Database Info

[Q] Rooted Verizon Galaxy S4 Problem

Hi.
I made an account just to post this because I honestly don't know where else to go. I'm new at rooting so please explain everything in simple terms.
I rooted my Verizon Galaxy S4 a few days ago and everything was great. I did a few soft mods with Xposed and Wanam and everything was still great. I thought I would wait until the weekend to do some custom ROM flashing and whatnot since I knew it was a time consuming process.... MAN was it a time consuming process. Mainly because I messed up my whole phone.
I installed Safestrap v3.71 (CWM Recovery wasn't compatible with my phone or something...?) and flashed Hyperdrive RLS13 to my MK2 build Verizon Galaxy S4 on ROM Slot 1. It worked great but I saw that all my free space in my internal memory was taken up because of my Stock ROM being too large. So I proceed to wipe data from the Stock ROM slot after backing it up and putting the backup on my computer. I factory reset the Stock ROM and hit reboot. I think the error occurred because I forgot to reselect the ROM Slot 1. Or maybe factory resetting like that isn't supposed to happen... I don't know.
But now my phone won't boot up all the way. It's stuck on the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen. I tried booting into recovery but it just takes me to the stock recovery. Apparently Safestrap is unable to be booted into directly or something... so i tried to factory reset from there and it did.
Now my phone won't even go into recovery mode. If I try it will say "Recovery Booting" but the screen will go black and reboot again and get stuck on the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen.
I HAVE LOOKED EVERYWHERE ON THE INTERNET and nothing directly applies to me or is simple enough for me to understand... I am currently downloading the NO-WIPE method stock ROM or something for what I think applies to me from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209 so I can put that into Odin which I downloaded (but don't really know how to use) and it says it will take 3 hours to download. GREAT. More waiting. I would like something quicker if possible.
SO MY QUESTION IS:
WHAT THE HELL DO I DO???
Specs of my phone again:
Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-1545
Android 4.3
Build MK2
Kernel Mk2
(I'm not even sure what all that means but there it is)
ALL HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BECAUSE I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Thank you. So. Very. Much.

Ditto
the immunity said:
Hi.
I made an account just to post this because I honestly don't know where else to go. I'm new at rooting so please explain everything in simple terms.
I rooted my Verizon Galaxy S4 a few days ago and everything was great. I did a few soft mods with Xposed and Wanam and everything was still great. I thought I would wait until the weekend to do some custom ROM flashing and whatnot since I knew it was a time consuming process.... MAN was it a time consuming process. Mainly because I messed up my whole phone.
I installed Safestrap v3.71 (CWM Recovery wasn't compatible with my phone or something...?) and flashed Hyperdrive RLS13 to my MK2 build Verizon Galaxy S4 on ROM Slot 1. It worked great but I saw that all my free space in my internal memory was taken up because of my Stock ROM being too large. So I proceed to wipe data from the Stock ROM slot after backing it up and putting the backup on my computer. I factory reset the Stock ROM and hit reboot. I think the error occurred because I forgot to reselect the ROM Slot 1. Or maybe factory resetting like that isn't supposed to happen... I don't know.
But now my phone won't boot up all the way. It's stuck on the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen. I tried booting into recovery but it just takes me to the stock recovery. Apparently Safestrap is unable to be booted into directly or something... so i tried to factory reset from there and it did.
Now my phone won't even go into recovery mode. If I try it will say "Recovery Booting" but the screen will go black and reboot again and get stuck on the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen.
I HAVE LOOKED EVERYWHERE ON THE INTERNET and nothing directly applies to me or is simple enough for me to understand... I am currently downloading the NO-WIPE method stock ROM or something for what I think applies to me from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2578209 so I can put that into Odin which I downloaded (but don't really know how to use) and it says it will take 3 hours to download. GREAT. More waiting. I would like something quicker if possible.
SO MY QUESTION IS:
WHAT THE HELL DO I DO???
Specs of my phone again:
Verizon Galaxy S4 SCH-1545
Android 4.3
Build MK2
Kernel Mk2
(I'm not even sure what all that means but there it is)
ALL HELP WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BECAUSE I DON"T KNOW WHAT TO DO!
Thank you. So. Very. Much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
REPLY:brother I do feel ya..I have S4 SCH-1545...Was messing around with root..Didn't know I had it 100% cause of the whole kingo super user app...Any who I ended up soft brick in in Bootloop mode..Red Verizon Screen wouldn't get past it..So I found similar firmware NO Thanks to SamMobile..Verizon 5.0 lolipop..1545pp...Not sure what the pp after 1545 stood for either...so I lemme explain how I got in to Bootloop mode..I downloaded kingroot and it literally broke my fone..Maybe it was to much to handle...kingroot and kingroot plus superuser app..and twrp as well...So I flashed some firmware I found online with Odin and it worked...Took a good couple if minutes but it worked..

[Q] Kind of new to the Rooting, but I need a bit of help.

