SOLVED - i545 w/ NC5 stuck in bootloop, TWRP no longer works - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

UPDATE: SOLVED, as of 07 FEB 2016; I needed to find an .MD5-compiled ROM with an NC5 bootloader; my last working bootloader was NC5 and using Odin to flash ROMs with other bootloaders had failed.
My phone has been rooted for over 2 years now and I've run a handful of ROMs, with Hyperdrive probably the most stable of the lot. Last fall I was losing some functionality (bad microphone) and I figured I might as well try a new ROM in case that helped. I install CM 12 and life was okay. I set it to download updates (mistake) and it upgraded me from CM 12 to CM 13. Much as I like the new Marshmallow features, my S4 steadily degraded in function over time, to the point where I stopped making or receiving phone calls.
Last week half of my installed apps disappeared, and attempting to install anything through the Google Play store failed. No clue how that might happen, but I knew it was time to flash a new ROM.
That was when I discovered I could no longer boot into TWRP; it hung on the TEAMWIN logo screen. Then I started getting the Verizon screen claiming it had detected unauthorized software.
Since I could no longer operate the phone, I went ahead and put it into download mode and ran Odin3 v3.10.7 and used that to flash an OC1 ROM, the only one I had that was in .MD5 format.
Now I can't get past a bootloop that leaves me hanging at the Verizon logo screen.
Any thoughts?

What is your bootloader right now? And/or what was it while on Hyperdrive?
Edit: wait....I see where u Odin'd oc1...was it the stock image? If so u may have flashed the oc1 boot.img. If that's the case, I suggest you download FlashFire and read up on it. Because if u were on nc5 or anything before you should be able to ODIN back down. But if u have an oc1 bootloader you're permalocked.

Huh. I tried to respond to this hours ago. Didn't upload, apparently.
Anyhow, thanks for responding. I have not been able to get an .MD5 version of the stock image to flash. The only complete .MD5 I've successfully downloaded is called "I545VRUGOC1_Neutered_Full_Odin.tar.md5". The last ROM running on this device was CyanogenMod 13, which is Android 6 with NC5 kernel.
I'm currently attempting to download "VRUFNC5 Full-Wipe Verizon SCH-I545 4.2.2 562219 Stock Restore.tar.md5" but it is slow going.
As for FlashFire, how could I install it to my phone? I cannot get past the bootloop. Odin seems to be my only option for flashing at this point, right?

Have you tried going to recovery after flashing OC1? maybe there are some leftovers of previous process, if your phone can go into recovery you should try to do some wipes

Edgardo_Uchiha said:
Have you tried going to recovery after flashing OC1? maybe there are some leftovers of previous process, if your phone can go into recovery you should try to do some wipes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great suggestion; unfortunately, TWRP is blocked by the Verizon notice now (the one that tells you Verizon's identified unauthorized software on the phone).
Okay, I'm going to try an NC5.MD5 that I was able to download. Here's hoping it moves this process forward....

I can help you! I have everything! PM me here, or send me a message on hangouts!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Cincinnatux said:
Huh. I tried to respond to this hours ago. Didn't upload, apparently.
Anyhow, thanks for responding. I have not been able to get an .MD5 version of the stock image to flash. The only complete .MD5 I've successfully downloaded is called "I545VRUGOC1_Neutered_Full_Odin.tar.md5". The last ROM running on this device was CyanogenMod 13, which is Android 6 with NC5 kernel.
I'm currently attempting to download "VRUFNC5 Full-Wipe Verizon SCH-I545 4.2.2 562219 Stock Restore.tar.md5" but it is slow going.
As for FlashFire, how could I install it to my phone? I cannot get past the bootloop. Odin seems to be my only option for flashing at this point, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on the right path. ODIN the nc5 full wipe. And from there you can use Safestrap to flash whatever. But I'm wondering if you've locked the bootloader to oc1 or of1. If that's the case, you can go to sammobile.com and register and sign-in and download any factory image flashable thru ODIN.

The nc5.md5 worked! It's not particularly stable (yet), but at least the phone boots up and seems to work.Thanks to those who took the time to read over the issue and offer suggestions!

May i ask how you had cm13 running on nc5? @Cincinnatux

klabit87 said:
May i ask how you had cm13 running on nc5? @Cincinnatux
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah me too?!...I was confused throughout this whole post, but I'm glad he took the advice and got nc5 full wipe. Does the trick everytime (on a downgradeable bootloader of course).

ATGkompressor said:
Yeah me too?!...I was confused throughout this whole post, but I'm glad he took the advice and got nc5 full wipe. Does the trick everytime (on a downgradeable bootloader of course).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps I am mistaken. I had NC5 the last time I had checked, which was when I installed CM12. Sometime around December or so CM12 upgraded itself to CM13. The only thing I remember having to change was GAPPS, moving that from 5.1 to 6.0.

