in case the above doesn't work:
http://rapidgator.net/file/6f4fd8106796c1bba92dd20a7b5a5c51
http://uploaded.net/file/zcbqwyz5
Odin
http://odindownload.com/download/Odin3_v3.10.6.zip
Mirror: https://mega.nz/#!qh9UTJ6Q!gLDkj2xwXRb8Wa2YTbPODpdrhqowK-s6eZjXI_bTrhQ
kd- said:
Warning: VRUGOC1 is impervious to previous bootloader bypass methods. Proceed with caution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I found the file here too:
http://d-h.st/LNQV
My question is, I have a Kitkat Verizon phone here, I assume upgrading it restricts custom ROMs that can be loaded to it?
Thanks for another mirror - the more the better
Yes, I don't think any current custom ROMs work with the VRUGOC1 bootloader, etc. FlashFire has worked for a couple experiments I've run (flashing wireless hotspot fix, for example), but I'm hesitant to flash anything more substantial. I have not tried SafeStrap but I have not seen anything about it working yet.
kd- said:
Thanks for another mirror - the more the better
Yes, I don't think any current custom ROMs work with the VRUGOC1 bootloader, etc. FlashFire has worked for a couple experiments I've run (flashing wireless hotspot fix, for example), but I'm hesitant to flash anything more substantial. I have not tried SafeStrap but I have not seen anything about it working yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri has posted a stock, de-odexed (and odexed, too of course) that should work with OC1 bootloader (it doesn't have a bootloader in it, so the current bootloader should stay)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ment/rom-i545oc1-5-0-1-100-stock-mdk-t3097902
I haven't installed flashfire yet, but i am on OC1 and already went through the rooting process.
Does this boot if I flash it and the NK4 bootloader?
Oishikatta said:
Does this boot if I flash it and the NK4 bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri has a tar with the oc1 build and the nk4 bootloader, look in either general or Android development
^^
It's in android development. Only two or three ROMs work on OC1(at most). I only know of one confirmed.
XxD34THxX said:
^^
It's in android development. Only two or three ROMs work on OC1(at most). I only know of one confirmed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz has a stock rooted ROM for the oc1 people, which makes sense if you're going from stock. you can flash deodexed ROM and be able to use xposed framework
skepticmisfit said:
muniz has a stock rooted ROM for the oc1 people, which makes sense if you're going from stock. you can flash deodexed ROM and be able to use xposed framework
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, it works just fine, flashed with FlashFire.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4RU_ZH5QUASaU9LcDJ3WWZfdXM/edit?usp=docslist_api&pli=1 I found it here two
Can somebody please help me? First, my phone is locked and I was in NK1, so I decided to flash OC1 by the flashfire method (I don't remember who's the author of the topic), everything went fine and I started to use lollipop, but then I was about to sell my phone and I went to settings, then factory reset and the phone restarted, wiped data and cache by itself and then turned on, I thought everything was ok, but then it just stayed in the samsung's wizard screen, it never passed from that screen. So, I decided to manually enter recovery and do a factory reset again, but the result was the same. In order to unbrick the phone I had to use odin and install the NC5 original firmware .
So, my question is, If I want to install lollipop and I don't care to stay with an unlockable bootloader I justt need to use this Firmware and install it through odin? Or do I need to have an specific firmware (e.g nc5, nk1) and unlocked bootloader?
bayron_olaff said:
Can somebody please help me? First, my phone is locked and I was in NK1, so I decided to flash OC1 by the flashfire method (I don't remember who's the author of the topic), everything went fine and I started to use lollipop, but then I was about to sell my phone and I went to settings, then factory reset and the phone restarted, wiped data and cache by itself and then turned on, I thought everything was ok, but then it just stayed in the samsung's wizard screen, it never passed from that screen. So, I decided to manually enter recovery and do a factory reset again, but the result was the same. In order to unbrick the phone I had to use odin and install the NC5 original firmware .
So, my question is, If I want to install lollipop and I don't care to stay with an unlockable bootloader I justt need to use this Firmware and install it through odin? Or do I need to have an specific firmware (e.g nc5, nk1) and unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that sounds correct. Personally, I wouldn't flash the OC1 factory image unless you have to - I'd flash the NK1 image, which should reset everything, then upgrade to Lollipop using a method that doesn't upgrade the bootloader so whoever gets the phone next can downgrade if they want to.
