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Hey guys, new to the whole Android modding stuff so, go easy because my knowledge about all the technical stuff is pretty limited.
So, anyway, I got tired of Touchwiz and I want to switch to Cyanogenmod just because I like the stock Android look and dislike the general slowness of Touchwiz. Problem is, I took the stupid OTA 4.3 update which apparently added the Knox bootloader which is, as far as I have read, impossible to unlock at this point.
I was under the impression that, with the Knox bootloader, its impossible to have a custom ROM since it will brick your device, but these threads :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575977
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541343
Seem to indicate that all the Knox bootloader does is prevent downgrading the bootloader and also voids the warranty if you tamper with your device. Well, my warranty expire a couple months ago so I couldn't care less. But now I'm really confused. Can I, or can I not flash Cyanogenmod on my 4.3 Verizon Galaxy S3 assuming I don't care about the warranty?
You will brick your fone flashing any type of custom recovery or roms will brick you fone. U can root ur fone from my understanding from other threads but thats it
thanewguy said:
Hey guys, new to the whole Android modding stuff so, go easy because my knowledge about all the technical stuff is pretty limited.
So, anyway, I got tired of Touchwiz and I want to switch to Cyanogenmod just because I like the stock Android look and dislike the general slowness of Touchwiz. Problem is, I took the stupid OTA 4.3 update which apparently added the Knox bootloader which is, as far as I have read, impossible to unlock at this point.
I was under the impression that, with the Knox bootloader, its impossible to have a custom ROM since it will brick your device, but these threads :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575977
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541343
Seem to indicate that all the Knox bootloader does is prevent downgrading the bootloader and also voids the warranty if you tamper with your device. Well, my warranty expire a couple months ago so I couldn't care less. But now I'm really confused. Can I, or can I not flash Cyanogenmod on my 4.3 Verizon Galaxy S3 assuming I don't care about the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like what was said above, you can't install any custom roms.
Knox is not responsible for locking the bootloader, it's only a flag that is triggered when root is achieved. Think of it like a flash counter that can't be undone. It has nothing to do with this.
The problem is the bootloader that was also updated. Every step in the chain has to be on the VRUCML1 base or the phone will brick itself and terminate the boot. Since our previous unlock method was to modify a step in the bootloader to unlock it, it can't be done the same way on the new base because it isn't able to be modified.
Any attempt to unlock it by any means or flashing a custom rom will change the bootloader. Safestrap is the only hope for the new base, or unless we're lucky enough to get a leaked unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
thanewguy said:
Hey guys, new to the whole Android modding stuff so, go easy because my knowledge about all the technical stuff is pretty limited.
So, anyway, I got tired of Touchwiz and I want to switch to Cyanogenmod just because I like the stock Android look and dislike the general slowness of Touchwiz. Problem is, I took the stupid OTA 4.3 update which apparently added the Knox bootloader which is, as far as I have read, impossible to unlock at this point.
I was under the impression that, with the Knox bootloader, its impossible to have a custom ROM since it will brick your device, but these threads :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2575977
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2541343
Seem to indicate that all the Knox bootloader does is prevent downgrading the bootloader and also voids the warranty if you tamper with your device. Well, my warranty expire a couple months ago so I couldn't care less. But now I'm really confused. Can I, or can I not flash Cyanogenmod on my 4.3 Verizon Galaxy S3 assuming I don't care about the warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So with all else said, use Safestrap
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Midnightswammi said:
So with all else said, use Safestrap
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We don't have safestrap.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
So there's no way to do it all? No workarounds or anything of the sort? So I'm stuck with Touchwiz until someone cracks the current bootloader?
thanewguy said:
So there's no way to do it all? No workarounds or anything of the sort? So I'm stuck with Touchwiz until someone cracks the current bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats correct. Your stuck on 4.3 TW
thanewguy said:
So there's no way to do it all? No workarounds or anything of the sort? So I'm stuck with Touchwiz until someone cracks the current bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use xposed with modules that allow for a lot of customization, if you haven't used it before take a look at it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Like what was said above, you can't install any custom roms.
Knox is not responsible for locking the bootloader, it's only a flag that is triggered when root is achieved. Think of it like a flash counter that can't be undone. It has nothing to do with this.
The problem is the bootloader that was also updated. Every step in the chain has to be on the VRUCML1 base or the phone will brick itself and terminate the boot. Since our previous unlock method was to modify a step in the bootloader to unlock it, it can't be done the same way on the new base because it isn't able to be modified.
Any attempt to unlock it by any means or flashing a custom rom will change the bootloader. Safestrap is the only hope for the new base, or unless we're lucky enough to get a leaked unlocked bootloader.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rooted on 4.3 without being flagged. Maybe its because I didn't try to root with anything other than safe root.