Cincinnatux said:
Perhaps I am mistaken. I had NC5 the last time I had checked, which was when I installed CM12. Sometime around December or so CM12 upgraded itself to CM13. The only thing I remember having to change was GAPPS, moving that from 5.1 to 6.0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regardless of whether it was CM12 or CM13, I would still like to know how you did it and where you got the files from.
Thanks.

klabit87 said:
Regardless of whether it was CM12 or CM13, I would still like to know how you did it and where you got the files from.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I used to troll XDA for ROMs, for CM I'm sure I went to their website and downloaded whatever was current at the time, which was a Lollipop ROM. I used TWRP to install, but I no longer have any of my notes for that install so I couldn't verify any of this, really.

Cincinnatux said:
While I used to troll XDA for ROMs, for CM I'm sure I went to their website and downloaded whatever was current at the time, which was a Lollipop ROM. I used TWRP to install, but I no longer have any of my notes for that install so I couldn't verify any of this, really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that's the case then you actually had the mdk bootloader. There is no way to have any cm based rom on nc5.

klabit87 said:
If that's the case then you actually had the mdk bootloader. There is no way to have any cm based rom on nc5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was assuming as well. When I had the s3, I was able to install a cm Rom thru Safestrap. Actually the other thread we were in by mohammad.afaneh, he was a dev on the Safestrap for s3 and got it to support a cm Rom, but it didn't have working data signal or Wi-Fi.

ATGkompressor said:
That's what I was assuming as well. When I had the s3, I was able to install a cm Rom thru Safestrap. Actually the other thread we were in by mohammad.afaneh, he was a dev on the Safestrap for s3 and got it to support a cm Rom, but it didn't have working data signal or Wi-Fi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So he got kexec working? That would be nice.
Maybe he can provide some insight on this.
I know many others that would love to use cm based roms.
Would be even better if he could get safestrap to work on oc1/of1 bootloaders

klabit87 said:
So he got kexec working? That would be nice.
Maybe he can provide some insight on this.
I know many others that would love to use cm based roms.
Would be even better if he could get safestrap to work on oc1/of1 bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it was kexec. But go to the s3 forums and/or search his afh. We could probably modify it, or figure out exactly what he changed and incorporate it into the SS we have. Depending on what he changed, it may be possible to implement nc5flasher, gain support for AOSP bases (aka get them to boot). But in order to have a fully functional modem/firmware, the kernel would need to be built from source. I do know there is a thread (I think in s4 unified development) on a proof of concept project that will enable insecure modules on locked bootloaders. I could be wrong about the actual forum it's in and exactly what's involved. I believe it can be done, it's just gonna take many minds focused on a common goal with positive intent.
PS. There's a bounty and it would be nice if we could do it.
---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 PM ----------
SORRY FOR HIJACKING YOUR POST @Cincinnatux!!!!!

klabit87 said:
So he got kexec working? That would be nice.
Maybe he can provide some insight on this.
I know many others that would love to use cm based roms.
Would be even better if he could get safestrap to work on oc1/of1 bootloaders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, he modded CM enough to work with SS...

klabit87 said:
If that's the case then you actually had the mdk bootloader. There is no way to have any cm based rom on nc5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to reduce my ignorance a little, maybe one of you can point out the error in my thinking/memory. I thought NC5 vs MDK vs OC1 was whatever was listed in About Phone as the Baseband Version, right? While my phone was MDK at the time of purchase (July 2013), I changed the baseband a few times while upgrading to newer flavors of Android. My current baseband is I545VRUFNC5, which is what I remember it being last fall as well. Where am I mistaken? Thanks!

Cincinnatux said:
Just to reduce my ignorance a little, maybe one of you can point out the error in my thinking/memory. I thought NC5 vs MDK vs OC1 was whatever was listed in About Phone as the Baseband Version, right? While my phone was MDK at the time of purchase (July 2013), I changed the baseband a few times while upgrading to newer flavors of Android. My current baseband is I545VRUFNC5, which is what I remember it being last fall as well. Where am I mistaken? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband does not equal bootloader.
You can update the baseband no problem but can't update the bootloader without being able to go back.
There is an app that you could use to check your bootloader called samsung phone info I believe our something like that.

