[Q] in desperate need of help with the verizon M8...! - Verizon HTC One (M8)

i recently bought the m8 from verizon, upon purchase it was activated with a verizon simcard and after a few days i went overseas. now i am using it outside of the US with a non verizon simcard. i have a few issues with it:
1. cant use the phone as a wireless hot spot or tether its internet connection via USB-error message saying that i have a non verizon sim installed
2. cant get rid of all the verizon bloatware or any other bloatware
3. cant root - i came from galaxy s2 which was the easiest thing to root ever
4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
5. what is s-off?????
thank you very much for any help!!

In order to gain perm root use sunshine to unlock bootloader and then install custom recovery. Then flash SU. After that you can edit the default.XML to make necessary changes or you could flash a ROM with all the needed hacks installed. Already. Sunshine will cost 25 bucks but well worth the investment. There are a tin of discussions here on how to achieve the results you are trying to attain as well as step by step instructions.

udiperets said:
i recently bought the m8 from verizon, upon purchase it was activated with a verizon simcard and after a few days i went overseas. now i am using it outside of the US with a non verizon simcard. i have a few issues with it:
1. cant use the phone as a wireless hot spot or tether its internet connection via USB-error message saying that i have a non verizon sim installed
2. cant get rid of all the verizon bloatware or any other bloatware
3. cant root - i came from galaxy s2 which was the easiest thing to root ever
4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
5. what is s-off?????
thank you very much for any help!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5. what is s-off?????, this is the most import question in your list as it is the key to making your device as flexible as you would like it to be. This may not be the technical definition but I will give you the gist.
S in S-off basically stands for Security. The device has a mechanism coded in to it that is meant to prevent users from doing irreparable damage to the phones operating system. Removing the security when the phone is "S-off'ed" so to speak, allows end users to make any and all manner of change to the phones software. HTC has aggreed to exclude the Verizon version of the M8 from their developers access platform. Other M8's can have their bootloaders unlocked throught the HTCdev website. Bootloader unlock allows rooting, and roms to be flashed, with some limitations, and more hassles and annoyances then straight S-off. S-off gives you total control, and ease of use at the expense of possibly turning your phone into a brick. But if you look through the forums, you will not find very many people complaining about ruining their phones. If you use caution, read everything thoroughly, and ask questions, you will be safe. Once you are S-Off you can either run a custom rom, or learn what to change in the stock rom to enable features as you see fit.
Once S-off'ed, install TWRP (Custom Recover). I would then flash SuperSU zip file to get root. After that you flash the tether fix, or flash a rom with stock hotspot, fix your APN settings to work with your simcard, and every thing else.
Links are to Devs download sites read and follow their directions. I'm using all of the following on my M8, thats all I can say.
Sunshine Dev Site for S-off: http://theroot.ninja/
TWRP custom recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/development/twrp-blank-os-fix-t2879306
superSU.zip dev site for root: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Titanium Backup in the Play Store can remove Verizon Bloat once the phone is S-off and Write Protection removed, you will learn as you go.

mc_365 said:
5. what is s-off?????, this is the most import question in your list as it is the key to making your device as flexible as you would like it to be. This may not be the technical definition but I will give you the gist.
S in S-off basically stands for Security. The device has a mechanism coded in to it that is meant to prevent users from doing irreparable damage to the phones operating system. Removing the security when the phone is "S-off'ed" so to speak, allows end users to make any and all manner of change to the phones software. HTC has aggreed to exclude the Verizon version of the M8 from their developers access platform. Other M8's can have their bootloaders unlocked throught the HTCdev website. Bootloader unlock allows rooting, and roms to be flashed, with some limitations, and more hassles and annoyances then straight S-off. S-off gives you total control, and ease of use at the expense of possibly turning your phone into a brick. But if you look through the forums, you will not find very many people complaining about ruining their phones. If you use caution, read everything thoroughly, and ask questions, you will be safe. Once you are S-Off you can either run a custom rom, or learn what to change in the stock rom to enable features as you see fit.
Once S-off'ed, install TWRP (Custom Recover). I would then flash SuperSU zip file to get root. After that you flash the tether fix, or flash a rom with stock hotspot, fix your APN settings to work with your simcard, and every thing else.
Links are to Devs download sites read and follow their directions. I'm using all of the following on my M8, thats all I can say.
Sunshine Dev Site for S-off: http://theroot.ninja/
TWRP custom recovery: http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/development/twrp-blank-os-fix-t2879306
superSU.zip dev site for root: http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu
Titanium Backup in the Play Store can remove Verizon Bloat once the phone is S-off and Write Protection removed, you will learn as you go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I do the s-off with sunshine, pay 25$ and later on will need to format the phone back to factory settings, will I need to pay again to s-off it a second time?