ThePagel said:
I'm rooted on 4.3 without being flagged. Maybe its because I didn't try to root with anything other than safe root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It really doesn't flag? Your warranty bit in download mode is still 0? Maybe saferoot bypasses it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
any progress?
Like the original poster, I am stuck on a touchWiz android 4.3 verizon gs3. I have been able to root it with safe root, but I have not had any luck rolling back to 4.1.2 or to unlock the bootloader. I have seen various "how to" type things that are supposed to work on 4.3, but like I said, no luck so far.
If someone more knowledgeable than myself has heard of a breakthrough in this area that would be awesome.
scarlyowl said:
Like the original poster, I am stuck on a touchWiz android 4.3 verizon gs3. I have been able to root it with safe root, but I have not had any luck rolling back to 4.1.2 or to unlock the bootloader. I have seen various "how to" type things that are supposed to work on 4.3, but like I said, no luck so far.
If someone more knowledgeable than myself has heard of a breakthrough in this area that would be awesome.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any how to you have seen was not for the Verizon gs3. But if I am wrong please post the link so I can try!
...
ThePagel said:
Any how to you have seen was not for the Verizon gs3. But if I am wrong please post the link so I can try!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I tried this out yesterday, ended up soft bricking my phone, I was able to use Kies to get it back to stock though. I am suspicious that the how to may be bunk.
androidpit.com/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3
scarlyowl said:
Sure, I tried this out yesterday, ended up soft bricking my phone, I was able to use Kies to get it back to stock though. I am suspicious that the how to may be bunk.
androidpit.com/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's bunk for the Verizon S3. I have seen this link mentioned in another thread and BadUsername checked out the link and found it was for the International version of the S3, not ours.
I was running cm11 m3 on my vzw galaxy s3 but used odin to install VRUCML1 not knowing about Knox and all the fun that comes with that. Before I installed VRUCML1, I did a backup. I've since regained root access through saferoot but cant boot into a custom recovery without getting the "you've been naughty. go visit a verizon store" error message. Does anyone know of a way that I can restore my pre-VRUCML1 backup or am I out of luck since my bootloader is still locked?
A_Dumas said:
I was running cm11 m3 on my vzw galaxy s3 but used odin to install VRUCML1 not knowing about Knox and all the fun that comes with that. Before I installed VRUCML1, I did a backup. I've since regained root access through saferoot but cant boot into a custom recovery without getting the "you've been naughty. go visit a verizon store" error message. Does anyone know of a way that I can restore my pre-VRUCML1 backup or am I out of luck since my bootloader is still locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of luck. Can only use safestrap to run only 4.3 TW based ROMs
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
twistedillutions said:
You will brick your fone flashing any type of custom recovery or roms will brick you fone. U can root ur fone from my understanding from other threads but thats it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now that it is 4/26/2014 is this still the case? i have sch-i535 with 4.3 it is rooted but i really want Cyanogenmod. is there any way at all?
HubbardWithAndroid said:
now that it is 4/26/2014 is this still the case? i have sch-i535 with 4.3 it is rooted but i really want Cyanogenmod. is there any way at all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No way yet, and it doesn't look promising for that changing anytime soon.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Does this work?
landshark68 said:
No way yet, and it doesn't look promising for that changing anytime soon.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay thanks. Hey i found this do you know of this working? basically you download the 4.1.2 firmware from sammobil and flash is using odin. If i can downgrade then i can flash Cyanogenmod. I found a link but i cant post it being a new member.
HubbardWithAndroid said:
Okay thanks. Hey i found this do you know of this working? basically you download the 4.1.2 firmware from sammobil and flash is using odin. If i can downgrade then i can flash Cyanogenmod. I found a link but i cant post it being a new member.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There was a link for something like that posted some time ago here at XDA, and if it's the same link it is for the international version of the S3 not our Verizon version. The Verizon version cannot be flashed back to a previous firmware.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
i rooted my gs3 from verizon how to i flash custom roms and unlock my boot loader: note my samsung unlock padlock img boots up first and i have superuser thx
bennyboy2120 said:
i rooted my gs3 from verizon how to i flash custom roms and unlock my boot loader: note my samsung unlock padlock img boots up first and i have superuser thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to tell us what rom version you're running? Go into settings->about phone and report the rom version.(like 4.1.2 or 4.3 etc..)
buhohitr said:
You need to tell us what rom version you're running? Go into settings->about phone and report the rom version.(like 4.1.2 or 4.3 etc..)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4.3
bennyboy2120 said:
4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have a locked bootloader, and you can't unlock it.
You can only root, install safestrap, and flash touchwiz 4.3 roms only.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
bennyboy2120 said:
i rooted my gs3 from verizon how to i flash custom roms and unlock my boot loader: note my samsung unlock padlock img boots up first and i have superuser thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you the same user that just posted in the Xposed framework thread about not being able to install Xposed?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
Unfortunate. This confirms what I was worried about. :/
Sent from my Ñ£×Ú$ 5
BadUsername said:
You have a locked bootloader, and you can't unlock it.
