Sorry in advance as I'm sure these questions are added somewhere. Just looking to be pointed to some threads or other places with good info.
I just got a new 2013 N7 and it came with 4.3 build A# JWR66N.
Upon first run, there are a couple of system updates available that I am hesitant to install. I'm guessing they are to update it to the newest 4.4. Just wondering if I should do this or if it will cripple or lock anything else having to do with rooting or flashing custom ROM's
First thing I noticed is it looks just like the custom EOS 4.1.1 I flashed into my Xoom tablet a few years ago and coming from a Galaxy tab, there is no option to clear all recent apps (the Galaxy has a small garbage can symbol in the recent apps list that gets rid of everything with one touch). I was wondering if there is something like this for the N7 (either an app or a custom ROM that has it).
Also, I knew before buying it that OTG was crippled. My friend has one and said he rooted and used stickmount to get full OTG read-write access. Wondering if there is a better alternative (or if there is a custom ROM with this already fixed).
I have been seeing a lot of stuff about a N7 FLO. What is this and how do I know if I have it?
Last, I am definitely interested in unlocking/rooting/adding a custom ROM to it but looking for some good direction for this. I have been searching through these boards and my head is spinning from all the different info. Last time I rooted and flashed a custom rom was a few years ago with my Motorola Xoom and I did it all manually with ADB and some other stuff and it went smooth. It seems like everything written on here is made for people that already know what they are doing and although I have done it before, and have no problems following instructions, it's been a few years I am looking for a good link or links to some beginner guides so I can kinda go back to the beginning and refresh myself before going into this. I am also not opposed to using WUG's toolkit or similar but would still like to better understand doing things manually in case something goes wrong.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
happy4ya said:
Sorry in advance as I'm sure these questions are added somewhere. Just looking to be pointed to some threads or other places with good info.
I just got a new 2013 N7 and it came with 4.3 build A# JWR66N.
Upon first run, there are a couple of system updates available that I am hesitant to install. I'm guessing they are to update it to the newest 4.4. Just wondering if I should do this or if it will cripple or lock anything else having to do with rooting or flashing custom ROM's
First thing I noticed is it looks just like the custom EOS 4.1.1 I flashed into my Xoom tablet a few years ago and coming from a Galaxy tab, there is no option to clear all recent apps (the Galaxy has a small garbage can symbol in the recent apps list that gets rid of everything with one touch). I was wondering if there is something like this for the N7 (either an app or a custom ROM that has it).
Also, I knew before buying it that OTG was crippled. My friend has one and said he rooted and used stickmount to get full OTG read-write access. Wondering if there is a better alternative (or if there is a custom ROM with this already fixed).
I have been seeing a lot of stuff about a N7 FLO. What is this and how do I know if I have it?
Last, I am definitely interested in unlocking/rooting/adding a custom ROM to it but looking for some good direction for this. I have been searching through these boards and my head is spinning from all the different info. Last time I rooted and flashed a custom rom was a few years ago with my Motorola Xoom and I did it all manually with ADB and some other stuff and it went smooth. It seems like everything written on here is made for people that already know what they are doing and although I have done it before, and have no problems following instructions, it's been a few years I am looking for a good link or links to some beginner guides so I can kinda go back to the beginning and refresh myself before going into this. I am also not opposed to using WUG's toolkit or similar but would still like to better understand doing things manually in case something goes wrong.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use a toolkit. If there is one thing you take from this response, take that.
N7 2013 has two models, flo and deb. flo is the wifi version, deb is the LTE version.
Updating a Nexus device will not hinder your ability to root/unlock the bootloader. Other OEMs do this, and that's why I'm not using their devices anymore. Done with them.
Clear all recents button is removed on later Android versions. Custom ROMs or Xposed/GravityBox to get it back.
OTG/Stickmount issue: I believe that if you have a custom kernel that supports it, not an issue, don't need Stickmount. No experience in this area, however.
The stock look of a Google OS is standard AOSP. That's why the ROM you flashed on your Xoom looks very similar.
If you are new to Nexus devices, I would probably recommend using stock for a while. When you become tired of the absolute lack of customization, switch to SlimKat and use Banks' minimal gapps package. The gapps thread is in the N5 apps section, but works just the same on N7.
If you are going to unlock the bootloader anyhow, here is what you want to do to update to the newest version without the extra steps.
You need to install the drivers, get ADB+fastboot, and download the KTU84P factory image for your device. All links in signature. If you have the wifi model, razor, if you have the LTE model, razorg. razor=flo, razorg=deb.
