Related
Hi guys, I just got a galaxy s4 for t mobile and it came with 4.2.2 version of android. I'm scared to brick the phone but I really want to root it. Can someone point me to the right direction? Been reading some tutorials but they are for different versions of android. How do I root my phone without bricking it or tripping Knox?
itsfredo said:
Hi guys, I just got a galaxy s4 for t mobile and it came with 4.2.2 version of android. I'm scared to brick the phone but I really want to root it. Can someone point me to the right direction? Been reading some tutorials but they are for different versions of android. How do I root my phone without bricking it or tripping Knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.2.2 doesnt have Knox. Use CF-Auto Root by Chainfire to root.
The Sickness said:
4.2.2 doesnt have Knox. Use CF-Auto Root by Chainfire to root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
itsfredo said:
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if towelroot will root 4.2.2, but it doesn't install a recovery.
Rob
itsfredo said:
Thanks! Now it seems that cf auto root comes with a stock kernel and recovery. Is this changeable? Can I install a custom recovery and kernel after using cf auto root? Or should I find a different method of rooting for this? Are there any safe ones out there. It seems that a lot is outdated and I'm afraid of installing the wrong thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're calling a rooting method outdated while using the exact "outdated" software it was meant to root in the first place. CF-autoroot is as safe as safe can be. In fact, I know it still works for 4.3 and I THINK 4.4.2; it just trips the KNOX counter on them... still gets the job done though.
As far as your concern of installing the recovery; it first flashes its own recovery so it can use an exploit, then reverts it back to stock. I believe the kernel is untouched.
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
lordcheeto03 said:
You're calling a rooting method outdated while using the exact "outdated" software it was meant to root in the first place. CF-autoroot is as safe as safe can be. In fact, I know it still works for 4.3 and I THINK 4.4.2; it just trips the KNOX counter on them... still gets the job done though.
As far as your concern of installing the recovery; it first flashes its own recovery so it can use an exploit, then reverts it back to stock. I believe the kernel is untouched.
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
You really don't need CF Auto Root at all until all you want to do is root the stock rom.
If you want to install a customer rom, use Odin to install a custom recovery and flash whatever you want from there.
lordcheeto03 said:
If your end goal is to move on to custom recoveries and custom ROMs you can bypass the rooting process altogether and go straight for the recovery/ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's precisely my end goal. And I guess my question is how to do this safely with the Android version I have.
I didn't mean the root method was outdated; I was talking about some of the information that's on the general forum regarding root. There is even a post on one of the stickies asking for updated info in May. This scares me because for all I know I can follow one of these methods to root or install a custom recovery/rom and end up with a brick because something is no longer compatible.
I guess my question is: what is the best (updated) method of installing a custom rom/recovery for my tmobile s4 with android 4.2.2?
Use cf autoroot and flash clockworkmod through Odin. Download rommanager. Download a rom. Hit install rom from SD card. Pick your ROM from downloads.
itsfredo said:
That's precisely my end goal. And I guess my question is how to do this safely with the Android version I have.
I didn't mean the root method was outdated; I was talking about some of the information that's on the general forum regarding root. There is even a post on one of the stickies asking for updated info in May. This scares me because for all I know I can follow one of these methods to root or install a custom recovery/rom and end up with a brick because something is no longer compatible.
I guess my question is: what is the best (updated) method of installing a custom rom/recovery for my tmobile s4 with android 4.2.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your apprehension, i really do. What I've said to do has worked for me when i got the phone over a year ago, and has worked here recently when i did it again. I'm trying to tell you there is no need for an updated way of doing what you want. If you want root, use CFauto root. Like i said, that method was done specifically for MDB and MDL firmwares, there is no better choice. Newer yeah, but better? Not a chance. Your firmware is equally outdated and it's worked for millions of users without fail.
As far as a custom ROM goes, find one you want to use, put it on your SD card, pick a recovery (CWM, Philz, or TWRP), flash that in Odin, boot to recovery (power+volume up) , do a full wipe (system, data, and cache) select the ROM, and flash. No need to root at all if you want to go straight to a custom ROM.
EDIT: Obviously, you might want to perform a nandroid backup once you flash your recovery... but that's really optional as long as you have the stock Odin-flashable firmware. Totally up to you.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hi, sorry this is probably a noob question but I've been reading through the forums and got confused how to update my rooted s4. Normally I would just install the custom rom with the update but it seems like this isnt the case right now.
I'm currently on 4.2.2, rooted, and have wicked as my rom. How would I update to 4.4.4? From what I understand there is a new modem and firmware... something to do with NH7? Can someone explain to me what NH7 does. Thanks for all your help!
