[Q] S4 Root/installing a custom rom - T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4

Sooo, I'm not entirely new to XDA, I know I should search for things and I have been, if you know a thread that may help, please post and point me in the right direction, thanks.
I just learned about KNOX (Haven't paid samsung much attention in the past year) and wanted to know; is there any way I can root, and install a custom rom/recovery without tripping KNOX?
Or is there a way for me to still use T-Mobile's insurance with a KNOX count of 0x1? I want to move to Android L as soon as it's fully released (or a little after for bugs to move away). Thanks.

devilsmarch said:
Sooo, I'm not entirely new to XDA, I know I should search for things and I have been, if you know a thread that may help, please post and point me in the right direction, thanks.
I just learned about KNOX (Haven't paid samsung much attention in the past year) and wanted to know; is there any way I can root, and install a custom rom/recovery without tripping KNOX?
Or is there a way for me to still use T-Mobile's insurance with a KNOX count of 0x1? I want to move to Android L as soon as it's fully released (or a little after for bugs to move away). Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to flash a custom ROM, there is no need to root at all. If you already have a KNOX bootloader (MK2, NB4, and NH7) flashing custom ROMs WILL trip the KNOX counter. No way to get around it. I think you can root MK2 and NB4 without tripping KNOX, but I'm not sure about NH7. Look up towelroot. If you decide the KNOX counter doesn't really matter, CF-Auto Root works for all versions flawlessly.
If, by some strange chance, you are still on the 4.2.2 (MDL or MDB) bootloader, you can pretty much do whatever you want because KNOX wasn't yet implemented on those bootloaders; Triangle Away is all you'd need to return the device to 100% official status. That app only resets the flash counter; it does nothing to the KNOX warranty flag. That can't be reset.
As far as using insurance with an 0x1 counter... chances are it will go through. The reports are mixed; some people haven't had a problem while others have gotten busted.

Related

ROOT de la Vega now available for T-Mobile Note3 :)