You can find the fastboot tuts all over the internet, and it's too long to type. But basically, you want:
fastboot oem unlock (this will wipe your device, but only needs to be done one time)
fastboot reboot-bootloader
<you can run the flash-all.bat file that came with your fasctory image now>
after that's done, you'll want to go back into bootloader mode and flash TWRP (link in signature).
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
That's a lot of information written with very poor coherence. If you need elaboration, just ask. But it has you pointed in the right direction.
Aerowinder said:
Do not use a toolkit. If there is one thing you take from this response, take that.
N7 2013 has two models, flo and deb. flo is the wifi version, deb is the LTE version.
Updating a Nexus device will not hinder your ability to root/unlock the bootloader. Other OEMs do this, and that's why I'm not using their devices anymore. Done with them.
Clear all recents button is removed on later Android versions. Custom ROMs or Xposed/GravityBox to get it back.
OTG/Stickmount issue: I believe that if you have a custom kernel that supports it, not an issue, don't need Stickmount. No experience in this area, however.
The stock look of a Google OS is standard AOSP. That's why the ROM you flashed on your Xoom looks very similar.
If you are new to Nexus devices, I would probably recommend using stock for a while. When you become tired of the absolute lack of customization, switch to SlimKat and use Banks' minimal gapps package. The gapps thread is in the N5 apps section, but works just the same on N7.
If you are going to unlock the bootloader anyhow, here is what you want to do to update to the newest version without the extra steps.
You need to install the drivers, get ADB+fastboot, and download the KTU84P factory image for your device. All links in signature. If you have the wifi model, razor, if you have the LTE model, razorg. razor=flo, razorg=deb.
You can find the fastboot tuts all over the internet, and it's too long to type. But basically, you want:
fastboot oem unlock (this will wipe your device, but only needs to be done one time)
fastboot reboot-bootloader
<you can run the flash-all.bat file that came with your fasctory image now>
after that's done, you'll want to go back into bootloader mode and flash TWRP (link in signature).
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
That's a lot of information written with very poor coherence. If you need elaboration, just ask. But it has you pointed in the right direction.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all the info. So I definitely have the FLO model.
I would like to use Titanium Backup for Root and a few other things that need root access so I definitely want to do this.
Also, being that this tablet has no micro SD, I definitely want to have read-write access with a USB drive. I've had this for almost a week already and I haven't loaded anything into it yet because I figured I'd be wiping it. I really don't want to mess with stock because of the lack of a few things. I really just can't stand having devices with restricted use. That's not what I paid for.
I never used Kit Kat before and not sure if I'll like it. Do you know if you can go back to 4.3? I know with some of the other devices (like my Galaxy S3 phone), once you update it OTA, they lock stuff up and you cannot roll back.
Also, does anyone have any idea on a completely new out of the box unit what is killing the battery so fast? On my galaxy 7 tab, it would last over a week in standby. This thing was dead in about a day and a half after I took it off the charger. and I charger it full a couple of times already. Or does battery life just suck on this tablet?
I did find a post somewhere that said to turn off google location and I just did that. We'll see if it does anything.
happy4ya said:
Also, does anyone have any idea on a completely new out of the box unit what is killing the battery so fast? On my galaxy 7 tab, it would last over a week in standby. This thing was dead in about a day and a half after I took it off the charger. and I charger it full a couple of times already. Or does battery life just suck on this tablet?
I did find a post somewhere that said to turn off google location and I just did that. We'll see if it does anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can roll back to 4.3. Google hasn't gone full Apple yet. But I strongly advise against doing so, as it's a large step backwards.
Understood on stock OS, agree no options anywhere. Slimkat+franco.kernel+banks gapps. You won't look back. Also in developer options, switch to ART. Dalvik sucks. If you're using Banks' minimal gapps, the lack of some syncing libs (for the AOSP calendar nobody uses) will cause random FCs until you reboot a second time. Nothing to worry about. Just grab the Google Calendar, or whatever calendar you use, from the play store and freeze the AOSP one with TiBu. Another FC you might see is gms.location. It should only happen once. Something with play services.
Once you are rooted, you can grab BetterBatteryStats to see what's killing your battery. On stock installs, it's mostly going to be location-based stuff keeping it awake. You already turned off reporting, but you also need to switch location mode to Device only.
Related
Hello all,
Introduction:
My name is Dev, and I have purchased a phone from Craigslist about a year ago. I used to use Windows Mobile phones. I had no problems with them. I have used the T-mobile MDA, Wing, and Touch Pro 2. They have been good phones for me, until recently. I have always wanted a faster phone and the Touch Pro 2 seemed to be quick enough for me. Nope. It slowed down just like the others. My brother is younger than me, and he has been attracted to the Android market since the T-mobile G1. I never got an opportunity to enter this operating system market. I am very tech savvy however, and it has merely been a case of me not wanting to "change." However, I am past that and I want to contribute to the Android community. My first Android phone is the T-mobile myTouch 3G Slide. (I like sliding phones in case you haven't noticed. I must have the physical keyboard. I text a lot.) I bought it used from Craigslist, and it seemed to work fine then. The previous owner was nice enough to clear all the data off of it, and give it to me fresh. I have been using it since.
