Hi,
I currently have a Samsung Galaxy S4 i545 (Verizon) that has the locked bootloader, and therefore has limited ROMs available. I am considering picking up a used LG G3 and would like to know if there are any "gotchas" to be aware of? Has Verizon & AT&T locked the bootloaders to the G3 as well, or is root and custom recovery a go for all versions?
Appreciate your feedback!
Short answer: You can root and "Bump" the boot-loader;
Longer answer (obviously there is a MUCH longer and complete answer, but this should get you started): Depending on who you talk to, the Boot-loader is quasi/unlocked. You may need to restore an older firmware in order to root and Bump though. I am still not 100% clear on the specifics, but I believe there was a work-around for the boot-loader to get a custom recovery installed - this is the Bump. From there, all kernel's and Rom's need to be "Bumped" in order to flash. Every kernel/ROM I've seen on XDA is already Bumped, so you shouldn't have any issues flashing anything.
Hope that makes sense. For more info on which firmware will allow you to do what, http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/verizon-lg-g3-one-toolkit-vs985-root-t3124846
In order to be able to install and get into TWRP or any custom recovery, you have to use the 12B (KitKat) bootloader or below (10C KitKat, 11C KitKat). It's easiest to root on 10B with the Stump app. You can downgrade from every official stock version, although from 35B and higher, the only way to downgrade is to flash the 10B TOT file from Windows using the .DLL that's extracted from the 35B KDZ (even if you're downgrading from 46A or 47A).
Rooting gets more complicated after 10B, and putting TWRP on gets more complicated after 12B.
Thanks guys! Since I'd be buying used it would be a crap-shoot which boot-loader I get...but it still seems more promising than my current S4.
I'm in no hurry but I'll start looking for a deal.
mn1968 said:
Thanks guys! Since I'd be buying used it would be a crap-shoot which boot-loader I get...but it still seems more promising than my current S4.
I'm in no hurry but I'll start looking for a deal.
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Click to collapse
You're welcome, good luck!
Just got a refub.ed G3 VS985 off ebay for $109 last week (saw a $99 deal a few days ago). It came with 35B version ... easy to downgraded back to 10B, then rooted (stump apk) , then added TWRP 3.0.0.0 (TWRP apk), then flashed 35B bootstack + stock47A.
Had quite a bit of issues (going back to 10B) due to a corrupted TOT file causing "Failed Previous Load" for LGFlashTool.
@ hyperxguy - So despite your troubles everything worked out OK? Have you flashed any ROMs yet? I'm a bit eager to jump in sooner than later at thought of being able to use different ROMs.
mn1968 said:
@ hyperxguy - So despite your troubles everything worked out OK? Have you flashed any ROMs yet? I'm a bit eager to jump in sooner than later at thought of being able to use different ROMs.
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Click to collapse
It took me awhile to realize the corrupted TOT file was causing the downgrade problem ... otherwise, the process was painless. I'm having no issue with the stock-rooted47A. Will start playing with other ROMs soon.
This G3 is about the same as my old G2, regarding root & ROMs. So I'm feeling pretty comfortable.
Note: I've been using the G4 for the last year ... but it has no root solution ... so I'm getting the G3 just to have some fun (kinda miss my old G2).
Hey fellows, I too am thinking of getting a G3 to replace my S3 that died a while back. I'm using an old moto x2 now. After posting in another thread elsewhere and describing what I'm looking for in a New(used) phone, someone recommended the G3 and after some reading I see that it fits the bill perfectly. (Ext SD, Replaceable battery, 5" or larger display) I had been thinking about a new moto or a note but root and ext sd are a must. I also need a phone with decent reception. My S3 was terrible compared to my old Droid X and X2, and since signal at home is hit or miss (95db/m on my dx2 now) I want a phone that pulls in signal well.
What do those of you who own this phone think about signal / reception compared to other devices?
I think I can get any Verizon version downgraded to install root and TWRP correct?
