How I unlocked a Bell Galaxy S4 on 4.4.2 - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 General

My brother gave me his Bell locked Galaxy S4 today, so I've spent the day trying to unlock it to use on Rogers. After much reading of posts here, I managed to get it unlocked as follows:
I am no expert, though I am experienced with rooting and such. The following steps describe what I did to unlock my phone. I am not sure if all of these steps are necessary but they did work. Since I am not an expert, there is no point asking me questions if you have any problems, since I will not be able to help. Of course, some of these steps can void warranty, and could brick your phone if done improperly. I am not responsible for anything bad that happens.
1) Download and flash stock Columbia 4.2.2 rom with Odin (i used 3.09)
2) Root with CF-Auto Root
3) Flash Clockwork Mod (I use Caboomi's img2tar for this)
4) Get rid of KNOX by "installing" DE-KNOX zip in CWM (DE-SAMSUNGNIZER_KNOX_REMOVAL_SCRIPT_V2.0)
5) Download Chainfire's RegionLock Away, install and run
6) Restart and success!
7) Finally, I flashed the current (4.4.2) firmware of the provider I switched to (Rogers), as I was having problems with the phone and some other things. This seems to be operating properly now.
Note: I was able to install 4.2.2 rom even though I was unable to downgrade to 4.3. (Fail to flash aboot like many people get) I assume this is because the 4.2.2 rom does not modify aboot. Also, Chainfire states the RegionLock Away only works for the Note 3, however many people have used it successfully on the S4 as well. It did not work for me on 4.4.2, so I'm guessing either installing 4.2.2, or removing KNOX, or both got it to work.
I hope this helps some people. If it does, thank the developers who made everything above!

What firmware where you on when u began? 4.4.2? Or earlier?
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

I don't think KNOX affects the sim locking and unlocking. I know for sure that RegionLockAway works in 4.2.2 because I downgraded my phone to that rom and unlocked it...without doing any of the KNOX related stuff.
I think this method you are using trips the KNOX fuse when you downgrade from KitKat.

OK but how did u downgrade? I don't care about the Knox flag mine is tripped I just want to get back to 4.2 so I can use real custom Roms. Everything I have seen suggests you cannot downgrade
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

Psykologikal said:
OK but how did u downgrade? I don't care about the Knox flag mine is tripped I just want to get back to 4.2 so I can use real custom Roms. Everything I have seen suggests you cannot downgrade
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I downgraded to 4.2.2 by simply using ODIN. This process will trip the fuse. The trick in getting it to work is to clear all of the leftover files from 4.4.2 after the flash. You can't boot directly into the system after the flash. You have to go into recovery mode and do a factory reset. If you don't do this, the system wouldn't boot as what everyone is finding.

So do I need to do a nand erase or something? Or just regular flash then boot into recovery factory reset then flash again? Cuz I would love to get back to 4.2 and start flashing custom Roms agaib
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app

Psykologikal said:
So do I need to do a nand erase or something? Or just regular flash then boot into recovery factory reset then flash again? Cuz I would love to get back to 4.2 and start flashing custom Roms agaib
Sent from my SGH-I337M using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a simple factory reset should do.

