Related
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 just received my warranty replacement S3 from verizon and noticed it came with 4.3 installed. I looked around to find out how to root it and unlock the bootloader and from what I've read, the bootloader is locked completely, for now... Is there a root method I can use that won't trip this Knox crap? Sorry, I tried googling and searching but couldn't find a whole lot. I didn't even know about this Knox crap since I was always on CM11.
NITRO_2 said:
I just received my warranty replacement S3 from verizon and noticed it came with 4.3 installed. I looked around to find out how to root it and unlock the bootloader and from what I've read, the bootloader is locked completely, for now... Is there a root method I can use that won't trip this Knox crap? Sorry, I tried googling and searching but couldn't find a whole lot. I didn't even know about this Knox crap since I was always on CM11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only root method we have for VRUCML1 4.3 update is Saferoot. As you can see, it is in the S4 section but has been confirmed to work for the S3 on 4.3 plenty of times. You will obtain root access if you follow this.
SlimSnoopOS said:
The only root method we have for VRUCML1 4.3 update is Saferoot. As you can see, it is in the S4 section but has been confirmed to work for the S3 on 4.3 plenty of times. You will obtain root access if you follow this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you, I'm rooted now. Hopefully someone will find a way around this knox security thing verizon's got going on. Otherwise I'll be on stock rooted 4.3 for awhile. Thanks again, rooted is a lot better than nothing
NITRO_2 said:
Thank you, I'm rooted now. Hopefully someone will find a way around this knox security thing verizon's got going on. Otherwise I'll be on stock rooted 4.3 for awhile. Thanks again, rooted is a lot better than nothing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem! Would you like to run custom TW VRUCML1 roms? Cuz Hashcode ported Safestrap over to the S3 which allows one to flash roms based on the same kernel as the VRUCML1 OTA.
Edit: Safestrap http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2605648
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I received my warranty replacement too and it had 4.12. I rooted it right away.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Reading this thread reminds me wen i was at a corp vzw store noticed some of there display devices didn't have the 4.3ota and also noticed a customers getting new fone(s4) and not having the 4.3ota he was able to ignore it. I guess its luck
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Haven't been on this site much the last couple of months. Are we who OTA'd to 4.3 still stuck here? I am still liking it and have it rooted but lately have been wanting to get on AOSP. Is there still no workaround for the bootloader knox lock?
joshua5683 said:
Haven't been on this site much the last couple of months. Are we who OTA'd to 4.3 still stuck here? I am still liking it and have it rooted but lately have been wanting to get on AOSP. Is there still no workaround for the bootloader knox lock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still locked, we do have safestrap that will allow you to flash custom 4.3 TouchWiz roms.
Everything related to this update is located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2639337
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Still locked, we do have safestrap that will allow you to flash custom 4.3 TouchWiz roms.
Everything related to this update is located here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2639337
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Touchwiz 4.3 roms only? Not really worth it is it? There's only a few custom 4.3 TW roms out there and I am satisfied with stock. I'll wait until they get AOSP working. Thank you.
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
Just curious to know if there are any vzw S3 owners that are still unrooted AND on 4.1.2? I am. I assume there aren't many of us left. My reason for still being on 4.1.2, I keep deferring the ota but I become too lazy to invest into rooting but still keeping my hopes that one day I will have the will power to do so!
Pagaldesi4life said:
Just curious to know if there are any vzw S3 owners that are still unrooted AND on 4.1.2? I am. I assume there aren't many of us left. My reason for still being on 4.1.2, I keep deferring the ota but I become too lazy to invest into rooting but still keeping my hopes that one day I will have the will power to do so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rooted and on 4.1.2 deodex stock. The kernel is unlocked still. I got rid of the constant update warning by deleting the one recommended file. This phone is so old I don't remember all the steps to get here anymore. I'm sure the threads that I followed are still here buried so deep cause they're so old and ancient. Sorry, can't help you find them.
I'm super happy with it and with my unlimited data and a fully working TiBU Pro and tethering, I have no reason to update. Until I'm ready for the next greatest phablet sometime after next month.
Pagaldesi4life said:
Just curious to know if there are any vzw S3 owners that are still unrooted AND on 4.1.2? I am. I assume there aren't many of us left. My reason for still being on 4.1.2, I keep deferring the ota but I become too lazy to invest into rooting but still keeping my hopes that one day I will have the will power to do so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow man, I kept my backup for 4.1.2 but never looked back on rooting and unlocking, which you still have the option to do. I would not take any OTAs as the BootLoader will be locked permanently and word is verizon has been finding ways to block root
Here's the thread for those of you still on 4.1.2 and looking to unlock and root, this tool is pretty simple but you need a pc
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2332825
From my Wicked S3 on SOKP
People running 4.1.2 should do the following if they want to run deodexed 4.3 stock (locked bootloader stripped out) or 4.4.4 AOSP roms like CM/PA/AOKP/etc.