Related

[Q] 4.3.x AOSP No Baseband

I've been running AOSP 4.2 on my S4 for quite a while with no issues. Upon trying to upgrade to 4.3 though, boots take upwards of 5 minutes and the baseband isn't recognized (it literally shows "Baseband Version: Unknown"). I then tried to revert to one of the various 4.2 ROMs still out there, and am encountering quite a bit of general instability (lots of FCs), however, the baseband works fine. Any idea what is going on?
I should add that though I am using the ME7 modem, everything else is MDK and that these symptoms are pervasive through several different ROMs.
Update:
When trying to switch to RUIM/SIM in the Radio Settings, I get the following logcat:
Code:
/CdmaSubscriptionListPreference( 1762): Setting Cdma subscription source failed
I/Use2GOnlyCheckBoxPreference( 1762): get preferred network type, exception=com.android.internal.telephony.CommandException: RADIO_NOT_AVAILABLE
have you gone into network settings and verified that your subscription is set to RUIM/SIM instead of NV?
Did you compile the AOSP yourself? What build are you using? Project Elite's baseband and network all work out of the box no problems. I'm not sure if they posted it yet though.
Dubbsy said:
have you gone into network settings and verified that your subscription is set to RUIM/SIM instead of NV?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes; Whenever I do that I get the logcat I mentioned above and the setting doesn't stick (ie it immediately changes back to NV).
Edit:
When I retried, I got:
Code:
E/CdmaSubscriptionListPreference( 1618): Setting Cdma subscription source failed
Dubbsy said:
Did you compile the AOSP yourself? What build are you using? Project Elite's baseband and network all work out of the box no problems. I'm not sure if they posted it yet though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No; this is with several 4.3 based ROMs including CM and Pacman.
Edit 2:
I'm downloading the Darkslide ROM to try to get that baseband installed and will keep this thread up to date with the result.
murphycr said:
Yes; Whenever I do that I get the logcat I mentioned above and the setting doesn't stick (ie it immediately changes back to NV).
Edit:
When I retried, I got:
Code:
E/CdmaSubscriptionListPreference( 1618): Setting Cdma subscription source failed
No; this is with several 4.3 based ROMs including CM and Pacman.
Edit 2:
I'm downloading the Darkslide ROM to try to get that baseband installed and will keep this thread up to date with the result.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh you aren't running pure aosp. Gotcha.
I was able to hold subscription on PAC, Slim, and CM10.2
Did you edit anything prior to install? Was your phone's data working just before switching to 4.3?
Dubbsy said:
Oh you aren't running pure aosp. Gotcha.
I was able to hold subscription on PAC, Slim, and CM10.2
Did you edit anything prior to install? Was your phone's data working just before switching to 4.3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. It also works if I switch back to 4.2, but then other things break. Anyway, I'm about to flash the baseband you referred to, so I'll see where that gets me.
Thanks!
murphycr said:
Yes. It also works if I switch back to 4.2, but then other things break. Anyway, I'm about to flash the baseband you referred to, so I'll see where that gets me.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the baseband used in all 4.3 builds I've used was MDK.
Me7 baseband is not as good as some people like to claim. It is buggy, and in my opinion it was rushed to release because Verizon wanted to quick kick everyone in the nuts. I tried me7 a few times and everytime I had worse spottier service.
The project elite aosp I was talking about is actually full aosp. And I haven't seen a post for it yet.
Another thing I've noticed in general... What recovery are you using? I don't trust CWM(any variation) at all anymore. I've seen too many installs act up and just not work right at all with CWM and after trying it on twrp 2.5.0.2 the same exact installer worked fine. :silly: I don't know why, but regardless the layout of CWM is piss poor anyway. If you are using CWM, click the link in my sig to go to my GE build. In the second post I have flashable recoveries posted. You can try one out just to see and if you get the same results just flash back to your desired/current recovery:good:
I was having the same problem with my own cm10.2 builds. I blew out my device and vendor repos several times and finally decided that there had to be something in frameworks that doesn't like the dev edition radios. The nightlies wouldn't even work. I ultimately wound up using the official cwm (non-loki only) and was finally able to change from nv to ruim/sim.
Sent from my SCH-I545 Dev Edition using xda app-developers app
So you used the non-loki'd CWM to do what fixed it? (I presume simply having it installed didn't fix it automatically)
On the dev edition, the general consensus in the beginning was that philz touch(cwm based) was the recovery to use probably because he offered a non-loki version. We don't need loki fortunately because of our unlocked bootloader. I later found out that official cwm was also not lokified. If you have the retail version, unfortunately you are stuck with the loki recovery. I was just suggesting that you might try a different cwm since they are not all created equal.
Edit: I guess what I was really trying to say is just try another recovery. Not necessarily one over the other (cwm vs. twrp). It's not the non-loki part that will make the difference. Hopefully you'll find one that works for you. But who would have known that would cause it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
OLD&SLOW said:
On the dev edition, the general consensus in the beginning was that philz touch(cwm based) was the recovery to use probably because he offered a non-loki version. We don't need loki fortunately because of our unlocked bootloader. I later found out that official cwm was also not lokified. If you have the retail version, unfortunately you are stuck with the loki recovery. I was just suggesting that you might try a different cwm since they are not all created equal.
Edit: I guess what I was really trying to say is just try another recovery. Not necessarily one over the other (cwm vs. twrp). It's not the non-loki part that will make the difference. Hopefully you'll find one that works for you. But who would have known that would cause it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tried both TWRP and PhilZ. Neither seemed to do it. At this point I'm just going to do a full ODIN.
Thanks for all the help though!
No problem, I just hope you figure it out. There are too many people using aosp 4.3 roms with no problems for this to be impossible. :thumbup:
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
murphycr said:
I've tried both TWRP and PhilZ. Neither seemed to do it. At this point I'm just going to do a full ODIN.
Thanks for all the help though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an already Loki patched cwm touch posted in my list if you wanted to try it too.
I've found Odin helps clean all the garbage out though. So either way
Good luck!
sent from my Verizon Galaxy sIV