Leading into my problem/question:
Lately, however, it has been slowing down too. I want to reset it to a clean slate. I know how to do it. It is in the menus. However, I do not like how this phone has been modified. Why would you modify a phone? I have never had to do this with my Windows phones. There has never been a need to flash any roms or anything. They had updates which were simple to use. Plug the USB into the computer and follow the simple steps. Make sure it doesn't shut off during flash. Simple. I've done this plenty of times with printers, motherboards, CD-ROMs, and all other flashable devices. I understand how big of a risk this is. If the flash doesn't complete (or is the wrong rom), then the device will not work again. Unless, you J-TAG the device and flash it again correctly. But, that requires a lot of work, and a wiring schematic to figure out where the J-TAG ports are. I have learned this information from back in the day when I used to do dish testing. You would flash roms to satellite TV boxes and experiment with new encryption technologies for satellite TV. That being said, I am terrified of flashing phones, because I would have no idea where to look for J-TAG ports for phones, if I mess something up. So, in conclusion, my experience in flashing has been for testing purposes only.
Problem/Question:
How do I figure out what the status of my phone is? It says Cyanogen Mod on start up. My brother tells me this is a very good rom. Who decided that though? Is it a bad idea to go back to stock T-mobile rom? I've always had this thought nagging me to try it and see why people go through all this headache of S-OFF and rooting phones. However, if I go back to the stock rom, will I be able to gain access to the phone's internal memory again? I don't like the idea of losing the S-OFF and rooting privileges the previous owner worked so hard to do. I would like to flash the latest T-mobile rom to the device, but how do I know if it will mess up everything and clash with some code leftover from the modified rom of Cyanogen Mod? Also, how do I backup all my stuff? I want to keep all my setting for the programs I have downloaded from the Google Market. I want to keep my contacts and notes. I want to keep my text messages and MMS messages. I am one of those idiots who keeps all his text messages and MMS messages archived. I go back through the messages from time to time for retrieval of important information I may have spoken about with someone in the past. I know this is a loaded post. I am sorry. If anyone is willing or able to help me, then please pick any point in this post and we'll go from there. This was just an outline of everything so you guys can help me find a starting point.
What I Know About the Phone:
T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide
Android 2.3.3
Baseband 47.63.35.21U_7.15.35.16
Kernel 2.6.32.17-cyanogenmod-g501281a [email protected] #1
CPU ARMv6-compatible process rev 5 (c6l)
Mod CyanogenMod-7.0.0-Slide
Build GRI40
I believe it is S-OFF and it is rooted. I would like a procedure to verify though. Please.
Memory Card:
Memory card has a lot of folders and stuff on it from which I have no idea. Some of it says nervous stuff like ".android_secure" "clockworkmod" "2111.zip" "signed_Froyo_Slide_Radio.zip" "gapps-gb-20110120-signed.zip" "update.zip" "update-cm-7.0.0-Slide-signed" and "Android" I like it when my memory card is clean with nothing but a few folders like "Pictures" "Videos" "Movies" "Data" "Programs" "Software" "Music" and other general stuff like that. I like this so I can use the memory card elsewhere and know where everything is. Basically, I want to know if I can delete everything without shooting myself in the foot. How do I find out what each .apk is for? Will a stock T-mobile rom come with all the stock backgrounds, contact pictures, and all the other stock goodies? I feel like some of those were on the SD card too.
Things I like:
Speed. I like things to be fast. Utilitarian. I don't want any fancy effects, typically. I like everything simple. For example, my desktops are all using the Classic Windows Theme, and all fade in / fade out have been disabled. I want my phone to be the same way. Nothing I don't need. Minimalistic. I don't like to keep many programs running at once. This was something I liked about the Windows phones. I could click in the upper right hand corner and it would present a list of running programs. I could close specific ones that I did not want to run in the background. Android doesn't seem to have a feature like this, but it does seem like they close if they are not being displayed on the screen.
WIFI
How do I fix the WIFI in this phone? It seems like the radio drivers are wrong are outdated. It keeps dropping the connection immediately after the phone connects to a wireless network. I noticed a thread, but I cannot post to it. I wanted to ask how I would apply this patch to my phone without having a rom or anything. I thought maybe I could boot the phone into the recovery mode, and install the radio drivers maybe? I don't know what I am doing though, and want some guidance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1177650
And, why does the GPS take so long to get a fix?
