ROMs vs Unlock - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I'm fairly new to this so please be nice. There's something I don't quite understand. As the front page article points out to the recent unlocking of the S3
The devs here at XDA came to rescue shortly and it was rooted, but custom ROMs and kernels were still a no-go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been seeing custom ROMs all over the Android Development sub forum (Synergy, CleanROM just to name a few off the top). How can they be flashed if the bootloader is locked? Am I missing something?

DangerIsGo said:
I'm fairly new to this so please be nice. There's something I don't quite understand. As the front page article points out to the recent unlocking of the S3
I've been seeing custom ROMs all over the Android Development sub forum (Synergy, CleanROM just to name a few off the top). How can they be flashed if the bootloader is locked? Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader just got unlocked, like, within the hour.
There was a workaround called kexec which allowed kernels and other ROMS to be flashed.
Some ROMS like Synergy only change the system folder which means the bootloader isn't a problem (no custom kernel, etc)

DangerIsGo said:
I'm fairly new to this so please be nice. There's something I don't quite understand. As the front page article points out to the recent unlocking of the S3
I've been seeing custom ROMs all over the Android Development sub forum (Synergy, CleanROM just to name a few off the top). How can they be flashed if the bootloader is locked? Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those are stock ROMs that only require the phone to be rooted.

Current ROMs use an exploit that bypasses the locked bootloader. This means that custom kernels had to use kexec, which is now not needed.

There is something in the booting of the phone and this article is very interesting and also very informative.

So what Roms kernels can we use now that the boot loader is unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

tonytownsend said:
So what Roms kernels can we use now that the boot loader is unlocked?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whichever one you wish.. just as long as its a build for the vzw sgs3

So I unlocked the boot loader is there anywhere to see that this has happened?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Related

Verizon Bootlodr Fixed?

Hey every1, I was wondering if there was a working stable way to root the VZW s3... I know a lot of devs have been working on it and I hear there coming out with an update to fix it, but for right now is there a way? I have sprint but the service isn't good where I live so I'd like to get Vrzn and be able to flash cm10, any input much appreciated
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
irish.iolar said:
Hey every1, I was wondering if there was a working stable way to root the VZW s3... I know a lot of devs have been working on it and I hear there coming out with an update to fix it, but for right now is there a way? I have sprint but the service isn't good where I live so I'd like to get Vrzn and be able to flash cm10, any input much appreciated
Thanks
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting and the bootloader issue have virtually nothing to do with one another. Here's a copy/paste of something I wrote:
ExodusC said:
The Verizon (and pretty much every) Galaxy S3 has had root since virtually their release date.
The Verizon version does have a locked bootloader (see #3), and there is going to be a "Developer Edition" released directly from Samsung with pretty much no warranty, and it will be completely unsubsidized.
The bootloader lock has not stopped us from flashing custom ROMs or custom kernels. See below.
Here's some source links for you, in rough chronological order:
The "Root66" method for easily obtaining root
Original proof-of-concept showing custom kernels can be booted
Standard install of CyanogenMod 9 via kexec demonstrated
Functioning 3G/4G data on CyanogenMod 9 demonstrated
Unofficial guide to installing CyanogenMod 9
CVPCS states locked bootloader is a non-issue
Ongoing research & development on the locked bootloader
I could go on and on, but as you can see, development of custom ROMs (both TouchWiz and AOSP based) has not been hindered by the locked bootloader.
The community has pulled together on this, and developers from non-Verizon carriers have been tons of help in all the progress that has been made so far.
Many people, including myself, do not support the idea of the Developer Edition SGS3, and I personally doubt it will have even a tiny fraction of the community the consumer version has.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, but what can't you do with the Verizon version?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
And if you can still root and flash roms from Verizon s3, why does it say like cyanogenmod is coming out for everything but Verizon bc it has a locked bootloader?
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Look at the development forms it will answer yourquestions and show you where the VZW development is going.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
In short a locked bootloader will prevent flashing custom kernel, hence why CM10 is not officially supported for VZW yet. It is possible to flash other ROMs and there are already a few different versions of the stock rom that have been stripped or debloated. Some people have also reported a workaround for flashing custom kernels but its a little more tedious. As far as rooting goes, you can do everything else that rooting entails (TB, tethering, etc.) just fine.
kthung said:
In short a locked bootloader will prevent flashing custom kernel, hence why CM10 is not officially supported for VZW yet. It is possible to flash other ROMs and there are already a few different versions of the stock rom that have been stripped or debloated. Some people have also reported a workaround for flashing custom kernels but its a little more tedious. As far as rooting goes, you can do everything else that rooting entails (TB, tethering, etc.) just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean "reported?" Read my above post- we have an effective workaround for flashing custom kernels and ROMs.
All it requires is flashing a custom recovery (just like you'd do with any phone) and then simply flashing the custom ROM (just like you'd do with any phone).
The auto-kexec and custom kernel are built right into the .zip package.
Yes, it's not perfect, but assuming the CyanogenMod team is okay with the workaround, I don't see why we wouldn't get official support.
ExodusC said:
What do you mean "reported?" Read my above post- we have an effective workaround for flashing custom kernels and ROMs.
All it requires is flashing a custom recovery (just like you'd do with any phone) and then simply flashing the custom ROM (just like you'd do with any phone).
The auto-kexec and custom kernel are built right into the .zip package.
Yes, it's not perfect, but assuming the CyanogenMod team is okay with the workaround, I don't see why we wouldn't get official support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats right im even running CM10 (dealing with the regular issues before that rom hit RC status, but i love cyanogen so i can live with that, official could hit us soon

