Develop Bugs

[GUIDE] how to root Sph-L710/L710T S3 4.4.2 (updated as of 8/19/2015)

I'm sorry i had the wrong links and because of this i had miss information. So i formally apologize by updating with the proper links.
this first method doesn't work with the Sph-L710T or the Sph-L710 on NJ2/NJ3
First method: You can root the stock 4.4.2 ND8/NDC:laugh:
1st. Make sure your on 4.4.2 ND8 or NDC
2nd. Download Towel Root
3rd. Place Towel Root in sdcard or internal storage
4th. With any file manager find and install Towel Root
5th. Open Towel Root and well root
6th. Go to play store and download https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu&hl=en and also https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=stericson.busybox&hl=en let super user update the binary
7th. Flash any recovery you want {personally i went with PhilZ Touch (this was before PhilZ had a root Option)}
8th. Enjoy your rooted stock 4.4.2 ND8/NDC
Down below is one more way too root Stock ND8/NDC/NJ2/NJ3 or NF4/OA3 (L710T) and basically any other update
(link to the almighty ODIN)
Second Method: mostly recommended
1st. Odin flash TWRP
2nd. In Odin choose PDA, PA or AP then select the TWRP Tar you just downloaded
3rd. Make sure Auto reboot is unchecked (also at this time your s3 should be in download mode)
4th. Hit start and let Odin let it finish!!
5th. Hold power button to turn off your S3, after it turns off about 10 seconds later it will turn back on to the battery charging screen so before that quickly hold Volume+ and Home, to boot into recovery
6th. now your in TWRP
7th. so to root your stock rom with TWRP flash the following file SuperSU.zip by Chain fire (pro tip. Install any other custom recovery the same way I did for TWRP above if it is in .tar format)
and here is Philz recovery for the D2Lte 6.48.4 ( which you must flash in TWRP)
and here is TWRP that was made specifically for the D2Rephersher/triband/L710T TWRP (which you must flash in a recovery)
Third method Most recent.
Hidyman said:
This is in reference to Samsung Galaxy S3 for Boost Mobile SPH-L710.
Just want to let anyone out there that updated their Boost S3 to L710VPUC0J1 know that you can still root and/or ROM your phone.
Use the instructions to (use Odin to) update the recovery to TWRP first (in the second set of instructions). I had trouble trying to go right to PhilZ Recovery (which I believe is based off of ClockWorkMod). I Had to do the TWRP (twrp-2.8.7.0-d2spr.img.tar) first.
It was the only way to get it to actually accept the recovery, not sure why, maybe because the latest Samsung firmware fixed an exploit or two.
This is an older phone, but it is still a viable one.
I hope this helps someone out there.
It took me a while to figure this quandary out.
As always this WILL flag KNOX, but I'm sure this won't be an issue at this date and time (8/2016).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

work on ND8 rom? sprint phone?

Tekone said:
work on ND8 rom? sprint phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i want to say yes but towel root does come with a warning that it might brick your device.....but i want to say yes since most things that can be done to the ND8 can be done to the NDC and also in reverse order.....so try it and report back it will be good to know if it works on both bootloaders

Sprint S3 Android 4.4.2 ND8-It works!
I just used this method to root my Sprint S3 running Android 4.4.2 and ND8, since my USB port is on the fritz, and it worked successfully. I have root, and was able to do a full apps backup with Titanium Backup, and gained root access in ES File Explorer. Next, download and install a custom backup. Thanks, great job, and could not have been made easier to do!

oops
Rooted the phone in one click. Unfortunately, I lost all data (no 3G or 4G connection). Did I goof? I'm looking in the stickies and can't seem to find an answer. I'd appreciate any help I can get.

henhun said:
Rooted the phone in one click. Unfortunately, I lost all data (no 3G or 4G connection). Did I goof? I'm looking in the stickies and can't seem to find an answer. I'd appreciate any help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ND8 or NDC? have you tried updating your profile/PRL?

6th_Hokage said:
ND8 or NDC? have you tried updating your profile/PRL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya know. People keep talking about ND8 and ND___. I have no idea what that means. I know I should be embarrassed.
UPDATE: FIGURED IT OUT, BASEBAND VERSION. GOTCHA. IT IS NDC.
I was JUST coming back to update my post. I DID update the PRL and restarted my phone. That seems to have done the trick. Thank GOD I got my data connection back!! It worked. Even though I found the info somewhere else, thank you so much for the quick reply. PRL update fixes the problem. You're awesome.

I used it before i had a custom recovery. And on reboot i wouldnt have root. After i ran it root checker told me i was rooted then reboot killed. I installed philz and all was ok
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app

jbnorton0524 said:
I used it before i had a custom recovery. And on reboot i wouldnt have root. After i ran it root checker told me i was rooted then reboot killed. I installed philz and all was ok
Sent from my SPH-L710 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
many users of basically the same phone report different things with every root method out there. If it worked for you that's great tell other users what you did for it to work and if it didn't work, then ask for help and you will get help; some people don't have success with any method while others do with all of the methods.....my phone falls under every method.....