Moderators/Thanks
I am very sorry to anyone and everyone whom I may offend in this post. If all my questions are answered somewhere else, please direct me to the correct area. I have been searching and researching for so long and I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I gave up about two months ago, and now I am back again trying to fix this phone. Please do not be mad at me for pestering you guys with annoying questions from new users like me. I know you guys are tired of answering these questions over and over again. Please. Just give me a little guidance. Thank you so much for any and all help. I really truly appreciate this. Android seems to be a very good operating system, and I am looking forward to all your posts.
P.S.
Sorry about the length of this post. It is my first time.
Test
Testing to see if I get notification of replies.
Well, for starters, welcome to the myTouch 3G Slide fora, second, yes, your brother is right, you are running the best ROM available at the moment, but your running an older version of itif you like, i can link you to an updated version of the ROM or i can point you to the "Android Development" section of the forum for the myTouch Slide and you can pick one your self, if you need any help with your device, feel free to PM me or reply to this thread at any time, seeing as how iI am one of the last people who actually still support this device for ROMs, i would reccomend my "TeamFreedom LeWaOS" ROM, but im still working out some kinks in it, for now, i will give you the opportunity to update to the latest version of "CyanogenMOD 7.2":
Download the ROM (has fix for WiFi i believe): http://download.cyanogenmod.com/get/RC/update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip
Download for the latest 2.3.3 GAPPS: http://goo.im/gapps/gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip
Also, here is how to FLASH these ROMs:
Pre-requsite: PLACE "update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip" and "gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip" on the root of your sdcard
1: Hold the power button on your phone
2: Tap "Reboot"
3: Tap "Recovery"
4: when in "Recovery" use the Volume +/- keys to move and the trackpad to select "Wipe data/factory reset" then select "yes" if necessary
4a: select "Install zip from sdcard"
5: then select "choose zip from sdcard"
6: select "update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip"
7: When finished select "reboot system now"
8: again, reboot into recovery
9: flash "gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip"
10: reboot system, and enjoy your updated phone, this process overall is the same for all android phones, and for all ROMs
Thank You
Thanks. I will try the new CyanogenMod rom.
Dealing with the performance of your phone, how many SMS/MMS msgs do you have currently? I noticed you said you dont like deleting them. Thing is, if you have a lot of msgs it can significantly impact your phones performance. Obviously it impacts the messaging app but in my experience it can affect the whole system. This may not be the case on CM ROMS but i have noticed it on stock. (i dont use CM much, prefer Sense).
Also u can try overclocking. I like NoFrills app from market. Its free and allows u to select your i/o scheduler and governor.
For backups, hands down Titanium Backup is the best if u ask me (and many others).
Hope this helps a little.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App
Update on CM7
Hey, guys.
So, I've updated to CM 7.2.0. Since then, I've been having problems with the touch screen and the phone app. If I use the directional pad, I can highlight the phone app, but when I click on it, it crashes. Also, the touch screen is unresponsive all the time. Sometimes, I will get lucky and when I reboot it, I will get access to the touch screen again. I am wondering if maybe I didn't update the drivers for the touch screen or the phone radio or something. I have a hunch that the phone app is crashing and lagging the whole system, so the touch screen isn't working because of that. When the touch screen does work, the phone app is also working. I am thinking of just flashing the phone with HTC's stock rom and then rooting and s-off it all over again, because I think the previous owner didn't do something right. I want to know if I can just flash the stock rom without any consequences. And, also will I be able to get it rooted and s-offed again? I'm hoping that by flashing the stock rom, I can test my touch screen and phone app with confidence. Maybe the phone app is sending commands for a newer firmware revision, and mine isn't updated to that version yet. Not sure how this works really. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Suggestion. Re-flash the rom, but in recovery go into advanced, wipe dalvik cache. Hit back, now in mounts and storage. Wipe the following, boot, system, hit back wipe/factory reset, wipe cache. Flash rom, then gapps. Reboot. You should be good to go. Hope this helps.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:05 PM ----------
Oh and to check for S-off reboot to bootloader when holding power, or while phone is off power on while holding vol down. Should say alfarev s-off or unlocked.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using xda app-developers app
Ran into a wall
Alright, guys.
So, I ran into a wall. It is now completely unresponsive to the touch screen. I had recently flashed it, and I am trying to do what you had suggested, Dvarl. The problem is that I cannot touch the android logo so I can continue onto the Rom Manager where I can flash and reboot into recovery. If I try to go into the recovery by holding the down arrow and power button, then clicking on "Recovery," I get the red triangle logo. It has always been this way. Lastly, my phone is not s-offed. Thanks for helping me out with that. lol Any ideas on how to flash without the Rom Manager recovery flash?
