Database Info

Samsung "Custom Lock" icon on boot

Not sure if this has been answered already (maybe I'm bad at searching) or if it has to do with the Flash Counter, but anyone know how to get rid of the Custom Lock icon that appears on the boot up screen?

Young War said:
Not sure if this has been answered already (maybe I'm bad at searching) or if it has to do with the Flash Counter, but anyone know how to get rid of the Custom Lock icon that appears on the boot up screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep been answered before.
You get it when you flash a non 100% original Odin package. So like route 66.
To make it go away you have to flash the completely stock Samsung image and do the non Odin root in the dev section.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

nosympathy said:
Yep been answered before.
You get it when you flash a non 100% original Odin package. So like route 66.
To make it go away you have to flash the completely stock Samsung image and do the non Odin root in the dev section.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Is there currently any known reasons if this should cause concern? I should be good with leaving it as is atm, right?
Hoping eventually there's a flashable zip to clear that...

It also happens if you do the non ODIN root and then you freeze or remove systems apps

Will the USB Jig from the SGS2 do anything for this Device?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

pyrostic said:
Will the USB Jig from the SGS2 do anything for this Device?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure but from what I have read it doesn't appear to be compatible. Pins are in different places.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

pyrostic said:
Will the USB Jig from the SGS2 do anything for this Device?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. The jig from the s2 works and will reset the counter and eliminate the lock image.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

wpbear said:
It also happens if you do the non ODIN root and then you freeze or remove systems apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not ... if you disable the SysScope.apk immediately after rooting.

I like the unlock custom display. Shows that I am enjoying my custom phone!

AdamHLG said:
I like the unlock custom display. Shows that I am enjoying my custom phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 I love your comment. Unless bringing in for warranty, who cares.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

AdamHLG said:
I like the unlock custom display. Shows that I am enjoying my custom phone!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^ this!
Sent from my SCH-I535

lowg said:
It does not ... if you disable the SysScope.apk immediately after rooting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you go into more detail? Wouldn't you have to boot after root, so can disable SysScope be done anytime? What other uses did SysScope have?

wpbear said:
Can you go into more detail? Wouldn't you have to boot after root, so can disable SysScope be done anytime? What other uses did SysScope have?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use the "debugfs" exploit, once you obtain root, the first thing you should do is rename /system/app/SysScope.apk and you should be good.
My method was based off analysis done by Ralekdev, which according to him there is a process scanner as part of SysScope.apk that will look for apps running as root outside a list of 'whitelisted' apps.
To your question, yes it is a bit of what came first the chicken or the egg -- but I'm assuming this process scanner is not constantly running so if you just do it right away before running other apps as super user regularly there is little chance it will be tripped.

I used the odin way to root my device and the GPS does not work so I received my CLN device and need to get rid of the custom boot. Is there any other way to get rid of it?

Custom recoveries are what triggers the unlock icon. If you flash the stock recovery, the unlock icon should disappear.

There are actually other ways to get the padlock notification than custom recoveries. I've got it from modifying my framework-res.apk file, and you can get it from deleting and modifying system apps, changing ROMS through Odin and so on. It's really not a big deal unless you need to clear it for warranty related purposes. If you do, follow the guide on development, or get a jig for 3 bucks on ebay.

I just followed the guide in the development sections. Everything is A-OK and I'm ready to send back in the old one. The CLN device seems to be in pretty good shape.

ilkevinli said:
Custom recoveries are what triggers the unlock icon. If you flash the stock recovery, the unlock icon should disappear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what it's worth I flashed TWRP using dd and did not trip the counter after disabling the apk (and shared lib it uses to be sure).
Sent from my Galaxy S3

I had the unlocked lock image when I rooted with Odin and flashed bean rom, the flashed cm10 and it disappeared. I kind of like it too. It shows I'm not a square... or am I
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Young War said:
Thank you. Is there currently any known reasons if this should cause concern? I should be good with leaving it as is atm, right?
Hoping eventually there's a flashable zip to clear that...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Leave it and display it like a badge of honor. A big fu to vzw if you will.