[Q] Kit Kat Update on Rooted MDK??

Hi friends,
Specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
I have a (what seems to be rare) rooted, stock ROM MDK Galaxy S4 running 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean?). Is there a way to update to Kit Kat (and keep root and my MDK status) so I can play with some of the ROMs I see? I know there are ROMs that apply a Kit Kat update (Hyperdrive RLS16 for ex) and I've tried flashing that, but I can't get any other ROMs to stick after that (Like CyanogenMod Nightlies... can't get that to take. What am I doing wrong??), and sadly there's some little glitches in Hyperdrive that are frustrating to me, so sticking with it is not something I want to do at this point.
I feel like I might get burned for asking this but I'm trying to approach this as methodically as possible and I can't seem to find, even with a good amount of searching through the Verizon G S4 forums, a straightforward explanation of how to do this, or if it's even possible. Am I approaching this in the wrong way or asking the wrong questions?? If so, can someone offer a simple explanation of why what I'm asking is not possible, or (more preferably) how I can approach it another way to get my Android Version updated but not lose root or the versatility that comes with managing to maintain my MDK status?
Thank you all for your help!
I'm not too familiar with aosp roms, but hyperdrive was my daily driver before moving on to the note 4. I last updated to hyperdrive rls 18.1 and it had been good to me. Rls 19 is having mixed reviews and never updated my phone to that version because if some minor glitches. I strongly recommend Rls 18.1. I had no issues with my mdk gs4.
onearmsysiphus said:
Hi friends,
Specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
I have a (what seems to be rare) rooted, stock ROM MDK Galaxy S4 running 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean?). Is there a way to update to Kit Kat (and keep root and my MDK status) so I can play with some of the ROMs I see? I know there are ROMs that apply a Kit Kat update (Hyperdrive RLS16 for ex) and I've tried flashing that, but I can't get any other ROMs to stick after that (Like CyanogenMod Nightlies... can't get that to take. What am I doing wrong??), and sadly there's some little glitches in Hyperdrive that are frustrating to me, so sticking with it is not something I want to do at this point.
I feel like I might get burned for asking this but I'm trying to approach this as methodically as possible and I can't seem to find, even with a good amount of searching through the Verizon G S4 forums, a straightforward explanation of how to do this, or if it's even possible. Am I approaching this in the wrong way or asking the wrong questions?? If so, can someone offer a simple explanation of why what I'm asking is not possible, or (more preferably) how I can approach it another way to get my Android Version updated but not lose root or the versatility that comes with managing to maintain my MDK status?
Thank you all for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What recovery are you using? Clockwork or TWRP? What do you mean by the ROM isn't sticking? Are you getting stuck on a boot screen?
I'm using TWRP and flashed the Google Play Edition ROM which is on 4.4.4 Kitkat with root, I'm still on an MDK bootloader also.
OK, I'll keep that in mind, and thanks for the recommendation.
Any other thoughts on my questions about updating to 4.4.2?
To SkrillaKev - I'm using TWRP. I mean that after I flash Hyperdrive, I'm unable to get any other ROM to flash. It will fail in recovery (Eclipse) or will get stuck on the load screen (as with CynogenMod Nightlies)
I guess an easier question is - Can I flash any custom ROM that is made for 4.4.4 when I'm running 4.2.2??
I'll give the Google Edition ROM a go.
scrillakev said:
What recovery are you using? Clockwork or TWRP? What do you mean by the ROM isn't sticking? Are you getting stuck on a boot screen?
I'm using TWRP and flashed the Google Play Edition ROM which is on 4.4.4 Kitkat with root, I'm still on an MDK bootloader also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welp.... I wiped system/cache/dalvik and tried flashing Google Play Edition. got a yellow triangle and the message about having software not approved by Verizon and please report to the nearest Verizon store for bar-code tattooing and sterilization lol
Then I re-wiped sytem/cache/dalvik and tried flashing EclipseTW-S4-v4.0.2-KitKatNC5. Now I'm stuck on a boot screen...
At least when I screw something up I screw it up REALLY good.
onearmsysiphus said:
Welp.... I wiped system/cache/dalvik and tried flashing Google Play Edition. got a yellow triangle and the message about having software not approved by Verizon and please report to the nearest Verizon store for bar-code tattooing and sterilization lol
Then I re-wiped sytem/cache/dalvik and tried flashing EclipseTW-S4-v4.0.2-KitKatNC5. Now I'm stuck on a boot screen...
At least when I screw something up I screw it up REALLY good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got the yellow triangle and message because you have to flash the Loki zip after flashing the ROM . ...here ya go https://www.dropbox.com/s/3m3wclsx6ryynhg/loki-doki.zip?dl=0
heath2805 said:
You got the yellow triangle and message because you have to flash the Loki zip after flashing the ROM . ...here ya go https://www.dropbox.com/s/3m3wclsx6ryynhg/loki-doki.zip?dl=0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks!! I knew I was missing something but didn't have time to get back to that thread before I left work for the day. I'll give that a shot right meow
onearmsysiphus said:
Many thanks!! I knew I was missing something but didn't have time to get back to that thread before I left work for the day. I'll give that a shot right meow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob... Also I'd let it sit after flashing. You may have to select the correct APN: "Verizon Internet " and change mobile network to "LTE/ CDMA" and reboot. Should stick after that.
---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 PM ----------
Just realized this is in the development section lol This thread will probably get moved to Q&A
onearmsysiphus said:
Many thanks!! I knew I was missing something but didn't have time to get back to that thread before I left work for the day. I'll give that a shot right meow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep MDK!!!! After you flash a ROM. If it gets hung up on boot, hold volume up, home key and power key until the phone resets. Then let it boot up. Don't know why it happens but I have the same problem from time to time and rebooting seems to fix it. I've been using eclipse for 4or5 months now. It's pretty sick