Successful Towelroot on VM Galaxy S3 4.4.2.NDC
6th_Hokage said:
you can root the stock 4.4.2
first step make sure your on 4.4.2
second step download Towel Root
third step place Towel Root in sdcard or internal storage
fourth step with any file manager find and install Towel Root
fifth step root
sixth step go to play store and download Superuser (Chainfire) and also Busy Box (Stericson) let super user update the binary
seventh step flash any recovery you want personally i went with Philliz Touch
eighth step if you want flash a custom rom now if not enjoy your rooted stock 4.4.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Straight forward, fast and easy. I did notice the following:
1) Updating binary reported it did not successfully install. I've seen this before on other devices, but everything worked well. Ext SD and Camera all OK. Everything works fine so far - Titanium, Nandroid, Root Browser, etc.
2) At one point, I was directed to install Busy Box. Having done this on other devices, I said "Yes" and installed it.
3) I see that my device now shows Device Status as Custom ( was Normal before, if I remember correctly). Is this due to Busy Box?
4) Is Device Status the only way to know the KNOX Status? I see no yellow triangle as I did on my Galaxy Reverb.
5) I got a Google warning to uninstall Towelroot since it is usafe and a security exploit. I understand that.
I would like to verify the KNOX status and if tripped in the Towelroot process, to let potential users know of that possibility.
Thank You! And thanks to everyone who has continued to work on keeping root free!
Dave

dave260 said:
Straight forward, fast and easy. I did notice the following:
1) Updating binary reported it did not successfully install. I've seen this before on other devices, but everything worked well. Ext SD and Camera all OK. Everything works fine so far - Titanium, Nandroid, Root Browser, etc.
2) At one point, I was directed to install Busy Box. Having done this on other devices, I said "Yes" and installed it.
3) I see that my device now shows Device Status as Custom ( was Normal before, if I remember correctly). Is this due to Busy Box?
4) Is Device Status the only way to know the KNOX Status? I see no yellow triangle as I did on my Galaxy Reverb.
5) I got a Google warning to uninstall Towelroot since it is unsafe and a security exploit. I understand that.
I would like to verify the KNOX status and if tripped in the Towelroot process, to let potential users know of that possibility.
Thank You! And thanks to everyone who has continued to work on keeping root free!
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox only notifies Samsung that your device isn't stock anymore not necessarily rooted like with a custom recovery and then flashed mods and what not but if you Odin the stock rom it resets the counters so Samsung will never know....and that i have noticed TowelRoot doesn't trip that counter.....only the recoveries and when you update the binary (<---completely forgot to fix that) you must hit the option normal not TWRP/CWM

churninern said:
I just used this method to root my Sprint S3 running Android 4.4.2 and ND8, since my USB port is on the fritz, and it worked successfully. I have root, and was able to do a full apps backup with Titanium Backup, and gained root access in ES File Explorer. Next, download and install a custom backup. Thanks, great job, and could not have been made easier to do!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great news because same boat here. It worked on 4.3 as well.
I had the phone hacked before and something must not be fully stock so the Ota fails.
I downloaded a package and mobile odin should flash it properly and then I can root it with this again and install a nice modified TouchWiz rom.

Darkangels6sic6 said:
That's great news because same boat here. It worked on 4.3 as well.
I had the phone hacked before and something must not be fully stock so the Ota fails.
I downloaded a package and mobile odin should flash it properly and then I can root it with this again and install a nice modified TouchWiz rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all

Knox Counter and "Device Status"
6th_Hokage said:
Knox only notifies Samsung that your device isn't stock anymore not necessarily rooted like with a custom recovery and then flashed mods and what not but if you Odin the stock rom it resets the counters so Samsung will never know....and that i have noticed TowelRoot doesn't trip that counter.....only the recoveries and when you update the recovery you must hit the option normal not TWRP/CWM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response. I may be over thinking these indicators. All I did was Towelroot, successfully. On the phone, the "About Device, Status" now says CUSTOM (was "Official"). The Knox counter according to app "Phone Info" shows Knox Counter at 0x0. As you said, since the counter is not tripped, should be no problem on warranty. So then Device Status CUSTOM is not a problem? I'm not really worried about warranty at this point, but I think I'll hold off further mods for another 6 moths.
Thanks again for your help!

6th_Hokage said:
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I tried the md8 and mk3 "mk3 is what it's on". Both just restart and get stuck on splash screen :/.
I have to go to download mode and and restart it that way to boot system back up.
Do you have any other suggestion. I'm not sure what part of the system is altered. It seems like a stock recovery and it's stock firmware "now rooted". Maybe the kernel.
I can't use USB at all.
I'm guessing maybe I should install twrp. Then install a stock zip or try out a 4.3 rom that way. I would like to get to md8 one way or another. Most md8 Roms want you to odin or flash an md8 base.

Darkangels6sic6 said:
Thanks. I tried the ND8 and MK3 "MK3 is what it's on". Both just restart and get stuck on splash screen :/.
I have to go to download mode and and restart it that way to boot system back up.
Do you have any other suggestion. I'm not sure what part of the system is altered. It seems like a stock recovery and it's stock firmware "now rooted". Maybe the kernel.
I can't use USB at all
I'm guessing maybe I should install TWRP. Then install a stock zip or try out a 4.3 rom that way. I would like to get to md8 one way or another. Most ND8 Roms want you to Odin or flash an md8 base.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cause they need the ND8 base to work as intended...my suggestion would be to get the usb port on your phone fixed but i don't know how expensive that will be

6th_Hokage said:
just a quick add on Mobile Odin and stock ND8/NDC don't mix at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
6th_Hokage said:
cause they need the ND8 base to work as intended...my suggestion would be to get the usb port on your phone fixed but i don't know how expensive that will be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was afraid you would say that.