So nothing for 4.4.2 directly? We have to downgrade? Thanks

Related

[Q] Quasi-Noob with Questions

Hi, all. I rooted my continuum a couple of years ago via Odin, so I've done it once and I'm not afraid of it. But now I have a GS3 with the new MF1 update. I want to root so I can get rid of the VZW junk and find the best tethering option. I paid $400 for my phone instead of upgrading with Verizon so I can keep my unlimited data, so I'm not about to wantonly brick it, which is why I'm asking dumb questions!
1) Can I root without unlocking the bootloader? The reason why I'm asking is that I don't want to flash any custom roms at this time, just clean out the bloatware and have SU. Or am I mistaken...I thought the only reason to unlock it was to install a custom recovery, but that the recovery is only needed to flash a custom rom, not to root it.
1a) If I can root without unlocking the bootloader, which is the best way?
I went through [GUIDE] Root for Jelly Bean 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 OTA ***UPDATED 5/29*** here --> http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2046439
But it seems that the VRBMF1 bootchain is not available yet. Someone mentioned flashing mb1 with Odin, and then using the mb1 bootchain to root, but that seems counterintuitive if I don't plan on then flashing a custom rom.
1b) What would happen if I flashed a different bootchain than the version I currently have and tried rooting?
2) If my phone is soft-bricked, as has happened to a couple of people using the Casual method, is it possible/hard to unbrick it?
3) I have baseband VRBMF1, but I noticed that with the Casual method, whoever did it in the video had VRBMA2. Now, I understand that the baseband version is independent of the firmware, but can the baseband version interfere with the rooting process, for instance using the Casual method?
Also, the main reason why I haven't done Casual is that it bricked a few phones. I'm not opposed to having a custom recovery, as would be installed with Casual, but given the few failures, I'm not eager to try it.
4) I've been using PDANet+ to tether, but I'm not convinced that using PDANet with wifi is good, as it seems to use the phone's hotspot (unlike using the USB function in the app). What is the best way to hide tethering from Verizon? And are there better options available to root users?
Thanks for any advice!
You have the guide you need. Just follow the directions. You can root without unlocking boot loader. If you unlock the boot loader then you can flash a custom Rom that has built in tether feature if you don't want to use pda. I would just bite the bullet and do casual. It really is fool proof.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
bbqsfire said:
You have the guide you need. Just follow the directions. You can root without unlocking boot loader. If you unlock the boot loader then you can flash a custom Rom that has built in tether feature if you don't want to use pda. I would just bite the bullet and do casual. It really is fool proof.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I agree with you about having the guide I need for the Odin method, but I still don't have the correct bootchain. Will another work? And the casual root does seem foolproof, except for the few bricks. No one has identified what caused those, whether some java issue, or something else.
So if I used the Odin method, does it matter which bootchain for 4.1.2 I use, either MB1 or MD3, considering i'm on MF1?
hturbulence said:
Thanks for the reply. I agree with you about having the guide I need for the Odin method, but I still don't have the correct bootchain. Will another work? And the casual root does seem foolproof, except for the few bricks. No one has identified what caused those, whether some java issue, or something else.
So if I used the Odin method, does it matter which bootchain for 4.1.2 I use, either MB1 or MD3, considering i'm on MF1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will not matter because you can flash the radio later. You will be flashing an older bootchAin but once you flash a Rom and the radio you are fine.
Sent from my GT-P5113 using xda premium
If the bootchain doesn't matter, why are there different versions? I'm not so concerned about the radio because that doesn't change with rooting, does it? I guess my question would be, if I'm on the VRBMF1 build, and say I used the VRBMD3 bootchain, would everything go as planned? I mean, doesn't the bootchain just tell the phone in which order to use files for boot?
I really appreciate your help!:good:
I came from the continuum too, have to say I miss the ticker, but not the lack of RAM!
I used this method to root my S3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1984436
Used the first link (mb1 no wipe). It is Stock, locked bootloader, stock recovery, rooted. Then I used OTA Rootkeeper (from play store) to back up root. Then I took the OTA to MF1. This will get you to the latest stock firmware with root. You can unlock the bootloader and install a custom recovery later if you want, which is what I did. . No issues for me so far.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the info. I actually rooted with casual about an hour ago. I was nervous about the casual method because of the few bricks with MF1, but I gave it a shot, and it worked.
Now, just have to figure out best way to tether without VZW knowing!
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

[Q] KitKat ROM Attempt gone horribly wrong!