1. Towelroot to root
2. EZ-Unlock to unlock bootloader with LE6 bootloader
3. Install TWRP recovery through TWRP Manager
4. Flash invisiblek's MF1 firmware
5. Flash the NE1 radio (I don't think a zip of it by itself exists)
6. Flash your rom of choice
LLStarks said:
People running 4.1.2 should do the following if they want to run deodexed 4.3 stock (locked bootloader stripped out) or 4.4.4 AOSP roms like CM/PA/AOKP/etc.
1. Towelroot to root
2. EZ-Unlock to unlock bootloader with LE6 bootloader
3. Install TWRP recovery through TWRP Manager
4. Flash invisiblek's MF1 firmware
5. Flash the NE1 radio (I don't think a zip of it by itself exists)
6. Flash your rom of choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree somewhat with that. Casual works just fine for those on 4.1.2 also. I used it when I unlocked and rooted and never looked back, it's also in the previous post before yours
From my Wicked S3 on SOKP
Alternatively you...
Alternatively you could just look up one click methods in google. You should just be able to click a button and walk away. I remember it even putting on a recovery as well...
woody165 said:
Alternatively you could just look up one click methods in google. You should just be able to click a button and walk away. I remember it even putting on a recovery as well...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some 1-click methods are quite questionable and dangerous though
From my Wicked S3 on SOKP
Just to answer the original question, you are not alone. I am also unrooted on 4.1.2 for the same reason. Thanks to the others here for posting tips so I'll know where to look when I have time.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
TheAlmightyBob said:
Just to answer the original question, you are not alone. I am also unrooted on 4.1.2 for the same reason. Thanks to the others here for posting tips so I'll know where to look when I have time.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some people just choose not to root but most take the OTA, props to you for not taking the ota though
From my Wicked S3 on SOKP
anyone using Evdo? can you share your configuration ?
Still rockin' Cleanrom 7! No joke..
My wife's been using the GS3 I gave her and I had it flashed to the stablest rom at the time.
It's getting some age on it for sure and acting wonky so I'm trying to figure out what I should do with it.. In the hunt for what to do to keep it a solid worker for the Mrs. Heck, last time I flashed anything it was that rom on this old GS3 to get her going. Yes, I went to the dark-side, so haven't been a flashoholic like my previous android days. So now I gotta learn up so I can fix this thing. Been a while.. huh
A testament though for Scott's kicking Cleanrom for this phone. What a beast to hang on so long and fairly decently on this phone.
What to do?
Considering trying to odin to a stock rom or something to do an OTA, which I know will lock it's b-loader, or some other option for a pretty solid TW updated rom of some kind.
Reading up now in here to find out.
Pagaldesi4life said:
Just curious to know if there are any vzw S3 owners that are still unrooted AND on 4.1.2? I am. I assume there aren't many of us left. My reason for still being on 4.1.2, I keep deferring the ota but I become too lazy to invest into rooting but still keeping my hopes that one day I will have the will power to do so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am rooted on Kitkat 4.4.4
A friend of mine ask me to root and unlock his galaxy s3 it's a Verizon phone but he had someone flash it to page pulse. He's running 4.1.2 can the bootloader be unlocked and rooted? Thanks.
mwebb34 said:
A friend of mine ask me to root and unlock his galaxy s3 it's a Verizon phone but he had someone flash it to page pulse. He's running 4.1.2 can the bootloader be unlocked and rooted? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup it sure can. As long as it's on 4.1.2 or earlier the bootloader can be unlocked. As far as rooting it can be rooted even up to 4.4.2
From my CM11 S3
Jealous!!!
I wish my phone still was on 4.1.2, after my lovely wife being a little nosy, by mistake took the OTA to 4.3, i've been suffering running TW on my phone. You guys are lucky.
santanac said:
I wish my phone still was on 4.1.2, after my lovely wife being a little nosy, by mistake took the OTA to 4.3, i've been suffering running TW on my phone. You guys are lucky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I've read a lot of people updating it by mistake to 4.3, your not the only one
From my CM11 S3
just an occasional lurker, but I'm also still on 4.1.2 for the same reasons.
haven't gotten around to rooting, don't want to deal with many of the hassles that came with the OTA. I defer the OTA every day.
got til June before I hit my next upgrade....will see if I can last that long.
Croda said:
just an occasional lurker, but I'm also still on 4.1.2 for the same reasons.
haven't gotten around to rooting, don't want to deal with many of the hassles that came with the OTA. I defer the OTA every day.
got til June before I hit my next upgrade....will see if I can last that long.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That has to be annoying deferring the update on a daily basis. I didn't waste anytime myself with unlocking and rooting when I got my phone. I knew better than to trust VZW
From my CM11 S3
ShapesBlue said:
That has to be annoying deferring the update on a daily basis. I didn't waste anytime myself with unlocking and rooting when I got my phone. I knew better than to trust VZW
From my CM11 S3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm still running andys bonestock rom 3.3 bootloader still unlocked just never had the urge to go to 4.3 such as Alliance rom or whichever other ones that are out that won't lock it
kgirlx said:
I'm still running andys bonestock rom 3.3 bootloader still unlocked just never had the urge to go to 4.3 such as Alliance rom or whichever other ones that are out that won't lock it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good for you. I never looked back when I unlocked my bootloader. I love being able to flash nearly any custom rom there is
From my CM11 S3