udiperets said:
If I do the s-off with sunshine, pay 25$ and later on will need to format the phone back to factory settings, will I need to pay again to s-off it a second time?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, the S-Off is permanent unless you deliberately put S-On. In addition the the license is for the life of that device.
The non-verizon sim is annoying but has no effect on the phone whatsoever (been using my M8 in Afghanistan with a Roshan SIM for the past 5 months)

4. every time i reboot the phone it alerts me that i inserted a non verizon simcard (is there any chance that the phone will lock up because of that??)
No, it's a "global" phone. It's the notification they have show up for roaming and non-verion SIMs. I don't live in the US and use my Verizon m8 everyday without a Verizon sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used to get the notification for the hotspot as well, but my hotspot still worked fine despite their warning. I'm rooted and s-off though so that might make a difference.
The answer to all you other questions can be easily found in like two seconds on here, such as how to root it. I don't think you even bothered to read the top stickied threads. Once you're rooted you can remove all the Verizon stuff, switch to a ROM that has it removed, or use ROM cleaner to get rid of it in a Verizon based ROM.

Related

Avoid losing root if ATT forces 2.20 OTA update

I have an AT&T HOX. Came stock with 1.85.
I rooted it using the "redbend" method described here (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1709296)
(More or less, the pulling SIM card business wasn't part of the steps when I used it, but the root was successful).
I am using SuperSU to manage root access by apps.
I have not done anything beyond that.
Now, I understand, at some point, AT&T is going to force a 2.20 update on me.
My primary concern is to avoid losing root.
(I have enabled the "preserve root across OTA" in SuperSU, but not sure if its effective or not)
I've looked at the howto's for SuperCID, unlocking the bootloader, etc, and I'm not sure which I NEED, and which are optional, and/or what the pros/cons are of each...
I'd like to stay as close to "stock" as possible, but I want to ensure that I can keep root.
I'm still within my AT&T contract, and would really prefer to avoid bricking the phone.
I'm wondering what the recommendations are as to the minimum steps I should take to keep root in the event the OTA is forced on me?
Can I pre-empty the OTA by installing this? ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459 )
If so, what is the safest method for installing it?
FWIW, I am a linux user, and I am comfortable with adb as well as the command line on the phone itself.
I have no windows systems, so any special tools I'd need other than adb I'd have to find a linux version.
I don't need "one click" methods, in fact I'd prefer to see/perform the individual steps and understand what they are doing.
unlock your bootloader using this method http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1672284 if you don't you wont get root again afterwards.
Dont have to unlock to flash roms?
This document,
http://onexroot.com/one-x-root/root-any-htc-one-x-windowsmaclinuxattinternationalone-click-method/
Near the very bottom, suggests:
For AT&T HTC One XL and alike, if you want to install custom ROMs, you don’t have to unlock your bootloader but simply flash custom recovery in fastboot.
Is this accurate?
My ATT HOX is currently rooted, and I now have SuperCID. I assumed I would need to unlock my bootloader, but I havent done that yet.
Can I install this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.s0up.goomanager
and then use it to install the "Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7" here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459
And if I do that, will this avoid AT&T OTA'ing me?
On a relatated note, would the SuperCID survive the OTA, allowing me to unlock the bootloader afterward, even if I hadnt done so already?
Megadave123 said:
This document,
http://onexroot.com/one-x-root/root-any-htc-one-x-windowsmaclinuxattinternationalone-click-method/
Near the very bottom, suggests:
For AT&T HTC One XL and alike, if you want to install custom ROMs, you don’t have to unlock your bootloader but simply flash custom recovery in fastboot.
Is this accurate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Completely false. You cannot install custom recovery without unlocked bootloader. For the safety of your device, I'd suggest sticking with XDA, and not Googling random websites. That website obviously has incorrect information.
Megadave123 said:
and then use it to install the "Stock Rooted AT&T 2.20.502.7" here?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1812459
And if I do that, will this avoid AT&T OTA'ing me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T isn't going to "OTA" you by force. You have to accept the download, then accept the installation. Cancelling either of those will prevent the OTA from being installed.
If you want to update to the stock 2.20 firmware without running the OTA or RUU (and therefore keep the ability to flash kernels and radios), than yes, the ROM you linked is the method I would suggest. But you would need to unlock the bootloader, then install TWRP before you can flash the rooted 2.20. Also keep in mind there are newer (than 2.20) firmwares already posted in Development (2.23, 2.29, etc.) in similar pre-rooted form. Not to mention custom ROMs based on 2.20 or newer.
Megadave123 said:
On a relatated note, would the SuperCID survive the OTA, allowing me to unlock the bootloader afterward, even if I hadnt done so already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SuperCID survives OTA. But the 2.20 OTA has a new hboot, which fixes the hole by which kernels and radios can be flashed from recovery, so my recommendation would be not to install the OTA.