Holy crap. May I say, I am quite impressed. I never planned on rooting my S3 (I like it that much!) but this just looked so damn easy to do and it was!
For the curious! I have a Virgin Mobile S3, and I'm on Kitkat 4.4.2, baseband NDC. Verified root with Root Checker Basic. No problems with mobile data.
Many thank yous, 6th_Hokage!

strangelady said:
Holy crap. May I say, I am quite impressed. I never planned on rooting my S3 (I like it that much!) but this just looked so damn easy to do and it was!
For the curious! I have a Virgin Mobile S3, and I'm on Kitkat 4.4.2, baseband NDC. Verified root with Root Checker Basic. No problems with mobile data.
Many thank yous, 6th_Hokage!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your welcome strangelady and if you want check out the links in my signature area for other cool stuff

added two more t=root methods

[Download]AT&T Kitkat OTA file

Here is the ota file I just pulled from my s3. It's a cfg file though, and the recommended way to install is via adb sideload.
Stock users please test it. People who are rooted, use xposed, TiBu to freeze bloat, tell me how to update without a factory reset. I have already tried unrooting and using stock recovery, I am now unfreezing all bloat and uninstall xposed to see if it works.
https://mega.co.nz/#!W0JHQKAK!pA52fCAkUxTMia9A21KL1TrR8bmJT10jhNlBvn5j-Mk
Devs, is there a way to modify the update script so it doesn't check for modified system status? I'm worried I can't update because of tripped knox and if so I'm screwed

bkong said:
Here is the ota file I just pulled from my s3. It's a cfg file though, and the recommended way to install is via adb sideload.
Stock users please test it. People who are rooted, use xposed, TiBu to freeze bloat, tell me how to update without a factory reset. I have already tried unrooting and using stock recovery, I am now unfreezing all bloat and uninstall xposed to see if it works.
https://mega.co.nz/#!PJ40jDCY!I2A0Di...381MaXx3_0dl8I
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please PM @DocHoliday77 to help him build the Stock ROM for us? He does not have the AT&T Device, but can surely help us in building the ROM. Greatness of him!!
He may ask for some other files for building AT&T ROM for us. If he can build the ROM for us, then we dont have to take the pains of testing the CFG file!!
Thanks man!!

Thank you for sharing this. We'll be hard at work on this now
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

bkong said:
Here is the ota file I just pulled from my s3. It's a cfg file though, and the recommended way to install is via adb sideload.
Stock users please test it. People who are rooted, use xposed, TiBu to freeze bloat, tell me how to update without a factory reset. I have already tried unrooting and using stock recovery, I am now unfreezing all bloat and uninstall xposed to see if it works.
https://mega.co.nz/#!PJ40jDCY!I2A0Di...381MaXx3_0dl8I
Devs, is there a way to modify the update script so it doesn't check for modified system status? I'm worried I can't update because of tripped knox and if so I'm screwed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anybody have this hosted on a different mirror? The link asks me for a decryption key.

stoobie-doo said:
Anybody have this hosted on a different mirror? The link asks me for a decryption key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait until later tonight or tomorrow when enewman17 or docholiday release a flashable
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

@bkong
Link is bad, clicking it links to a url with "..." in the middle

CNexus said:
@bkong
Link is bad, clicking it links to a url with "..." in the middle
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
reuploaded it with new link, does it work now?
I'm also waiting for a flashable zip because I can't get adb working and ota fails every damn time.

bkong said:
reuploaded it with new link, does it work now?
I'm also waiting for a flashable zip because I can't get adb working and ota fails every damn time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can't just flash an update.zip through stock recovery?

Appears to be working! I've got someone who is going to try to get me everything I need to build a rom from the AT&T release, so if all goes well I should have it up this afternoon! :fingers-crossed:

Success!
used the odin flashable 4.3 file from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2722660 , went back to stock 4.3 and then used the OTA provided by the OP to get to 4.4.2
edit: please wait for the devs to work their magic to get fully working and easily flashable roms

Jakeuten said:
you can't just flash an update.zip through stock recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that wipes all your data so I wanted to avoid that, and it might not work according to some peoples experience,
DocHoliday77 said:
Appears to be working! I've got someone who is going to try to get me everything I need to build a rom from the AT&T release, so if all goes well I should have it up this afternoon! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, will this be an odin flashable tar that will keep your data? I have been struggling for the past few hours trying to update without losing all my data. I flashed this rom [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498233] that is stock and includes knox but Adb doesn't work for me and the at&t software update says its up to date, which its not, so I think the rom might have a problem, and I'm trying to figure out how to reinstall twrp so I can restore my backup but knox is blocking me. Hopefully I can just odin your rom and towelroot and be done with it.