Without me reading through all the custom rom posts, do all features of the phone work as good or better on a custom rom as on a stock rom? What I'm mean here is for example, on my DX, DX2, and S3, some features do not work on custom roms due to the closed source of the original software / drivers I believe. On the DX and X2 for example the HDMI out port won't work on AOSP roms because the driver isn't available. Performance suffers on AOSP roms on the X2 past GB because of the closed nature of the Nvidia Tegra 2 drivers I think. I think I'm explaining this correctly.
I'm pretty sure that's everything I can find out how to do everything once I acquire the device. The link in the first reply above is most helpful.
Would anyone recommend any other device for the price range between 100-200 US dollars? Again, I've been considering a note, nexus 6 (because I know I'll have beaucoup kernels and roms to choose from)
griz.droidx said:
Hey fellows, I too am thinking of getting a G3 to replace my S3 that died a while back.
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Hi! I too, came from the S3, albeit the Sprint version. I loved that phone, by the way. I think overall I was most satisfied on the S3 but the G3 definitely has some great specifications in comparison.
What do those of you who own this phone think about signal / reception compared to other devices?
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I can't comment regarding this. I've moved too many times in the past 6 years and had four different Android phones in that time.
I think I can get any Verizon version downgraded to install root and TWRP correct?
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Click to collapse
Yes. The overall wisest way is to flash the 10B (KitKat) TOT using the .DLL that's extracted from the 35B (Lollipop 5.1.1) KDZ from a Windows PC, then use the Stump app to root it using the brute force method.
Google for:
Code:
XDA Stump
and then use TWRP Manager from the Play Store to install TWRP. Rooting gets more complicated after 10B and installing TWRP gets more complicated after 12B.
To flash a ROM - the order you flash things in matters if you end up dealing with JasmineROM 9.x or SkyDragon 6.x. After flashing either of those two ROMs, flash either the 24B or 35B Bootstack that you can find in @xdabbeb 's VS985 v2.0 ROM thread in the Development section. Depending on which Bootstack you flashed, if you flashed it before flashing either of those two ROMs, you'll brick your phone. Recoverable but no sense doing it if you can avoid it.
I recommend just getting used to flashing the appropriate Bootstack after flashing any ROM, that way you don't have to remember that with those two ROMs you can brick if you flash the Bootstack first. There's more details and exceptions but there's no use overloading you. If you always flash the Bootstack after, there's nothing else to worry about.
Without me reading through all the custom rom posts, do all features of the phone work as good or better on a custom rom as on a stock rom? What I'm mean here is for example, on my DX, DX2, and S3, some features do not work on custom roms due to the closed source of the original software / drivers I believe. On the DX and X2 for example the HDMI out port won't work on AOSP roms because the driver isn't available. Performance suffers on AOSP roms on the X2 past GB because of the closed nature of the Nvidia Tegra 2 drivers I think. I think I'm explaining this correctly.
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No. For what it's worth in my opinion, I don't bother fooling with non-stock Verizon LG ROMs any more. CyanogenMod/AOSP and ports of international stock ROMs often end up not working quite 100%, and you won't get all the features you will on stock. You can't use laser focus on CyanogenMod no matter what camera app you use, there are workarounds that at least used to work to get QuickRemote working on non-stock ROMs, but I haven't fooled with them in over a year so I have no idea if the same way works on newer ROMs.
I can get the most important to me features of non-stock ROMs by using Xposed and modules like G3TweaksBox.
All too often, after a user has flashed a handful of non-stock ROMs, sometimes they end up not being able to get Mobile Data working, even if they flash a stock rooted ROM. Only flashing the TOT or a KDZ will fix such a situation. TOT is recommended, it flashes more partitions than KDZs and can fix issues KDZs can't.
Would anyone recommend any other device for the price range between 100-200 US dollars? Again, I've been considering a note, nexus 6 (because I know I'll have beaucoup kernels and roms to choose from)
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I can't really speak to this either. Every time I'm tempted to go Nexus the price and/or the no MicroSD card or lack of as good a camera etc sways me away. I'm going to keep my eye on the HTC 10 in half a year when I may be in the market again, but it won't be that cheap that soon.