redpoint73 said:
Completely false. You cannot install custom recovery without unlocked bootloader. For the safety of your device, I'd suggest sticking with XDA, and not Googling random websites. That website obviously has incorrect information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FWIW, I didnt google that site. It was linked to from an XDA post. I't didnt seem right to me, which is why I asked here
AT&T isn't going to "OTA" you by force. You have to accept the download, then accept the installation. Cancelling either of those will prevent the OTA from being installed.
If you want to update to the stock 2.20 firmware without running the OTA or RUU (and therefore keep the ability to flash kernels and radios), than yes, the ROM you linked is the method I would suggest. But you would need to unlock the bootloader, then install TWRP before you can flash the rooted 2.20. Also keep in mind there are newer (than 2.20) firmwares already posted in Development (2.23, 2.29, etc.) in similar pre-rooted form. Not to mention custom ROMs based on 2.20 or newer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, that is VERY good to hear.
BTW, thank you very much. I read somewhere that ATT could/might force the OTA, and I've been worried about losing root ever since, but not quite ready to (presumably) completely void my warranty with a bootloader unlock.
Megadave123 said:
BTW, thank you very much. I read somewhere that ATT could/might force the OTA, and I've been worried about losing root ever since, but not quite ready to (presumably) completely void my warranty with a bootloader unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think bypassing the user acceptance dialogues for the OTA install would be a violation of how Android fundamentally works. It would be a serious security issue, as it might allow rogue software to be installed on your device without your interaction. I seriously doubt AT&T would institute such a thing.
The user confirmation of the OTA might be a liability thing, too. If the performance of the device is adversely affected by the OTA (happens to some people) and the OTA was forced by AT&T without the owner having a choice, it would seem to me that AT&T has to accept the responsibility. People can claim its AT&T's fault, and demand a replacement device (since AT&T technically installed the software remotely). By making you confirm the OTA installation (and giving you the chance to opt out), you pretty much are volunteering to install the software and accept the consequences.
In theory, unlocking the bootloader voids you warranty. But more than a few folks on here have gotten warranty replacements from AT&T (after unlocking the bootloader), without issue. Sometimes in-store (within the first 30 days) without them even checking for the bootloader unlock. No guarantee that this will always be the case. But just throwing it out there. Its still up to you whether unlocking the BL is worth the risk in your own case.
I dont remember but isnt hoxl supported by goomanager? As long as your rooted you can install a recovery from it with a locked bootloader. I always reccomend unlocking but im pretty sure its not a total necessity to get twrp recovery
18th.abn said:
I dont remember but isnt hoxl supported by goomanager? As long as your rooted you can install a recovery from it with a locked bootloader. I always reccomend unlocking but im pretty sure its not a total necessity to get twrp recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hoxl is officially supported by twrp and can be downloaded from goomanager. I do not know if you can install a custom recovery without an unlocked bootloader. I would be interested to know if this can be done as well.
Sent from my Nocturnalized One XL using Forum Runner
when you try to push a recovery via fastboot with a locked bootloader it will fail due to invalid signature I don't see how goomanager would be any different.
Is there any harm in trying it?
If I install "goo manager", and let it do its thing, and the locked bootloader prevents it from doing so, there wont be any other side effects, will there?
If I come off as a complete noob at this - its because I am..
This is my first Android phone, and I *really* want to avoid bricking it, so I want to make sure I understand as much as possible before I go
trying to do anything to it.
Also I'm still wary of unlocking, mainly because of the whole "will erase your phone" bit.
I'm not yet fully comfortable that I know how/what to fully backup all of "my" data on the phone so as to facilitate easily putting it all back.
I'll answer some q's here.
1.) you cannot flash a custom recovery from hboot with a locked bootloader
2.) you CAN dd a custom recovery with a locked bootloader. However your device will be soft-bricked.
3.) you CAN install custom ROM's via dd right from android. This is how we did it back "in the day".
4.) you "might" be able to get away with dd'ing a custom kernel with locked BL, not not sure. In fact, I'd bet it will softbrick now that I think about it.
Anyways, the SAFEST way to do it is via unlocking the bootloader and installing your roms from custom recovery.
gunnyman said:
when you try to push a recovery via fastboot with a locked bootloader it will fail due to invalid signature I don't see how goomanager would be any different.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beaups pretty much already answered it. But this guy tried installing TWRP thru goomanager with a locked bootloader, and confirmed it doesn't work: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=31220704#post31220704