Edit: I think I have found the problem. I think my digitizer is going out. I am going to maybe purchase a new one and see if it fixes the touching problem. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for all your help thus far!
Hello All,
aXcelio here…..
I'm new to the world of Android switched from the iPhone….(was and still am a loyal user of IOS devices for the better part of 5 years)…..but out of shear boredom, I made the decision to decided to make the switch and I for the most part could not be happier. In doing so I picked up a Galaxy Note II SGH-1317 (AT&T), I've updated the stock rom (I think that's what its called) to JellyBean 4.2.1……now I'm in a place where I want take advantage of some of the feature embedded in CM (it looks really cool)……
So a buddy of mine, who's been running with droid's for as long as I've been running IOS decided to give me a hand in getting my device rooted……we used an exploit called EXYNOS, and installed TWRP (again forgive me ignorance if I'm speaking out of term…I'm learning, or trying too), everything appears to be running without incident, (with the exception of my not being able to create any backup…as the system tells me that I don't have any free space)….get back to that in a lil bit.
Now….I scored the CM site as well as XDA, but haven't really been able to find what I'm looking for (some of which could be out of fear of destroying my device, and some of which is based on a lack of understanding….more I think though of destroying my device……..I should note that I completely understand that any of that any info I get here or there…..is as is, and without any guarantee.) So here I am reaching out to you folks for some guidance……..with that allow me to ask a couple of questions…..
In an effort to get a better understanding of what my buddy did…..I would like to go through the process of setting my device back to defaults (as if I just brought it home from the store) no root, no play apps that I've installed….(I can do that later, and I'm not overly concerned about losing anything) and re-root the device…..that being said, is there a way to that (set the device back to defaults)….I've seen one article using the stock firmware, (which I've downloaded) and another which states that I can do a factory reset which will unroot the device…(but not sure what approach to take or for that matter I should even worry about that)
The second thing I'm wondering about is this……most of what I've read regarding the install of CM is that I need clockwork recovery (or something along those lines) but I have TWRP…..if I opt to not reset the phone back to factory default and unroot (or find that I really don't need to move in that direction) can I install CM using TWRP?…..if I need clockwork, can I instal this over TWRP……or do I need to do something different?
a
The last thing I have (at least for right now) is this….assuming I can move forward with the install and configuration of CM, I wonder if any of you can provide a step by step guide on how I go about this on my particular device……I've seen this article well as this ones these however appear to be for version 10, of CM…but I see there is a 10.1……I read another article (but can't seem to find it now…which stated that it worked with my device and 10.1, with a link but all of the nighties….seemed to be specific to the Galaxy Note…..not the Note II…..and again I would much rather reach out to you guys for guidance prior to doing anything…..The last question I have is I see there is a version 7100 of my phone and then one that says something about LTE (but not specific version……) is the SGH-1317 an LTE device that is version agnostic (if you will)….in other words if I see a post for an LTE GNII is that speaking to my device or something else……
Thanks a lot……
aXcelio
If your all ready rooted why go back to stock?
You don't have to install CWM TWRP is fine as your main recovery.
don't install any ROM for the N7100, that is the non LTE version of the Note 2, it will brick your phone.
CM10 is Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. CM10.1 is 4.2 Jelly Bean.
Read the forums for the specific ROM it will give instructions on installing the ROM even if it mentions to use CWM, installing with TWRP is fine.
READ READ READ and have fun
I think i understand, you want to reset and do all this stuff on your phone yourself.
? You would would have to Odin your phone back. Either mobile Odin or one for pc. Pretty simple task once you get the files you need. Think that's right..
Edit: as the guy above me said either is fine. Just preference in what recovery to use. I would suggest to only use cmr based recovery as those seem to be more friendly with development programs and roms than the official by koush that you see in play store. I wouldn't even downloaded it.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using xda premium
nidnarb said:
I think i understand, you want to reset and do all this stuff on your phone yourself.
? You would would have to Odin your phone back. Either mobile Odin or one for pc. Pretty simple task once you get the files you need. Think that's right..
Edit: as the guy above me said either is fine. Just preference in what recovery to use. I would suggest to only use cmr based recovery as those seem to be more friendly with development programs and roms than the official by koush that you see in play store. I wouldn't even downloaded it.
Sent from my SGH-I317 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PC Odin is more safe for the record
Here is a link to a post that breaks down the basics of starting from scratch, rooting and installing clockworkmod and then flashing a ROM. The instructions are in reply to a gentleman inquiring about the Jedi ROM but the instructions will be good for most other ROMs out there. Just check the installation instructions in the op of any rom to make sure there is not something else required for install.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=35726061
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Hello! Pretty new in XDA forum and I have a couple of questions and concerns. I was browsing through some threads and I was wondering if I could get some opinion/help from other members.