DocHoliday77 said:
Appears to be working! I've got someone who is going to try to get me everything I need to build a rom from the AT&T release, so if all goes well I should have it up this afternoon! :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
could you make an update.zip for users with stock recovery as well?

bkong said:
I believe that wipes all your data so I wanted to avoid that, and it might not work according to some peoples experience,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OTA shouldn't wipe any of your data. The way it works is it patches the existing files on your device with any changes to bring it up to date. Shouldn't touch any user data at all.
Awesome, will this be an odin flashable tar that will keep your data? I have been struggling for the past few hours trying to update without losing all my data. I flashed this rom [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498233] that is stock and includes knox but Adb doesn't work for me and the at&t software update says its up to date, which its not, so I think the rom might have a problem, and I'm trying to figure out how to reinstall twrp so I can restore my backup but knox is blocking me. Hopefully I can just odin your rom and towelroot and be done with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It'll be recovery flashable. Im not sure yet if Ill be trying to create an Odin flashable one. Will need to have someone pull the system.img slightly differently if I do. (Would need to Odin flash 4.3, flash TWRP, boot straight to recovery and flash the OTA, then while still in recovery dump the partition.) Even then, no guarantee it would work quite right. These things can be a little finicky.
How is Knox blocking TWRP though? You should be able to flash that via Odin. Since you updated using the OTA though, every time you reboot, it will rewrite the stock recovery. So when you flash TWRP via Odin, uncheck the Auto Reboot box, then after the flash is successful, pull the battery. Then put it back in and boot straight to recovery and flash your rom.
Jakeuten said:
could you make an update.zip for users with stock recovery as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try. No guarantees though. Its been a long time since I've messed with OTA's, so I'm not completely sure I will remember exactly what to do with it. I should be able to do it though. Just not making promises!

bkong said:
I believe that wipes all your data so I wanted to avoid that, and it might not work according to some peoples experience,
Awesome, will this be an odin flashable tar that will keep your data? I have been struggling for the past few hours trying to update without losing all my data. I flashed this rom [http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2498233] that is stock and includes knox but Adb doesn't work for me and the at&t software update says its up to date, which its not, so I think the rom might have a problem, and I'm trying to figure out how to reinstall twrp so I can restore my backup but knox is blocking me. Hopefully I can just odin your rom and towelroot and be done with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure whether you can use Mobile Odin Pro to do that. Extracting the file from the OTA.zip and renaming it from 2400258.cfg to 2400258.zip makes it recognized in MOP, and the options are there to avoid the wipe, but I know earlier OTAs like that did wipe.
Note - I have only gone so far as loading it into MOP; waiting to see if someone more foolhardy than me is willing to actually do it.

stoobie-doo said:
Not sure whether you can use Mobile Odin Pro to do that. Extracting the file from the OTA.zip and renaming it from 2400258.cfg to 2400258.zip makes it recognized in MOP, and the options are there to avoid the wipe, but I know earlier OTAs like that did wipe.
Note - I have only gone so far as loading it into MOP; waiting to see if someone more foolhardy than me is willing to actually do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tempted to try it (flash through stock recovery) but not my phone lol

Unless MO is written to specifically handle it, it will probably fail. (Im not sure if it is or isn't)
Sorry if I was misinformed about it wiping data. On TMobile neither OTA's or flashing in Odin ever wipes data. Afaik, Odin will only wipe data if there is a data.img included in the .tar file. Our OTA's have never touched anything but dalvik on the data partition either from what I remember.

DocHoliday77 said:
Unless MO is written to specifically handle it, it will probably fail. (Im not sure if it is or isn't)
Sorry if I was misinformed about it wiping data. On TMobile neither OTA's or flashing in Odin ever wipes data. Afaik, Odin will only wipe data if there is a data.img included in the .tar file. Our OTA's have never touched anything but dalvik on the data partition either from what I remember.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let me be more precise; the technique I was talking about is found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767827 and applies the OTA in a way that wipes. Not sure whether MO would do the same or not; I haven't played with it since the upgrade to 4.3 last year and my memory is hazy.

Just tried and ADB sideload of this file to my S3. After renaming the .cfg file to .zip.
I get an "assert failed" on "getprop("ro.product.device") == "d2att""
Any suggestions? I'm wondering if the phone is reporting something other than d2att?

So no one tested this via stock recovery? Need to know if the update can be done through stock recovery.

stoobie-doo said:
Let me be more precise; the technique I was talking about is found at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1767827 and applies the OTA in a way that wipes. Not sure whether MO would do the same or not; I haven't played with it since the upgrade to 4.3 last year and my memory is hazy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just tried this method.
I got the assert failure again, and it happily wiped my internal SD but didn't install the OTA.
Good thing I'm not using this device for anything critical, I'd be rather pissed off.

Want to root Friends Note 4, a few questions.

Hello,
I want to root my friends sprint note 4 (lolipop i believe). I was looking at this guide http://galaxynote4root.com/galaxy-note-4-root/how-to-root-galaxy-note-4note-edge-on-android-5-1-1/ and it seems straightforward. A little different than what I had to do with my phone becuase I had to unlock the bootloader and then flash the recovery and supersu. (I've never used odin) Does this mean the bootloader is already unlocked by default since all I have to do is install the recovery and then the kernel?
I'm a little confused, once I get the recovery, can I flash roms to it? Do I have to change the kernel again if I want to install a ROM? I don't plan on putting a custom ROM on his phone but I want reflash the stock rom or a debloated stock rom because he said even after a factory reset it was buggy (if you can link me to a proper stock rom that supports xposed I would be grateful).
And I also want xposed to work, is there a specific xposed version I should install?
And also, if I do flash something, is this method correct?
Backup data
factory reset
flash
clear cache
restore data
reboot
or do I restore the data later?

