[SCH-I545 4.3 MK2] Custom Recovery, Nandroid, stock update, Custom ROM? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

I have a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 in the United States (SCH-I545). I'm rooted on stock 4.3 (I5455VRUEMK2). I did this a long time ago, and don't recall which Root kit method I used.
Installed: SuperSU v2.01, Terminal Emulator 1.0.70, SQLite Editor 2.11. I do NOT have a custom recovery.
First goal: I want to install a custom recovery and do a Nandroid-type backup before taking any other steps. From what I am reading though, because I have 4.3/MK2 I can't install TWRP. What options do I have?
With a custom recovery in place, I would do a FULL backup before I would update to (or flash) a newer factory 5.x ROM. (I don't even know what current stock ROM version is o). I disabled the factory OTA notification service but I don't recall how I did that -- I think I used Titanium to Freeze one more apps?
Next I would want to root the (newer) stock ROM. Will I need to plan to update/change to appropriate Custom Recovery for newer stock ROM?
Later, I will probably try some Custom ROMs.
Basically, I am looking for a strategic outline of what steps I can take to update my phone while having flexible options going forward. My level of Android knowledge is low-ish. I don't understand a lot of the codespeak and acronyms, but I'm fairly technical and can read.
Thanks in advance for your guidance.

I'm also looking for this information.
I can't find any good information on getting from MK2 to something newer.
Usually posts with stuff like that are stickied, but these forums don't have anything like that, it looks like.

Related

[Q] Rom opinion/help?