So... after first being impatient and buying a T-Mobile Note3 on Craigslist to use on AT&T and then later seeing how the bootloader locked AT&T Note3 was rooted by DG and Chainfire I ended up getting a contract renewal with AT&T after all and went with the AT&T Note3.
Now I thought I might try to experiment a little and see if I can replicate that root method on the T-Mobile Note3 because it's so brilliant and doesn't trigger the Know warranty void flag.
I can confirm it works just as well on the T-Mobile Note3 !!
ALL CREDIT for the method goes to DesignGears and Chainfire! The Original Thread is HERE: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2474422
All steps are exactly the same. THIS IS ONLY FOR N900TUVUBMI7 firmware, so that must be the current one installed on your phone.
Please follow all steps in the original AT&T thread, just skip the oneclick.exe and start with flashing the root_de_la_vega.tar using ODIN.
There is not really a need to so this if you already rooted with the AutoRoot method and triggered the Knox flag. This is for the careful guys who have NOT rooted yet, only want root (no custom ROM or recovery) and would rather like to preserve that Know Warranty 0x0 Flag
Link to the needed file for T-Mobile Note3 is HERE:
http://www.electron73.org/XDA/N900T/ROOT_DE_LA_VEGA-TMO.ZIP
Enjoy
Nice! If I wanted to go stock again, can I just flash the stock firmware in odin and it wont trip the knox flag?
lm that guy said:
Nice! If I wanted to go stock again, can I just flash the stock firmware in odin and it wont trip the knox flag?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunatley, once you trip the Knox Flag you can't untrip it - doing Odin to Stock will return you to stock but it does not remove the Knox flag...once it's tripped - it's tripped.
mocsab said:
Unfortunatley, once you trip the Knox Flag you can't untrip it - doing Odin to Stock will return you to stock but it does not remove the Knox flag...once it's tripped - it's tripped.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh no I haven't tripped my Knox flag yet I was asking if I use this method to root and I wanted to go back to stock later down the road, Will I trip the Knox flag if i odin the official stock firmware?
Its good to have this method available for those who are very conscious of Knox falg/warranty. Personally:
I will be doing a full root on my second N3. I have to; in the memory of my first N3... RIP where ever you are now.
lm that guy said:
Oh no I haven't tripped my Knox flag yet I was asking if I use this method to root and I wanted to go back to stock later down the road, Will I trip the Knox flag if i odin the official stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not positive - but I think if you flash anything - it will trip it - if you odin back to stock - it would include a new kernel and that would tirp the flag - I may be wrong - but I believe I read this the other day.
WHy would you want to return to stock? To return the phone or something if something went wrong? Maybe there is another way to remove root.?
I dont think you even have to remove root. There will be now ay to tell if you are rooted using that method. Unless you use app that ask you SU permission. So before return just do Factory Reset. That i think should take care of things. IMHO.
lm that guy said:
Oh no I haven't tripped my Knox flag yet I was asking if I use this method to root and I wanted to go back to stock later down the road, Will I trip the Knox flag if i odin the official stock firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, if you ODIN back to full stock or do a factory reset/wipe the Knox flag will NOT be triggered. That flag only triggers if you install a CUSTOM recovery or kernel (custom rom).
For the Galaxy S3, there's also a "no trip root" thread where you simply flash a root-injected TouchWhiz, which I used, and as long as you never flash anything non-Samsung in ODIN, you'll never trip the flash counter flag (which can be reset with TriangleAway anyway, unlike the KNOX flag afaik). But, once rooted, you don't need ODIN, and flashing TWRP recovery via the GooManager app (or dd'ing the img over the recovery partition) doesn't trip the flag, nor does subsequent ROM flashes from recovery over the system partition.
Is it the same situation here, or is the KNOX flag different, in that it will always get tripped as soon as it sees an unsigned partition on bootup?
Darn.. Wish I came upon this like 2 days after I had my TMO note 3. Ive already tripped my Knox. Oh well.
Has anybody tested this method. Does it work
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
DriftorX said:
Darn.. Wish I came upon this like 2 days after I had my TMO note 3. Ive already tripped my Knox. Oh well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The one thing that will eventually have me tripping my Knox flag is if a nice custom kernel comes along. But until then, a simple way to root without tripping the flag will hold me over :fingers-crossed:. Also I'm returning my phone in a week so it's important I don't trip it right now. I want to root and play around with my phone until then.
bbh4r4l said:
Has anybody tested this method. Does it work
Sent from my SM-N900T using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will test in about 10 minutes when my phone gets finished charging to 100% and will report back. :laugh:
Edit: everything works Thanks OP for posting this!!
Just rooted via this method. It worked fine and knox is stil 0x0. It also didn't factory reset my phone like I thought it would, I'm going to do it anyway, but I wasn't getting any FCs or anything either. Thank you for getting this out to us TMO users!
I don't get it. Rooting doesn't trip knox regardless. But flashing a custom kernel or rom does. So what is the point of this method if it will trip knox as soon as you flash a kernel or rom anyway.
HughesNet said:
I don't get it. Rooting doesn't trip knox regardless. But flashing a custom kernel or rom does. So what is the point of this method if it will trip knox as soon as you flash a kernel or rom anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For one you can use apps that require root. Also, you can uninstall bloatware and push apks to your phone using adb etc. A little more work than flashing a prebuilt custom rom, but you can get many of the same results.
*You also said rooting doesn't trip knox regardless, but it actually does unless you do it via this method.
Just did this. Easy as cake. Now I just need to sim unlock my note to use my ATT sim and I will be good to go!!
effortless said:
For one you can use apps that require root. Also, you can uninstall bloatware and push apks to your phone using adb etc. A little more work than flashing a prebuilt custom rom, but you can get many of the same results.
*You also said rooting doesn't trip knox regardless, but it actually does unless you do it via this method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know you don't need a custom rom for some things. I run stock deodex myself. I flashed custom recovery immediately after root. I guess I thought that is what triggered knox. Either way matters little to me though. I know tmobile won't check knox counter if I use jump and even if they did I could sell on ebay and come out ahead. So I don't really understand why people worry about it. Insurance covers it if you damage it or need warranty service.
HughesNet said:
I know you don't need a custom rom for some things. I run stock deodex myself. I flashed custom recovery immediately after root. I guess I thought that is what triggered knox. Either way matters little to me though. I know tmobile won't check knox counter if I use jump and even if they did I could sell on ebay and come out ahead. So I don't really understand why people worry about it. Insurance covers it if you damage it or need warranty service.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah... Seems to me like a kinda-sorta placebo effect or simply one of those things that people can use who *must* have everything completely untraceable to the "T." Like you said, there's virtually no "real" reason this is very necessary, far's I can tell... But, regardless, good work on this - without a doubt - and definitely always a big "plus" to have multiple working methods! :good:
HughesNet said:
I don't get it. Rooting doesn't trip knox regardless. But flashing a custom kernel or rom does. So what is the point of this method if it will trip knox as soon as you flash a kernel or rom anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly. I think op might not know everything like he is implying. he just wants some attention
*****es be be like "nice phone"
mocsab said:
I am not positive - but I think if you flash anything - it will trip it - if you odin back to stock - it would include a new kernel and that would tirp the flag - I may be wrong - but I believe I read this the other day.
WHy would you want to return to stock? To return the phone or something if something went wrong? Maybe there is another way to remove root.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If people read up on how KNOX actually works, there wouldn't be so much confusion.
The KNOX WARRANTY VOID flag is set to 0x1 when the bootloader detects (via Qualcomm SecureBoot) that you are booting either a kernel or a recovery that isn't SELinux enforcing (it displays a message such as RECOVERY IS NOT SEANDROID ENFORCING - Set Warranty Bit: recovery). It remembers that the partition you booted was insecure and flags it in its own little memory area. It sets individual warranty bits for each partition - boot (kernel), recovery, cache (if you happen to put something there that it doesn't approve of), system. If ANY of those partition warranty bits are set, the KNOX WARRANTY VOID flag is set to 0x1.
This is all explained in the KNOX white paper available on the Samsung web site.
Now, if someone figures out how to write-enable the protected flash area so the flag can be reset AND disable Qualcomm SecureBoot so that it doesn't set the flag over and over again, we'll be in business. For now, only Samsung knows how to do it.