The thread and video are dated. A few key elementary facts are still relevant but as a whole, just not up to date. I wouldn't trust it and it lends to repeated help threads in this forum. If one read the OPs and threads of current ROMs in development and recent help threads, maybe less questions and help would be needed.
He omits current ROMs, didn't mention where the reactivation lock is for TW Android ROMs: Settings/Security/Reactivation lock (should be disabled). He doesn't mention Chainfire Auto root for Note 4 has been updated for 5.1 and will be key again for marshmallow (but that's only needed for rooting stock Odex). He also didn't tell you how to get to those old ROMs on his site. Some think you just Odin an old update but not so. That requires a 5.1 kernel matched with current bootloader rather than Odin downgrade.
The bootloader, while not locked to block root, is considered unlocked but actually is now security locked to block older security stock tars with lower security bootloaders. It's actually unknown until confirmed what tar you can downgrade to. It won't be KitKat or OB7 and some just after that. From OK1 update, I'm only aware that you can downgrade from OK1 to OJ6 and if you flash the MM leaked tar, you can still downgrade to OK1.
Kernels should be kept in zip form because backing up a kernel in TWRP doesn't backup /system/lib/modules to restore and some custom kernels modify or add modules which may not work restored boot.img And restoring stock kernel on a rooted phone would cause a boot loop. So to restore that, you'd need to full un-root in SuperSU to avoid the boot loop there as well as restore the stock /system/lib/modules.
Root methods: unless you're using the full un-root or wiping everything but extSdCard (particularly user data and internal memory), you don't fully remove systemless root. Flashing a ROM or SuperSU with system based SuperSU over systemless root without the wipes would break things like root. Not seeing the SuperSU app or loss of ability to add new apps to superuser would be impacted but also a boot loop is possible if but patching stock kernel su.img to boot.
The basic principal is that to flash the custom deodexed ROM you need for Xposed, just make sure you're on the right update, Odin TWRP and follow the OP closely. If wiping internal memory is suggested by OP, I'd suggest that. To keep things simple, I backup and wipe everything but extSdCard for ports or where Xposed or systemless SuperSU is used. I typically do the same for stock tar updates as well.
As to recommended ROMs, I'd suggest any deodexed OK1 ROM for Xposed. tx_dbs_tx has a variety of OK1 ROMs. Freeza has one with Xposed integrated with Xposed modules in system. If Note 5 Moar port is a good fit, I'd recommend trying without Xposed until you determine the minimum of Xposed mods you're lacking so you're not overlapping features and you're getting to know the stability of it, first.
Rooting a friend's phone? IMO, you should be very sure and confident before proceeding and advise rather than do all the work and take the risks yourself. Use the correct USB driver, not just one that works. Setup his computer to root and sustain that phone.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

How is it dated exactly? I thought 5.1 is highest OTA for Note 4? Do OTA security patches change how things work now? I wouldn't know about security patches since I have a moto x 2013, we are left in the dust.
This is the ROM I am looking at http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-sprint/development/rom-t3271966
I'm still a little confused about the bootloader, right now my friend is on Sprint 5.1 lolipop. Is there a way to check the bootloader version? Can I not use Odin to install TWRP? And I'm not sure about the modem/kernel stuff, I didn't have to deal with it on my 2013 moto x. The website links to these kernels https://www.mediafire.com/folder/naq9dih44fndv/SM-N915P. Can I flash the latest kernel that was uploaded in January? The ROM contains root so I know I'm not supposed to flash superSU by itself, also obviously not to take any OTA's. I know that I'm supposed to install the wanam version of xposed that is optimized for samsung phones.

rapiollymega said:
How is it dated exactly? I thought 5.1 is highest OTA for Note 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I answered that in detail.
rapiollymega said:
Do OTA security patches change how things work now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No; it's the bootloader and updates that did that.
rapiollymega said:
This is the ROM I am looking at http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4-sprint/development/rom-t3271966
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good choice.
rapiollymega said:
I'm still a little confused about the bootloader, right now my friend is on Sprint 5.1 lolipop. Is there a way to check the bootloader version?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answered. Use Phone Info from Google Play or Galaxy Tools.
rapiollymega said:
Can I not use Odin to install TWRP? And I'm not sure about the modem/kernel stuff, I didn't have to deal with it on my 2013 moto x. The website links to these kernels https://www.mediafire.com/folder/naq9dih44fndv/SM-N915P. Can I flash the latest kernel that was uploaded in January? The ROM contains root so I know I'm not supposed to flash superSU by itself, also obviously not to take any OTA's. I know that I'm supposed to install the wanam version of xposed that is optimized for samsung phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Answered. Make sure you're updated, use Odin to flash TWRP and follow OP closely. I wouldn't concern myself with the kernels listed outside this forum. SuperSU and kernel are in those ROMs; they're pre-rooted. If you want an updated kernel, I'd recommend freeza Beastmode kernel from this forum.
Edit: don't use a Galaxy Edge ROM, kernel or recovery on a Note 4 or vice versa. To be clear, this is the Sprint Note 4 forum. SM-N910P not SM-N915P.
Edit 2: When flashing TWRP, verify the reactivation lock is unchecked in Settings/Security. Use latest Odin, uncheck only the auto reboot option. Once it flashes and you confirm 0 failed, pull USB and battery for 30 seconds. Reinstall battery and be sure to reboot directly into recovery. Skip steps and it may not stick.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