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
149ThemedGoogleKeyboards!!!!!!
Friends don't let friends buy iPhones!
MyColorScreen
heath2805 said:
No prob... Also I'd let it sit after flashing. You may have to select the correct APN: "Verizon Internet " and change mobile network to "LTE/ CDMA" and reboot. Should stick after that.
Did that and it seems to be holding steady. Thanks for the tip there.
---------- Post added at 11:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 PM ----------
Just realized this is in the development section lol This thread will probably get moved to Q&A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ooops!! Well, hopefully it'll help someone else with noob problems like me.
Shaftamle said:
Keep MDK!!!! After you flash a ROM. If it gets hung up on boot, hold volume up, home key and power key until the phone resets. Then let it boot up. Don't know why it happens but I have the same problem from time to time and rebooting seems to fix it. I've been using eclipse for 4or5 months now. It's pretty sick
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
149ThemedGoogleKeyboards!!!!!!
Friends don't let friends buy iPhones!
MyColorScreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yes most definitely gonna keep MDK. It's magic lol
onearmsysiphus said:
Ooops!! Well, hopefully it'll help someone else with noob problems like me.
Oh yes most definitely gonna keep MDK. It's magic lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its also worth about $100 dollars more according to what they are selling for on swappa.
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
149ThemedGoogleKeyboards!!!!!!
Friends don't let friends buy iPhones!
MyColorScreen
InUh
Shaftamle said:
Keep MDK!!!! After you flash a ROM. If it gets hung up on boot, hold volume up, home key and power key until the phone resets. Then let it boot up. Don't know why it happens but I have the same problem from time to time and rebooting seems to fix it. I've been using eclipse for 4or5 months now. It's pretty sick
Sent from a Shaftamle Galaxy S4
"Thanks Button" is always appreciated!
149ThemedGoogleKeyboards!!!!!!
Friends don't let friends buy iPhones!
MyColorScreen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you just have to make sure you have. Loki enabled recovery and you can pretty much flash anything here most of the roms have an MDKprocedure and all the information is still here for the old bootloader it is just not as common so you will have to look and older discussions as in not the first page there are several pages to each one of these sections if you look at the you can read through all the pages..the threads are organized in the latest they have been posted in so all your information is going to be considered old school until you get educated and then you just pop right into the current roms..I still have an s4 MKD 32...I gave to my significant because I refused to send it in on a trade and for my m8 upgrade on edge...btw I prefer phil recovery latest edition go to the phil thread and read toward the end and you'll find a link to his current inside the recovery in settings you can toggle Loki. Just leave it on.then it is just like any other unlocked phone.....and never flashed anything into this phone using ODIN unless its MDK ...or the latest radios... make sure you do your homework on whatever you are going to flash and Odin because it very well could contain a later bootloader and completely screw you. and the great thing is that we and other like us on MDK are the only ones that get to play with anything in the original development section....and in case you didn't know safestrap is for locked bootloaders not uswell technically we are still locked but Loki is the key. And that key only works on MDK bootloader.....and I'm sorry but I used hyperdrive before and the old lady that is now on the latest more than likely your problems with hyperdrive stem from not having flash the kernel properly in the proper recovery and not having the latest radios flashed to your device.
moderators please move to Q&A
onearmsysiphus said:
Hi friends,
Specs:
SCH-I545
Android 4.2.2
Baseband: I545VRUAMDK
Build Number: JDQ39.I545VRUAMDK
Rooted
I have a (what seems to be rare) rooted, stock ROM MDK Galaxy S4 running 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean?). Is there a way to update to Kit Kat (and keep root and my MDK status) so I can play with some of the ROMs I see? I know there are ROMs that apply a Kit Kat update (Hyperdrive RLS16 for ex) and I've tried flashing that, but I can't get any other ROMs to stick after that (Like CyanogenMod Nightlies... can't get that to take. What am I doing wrong??), and sadly there's some little glitches in Hyperdrive that are frustrating to me, so sticking with it is not something I want to do at this point.
I feel like I might get burned for asking this but I'm trying to approach this as methodically as possible and I can't seem to find, even with a good amount of searching through the Verizon G S4 forums, a straightforward explanation of how to do this, or if it's even possible. Am I approaching this in the wrong way or asking the wrong questions?? If so, can someone offer a simple explanation of why what I'm asking is not possible, or (more preferably) how I can approach it another way to get my Android Version updated but not lose root or the versatility that comes with managing to maintain my MDK status?
Thank you all for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two suggestions:
First, make sure you flash the loki-doki.zip RIGHT AFTER you flash a new ROM in your zip queue, just like what was suggested previously.
Second, in case anything goes wrong, you should always have a current NANDROID backup first and this emergency wipe TAR on hand for Odin. There have been 4 separate times, in the span of about a week, that I gave myself the unauthorized software screen, and had to do this. So I would emergency wipe back to stock MDK, re-root, use Rashr to flash TWRP 2.7.1.0, and then I'd restore my NANDROID backup from my sd card. Rashr only works for flashing TWRP because only TWRP in that app is already Loki'd.
I'm still using RSL7 and it works great with no glitches I tried the newest one rsl20 and hated its look and didnt like any off the new features so i went back to RSL7, if you have not tried it you may want to, it is very different from RSL20 and imo way better.