NH7 is the newest firmware based on 4.4.4 and it is recommended if you plan of using 4.4.4 tw roms. To update it just download the NH7 firmware from general thread and flash it with Odin, after that you can use cf-auto root to root, or if you're just planning to flash a ROM then just flash recovery and then flash ROM.. If you care about tripping your Knox counter then just know that flashing recovery or rooting will trip it
babexdragon said:
Hi, sorry this is probably a noob question but I've been reading through the forums and got confused how to update my rooted s4. Normally I would just install the custom rom with the update but it seems like this isnt the case right now.
I'm currently on 4.2.2, rooted, and have wicked as my rom. How would I update to 4.4.4? From what I understand there is a new modem and firmware... something to do with NH7? Can someone explain to me what NH7 does. Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mention that you want to update and that under normal circumstances you would simply flash the an updated custom ROM... yet you say you've read it isn't that simple, right?
You are correct, it isn't THAT simple, but it is ALMOST that simple. Being as that you are still on the old 4.2.2 pre-KNOX bootloader and all, you can flash and flash and flash all day long and a single use of Triangle Away is all you'd need to still be able to revert your device back to 100% stock, both firmware AND flash counters if you ever needed to for some reason. If you use Odin, Kies, or take an OTA update you will lose that ability. Anything you flash once you go through official channels to update will trip your KNOX counter... and that cannot be reset. The problems you've read about simply flashing an updated custom ROM is that you will have problems with data.
The data drops can be avoided by flashing the newest modem, which would be NH7. Understand though, that method only updates your GSM modem; your LTE modem would be unaffected. This would only be a problem though if you are having trouble receiving LTE where others with the same carrier can get it with no problem. If you aren't having any problems with LTE, then I would recommend to simply update your GSM modem and use the custom recovery of your choice (ClockWorkMod, Philz Touch, or TWRP) to flash any of the ROMs in the T-Mobile GS4 Android Development section.
To update your GSM modem, follow the instructions in this thread. That thread is for updating to the 4.4.2 NB4 modem, which that modem would actually be all you need; but if you wish to have the NH7 modem, just use the modem.bin ONLY file from this post instead of the modem package included in the tutorial thread. After that little bit of work, you can flash any Android version you want; from 4.2.2 all the way up to 4.4.4... AOSP, TouchWiz, or the Google Play Edition ROMs.
So from what I understand...
1. Update the modem not firmware
2. Flash ROM
So I don't need to re-root?
You are correct.
No need to re-root.
I rooted my dad's phone a while back ago so he can use tethering in case of emergencies etc. He recently got a smart watch and I wanted to updated it so that he can use it. But it has not been touched since that day. I essentially want rooted stock rom, I'm unaware of where to find that the closest I can find is StockMod kitkat. Which seems to not work on ATT phones? I just want to make sure that I don't brick his only phone on christmas. So is there something I should be aware of?
His model is SGH-i747
Baseband
i747UCDLK3
Build number
jro03
So how do I go about upgrading it? Can I just flash TWRP and flash any rom using TWRP?
I found this, so I should install new TWRP, then flash a specified kernel then flash rom? would this be safe route?
Some of the latest ROMs require a 4.4.2 bootloader and modem.
The simplest and safest way to get the latest bootloader may be to flash back to unrooted stock 4.1.1 and run OTA updates until the phone is running the latest KK ROM. You can then flash TWRP or CWM and a custom ROM.
audit13 said:
Some of the latest ROMs require a 4.4.2 bootloader and modem.
The simplest and safest way to get the latest bootloader may be to flash back to unrooted stock 4.1.1 and run OTA updates until the phone is running the latest KK ROM. You can then flash TWRP or CWM and a custom ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would this require flashing with ODIN? I just want it so that it works with root is not required anymore.
Yes, you would flash the 4.1.1 stock ATT ROM via Odin. I prefer Odin 3.07.
You cannot install OTA updates with root.
You can try flashing just the bootloader and modem but I prefer the long slow route of OTA updates.
I rather do it this way, manually so my dad can enjoy it today. I was wondering how can I update it's TWRP? it's at 2.3 but the TWRP manager keeps crashing when I update it.
I highly recommend the latest d2lte version of Philz Touch for recovery.
https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_Advanced_Edition/d2lte/
Ok I ****ed up, flash that kernel and did whatever and bam ****ed up. Not working... ****, I still ahve download mode and Recovery but it will not boot into the OS. I get a flash of samsung and then nothing else happends...****
I decided to flash stock DLK3 in odin. Then let the updates take it course (my dad doesn't need root) Where Can I find the file?
The stock ATT firmware is on sammobile.com.
If you want root, OTA to the latest 4.4.2, install Philz, flash supersu via recovery.
I was on CM 10.2.1
I upgraded to CM11 - I get no wireless data. My phone works but I have no APNs and I could not add them.