Okay, so recently this week I rooted my Tmobile Galaxy note 3 SM-N900T model. I installed the Xnote Custom Rom and everything was pretty much fine.
This is where the problem started. I have a mobile app Called Odin Mobile, which I used to actually Custom Rom Flash, because I didn't see the option during the Bootloader to where I'm able to Custom Rom flash it from my external card, so I bought the Odin app to help me do it mobile and use CW Recovery to handle it. Now I went to find a wifi patch, because my wifi would NOT work with this Rom at all, I found a patch to install, so I used Odin Mobile Pro to simply just Flash the install on it and hope it would go through after a bit of research. Now my phone I believe is Paperweight softbrick. It doesn't go past the Xnote KitKat Menu of 4.4.2. I can't do anything, even worse my computer isn't reading my phone to where I can just get the files from my phone or external Microsdcard.
What should I do ? I'm pretty helpless at the moment. I even went to try and find a Stock Rom for my Model number which is the Tmobile Model Number: SM-N900TZWETMB Variant, I haven't been able to locate any, my only hope from what I'm reading, is to find a Stock Rom of 4.4.2 with my model and use Odin and hopefully that works, but I'm not able to locate anything, and the internet here is pretty horrible. If there is anything anyone can do to help me I appreciate it.

Snake2594 said:
Okay, so recently this week I rooted my Tmobile Galaxy note 3 SM-N900T model. I installed the Xnote Custom Rom and everything was pretty much fine.
This is where the problem started. I have a mobile app Called Odin Mobile, which I used to actually Custom Rom Flash, because I didn't see the option during the Bootloader to where I'm able to Custom Rom flash it from my external card, so I bought the Odin app to help me do it mobile and use CW Recovery to handle it. Now I went to find a wifi patch, because my wifi would NOT work with this Rom at all, I found a patch to install, so I used Odin Mobile Pro to simply just Flash the install on it and hope it would go through after a bit of research. Now my phone I believe is Paperweight softbrick. It doesn't go past the Xnote KitKat Menu of 4.4.2. I can't do anything, even worse my computer isn't reading my phone to where I can just get the files from my phone or external Microsdcard.
What should I do ? I'm pretty helpless at the moment. I even went to try and find a Stock Rom for my Model number which is the Tmobile Model Number: SM-N900TZWETMB Variant, I haven't been able to locate any, my only hope from what I'm reading, is to find a Stock Rom of 4.4.2 with my model and use Odin and hopefully that works, but I'm not able to locate anything, and the internet here is pretty horrible. If there is anything anyone can do to help me I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wish i could help, but after searching i came up empty just like you.
you really need the stock file to even see if this is fixable.
in the future you really should make a backup after installing a custom recovery before flashing anything else, for cases just like this.

Snake2594 said:
Okay, so recently this week I rooted my Tmobile Galaxy note 3 SM-N900T model. I installed the Xnote Custom Rom and everything was pretty much fine.
This is where the problem started. I have a mobile app Called Odin Mobile, which I used to actually Custom Rom Flash, because I didn't see the option during the Bootloader to where I'm able to Custom Rom flash it from my external card, so I bought the Odin app to help me do it mobile and use CW Recovery to handle it. Now I went to find a wifi patch, because my wifi would NOT work with this Rom at all, I found a patch to install, so I used Odin Mobile Pro to simply just Flash the install on it and hope it would go through after a bit of research. Now my phone I believe is Paperweight softbrick. It doesn't go past the Xnote KitKat Menu of 4.4.2. I can't do anything, even worse my computer isn't reading my phone to where I can just get the files from my phone or external Microsdcard.
What should I do ? I'm pretty helpless at the moment. I even went to try and find a Stock Rom for my Model number which is the Tmobile Model Number: SM-N900TZWETMB Variant, I haven't been able to locate any, my only hope from what I'm reading, is to find a Stock Rom of 4.4.2 with my model and use Odin and hopefully that works, but I'm not able to locate anything, and the internet here is pretty horrible. If there is anything anyone can do to help me I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is bricked. You should find a file of the stock rom and flash it via odin. Remember you can flash any note 3 firmware onto any note 3, so I'd recommend you to find the rom file of the international version of your phone (which is the N9005). Remember, if you're able to boot your phone into flashmode, you'll always be able to unbrick/repair it.

|>/\nte said:
Your phone is bricked. You should find a file of the stock rom and flash it via odin. Remember you can flash any note 3 firmware onto any note 3, so I'd recommend you to find the rom file of the international version of your phone (which is the N9005). Remember, if you're able to boot your phone into flashmode, you'll always be able to unbrick/repair it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thank you for the info, I actually fixed my phone not a couple of hours, shortly after this post. What I did was get the latest Clockworkmod, mine was an old version and didn't have the Install option, when I used Odin, I use the updated Version and was able to Wipe my data, then simply Reflash the Custom Rom and solved my problem. Soon as I got my phone on, I instantly went and Nandroid, so.....won't be doing that again.
I actually didn't know I can flash any note 3 firmware on my phone, least the Tmobile versions, good to know. I'll find em and keep on my computer just in case. I still have the wifi problem, so hopefully I can tackle that down and learn to patch my rom.