So after seeing KitKat in action, I hunted down an Android phone eligible for a KitKat ROM. I traded my iPhone for a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 (i535) I got it rooted and CWM on it just fine, and the boot loader unlocked. (or so I thought) Went into recovery and did all the steps to install the ROM, got it installed, along with G-Apps and rebooted. My phone came to a screen saying
"system software not authorized by Verizon wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help."
As far as I can tell, the boot loader was not successfully unlocked. So, it's back to stock ROM via Odin, right? :laugh:
NO! All the guides I find say to download an app to reset the binary counter. How do I do that if I have no OS to boot to?
Any Ideas? Did my enticement for KitKat get the best of me?
You shouldn't need triangle away to Odin back to stock. Triangle away would be for if you were trying to take your phone back to Verizon or Samsung for warranty work and didn't want them to know it was previously rooted.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
dustin_b said:
You shouldn't need triangle away to Odin back to stock. Triangle away would be for if you were trying to take your phone back to Verizon or Samsung for warranty work and didn't want them to know it was previously rooted.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O, thanks for clearing that up. So what's my next step to getting it back to a working phone?
jcaauwe said:
O, thanks for clearing that up. So what's my next step to getting it back to a working phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Follow the instructions in section 5 of this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709. This will get you back to stock and unrooted. Then you will have to do the root unlock processs again.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
dustin_b said:
Follow the instructions in section 5 of this guide: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1762709. This will get you back to stock and unrooted. Then you will have to do the root unlock processs again.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and or use the casual all in one tool and follow root, and flash insecure aboot then download Rom manager from google play and install latest CWM
I just had my s3 replaced under warranty. The new one, I used casual to root/unlock, etc. Worked great! I think I let casual install everything then flashed CM from recovery.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
jcaauwe said:
O, thanks for clearing that up. So what's my next step to getting it back to a working phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what you are trying to achieve, but once you get it back to functional and rooted, I would recommend you try out some of the wonderful custom TouchWIz ROMs on the forum here. They have most of if not more features than are in Kit Kat and there are no fully functional Kit Kat ROMSs for the S3 yet. Plus thse ROMs are stable and all your Samsung features will work properly . MORA, Hyperdrive, Synergy, and Jelly "beans" are good examples of excellent ROMs.
So I figured out what went wrong, and I'm still kicking myself for how stupid of problem it was. The reason Odin didn't want to work was because I was using the front USB ports on my system, which are not USB 2.0... I spent 6 hours trying to figure it out. So I hooked it up to a rear USB port, flashed it back to stock ROM, redid the Root, unlocked bootloader (which I didn't do in the first place) and now I'm getting Cyanogenmod on it.
Thanks everyone for the help! I hope anyone else who comes across this who where in the same boat I was can figure it out.
Sometimes it's a user-error.
Fix
jcaauwe said:
So after seeing KitKat in action, I hunted down an Android phone eligible for a KitKat ROM. I traded my iPhone for a Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 (i535) I got it rooted and CWM on it just fine, and the boot loader unlocked. (or so I thought) Went into recovery and did all the steps to install the ROM, got it installed, along with G-Apps and rebooted. My phone came to a screen saying
"system software not authorized by Verizon wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help."
As far as I can tell, the boot loader was not successfully unlocked. So, it's back to stock ROM via Odin, right? :laugh:
NO! All the guides I find say to download an app to reset the binary counter. How do I do that if I have no OS to boot to?
Any Ideas? Did my enticement for KitKat get the best of me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i know you say you are ROOT but why dont you check using ROOT CHECKER download it from the play store its gonna tell you if you are root or not. im using sspencer10 KITKAT 4.4 CM11 and is running pretty smooth why don't you try it out just download the .zip reboot into RECOVERY i preffer you use TWRP (last version) go to whipe>advanced wipe and clear, Dalvik Cache>System>Data>Cache (optional i alwayz check mark Internal storage looking for space and alwayz make a clean flash same as Format Data) make sure you backup everything first using Titatinium Backup go back, then go to Install search for your .zip file on ur SDCard or Internal Storage first select the ROM ADD MORE FILE and add the GAPPS click REBOOT SYSTEM AND ENJOY YOUR NEW KITKAT 4.4 CM11 ON YOUR SGS3.
Don't be scared of Kit Kat! Once u get ur issues figured out and get 4.4 up and running you will see its all worth it!