Can anyone confirm the mega link is a no-wipe oc1 package?
persdata.img doesnt appear in it just making sure.
Edit : been tested it appears to be a no wipe Odin package
Related
I've never had any issues flashing ROMs until I tried flashing one of the beta builds of the 4.4.4 Google edition ROM. The creator of the ROM has been having issues with WiFi and data not locking correctly and released an APN zip to possibly resolve the issue. Flashing that zip though, which I'm pretty sure changed the radio, resulted in the phone having connection issues on any ROM. I also noticed that the baseband version was changed from MDK to NC5, so long story short, I used ODIN to revert back to MDK bone stock, reverted back to to MD2 (I believe) to root, then back to MDK.
Here's where I'm a little stumped. I tried to use the ROM manager app to install CWM touch recovery and every time it would say it's successful, but booting into recovery would give me the stock android version, which we all know is pretty useless other than for stock updates and erasing data/cache. So the only way to get CWM recovery installed was to use terminal on the phone to do the Loki flash method. I'm a little out of touch, so can someone explain to me what exactly Loki is other than a "workaround" for the bootloader, how it applies to MDK for running AOSP ROMs without the "unauthorized software" message, and what, if any was the unlocking method for the MDK bootloader? It's been so long that I can't remember how I set everything up initially, and doing a search didn't yield any kind of guide for newbies or those out of touch like myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help!
Saint Isaiah said:
I've never had any issues flashing ROMs until I tried flashing one of the beta builds of the 4.4.4 Google edition ROM. The creator of the ROM has been having issues with WiFi and data not locking correctly and released an APN zip to possibly resolve the issue. Flashing that zip though, which I'm pretty sure changed the radio, resulted in the phone having connection issues on any ROM. I also noticed that the baseband version was changed from MDK to NC5, so long story short, I used ODIN to revert back to MDK bone stock, reverted back to to MD2 (I believe) to root, then back to MDK.
Here's where I'm a little stumped. I tried to use the ROM manager app to install CWM touch recovery and every time it would say it's successful, but booting into recovery would give me the stock android version, which we all know is pretty useless other than for stock updates and erasing data/cache. So the only way to get CWM recovery installed was to use terminal on the phone to do the Loki flash method. I'm a little out of touch, so can someone explain to me what exactly Loki is other than a "workaround" for the bootloader, how it applies to MDK for running AOSP ROMs without the "unauthorized software" message, and what, if any was the unlocking method for the MDK bootloader? It's been so long that I can't remember how I set everything up initially, and doing a search didn't yield any kind of guide for newbies or those out of touch like myself.
Thanks for taking the time to read and help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is an exploit that allows the system to bypass bootloader checks and load custom software. If this happens again, restoring an EFS backup should fix your issue.
If you ever need to go back to stock MDK, you no longer need to do the downgrade to the prerelease MDL kernel. Just go to towelroot.com, install the towelroot apk, then hit the make it ra1n button. It's a new root method that came out a few months ago and works for a ton of devices. The easiest way to flash a compatible custom recovery for our device is to download Flashify from the play store and from there you can get the latest TWRP.
joshm.1219 said:
Loki is an exploit that allows the system to bypass bootloader checks and load custom software. If this happens again, restoring an EFS backup should fix your issue.
If you ever need to go back to stock MDK, you no longer need to do the downgrade to the prerelease MDL kernel. Just go to towelroot.com, install the towelroot apk, then hit the make it ra1n button. It's a new root method that came out a few months ago and works for a ton of devices. The easiest way to flash a compatible custom recovery for our device is to download Flashify from the play store and from there you can get the latest TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, seems pretty straightforward. Wasn't there an actual unlock method for the bootloader though? I remember getting my download mode to read as custom as well as the boot logo, I just can't remember how and it seems like all traces of how to do it vanished.
Thanks for the help!
Also, what in the world does it mean to "Loki" a ROM after installing it? Kinda confused there
Saint Isaiah said:
Gotcha, seems pretty straightforward. Wasn't there an actual unlock method for the bootloader though? I remember getting my download mode to read as custom as well as the boot logo, I just can't remember how and it seems like all traces of how to do it vanished.