Congratulations, you just absorbed 1 1/2 years of experience with LG devices that I got by reading nearly every post in nearly every thread in the G3 sections since that time, and flashing both my VS985s and my VK810 many dozens of times.
P.S. If you go with the VS985, although I've been on @xdabbeb 's as pure stock while rooted 47A Marshmallow (although heavily debloated) for several months now, his custom ROM based on 35B is my overall favorite. You probably won't go wrong with either one of those, in my opinion.
Edit: By the way, it's a common enough occurence on the G3 that when flashing TOTs or KDZs, and maybe other situations, some people have gotten their IMEI wiped and have to go through some headache to put it back in, and you need to know what it was to begin with.
So if you flash back to 10B, root and install TWRP, the first thing you should back up in TWRP is "EFS" which includes your IMEI. Then save that somewhere like on Google Drive. It'll save you a lot of headache if you lose your IMEI. That said, I haven't lost mine once in several dozen flashes on my wife's and my G3s.
If you're still thinking of getting a G3, I was looking at Ebay last night and noticed they are selling refurbished G3's for $100.00 - I think with free shipping.
Just FYI
Related
WHY¿ The vs985has great Specs!
It has a locked boot loader and the only workaround method so far, Bump - developed by Team Codefire, was leaked by a selfish idiot, compromising the method so it will probably be patched in a future (Lollipop ?) OTA, leaving us owners with no root and no custom recovery.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
The method was compromised the minute codefire announced. Their method getting reverse engineered has nothing to do with whether out not lg makes an update which breaks it's functionality. If that comes to pass, it's simple...don't update. Meantime, development is just beginning as lollipop rolls out. Don't believe everything you hear.
theistus said:
The method was compromised the minute codefire announced. Their method getting reverse engineered has nothing to do with whether out not lg makes an update which breaks it's functionality. If that comes to pass, it's simple...don't update. Meantime, development is just beginning as lollipop rolls out. Don't believe everything you hear.
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Yea, I won't update. I'm on a 5.0.1 and it's great. I have wife's on KZD 10b and TB system updates frozen because it took 11c before I knew it.
foundingfathersfan2 said:
WHY¿ The vs985has great Specs!
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Click to collapse
First off, where did you here this from? I haven't heard it.
Also, there have been several OTAs since "bump" was released and it hasn't been patched so far. Bump was released back in October and we just got a new update for the VZW model (VS985) in December (v 12B) and you can downgrade from that and install TWRP on it. Plus, there are already "rooted/bumped" images for you to flash if you don't want to take the official OTAs (of course, you have to tell SuperSU to preserve root over the OTAs and you must NOT be bumped in order to take the OTAs). I'm on the official 12B OTA and then flashed TWRP, so I'm bumped. So, at this time, the phone is still bump-able even at the latest version.
Also, reports from overseas where some are getting LP have been able to downgrade back to a Kit Kat. That might change here in the United States, but definitely, I would hold off on taking any more OTAs until it can be verified if it fixes the "bump" exploit or not.
But, so far, ROMs are being developed, etc. So, I have as of yet to hear about devs not wanting to develop for this phone anymore.
Again, if you could point us to some sources, that would be good because I would like to know as well, but I don't go by hearsay.
iBolski said:
First off, where did you here this from? I haven't heard it.
Also, there have been several OTAs since "bump" was released and it hasn't been patched so far. Bump was released back in October and we just got a new update for the VZW model (VS985) in December (v 12B) and you can downgrade from that and install TWRP on it. Plus, there are already "rooted/bumped" images for you to flash if you don't want to take the official OTAs (of course, you have to tell SuperSU to preserve root over the OTAs and you must NOT be bumped in order to take the OTAs). I'm on the official 12B OTA and then flashed TWRP, so I'm bumped. So, at this time, the phone is still bump-able even at the latest version.
Also, reports from overseas where some are getting LP have been able to downgrade back to a Kit Kat. That might change here in the United States, but definitely, I would hold off on taking any more OTAs until it can be verified if it fixes the "bump" exploit or not.