[Q] Clarifying questions..

I'm thinking of upgrading from my GS3, non lte, to the Note 3. As I've looked around the forms here, it would seem as though Knox is an added security measure so t-mobile can more easily detect root?
Is there a way to have root without tripping this counter? Is there a way to flash a custom Rom or kernel without tripping it?
If this has been answered apologize, I did look around before making new thread.
Thanks!
Also on a side note, white or black note 3?
t3tr1s_ said:
I'm thinking of upgrading from my GS3, non lte, to the Note 3. As I've looked around the forms here, it would seem as though Knox is an added security measure so t-mobile can more easily detect root?
Is there a way to have root without tripping this counter? Is there a way to flash a custom Rom or kernel without tripping it?
If this has been answered apologize, I did look around before making new thread.
Thanks!
Also on a side note, white or black note 3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox isn't really for T-mobile to detect root/custom firmware but for Samsung warranty. A fair amount of people on here have stated that they still sent their phones in to Sammy for warranty and they still got their phones fixed. T-mobile really only look for cracked screens, water damage and that the phone powers on and boots up. Not to say you'll never have an issue but i would say it's not really that big of a deal to trip the Knox counter. Especially if you bought the insurance like Asurion. I don't think they even care if your rooted and ROM'd
Awesome. My concern here is that I would be disqualified from the jump program... I'd like to get the Note 4 as soon as it comes out.. Is there currently any way to root and flash a room without tripping Knox? Or can we only root without tripping Knox?
Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.
t3tr1s_ said:
Awesome. My concern here is that I would be disqualified from the jump program... I'd like to get the Note 4 as soon as it comes out.. Is there currently any way to root and flash a room without tripping Knox? Or can we only root without tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the old 4.3 firmware yes you can root with Root De La Vega and not trip the Knox counter but once you put ANY custom recovery it will trip the counter. Now on the OTA 4.4.2 that was released on Wednesday, the only 2 current ways to root (TWRP or Philz CWM) will trip the Knox counter no matter what. So until something comes out like an updated ROOT De La Vega, there's no way to even root without tripping the Knox counter.
Also from what i read, RDLV isn't being developed anymore so unless they decide to do something with it for the all the 4.4.2 releases hitting phones these days there may not be anything for a bit to root without tripping knox.
Jfree3000 said:
Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true for 4.3 but so far you can't on 4.4 from everything I have seen. Do you now of a way to not trip knox on 4.4?
Jfree3000 said:
Before this gets locked, yes you can root without tripping knox. As mentioned knox is for samsung to deny repairs if they see fit (if the phone is sent to them). Tmobile could care less if the phone is rooted or not. You just have to be careful about warranty repairs for samsung, thats what they may or may not look at.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did I miss something? Is there a way to Root 4.4.2 without tripping Knox? I don't care I've tripped Knox the first night i had my N3 but I didn't think there was a way. Kningo and RDLV i thought borked the phones and caused bootloops.
My t-mobile store says that if you root your phone then it voids your warranty, so obviously they won't allow me to upgrade... So I know they check for it.. How is it you guys have stores where they don't seem to care?