I tried SlimKat 9.0 same issue with the APN
I upgraded my CWM to 6.4.0.7 as I heard that caused issues when upgrading to CM11.
I bought Mobile Odin and flashed that way as I thought it might help.
Ive done the following to fix my APN
1) Loaded an old one from working CM 10.2.1
2) Run Root Tweak with the fix APN for CM11 checked
3) Done the airplane mode trick
4) Attempt to add one manually
Does anyone know why this is happening and more importantly how to correct this issue?
Yes I did pore through other threads on how to fix this but no avail.
Thank you
What is your bootloader and modem? Do you get data if you re-install your previous ROM?
audit13 said:
What is your bootloader and modem? Do you get data if you re-install your previous ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader = I747UCDLK3
Modem = I747UCDLK3
Yes I get data when I load a backup of CM 10.2.1
Thanks
Data does not work on ROMs beyond cm10.2 because your bootloader and modem to too old.
I recommend flashing back to stock 4.1.1, sim unlock your phone if it is not already sim unlocked, and run OTA updates to at least 4.3, then install recovery and CM11.
audit13 said:
Data does not work on ROMs beyond cm10.2 because your bootloader and modem to too old.
I recommend flashing back to stock 4.1.1, sim unlock your phone if it is not already sim unlocked, and run OTA updates to at least 4.3, then install recovery and CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. That sounds hard. From what I'm reading going back is treacherous.
So these are the steps.
1. Load this firmware via ODIN -> I747UCDLK3_I747ATTDLK3_I747UCDLK3_HOME.zip -- What about gapps? Is that in this zip?
2. Run triangle away. (Do I need to do this?)
3. Contact my carrier to unlock my sim. (If this is carrier unlocking ie taking my att phone to Sprint etc, why is this needed?)
4. Get OTA updates. Will this come automagically because I'm on 4.1.1 and does it matter if my flash counter is gt 1?
5. Root phone via Odin with this file CF-Auto-Root-d2att-d2uc-samsungsghi747.tar.md5.
6. Install CWM if it went away when I went back to firmware - Of course it would because I'll factory reset my phone in step 1.
7. Flash away to a 4.4.4 Rom
Did I miss anything?
Step 4 is the one that scares me -- That one is out of my control. Either I get the OTA or I dont. Anyway I can "request" the OTA?
Thanks again
Be Well
From your custom ROM, run triangle away to reset counter and change things back to official.
Now flash back to stock 4.1.1 using Odin. If your phone does not boot, you need to get into recovery, do a factory reset, and reboot the phone and go through the set up routine.
After loading stock 4.1.1, do this to sim unlock your phone for free: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529200. If you have a code from ATT, you must be running a stock ROM or a custom ROM that is based on a stock Samsung ROM in order to enter the unlock code.
You must be on a stock ROM in order to take OTA updates. OTA updates are the safest way to obtain an updated bootloader and modem.
After updating to 4.3, you cannot downgrade the bootloader as doing so may brick the phone.
The choice is yours in terms of what you want to do. As you found out, some ROMs will not function properly without an updated bootloader and modem. Mixing modem and bootloader versions may also result in a bricked phone.
audit13 said:
From your custom ROM, run triangle away to reset counter and change things back to official.
Now flash back to stock 4.1.1 using Odin. If your phone does not boot, you need to get into recovery, do a factory reset, and reboot the phone and go through the set up routine.
After loading stock 4.1.1, do this to sim unlock your phone for free: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2529200. If you have a code from ATT, you must be running a stock ROM or a custom ROM that is based on a stock Samsung ROM in order to enter the unlock code.
You must be on a stock ROM in order to take OTA updates. OTA updates are the safest way to obtain an updated bootloader and modem.
After updating to 4.3, you cannot downgrade the bootloader as doing so may brick the phone.
The choice is yours in terms of what you want to do. As you found out, some ROMs will not function properly without an updated bootloader and modem. Mixing modem and bootloader versions may also result in a bricked phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To stick with 10.2 or not to that is the question. Everytime I flash or do anything like this on my phone - I get a small lump in my throat knowing I'm dancing in the razors edge of bricking it.
I know how you feel, but I've done it enough times and just accept the fact that I may brick the phone. Jtag service would cost me around $75 so I'm willing to take the chance. I'd be less willing if the phone still has warranty.
Flashing back to stock and running OTA updates is the safest route.
If you don't sim unlock while on stock 4.1.1 and you want to sim unlock your phone in the future, you will need to be on a stock or virtually stock ROM in order to enter the unlock code.
Used ODIN to go back to stock 4.1.1.
Got the OTA update to 4.3
I have my MMS and cellular data back
I'll stick on stock, unrooted 4.3 for a minute.