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, never an actual bootloader unlock, besides Dev editions that came unlocked. My download mode still says "install custom ROM" or whatever. There's no discernable difference to the end user between an unlocked bootloader and an exploit like the Loki bypass.
joshm.1219 said:
No, never an actual bootloader unlock, besides Dev editions that came unlocked. My download mode still says "install custom ROM" or whatever. There's no discernable difference to the end user between an unlocked bootloader and an exploit like the Loki bypass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK, and I'm assuming the reason why being on MDK is so important is because upgrading to ME7 patches the vulnerability that can allow the boot loader to be bypassed, forcing you to use safestrap, which results in no custom kernal being able to be used?
And my question above: what does it mean to install, then "Loki" a ROM in the install steps?
Thanks again, you're awesome!
Saint Isaiah said:
OK, and I'm assuming the reason why being on MDK is so important is because upgrading to ME7 patches the vulnerability that can allow the boot loader to be bypassed, forcing you to use safestrap, which results in no custom kernal being able to be used?
And my question above: what does it mean to install, then "Loki" a ROM in the install steps?
Thanks again, you're awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes exactly, ME7 patched it.
If you flash a TW ROM not built specifically for our device, The ROM (depending on kernel you flashed or if the ROM includes a kernel) may not have the files included to boot on a device with the Loki specific bypass. So you need to flash the " Loki doki zip " after the ROM and before initial boot. You can find the file on Google.
joshm.1219 said:
Yes exactly, ME7 patched it.
If you flash a TW ROM not built specifically for our device, The ROM (depending on kernel you flashed or if the ROM includes a kernel) may not have the files included to boot on a device with the Loki specific bypass. So you need to flash the " Loki doki zip " after the ROM and before initial boot. You can find the file on Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks Josh! This might make a great sticky for the "what is Loki?" newvies and explaining the importance of MDK for those still on it and not sure why.
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to Odin back to MDK, if you had TWRP... If that doesn't work, nc5. You can't do custom ROM's like Cynanogenmod, but you have a limited amount of freedom with safestrap.
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The open padlock means the firmware you have installed is custom and not stock, doesn't mean your boot loader is unlocked. I would simply boot into download mode and re-image your device back to MDK, if that's where you were. What's your current boot loader version?
looneyk said:
I rooted my s4 and installed twrp a long time ago used the phone for a little while then stashed it away. It had the following rom installed I545VRVFNC5 stock root oder I believe it was 4.4.2. The other night I installed flash fire and attempted to flash I545_OC1_Stock_rooted_rom mdk. It flashed ok but now I'm getting the verizon warning message and I can't bypass. I can no longer boot into twrp. I think the bootloader is still unlocked, padlock is unlocked upon boot. How do I get myself out of this message?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SCH-I545
SnyderGuy said:
The open padlock means the firmware you have installed is custom and not stock, doesn't mean your boot loader is unlocked. I would simply boot into download mode and re-image your device back to MDK, if that's where you were. What's your current boot loader version?
Sent from my SCH-I545
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using an MDK S4.
I can bit to room, but cannot reboot to recovery.
Corrupted recovery after update via TWRP app.
How exactly, do I re-image my device back to MDK?
Do I use this stock MDK ROM? http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...ment/rom-i545oc1-5-0-1-100-stock-mdk-t3097902
Do I put it in the BL or AP box in ODIN?
No, that is a ROM. You need the stock official software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
SHOULD be that one...
Put that in AP
XxD34THxX said:
No, that is a ROM. You need the stock official software.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2289325
SHOULD be that one...
Put that in AP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just read it all. Looks like fun!
I sure would like to know what I did wrong. I only used the TWRP app to update TWRP.
pizza_pablo said:
I just read it all. Looks like fun!
I sure would like to know what I did wrong. I only used the TWRP app to update TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That I cannot answer since I do not have MDK. My assumption is a corrupted download of TWRP or a partial install that was interrupted for some reason.
XxD34THxX said:
That I cannot answer since I do not have MDK. My assumption is a corrupted download of TWRP or a partial install that was interrupted for some reason.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That may have been the case, since my connection was weak.
I'm just about to do the deed and I checked phone info and the bootloader is now I545VRUFNK4, vice MDK.
Here I go....
Well....I tried these to .tar files with no luck:
http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.p...Galaxy S4 (Verizon) (SCH-I545)/Stock ROMs/TAR
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=22979706399752783
I did get the "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
Now, I no longer have the option to cancel Download Mode and bot ROM.
I didn't want to do anything in Kies, for fear of taking an OTA.
Do I have any options?
Even just taking an OTA and selling a former MDK treasure?
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
XxD34THxX said:
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. So I am going to uninstall Kies, just for safety sake. Uninstall the Samsung PC drivers. Reinstall the PC drivers.