Unlocked bootloader

So if i unlock my bootloader will i be able to take the JB OTA when it arrives? If not how do i restore the locked bootloader? Also what if my phone has issues.. Would vzw notice i have this?
Sorry if these r dumb questions. I am not 100% on unlocking it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Adam outler specifically stated to not do any ota's after unlocking the bootloader...besides the devs will bring us updates faster than ota anyways. Im not 100% but Adam has a stock bootloader.tar posted in the op of his thread. I believe you would flash that in the bootloader function of odin and that will relock your bootloader...now I am not 100% on this, hopefully others will confirm!

The stock bootloader and firmware flash should do the trick to take updates according to Adam himself in the unlock bootloader post. No guarantee you will ever be able to get it unlocked again though.
Also, CyanogenMod team have already switched to working on the CM10 (jellybean) non-kexec version for Verizon now according to the project status page. I wouldn't take Verizon OTA anyway, don't really want the dumbed down no local search that Apple is forcing on us with their patents.

So I should be able to flash any rom i want now? Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
manaox2 said:
The stock bootloader and firmware flash should do the trick to take updates according to Adam himself in the unlock bootloader post. No guarantee you will ever be able to get it unlocked again though.
Also, CyanogenMod team have already switched to working on the CM10 (jellybean) non-kexec version for Verizon now according to the project status page. I wouldn't take Verizon OTA anyway, don't really want the dumbed down no local search that Apple is forcing on us with their patents.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

llama555 said:
So I should be able to flash any rom i want now? Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies

Schaweet said:
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I love you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Schaweet said:
First you should wait until Devs start releasing Roms and kernels that take advantage of the unlocked bootloader. If you are this unfamiliar with things, just relax and wait for some new/updated Roms to come out that have clear instructions for you. Don't rush into things and brick your phone because you don't fully understand what you are doing.
Sent from my SGS3 on Synergy Nightlies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean I knew exactly how to do things on my DX I just am not as sure with my S3. What recovery would you recommend?

llama555 said:
I mean I knew exactly how to do things on my DX I just am not as sure with my S3. What recovery would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point it's not the recovery but the lack of unlocked bootloader roms (non kexec) for vzws3. I've used rom manager and ez recovery with the s3 with great success.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

voodoomanx said:
At this point it's not the recovery but the lack of unlocked bootloader roms (non kexec) for vzws3. I've used rom manager and ez recovery with the s3 with great success.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only big difference between cwm 6 and previous versions is its support for kexec, but otherwise does the same thing and can be used for any of the Roms we already have (from what I understand. I tried finding the original thread i read that on but came up short so if I'm wrong someone please correct me as I don't want to spread false information).
And honestly I'm sure almost every rom will be updated within 24 hours to reflect this if not sooner and development will be full steam ahead! Just beware of an OTA cause you know Verizon is not gonna be happy we broke out of their sphere of influence. You can prolly guarantee this "issue" will be towards the top of their to-do list.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?

asmallchild said:
Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not always the case anymore. I've noticed Rezound users have been forced OTA's (update installs without your explicit approval) which means we very well could see the same as well.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

asmallchild said:
Otas cannot be forced though right?
We always have to accept it on our end correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.

Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phew good, I'm on Synergy, I think they've blocked OTAs

Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if you unlock the bootloader and are worried about OTA's just install clockwork mod or team win. the custom recovery will stop the installation of the files. last line of defense as some phones will download and OTA and install it regardless of what you do (rezound, thunderbolt, etc)

droidstyle said:
besides the devs will bring us updates faster than ota anyways.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always, +1. I've never understood the desire to get OTAs afteryou start modding your phone.
llama555 said:
Also what recovery should I use? Stock/CWM/or TWRP? At least for the CM10s
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as there are still kexec roms out there, you'll still need a kexec recovery to flash them. If you know for sure you won't be using kexec, use whatever you want except for stock. Don't ever flash the stock recovery unless you're mailing it off to Verizon.
drbobmd said:
The only big difference between cwm 6 and previous versions is its support for kexec, but otherwise does the same thing and can be used for any of the Roms we already have (from what I understand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That isn't strictly true. CWM 6.x has a couple of nice features that CWM 5.8.x doesn't, like the deduplication technique to save you space when you have multiple backups. You're right though, in that if you're happy with CWM, there's no reason to switch after unlocking.