My stats: Fairly comfortable with computer and other forms of tech, but have only recently began diving into the Android system. I have limited development/programming experience, however, I'm not a novice or noob to it but definitely not advanced. Importantly for those willing to help I understand most terminology and can follow instructions. Thanks in advance.
Phone Stats: AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note SGH-i717
Android Version: 2.3.6 (Gingerbread)
Baseband Version: i717UCLF6
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.11
Build number: GINGERBREAD.UCLA1
Root Access: Yes
Stock Rom: Unsure, bought online.
Carrier/Service Provider: Straight Talk (U.S.) Phone was previously used on the AT&T network exclusively, and done so with an AT&T provided SIM card. After I purchased it, I ordered a new SIM card from Straight Talk (U.S.) and reprogrammed the APN settings under their instruction in order for my phone service to work correctly, and have had no problems with that.
I can't stand being on Gingerbread any longer. I guess, since my phone is an AT&T phone but I'm using it through Straight Talk I can't get any of the OTA updates. I've tried downloading the OTA's several times, both, prior to and post Root access without success in either case.
So here are my questions:
1. Am I doing something incorrectly which might be keeping me from getting OTA updates? Please remember, I've tried downloading the OTA's several times both with and without Root Access and the conclusion is the same each time: "No Updates Available At This Time. Your Phone Appears To Be Up To Date. Try Again In 24hrs."
2. Is my only option at this point to manually update to a newer firmware? If so, should I update to a newer STOCK version or a custom ROM version?
3. If a manual update is the option, after reading my above outline of my own experience with the Android system, what would be way to go? Simple, not overly complex yet doesn't assume the user is either a complete moron or can write code in his sleep. I've checked into a couple of options. Rom Manager seems like it would be a nice route to go, but in the Recovery Setup portion I basically get told I can't use that application because my specific device isn't supported.
I checked out GooManager and, unless it's just me, it seems like it's an app that likes to do all the work without telling you what it's doing exactly, but when it does ask me or tell me information, I'm not always sure how to answer or react to it's warnings.
Plus, I've noticed that sometimes when downloading a ROM, sometimes I have to "flash" the gapps myself and other times I don't.
4. Is it easier to download everything separately and apply them one by one, for example the ROM then gapps then Kernal...etc? Or look for something that has it all in one package?
I have a laptop in which I can download/transfer programs and apps between it and my Note so download space and internet access isn't a problem.
Also, it most likely isn't information that is going to help in anyway, but I live in Oklahoma, United States of America.
Thanks for all the feedback...UnluckyOnion
I'm not answering these in any specific order,
As I kinda just sped read thru most of it...
Since you're rooted, or know how to, goomanager is superior to Rom manager.
It supports this device and has a current version of twrp to install, instead of an outdated cwm.
Just use it to install recovery, then boot your device into recovery and use that. Not the app. You'll be provided with much more information and this is the preferred way of flashing.
Official Updates are always "manual" either with a less than user friendly program called kies, or with a less annoying way (which you may be familiar with seeing as you've rooted) ODIN. Both pc programs used with the phone in download mode connected with usb cable.
Gapps are only needed to flash separately with an aosp based Rom as it's against Google's T.o.S. to include them in am entirely aftermarket compiled firmware, however if it's a Modified version of a stock based Rom (in this case TouchWiz) they can be, and thusly are, included within.
Official or custom is up to you really.
If official..just grab the .tar and flash it with Odin.
If custom, obtain a custom recovery either the way i mentioned above or downloading a .tar of twrp and use Odin to flash that.
Once you have a custom recovery, you'll simply be able to flash a Rom from there.
Roms include a kernel, if you want to use a different one than what is included, that would be flashed after the Rom.
After flashing you'll have to input your carriers apn settings in again.
studacris said:
I'm not answering these in any specific order,
As I kinda just sped read thru most of it...
Since you're rooted, or know how to, goomanager is superior to Rom manager.
It supports this device and has a current version of twrp to install, instead of an outdated cwm.
Just use it to install recovery, then boot your device into recovery and use that. Not the app. You'll be provided with much more information and this is the preferred way of flashing.
Official Updates are always "manual" either with a less than user friendly program called kies, or with a less annoying way (which you may be familiar with seeing as you've rooted) ODIN. Both pc programs used with the phone in download mode connected with usb cable.
Gapps are only needed to flash separately with an aosp based Rom as it's against Google's T.o.S. to include them in am entirely aftermarket compiled firmware, however if it's a Modified version of a stock based Rom (in this case TouchWiz) they can be, and thusly are, included within.
Official or custom is up to you really.
If official..just grab the .tar and flash it with Odin.
If custom, obtain a custom recovery either the way i mentioned above or downloading a .tar of twrp and use Odin to flash that.
Once you have a custom recovery, you'll simply be able to flash a Rom from there.
Roms include a kernel, if you want to use a different one than what is included, that would be flashed after the Rom.
After flashing you'll have to input your carriers apn settings in again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the information and help...more importantly, thanks for taking the time. I have ODIN on my laptop and have always used it when needed but I saw a highly rated and positively commented Mobile version of ODIN in the Play Store that claims you can do everything from the convenience of your phone which sounds appealing, however it's kinda pricey, especially if it doesn't work. Would you recommend the mobile version or PC version? Also, I have been doing a lot of ROM and Root research as of late, and wondered something...Why so many different Galaxy Note's? It seems as though I have the least popular version with the most popular being from the Galaxy Note "N" series, specifically the N7000. If I download and use an application that says it's meant for the Galaxy Note N7000 and I use it on my Galaxy Note SGH-i717, what will happen? Nothing, something, brick, work perfectly, etc...?
The N series is not carrier branded and sold internationally, so naturally it's more popular compared to a north American variant.
DO NOT FLASH ANYTHING FOR THE N7000
IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE.
The international version has a different cpu, gpu and antenna, for north American LTE bands to work those key components needed to be different.
So I say again just to stress:
DO NOT FLASH ANYTHING FOR THE N7000
IT WILL BRICK YOUR PHONE.
As for Odin, you're either going to flashing a stock firmware, or if you choose a custom Rom, you'll only need Odin once to flash TWRP. Then all the rest will be done in recovery on the phone itself. No need for it after you've either manually updated to the latest stock rom, or flashed a recovery for use of custom roms
So... imo mobile Odin, though being nifty, is a bit pricey for how little you'll need it, whereas it's free on pc.
I don't think mobile Odin is even available for the i717. It's not listed in supported devices.
I tried installing mobile odin and it's not supported
Thanks for the reply. And an even bigger Thanks for downloading the app and checking. I admire sacrificing your own work just to help me out. So what about yourself? Would you suggest, advise or heed caution to anymore of my questions?
By the way, what are you two running?
As long as you read the op of threads and all other important posts that follow BEFORE ever touching your phone, I'd say try a custom Rom...if you decide you don't like any of them, you can Odin flash the stock jellybean firmware at any point.
I myself am running unofficial aokp compiled and posted by a fellow team member BlownFuze.
Oh yeah, how's it running? Nice and stable or crawling with bugs? Any key selling points?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda app-developers app
I'm on the stock 4.1.2 release and rooted.
Everything works, no bugs, but battery sucks. Even after removing and freezing useless processes a stock rom will never be as light and battery friendly as a custom rom.
I just upgraded to the same version. Planned on rooting over weekend. Any success since your last post? Do you nave preferred Root method?
Thanks
Unlucky Orion
Use Odin to flash twrp
Newest version of twrp "should" Sr that you're not rooted and ask if you would like to do so within recovery before booting back into the os.
If not, there's links to an su.zip to flash in twrp for root.
studacris said:
Use Odin to flash twrp
Newest version of twrp "should" Sr that you're not rooted and ask if you would like to do so within recovery before booting back into the os.
If not, there's links to an su.zip to flash in twrp for root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey man, thanks, it worked like a charm. I appreciate the help from both you.