Use ODIN to flash this http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.php?dir=Files/Devices/Samsung%20Galaxy%20S4%20%28Verizon%29%20%28SCH-I545%29/Stock%20ROMs/TAR in the AP box. Sacrifice a chicken and dance with snakes.
What do you think may have caused the bootloader to change?
At this point I guess any use of the phone will be a positive and somehow retaining MDK will be a miracle.
Thanks, for your assistance, as I am at a loss, at this point!
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
XxD34THxX said:
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the link file, from my last post.
After I unzip it, delete the " .gz "
Got it. Thanks, again!
XxD34THxX said:
that is a .gz, so make sure to unip it/ delete that extension so Odin can use it.
My assumption is you may have accidently flashed the entire nk4, not just one with the MDK stuff still in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just looked at the computer file and there was no .gz extention on the file I flashed thru ODIN.
It was not zipped, either.
On the xda page that you link, there was another choice on thier link. It was titled "one click". It is an .exe, titled "SCH-I545_MDK_562219_Stock_Restore.exe" .
What could ODIN do with this?
The other file I found, that I tried, but no change, was titled "VRUAMDK_NoWipe.tar.md5" .
Do you have any other suggestions,please?
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
XxD34THxX said:
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used this one, the other night, with no change, but this time I will delete Kies and phone drivers, then reinstall phone drivers, before ODIN.
You're a champ!
XxD34THxX said:
Use the Full wipe in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2301259
If that does not fix anything you have either
A)Hard Brick(unlikely since the device is semi-working)
B) lost MDK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do I remove the .md5 extension as well as the .gz and just leave the .tar on the end?
ETA: Well, I tried removing both extensions and ODIN would not take it. Received error pop up.
I tried, with no success, ODIN flashing the full wipe and no wipe tars, with no success.
Giving up for the night.
XxD34THxX said:
This seems to be happening a lot. A LOT. Before you try kies, go into device manager and uninstall the Samsung USB drivers. Then download the DRIVERS ONLY from Sammobile/Samsung. THEN use Odin with a full wipe and repartition of MDK. If you get the same message again, then you have lost the MDK bootloader, and will have to repeat the process with an nc5 tar, which will loose custom ROMs, but you will have root and safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I woke up in the middle of the night and something popped into my head and I couldn't get back to sleep, so here we go....
The phone was on Echoe v49 which is Lollipop and I didn't like it. So I decided to go to the last Echoe version that was KitKat, v34.
I flashed this https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655044521 Which apparently is T-Mobile based, and the v20 international patch.
What popped into my head was that maybe my phone was thinking it was a T-Mobile S4, because I picked the wrong kernel. At the time everything seemed to work, except sending SMS. I could make phone calls and receive SMS.
This is was got me out of bed. I went to my notes for the Aroma install, to see what kernel I chose. I recalled picking the stock kernel, which may have been T-Mobile, but my notes say that I picked KTOONES kerenel in Aroma and in the Patcher, picked ADD VZW FILES AND BUILD PROP and NO KERNEL.
I was thinking that I had put a VZW version of TWRP onto a "T-Mobile" S4, getting me stuck to bootup in Download mode only, but still able to cancel Download and boot to system. Then I ODINed the VZW MDK stock firmware and am now with either Download mode or the yellow PC connected to phone screen, with the "Firmware upgrade encountered an issue. Please select recovery mode in Kies & try again."
I woke up thinking that maybe I had a T=mobile kernel and when I lost TWRP and only had stock recovery, downloaded the VZW version of TWRP on top of T=Mobile install. But the note makes it look like I would have been OK as far as the phone thinking it was a VZW S4.
Sorry if rambling, just trying to pass as many details and thoughts as possible.
Do I have any options, now?
I downloaded the stuff to do Heimdall One Click and was thinking about trying that route, with a file named "SCH-I545_MDK_562219_Stock_Restore.exe"
I have a 32GB MDK VZW SCH-i545 S4 that is running fine on ECHOE v29. Can I copy anything from that phone and flash in ODIN to recover the 16GB (was MDK) VZW SCH-i545 that is stuck on Download mode only?
Is there any way to flash a NANDROID via ODIN or some other program from a PC thru ODIN?
hmmm.. The Ktoonez kernal works on any s4. But if you flashed T mobile Files, which I don't think was the case since you flashed the Verizon stuff... I have never used Heimdall, so I can't comment on that. I don't know what to say. There might be a way to make a debrick image... Someone more experienced will have to help, sorry.