Snake2594 said:
Okay thank you for the info, I actually fixed my phone not a couple of hours, shortly after this post. What I did was get the latest Clockworkmod, mine was an old version and didn't have the Install option, when I used Odin, I use the updated Version and was able to Wipe my data, then simply Reflash the Custom Rom and solved my problem. Soon as I got my phone on, I instantly went and Nandroid, so.....won't be doing that again.
I actually didn't know I can flash any note 3 firmware on my phone, least the Tmobile versions, good to know. I'll find em and keep on my computer just in case. I still have the wifi problem, so hopefully I can tackle that down and learn to patch my rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to mention it, that doesn't work only for t-mobile samsung phones. As I said, you can flash any note 3 firmware onto any note 3. I recommend the international version because it's generic, and generic firmwares are always the best ones, with as little bloatware as possible.

[ROM] Tab 3 7.0 SM-T210/R Stock 4.4.2 KitKat Update

This is the stock US KitKat ROM for The Galaxy Tab 3 7" Tablet. Finally found it after a bunch of hassle online, and figured I'd post it here to make things easier for everyone.
When I Odin'd this ROM, it actually upgraded my tablet, and left all my items installed (not guaranteeing this will work the same for everyone else).
Afterwards, I just Odin'd TWRP to reroot using Chainfire's SuperSU (no other Superuser would work) and called it good.
Caution: if you are using a custom ROM, this may not work without reflashing stock 4.1.2 since the 4.4.2 ROM appears to be an update, rather than a full ROM.
Rooted devices and custom kernels that are otherwise stock should be fine.
The cache, and if possible dalvik-cache should be cleared before flashing. Some of those files can sometimes interfere with upgrades.
It might be necessary to pinpoint apps that are force closing, uninstall and reinstall them. Some apps, particularly paid apps, store their data differently on KitKat, and will automatically fail as a result.
If that fails, it might be necessary to factory reset the device.
The Stock 4.1.2 ROM for the T210R is available here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-stock-sm-t210r-4-1-2-jellybean-odin-t2958676
The T210R...XAR file is for the 210R:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2iEgzRTFjrQTmI0ZjRBbWtOajQ&authuser=0
The ITV file is for the T210 (no R)
To download these ROMs, a torrent client is required (such as utorrent).
Anyone who wishes to contribute, please seed if you can after downloading ("Force Starting" the torrent will seed it indefinitely.)

Can I flash this on the SM-T210?

john410 said:
Can I flash this on the SM-T210?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen both devices referenced together quite regularly, implying that they use the same ROM.
http://www.boeboer.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-7-sm-t210r-manual-guide-wifi/
And even use the same kernel from what I've read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2439564
I would take standard precautions, such as having a odin image of your original software available and performing a backup of your current system (if able).
Perhaps someone else has some insight to this question?
edit: Looks like I had my information wrong. Found where I obtained the ROM from, it is for the T210R model, and was not intended for the T210.
There are custom ROMs that have been patched for use on both devices, which is where my confusion came from, but this is an official ROM.
I have gotten my hands on the T210(no R) ROM file, and have update the Links above.
I am not responsible for any failed attempts at flashing to either device.

Greaper88 said:
I've seen both devices referenced together quite regularly, implying that they use the same ROM.
http://www.boeboer.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-3-7-sm-t210r-manual-guide-wifi/
And even use the same kernel from what I've read:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2439564
I would take standard precautions, such as having a odin image of your original software available and performing a backup of your current system (if able).
Perhaps someone else has some insight to this question?
edit: Looks like I had my information wrong. Found where I obtained the ROM from, it is for the T210R model, and was not intended for the T210.
There are custom ROMs that have been patched for use on both devices, which is where my confusion came from, but this is an official ROM.
I have gotten my hands on the T210(no R) ROM file, and have update the Links above.
I am not responsible for any failed attempts at flashing to either device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, thanks for this. I have the T210R. I tried using this and had the same result, it updated the tablet instead of loading a completely new version. I did however run into a problem...the tablet had many for closes and reboots to a point it was unusable and so I reverted back to my backup. Did you see this? Maybe I had a bad download?

[email protected] said:
First, thanks for this. I have the T210R. I tried using this and had the same result, it updated the tablet instead of loading a completely new version. I did however run into a problem...the tablet had many for closes and reboots to a point it was unusable and so I reverted back to my backup. Did you see this? Maybe I had a bad download?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not have this problem, but I didn't have much on my Tab either. (Some apps don't play well with KitKat upgrades.)
Torrents have multiple segmented hashchecks to make sure you get an uncorrupted download, but it might still be possible. I'm reasonably sure my file is OK since I've used it (can't speak for the non R file though).
Did you clear your cache, and if possible your dalvik cache? I've read that some of those files interfere with upgrades.
If you can pinpoint the apps that are force closing, uninstall and reinstall them. Some apps, particularly paid apps, store their data differently on KitKat, and will automatically fail as a result.
Other option would be to try a factory reset and see if that fixes it. (I understand not wanting to do that though.)
One more thing, if your ROM isn't stock, or stock rooted (custom kernel should be ok too), you may have to flash 4.2 before the 4.4 ROM will work on the device.