But, so far, ROMs are being developed, etc. So, I have as of yet to hear about devs not wanting to develop for this phone anymore.
Again, if you could point us to some sources, that would be good because I would like to know as well, but I don't go by hearsay.
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Its just something I've seen on some ROM Threads. It may just be hearsay. I hope that's all it is.
foundingfathersfan2 said:
Its just something I've seen on some ROM Threads. It may just be hearsay. I hope that's all it is.
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Click to collapse
Okay, thanks. I haven't seen it in ROM threads and ROM threads normally don't have the devs posting there, so it's probably from people who don't really know what they're talking about, or it could be someone who represents the devs and posts updates for them. Either way, I'll keep an eye out on that and see if I can determine who it's coming from. Just curious because I definitely would like to know.
I look at this differently. Team Codefire figured out the only way known, so far, to flash a custom recovery and/or kernel and have it boot past the security check. Without that method (Bump), nothing is possible other than stuff based on stock firmware, like Jasmine.
Though the bump method was arguably already compromised by its use through the bump website, and that had its own drawbacks for sure (no nightly builds from CM, for example), there was an "understanding" between Team Codefire and LG, at least hinted at by Autoprime. The full public release of the bump method upset Team Codefire enough for them to abandon further work on the LG G3 altogether, and no one else has picked up on it or come up with any alternatives. You cannot even root any version other than the original stock v10b to this day.
So, though Roms are currently installable since you can still roll-back to v10b, root, and flash a bumped TWRP, folks getting new G3s in the future will likely be stuck with a totally locked down firmware, like we original purchasers thought we might be stuck until bump. For months...
How much Dev interest will remain if that happens ?
Will many Dev teams want to even just build for the G3 if only a subset of owners can install their works ?
trent999 said:
I look at this differently. Team Codefire figured out the only way known, so far, to flash a custom recovery and/or kernel and have it boot past the security check. Without that method (Bump), nothing is possible other than stuff based on stock firmware, like Jasmine.
Though the bump method was arguably already compromised by its use through the bump website, and that had its own drawbacks for sure (no nightly builds from CM, for example), there was an "understanding" between Team Codefire and LG, at least hinted at by Autoprime. The full public release of the bump method upset Team Codefire enough for them to abandon further work on the LG G3 altogether, and no one else has picked up on it or come up with any alternatives. You cannot even root any version other than the original stock v10b to this day.
So, though Roms are currently installable since you can still roll-back to v10b, root, and flash a bumped TWRP, folks getting new G3s in the future will likely be stuck with a totally locked down firmware, like we original purchasers thought we might be stuck until bump. For months...
How much Dev interest will remain if that happens ?
Will many Dev teams want to even just build for the G3 if only a subset of owners can install their works ?
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Click to collapse
Crap. Your right, we are almost a subset.
Look..there will always be a work around.. as long as there is someone out there with a need, there will be someone able to provide it.. The truth stands for all makes and models of smartphone.. The ROM build craze goes on and on, and eventually the phone is outdated and dev passes over it to a new model to play with.. BEST advice for anyone is learn to write if youre not a progressive upgrader
The whole scene is a revolving door, and like most things good, eventually theres an end...
Quick background: I'm a new LG G3 owner and I've been rooting and ROMing with three previous phones going back to the OG Droid but only by following the awesome work of developers. I'm currently on the 12b build which is what the phone came with and I've rooted and installed a custom recovery.
At some point I'll try a LP Rom but I'm not quite ready yet. I was wondering if I should go ahead and flash the 23c modem and kernel now while I'm still on KK. Would that cause an issue? If that would be an issue, when would I flash those in the upgrade process?
As a side note, does anyone have a recommendation as to which LP ROM is most stable? I like customization (which the LG UI doesn't have enough of), but I value full functioning and stability more.
Thanks in advance for any help and I apologize if this info is already posted; I've been searching and reading for hours
You can't use the 23C kernel or modem on 12B.
ROMs usually include kernels so when you flash a ROM, it'll include whatever kernel's needed. I could be wrong but I think the stock LG Lollipop ROMs that have been released include the modem, too.