[Q] Stuck on 4.3

Ok so I never messed around with rooting until my phone got the 4.3 update the other night. I decided I hated the update so much that I did the saferoot method, and I'm now rooted.
Only after I did that did I discover that my bootloader is perma-locked and I can't try to unroot or rollback the android version or I'll hardbrick. I can't do roms. Essentially I can't fix what I rooted in order to fix, and trying to enter recovery mode and odin mode lights me up with a verizon warning. So:
1. Just what can I do SAFELY now that I'm rooted? I've already used titanium to uninstall the verizon apps, but I don't know what I'm doing beyond that to remove bloatware/make this thing faster.
2. Will there be a time in the future when I'll be able to totally unlock my phone and escape Verizon's tyranny even though I took the 4.3 OTA? I want to make it look like stock nexus android.
Thanks for any and all help!
1. That's about it. Maybe use Xposed and the Greenify module to hibernate apps that typically drain your battery. Can't do much more besides remove apps on TW 4.3.
2. Possibly or possibly never. Nobody knows if the Knox Bootloader and extra security checks put forth by Verizon will be overcome.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4
I use Greenify to hibernate apps I sometimes use and titanium backup to freeze apps I never use. I don't uninstall them just in case. It's running great for me, much better than 4.1.2
I know you can't downgrade from 4.3, but you can't unroot either?
Sent from my SCH-I535
The Arbiter said:
Ok so I never messed around with rooting until my phone got the 4.3 update the other night. I decided I hated the update so much that I did the saferoot method, and I'm now rooted.
Only after I did that did I discover that my bootloader is perma-locked and I can't try to unroot or rollback the android version or I'll hardbrick. I can't do roms. Essentially I can't fix what I rooted in order to fix, and trying to enter recovery mode and odin mode lights me up with a verizon warning. So:
1. Just what can I do SAFELY now that I'm rooted? I've already used titanium to uninstall the verizon apps, but I don't know what I'm doing beyond that to remove bloatware/make this thing faster.
2. Will there be a time in the future when I'll be able to totally unlock my phone and escape Verizon's tyranny even though I took the 4.3 OTA? I want to make it look like stock nexus android.
Thanks for any and all help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go back to this forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758 Lots of comments on how to unroot if that is what you want. and give the DEVs some time, there will be a method, there is usually one found after a while. OR stick with what you have for a while, i can make mine look just like my rooted version with little variation, and stock isn't too bad, so far.
be patient grasshopper...
Would I be able to Odin back to 4.1.2 so I can re root, unlock bootloader and flash custom ROM's again? Thanks
bmatty14 said:
Would I be able to Odin back to 4.1.2 so I can re root, unlock bootloader and flash custom ROM's again? Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. If you took the 4.3 OTA you are stuck on it. You will hard brick your device if you try to Odin back to 4.1.2. Been mentioned tons of times in numerous threads.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The Arbiter said:
Ok so I never messed around with rooting until my phone got the 4.3 update the other night. I decided I hated the update so much that I did the saferoot method, and I'm now rooted.
Only after I did that did I discover that my bootloader is perma-locked and I can't try to unroot or rollback the android version or I'll hardbrick. I can't do roms. Essentially I can't fix what I rooted in order to fix, and trying to enter recovery mode and odin mode lights me up with a verizon warning. So:
1. Just what can I do SAFELY now that I'm rooted? I've already used titanium to uninstall the verizon apps, but I don't know what I'm doing beyond that to remove bloatware/make this thing faster.
2. Will there be a time in the future when I'll be able to totally unlock my phone and escape Verizon's tyranny even though I took the 4.3 OTA? I want to make it look like stock nexus android.
Thanks for any and all help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same situation...I flashed Stock_rooted_4.3 after taking the OTA and my phone said unauthorized software detected, take to Verizon. Luckily I found the original image and it flashed back to totally stock 4.3 build ML1.
Basic root would be fine for now so would you please link me to the method you used if you are also on ML1?
Thanks
LordAlexx said:
Same situation...I flashed Stock_rooted_4.3 after taking the OTA and my phone said unauthorized software detected, take to Verizon. Luckily I found the original image and it flashed back to totally stock 4.3 build ML1.
Basic root would be fine for now so would you please link me to the method you used if you are also on ML1?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here you go: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
saferoot is discovered for Galaxy S4 but can be use safely on S3 also.
buhohitr said:
here you go: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
saferoot is discovered for Galaxy S4 but can be use safely on S3 also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cool...just wanted to be sure; I am subscribed to that thread. Just gotta get ADB to see the phone. Everything else works via USB in all modes, kinda odd.
Thanks!