I have a second phone that I want to mod and I need some help.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S4 (ROOTED)
Model#: SGH-M919
Android Version: 4.4.4
Baseband: M919UVUFNK2
It's an old phone and lately, it's been running really slow and if possible, I'd like to make it run as if it was brand new or at least somewhat close. So the question is, are there any recommended stable roms/mods I could use and if there are/is, will I be able to use it with my rooted phone or do I have to completely factory reset it before I apply the mods/roms?
Thank you!
Hi @Mr.LinK,
Just yesterday I finally got sick of my M919 slow/battery drain/old stuff and decided it was time for a reset. I was running SlimKat from over a year ago and while it was a great ROM, I had accumulated so much crap that it was getting really bogged down. This just happens over time no matter what OS, no fault to Slim. But I was also looking to move to Lollipop. Here's what I did:
1. Backed up using several methodologies (full backup with TWRP just in case, then from Android I backed stuff up with Helium, and used Backup My Mobile for SMS/MMS etc., an EFS backup just in case, etc..)
2. From within Android, did a factory reset. This sent the phone into recovery, and it formatted the data partition.
3. Rebooted to recovery again, and used TWRP to manually format the media section, just in case something was left there. Then wiped everything except the external SD.
4. Used ODIN to flash the OH3 firmware onto my MDL M919, without letting reboot after (unchecked the reboot checkbox). Pulled battery, rebooted back into download mode again, and flashed OH3 a second time... this gets around some instance people have reported about incomplete upgrades of firmware and all sorts of issues... better safe than sorry.
5. Let phone boot into now 100 % stock OH3 Android 4.4.4. YEEEUKKK. Some part of me thought I would just root the thing and get rid of Samsung crapware, but just the sheer annoyance of the T-Mobile boot animation was enough to remind me why I left stock long ago. Anyway, I let it boot, and set it up minimally with just 1 Google account, not restoring from backup. To my surprise it found the ATT network (I'm an ATT user, not T-Mobile... I just prefer T-Mo phones because they have unlocked bootloaders) and APN no problem no effort from me. Usually I have to enter an APN.
6. I tested the phone out to make sure all systems were working. GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.. To my surprise, first time I ran the camera app, it applied a firmware patch. Sweet. I'm glad I went through this step. Coming from ancient MDL, I figured there might be some kinks like this. I let it sit on stock for a few hours while I did stuff with my kids.
7. Back home, I did a factory reset from within Android. Then I flashed the latest TWRP tar file (2.8.7.0) using ODIN, and in TWRP did a full wipe of everything again.
8. At this point I flashed Danvdh's GPE edition of Lollipop from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2539361
Installation went smoothly. It's a very basic set of apps that it comes with (Google play is there, but you have to download email/messaging apps from the store such as Gmail and Messaging, Maps, etc). I like this approach!
I've been gradually setting things back up, and am very happy with things so far. Haven't run into any problems yet. The nice pure GPE android experience is refreshing.
@Frankenscript Thanks for the information. I was reading the linked thread and it looks really good so I'll give it a try
Mr.LinK said:
@Frankenscript Thanks for the information. I was reading the linked thread and it looks really good so I'll give it a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Frankenscript said:
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just completely flashed my phone with the ROM and I'm pretty happy with the outcome. No bloatware feels so nice. I've been tinkering with it for a while now and I haven't encountered any problems so far but I did notice that model number changed to GT-I9505G. I'm assuming that's normal since the rom is based off of another variant which makes sense, correct me if I'm wrong. Will this complicate future updates or other rom installation? If so, are there any ways of reverting back to the original model number?
Mr.LinK said:
I just completely flashed my phone with the ROM and I'm pretty happy with the outcome. No bloatware feels so nice. I've been tinkering with it for a while now and I haven't encountered any problems so far but I did notice that model number changed to GT-I9505G. I'm assuming that's normal since the rom is based off of another variant which makes sense, correct me if I'm wrong. Will this complicate future updates or other rom installation? If so, are there any ways of reverting back to the original model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure we can change the reported model number by modifying the build.prop file. I just haven't poked around with it yet... I did ask the question in the thread and am waiting for a reply. I haven't had to do this kind of thing for over a year, and I forget the build.prop key that does it. But I had some concern that it might bork something else down the road so I decided to wait a bit. IT's just a cosmetic thing and I'm SOOO enjoying the experience right now.
Two little things I'm still fishing around for answers to:
-In the drop down quick access menu, I wish there was a sound/vibrate/mute toggle. I can make one with PowerToggles but maybe there's a way to adjust what's in the native one.