Right guys, here i go, just joined and first question!!!
i have not ever rooted a sm-t210 but it was rooted when i bought it second hand!
i have linux installed on my p.c. and was wondering if there is a way to upgrade to and official KITKAT!
as stated i am having problems because my SM-T210 wifi only! and want to update to kitkat official release!
but was hoping also that there is a way/method to root via LINX and not via windows!!
if that is not possible how do i go about it on windows!! as i can use a friends WINDOWS-P.C. if i must!
ah also my SM-T210 does not have the options to change the function of the USB-function,,,
i.e.
it used to have an option to,, use as a mass storege, media transfer or use with samsung keis,,, or some thing of the sort
but this option has dissapeared! may have been my fault!!!! as i uninstalled some system apps,
now it crashes and reboots whenever i try to turn of USB-DEBUGGING options in DEVELOPER-OPTIONS !!!!
many thanks in advance,
Void.Naught

void.naught said:
Right guys, here i go, just joined and first question!!!
i have not ever rooted a sm-t210 but it was rooted when i bought it second hand!
i have linux installed on my p.c. and was wondering if there is a way to upgrade to and official KITKAT!
as stated i am having problems because my SM-T210 wifi only! and want to update to kitkat official release!
but was hoping also that there is a way/method to root via LINX and not via windows!!
if that is not possible how do i go about it on windows!! as i can use a friends WINDOWS-P.C. if i must!
ah also my SM-T210 does not have the options to change the function of the USB-function,,,
i.e.
it used to have an option to,, use as a mass storege, media transfer or use with samsung keis,,, or some thing of the sort
but this option has dissapeared! may have been my fault!!!! as i uninstalled some system apps,
now it crashes and reboots whenever i try to turn of USB-DEBUGGING options in DEVELOPER-OPTIONS !!!!
many thanks in advance,
Void.Naught
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do know that Heimdall is a multiplatform flashing tool substitute for Odin. Check out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/root-sm-t210-r-using-heimdall-t2936061
for more info. Hope it helps.

thank you for finding and posting the correct files for this tab

hi i have a galaxy tab kid t2105 rooted, is it possible to install any other rom after 4.1.2?

Greaper88 said:
Rooted devices and custom kernels that are otherwise stock should be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to triple check, by the above quote you mean that if my tablet is currently rooted, I should still be fine to flash this update correct? [obviously it would become non-rooted once flashed and I'd have to re-root it as you mentioned you rooted after installing]
Also, how much space does this take up?
thanks
~J

ubuntujason said:
Just to triple check, by the above quote you mean that if my tablet is currently rooted, I should still be fine to flash this update correct? [obviously it would become non-rooted once flashed and I'd have to re-root it as you mentioned you rooted after installing]
Also, how much space does this take up?
thanks
~J
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is correct. I was rooted running the Werewolf custom OC kernel. I still had my tablet upgrade without wiping, and one other user has reported back saying the same. But I can not promise upgrade as opposed to overwrite.
The flash file once extracted, is about 1.4 GB, I don't know sizes beyond that. It does not repartition the tablet however.

Greaper88 said:
That is correct. I was rooted running the Werewolf custom OC kernel. I still had my tablet upgrade without wiping, and one other user has reported back saying the same. But I can not promise upgrade as opposed to overwrite.
The flash file once extracted, is about 1.4 GB, I don't know sizes beyond that. It does not repartition the tablet however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks!
~J

Could you upload the T210 ITV file? This torrent is going to take 10 hours

No system file
Well this is awesome, system won't mount and I don't have a backup. Samsung website does NOT have the stock firmware, and attempting to get it for another country just to get this to load so I can flash a ROM leaves me with having to download at 15kbs. I am in the process of selling this to someone for their kid... And there are ZERO seeders for these files. Lovely.

Sorry, m'y post an error

ragnaroksangel said:
Well this is awesome, system won't mount and I don't have a backup. Samsung website does NOT have the stock firmware, and attempting to get it for another country just to get this to load so I can flash a ROM leaves me with having to download at 15kbs. I am in the process of selling this to someone for their kid... And there are ZERO seeders for these files. Lovely.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you looking for the Stock Rom?

Darthlord064 said:
Are you looking for the Stock Rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am, can you help?

Greaper88 said:
I do know that Heimdall is a multiplatform flashing tool substitute for Odin. Check out
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-tab-3/general/root-sm-t210-r-using-heimdall-t2936061
for more info. Hope it helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For some (unknown) reason, Odin3 nor JOdin3 doesn't seem to work for flashing my Samsung Galaxy Tab3 device. For that reason I tried Heimdall-Frontend, but to make that work you need to extract the content of a stock ROM first.
Anyways, it still didn't lead to get my device into factory reset yet.
But that's another story on which I still have not yet found the answers needed to get the device successfully back into factory reset.
My guess is that the 'system.img' file, of Android 4.4.2, successfully has been loaded from Heimdall-Frontend, yet by going into reboot right away after Heimdall-Frontend releases the connected device, the download may be deleted.
I read that the cause of that may lie in the fact that Android 4.4.2 is only an update and no full ROM.

[Q] Installed TWRP. I have questions on it's use cases.