You can only root, install safestrap, and flash touchwiz 4.3 roms only.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this true for all 4.3 or just those with Knox? Last night I was trying to update from cm10.2 to cm11 and realised that trwp needed an update. After a some failed boots pf cm10 and 11 I decided to just go back to stock since I need it during the day..and unknowingly put the dreaded 4.3 on via odin. I understand how to get root...but what I really want is my bootloader again. Did I screw myself by putting 4.3 on? Thanks.
naikoo said:
Is this true for all 4.3 or just those with Knox? Last night I was trying to update from cm10.2 to cm11 and realised that trwp needed an update. After a some failed boots pf cm10 and 11 I decided to just go back to stock since I need it during the day..and unknowingly put the dreaded 4.3 on via odin. I understand how to get root...but what I really want is my bootloader again. Did I screw myself by putting 4.3 on? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're stuck on 4.3 now, your bootloader is locked. Using Odin to load a stock 4.3 firmware is the exact same thing.
You should've odin'd a stock 4.1.2 firmware, but it's too late now.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Safestrap Help
BadUsername said:
You have a locked bootloader, and you can't unlock it.
You can only root, install safestrap, and flash touchwiz 4.3 roms only.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat with 4.3 - rooted with saferoot, but when I went to download safestrap to flash the only customs roms I can (TW), I don't see a download for the SCH-i535. The closest I see is for S4. Where can I get the right Safestrap download?
Thanks for your help.
Ahartless3 said:
I'm in the same boat with 4.3 - rooted with saferoot, but when I went to download safestrap to flash the only customs roms I can (TW), I don't see a download for the SCH-i535. The closest I see is for S4. Where can I get the right Safestrap download?
Thanks for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here u go:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2605648
S3 Safestrap
buhohitr said:
Here u go:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2605648
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome. This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm pretty set on doing this now, but I'm trying to find a solid rom to flash once I get Safestrap. Any suggestions? All I've found so far are S4 roms. The Google Play Edition rom looks pretty good.
Thanks again for your help.
I hear good word from users on old&slow tw rom over on Android development section
Sent from my unknown using Tapatalk
Ahartless3 said:
Awesome. This is exactly what I was looking for. I'm pretty set on doing this now, but I'm trying to find a solid rom to flash once I get Safestrap. Any suggestions? All I've found so far are S4 roms. The Google Play Edition rom looks pretty good.
Thanks again for your help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash any ROMs for the S4 onto your S3. Through safestrap you can flash almost any of the 4.3 TW (ML1) ROMs found in this section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-verizon/development
landshark68 said:
Don't flash any ROMs for the S4 onto your S3. Through safestrap you can flash almost any of the 4.3 TW (ML1) ROMs found in this section:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s3-verizon/development
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect! Thanks for the info! I'm downloading Wicked Sensations for ML1 right now. Hopefully that works out.
A friend of mine root his phone but he don't know how to unlock the bootloader he is on 4.1.2
android-incredible said:
A friend of mine root his phone but he don't know how to unlock the bootloader he is on 4.1.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he rooted his Verizon S3 on VRBMF1 4.1.2, then he could use EZ Unlock v1.2 to unlock the bootloader. Or he could use Casual.
SlimSnoopOS said:
If he rooted his Verizon S3 on VRBMF1 4.1.2, then he could use EZ Unlock v1.2 to unlock the bootloader. Or he could use Casual.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I unlock the bootloader with the EZ-UNLOCK v1.2
android-incredible said:
Thanks I unlock the bootloader with the EZ-UNLOCK v1.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great. Now if they accidentally or intentionally take the 4.3 VRUCML1 OTA, using EZ Unlock will cause a bootloader hard brick. Please make sure your friend understands this.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I have yet to take the 4.3 update due to hearing of battery and wifi issues when it first came out and not being able to root it. Of course, there is now a way to root the phone and I don't care about unlocking the bootloader as I don't plan on installing any custom roms. I only want root.
What I want to know is what are people's experience with 4.3...
1) What is good/better about 4.3 versus 4.1.2 that would give me a reason to want to update?
2) What is bad about 4.3? Are the battery/wifi issues just isolated issues or is everyone having issues and would you recommend sticking to 4.1.2?
Thanks!
I didn't take the 4.3. My bro did. He didn't like it lag more then usual that was his main complain. I suggest root it add recovery and install a TW 4.3 that wont lock ur bootloader
Sent from my d2lte using Tapatalk
hollywoodfrodo said:
I have yet to take the 4.3 update due to hearing of battery and wifi issues when it first came out and not being able to root it. Of course, there is now a way to root the phone and I don't care about unlocking the bootloader as I don't plan on installing any custom roms. I only want root.