[FIRMWARE] VRUDNE1 (Android 4.4.2 - Kit Kat) No-Wipe Factory Image

WARNING: I am posting this for development purposes only (and for those of you already on the new locked bootloader)!
If you have an unlocked bootloader or are still on MF1 firmware, DO NOT flash this in ODIN or you will be permanently locked down to the new bootloader with no way of going back!
Those of you who know how to work with this file feel free to use it as you see fit. Otherwise, consider yourself warned!
Download: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358553154
First!
Hairiest chest?
Can't wait till you guys crack this open for us unlocked folks!
i need to send my phone back into verizon. if i odin this i will be cool right?
Cannot wait for baseband update, hopefully it will be pulled separate soon.
So what does no-wipe mean?
Currently I am on NC1. If I want to odin to NE1 with fresh start, will this no-wipe affect in anyway?
You couldn't just flash the system and kernel partitions?
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk 2
ruokuo said:
So what does no-wipe mean?
Currently I am on NC1. If I want to odin to NE1 with fresh start, will this no-wipe affect in anyway?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Means it is exactly the same as OTA. Does not wipe data. No difference flashing it and letting Verizon update it except Odin will unroot for you. Must unroot or hide root to take OTA.
kuronosan said:
You couldn't just flash the system and kernel partitions?
Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't boot with 4.3 firmware. It all or nothing for now or we would already have it fixed in dump thread.
Worked like a charm! Now I'll wait and see how to root this baby. I already had the locked bootloader so figured I didn't have anything to lose. Thanks!
gherman222 said:
Worked like a charm! Now I'll wait and see how to root this baby. I already had the locked bootloader so figured I didn't have anything to lose. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot works.
Is there a version of this with an unlocked bootloader? I currently am running my S3 rooted and unlocked with 4.1.2. Do I need to run a ROM instead - and if so is there one that is stock 4.4.2 with an unlocked bootloader?
v1ncent said:
Is there a version of this with an unlocked bootloader? I currently am running my S3 rooted and unlocked with 4.1.2. Do I need to run a ROM instead - and if so is there one that is stock 4.4.2 with an unlocked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are currently at Work our beloved developers trying to bring us a rooted touch wiz version for those with unlocked bootloader in tact and the very first of it's kind I might add. Do not flash this if your bootloader is of value and be patient as the very best of the best of developers are collaborating to bring it to us.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
MIKEYSAKZ said:
They are currently at Work our beloved developers trying to bring us a rooted touch wiz version for those with unlocked bootloader in tact and the very first of it's kind I might add. Do not flash this if your bootloader is of value and be patient as the very best of the best of developers are collaborating to bring it to us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks - I have patience and definitely planning on waiting. That's why I still have an unlocked bootloader
prdog1 said:
Means it is exactly the same as OTA. Does not wipe data. No difference flashing it and letting Verizon update it except Odin will unroot for you. Must unroot or hide root to take OTA.
Won't boot with 4.3 firmware. It all or nothing for now or we would already have it fixed in dump thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, how can i load in this firmware another modem like VRLHD, or there is some other way to install modem ?
P.s i have issue with sms/mms/i-net cuz of stock modem.
leroyinc said:
Hello, how can i load in this firmware another modem like VRLHD, or there is some other way to install modem ?