I am new to android. I got sick of apps not being able to write to my SD card so I eventually got the guts to attempt rooting (which worked) and then I even convinced myself to try and install TWRP because I heard I can type commands in there to get my device still rooted after encrypting since superSU does not work after encryption (not tried it yet).
I updated to a new version of TWRP 2.8 I think? Any way, what kind of safety net do I have now? I am in the process of doing a fresh backup (everything ticked) with this new version of TWRP and I will trash the old one once this is done. I had zero intentions of flashing custom OS' on my Galaxy S4 mini (I9195 LTE) for fear of bricking my first ever brand new android phone.
Once this backup is created (and duplicated on every damn hard drive I have for backup purposes...) what kind of protection is this? Could I experiment with Cyanogen Mod and have no fear of it failing to load, have problems with it once installed, something go wrong and phone won't boot up? Would I be able to load my backup into TWRP and magically the phone would be in the state it is in today, rooted and everything?
If there are any things I should know I would appreciate being made aware of them before I dare proceed with any (what I assume would be potentially dangerous things) flashing custom roms etc because I want to always ensure I can get my phone to exactly the state it is now, with all my google apps still installed and everything. With everything ticked on my backup, is there anything that wouldn't be able to be restored, as in apps/data or anything?
Sorry for sounding like a noob, but as far as android and flashing is concerned, I am a noob.
tldr; Essentially I just want to be informed, as well as I can be, as to what I can now do (that I have TWRP installed and made a backup) and what I still shouldn't do, what isn't covered in a backup with all boxes ticked etc.

Morthawt said:
I am new to android. I got sick of apps not being able to write to my SD card so I eventually got the guts to attempt rooting (which worked) and then I even convinced myself to try and install TWRP because I heard I can type commands in there to get my device still rooted after encrypting since superSU does not work after encryption (not tried it yet).
I updated to a new version of TWRP 2.8 I think? Any way, what kind of safety net do I have now? I am in the process of doing a fresh backup (everything ticked) with this new version of TWRP and I will trash the old one once this is done. I had zero intentions of flashing custom OS' on my Galaxy S4 mini (I9195 LTE) for fear of bricking my first ever brand new android phone.
Once this backup is created (and duplicated on every damn hard drive I have for backup purposes...) what kind of protection is this? Could I experiment with Cyanogen Mod and have no fear of it failing to load, have problems with it once installed, something go wrong and phone won't boot up? Would I be able to load my backup into TWRP and magically the phone would be in the state it is in today, rooted and everything?
If there are any things I should know I would appreciate being made aware of them before I dare proceed with any (what I assume would be potentially dangerous things) flashing custom roms etc because I want to always ensure I can get my phone to exactly the state it is now, with all my google apps still installed and everything. With everything ticked on my backup, is there anything that wouldn't be able to be restored, as in apps/data or anything?
Sorry for sounding like a noob, but as far as android and flashing is concerned, I am a noob.
tldr; Essentially I just want to be informed, as well as I can be, as to what I can now do (that I have TWRP installed and made a backup) and what I still shouldn't do, what isn't covered in a backup with all boxes ticked etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The backup covers /system (Android OS with settings) /data (all user apps with settings) /EFS (Latest TWRP should backup this, too - MOST IMPORTANT as it stores your IMEI and baseband code) /boot (kernel) + caches (not that important)
In any case your phone has a "DOWNLOAD" mode integrated in the bootloader that will allow you to restore all partitions except "EFS" by flashing the stock firmware via ODIN. So as long as you have a EFS backup and nandroid backup and you don't screw up the phones bootloader (You could do this by flashing a firmware for another (incompatible) Samsung model via ODIN) you're on the safe side. You stock rom backup or a custom rom backup can easily be restored via TWRP. Even if TWRP brakes, you can flash it again via ODIN as long as your bootloader is fine.

LS.xD said:
The backup covers /system (Android OS with settings) /data (all user apps with settings) /EFS (Latest TWRP should backup this, too - MOST IMPORTANT as it stores your IMEI and baseband code) /boot (kernel) + caches (not that important)
In any case your phone has a "DOWNLOAD" mode integrated in the bootloader that will allow you to restore all partitions except "EFS" by flashing the stock firmware via ODIN. So as long as you have a EFS backup and nandroid backup and you don't screw up the phones bootloader (You could do this by flashing a firmware for another (incompatible) Samsung model via ODIN) you're on the safe side. You stock rom backup or a custom rom backup can easily be restored via TWRP. Even if TWRP brakes, you can flash it again via ODIN as long as your bootloader is fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so Odin is the only thing that could screw my phone up, given that I have a backup? What about if I attempt to install an incompatible rom via TWRP? Is that just as dangerous? Also if I were to some how screw up the bootloader, how would I fix that? In what circumstance might the bootloader get screwed up? From putting a custom mod on? Or is the bootloader getting screwed something specifically I would have to foolishly mess with?
If I download a cyanogen mod zip file and do the install through TWRP, would that essentially wipe everything and start completely fresh with the new OS as a virgin clean OS? Then I am correct, I hope, that if I want to get back my phone how it is now, with the stock firmware, rooted I would just do an install on TWRP and choose the backup and it would just make everything as it is currently? Even if it were screwed up and unable to boot into an OS? If that is the case, I would be a lot more open to trying different mods.
If I do try a custom rom like Cyanogen, is there an official way to get the google apps like playstore and gmail etc on it? I have seen random guides with strange links like "trust us this is a legit download!" Hmm...
Sorry for all the questions guys, I am just trying to become educated on key things before I attempt any other further things.