samep said:
Answered. Make sure you're updated, use Odin to flash TWRP and follow OP closely. I wouldn't concern myself with the kernels listed outside this forum. SuperSU and kernel are in those ROMs; they're pre-rooted. If you want an updated kernel, I'd recommend freeza Beastmode kernel from this forum.
Edit: don't use a Galaxy Edge ROM, kernel or recovery on a Note 4 or vice versa. To be clear, this is the Sprint Note 4 forum. SM-N910P not SM-N915P.
Edit 2: When flashing TWRP, verify the reactivation lock is unchecked in Settings/Security. Use latest Odin, uncheck only the auto reboot option. Once it flashes and you confirm 0 failed, pull USB and battery for 30 seconds. Reinstall battery and be sure to reboot directly into recovery. Skip steps and it may not stick.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I'm not understanding some of your post since I'm not that experienced with android or the post is kind of worded ambiguously. For TWRP, should I use 3.0 or 2.8.7?
is now security locked to block older security stock tars with lower security bootloaders. It's actually unknown until confirmed what tar you can downgrade to. It won't be KitKat or OB7 and some just after that. From OK1 update, I'm only aware that you can downgrade from OK1 to OJ6 and if you flash the MM leaked tar, you can still downgrade to OK1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what you mean here. Looking at youtube videos, people just flash TWRP with Odin. Should I just try to put TWRP in? I understand the part about either removing the battery or trying to instant go into recovery.
So the ROM I'm looking at already has a kernel? So all I need to do it flash the zip? And then install xposed? Is it recommended to restore data or should I boot first once and then restore data. Also on a side question: For data restoring, is there a way to only specifically restore apps from a data backup? Thanks for the help.

rapiollymega said:
Sorry if I'm not understanding some of your post since I'm not that experienced with android or the post is kind of worded ambiguously. For TWRP, should I use 3.0 or 2.8.7?
I'm not sure what you mean here. Looking at youtube videos, people just flash TWRP with Odin. Should I just try to put TWRP in? I understand the part about either removing the battery or trying to instant go into recovery.
So the ROM I'm looking at already has a kernel? So all I need to do it flash the zip? And then install xposed? Is it recommended to restore data or should I boot first once and then restore data. Also on a side question: For data restoring, is there a way to only specifically restore apps from a data backup? Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the INTERNET that's ambiguous towards Touchwiz Android 5.1 There has been a few updates and each changed the way we do things. So when you say you're on Android 5.1, I say you need to be on the latest 5.1 update to have the greatest compatibility with the ROM you're choosing to flash.
Yes. You use Odin to install TWRP when rooting from full stock un-root to custom pre-rooted ROM. Perhaps my direction to Odin TWRP was ambiguous? Flash this in Odin AP slot with auto reboot unchecked- use the other option defaults from latest Odin:
https://dl.twrp.me/trltespr/twrp-3.0.0-0-trltespr.img.tar.html
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=51767811&postcount=1
I would restore data after installing Xposed. Keep in mind that these installation boots of custom ROM and Xposed take time. The less apps and data, the shorter the boot times will be. Plus the ROM will have more time to stabilize. After you've verified the last three of the bootloader and modem matches OK1, you can proceed with TWRP, then install ROM per the 1st post and immediate posts from OP. When you get to the Wi-Fi connection in setup wizard, make sure you have radio signal before connecting Wi-Fi. Make sure everything is stable and functional before Xposed installation.
Again, about the long boot times on installation. Best to keep case off the phone and ventilate phone with not too cool or ambient air. This will speed the process and possibly prevent component failure.
When your ready for Xposed, you need the Wanam unofficial Xposed framework.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=62377731&postcount=1
You'll need sdk22 arm for Lollipop, not 64 bit Exynos or MM.
Currently it's the one labeled: xposed-v80.0-sdk22-arm-custom-build-by-wanam-20160211.zip
Grab the uninstaller too, just in case. You shouldn't need it but be prepared.
Edit: be sure to get the deodexed version of that ROM. Makes things easier for Xposed and Xposed compatibility when adding system applications, if that applies to anytime later.
Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk

Thanks for all the help, did it over the weekend and everything went smoothly. Well except for one part before installing the new ROM, I deleted everything in data/system and forgot that the zip was In the internal storage instead of the sd card . And for whatever reason the PC usb connection wasn't working in TWRP so I had to use a flash drive and otg cable to put the zip ROM back in the phone.