If I'm willing to trip Knox, can I flash 4.4 onto SCH-i435?

Hello wise ones,
Been reading through here but wanted to make double sure before trying anything.
Would really appreciate if someone could take a moment to confirm a couple of things for me:
(1) If I'm willing to trip Knox, is there a way to get Kitkat going on my SCH-i435?
(2) From what I've read of the Knox threads, only downside to tripping it is voiding warranty?
Thanks so much for your time...
for what is know, your only downside is to void warranty, then you can flash with odin any rom that has the same bootloader version or newer.

[Q] Root and Keep Knox?

I am apparently one of 3 people who actually use Knox... Is there a way to get root without tripping the Knox counter? There are two methods listed in the One-Stop Shop thread, but it looks like both of them disable Knox. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: Forgot to mention that I am on the latest AT&T OTA (MK6). I have flashed plenty of times before, just trying to keep Knox on this phone since it is fresh from warranty service.
Delete.....
I'm gonna go out on a limb here...and say that the root binary...will be detected by knox....even if the root attempt does not trip the counter...
The rom will detect root and flag you constantly...
And here is the bigger problem in my mind...
If you manage to root...without tripping the knox counter...and you use the device normally...
If/when the day comes you need service....the bootloader flash counter will still show a custom binary flash count even though knox does not...and if you attempt to unroot....you will never be able to return to full stock with the official 4.3 loader....(gasping for air )...LOL
Long story short...
Root and Knox do not get along...and your warranty will be gone even if Knox and it's container remain intact...
Leave it stock...IMHO...g
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Quick question about transferring all my stuff over to new Galaxy s4.