Morthawt said:
Ok, so Odin is the only thing that could screw my phone up, given that I have a backup? What about if I attempt to install an incompatible rom via TWRP? Is that just as dangerous? Also if I were to some how screw up the bootloader, how would I fix that? In what circumstance might the bootloader get screwed up? From putting a custom mod on? Or is the bootloader getting screwed something specifically I would have to foolishly mess with?
If I download a cyanogen mod zip file and do the install through TWRP, would that essentially wipe everything and start completely fresh with the new OS as a virgin clean OS? Then I am correct, I hope, that if I want to get back my phone how it is now, with the stock firmware, rooted I would just do an install on TWRP and choose the backup and it would just make everything as it is currently? Even if it were screwed up and unable to boot into an OS? If that is the case, I would be a lot more open to trying different mods.
If I do try a custom rom like Cyanogen, is there an official way to get the google apps like playstore and gmail etc on it? I have seen random guides with strange links like "trust us this is a legit download!" Hmm...
Sorry for all the questions guys, I am just trying to become educated on key things before I attempt any other further things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Asking is good. Better safe than sorry
Yes, in case flash TWRP via ODIN, restore the backup and you should be fine.
Bootloader repair is about 40$ on ebay.
. Before flashing any new (different) rom,perform a NANDROID BACKUP" + manually internal SD Crad backup and then a FULL WIPE (/system /data /cache /dalvik cache /internal SD (Virgin like)
- If you just install a newer version of the same rom e.g. 03/01/2015 -> 03/14/2015 you only need to wipe /cache /dalvik cache (Not so virgin like)
- You can restore all apps/settings from NANDROID backups with "Titanium Backup" on your new OS
- I never heard of flashing a custom rom via recovery messed up the bootloader on Samsung phones, (In rare cases the EFS but you got the backup)
- Use only THIS GApps and make sure you pick the right version (For Android 4.4.x / 5.0.x / 5.1.x) -> Smallest (Pico bundle) will totally do it, you can install any other needed apps (also google's apps) from the pklaystore. Legit and safe.
Make sure you READ and UNDERSTOOD everything before you start flashing a custom rom.

LS.xD said:
Asking is good. Better safe than sorry
Yes, in case flash TWRP via ODIN, restore the backup and you should be fine.
Bootloader repair is about 40$ on ebay.
. Before flashing any new (different) rom,perform a NANDROID BACKUP" + manually internal SD Crad backup and then a FULL WIPE (/system /data /cache /dalvik cache /internal SD (Virgin like)
- If you just install a newer version of the same rom e.g. 03/01/2015 -> 03/14/2015 you only need to wipe /cache /dalvik cache (Not so virgin like)
- You can restore all apps/settings from NANDROID backups with "Titanium Backup" on your new OS
- I never heard of flashing a custom rom via recovery messed up the bootloader on Samsung phones, (In rare cases the EFS but you got the backup)
- Use only THIS GApps and make sure you pick the right version (For Android 4.4.x / 5.0.x / 5.1.x) -> Smallest (Pico bundle) will totally do it, you can install any other needed apps (also google's apps) from the pklaystore. Legit and safe.
Make sure you READ and UNDERSTOOD everything before you start flashing a custom rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I will read everything before trying anything serious like this. I felt as if I was smashing my phone into the ground when I rooted it lol, so dangerous :S, even though I was following a guide. But now that I have all the tickboxes ticked and backed up and I have also copied that backup to 2 different hard drives... I should be safe with that.
So for my additional questions.
Is it possible but unlikely/impossible etc that a custom OS rom install through TWRP would break TWRP to the point of being non-functional to perform restores? (if so I know I could follow the guide again to install TWRP again)
Just to clarify, I should wipe everything except EFS right? When I do a completely new OS rom, perform the install and it should work or it will break. Regardless if it is broken and non functional OR it worked and I don't like it for some reason, I do the same thing again, boot to TWRP, format everything except EFS and install my backup and then the next time my phone is ready for use it will be as if nothing was ever done to it. Does that sound about right? If so, I might have an experiment with Cyanogen.
Also, you said you never heard of the bootloader being screwed over by a TWRP-based rom install. Does that also cover incorrect roms for a different model of the handset or completely different phones? I guess what I mean is, is it safe to perform an OS mod install via TWRP (in case you got the wrong one) and more dangerous to do it through odin if it is the wrong one?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini GT-I9195 LTE. I see the latest "stable" release is only version 10 of cyanogen mod? Yet there is v11 and v12 versions all without any stable release. Does that mean 11 and 12 won't work on my S4 mini or that it would be a mistake to install it on my phone? Or is there a method I can tell which one would be the best one to get for my phone (newest best)?
Lastly, as for odin, since I have TWRP and a backup of my phone as it is now, is there any reason to use odin for anything other than maybe reinstalling TWRP? If so, what else would require me to use odin that TWRP couldn't do?
Thanks so much for answering my questions, it is really making me feel more confident with the whole process. I don't like going into things blind, I'm a computer techie and like to know what I am doing and why I am doing it. This phone customization business is entirely new to me beyond changing settings and themes lol.