SFniner415 said:
I love you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Off topic, sorry, but GO NINERS!!!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

lazarus2405 said:
Always, +1. I've never understood the desire to get OTAs afteryou start modding your phone.
As long as there are still kexec roms out there, you'll still need a kexec recovery to flash them. If you know for sure you won't be using kexec, use whatever you want except for stock. Don't ever flash the stock recovery unless you're mailing it off to Verizon.
That isn't strictly true. CWM 6.x has a couple of nice features that CWM 5.8.x doesn't, like the deduplication technique to save you space when you have multiple backups. You're right though, in that if you're happy with CWM, there's no reason to switch after unlocking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know thank you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

so what if your rooted and don't wanna
Flash a Rom is there anything, esle to do to stop an ota?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Hulk0069 said:
so what if your rooted and don't wanna
Flash a Rom is there anything, esle to do to stop an ota?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My best guess would be to find out what files are responsible for it and see if they are safe to remove via root explorer or something.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

Sccrluk9 said:
If you are on a custom ROM most devs will have the OTAs killed off anyways. If you are not on a custom ROM there is really no point in unlocking it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OTA's also fail once they boot into recovery if the stock recovery isn't there. So it's not likely you'll get a forced OTA that works.

rooted successfully via towelroot!!!

This is my first time posting so I figured sharing my successful attempt to root using towelroot would be a good starting point..
I realize someone may have already beat me to it but I wanted to let ppl know you should be able to root using the awesome new app towelroot. Things to consider though.. I was on 4.3 ML1.. This was very exciting for me as my PC will not recognize my siii so the fact I was able to do this straight from the device itself is just great news.. Didn't think I could root without a PC.. Well, until now.. This is SO AWESOME! now to install some xposed mods . Happy rooting v

Vrucnc1 root!
lkebrnrd said:
This is my first time posting so I figured sharing my successful attempt to root using towelroot would be a good starting point..
I realize someone may have already beat me to it but I wanted to let ppl know you should be able to root using the awesome new app towelroot. Things to consider though.. I was on 4.3 ML1.. This was very exciting for me as my PC will not recognize my siii so the fact I was able to do this straight from the device itself is just great news.. Didn't think I could root without a PC.. Well, until now.. This is SO AWESOME! now to install some xposed mods . Happy rooting v
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm TOWELROOT works for VRUCNC1 also! Finally rerooted again. No computer needed either! Go to towelroot.com. :good:

pacet911 said:
I can confirm TOWELROOT works for VRUCNC1 also! Finally rerooted again. No computer needed either! Go to towelroot.com. :good:[/QUOTE
Heck yeah man! Its good to know we have an app that can do it from devices again! Glad to hear your success as well.. Right on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

confirmed... sch-i535 32gb, 4.3 vrucnc1.... verizon s3.. super easy to install although it does give you a warning to not install it... you gotta allow third party, but then ANOTHER thing pops saying they don't advise it... something i haven't seen before.. anyways i forced it to install.. ran it... 15 seconds after you hit the button it reboots... bam... rooted..
easiest root i've ever done.... used to having to odin... also, i used a third party root check to verify that it wasn't just teasing me... if i weren't unemployed and broke i'd definitely donate...

pacet911 said:
I can confirm TOWELROOT works for CNC1 also! Finally rerooted again. No computer needed either! Go to towelroot.com. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not at all a noob but totally noob question right now. Can we unlock the bootloader again now after doing towelroot on 4.3, or are we still stuck?