[Q] Installing CyanogenMod on VRUFNK1

I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
vaindil said:
I'm helping my friend install CyanogenMod 12 on his S4 (jfltevzw). We've rooted it and we're currently doing a full backup through Safestrap in case anything happens. Once that's finished, I'm unsure as to what we should do. CyanogenMod's wiki has installation instructions for the Verizon S4, but it says in big bold letters to not attempt this if on a ROM newer than I545VRUAMDK. He's on the latest version that Samsung/Verizon have pushed out, which is I545VRUFNK1. Is there an alternate way to install CyanogenMod on top of the newer stock ROM, or is it not possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
vaindil said:
Dang, so there's absolutely nothing whatsoever that can be done? The page says you can't downgrade, but is anything at all possible now that he's beyond the MDK build? He really wants to make the switch and is fine with doing a complete wipe or whatever is necessary.
EDIT: I've been trying to read up on the VZW S4 and why this isn't possible, but I don't quite get it. Reading other threads it seems like the reason is because the bootloader is locked, but that can't be the case if he was able to install Safestrap. I'm coming from a Nexus 5 where everything is incredibly simple, so I apologize for my ignorance. (I don't mean to say you're wrong or anything as I have no idea myself, I just don't understand why it doesn't work on newer ROMs.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Surge1223 said:
The reason we use Safestrap as opposed to twrp is because the bootloader is locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
Sent from my my Lollipopped S4
vaindil said:
Oh, okay. Really unfortunate that this isn't possible now. So he's just stuck with TouchWiz and can't do anything about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can install hyperdrive rom
its not lolipop but its worlds better then stock ...
also there is a chance of getting the 5.01 GPE edition rom running when Samsung releases the lolipop update for the vz s4
that would at least give us a working lolipop kernel to use with the gpe rombase
and hey you never know there could be a exploite in the lolipop rom/kernel that lets us get kexec working
Basically safestrap loads after the kernel but early enough to replace point to a different root for the system. So we can load what ever system we want... But are stuck with the kernel the phone booted. If the system is based on the stock kernel this is fine... But when it starts making calls to custom kernel stuff you will have trouble.
So Cyanogenmod only provides the GUI? I've installed CM on two B&N tablets and I've been asked to root a new Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4. I've assumed that, because it's new, it will have I545VRUFNK1 4.4.2. I rooted my VSG s3 years ago to 4.3 and there was no going back on that one. It looks like it's the same with VSG s4. So, if CM provides only the GUI, then a rooted VSG s4 can still access Google Apps? What is the concern with with TW based ROMs? Is it the recovery/backup feature or only being stuck with the VSG s4 GUI?
Raymondlikesroot said:
its not possible. ONLY mdk builds will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
ryant35 said:
This explains why I bricked my phone when I tried to flash CM12...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha yeah, that could maybe potentially probably be the issue. Just maybe.
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Lockett said:
Couldn't you ODIN back to an older baseband version and then try to flash CM12?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, in order to get CM, you'll need to be on MDK. Samsung prevents downgrading.
btw. the baseband version doesn't matter much. Its the bootloader version that is the toughie.
Boo! I just picked up my S4 yesterday after a 5 month run of using Windows Phone so I'm trying to figure this phone out. I'm on NK1 and trying to figure out how to root now.
vaindil where did you find a VRUFNK1 compatible version of Safestrip?