Is it possible but unlikely/impossible etc that a custom OS rom install through TWRP would break TWRP to the point of being non-functional to perform restores? (if so I know I could follow the guide again to install TWRP again)
--> You could flash a wrong zip containing a recovery (Probably you will not do)
Just to clarify, I should wipe everything except EFS right? When I do a completely new OS rom, perform the install and it should work or it will break. Regardless if it is broken and non functional OR it worked and I don't like it for some reason, I do the same thing again, boot to TWRP, format everything except EFS and install my backup and then the next time my phone is ready for use it will be as if nothing was ever done to it. Does that sound about right? If so, I might have an experiment with Cyanogen.
--> Yes
Also, you said you never heard of the bootloader being screwed over by a TWRP-based rom install. Does that also cover incorrect roms for a different model of the handset or completely different phones? I guess what I mean is, is it safe to perform an OS mod install via TWRP (in case you got the wrong one) and more dangerous to do it through odin if it is the wrong one?
--> Every rom has an updater-script that (normally) checks the compatiblity before TWRP installs it
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini GT-I9195 LTE. I see the latest "stable" release is only version 10 of cyanogen mod? Yet there is v11 and v12 versions all without any stable release. Does that mean 11 and 12 won't work on my S4 mini or that it would be a mistake to install it on my phone? Or is there a method I can tell which one would be the best one to get for my phone (newest best)?
--> Stable means NO BUGS, Nightlies are updated nearly every day with the latest commits as they are in development status. May or may not contain bugs. Check out the specific rom thread on xda. Stability of the rom / bugs are discussed there by the users every day. So you can check out which version will work.
Lastly, as for odin, since I have TWRP and a backup of my phone as it is now, is there any reason to use odin for anything other than maybe reinstalling TWRP? If so, what else would require me to use odin that TWRP couldn't do?
--> Restore the phone to fully stock firmware. Such official firmware can be found at SamMobile.com
And most important: Press "thanks" at the botom of my posts

(had to remove quotes due to outside links preventing my posting.)
If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
Thanks button pressed on them, because truly your information is extremely helpful.

If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
--> TWRP will be replaced by the stock recovery. You can instantly flash TWRP again.
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
--> Your phone got enough permorfance to handle any kind of android version available. Bugs and performance are rom related.

LS.xD said:
If I were to flash a stock firmware rom with odin, would it destroy TWRP? At which point I could flash it back on again? Or would TWRP still be there?
--> TWRP will be replaced by the stock recovery. You can instantly flash TWRP again.
I think I am going to actually try Cyanogen, once I decide on a build to try. Are there any "minimum requirements" for cyanogen major versions? Like I could see I shouldn't install CM12 on my S4 mini and should instead try ones prior to 12? Or is it pretty much just a features and updates thing and 12 would work just as effectively (in terms of just "working smoothly" discounting any bugs etc) as 10?
--> Your phone got enough permorfance to handle any kind of android version available. Bugs and performance are rom related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when they say 5.x isn't coming to the S4 mini, that's a sales thing only?! Not based on performance limitations of my phone's hardware?
EDIT: Should I wipe Preload?

Morthawt said:
So when they say 5.x isn't coming to the S4 mini, that's a sales thing only?! Not based on performance limitations of my phone's hardware?
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Click to collapse
Just like that. I use 5.x on both of my phones
Galaxy Ace II -> performance is okay, with 4.4.4 it runs as hell, better than ever with stock firmware [Last official Android is 4.1]
HTC One S -> Flying on a Lollipop [Last official Android is 4.1]

LS.xD said:
Just like that. I use 5.x on both of my phones
Galaxy Ace II -> performance is okay, with 4.4.4 it runs as hell, better than ever with stock firmware [Last official Android is 4.1]
HTC One S -> Flying on a Lollipop [Last official Android is 4.1]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having trouble finding any specific information about the S4 mini LTE and CM12. I don't know if I should try the last version of CM11 instead? Not sure to try a CM12 or CM11 at the moment. I am sat here ready to perform the wipe but I just can't make my mind up which to try :|
Which reminds me, if I use the latest CM11, will there be any further security updates and things? Or are updates only on the nightlies? I would hope they will update CM11, I'd hate to think the only way you get updates is on the bleeding unstable edge :S ?