I should be available to root and update to CM11 or SlimKat or any 4.4 rom whenever I so desire and still keep cellular data.
My baseband is I747UCUEMJB. How can I find out my bootloader and modem versions on UNROOTED device?
Your help is much appreciated and your instructions were flawless.
ddunleavy2 said:
Used ODIN to go back to stock 4.1.1.
Got the OTA update to 4.3
I have my MMS and cellular data back
I'll stick on stock, unrooted 4.3 for a minute.
I should be available to root and update to CM11 or SlimKat or any 4.4 rom whenever I so desire and still keep cellular data.
My baseband is I747UCUEMJB. How can I find out my bootloader and modem versions on UNROOTED device?
Your help is much appreciated and your instructions were flawless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a terminal or adb shell you can enter this to check your bootloader:
Code:
getprop ro.bootloader
In a terminal or adb shell you can enter this to check your modem (should match the baseband your phone reports in About):
Code:
getprop gsm.version.baseband
I don't believe either of these commands require root unless stock has getprop locked down tighter that AOSP ROMs; I just entered them in a user shell.
There are a couple of firmware updates for your device beyond MJB, NE4 and NJ1. Some users, myself included, had GPS problems that were a bit of a pain to fix on newer 4.4 AOSP based ROMs with the MJB firmware, but data was ok with MJB. Also, you'll need newer firmware if you decide to test drive the lollipop alphas that are floating around. There are custom recovery flashable firmware updates on XDA from a trusted developer if you decide you need that, or you might want to take a couple more OTAs if you're more comfortable going that route. You're already on MJB so there's no going back
The terminal worked
Bootloader and baseband = I747UCUEMJB
What???? I might need more updates for all the roms out there.....ugggh.
"There are custom recovery flashable firmware updates on XDA from a trusted developer if you decide you need that, or you might want to take a couple more OTAs if you're more comfortable going that route."
If I decide to use these flashable firmware updates on XDA from a trusted developer or OTA its same as this: going forward and NEVER going backward when getting firmware updates?, yes?
yes. downgrading bootloader will almost certainly cause a brick.
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:07 PM ----------
audit13 said:
Data does not work on ROMs beyond cm10.2 because your bootloader and modem to too old.
I recommend flashing back to stock 4.1.1, sim unlock your phone if it is not already sim unlocked, and run OTA updates to at least 4.3, then install recovery and CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
"all i can really do , is stay out of my own way and let the will of heaven be done"
You guys are on point.
Last night I received another OTA to 4.4.2.
Baseband now at NE4.
Thanks again for taking the time to answer all this -- Really really appreciate it.
EDIT: Can I still use this to root my phone via ODIN or is there a different process for this baseband?
CF-Auto-Root-d2att-d2uc-samsungsghi747.tar.md5
I load this into ODIN, plug my phone in download mode and root away. Does either the file I use change or do I have to use something other than ODIN?
Thanks again
To get root, I would flash a custom recovery and flash supersu from recovery, then let supersu disable know.
The file you named looks to be outdated as it refers to the s3 as d2att. Since unified builds were released, the s3 is now referred to as the d2lte.
I have ROM Manager installed. It has an option to "Flash Clockworkmod Recovery". I just tried it and it failed and I think thats because I dont have root. In the past I've had to root my phone via ODIN, then flash custom recovery then MOD away.
In the past I rooted the S3 via ODIN. With this new 4.4.2 version do I still root via ODIN provide I find the correct file because -> CF-Auto-Root-d2att-d2uc-samsungsghi747.tar.md5 this one is probably for a 4.1.1 version phone?
I would not flash anything for the d2att at this point.
Try this:
Download the latest tar.md5 file from here: https://goo.im/devs/philz_touch/CWM_...Edition/d2lte/
Download supersu zip from here and place it onto an external SD card or copy it to the phone's internal storage: http://download.chainfire.eu/695/SuperSU/
In Odin, uncheck everything except f.reset time. Flash Philz. When you see reset in the status window, remove USB cable, pull battery, replace battery, boot into recovery, flash supersu, reboot.
I am fairly certain that AOSP, or at least CM, de-unified in the past few months. Not that it matters much, other than for the confusion it causes.
Okay so i've rooted and unlocked on 5.1.1, next step was to flash CPD1 then re-root and re-unlock bootloader. Now I want my end result to be playing with 7.1 roms, but there are a few different ones I want to try but each requires a different firmware version from CPD1. I can't find any of these firmwares here on XDA that claim to be safe to flash with Odin and re-unlock, only place I'm seeing it is Sammobile.
Question is are these other (newer) firmwares safe to flash in Odin? Can I unlock them with the same method? Is there a better way to do it so I don't have to go through that horrible unlock method with every different firmware version I use so that i can try these ROMs out?