If they don't, flash the modem after you flash a 23C ROM.
As far as what Lollipop ROM is most stable, that's personal preference. I use my own modified Odex'd.
Sent from my VK810 4G
Thanks for the help.
I just received my LG G3 in the mail today and I couldn't be more happier with my purchase. I still have a lot of reading and toying around with this device, being that it is my first LG device of any kind. With that being said, is there any useful information or links that would be helpful to learn about this device. I have been using Google of course but I am interested in Unlocking & Rooting this device if it's possible. I have the LG G3 Verizon Wireless Prepaid device, with the device being a prepaid device and not on a contract with Verizon I was unsure of whether or not I am limited to what I can do with this device. Any info or links are very much appreciated and I am looking forward to looking at, and hopefully trying out, some of the work for this device. I see a lot of familiar developers on here with their work and I am excited to feed my flashing hunger!
Thanks in advance!
TheGOAT232412 said:
I just received my LG G3 in the mail today and I couldn't be more happier with my purchase. I still have a lot of reading and toying around with this device, being that it is my first LG device of any kind. With that being said, is there any useful information or links that would be helpful to learn about this device. I have been using Google of course but I am interested in Unlocking & Rooting this device if it's possible. I have the LG G3 Verizon Wireless Prepaid device, with the device being a prepaid device and not on a contract with Verizon I was unsure of whether or not I am limited to what I can do with this device. Any info or links are very much appreciated and I am looking forward to looking at, and hopefully trying out, some of the work for this device. I see a lot of familiar developers on here with their work and I am excited to feed my flashing hunger!
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not on a contract either and i have not found any issues with not being able to do anything.
Here is a one click root thread for easy rooting. http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/general/guide-root-lg-firmwares-kitkat-lollipop-t3056951
As far as a custom recovery i believe you need to be on 10b for it to stick. Go into settings/about phone/software info and see what software version you are on now. VS98523C is what i am on now from a custom lollipop rom. Most likely you are on VS98512B kitkat rom.
If you do need to roll back to 10b this is what i do. http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/guide-flash-to-stock-10b-kdz-method-t2928140
It's very simple to rollback if you have to. I don't believe you can apply twrp any other way unless that has changed.
Get Flashify from the google play store and the latest twrp. Flash the twrp img file in Flashify.
After you have that all setup find a sweet rom you want and go to town.
Some of my info may be a bit old as things change fast lol.
This is a very useful thread to keep an eye on as well.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/reference-stock-img-files-t2966958
Thanks for the info! You are right, I am currently running VS98512B/Android version - 4.4.2. I am going to do a bit of reading up on downgrading and getting this thing rooted so I can start flashing some ROMS. I just want to make sure I don't do anything out of order that could potentially brick the device. Thanks again for the info and links, very much appreciated!
So after reading for countless hours in the past couple of days, I have obtained a lot of new information for this device. I am also a bit confused about a couple things which I expected because this is my first LG device I have ever owned. After looking through all of the info and the links posted above and still a bit hesitant to root and start flashing. I am currently running Android version 4.4.2 with my software version being VS98512B, would it be a good idea to upgrade the device to Lollipop 5.0? I wouldn't mind upgrading but I don't want it to prevent me from being able to root the device. I saw that some people with the same software version have been using the LG one click root tool and have had success with rooting the device. Is downgrading the device to "10B" the only way to install TWRP recovery so that I can flash ROMS/MODS etc? Sorry for the noobish questions, with work piling on top of me I am limited to how much reading I can do. Any advice/ info is very much appreciated, of course I will continue reading up as much as possible until I feel confident in taking the necessary steps to rooting the device.
Thanks in advance
There was some discussion about being able to boot a bumped recent TWRP from a rooted v23c if you replaced the aboot partition with one from like v10b. I don't have any details past that, because I believe rooted KitKat is a far better firmware for my vs985 than the crappy v23c Verizon has put out, and I like stock for the camera, etc.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
You can root on 23c and get bumped twrp. It's early and cannot find the link atm. Look around the lg g3 Verizon forum for a one click root method. Took less than 10 minutes total to get root..