P.s i have issue with sms/mms/i-net cuz of stock modem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you borked your radios. Or your APN is missing. Only thing can do is run that tar. Can try running Verizon Software Updater in repair mode. It will wipe and then flash tar. If don't fix have to get new device from Verizon.
prdog1 said:
Sounds like you borked your radios. Or your APN is missing. Only thing can do is run that tar. Can try running Verizon Software Updater in repair mode. It will wipe and then flash tar. If don't fix have to get new device from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm, i can't ask for new phone cuz im from another country, everything works on 4.2, but whe i updated to 4.3 i done with my phone
but what about Software Updater in repair mode, where is this ?
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 PM ----------
prdog1 said:
Sounds like you borked your radios. Or your APN is missing. Only thing can do is run that tar. Can try running Verizon Software Updater in repair mode. It will wipe and then flash tar. If don't fix have to get new device from Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mms works, didnt know why wont work sms
leroyinc said:
hmm, i can't ask for new phone cuz im from another country, everything works on 4.2, but whe i updated to 4.3 i done with my phone
but what about Software Updater in repair mode, where is this ?
---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 PM ----------
mms works, didnt know why wont work sms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you are in Global mode before try any of this. If go with Software updater it is going to update you to 4.4.2. Not sure if can stop after repair or not. If that 4.3 tar in odin don't fix this is about only option I know of. Since bootloader is locked cannot use the fixes we have for this problem.
http://www.verizonwireless.com/support/devices/knowledge_base.html/80200/
open1your1eyes0 said:
WARNING: I am posting this for development purposes only (and for those of you already on the new locked bootloader)!
If you have an unlocked bootloader or are still on MF1 firmware, DO NOT flash this in ODIN or you will be permanently locked down to the new bootloader with no way of going back!
Those of you who know how to work with this file feel free to use it as you see fit. Otherwise, consider yourself warned!
Download: http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23501681358553154
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it safe to flash the modem only, in recovery, with existing mf1 firmware?
Thanks.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
I am on MF1 rooted and unlocked but I have had the phone since it's release and have no interest in installing AOSP ROMs. I do need root because I have to be able to use root explorer or similar so I can edit the "keys" system files to disable the "WAKE" function of the home key. I keep my phone in my back pocket and it constantly turns on if the home key has wake enabled.
Before I flash this I wanted to confirm that flashing this No-Wipe Factory Image with Odin, I can root with Towelroot and install Root Explorer? Would I also be able to install TW based ROMs like a new Clean Rom if Scott gets one figured out? Would I also be able to create nandroids using Clockwork or TWRP?
Lastly, Since my most recent install of CR 8.2 my phone's behavior has been a bit sketchy (random reboots, laggy, etc). I assume if I flash this stock image it should return my phone to whatever level of performance "stock" yields, without any of my current, likely self imposed, performance issues?
I have never had a phone this long and expect I'll get a new one whenever there really is a "next big thing", but I don't think we're there yet.
Thanks in advance.
Going back to stock
So, if I want to go back to stock, this is the way?
I'm on beanstalked / MF1 rooted and unlocked of course. But I'd like to get the phone back to stock condition so I can sell it here soon.