What I want to know is what are people's experience with 4.3...
1) What is good/better about 4.3 versus 4.1.2 that would give me a reason to want to update?
2) What is bad about 4.3? Are the battery/wifi issues just isolated issues or is everyone having issues and would you recommend sticking to 4.1.2?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best bet and my suggestion is if you already have an unlocked bootloader on 4.1.2 do not take the OTA hence keeping the unlocked bootloader. I'm running wicked sensations 4.3 and I haven't noticed a huge difference personally. There is a fix for the wifi issue from what I've read
Sent from my S3 on Wicked
twistedillutions said:
I didn't take the 4.3. My bro did. He didn't like it lag more then usual that was his main complain. I suggest root it add recovery and install a TW 4.3 that wont lock ur bootloader
Sent from my d2lte using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree completely with this guy. Gives you MANY more options. Once you take the OTA I think you're basically stuck with it whether you like it or not. I love the fact that I rooted and am now running CM11 (Kit Kat) on a two year old phone, its wonderful!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
From what I have been able to tell, it is not possible to downgrade from the 4.3 update to 4.1.2 I would just like to confirm that is the case? Is it possible to downgrade from 4.3 to an earlier version?
I would like to buy a Galaxy S3 SCH-I535 to use on Pageplus, and be able to flash ROMs etc. If I understand correctly, if the phone has already taken the 4.3 update then the bootloader is locked and flashing is not possible.
joelshort said:
From what I have been able to tell, it is not possible to downgrade from the 4.3 update to 4.1.2 I would just like to confirm that is the case? Is it possible to downgrade from 4.3 to an earlier version?
I would like to buy a Galaxy S3 SCH-I535 to use on Pageplus, and be able to flash ROMs etc. If I understand correctly, if the phone has already taken the 4.3 update then the bootloader is locked and flashing is not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, downgrade not possible. Flashing custom TW 4.3 ROMs is possible using safestrap
I know it's possible through Odin. You will most likely lose your data.
Here, I found this video for you. Looks promising. Odin files are in description! http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hnBjJ7c1IAI
Sent from my HTCONE using xda app-developers app
<<< Please say thanks if I was of help!
aarongillion63 said:
I know it's possible through Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it isn't. The OP's statement:
"if the phone has already taken the 4.3 update then the bootloader is locked and flashing is not possible."
Is correct, although you can use safestrap as DigitalMD says to run other 4.3 Touchwiz ROMs.
DigitalMD said:
Correct, downgrade not possible. Flashing custom TW 4.3 ROMs is possible using safestrap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just to be clear I can flash 4.3 roms? I gather that rooting/flashing/recovery is a bit "easier" and less risky without the 4.3 update. I have flashed an old phone before (HTC Incredible 2) so I have some experience, but if there is significantly more risk involved with a 4.3 phone then I'll probably look for a phone that hasn't taken the update yet.
Moved to Q&A.
joelshort said:
So just to be clear I can flash 4.3 roms? I gather that rooting/flashing/recovery is a bit "easier" and less risky without the 4.3 update. I have flashed an old phone before (HTC Incredible 2) so I have some experience, but if there is significantly more risk involved with a 4.3 phone then I'll probably look for a phone that hasn't taken the update yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly correct, TouchWiz 4.3 roms only, not aosp 4.3 roms, it's a big difference.
Read everything here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2639337
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
hello xda! is there a touchwiz based 4.4 rom for verizon galaxy s3??
Kaaru said:
hello xda! is there a touchwiz based 4.4 rom for verizon galaxy s3??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on an unlocked bootloader, there aren't any. If you are on a locked bootloader, there are two you can flash through safestrap. They can be found in the Android Development section.
landshark68 said:
If you are on an unlocked bootloader, there aren't any. If you are on a locked bootloader, there are two you can flash through safestrap. They can be found in the Android Development section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im on unlocked bootloader :/
Kaaru said:
Im on unlocked bootloader :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be happy then and keep the unlocked bootloader, even without the ability to update to a 4.4 tw rom your really not missing out on much. There are plenty of other custom roms that are even better than tw at least in my opinion
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
ShapesBlue said:
Be happy then and keep the unlocked bootloader, even without the ability to update to a 4.4 tw rom your really not missing out on much. There are plenty of other custom roms that are even better than tw at least in my opinion
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yaa..thats true..i'm using p.a 4.5 beta 2 rite now..but..now im goin on a vacation..so have to take some pictures..touch wiz wont freeze the camera rite? i used cleanrom..and that was good actually..so..i was thinking 4.4 touchwiz wud be better..cuz after using 4.4.4 kitkat on my device..rolling back to cleanrom(4.3) makes me feel like crying D