Sent from my Nexus 7 WIFI using XDA Free mobile app
To install TWRP on 23C, once rooted with the one click script, search Google Play for VS985 TWRP autorec.
roirraW "edor" ehT said:
To install TWRP on 23C, once rooted with the one click script, search Google Play for VS985 TWRP autorec.
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Click to collapse
As with the OP of this thread, this is my first LG mobile device and for that matter first time using Verizon as a mobile carrier. I was hesitant on updating and installing the latest firmware update release from Verizon. I would of been going from 12b to 23C. I waited a couple days even though my phone was continuously asking me to do the update, so I finally broke and went through the update. So I did the install and put me were I am now on 23C running 5.0.1.
I also have a Samsung Galaxy S3 from AT&T (unlocked) which since this is my first time rooting, possibly learning to use X-Posed and testing out RAM, possibly better files to get the most out of my phones that I could.
Which is why I truly appreciate how great our community development teams have put worked together for us users.
As far as my LGG3, I like the stock rom especially over TouchWiz from my S4 and seeing it on my girls S5. My only complaint that I really have is that I wish I had more control over the settings in the camera. Such as the ISO, white balance, aperture, etc. Yet, I did find an camera application that does allow me to access those features. I just don't understand why LG wouldn't have that already customized into the camera settings.
I'll keep an eye on this post and see how far we get. Also, like OP stated any URL or previous posts I might help us are very much appreciated. Thanks so much in advance. Also, thanks for the users who have posted useful links already.
trent999 said:
There was some discussion about being able to boot a bumped recent TWRP from a rooted v23c if you replaced the aboot partition with one from like v10b. I don't have any details past that, because I believe rooted KitKat is a far better firmware for my vs985 than the crappy v23c Verizon has put out, and I like stock for the camera, etc.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Hey @trent999 right now I'm using also using 23c. I'm on stock and after I went from 10b to 23c 5.0.1 I am losing battery life a lot faster than I did on 10b.
But my question to you is how you commented on the camera. I like the stock camera, but I really feel it's missing A LOT that say like that Samsung Galaxy line comes stock ready. But I saw yesterday ( since I haven't looked really into the G4,) that the G4 comes with all the settings that I really wish the G3 came with. For example is being allowed to change the ISO settings, white balance, focus mode, etc.. The best application that I've found to substitute it is an app called " A Better Camera " and one that was recommended " FV-5. "
I really don't know or understand why they left those out on there flagship phone of 2014. Don't get me wrong, IMO the only camera that shoots out the box as good, even better is the S6 Edge.
So you have any opinion on this bud?
You made the right choice. This might be the first phone I actually keep for 2 years.
@0secdox, in the run-up to the release of the G3, LG made a big point of how quick and how easy the camera was going to be to use, what with very fast laser focus and all. I think they wanted it to be limited in options so it would not confuse us point&click folks.
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
I got mine last week too, I lost my root access on my Note 3 for good (well until the community gets a lollipop exploit). I bricked my phone while it was on lollipop and odin could only restore lollipop.
BTW LG G3 way better than the Note 3.
I will be buying a used LG G3 to place on pageplus nest week. Already have the SIM card, but I want to wait a week or two prior to activating.
My question is this. I want to root and install TWRP prior to activating?
I have read that I can use (Vol up, Vol down, Back, Home to bypass the activation screen). This gets me to wifi.
but can I then root and install TWRP using One Click and Autorec without activating the phone?
Lenster45 said:
I will be buying a used LG G3 to place on pageplus nest week. Already have the SIM card, but I want to wait a week or two prior to activating.
My question is this. I want to root and install TWRP prior to activating?
I have read that I can use (Vol up, Vol down, Back, Home to bypass the activation screen). This gets me to wifi.
but can I then root and install TWRP using One Click and Autorec without activating the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If that doesn't work try tapping the corners of the screen starting top left, top right, bottom right, bottom left. That should skip setup also... I believe
Kickin it on my VS985
Edde3d said:
If that doesn't work try tapping the corners of the screen starting top left, top right, bottom right, bottom left. That should skip setup also... I believe
Kickin it on my VS985
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that info, but my real question is about being able to root and install TWRP without the phone being activated.