[SUMMARY] Rooting and Roming the i337

The i337, S4 can be a very difficult device to come to grips with. With each firmware version there are new root methods and recoveries that can be used. The purpose of this guide to try to put all those in one place and provide a basic summary. There are many smarter than I who have done the hard work and I'll try to give them credit in this guide. If I've missed anyone please pm me or post here and I'll correct it.
FULL DISCLOSURE, I DON'T OWN THIS DEVICE AND NEVER HAVE. I JUST KNOW A LOT ABOUT IT. IF THERE ARE ANY ERRORS OR IF SOMETHING CAN BE CLEARER PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
The very first thing you need to know is what bootloader version you're on. To determine that go to menu, settings, more, about device. Look at the last three characters of your baseband or buildnumber. You'll be on either mdb, mdl, mf3, mk2, nb1, or nc1. NOTE, if you’ve flashed a modem your baseband may not reflect the current firmware version. Alternately if you’re rooted, for a definitive answer, in a terminal emulator on your phone type the commands:
su (return)
getprop ro.bootloader (return)​​
1. You're on MDB or MDL, your bootloader is easily exploited and you can use a common custom recovery, TWRP or CWM with loki. See this excellent guide by @ xBeerdrioDx, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494
2. You're on MF3 or MK2. DON'T TRY TO USE TWRP, CWM, ROM MANAGER, or TWRP MANAGER. My personal recommendation is to upgrade to NB1 (once you upgrade you will not be able to go back). To do that see @muniz_ri stock odin tar's at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223 . You'll need to extract the file using winrar or 7-zip. You'll end up with a .tar.md5 file. Use that in odin's PDA slot or AP slot if you're using odin 3.09. For odin I'd use this, http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...=9V2YMclcePs8PugxewUhmw&bvm=bv.73231344,d.b2U
NOTE: Using odin will wipe your device so backup everything up on your internal sd card that you want to keep to your PC.
To root, install Safetrap and flash your rom:
If you've used the rootable version to upgrade your firmware you can boot into your device and use towelroot to root it. Towelroot by @geohot can be found here. https://towelroot.com
Now download and install chainfire’s supersu apk from the play store, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu&hl=en
Use Safestrap 3.72 as your custom recovery http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
Before installing safestrap go to the play store and install SELinux Mode Changer, grant it root access and change mode to “permissive”, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mrbimc.selinux&hl=en
Flash your rom and the nb1 modules, https://www.androidfilehost.com/?w=files&flid=17227 Thanks to @guut13
NOTE: you can only use the stock rom slot
3. You’re on NB1. DON'T TRY TO USE TWRP, CWM, ROM MANAGER, or TWRP MANAGER. I’d take the OTA to NC1 which is rootable. Use towelroot to root and Safestrap 3.72, see above, but flash the nc1 modules.
4. You’re on NC1. DON'T TRY TO USE TWRP, CWM, ROM MANAGER, or TWRP MANAGER. Use towelroot to root and Safestrap 3.72, see above, but flash the nc1 modules
5. You’re on NI1. DON'T TRY TO USE TWRP, CWM, ROM MANAGER, or TWRP MANAGER. Use this by @muniz_ri http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/how-to-root-i337ucufni1-t2881298
And the most important link I can give you is the great work of @guut13 which is mandatory reading for everyone on the i337, http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
Thank you so much for posting this! You really ron the fear out of it for me.
Recoverable or brick?
I am so very bummed I did not come across this thread before I jumped feet first into playing with my new S4. Suffice it to say I did not know of the pitfalls involved, nor was I aware of the different S4 iterations.
I did not pay close attention to any of the things I was supposed to note. I know it's an i337 from ATT and that it was running 4.4.2. I rooted using towelroot and then tried to install TWRP using their interface available on Play marketplace. When I rebooted, I found that I was stuck in Odin mode. Having very quickly come up to speed on the complexities address in the OP, I'm going to try using the 4.4.2 Odin OTA all in one linked above to bring everything back to stock. Odin does connect and recognize the phone.
My question is...is there any hope this might work? I have no idea if I'm on MDB, MK2, MF3 or NB1. No way for me to find out that I know of.
Thanks!
magdelaine said:
I am so very bummed I did not come across this thread before I jumped feet first into playing with my new S4. Suffice it to say I did not know of the pitfalls involved, nor was I aware of the different S4 iterations.
I did not pay close attention to any of the things I was supposed to note. I know it's an i337 from ATT and that it was running 4.4.2. I rooted using towelroot and then tried to install TWRP using their interface available on Play marketplace. When I rebooted, I found that I was stuck in Odin mode. Having very quickly come up to speed on the complexities address in the OP, I'm going to try using the 4.4.2 Odin OTA all in one linked above to bring everything back to stock. Odin does connect and recognize the phone.