Not sure what I can do.

So I have had my S4 since about a month after launch. Not long afterwards I received the OTA notification. I rejected it and froze the SDM.APK and stopped getting the notification. Fast-forward to recently. I am thinking about getting a stereo for my truck that has Google Auto, but my phone is not compatible. I believe it is because I am running version 4.2.2. Is there a way that I can upgrade to Lollipop, keep root and keep my current apps installed?
Thanks,
Dan
bumpncarstereo said:
So I have had my S4 since about a month after launch. Not long afterwards I received the OTA notification. I rejected it and froze the SDM.APK and stopped getting the notification. Fast-forward to recently. I am thinking about getting a stereo for my truck that has Google Auto, but my phone is not compatible. I believe it is because I am running version 4.2.2. Is there a way that I can upgrade to Lollipop, keep root and keep my current apps installed?
Thanks,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best thing you can do is install the Custom CyanogenMod 13 ROM for S4 KitKat.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
bumpncarstereo said:
So I have had my S4 since about a month after launch. Not long afterwards I received the OTA notification. I rejected it and froze the SDM.APK and stopped getting the notification. Fast-forward to recently. I am thinking about getting a stereo for my truck that has Google Auto, but my phone is not compatible. I believe it is because I am running version 4.2.2. Is there a way that I can upgrade to Lollipop, keep root and keep my current apps installed?
Thanks,
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
chaotic_jose said:
Best thing you can do is install the Custom CyanogenMod 13 ROM for S4 KitKat.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're still on MDK bootloader, you can flash TWRP and then install a custom ROM. CM 13 works. I also like OctOS 6.0.
If you're on any other bootloader, however, you're stuck with safestrap and TouchWiz-based ROMs.
flamadiddle said:
If you're still on MDK bootloader, you can flash TWRP and then install a custom ROM. CM 13 works. I also like OctOS 6.0.
If you're on any other bootloader, however, you're stuck with safestrap and TouchWiz-based ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I find out what bootloader I am on? In the about phone it says "Secure Boot Status Type Samsung" Also my baseband Version is I545VRUAME7
If my research so far is correct, looks like I am stuck with safestrap and touchwiz based roms?
It may matter, I am on Verizon.
Thanks
Dan
bumpncarstereo said:
How do I find out what bootloader I am on? In the about phone it says "Secure Boot Status Type Samsung" It may matter, I am on Verizon.
Thanks
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you go to Settings --> About Phone, the last three letters of your Baseband version are what we're talking about. If it ends with MDK, you can bypass the security checks on the locked bootloader via the Loki patch.
Edit
Just saw your update. Yeah, you have the ME7 bootloader, which means you're out of luck for non-TW ROMs. Sorry. Check the ROM List for Safestrap-compatible ROMs. The Safestrap thread has instructions on how to use it.
flamadiddle said:
When you go to Settings --> About Phone, the last three letters of your Baseband version are what we're talking about. If it ends with MDK, you can bypass the security checks on the locked bootloader via the Loki patch.
Edit
Just saw your update. Yeah, you have the ME7 bootloader, which means you're out of luck for non-TW ROMs. Sorry. Check the ROM List for Safestrap-compatible ROMs. The Safestrap thread has instructions on how to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information.
flamadiddle said:
When you go to Settings --> About Phone, the last three letters of your Baseband version are what we're talking about. If it ends with MDK, you can bypass the security checks on the locked bootloader via the Loki patch.
Edit
Just saw your update. Yeah, you have the ME7 bootloader, which means you're out of luck for non-TW ROMs. Sorry. Check the ROM List for Safestrap-compatible ROMs. The Safestrap thread has instructions on how to use it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Famadiddle
I installed safestrap with no problem. I am looking at the list of available roms and there doesn't appear to be many options for me. I am coming from a stock 4.2.2 and it seems that they require you to come from 4.4.x, the one that specifically say ME7, the download link was out of date. Am I misinterpreting the pre-req's? With a custom rom, do you have to stay within your version? IE i have to stay 4.2.2, and I can't go to 4.4?
Thanks again.
Edit,
So I bit the bullet and installed this one here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415780
don't really see what all the commotion was about. everything was still the same, seems to have installed over top of my stock rom. It did install something though because the about phone screen has different stuff in it.
Dan
bumpncarstereo said:
Famadiddle
I installed safestrap with no problem. I am looking at the list of available roms and there doesn't appear to be many options for me. I am coming from a stock 4.2.2 and it seems that they require you to come from 4.4.x, the one that specifically say ME7, the download link was out of date. Am I misinterpreting the pre-req's? With a custom rom, do you have to stay within your version? IE i have to stay 4.2.2, and I can't go to 4.4?
Thanks again.
Edit,
So I bit the bullet and installed this one here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2415780
don't really see what all the commotion was about. everything was still the same, seems to have installed over top of my stock rom. It did install something though because the about phone screen has different stuff in it.
Dan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AFAIK, you can install other versions of (Safestrap-compatible) ROMs. If you only install ME7 ROMs, then you're only getting modified versions of the same stock software you already had. I have not used Safestrap myself, so your questions about it will get better answers on the Safestrap thread.