I don't think being activated or not activated will affect the ability to root or put TWRP on. You can always side-load the app from the play store AutoRec TWRP VS985 after rooted to put TWRP on the easiest way.
roirraW "edor" ehT said:
I don't think being activated or not activated will affect the ability to root or put TWRP on. You can always side-load the app from the play store AutoRec TWRP VS985 after rooted to put TWRP on the easiest way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks
I just bought a LG G3 and just rooted it and installed TWRP. I noticed I'm on 23C. Still on stock and keep getting prompted for an update (24B??). Do I need to upgrade to 24B to be able to install roms that list 24B as required firmware?
BPHusker said:
I just bought a LG G3 and just rooted it and installed TWRP. I noticed I'm on 23C. Still on stock and keep getting prompted for an update (24B??). Do I need to upgrade to 24B to be able to install roms that list 24B as required firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK. I'm about three weeks ahead of you and have done a lot of reading. I see you have root and TWRP.
First thing don't take the update. There is a thread a few threads down in this forum on how to disable the update.
Once you have done that, you can download the TWRP Manager to update TWRP to 2.8.7.0 if you aren't there already.
Once that is done, you have two 24B ROMS to choose from Jasmine 8.0 and Skydragon 5.0 (I am using Skydragon 5.0)
Both ROMS are in the Verizon LG G3 Android Development forum. The Skydragon forum is titled Skydragon 4.0 but the link to the 5.0 ROM in on page 429.
Skydragon also has an accompanying kernel (4.2) the link is on page 141 of the Skydragon 4.02 Kernel thread found in Verizon Lg G3 Original Android Development forum
I don't use the Jasmine ROM so I am not sure if there is an accompanying kernel.
There is also a 24B version of the Modem you search for.
I strongly suggest you take the time to read the forums listed above.
As I said, I am only three weeks into my LG G3, but Skydragon is fast, stable and easy on the battery.
Any more experienced participants, please feel free to correct any errors on my part
Edit: There are other ROMS listed in the Verizon Lg G3 Original Android Development forum such as CM or Paranoid Android, but Jasmine and Skydragon are very close to stock which is what I wanted.
Interesting... I tried to boot to recovery (Power+Vol Down) to flash a rom and TWRP didn't come up, but "System Recovery" did. Not sure whats going on since I was able to get to TWRP earlier. I tried using the One Click Root tool to boot to recovery, but it seems to just sit at a black screen. Any ideas?
I have a Galaxy S4 and it is really starting to run like crap. I am thinking about picking up a used G3. How difficult is it to Root and unlock the bootloader on it? When I bought my s4 used I had to make sure I had the MDK bootloader because Verizon locked down any version newer. Is this a problem on the G3?
BPHusker said:
I have a Galaxy S4 and it is really starting to run like crap. I am thinking about picking up a used G3. How difficult is it to Root and unlock the bootloader on it? When I bought my s4 used I had to make sure I had the MDK bootloader because Verizon locked down any version newer. Is this a problem on the G3?
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Root is easy as this as well as installing TWRP to flash custom ROMs/kernels:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-lg-g3/general/verizon-lg-g3-one-toolkit-vs985-root-t3124846
"Unlocking" is sort of not really what you're doing with the G2. Instead, there is an exploit called Bumping where after you root, you can flash what is called a "bumped" version of TWRP that allows you to flash "bumped" ROMs. Bumped ROMs are specific to the model of G3 you are using, so you must use only VS985 ROMs that are bumped specifically for the VS985. Same with the other versions of the G3. So, you cannot flash a D850 ROM on the VS985 and vice-versa. So, if there is a ROM that is bumped for the D850 but not for the VS985, you're out of luck for that particular ROM.