AT&T Note 5 (N920A) Teather Root

​My knox was not tripped.
​Highly recommend to have a odin firmware!
Tested on 5.1.1
Recommend to update to PB2, BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP may delete everything.
http://www.mediafire.com/download/kuvw79x83zrdpc9/N920AUCU2APB2_User_Binary.zip
A not much has been said in the thread, yes after Odin flashing the ENG kernel for our device and flashing a root script we can use rooted apps. @metalcated*posted a script that does push SuperSU into system/. This was originally posted in the AT&T GS6 forum. It's a potentially complicated process and if your phone shuts off, battery dies or you hard reboot you will be stuck in a bootloop, hotbooting works fine for Xposed. Will this method be practical for everyone probably not, but considering we were told the device was unrootable........
Read thru his thread, then read it again, seriously do this. And if you still want to try, backup everything you can just in case you need to reflash via Odin to recover from a bootloop. Here were my steps.
1. Yes this needs to be flashed before the process begins, the script wont run with the stock kernel.*
Here's a link to the eng kernel. Download and extract. Yes flash via ODIN, add the kernel file to the AP slot.*
http://www.mediafire.com/?2i5aeu6pr0ms7io
2. The only file I downloaded and used was this one:
http://www.mediafire.com/?m0b639pfnavjmha
(G920a5.1.1.root.metalcated-v4.zip)
3.Save it and extract it on your PC
4. Verify Samsung drivers and adb are installed
5.***ENABLE USB DEBUGGING*** this is an important step.*
6. Plug device into PC open file and run root script. It'll prompt you to press enter a couple of times and reboot the phone. Just follow the on-screen instructions.
7. After it reboots you have root access.
Root apps that work for me: Titanium backup/root explorer/build.prop editor/no frills.
I was able to delete all Knox apps and debloat the heck of the stock ROM. At no point did my device freeze, reboot on its own.
Let's work on bootloader unlock so we can flash custom rom, kernel and recoverys.
Thanks to Michael3214 for finding the method.
Thanks to Metalcateds for scripts.

Has anyone tried to push a script to make SELinux permissive on boot? We might be able to unteather the root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ipt-permissive-selinux-stock-kernels-t2854364

KillKount said:
Has anyone tried to push a script to make SELinux permissive on boot? We might be able to unteather the root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ipt-permissive-selinux-stock-kernels-t2854364
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried this with no luck. It seams to be something in the kernel that's preventing untethered reboots so far. We can use this root to unlock bootloader with someone who is good enough.

TechNyne66 said:
I have tried this with no luck. It seams to be something in the kernel that's preventing untethered reboots so far. We can use this root to unlock bootloader with someone who is good enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some people looking into this but haven't had much luck as of yet. It also requires a lot of time which I haven't had much of lately. Hope someone else can jump in here as well. [emoji6]

metalcated said:
There are some people looking into this but haven't had much luck as of yet. It also requires a lot of time which I haven't had much of lately. Hope someone else can jump in here as well. [emoji6]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im not sure where to start. If you want to point me in the right direction i could posably help. Flashify does write recovery and kernel just gets blocked by bootloader.

do we have a xposed we can use?

TechNyne66 said:
Im not sure where to start. If you want to point me in the right direction i could posably help. Flashify does write recovery and kernel just gets blocked by bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an eng BL out there which allows flashing a recovery img but the signature checks fail so that doesn't work anyhow. Your welcome to try it. I can send you a link for it.

does anyone know whee to get the stock kernel?

This is confirmed working. I rooted, debloated, and unrooted and can now reboot with no worries and no bloat.

bmatney said:
This is confirmed working. I rooted, debloated, and unrooted and can now reboot with no worries and no bloat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how did you unoot?

blane3298 said:
how did you unoot?
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Click to collapse
One of the last options in the settings of supersu is to fully unroot.

do you know if we can unroot and flash the stock kernel and be good to go? My phone was laggy with the eng kernel

metalcated said:
There is an eng BL out there which allows flashing a recovery img but the signature checks fail so that doesn't work anyhow. Your welcome to try it. I can send you a link for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would be willing to try bootloader if it will work on OGG firmware.

Has anyone tried this on PB2 ?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

dpwguenther said:
Has anyone tried this on PB2 ?
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes the kernel required to root other builds is the PB2 ENG

Can I use this on my s6 active? Thanks in advance.

blane3298 said:
do you know if we can unroot and flash the stock kernel and be good to go? My phone was laggy with the eng kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I performed the root. At the beginning yes it was laggy but i went ahead download (NO-frills CPU) base level has been 1.2GHZ max 1.5GHZ. Power-save mode ON and ZENUI launcher. AND my friends have been happy every since. NO lag at all.