Unlocked bootloader

So if i unlock my bootloader will i be able to take the JB OTA when it arrives? If not how do i restore the locked bootloader? Also what if my phone has issues.. Would vzw notice i have this?
Sorry if these r dumb questions. I am not 100% on unlocking it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Adam outler specifically stated to not do any ota's after unlocking the bootloader...besides the devs will bring us updates faster than ota anyways. Im not 100% but Adam has a stock bootloader.tar posted in the op of his thread. I believe you would flash that in the bootloader function of odin and that will relock your bootloader...now I am not 100% on this, hopefully others will confirm!
The stock bootloader and firmware flash should do the trick to take updates according to Adam himself in the unlock bootloader post. No guarantee you will ever be able to get it unlocked again though.
Also, CyanogenMod team have already switched to working on the CM10 (jellybean) non-kexec version for Verizon now according to the project status page. I wouldn't take Verizon OTA anyway, don't really want the dumbed down no local search that Apple is forcing on us with their patents.
So I should be able to flash any rom i want now? Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
manaox2 said:
The stock bootloader and firmware flash should do the trick to take updates according to Adam himself in the unlock bootloader post. No guarantee you will ever be able to get it unlocked again though.
Also, CyanogenMod team have already switched to working on the CM10 (jellybean) non-kexec version for Verizon now according to the project status page. I wouldn't take Verizon OTA anyway, don't really want the dumbed down no local search that Apple is forcing on us with their patents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
llama555 said:
So I should be able to flash any rom i want now? Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies
Schaweet said:
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Schaweet said:
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean I knew exactly how to do things on my DX I just am not as sure with my S3. What recovery would you recommend?
llama555 said:
I mean I knew exactly how to do things on my DX I just am not as sure with my S3. What recovery would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point it's not the recovery but the lack of unlocked bootloader roms (non kexec) for vzws3. I've used rom manager and ez recovery with the s3 with great success.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
voodoomanx said:
At this point it's not the recovery but the lack of unlocked bootloader roms (non kexec) for vzws3. I've used rom manager and ez recovery with the s3 with great success.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only big difference between cwm 6 and previous versions is its support for kexec, but otherwise does the same thing and can be used for any of the Roms we already have (from what I understand. I tried finding the original thread i read that on but came up short so if I'm wrong someone please correct me as I don't want to spread false information).
And honestly I'm sure almost every rom will be updated within 24 hours to reflect this if not sooner and development will be full steam ahead! Just beware of an OTA cause you know Verizon is not gonna be happy we broke out of their sphere of influence. You can prolly guarantee this "issue" will be towards the top of their to-do list.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?
asmallchild said:
Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not always the case anymore. I've noticed Rezound users have been forced OTA's (update installs without your explicit approval) which means we very well could see the same as well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
asmallchild said:
Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phew good, I'm on Synergy, I think they've blocked OTAs
Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if you unlock the bootloader and are worried about OTA's just install clockwork mod or team win. the custom recovery will stop the installation of the files. last line of defense as some phones will download and OTA and install it regardless of what you do (rezound, thunderbolt, etc)
droidstyle said:
besides the devs will bring us updates faster than ota anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always, +1. I've never understood the desire to get OTAs afteryou start modding your phone.
llama555 said:
Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as there are still kexec roms out there, you'll still need a kexec recovery to flash them. If you know for sure you won't be using kexec, use whatever you want except for stock. Don't ever flash the stock recovery unless you're mailing it off to Verizon.
drbobmd said:
The only big difference between cwm 6 and previous versions is its support for kexec, but otherwise does the same thing and can be used for any of the Roms we already have (from what I understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't strictly true. CWM 6.x has a couple of nice features that CWM 5.8.x doesn't, like the deduplication technique to save you space when you have multiple backups. You're right though, in that if you're happy with CWM, there's no reason to switch after unlocking.
SFniner415 said:
I love you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic, sorry, but GO NINERS!!!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
lazarus2405 said:
Always, +1. I've never understood the desire to get OTAs afteryou start modding your phone.
As long as there are still kexec roms out there, you'll still need a kexec recovery to flash them. If you know for sure you won't be using kexec, use whatever you want except for stock. Don't ever flash the stock recovery unless you're mailing it off to Verizon.
That isn't strictly true. CWM 6.x has a couple of nice features that CWM 5.8.x doesn't, like the deduplication technique to save you space when you have multiple backups. You're right though, in that if you're happy with CWM, there's no reason to switch after unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know thank you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
so what if your rooted and don't wanna
Flash a Rom is there anything, esle to do to stop an ota?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Hulk0069 said:
so what if your rooted and don't wanna
Flash a Rom is there anything, esle to do to stop an ota?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best guess would be to find out what files are responsible for it and see if they are safe to remove via root explorer or something.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA's also fail once they boot into recovery if the stock recovery isn't there. So it's not likely you'll get a forced OTA that works.

[Q] Can I get 4.3 or similar??

Hey guys huge beginner on this type of stuff. I have one simple question though.
I know there is now a way to Root my phone, but not unlock the bootloader? So I'm wondering, is there any way for me to get a rom that is based off 4.3 at this current moment or am I out of luck?
Jestified said:
Hey guys huge beginner on this type of stuff. I have one simple question though.
I know there is now a way to Root my phone, but not unlock the bootloader? So I'm wondering, is there any way for me to get a rom that is based off 4.3 at this current moment or am I out of luck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can root your phone. Rooting and unlocking the bootloader are two different things. If you're on the latest update, you won't be able to unlock anyway. If your BL isn't unlocked, you won't be able to use any of the 4.3 based ROMs. I don't think there have been any developed for use on SafeStrap.
If your on the new update you can't unlock your bootloader. Which means the best you'll get get is debloated stock roms.
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX
deeje00 said:
If your on the new update you can't unlock your bootloader. Which means the best you'll get get is debloated stock roms.
Sent from my PACMAN MATRIX HD MAXX
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm listening....? "debloated stock rom"?
Jestified said:
I'm listening....? "debloated stock rom"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Debloated stock just means is the Verizon builds, just with some of the extra software taken out and tweaked. It's not like cyanogen mod which had more options and tweaks. But with a locked bootloader its the best your gonna get.
Sent from my XT926 using xda app-developers app
clouse2013 said:
Debloated stock just means is the Verizon builds, just with some of the extra software taken out and tweaked. It's not like cyanogen mod which had more options and tweaks. But with a locked bootloader its the best your gonna get.
Sent from my XT926 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However, you can use Xposed Framework to do a lot of modding/tweaking to a stock ROM. I am running a custom ROM, but I still use Xposed for a lot of things. You can theme your stock ROM in ways that are very similar to having a theme manager on AOSP ROMs.
have you verified for sure that you cannot unlock the bootloader? it doesn't hurt to try, unless you already tried.
What version is the build?
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX HD under an Eclipse.
iBolski said:
have you verified for sure that you cannot unlock the bootloader? it doesn't hurt to try, unless you already tried.
What version is the build?
Sent from my Droid RAZR MAXX HD under an Eclipse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
system version 9.18.79 so i'm assuming it isn't possible
Jestified said:
system version 9.18.79 so i'm assuming it isn't possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. That's the version you don't want to see if you haven't unlocked the boot loader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
iBolski said:
Yup. That's the version you don't want to see if you haven't unlocked the boot loader.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless his BL was unlocked prior to that update.
Oops. Double post for some reason!
DeadPhoenix said:
Unless his BL was unlocked prior to that update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is why I said if you haven't unlocked the bootloader.
Once it's unlocked, it's unlocked. You can't lock it back up because apparently, it's a physical change in the phone, such as a fuse being blown or something like that. At least, that's what I've read. http://blog.azimuthsecurity.com/2013/04/unlocking-motorola-bootloader.html
Apparently, it's something Qualcomm has created called a QFuse. These are software programmable fuses that once blown, they can NEVER be put back to their prior state. In Motorola devices, there is a FORCE_TRUSTED_BOOT QFuse. This is all explained by Dan Rosenburg who is the developer that gave us the ability to unlock our Droid RAZR HDs. it's a good read and explains a lot.
Of course, it never hurts to try and unlock it after downgrading back to the previous version.
iBolski said:
.....
Of course, it never hurts to try and unlock it after downgrading back to the previous version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
doesn't hurt but is 100% pointless, as the system version has nothing to do with the trust zone files that cant be changed back.
the system version serves as a reference point to when it used to be possible in relation to the other files that were irrevocably updated, nothing more.

[Q] Rooted Vzw S3 with towelroot, can I flash a rom?

So I just rooted my phone the other day and I was wondering if I am able to flash a rom. I disabled Knox and things seem to be okay so far. I want to flash Cyanogenmod or SlimKat to my phone and I want to know if I need to unlock the bootloader to get a custom recovery (twrp) and install the rom. Thanks in advance!
zdiddy456 said:
So I just rooted my phone the other day and I was wondering if I am able to flash a rom. I disabled Knox and things seem to be okay so far. I want to flash Cyanogenmod or SlimKat to my phone and I want to know if I need to unlock the bootloader to get a custom recovery (twrp) and install the rom. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's only a select few for a locked bootloader, look around on the general tab, you'll find a TouchWiz 4.3 download topic.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
poppers162 said:
There's only a select few for a locked bootloader, look around on the general tab, you'll find a TouchWiz 4.3 download topic.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not looking for TouchWiz. It is a resource hog. I want SlimKat or CM.
zdiddy456 said:
I'm not looking for TouchWiz. It is a resource hog. I want SlimKat or CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have locked boot loader, which I think you are, you need to install safe strap then flash TW rom. Currently there is only one available for safestrap which can be found here http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...iterom-v1-0-i535vrudne1-t2805797/post53919312
zdiddy456 said:
I'm not looking for TouchWiz. It is a resource hog. I want SlimKat or CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash any AOSP ROMs when you are on a locked bootloader. It's safestrap and touchwiz ROMs that match your current build (4.3 or 4.4.2) only.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Is there any way I can unlock the bootloader?
zdiddy456 said:
Is there any way I can unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, once you took the OTA 4.3 or 4.4 your boot loader is locked forever, unless someone from Samsung leaks it out for us.
EDIT: OK I was wrong, someone just got downgrade from 4.4 back to 4.1.2 with unlocked boot loader by send it out to a phone service company and the cost is $50.

Verizon Galaxy S3 I535 Recovery / Bootstrap - ?

Hey guys ...
So I just acquired the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 i535. I have rooted it and after tons of research and digging, understand that it has the Bootloader from Hell, and as for any customization, rooting it is as far as i get to go. Now, can someone point me in the direction of a working "work-around" so that I can unlock these Bootloaders and install/flash ROMS and RECOVERIES.
Thanks
jonstowe78 said:
Hey guys ...
So I just acquired the Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 i535. I have rooted it and after tons of research and digging, understand that it has the Bootloader from Hell, and as for any customization, rooting it is as far as i get to go. Now, can someone point me in the direction of a working "work-around" so that I can unlock these Bootloaders and install/flash ROMS and RECOVERIES.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your on either 4.3 ML1 or 4.4.2 NE1 your stuck with a locked bootloader. What does it say in the about phone screen in settings?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
ShapesBlue said:
If your on either 4.3 ML1 or 4.4.2 NE1 your stuck with a locked bootloader. What does it say in the about phone screen in settings?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know ... I'm running 4.4.2 / NE1 - rooted and Safestrap - was hoping that there was something I might have missed about the Bootloaders and there being a way to unlock in order to install Custom Roms - I guess that was just wishful thinking.
jonstowe78 said:
Yeah I know ... I'm running 4.4.2 / NE1 - rooted and Safestrap - was hoping that there was something I might have missed about the Bootloaders and there being a way to unlock in order to install Custom Roms - I guess that was just wishful thinking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are 2 or 3 roms you can run via safestrap but sadly they aren't custom roms. All TW based. Yea I've seen several people here in the forums who have taken the 4.4.2 update only to find out custom roms are out of the question
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
Same here I'm on 4.4.2 and I really hate the stock look. However, I found that the pcb blue theme works very well with both 4.4.2 roms that are available.
Also, by browsing around the different variants sub forums I've found lots of mods that work with safestrap on d2vzw as well. And lastly I've found through trial and error that I can have a different look by downloading themes for the Sprint s3 and after extracting the zip copy and paste the system apks such as clock, system ui, keyguard, etc. Pretty much everything except for the framework files (haven't been able to do anything with those)
However, it can be risky so if you don't know what you're doing you shouldn't try this method. And as always backup everything before any attempts to modify system files.
I nor anyone else is responsible for what you do to your phone.

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