[Q] rooted with SuperOneClick, can I still reinstall phone back to stock?

I recently rooted my T-mobile 4G Samsung Galaxy S with SuperOneClick, but I think I have decided that root is way too advanced for me. I have not installed any ROMs since rooting, is it still possible for me to reinstall Android back to the stock version safely, or has my device been permanently modified??
For those unaware of SuperOneClick, installing it did not require me to lose any data on the phone to root, which was pretty nice. I like being rooted, my inner geek lusted for it, but I have a feeling it's just not for me. Perhaps if I learned a little more about ROMs, I may go that route. Either way, I want to reinstall Android and start over.
Please respond.
Double44 said:
I recently rooted my T-mobile 4G Samsung Galaxy S with SuperOneClick, but I think I have decided that root is way too advanced for me. I have not installed any ROMs since rooting, is it still possible for me to reinstall Android back to the stock version safely, or has my device been permanently modified??
For those unaware of SuperOneClick, installing it did not require me to lose any data on the phone to root, which was pretty nice. I like being rooted, my inner geek lusted for it, but I have a feeling it's just not for me. Perhaps if I learned a little more about ROMs, I may go that route. Either way, I want to reinstall Android and start over.
Please respond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go back to stock rom find your stock rom and flash it with odin search in google
Sent from my GT-S6102 using xda app-developers app
Double44 said:
I recently rooted my T-mobile 4G Samsung Galaxy S with SuperOneClick, but I think I have decided that root is way too advanced for me. I have not installed any ROMs since rooting, is it still possible for me to reinstall Android back to the stock version safely, or has my device been permanently modified??
For those unaware of SuperOneClick, installing it did not require me to lose any data on the phone to root, which was pretty nice. I like being rooted, my inner geek lusted for it, but I have a feeling it's just not for me. Perhaps if I learned a little more about ROMs, I may go that route. Either way, I want to reinstall Android and start over.
Please respond.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
An easier way to do it is to install SuperSU from the market and do full unroot in settings
Thanks guys, I will definitely look into those options. If I went in the root direction, could I possibly reformat the entire phone including the SD card? I have nothing on there worth keeping and want a clean slate to start from, the phone is currently running at super slow speeds.
Double44 said:
Thanks guys, I will definitely look into those options. If I went in the root direction, could I possibly reformat the entire phone including the SD card? I have nothing on there worth keeping and want a clean slate to start from, the phone is currently running at super slow speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes try twrp or cwm with that format system dalvik cache, cache data or anything you want
then flash your stock rom using odin
you will get a new phone as if you bought it today
Using the XDA wiki I found here, I think I've decided I am going to attempt to install a custom ROM.
I'm already rooted w/SuperOneClick, and am still on stock Gingerbread 2.3.6. This would be classified as BLM, correct?
If I am following this wiki correctly, I am at the step of installing a kernel to obtain ClockworkMod Recovery. I did some looking around between the two choices listed, Basic With A Twist and Blast-Off!. The XDA wiki suggests that All custom kernels for this device have CWM Recovery preinstalled, but I cannot seem to verify this. I'd hate to fool around with either of the two if I cannot obtain ClockworkMod Recovery.
Double44 said:
Using the XDA wiki I found here, I think I've decided I am going to attempt to install a custom ROM.
I'm already rooted w/SuperOneClick, and am still on stock Gingerbread 2.3.6. This would be classified as BLM, correct?
If I am following this wiki correctly, I am at the step of installing a kernel to obtain ClockworkMod Recovery. I did some looking around between the two choices listed, Basic With A Twist and Blast-Off!. The XDA wiki suggests that All custom kernels for this device have CWM Recovery preinstalled, but I cannot seem to verify this. I'd hate to fool around with either of the two if I cannot obtain ClockworkMod Recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
check the thread of the kernel there should a list of features provided
if the kernel is integrated with cwm then t should be listed in the features so you can be sure about cwm
sangalaxy said:
check the thread of the kernel there should a list of features provided
if the kernel is integrated with cwm then t should be listed in the features so you can be sure about cwm
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I looked all over the BlastOff! and Basic With A Twist pages, but could not find any information on them regarding CWM.
Double44 said:
I looked all over the BlastOff! and Basic With A Twist pages, but could not find any information on them regarding CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1470716 check this thread for something and I guess there is kernel with cwm