TechNyne66 said:
​My knox was not tripped.
​Highly recommend to have a odin firmware!
Tested on 5.1.1
A not much has been said in the thread, yes after Odin flashing the ENG kernel for our device and flashing a root script we can use rooted apps. @metalcated*posted a script that does push SuperSU into system/. This was originally posted in the atat GS6 forum. It's a potentially complicated process and if your phone shuts off, battery dies or you hard reboot you will be stuck in a bootloop, hotbooting works fine for Xposed. Will this method be practical for everyone probably not, but considering we were told the device was unrootable........
Read thru his thread, then read it again, seriously do this. And if you still want to try, backup everything you can just in case you need to reflash via Odin to recover from a bootloop. Here were my steps.
1. Yes this needs to be flashed before the process begins, the script wont run with the stock kernel.*
Here's a link to the eng kernel. Download and extract. Yes flash via ODIN, add the kernel file to the AP slot.*
Link 1 https://mega.nz/#!lZhwxB4Q!pdBsM51Do...d4l8ANPqTKVc9E
Link 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?2i5aeu6pr0ms7io
2.Metalcateds thread is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-...-snag-t3334546
3. The only file I downloaded and used was this one:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24438995911977129
(G920a5.1.1.root.metalcated-v4.zip)
4.Save it and extract it on your PC
5. Verify Samsung drivers and adb are installed
6.***ENABLE USB DEBUGGING*** this is an important step.*
7. Plug device into PC open file and run root script. It'll prompt you to press enter a couple of times and reboot the phone. Just follow the on-screen instructions.*
8. After it reboots you have root access.*
Root apps that work for me: Titanium backup/root explorer/build.prop editor/no frills.
I was able to delete all Knox apps and debloat the heck of the stock ROM. At no point did my device freeze, reboot on its own.
Let's work on bootloader unlock so we can flash custom rom, kernel and recoverys.
Thanks to Michael3214 for finding the method.
Thanks to Metalcateds for scripts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fix your links.
First, link 1. goes to an encrypted file on Mega.
Second this link https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24438995911977129 doesn't link to the Root script but links out to metalcated's debloated system image for the S6.
Edit: Well that was quick to brick my phone haha. Script finished, phone rebooted to AT&T logo, script failed and now its soft bricked XD haha.
Guess it's time to ODIN.

TechNyne66 said:
​My knox was not tripped.
​Highly recommend to have a odin firmware!
Tested on 5.1.1
A not much has been said in the thread, yes after Odin flashing the ENG kernel for our device and flashing a root script we can use rooted apps. @metalcated*posted a script that does push SuperSU into system/. This was originally posted in the atat GS6 forum. It's a potentially complicated process and if your phone shuts off, battery dies or you hard reboot you will be stuck in a bootloop, hotbooting works fine for Xposed. Will this method be practical for everyone probably not, but considering we were told the device was unrootable........
Read thru his thread, then read it again, seriously do this. And if you still want to try, backup everything you can just in case you need to reflash via Odin to recover from a bootloop. Here were my steps.
1. Yes this needs to be flashed before the process begins, the script wont run with the stock kernel.*
Here's a link to the eng kernel. Download and extract. Yes flash via ODIN, add the kernel file to the AP slot.*
Link 1 https://mega.nz/#!lZhwxB4Q!pdBsM51Do...d4l8ANPqTKVc9E
Link 2 http://www.mediafire.com/?2i5aeu6pr0ms7io
2.Metalcateds thread is here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/att-...-snag-t3334546
3. The only file I downloaded and used was this one:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24438995911977129
(G920a5.1.1.root.metalcated-v4.zip)
4.Save it and extract it on your PC
5. Verify Samsung drivers and adb are installed
6.***ENABLE USB DEBUGGING*** this is an important step.*
7. Plug device into PC open file and run root script. It'll prompt you to press enter a couple of times and reboot the phone. Just follow the on-screen instructions.*
8. After it reboots you have root access.*
Root apps that work for me: Titanium backup/root explorer/build.prop editor/no frills.
I was able to delete all Knox apps and debloat the heck of the stock ROM. At no point did my device freeze, reboot on its own.
Let's work on bootloader unlock so we can flash custom rom, kernel and recoverys.
Thanks to Michael3214 for finding the method.
Thanks to Metalcateds for scripts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe THIS >>> https://mega.nz/#!lZhwxB4Q!pdBsM51DoMOvgaQ4j4saZKRCezTWFd4l8ANPqTKVc9E <<< was the link you where looking for for the ENG. Kernel..... N920A.7z i have the root script also downloaded
i will post all in an index file with a site to follow

JeSTeRH4CK3D said:
i believe THIS >>> https://mega.nz/#!lZhwxB4Q!pdBsM51DoMOvgaQ4j4saZKRCezTWFd4l8ANPqTKVc9E <<< was the link you where looking for for the ENG. Kernel..... N920A.7z i have the root script also downloaded
i will post all in an index file with a site to follow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will fix in a bit just making my family dinner.

What is the best way to stay up to date while keeping TWRP

Just got my S9 all set up just they way I like it. But part of the way I like it means knox has been tripped which means no more OTA updates for me. Is there a preferred method to keep my device up to date without having to go through flashing TWRP and all those other steps some of us like to do?

Only by flashing a new custom ROM from TWRP, if you are stock and want to keep stock you'll have to flash the updated stock with ODIN then flash TWRP again afterwards

phrosyn said:
Just got my S9 all set up just they way I like it. But part of the way I like it means knox has been tripped which means no more OTA updates for me. Is there a preferred method to keep my device up to date without having to go through flashing TWRP and all those other steps some of us like to do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently all stock still.. what are the things you have done to get it set up the way you like it?

b_rad_1983 said:
I'm currently all stock still.. what are the things you have done to get it set up the way you like it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First I installed TWRP to give me a really nice backup and restore solution
Then, I used TWRP to flash a custom rom and also Magisk
Then, I use Magisk to install YouTube Vanced (no-ads)
Magisk also provides a root-like access for me to install ad-away and remove any bloatware that I don't like
Finally, I sometimes experiment with different things through the time I have the phone

Which rom did you choose?

b_rad_1983 said:
Which rom did you choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soldiers ROM. It was just a simple no nonsense easy to debloat ROM