YevOmega said:
I'm not at all a noob but totally noob question right now. Can we unlock the bootloader again now after doing towelroot on 4.3, or are we still stuck?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader still locked. This is root only. Bootloader will not get unlocked without a leak from Samsung.

landshark68 said:
Bootloader still locked. This is root only. Bootloader will not get unlocked without a leak from Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah darn. So then towelroot is useless for us.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

YevOmega said:
Ah darn. So then towelroot is useless for us.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not useless. Can root, remove bloat, use ad blocker, tether, some people are using xposed, etc. Just may not be able to run any custom ROMs yet. Safestrap may work to run custom ROMs, but I have not seen an NC1 kernel module. So you would not have WiFi running safestrap on NC1.

landshark68 said:
Not useless. Can root, remove bloat, use ad blocker, tether, some people are using xposed, etc. Just may not be able to run any custom ROMs yet. Safestrap may work to run custom ROMs, but I have not seen an NC1 kernel module. So you would not have WiFi running safestrap on NC1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last I heard, NC1 could be rolled back to ML1 and ML1 is saferooted.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

YevOmega said:
Last I heard, NC1 could be rolled back to ML1 and ML1 is saferooted.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but now you don't have to roll back to ML1 if on NC. Also you no longer need a computer to root.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Sandman-007 said:
Yes but now you don't have to roll back to ML1 if on NC. Also you no longer need a computer to root.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fair enough.

landshark68 said:
Not useless. Can root, remove bloat, use ad blocker, tether, some people are using xposed, etc. Just may not be able to run any custom ROMs yet. Safestrap may work to run custom ROMs, but I have not seen an NC1 kernel module. So you would not have WiFi running safestrap on NC1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so i'm on the NC1 and i've rooted it sucessfully using another method and i was wondering if i use safestrap to use xposed will i have wifi issues?
or does installing another rom using safestrap kill the wifi?
final question: is safestrap the culprit for the wifi not working?

I've done this successfully however tethering is not working. Can anyone confirm? What do I need to do to get tethering working?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Free mobile app

Anyone try it on NE1?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Mon431 said:
Anyone try it on NE1?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, plenty of people in a couple different threads.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2653030
and here also
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2784249
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

I wonder if Nandroid Manager or Flashify will be able to dd if custom recovery without connecting to pc as well?? I think I may try this method, if anyone else had tried this method, please share, thanks. Also if I have posted this in the wrong section I will remove it. Thanks again everyone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

DarksiderzSK4G said:
I wonder if Nandroid Manager or Flashify will be able to dd if custom recovery without connecting to pc as well?? I think I may try this method, if anyone else had tried this method, please share, thanks. Also if I have posted this in the wrong section I will remove it. Thanks again everyone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Getting a custom recovery is easier with ROM Installer.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

DarksiderzSK4G said:
I wonder if Nandroid Manager or Flashify will be able to dd if custom recovery without connecting to pc as well?? I think I may try this method, if anyone else had tried this method, please share, thanks. Also if I have posted this in the wrong section I will remove it. Thanks again everyone.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do not try this on VRUCML1, VRUCNC1 or VRUDNE1. You will hard brick your S3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

SlimSnoopOS said:
Please do not try this on VRUCML1, VRUCNC1 or VRUDNE1. You will hard brick your S3.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I Read somewhere that this works for ML1 and NC1 Snoop. Not sure about NE1 though.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Sandman-007 said:
I Read somewhere that this works for ML1 and NC1 Snoop. Not sure about NE1 though.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They will hardbrick if they attempt to install CWM or TWRP on TW 4.3 or KitKat firmware. Hasn't worked before when people tried using Odin or GooManager to install custom recoveries on VRUCML1 and I'm confident it will be the same result here. I need video proof proving the opposite.
If you are referring to Towelroot, yes this will work on all three.