Are there any kernels for the S4 that work?

I'm on the stock S4 5.0.1 kernel, rooted. Are there any alternate kernels that are Odin compatible and won't mess up the phone?
non-MDK bootloader: NO.
MDK bootloader : yes
Depends on what your looking for. If you are on OF1 there are several that are quite effective at bricking your phone. Probably not the desired outcome though
However, rumor has it that these unsigned Kernel Modules have been successfully flashed on devices with the OF1 bootloader. I am in the process of installing them myself.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon/development/oc1-unsigned-kernel-modules-t3321587
Be sure to thank the Dev....donate if feasible.
bg260 said:
Depends on what your looking for. If you are on OF1 there are several that are quite effective at bricking your phone. Probably not the desired outcome though
However, rumor has it that these unsigned Kernel Modules have been successfully flashed on devices with the OF1 bootloader. I am in the process of installing them myself.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-verizon/development/oc1-unsigned-kernel-modules-t3321587
Be sure to thank the Dev....donate if feasible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iirc it works on OC1 and OF1. Tell me how your's goes.
XxD34THxX said:
iirc it works on OC1 and OF1. Tell me how your's goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It went perfect. Flashfire install. I just used the latest version from play store. Kernel Adiutor works well with it (even though the new look takes some getting used to). I'm running Stang5litre v3 with the OF1 bootloader so I used OF1. Check out ATGKompressors battery saving guide after you get it installed. I noticed improvements right away.
bg260 said:
It went perfect. Flashfire install. I just used the latest version from play store. Kernel Adiutor works well with it (even though the new look takes some getting used to). I'm running Stang5litre v3 with the OF1 bootloader so I used OF1. Check out ATGKompressors battery saving guide after you get it installed. I noticed improvements right away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh, I have a n6 now. Mom stole my old s4 on nc5 with Stang's v3(meaning I can still go back to kitkat at will)
XxD34THxX said:
Heh, I have a n6 now. Mom stole my old s4 on nc5 with Stang's v3(meaning I can still go back to kitkat at will)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never got the "do not upgrade" memo
SiberianLeopard said:
I'm on the stock S4 5.0.1 kernel, rooted. Are there any alternate kernels that are Odin compatible and won't mess up the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Questions belong in the Help section, not Development. Please read the sticky called "Rules for Posting in Development" before posting in there.
THREAD MOVED
Good news, everyone. I got a used motherboard that is carrier unlocked and was on 4.4.2, so I can flash whatever I want now. Still looking for ROMS though. I'm on Dirty Unicorns 4.4.4 right now, but am looking for a kernel. The CPU freq settings don't stick for CPU1, 2, and 3, only for CPU0. Tried AlucardKernel, it sucked and didn't work properly. Are there any kernels that allow overclock?

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