-Really silly, but the power off button when pressed just seems to ... power off the phone!? No option for restart / recovery. Maybe there's an option to set this somewhere; haven't checked.
Still, these are all minor things to sort out. Really, I think I'm very sold on GPE editions now thanks to Danvdh's work.
Marc
Just an update, my phone just rebooted twice in the last 5 mins or so. Was watching on my netflix and it randomly rebooted. Any idea what's causing it and how to prevent it from happening?
Mr.LinK said:
Just an update, my phone just rebooted twice in the last 5 mins or so. Was watching on my netflix and it randomly rebooted. Any idea what's causing it and how to prevent it from happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't seen random reboots. I think I got maybe one reboot since installing the ROM. Then again, I haven't put NF on the phone. I do know that Netflix app had some issues on my Shield tablet, and the manufacturer (Nvidia) came out with a patch... maybe it's something general in Lollipop?
Frankenscript said:
Two little things I'm still fishing around for answers to:
-In the drop down quick access menu, I wish there was a sound/vibrate/mute toggle. I can make one with PowerToggles but maybe there's a way to adjust what's in the native one.
-Really silly, but the power off button when pressed just seems to ... power off the phone!? No option for restart / recovery. Maybe there's an option to set this somewhere; haven't checked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both if those can be fixed with Xposed modules.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Will look into doing this in a week or so. Thanks
Sent back in time via Android 9.0 TimeText feature.
So I recently found an old Galaxy SII Epic 4G Touch lying around and I thought I would play around with it a little bit.
Little did I know it was gonna be a complete hell
So in all of the confusion of simply not being able to flash whatever the heck I wanted (since the kernel and recovery are apparently both within one monolithic binary), I have now run into a different issue.
So, on this phone so far, I have somehow managed to crash, break, and soft brick my way into successfully installing CyanogenMod 11 (4.4.4 KitKat), CWM 6.0.5.1(I think yeah totally), and the pico loadout for 4.4.4 gapps. I reeeaaally enjoy taking these phones that manufacturers destroy with preloaded launchers, bloat, etc. and fixing them up nice to look like they just rolled off the Google showroom with a fresh installs of all stock gapps, and silky smooth android. But here's where my issue comes in. I spent the good part of today just looking for a full gapps package with all stock gapps that would work on this thing. I sifted through unsafe websites, dead links, and throughout (what i think is) most of this forum to find something that would work, but couldn't. Thought it was issues with not being able to install PA packages onto Cyanogenmod. But that wasn't my issue. (the recovery kicked out error after error each time I tried. So it was an issue for sure. I realize that. Just not the issue I want to solve here and now) So then, I decided to simply run another factory reset, do another fresh install of the OS, and cave in, and use the nano app package. This package was the only one to give me some kind of response. It essentially said that my /system/ partition was too small to accept all of the apps on it. And then it dawned on me. The internal storage on this phone is separated into 2 partitions. 16gb. 1.97gb for system use, and the rest for downloaded apps, media, etc.etc. . I want to know if there is a process - for this phone specifically - to merge those two partitions together so that I can get a stock looking gapps install on this guy. I don't plan on using this phone for anything in particular. Just doing this for fun.
Anyone got any answers? I've seen similar situations floating around here and other places with other devices. And it's doable(????????), but all of the methods shown are for those specific devices, and I would rather not try and replicate them here if somehow something is critically different.
Thanks for any response at all. Seriously. If it's just to tell me I'm a big stupid and this won't and can't work, I will still appreciate it.
Forgive me, but I don't know where to start on this forum. I can't post to the Samsung area, because the policies prohibit me from doing so.
I have an old Galaxy S3 Sprint phone SPH-L710 that is running android 4.4.2 . I'd like to upgrade it to something more useful. The first thing I tried was to load an app called TEXTNOW but it requires at least android 5.0 . Apparently Sprint stopped upgrading android, as I can't find any android above 4.4.2 .
Can anyone point me to an android update to 5.0 or better? If not, can you suggest a custom rom that would be useful for this phone? Since it's an old clunker, I don't mind taking a chance that Odin might brick it. Right now, it pretty much sits on the shelf gathering dust. If I could get 5.0 or perhaps some custom rom, I might be able to load some useful apps.
Thank you in advance for your time and efforts in replying to this post.
BigZ1 said:
Forgive me, but I don't know where to start on this forum. I can't post to the Samsung area, because the policies prohibit me from doing so. I just found out that I had originally posted to the new development area, and so I am re-posting. Sorry!