[Video Guide] How To Root Galaxy S4 I337 / I337m Easy & User Friendly

Hey folks. It's me again :victory: So I've got another super easy video guide on how to root your shiny new Samsung Galaxy S4 I337 or I337m.
This guide is using djrbliss's Motochopper tool. This tool has made it easier than ever to root a device! So BIG thanks goes out to him!
Links to everything can be found in the video description.
Enjoy
Here is a couple of more. I figure its better to keep them all in one place so people can decide which guide they want to use.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257039
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257058
I think there might be a couple more out there but this should help people to answer any possible question about rooting that they could ever have.
If you have the AT&T OTA (MF3) for the SGH-I337 S4, the method in the OP does not work. Here is a method for rooting MF3:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2387577
For Canadian MG1 Firmware, try CF Auto-Root download for the SGH-I337M:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2293800
Just sold my Rogers S2 LTE because I upgraded to the S4. My quick question, if I ROOT and retain the original Samsung Recovery will I be able to still get and do official firmware upgrades? This is the only thing stopping me from going forward with rooting.
You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.
thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!
Slade8525 said:
thanks: im now rooted and sim unlocked for free!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, how did you sim unlock it for free, do you mind sharing?
yeah sure!
similar method worked for my GS III; havent tested the GS IV with different sim just yet but GF's old GS III is working just fine for her sister in Canada (Bell i think). GF found it actually, and did it to hers 1st. ill know if it works when we leave for work in Montreal next week or if i bum a t-mobile cell from a friend.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2282683
Stoneyguy said:
You can still get updates, but you will loose your root access with each update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.
Whenever I try this method, when it goes to push the exploit, it says error multiple devices or something. when I only have the S4 plugged in. Followed step by step.
Dragosmp said:
WRONG, I am unable to update my device, it says that my phone has been modified, and yes, I have rooted it with this video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.
Stoneyguy said:
My phone is rooted and still shows official in phone status. There is a post on how to regain that status while still maintaining your root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?
rsarwar said:
Could you post a link to where it shows how to regain the status will maintaining the root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The link has already been posted on the first page.
thanks worked great just rooted min in 5 min
Safe to root?
Excuse my ignorance, but on another thread it was suggested that in the absence of recovery and a backup image rooting might be premature. Is the general consensus now that it is safe to root? There seems to be some backup images around thought I don't know if they have been tested, and I haven't heard about recovery.
sblevine
Newbie here... couple of questions
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:
speed2001 said:
I have the same concern as the member above... is it already possible to restore the phone if something goes bad? Is there instructions anywhere around this forum? where?
Also, once you root the phone you can proceed to download a ROM and install it... when a new ROM version is available and I download and install it, do I lose the root?