A whole slew of questions can be answered here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g3/help/help-thread-lg-g3-question-t2947298
This covers all variances of the G3. It's where I went to back in December when I was researching whether or not to upgrade to this phone or not. It definitely helped me decide what to do and believe me, I'm not at all disappointed with going to this phone. In fact, for a long time, I stayed on stock and unrooted because I had no reason to root. But, with the latest LP OTA (24B), I have noticed a drop in battery performance, so I've now rooted and flashed the Jasmine 8.0 ROM and the SkyDragon 4.2 Kernel. I'm on my second day, but I appear to be getting the same battery life I did pre-LP (under KK). I could unplug my phone before I went to bed the night before at 100% and wake up 5 hours later and still be at 100%. I wasn't getting that anymore under LP (I'd wake up at 93% or less under LP). With Jasmine and SkyDragon, I woke up this morning and after 5+ hours of not charging, I was still at 100%.
I'm sorry if I'm asking questions that have been answered here, but I am new to rooting and am suffering from information overload. I get confused about references to stock Android and whether this means the stock Verizon version or the untouched Android that Nexus devices get.
I'm using this phone through Tracfone and thus do not receive OTA updates. This also makes all of the Verizon bloat all the more useless. I'm not looking for a special ROM, I just want vanilla Android that will receive new updates over wifi.
Is this possible?
Hi. Stock means what LG/Verizon put on our phone. I understand the confusion, though, and I used to be confused about it too. It's best to call "pure" or "purer" Android AOSP, or from what I've read there isn't any true full AOSP that's user compiled any more - they're all more or less based on CyanogenMod, so "AOSP" or "CM", but CM is more realistic. AOSP is what Nexus has, although of course, it can be called stock too since in that case they're one in the same unless you're running a user-compiled AOSP in which case if it were me I would call it something else to distinguish it from the stock AOSP on Nexus.
CyanogenMod-based ROMs will be the closest you'll get. CM13 for Marshmallow. I don't know if CM gets OTAs, I think sometimes in the past they have, at least once a version of CM has gone "final" (not sure if CM13 has gone final). Some ROMs that are based on CM have OTAs too.
I can't speak as to how well these work. I used to use CM-based ROMs more on other phones but for me, stock works so much more reliably/predictably and overall smoother than AOSP/CM. AOSP/CM and International-based stock ROMs always seem to have some unreliableness factor.
If you want a debloated but reliable ROM based on stock (which would receive OTAs if there ever are any more, but it's doubtful there will be), use @xdabbeb 's stock 47A (Marshmallow) firmware along with either my debloat zips or the debloat generator made by another user, which I link to in the third post of the 47A firmware thread in the Development section. The debloat zips/generator are also linked to in my signature below.
Overall, personally, I consider @xdabbeb 's VS985 v2.0 ROM, based on 35B (5.1.1) the best ROM, but I'm currently using the stock 47A firmware with complete debloating and am satisfied with it.
I use Xposed and G3TweaksBox to get some features on stock ROMs that I consider a must.
The easiest way to flash the ROM I mentioned is (if you're not rooted yet), first tell us what version of the stock ROM you're on. If it's anything but 23C or 24B, the absolute easiest way to root and put custom recovery on is by downgrading to 10B using the TOT method and the .DLL that's extracted from the 35B KDZ. Links to the TOT and DLL in @annoyingduck 's stickied return to stock thread in the General section, also the first link in my signature below.
Directions and the links to the program to flash TOTs, you'll have to Google for.
In the future, please ask all questions in the Q&A section. I'll ask a moderator to move this thread. Thanks!
Thanks for the response. I am definitely most interested in reliability. After reading your post, I think I might just stick with the stock Verizon image and wait for the upgrade tool to release Marshmallow.
Nate Wrigley said:
Thanks for the response. I am definitely most interested in reliability. After reading your post, I think I might just stick with the stock Verizon image and wait for the upgrade tool to release Marshmallow.
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You're welcome! Or if I didn't say it before, you can flash the 47A KDZ with LG Flash Tool 2014, preferably with the CSE option which will wipe all data including internal storage, so use the built in LG Backup and also move what you want to keep from your internal storage.