I have an old Galaxy S3 Sprint phone SPH-L710 that is running android 4.4.2 . I'd like to upgrade it to something more useful. The first thing I tried was to load an app called TEXTNOW but it requires at least android 5.0 . Apparently Sprint stopped upgrading android, as I can't find any android above 4.4.2 .
Can anyone point me to an android update to 5.0 or better? If not, can you suggest a custom rom that would be useful for this phone? Since it's an old clunker, I don't mind taking a chance that Odin might brick it. Right now, it pretty much sits on the shelf gathering dust. If I could get 5.0 or perhaps some custom rom, I might be able to load some useful apps.
Thank you in advance for your time and efforts in replying to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try looking through the ROMs in these two links, they are specifically for the Sprint S3. I don't know which ones are still available or not and I'm pretty sure they aren't maintained/supported anymore, but you might find something you like.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-sprint/development
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-sprint/orig-development
First, you will have to download a TWRP.tar file for Sprint S3, then flash that TWRP file using Odin.
Then download your ROM zip of your choice and the appropriate Gapps package(Google apps) and place them on your external sdcard in the phone.
Then boot into the TWRP recovery that you flashed, create a nandroid backup using the Backup option in TWRP(the default backup settings should be fine, no need to select anything special) make sure the backup storage location is external sdcard not internal, this backup can be used later to restore your phone if something goes wrong.
Then go back to main screen in TWRP and select the Wipe option in TWRP, then select "advanced wipes", then choose ONLY:
system
data
cache
dalvik cache
then swipe the slider to wipe, then go back to main screen in TWRP and choose the Install option, then browse through the list to the folder where you stored your ROM.zip and your Gapps, then select the ROM zip, then choose "add more zips" , then select the Gapps file, then swipe the slider to flash them both at the same time, when it is finished, reboot to system.
Wait for it to complete the first boot(10-30 minutes or so).
If it gets stuck at boot logo for too long, or if you have any other issues, let me know. All know alot of the ins and outs when it comes to all of the d2 S3 series for the various carriers. Sprint S3's can be either d2spr or d2refreshspr.
By the way, you need to make sure whether you have the d2spr S3 or if you have the Tribrand d2refreshspr S3, this is VERY important, the d2refreshspr can't use d2spr ROMs(at least, not without issues) or d2spr TWRP(this can lead to a brick). Do not install anything until we establish exactly which version of the device you have and then I'll post more specific information for you to get everything flashed and working. Another possible issue is you may or may not have to do some flashing/tweaking/installing/modifying stuff to get your APNs working correctly.
I'll do what I can to help you through each step.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
BigZ1 said:
Forgive me, but I don't know where to start on this forum. I can't post to the Samsung area, because the policies prohibit me from doing so.
I have an old Galaxy S3 Sprint phone SPH-L710 that is running android 4.4.2 . I'd like to upgrade it to something more useful. The first thing I tried was to load an app called TEXTNOW but it requires at least android 5.0 . Apparently Sprint stopped upgrading android, as I can't find any android above 4.4.2 .
Can anyone point me to an android update to 5.0 or better? If not, can you suggest a custom rom that would be useful for this phone? Since it's an old clunker, I don't mind taking a chance that Odin might brick it. Right now, it pretty much sits on the shelf gathering dust. If I could get 5.0 or perhaps some custom rom, I might be able to load some useful apps.
Thank you in advance for your time and efforts in replying to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BigZ1 said:
Forgive me, but I don't know where to start on this forum. I can't post to the Samsung area, because the policies prohibit me from doing so.
I have an old Galaxy S3 Sprint phone SPH-L710 that is running android 4.4.2 . I'd like to upgrade it to something more useful. The first thing I tried was to load an app called TEXTNOW but it requires at least android 5.0 . Apparently Sprint stopped upgrading android, as I can't find any android above 4.4.2 .
Can anyone point me to an android update to 5.0 or better? If not, can you suggest a custom rom that would be useful for this phone? Since it's an old clunker, I don't mind taking a chance that Odin might brick it. Right now, it pretty much sits on the shelf gathering dust. If I could get 5.0 or perhaps some custom rom, I might be able to load some useful apps.
Thank you in advance for your time and efforts in replying to this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat as you! Haven't been working on phones for a couple of years...I'm way outdated. Can anyone help? I need to update firmware, need custom recovery and a custom ROM if there arw any new enough to function with Google these days...
I think you should take a look at the forum and read the rules of posting here, whatever this is the last hop for you:
ROM New Unofficial Lineage 14.1 d2spr WhenICanlies 4-10-18
I have been working on the sister models of this phone also. Provide feedback. Let people know how it is working. I run the att model. I saw no one was building for this model anymore either so i used some time and energy to build it so that it...
forum.xda-developers.com