What is the best (if more than one is already available) for the ATT S4?
Thank you all and sorry for the "newbieness"....
Cheers:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks for the reply. I was under the impression that the bootloader was already exploited. Pure BS those protections that always end up broken like the IOS ones. What I would like is to have the S4 as factory released and load a good ROM without any problems and no bloatware. If not for the warranty I would buy an unlocked phone elsewhere.
Well, let's wait for the exploit next week. I don't want to brick my phone and not able to restore it. I will keep checking back.
Cheers and thanks again
Speed
Relys said:
No, rooting gives you certain superuser privileges. You can use Titanium Backup to freeze and restore bloatware, AdBlock to block advertisements, etc. Some phone tracking software and remote desktop control software requires root as well.
You cannot modify the basic operating system (ROM) until the bootloader is unlocked. You can overwrite the files, but that will brick your device since the bootloader checks signatures.
There is a bootloader exploit for the ATT S4 that will be released within the next week. The developer was waiting until the Verizon version of the S4 was available so more people would be able to use the exploit before it was patched.
Do not accept an OTA update for your device as that is how they will patch the bootloader exploit.
1. Root your device.
2. Carrier unlock your device.
3. Install custom ROM when bootloader is exploited later this week.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference
rsarwar said:
Regarding the bold above, I am honestly not that interested in the Custom ROMS right now, only rooting and with this method it does not install any custom recovery, right? As well, if I root via this method will I be able to still do the OTA updates since Samsung recovery is untouched? I know and understand that I will likely loose root, but I can always re-root, right?
I am itching to root and this is the only thing stopping me as there seems to be much confusion about this.
BTW I am on Rogers (Canada) i337M if it makes a difference
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.
zekeblue said:
I've been a bit confused as well despite reading hundreds of posts and watching referenced videos (I've also been hesitant to ask questions given the culture of this board). Here is what I hope is accurate, please correct where I am wrong:
We can root I337 now.
Doing a simple root now is reversible, ie, can be un-rooted.
The bootloader unlock is needed primarily for custom roms.
If one does not desire a custom rom, there is no reason to wait to root.
And, a few questions:
Does rooting wipe out apps, settings, and/or data?
Will an AT&T android system update remove the root?
If so, can we just root again?
Thank you for clarifications. I'm sure there are many that are not posting with some of these questions. I will be glad to put together a noobie's guide if I can get a handle on all of this. It is all out there somewhere, but very fragmented, and often one post is contradicted by another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your assumptions are correct:
1. Yep.
2. Yes, you can delete busybox and su in your system directory to get your phone switch your phone from "Custom" to "Official" status. If you install SuperSu and remove Superuser you can have root while keeping "Official" status.
3. Correct.
4. If you **** up while messing around with root you can recover to stock ROM via Odin or Kies. There is no reason to wait for root.
To answer your questions.
1. No, nothing changes. You just enable superuser privileges.
2. Typically yes. Don't accept OTA's until your know they're safe.
3. It depends if they patch the exploit or not.

Guide for former HTC Owners?