Q how does one revert back?

Hello, thank you all for the wonderful knowledge base we have growing of a device that is incredible but very particular.
Anyway, after utilizing various tools in the developer forums, I now have a 7 inch, with an unlocked bootloader, twrp, and running a sanitized version of 4.5.3. I cannot remember, but I think the version I used went all in and included the firmware updates.
Now, hypothetically, and though I have backed up my original stock system, if I made some stupid mistake and needed to start over, at that point would it be possible through roll back to a full oem image and start again?
If so, how would one go about that?
I am thinking flashing 2.3.2 from twrp or bootlaoder would be the best case scenario. However, I have no idea of the risk because of the Frankenstien system (different version bootloader, kernel, and os).
This is merely a question of intellectual curiosity; I also thought that now people are beginning to use alternate roms, it could help them revert back to stock if they so desire. Twrp backups do fail from time to time.
~leko

Rooting N910CQ AND keeping Android 5.1.1 stock rom - is it possible?

Hi y’all,
Firstly, I’m a newbie. I did some forum reading / reviewing before posting this and I hope I’m posting to correct section (take it easy on newbie ). So anyways, my question is as follows:
I have a N910CQ purchased from Turkey (currently running android 5.1.1). I want to root it but keep stock ROM for two reasons: 1) I am used to touchwiz based stock ROM and I am generally satisfied with it except the bloat ware, and 2) I want to run Cerberus on it... and actually 3) all roms I came by have certain features missing (i.e. camera / pen / fingerprint sensor does not work etc).
But after doing much research (and trial and error for the last 2 days), it seems it is not possible to root a N910CQ device running 5.1.1 android and keep stock rom on it. You can either: 1) root it and flash a 5.0.1 stock rom (and when you later try to upgrade to 5.1.1 you’ll get an error message basically telling you that unauthorized modification was made to OS and therefore you’re no longer entitled to OTA upgrade) OR 2) you’ll have to flash a 5.1.1 rom other than stock rom (such as Team Eos Rom – which has many flaws). But, so far, it seems impossible to root N910CQ and flash 5.1.1 rom.
Do any of you have any recommendations? Thank you.
anybody? any clue???
It looks like your best option would be to install TWRP recovery and use it to flash a custom kernel that auto roots your device such as this http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/development/n910c-kernel-5-1-1-stock-tw-permissive-t3206548 The important thing to note is your Build Number as there are many different builds of 5.1.1. You want to make sure the kernel supports the specific build you have installed otherwise you'll soft brick and need to recover either with a nandroid backup or via Odin and the full firmware/OS tar file. Use TWRP to make the nandroid backup before installing any mod so you can easily restore if you run into issues.
es0tericcha0s said:
It looks like your best option would be to install TWRP recovery and use it to flash a custom kernel that auto roots your device such as this http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/development/n910c-kernel-5-1-1-stock-tw-permissive-t3206548 The important thing to note is your Build Number as there are many different builds of 5.1.1. You want to make sure the kernel supports the specific build you have installed otherwise you'll soft brick and need to recover either with a nandroid backup or via Odin and the full firmware/OS tar file. Use TWRP to make the nandroid backup before installing any mod so you can easily restore if you run into issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this (except I flashed using Odin) and it totally worked. Thank you!
---
Just for the record though: this kernel triggered "Security Notice Unauthorized Actions Error" and so I had to change it. I'm using SpaceX now, no errors, works smoothly: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347823851
Cool. I prefer TWRP so I can make backups in case something goes wrong, but whatever works.