I've got a new s4 coming from my insurance plan Cuz I broke my screen.
Is there anyway I can get twrp installed without having to sit down at a computer? So I can restore my backup and have it root itself? Help much appreciated.
Search for Towelroot. I believe it will root the Tmo S4 without tripping the Knox flag. I don't think it requires a computer.
And, then once rooted you can install TWRP Manager from the Play Store.
TowelRoot will give you root. When you flash a custom recovery it will trip Knox.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
What do you mean it'll trip knox? Ive never had any issues with anything called knox when I rooted and flashed on my original S4 a couple years ago when I first got it.
@The Sickness , are you saying that I WILL run into knox issues if I use this towelroot?
How do I avoid any knox issues? I don't really have access to a computer so all I'm really trying to do is get it rooted with twrp installed, without using a computer if possible. But if I have to use a computer to avoid knox issues, then let me know.
Thanks
Your new phone will come with 4.3 or 4.4.2. Both have Knox Bootloader.
TowelRoot will give you root. When you flash a custom recovery it will trip Knox. The only way to avoid Knox is to keep the stock recovery. And it will not allow you to flash custom roms.
TowelRoot root is a apk. You just run it and your done.
Haters Made Me Famous
Deviant Team Member
The Sickness said:
Your new phone will come with 4.3 or 4.4.2. Both have Knox Bootloader.
TowelRoot will give you root. When you flash a custom recovery it will trip Knox. The only way to avoid Knox is to keep the stock recovery. And it will not allow you to flash custom roms.
TowelRoot root is a apk. You just run it and your done.
Haters Made Me Famous
Deviant Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your telling me there is no way to flash custom roms on my new s4?
That seems unlikely. How is everybody else flashing custom roms on newer S4s?
I'm seeing things on Google that suggest I can just uninstall knox. If I uninstall it first, then root, will I be ok? Or if I disable it while rooting?
SaintCity86 said:
What do you mean it'll trip knox? Ive never had any issues with anything called knox when I rooted and flashed on my original S4 a couple years ago when I first got it.
@The Sickness , are you saying that I WILL run into knox issues if I use this towelroot?
How do I avoid any knox issues? I don't really have access to a computer so all I'm really trying to do is get it rooted with twrp installed, without using a computer if possible. But if I have to use a computer to avoid knox issues, then let me know.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Knox flag is a indicator to Samsung that you've installed a Custom Recovery. They instituted the check and the flag in the boot loader for 4.3. All the new phones come with this and there is no way to downgrade to a bootloader that doesn't have the check. Unless you are using the phone on a secure company network that requires it, Knox doesn't affect you in any way. Some people have claimed that it MAY cause you problem returning your phone for warranty, but at this point NO ONE has shown that they have had any issues returning their phone with the Knox flag tripped.
You can verify your bootloader, and view the flag's status once you get the phone by going into download mode - power off the phone. Then, hold the Vol Down button while powering on the phone. Hold the Vol Down until you get to a screen that has a Warning about Custom OS. Press the Vol Up button, and you will see a screen with a very small font and the first line will say "ODIN MODE" If your bootloader has the Knox check and flag, you will see line that says: KNOX WARRANTY VOID:. Next to that line with be either 0x0 or 0x1. If the flag is tripped, it will say 0x1.
If you don't have that line in your bootloader, then you don't have Knox, and you should be able to do what you want. However, if you want to keep your phone Knox free, you won't be able to do Over The Air (OTA) updates. You'll have to manually install ROMS, and never flash an updated bootloader.
I've tripped my Knox flag by flashing TWRP to my phone and have never worried about it.
Rob
Ok tripping it just means it's telling Samsung im messing with it?
It's not actually preventing me from installing custom recoveries or roms?
I thought he was saying I wouldn't be able to do it Cuz of knox.
I don't care about tripping any flags, I've got the premium insurance plan. That's actually how I just got the new s4, by filing a claim.
That's the nice thing about insurance on these devices, messing with the bootloader and installing roms Falls under accidental damage, which is covered.
Sure the deductible is 175 dollars.... But just to replace the glass on one of these can cost upwards of 300 dollars. Worth the 11 dollars a month n deductible. I will be canceling it now though. If this one breaks, I'll just upgrade.
Thanks for the help guys.
I said if you keep STOCK RECOVERY you can't flash roms
Haters Made Me Famous
Deviant Team Member
The Sickness said:
I said if you keep STOCK RECOVERY you can't flash roms
Haters Made Me Famous
Deviant Team Member
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can read what u wrote. I thought when you guys said the knox flag would trip, that it meant I wouldn't be allowed to install custom roms.
I don't care about any flags, just so long as I'll be able to flash stuff like normal.
The SIMPLEST SAFEST and EASIEST would be to just install My Backup Pro.
it has a "Migrate" mode which allows you to send all that you wish to transfer to the new device and on that new device all you need to do is add the app and instead of "Sending" the data, just select "Receive". (takes only seconds) That way you won't muck up your warranty on the new device till you're SURE there is nothing wrong with it... (just coz it was "refurbished" does not mean it works flawlessly! :>)
Aloha and Good Luck!
Thanks for the info. But I disagree. It seems I just root with this towelroot' install twrp' and restore.
However, I'll be installing a clean rom, insane v9, and reinstalling ask my apps from scratch. Just start brand new.
This brand new S4 will last me till the "sapphire glass" S6 is released, for sure.

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