So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.
mswlogo said:
So I'm a long time HTC owner and my sister just got an S5 I plan to root tonight.
I'm also thinking of returning my M8 for an S5 after I check out my sisters. But I'm not sure I want to give up the M8 speakers.
Anyway I'm curious for others with experience from both sides about some terminology HTC vs Samsung.
1) Do "leaked" RUU's exist. These are official "Kits" that will basically put a phone back to factory (Firmware, Root Status, Recovery) etc.
It will do everything except remove S-OFF (see below). They are handy to have for warranty work and you botched something.
Often cleanly built ROM's are built from a base RUU rather than a "Dump".
2) Does anything like S-OFF exist. HTC phones can be typically exploited such that you have "S-OFF". This basically means you can install any firmware (radio etc.) beyond Android, Recovery.
3) Once rooted, will you get OTA updates? Will and OTA remove root? Could you loose root access through an OTA update?
With S-OFF none of this matters.
4) Without S-OFF it can be awkward to update the Kernels sometimes. Can the Kernels be easily updated with "Just" Root.
5) Does the phone display "Tampered" or "Unlocked" once rooted. If so how easy is it to remove that and get it back to factory after being rooted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.
CCallahan said:
I will do my best....
1) Yes. Leaked do exist but are minimal for this phone at the moment. Samsung makes the current available for download right from them or is available in this forum. Just flash via Odin and will restore it to factory stock.
2) If I'm not mistaken the Sprint S5 bootloader is not locked. Therefore all you need to do is root and can flash away.
3) If you take an OTA while rooted you will lose root. However, it will not be possible to take the OTA successfully with a custom recovery installed. Best bet is to wait until someone modifies the OTA and re-packages for root users. Usually only takes a few days after official OTA is dropped.
4) Yes. Just a quick flash.
5) Yes. Status will change and cannot go back at this time once it is tripped. Can still go back to factory with stock recovery but status will still not be "Official".
Anyone please someone chime in and correct me on any of these if I am mistaken.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Status will be official (in settings "About Phone"). Just when you boot into download mode, knox counter tripped will be shown (0x1).
lol i remember asking all these questions exactly in reverse when i went from the s3 to the one...thanks goodness i came for the s4
On a more superficial note, you can also get a more htc vibe by installing the blinkfeed app thats been ported over by gakugaku. More info here ->
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2735764
Coming over to samsung after 6years with Htc was a little jarring, but this kinda softened the transition.
Thanks guys that was exactly what I needed. My sisters phone rooted just fine.
I did compare her phone to mine briefly and posted here about it.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2749699
To sway me to the S5, I really wanted to like the S5 camera (at least as much), the Cell Reception and live with the speakers.
But that is proving really difficult.
The M8 has me very nervous of failing again especially when I keep seeing reports of owners having the same issue I did (lost 3G).
I think I'm trading my m8 to a guy straight across for the s5. I never had any problems with my s3 and the m8 has been a headache, but not for everyone. I know how you feel mswlogo.

Root Droid Mini 4.4

Hi Everyone,
I have a Droid Mini running on Android 4.4. Running on Straight Talk service.
Is it possible to root my device? I am not sure how to determine if my bootloader is unlocked.
I mainly would like to root my device to use TitaniumBackUp to back up and restore my device. I am not sure of another app that will allow me to backup and restore my apps, app data and settings, without my device being rooted.
Any and all help is appreciated.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!
TolaSkamp said:
Hi Everyone,
I have a Droid Mini running on Android 4.4. Running on Straight Talk service.
Is it possible to root my device? I am not sure how to determine if my bootloader is unlocked.
I mainly would like to root my device to use TitaniumBackUp to back up and restore my device. I am not sure of another app that will allow me to backup and restore my apps, app data and settings, without my device being rooted.
Any and all help is appreciated.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than the fact this is not the right section to be posting a question, I'll try and answer it anyways.
No BL unlock, not unless you can get the bootloader unlocked via a tool, verizons website, or the china guys service for ~25$USD which can all be found by a simple google.
You can try the Sunshine Bootloader unlock apk, however at 4.4.4 I am unable to use it (Droid Ultra)
The 4.4 Bounty thread is HERE which appears to have minimal attention at the moment
And HERE is the latest news on the China mans service, which appears to have gone and passed by now.
To root directly, you can give all the tools a try, and all the downloadable apks and give them a run, one by one, until you get to the realization you are stuck with what you have - unless you can downgrade and then root/bl unlock. Which by my knowledge, you can't - but I may be mistaken. Only reason I say you cant though, is if you could so could others, and there would already be more posts about it.
The last and final suggestion, buy a new mobo/chipset that had your OS of your preferred version installed prior so you can have immediate access. This is a tricky one however, due to this requiring you to tear apart your phone which isn't something most people feel comfortable doing. You also are at the mercy of whoever or wherever you buy the mobo/chipset from - as it could have water damage, or other faults negating the idea of having root to begin with (if your phone crashes every 10 minutes or so due to a short).
---
TL;DR
You're screwed, for the time being.

Advice on Rooting & a clean ROM for Verizon M8

Hi All,
I've had the M8 from Verizon for over a year. I bought this unlocked from the US but am using it in Europe (Denmark) with another service provider. However, as you know Verizon has its bloatware on it and various restrictions that do not let me use the wifi hotspot, USB tethering, etc. Apart from various nagging issues, the most annoying is that I haven't been able to upgrade the ROM (due to another Verizon restriction). And I'm still stuck with OS - 4.4.2.
The questions I need advice on:
1) I want to have a clean ROM and still have the facility to update my OS OTA every time google releases an upgrade.
2) I understand this requires root on my device. If so, what is the best root method for this device? There were a lot of methods around and I'm honestly confused.
I have attemted to root my last HTC One X and succeded after a while. But then when I tried tranferring the phone's data via the built in transfer data app..the phone froze and bricked itself in a way. As I had this device with me by then, I did not spend time to recover the One X, yet. Therefore, my apprehension to get a ROM that I will not need to worry about too much and it would be clean and let my phone function efficiently and without any nags.
Any and all advice will be appreciated!
Thank you.
rubendayal said:
Hi All,
I've had the M8 from Verizon for over a year. I bought this unlocked from the US but am using it in Europe (Denmark) with another service provider. However, as you know Verizon has its bloatware on it and various restrictions that do not let me use the wifi hotspot, USB tethering, etc. Apart from various nagging issues, the most annoying is that I haven't been able to upgrade the ROM (due to another Verizon restriction). And I'm still stuck with OS - 4.4.2.
The questions I need advice on:
1) I want to have a clean ROM and still have the facility to update my OS OTA every time google releases an upgrade.
2) I understand this requires root on my device. If so, what is the best root method for this device? There were a lot of methods around and I'm honestly confused.
I have attemted to root my last HTC One X and succeded after a while. But then when I tried tranferring the phone's data via the built in transfer data app..the phone froze and bricked itself in a way. As I had this device with me by then, I did not spend time to recover the One X, yet. Therefore, my apprehension to get a ROM that I will not need to worry about too much and it would be clean and let my phone function efficiently and without any nags.
Any and all advice will be appreciated!
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you S-OFF? check in bootloader. turn off device. hold volume down and power to enter bootloader and it will say S-ON or S-OFF.
If you are not S-OFF you the only way to get root is using Sunshine - http://theroot.ninja/ - it costs a very fair $25.
After that you can flash custom recovery and then flash ROMs that have tethering unlocked in the ROM.
you can also without root or anything and being S-ON flash the latest Verizon RUU and get your phone up to date instead of being on KK, we now have MM. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/official-ruu1-55-605-2-t2883845
andybones said:
are you S-OFF? check in bootloader. turn off device. hold volume down and power to enter bootloader and it will say S-ON or S-OFF.
If you are not S-OFF you the only way to get root is using Sunshine - http://theroot.ninja/ - it costs a very fair $25.
After that you can flash custom recovery and then flash ROMs that have tethering unlocked in the ROM.
you can also without root or anything and being S-ON flash the latest Verizon RUU and get your phone up to date instead of being on KK, we now have MM. - http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/official-ruu1-55-605-2-t2883845
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi andybones,
Thank you. Sorry for the delay.
The bootloader says S-On.
Do you suggest flashing a stock ROM? What about the bloatware and the restrictions from Verizon?
Secondly, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.
Thank you for your reply.
rubendayal said:
Hi andybones,
Thank you. Sorry for the delay.
The bootloader says S-On.
Do you suggest flashing a stock ROM? What about the bloatware and the restrictions from Verizon?
Secondly, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.
Thank you for your reply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If s-on and locked you can't flash anything until you do sunshine
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
dottat said:
If s-on and locked you can't flash anything until you do sunshine
Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Tapatalk,
Thanks.
I still haven't received a clear answer on if after completing the Sunshine, will it be possible to get the OTA updates if I have a clean ROM? If so, any suggestions on a clean and efficient ROM that would get me the OTAs automatically and not have the hassle to flash new ROMs as quite simply I hate having to add my google and other account details keyed in each time I flash and have a new ROM.

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