My question is...is there any hope this might work? I have no idea if I'm on MDB, MK2, MF3 or NB1. No way for me to find out that I know of.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, there's a lot of hope it'll work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
It worked!
jd1639 said:
Yes, there's a lot of hope it'll work
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so very much for saving me from myself. It worked! It took a long time to download but once I had it the process went off without a hitch. 30 minutes later I had it rooted again, but I think I'll hold off on trying any new ROMs and just use Titanium to remove the bloatware and stick with what I have.
Whew!
magdelaine said:
Thank you so very much for saving me from myself. It worked! It took a long time to download but once I had it the process went off without a hitch. 30 minutes later I had it rooted again, but I think I'll hold off on trying any new ROMs and just use Titanium to remove the bloatware and stick with what I have.
Whew!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just freeze bloat ware on titanium, don't delete it. That way if you freeze something that's needed you can simply unfreeze it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Galaxy s4 question
Hello im new to this rooting stuff but i want to root my Samsung Galaxy s4 At&t i337 4.4.2 , Baseband version :I337UCUFNC1. I have multiple questions for you. If i root with towel root will i lose my service with att because i see on alot of videos it shows no sim card inserted when you follow through with this process. Secondly can you give me a guide step by step to root and what needs to be done. thank you.
rizuh1234 said:
Hello im new to this rooting stuff but i want to root my Samsung Galaxy s4 At&t i337 4.4.2 , Baseband version :I337UCUFNC1. I have multiple questions for you. If i root with towel root will i lose my service with att because i see on alot of videos it shows no sim card inserted when you follow through with this process. Secondly can you give me a guide step by step to root and what needs to be done. thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say lose at&t service are you referring to your warranty, if so, yes if you're rooted when you go in for service. To root, just download the towelroot app. That's the only step by step you need.
Before you root ask your self why are you rooting. If you don't have a good answer then don't root. Don't do it just because you can.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
When you say lose at&t service are you referring to your warranty, if so, yes if you're rooted when you go in for service. To root, just download the towelroot app. That's the only step by step you need.
Before you root ask your self why are you rooting. If you don't have a good answer then don't root. Don't do it just because you can.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you on the second question. What i mean by my service is like your mobile data, like 4G or 4GLTE. do lose that in the process when you root?
rizuh1234 said:
Thank you on the second question. What i mean by my service is like your mobile data, like 4G or 4GLTE. do lose that in the process when you root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, rooting does not affect that in any way.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
No, rooting does not affect that in any way.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can NC1 be rooted? 4.4.2 aswell.
rizuh1234 said:
can NC1 be rooted? 4.4.2 aswell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you read the op? Yes, use towelroot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Did you read the op? Yes, use towelroot
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do i need to backup my files before i root?
rizuh1234 said:
Do i need to backup my files before i root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have baseband I337MVLUFNE1 on my Rogers S4 running 4.4.2. (Build number also ends in NE1).
I don't see NE1 anywhere on the OP. What does this mean? I was looking to try CyanogenMod but am afraid I may break something.
No you don't
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
DrZEUS said:
I have baseband I337MVLUFNE1 on my Rogers S4 running 4.4.2. (Build number also ends in NE1).
I don't see NE1 anywhere on the OP. What does this mean? I was looking to try CyanogenMod but am afraid I may break something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This thread was written specifically for the i337, not the i337m. You have an i337m. You have an unlocked bootloader and can use twrp or cwm recoveries.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks jd1639. I didn't realize there was a difference between i337 and i337m.
DrZEUS said:
Thanks jd1639. I didn't realize there was a difference between i337 and i337m.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a good place for you to start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
This is a good place for you to start
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read your mind...was starting to read that same thread when you suggested it.
Thanks again!
I have root now thanks. For some reason safestrap is disabled and how do I get a custom rom?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

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