[FIRMWARE 4.4.2] VRUDNE1 full wipe tar + NE1 Update Zip

For d2vzw SCH-I535 ONLY
This is the official tar ball for VRUDNE1. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS FILE UNLESS YOU ARE 100% SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Any locked bootloaders are not my fault.
THIS WILL LOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER FOREVER
4.4.2 VRUDNE1 full wipe tar download HERE
No Wipe HERE​
4.4.2 Update Zip
For reasons that should be obvious I recommend not to update yet unless you really cant wait. This zip was ripped out of the ota download folder I have not applied it myself so use at your own risk.
There has been successful upgrades using this update zip.
I am assuming you must be on a untouched version of nc1 for this to work (no root) apply update zip in stock recovery.
Download the 4.4 update zip from HERE

techfreak243 said:
i played the stupid card and softbricked my S3. i was in a curious mood and wanted to go back to a fresh 4.3 to get to a fresh 4.4.2. is there anyway for me to unbrick it with or without losing my data (preferrably losing because i want a fresh start). Does anybody know when a tar will be ready or when the file will be available through the Verizon Repair Assistant?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash this via odin if you bricked your bootloader!
contain: tz.mbn sbl3.mbn sbl2.mbn rbm.mbn aboot.mbn
flash on VRUDNE1 kitkat tw only

Thanks @ThePagel! Can't wait for the Tar file

I'm on the newest clean Rom but badly want tw kit Kat. I don't care about losing the ability to flash aosp or flash kernels. So when the tar comes out I will be able to just load that into Odin and put on my phone?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

yonith said:
I'm on the newest clean Rom but badly want tw kit Kat. I don't care about losing the ability to flash aosp or flash kernels. So when the tar comes out I will be able to just load that into Odin and put on my phone?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes sir

yonith said:
I'm on the newest clean Rom but badly want tw kit Kat. I don't care about losing the ability to flash aosp or flash kernels. So when the tar comes out I will be able to just load that into Odin and put on my phone?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You really can't wait a few more days for a new CleanROM?
Are you really that desperate to permanently lock down your phone in such a way that only a hard-wired JTAG procedure can undo?
If you lock your bootloader, you are stuck with SafeStrap and needlessly wasting space on your phone to accommodate ROM slots.

LLStarks said:
You really can't wait a few more days for a new CleanROM?
Are you really that desperate to permanently lock down your phone in such a way that only a hard-wired JTAG procedure can undo?
If you lock your bootloader, you are stuck with SafeStrap and needlessly wasting space on your phone to accommodate ROM slots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.

It worked for me. Thank you
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

I messed something up, now I can't odin back to 4.3 and all I get is the firmware upgrade encoundered an issue... when I try to odin back to 4.3 it fails.. oops.

reno218 said:
I messed something up, now I can't odin back to 4.3 and all I get is the firmware upgrade encoundered an issue... when I try to odin back to 4.3 it fails.. oops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Were you on KitKat? Cuz that's not possible to do.

LLStarks said:
You really can't wait a few more days for a new CleanROM?
Are you really that desperate to permanently lock down your phone in such a way that only a hard-wired JTAG procedure can undo?
If you lock your bootloader, you are stuck with SafeStrap and needlessly wasting space on your phone to accommodate ROM slots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that this is going to be similar to the gs4 where there are frankenkernels and frankenroms hacked together to keep our bootloader unlocked. This isn't as reliable as the straight kernel. Correct me if I'm wrong that was just the impression I got.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I have a locked boot loader, I took t the 4.3 ota. If I take this new ota is there a way to root once it updates?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

greatdaneduke said:
I have a locked boot loader, I took t the 4.3 ota. If I take this new ota is there a way to root once it updates?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes - search for Towelroot in this forum, works great - and super easy.