Morthawt said:
I am having trouble finding any specific information about the S4 mini LTE and CM12. I don't know if I should try the last version of CM11 instead? Not sure to try a CM12 or CM11 at the moment. I am sat here ready to perform the wipe but I just can't make my mind up which to try :|
Which reminds me, if I use the latest CM11, will there be any further security updates and things? Or are updates only on the nightlies? I would hope they will update CM11, I'd hate to think the only way you get updates is on the bleeding unstable edge :S ?
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Click to collapse
Possible security issues can be fixed later by modules. By the way, stock firmware is also updated just a few times and stays at this state. If you want as less trouble as possible a CM11 variant will be more sensefull for your purpose. Feel free to get some more informations HERE

LS.xD said:
Possible security issues can be fixed later by modules. By the way, stock firmware is also updated just a few times and stays at this state. If you want as less trouble as possible a CM11 variant will be more sensefull for your purpose. Feel free to get some more informations HERE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on the latest CM11 snapshot Amazing! Although I am confused by some of the options. Is there any documentation on the OS? I see for Network modes things like "2G | 3G", or "2G | 2G + 3G" and "2G | 3G | 2G + 3G" . I pretty much can assume I know that 2G | 3G means 2 or 3G but when it comes to ones with +'s that is just confusing. 2G and 3G at the same time? No idea lol.

Unfortunately the compass sensor does not work. I may have to either risk trying a CM12 or go to CM10 :/ What would you recommend?

Morthawt said:
Unfortunately the compass sensor does not work. I may have to either risk trying a CM12 or go to CM10 :/ What would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2G = GSM Data
3G = UMTS / HDPA / WCDMA Data
Do you often need the compass sensor?
SlimKAT is a fast, lightweight rom and should be working.

LS.xD said:
2G = GSM Data
3G = UMTS / HDPA / WCDMA Data
Do you often need the compass sensor?
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Click to collapse
Not always but when I am using offline navigation software, it is very handy to see realtime if I am pointed in the right direction instead of having to wait for enough distance to be detected to determine what way I am pointing. I don't like limitations. Period. That is the root of why I am messing with... well, root and roms. I could not use software to write to my SD card because of some security "enhancement" which just crippled the functionality of having an android phone. First I rooted and used SDFIX or what ever it is, now I am testing roms to see if I can find a good one. I have the latest (this year) stable AICP installing and gaps currently. I will give this one a whirl and see what I think. I was disappointed that I could not find a nice "Hey.. this is why you should choose our rom!" page. Nothing. Just a download link and ability to get the source code.
I want to read about all the amazing reasons and features why AICP (or any rom for that matter) is a great choice. But I found no such page.

Morthawt said:
Not always but when I am using offline navigation software, it is very handy to see realtime if I am pointed in the right direction instead of having to wait for enough distance to be detected to determine what way I am pointing. I don't like limitations. Period. That is the root of why I am messing with... well, root and roms. I could not use software to write to my SD card because of some security "enhancement" which just crippled the functionality of having an android phone. First I rooted and used SDFIX or what ever it is, now I am testing roms to see if I can find a good one. I have the latest (this year) stable AICP installing and gaps currently. I will give this one a whirl and see what I think. I was disappointed that I could not find a nice "Hey.. this is why you should choose our rom!" page. Nothing. Just a download link and ability to get the source code.
I want to read about all the amazing reasons and features why AICP (or any rom for that matter) is a great choice. But I found no such page.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can't find any custom rom that fits your needs, you can also choose a modified (debloated) stock firmware if you need 100% functionality.

LS.xD said:
If you can't find any custom rom that fits your needs, you can also choose a modified (debloated) stock firmware if you need 100% functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those exist in the TWRP zip format? Where can I find those?

Morthawt said:
Those exist in the TWRP zip format? Where can I find those?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I should have read before I answered Seems not to exist for your phone. I don't know the reason.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 P3113

As in the title states I have the galaxy tab 2 7.0 and recently I installed CWM and a ROM and everything looked like it went right however after I reloaded my tablet nothing seems different it jus seems to return to stock setting and now I cant do the OTA software update which means now certain apps and games I can no longer uses as it says my device isnt compatible. My goal was to simple update from Jellybean to at Least Kitkat.
Can someone help me. where did I go wrong?

Fleacore210 said:
As in the title states I have the galaxy tab 2 7.0 and recently I installed CWM and a ROM and everything looked like it went right however after I reloaded my tablet nothing seems different it jus seems to return to stock setting and now I cant do the OTA software update which means now certain apps and games I can no longer uses as it says my device isnt compatible. My goal was to simple update from Jellybean to at Least Kitkat.
Can someone help me. where did I go wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to sammobile and flash the latest stock firmware for your device .

Newyork! said:
Go to sammobile and flash the latest stock firmware for your device .
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Click to collapse
Well after a short research I found a ROM called Resurrection Remix, loaded with 5.0.2 (or Lollipop) however now everything is force closing and I barely got my laptop to see it as MTP again after installing a new Binary (glad that did that trick for that) but I cant get it to boot into CWM Recovery bc I cant access the app the only thing it will let me do right now is change the Binary.
How can I fix this issue?
Edit: Okay so I got that solved with doing a factory reset twice, booted in CWM, loaded up the GApps. Now just wondering if there is away to make it not seen with phone options like the dialer or msgs as its jus a plan old tablet, doesnt take a sim card and has no carrier. I do have the source code but I am not tweaking that til I get a better understanding of it.

After a lot of research and tries (amazingly without bricking) I am now running an even newer version of a CM 13 Marshmellow