Odin ROM of PL1 update

This is the Odin ROM for the PL1 update. Requires the the use of Odin, computer, and USB cable to use. This is the stock ROM pulled from Samsung Kies3. I've flashed it inside Odin, and it upgraded my device without wiping contents, but I cannot promise the same result for everyone.
To (re)root, follow this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/note-3-sprint/general/how-to-root-note-3-lollipop-t3089382/page2
The file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2iEgzRTFjrQdlhNSlg5bkE4WVE/view?usp=drivesdk
So what does the PL1 update get you? Does it improve the radio modem operations? Is it just so it will work with Nougat?
It's a security update, that's all. Note 3 is done with OS upgrades. 5.0 will be the last official
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk
Hya there..
I have been following all your posts about flashing the PL1 update through either Odin or TWRP. I am familiar with both, but wanted to ask for insight on my particular setup.
Model SM 900P (Sprint)
Im still on 4.4.2 Kitkat Killer and has been doing well but looking to upgrade if I can find a good ROM.
I am still on baseband version NC5
Kernel 3.4.0 BeastMode
I figure I would be smart to flash the Baseband and Modem to the PL1 but would of course like to keep root and keep my TWRP recovery.
Ultimately I would like to flash the DarkLord ROM or even Resurrection Remix ROM for the Note 3 on CDMA (Sprint)
This is my daily driver, and cannot afford to frag my phone so I want to be sure I make the best choices.
If I follow your posts I would do best to downlowad your TWRP Stock Pre Root zip file, and simply "recover' the file as if I was doing any normal TWRP recovery. This would then put me back to Stock Lollipop and upgrade my Modem and Baseband and get me the latest security updates (well fairly recent anyways).
In lieu of that, I can ODIN the PL1 file offered by you and this would in effect 'factory reset' my phone as if I just bought it from Sprint (well you know what I mean) and would re install all my apps etc (through Titanium Backup etc).
From there I can try Resurrection or DarkLord Mod's and load them like any ROM install?
Thanks for double checking my train of thought...
Dave
Thanks! This helped me out.
@Unidave199 -
Use ODIN to push Greaper88's PL1 file to your phone. (now you are updated.) (I just used it, it works.)
Use ODIN to push a recovery to your phone like TWRP
Find yourself a ROM you like (Darklord's is good.)
Flash ROM via TWRP (Read the ROM's OP's entire instructions for flashing.)
Final step....Enjoy!
2manyhobbies said:
Thanks! This helped me out.
@Unidave199 -
Use ODIN to push Greaper88's PL1 file to your phone. (now you are updated.) (I just used it, it works.)
Use ODIN to push a recovery to your phone like TWRP
Find yourself a ROM you like (Darklord's is good.)
Flash ROM via TWRP (Read the ROM's OP's entire instructions for flashing.)
Final step....Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope this is the right thread for this...
Pardon my ignorance here, it's been a few years since I frequented this forum, or even XDA...
Is this what I want to use to get back to total stock, unrooted for resale?
(I've been rocking the Note 3 since it came out, FINALLY upgraded to something newer, and want to sell this to a sprint user.)
Yes it is
Just use the "CSC" file and not the "HOME_CSC." This should completely reset the device and clear user data.

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