XxD34THxX said:
hmmm.. The Ktoonez kernal works on any s4. But if you flashed T mobile Files, which I don't think was the case since you flashed the Verizon stuff... I have never used Heimdall, so I can't comment on that. I don't know what to say. There might be a way to make a debrick image... Someone more experienced will have to help, sorry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No need to apologize! You have helped all you can. I appreciate it greatly!
I just want to ensure that I exhaust ALL possibilities of recovering the MDK, before I throw in the Kies upgrade towel.
I wonder if I'll get in hot water for starting a new thread.....
After an unsuccessful flash of Xposed Framework with Chainfire's FlashFire Beta, my device wouldn't boot past the AT&T logo. I attempted to flash NB1 stock firmware using Odin from OC4, but I have the same issue.
Specifics
Device - Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T (jflteatt)
Firmware - NB1 Stock I think, KNOX flag is untripped but download says I have custom Android version. Tried flashing with Odin and got reset/pass. KNOX flag was tripped before, I read its an eFuse so I'm confused
Should I try flashing again or what... I'd like a quick answer as I currently have no phone. Mod feel free to move this if its in the wrong forum. If you need more information just let me know
Samsung devices are know to have issue with xposed. They made changes to the art runtime and last I heard xposed has not fixed it yet.
So if I want Xposesd I should stay on KitKat
How can I get my device working... I've tried what other threads suggested (cache wipe, factory reset, battery pull for thirty seconds). Should I try the stock image again with Odin or try Kies?
bsch27 said:
So if I want Xposesd I should stay on KitKat
How can I get my device working... I've tried what other threads suggested (cache wipe, factory reset, battery pull for thirty seconds). Should I try the stock image again with Odin or try Kies?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/unofficial-xposed-samsung-lollipop-t3180960
xposed works fine on lollipop, but you have to use wanams version of the framework for tw
OK, thanks for the advice. FlashFire can run with a locked bootloader, right?
Also, I still can't figure out how to get my phone booting again I would greatly appreciate advice on how to get past the at&t logo
EDIT
My bootloader is locked so I can only flash with Odin and stock recovery. Took the AT&T OTA before I knew what I was doing.
I found the solution! I was trying to flash a MBL stock AIO with Odin, but after I took an OTA from AT&T a while back, they locked downgrading that far because it's vulnerable to Loki. I found a thread on another forums that stated the firmware was mislabeled. I feel lucky, could have hard bricked it! I managed to install a (proper) deodexed NB1 firmware, rooted it with Towelroot, and upgraded to Lollipop through a FlashFire flash. I was able to install Xposed successfully. Thanks for all the help! It's greatly appreciated!
Hello Everyone,
I'm a first time poster but have been reading this site for weeks trying to find the answer to my questions. I've acquired a good bit of info but still wanted to clarify some things before I take the plunge.
I'm currently using a Verizon GS4 (I-545) running rooted stock MK2 jellybean. I rooted ~2 years ago to get rid of the bloatware and just never bothered upgrading/keeping up with the firmware updates. There are some new apps that won't work on my phone, but are working on my wife's stock GS4 on OF1. I'd like to upgrade my firmware (and keep root) so that I don't have to keep stealing her phone.
I've come across several threads discussing upgrading from one baseband to the next - none quite match my scenario. Most threads talk about how to upgrade and keep root but now that I'm late to the party, it seems like root methods have been discovered for all stock firmware versions (even OF1 by flashing OC1 kernel, rooting, and flashing back to OF1 kernel). So with this in mind, can I just skip all the complicated stuff and just use Odin to flash OF1 and then follow Edgardo_Uchicha's OF1 root method?
If I can use Odin to flash OF1, will the file I load in the "AP" slot also includes the proper modules, bootloaders, etc. to upgrade everything to OF1? Will it do a factory reset/wipe or will I keep all my data like an OTA? As for getting the Odin file, it looks like I should just use the Samsung site to get it directly?
If I can use the Odin method, are there any drawbacks? If I don't like lollipop I realize I'm stuck and can't go back, but is there anyway to upgrade and be able to go back (downgrade)?
Thanks again for your help!
Mike
Hello Mike,
You can flash OF1 and root via the method others and I posted, some people wrote that other rooting software/apps are starting to work on lollipop builds, I haven't tested yet(since my device have a custom rom and it's rooted) but soon I will and will update the thread. Btw, my suggestion to you is flashing this specific odin package:
[Odin][TAR] I545VRUGOF1 neutered (No BL)
I was on kitkat bootloader, flashed this OF1 build and went back to kitkat without problems
Good luck!
Edgardo_Uchiha said:
Hello Mike,
You can flash OF1 and root via the method others and I posted, some people wrote that other rooting software/apps are starting to work on lollipop builds, I haven't tested yet(since my device have a custom rom and it's rooted) but soon I will and will update the thread. Btw, my suggestion to you is flashing this specific odin package:
[Odin][TAR] I545VRUGOF1 neutered (No BL)
I was on kitkat bootloader, flashed this OF1 build and went back to kitkat without problems
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I followed the thread you linked and it looked like my phone upgraded OK. However, even at lock screen I get the message "Unfortunately, the process com.android.phone has stopped". It reappears as soon as I dismiss it...basically making my phone useless. I was able to navigate to the Settings page though and it says I'm on 5.0.1 but under baseband it says "Unknown" rather than OF1. It does show OF1 under the build number though. I'm guessing it didn't like the MK2 bootloader?
Any ideas how to fix? Help!!
mike2914 said:
So I followed the thread you linked and it looked like my phone upgraded OK. However, even at lock screen I get the message "Unfortunately, the process com.android.phone has stopped". It reappears as soon as I dismiss it...basically making my phone useless. I was able to navigate to the Settings page though and it says I'm on 5.0.1 but under baseband it says "Unknown" rather than OF1. It does show OF1 under the build number though. I'm guessing it didn't like the MK2 bootloader?
Any ideas how to fix? Help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try wiping via recovery, if I'm not wrong this package does not wipe your phone so maybe there are some leftovers that are messing up the new system
You are correct, the OF1 Odin file you recommended did not wipe my data/apps. You were also correct in that doing a factory reset/wipe fixed the issue. I had some apps that were previously "frozen/disabled" while I had root so I have a feeling that didn't help things when it got updated.
Is there any way to confirm that I still have the MK2 bootloader?
mike2914 said:
You are correct, the OF1 Odin file you recommended did not wipe my data/apps. You were also correct in that doing a factory reset/wipe fixed the issue. I had some apps that were previously "frozen/disabled" while I had root so I have a feeling that didn't help things when it got updated.
Is there any way to confirm that I still have the MK2 bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download and install terminal emulator, the run these commands:
1. su
2. getprop ro.bootloader
Awesome! I was able to confirm I'm still using the MK2 bootloader. Thanks for all your help!
WARNING! I am NOT a developer! This is a very simple guide and only a guide! If you mess up, break anything, erase anything, or brick your phone I am NOT responsible! Follow this guide at your own risk! This is for the Verizon galaxy s4. It probably won't work on any other variant.
Your bootloader is locked! This means you CANNOT install any custom recovery like TWRP or boot any CM/AOSP based ROM! Only TW based ROMs will work.
FAQ section is in the 2nd post!
This guide is mainly for the PL1 firmware only! This guide does NOT cover any other firmware (except for downgrading to OF1). For those on the MDK bootloader, you'll need a separate guide as your bootloader can be exploited with loki doki.
All files can be found and downloaded from the Verizon S4 forums or on the play store! No links are provided, use the search in the forums here to find the needed files.
You will need the following to get a working custom TW ROM:
Wonder share GO Pro software for PC or Kingroot.apk
superSUme.apk or replace_kinguser_with_supersu-v2.4.zip
Flashfire pro v0.53 - this is the only version you can use!
OF1_STOCK_ROOTED_ROM.zip
VZW_OF1_Wi-Fifix.zip
BETA-SuperSU-v2.49.zip
Stang5litre ROM
How to root and ROM the PL1 bootloader (downgrading to OF1 or OC1 firmware is required for WiFi to work):
NOTE: You DO NOT need kingroot.apk or superSUme.apk if you root using wonder share GO Pro!
I used kingroot to root my S4 on PL1. It works great, however it does not install superSU like wonder share GO Pro does. If you use kingroot, you will need the SuperSUme.apk to get superSU working. You can also manually delete Kingroot and all of its files, then manually install superSU. I had to do this as the superSUme app would not work for me. It may however work for you!
Once rooted, load up flash fire and do a backup. Select NORMAL back up and make sure that CACHE and PRE LOAD is checked. After the backup is done, you can now flash any lollipop TW ROM made for your phone. I used stang5litre ROM.
NOTE: Wi-Fi will not work! If you are okay with this then stop here, otherwise keep scrolling.
To downgrade your bootloader to OF1 so Wi-Fi will work on a custom ROM, first open up flash fire and select wipe. Check system data, 3rd party apps, dalvik cache, and cache partition. You can select internal storage too if you really wanna nuke everything, but not necessary. You can try to keep 3rd party apps checked, but it may cause issues. Now hit the check mark at the top then the + at the bottom and select flash zip or OTA. Select the OF1_STOCK_ROOTED_ROM.zip and BETA-SUPERSU-V2.49.zip. Make sure the order is wipe, OF1_stock_rooted_ROM.zip, then BETA-SUPERSU-V2.49.zip and hit flash/the lightning bolt. Flash fire will do its thing. You will have to wait some minutes for the phone to boot.
Once it boots back up, you should be on the OF1 bootloader. If anything went wrong, just restore your backup you made using flash fire and repeat the steps above.
Now that you're on the OF1 bootloader, go ahead and make another backup with flash fire.
NOTE: You will need to store the flash fire apk file on your SD card for reinstallation as it gets deleted when you tell it to wipe 3rd party apps UNLESS you tell flash fire to keep 3rd party apps (which again, might cause issues).
Time to boot stang5litre ROM. Open flash fire and select wipe. Check system data, 3rd party apps, dalvik cache, and cache partition. Now hit the + sign and select flash zip or OTA. Select the stang5litre ROM file .zip, the OF1 Wi-Fi fix .zip, and the beta superSU .zip and hit the lightning bolt.
NOTE: The wifi fix has the kernel baked in, however you can flash another compatible kernel if you want. Make sure auto mount is unchecked and also make sure the order is wipe, ROM, Wi-Fi fix, beta superSU. Flash fire will then do its thing. The ROM will take awhile to boot so be patient!
That's it! You should be good to go. If I left anything out, be sure to let me know so I can add it in. Happy flashing!
FAQ section
Why does this guide only cover the PL1 bootloader? Because that was the bootloader I was on and the only one I have experience with (aside from OF1 after downgrading).
Can I use this guide on the OF1 or OC1 bootloader? You can as far as flashing ROMs. I am not responsible if things go south though.
What is loki doki and the MDK bootloader? The MDK bootloader is an Android Jelly bean 4.2.2 bootloader that had a flaw in it. Loki doki was an exploit for the MDK bootloader that exploited the flaw allowing one to install TWRP and AOSP custom ROMs. If you updated past MDK, the flaw was patched and doesn't work on later firmware versions. There is also no going back to MDK once you have updated and you are now stuck with a completely locked bootloader (which isn't fun).
Can I unlock the bootloader? Not unless you're a Verizon phone tech or Samsung tech with the correct keys.
Can I use this guide to downgrade to a kit kat bootloader? No! You can only downgrade to OF1 or OC1 if you're on PL1. Any other downgrade attempt will result in bricking the device.
Instead of downgrading from PL1 to OF1, can't I just flash the OF1 kernel and go? You might be able to, I haven't tried it. As far as I know OF1 and PL1 are very similar bootloaders. However, by doing this you might break stuff or experience lag, among other things. Do this at your own risk!
I'm already on the OF1 bootloader, should I downgrade to OC1? Not unless you just want to. Most custom TW ROMs will work on the OF1 bootloader, you just have to flash an extra file or 2 for them to work right.
What's the difference between OC1, OF1, and PL1? As far as I know, OC1 was the first lollipop firmware to hit the Verizon S4. OF1 seemed to fix some things/bugs, and PL1 just seems to be an incremental update and isn't much different than OF1. I could be wrong though.
Why didn't you include links in the guide? For 2 reasons. I was on a time budget as I wrote the guide in real time while at work. The other reason is because well, is that allowed? I don't want anyone hurting my guide because I linked to their stuff. If it is allowed then the second reason was because I was lazy instead.
Will you help me if I need it? If I have time and if I CAN then sure, just PM me and I will get back to you. Don't get mad if a PM goes unanswered for days though.
More FAQ coming (maybe)!
OMG dude i almost sh!t my pants when that worked. I've been looking all day to find root for this phone. And its not the first time i tried. Ik this is a 3 year old post but you deserve a pat on the back buddy. Wundershare, whoda guessed...