yonith said:
My understanding is that this is going to be similar to the gs4 where there are frankenkernels and frankenroms hacked together to keep our bootloader unlocked. This isn't as reliable as the straight kernel. Correct me if I'm wrong that was just the impression I got.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is FUD. You've been misled. Custom roms do not touch unlocked bootloaders or require exotic engineering to keep things that way.
If you've unlocked your bootloader anytime within the past 2 years, you're set. You don't need to do anything. Just don't take the damn OTA. You should be on a custom rom or have already disabled such OTA functionality manually. If you take the OTA, you are screwed no matter what.
There's no frankenkernels or frankenroms. If you want to make a rom based on the update for normal folks who were smart enough to keep their bootloader unlocked, you simply remove the bootloader files altogether from the OTA tar/zip and begin customizing. You can use the stock kernel or compile your own using the source Samsung provided. For the poor souls who are locked down, they are stuck with the stock kernel and SafeStrap. Only thing they can modify is the system partitions they create.
There's nothing "franken" about either approach.
The only people with weird bootloader configurations are those who dipped in and out of OTA sequencing. Maybe their SBL or RPM/TZ partitions are stuck at LF2 or something just as ancient.
Ideally, every binary partition should be at firmware MF1 except for the aboot at LE6. My modem is at ML1 for the hell of it since flashing modems (even from the locked down 4.3 OTA) is safe.
tl;dr The unlocked rom scene is not impacted by Knox or anything OTAs lock down. It exists outside of the walled garden Verizon and Samsung are trying to create.

Well thanks for enlightening me! I will hold out until one of or beloved devs cook up a rom.

If I were everyone in this thread...
I would just chill out for a while...

scrosler said:
If I were everyone in this thread...
I would just chill out for a while...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This man right here...listen to this man.

Woot woooooooo.
Chillin like it's my job.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app

open1your1eyes0 said:
This man right here...listen to this man.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to see your still floating around the s3 threads which device are you using as of late
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app

MIKEYSAKZ said:
Good to see your still floating around the s3 threads which device are you using as of late
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I'm currently on the S5 as my daily driver but I bought an S3 again a few months ago as a backup phone/desk clock if something happens to my daily. It's really nice to see how far this device progressed over this time (it beat a Nexus as far as OS updates...namely Galaxy Nexus) so I just had to get it again after hearing it would get KitKat. From 4.0.4 all the way to 4.4.2 now. That is a beautiful thing to experience. :good:

Updates while on custom kernel?

Ok, so I'm no stranger to modding and XDA but every phone I've always had I always flashed custom Roms immediately so I'm not sure how it works on stocks. I'm rooted with unlocked bootloader on the stock ROM with Franco's kernel. Can I install system updates or is it best to do that on stock kernel and does being rooted with unlocked boot loader affect it? Thanks for any help.
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The OTA should contain the stock kernel, so you would just need to flash the custom one afterwards. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't see why it should be different from what I said...

bradipovsky said:
The OTA should contain the stock kernel, so you would just need to flash the custom one afterwards. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't see why it should be different from what I said...
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I'm on a custom kernel now, wasn't sure if I can do an ota on a custom kernel or not.
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C-4Nati said:
I'm on a custom kernel now, wasn't sure if I can do an ota on a custom kernel or not.
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Sorry, I wasn't clear: most likely the OTA itself contains the stock kernel, therefore it installs it instead of whatever you already have. After the OTA you should just have to (re-)flash your custom one back and be good to go.

C-4Nati said:
I'm on a custom kernel now, wasn't sure if I can do an ota on a custom kernel or not.
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worse case scenario you can flash an update zip but like previously mentioned the kernel is not what generally causes the issue but the recovery. I do not think you will have an issue but hey there are some nice custom roms out there with options give one a shot. Just nandroid you current setup
Remember custom roms are running 4.4.4

playya said:
worse case scenario you can flash an update zip but like previously mentioned the kernel is not what generally causes the issue but the recovery. I do not think you will have an issue but hey there are some nice custom roms out there with options give one a shot. Just nandroid you current setup
Remember custom roms are running 4.4.4
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Yeah I know, I always use custom Roms cause I generally have phones that have some OEM ui plastered on so since this is already close to stock I'm going to ride it out and see how CM does updating for a bit. Especially since they promised L within 3 months after it's release.
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C-4Nati said:
Yeah I know, I always use custom Roms cause I generally have phones that have some OEM ui plastered on so since this is already close to stock I'm going to ride it out and see how CM does updating for a bit. Especially since they promised L within 3 months after it's release.
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I hear ya but they working on a Android L rom in development now just so you know... I ran the version for my N4 and it is a lovely OS :good: