Database Info

TMobile Note 5 Rootable?

I know this barely came out, but is there fully working root for this yet?
Sent from my SM-N910V

patience grasshopper

While I understand each device is different, does anyone know approximately how long it took for previous Samsung devices to get a Root that didn't disable Knox from when they were released? (S6, S6 edge?).
Also will the T-Mobile version be able to be rooted easier since it's supposedly an unlocked bootloader? I don't care about bringing it to another carrier, I'm just interested in a permanent root that doesn't trip Knox, and preferably a way to install TWRP for Roms.
This will be my first phone with no root from day one, but I'm still looking forward to this phone.

kelmino said:
While I understand each device is different, does anyone know approximately how long it took for previous Samsung devices to get a Root that didn't disable Knox from when they were released? (S6, S6 edge?).
Also will the T-Mobile version be able to be rooted easier since it's supposedly an unlocked bootloader? I don't care about bringing it to another carrier, I'm just interested in a permanent root that doesn't trip Knox, and preferably a way to install TWRP for Roms.
This will be my first phone with no root from day one, but I'm still looking forward to this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When ANdroid 5.1.1 was released on the S6 - we had to wait for Kernel Source to be released before they couid get root working - chances are this will need to happen here too - I am not sure what they did - but I beleive root had to be injected into the kernel to make it work - (not that I know what that means anyway - LOL) Suffice it to say - I am sure we will have root - but it make a take a few days - weeks - it did on the S6 - even before 5.1.1 when the S6 was first launched it was about 2 weeks before we had root - chances are that will happen now too - but it will be worth it!

Thanks for the reply, a few weeks or even a month is definitely doable. I was just afraid from other posts that there wouldn't be a root, or if it was it would take forever since there's not going to be much dev support on this phone.

the main problem will actually be that the most talented devs have stopped buying samsung phones for a variety of reasons, so there will be many fewer knowledgeable folks on this phone to do things like root and other customizations..

mocsab said:
When ANdroid 5.1.1 was released on the S6 - we had to wait for Kernel Source to be released before they couid get root working - chances are this will need to happen here too - I am not sure what they did - but I beleive root had to be injected into the kernel to make it work - (not that I know what that means anyway - LOL) Suffice it to say - I am sure we will have root - but it make a take a few days - weeks - it did on the S6 - even before 5.1.1 when the S6 was first launched it was about 2 weeks before we had root - chances are that will happen now too - but it will be worth it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung put a root restriction into the defconfig of the kernel. You have to change it and recompile to enable root.
And Samsung likes to release half ass kernel source as well.
I know quite a few devs who are skipping this note since Samsung didn't do so hot with it. Plus they are trying everything they can to disable all root functionally.

antiochasylum said:
Samsung put a root restriction into the defconfig of the kernel. You have to change it and recompile to enable root.
And Samsung likes to release half ass kernel source as well.
I know quite a few devs who are skipping this note since Samsung didn't do so hot with it. Plus they are trying everything they can to disable all root functionally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder which phones these developers are going to buy then? I might want to follow them wherever they go lol

glensta said:
I wonder which phones these developers are going to buy then? I might want to follow them wherever they go lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went Nexus 6. And frankly I might go nexus again. If the Nexus devices are crap then I'll hold onto this till something better comes along that's not Samsung.

antiochasylum said:
I went Nexus 6. And frankly I might go nexus again. If the Nexus devices are crap then I'll hold onto this till something better comes along that's not Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I tried the Nexus 6 too and just wasn't very impressed. I ended up giving one of my jump on demands up and got the galaxy s6 instead. I really do love the Samsung phones. Even if we can get fruit and just a halfway decent rom the phones are still so much better in my opinion. I go back and forth with it but usually end up with Samsung, I just love their screens cameras and general functionality

glensta said:
Yeah I try the Nexus 6 too and just wasn't very impressed. I ended up giving one of my jump on demand up and got the galaxy s6 instead. I really do love the Samsung phones. Even if we can get fruit and just a halfway decent rom the phones are still so much better in my opinion. I go back and forth with it but usually end up with Samsung, I just love their screens cameras and general functionality
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My big thing is front facing speakers. The camera is OK, but then again I have a high end DSLR for pictures.
Dont get me wrong, Samsung makes a premium device. But I cannot deal with a company that is completely against root and modding a phone.
If I pay 800$ for it. ITS MINE. Let me do what I want.
So I'll never own anything Samsung ever again.
Fastboot OEM unlock, fastboot flash recovery, flash SuperSU zip. Done. Rooted nexus. That simple.

antiochasylum said:
I went Nexus 6. And frankly I might go nexus again. If the Nexus devices are crap then I'll hold onto this till something better comes along that's not Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus 6 FTW !!

antiochasylum said:
I went Nexus 6. And frankly I might go nexus again. If the Nexus devices are crap then I'll hold onto this till something better comes along that's not Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand - and it is a shame - I agree that Samsung made some mistakes (at least as far as we are concerned) but they still know how to make a pretty incredible phone. Better than most -
The Note 5, despite the things we miss - is pretty incredible.

mocsab said:
I understand - and it is a shame - I agree that Samsung made some mistakes (at least as far as we are concerned) but they still know how to make a pretty incredible phone. Better than most -
The Note 5, despite the things we miss - is pretty incredible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incredible failure yes. Incredible phone no. They are eating Apples table scraps. They need to stick to their ways. The Note 3 was a huge step in the correct direction. Which I still have one of those. Note 4, not even a worthy upgrade.
And Note 5. Just total failure. With the note line I got a happy feeling with them I've had them all, except 5. And I will not. As it is just a failure.
Stop following Apple and be your own company.

I am still using N4 and on KK 4.4.4 My Wanam Exposed work great. And my hotspot meter never go up.
Why change when old thing work? No wonder I am a conservative.

antiochasylum said:
Incredible failure yes. Incredible phone no. They are eating Apples table scraps. They need to stick to their ways. The Note 3 was a huge step in the correct direction. Which I still have one of those. Note 4, not even a worthy upgrade.
And Note 5. Just total failure. With the note line I got a happy feeling with them I've had them all, except 5. And I will not. As it is just a failure.
Stop following Apple and be your own company.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Each to their own I suppose. I respect your feelings and passion - I guess I look at things differently but no matter. I personally like the note 5 but that is just me I guess. I am no where near as knowledgeable about code work, developing and that sort of thing as you are- and I guess I am easy to please. Regardless I wish you well and hope you find your next 'dream phone'.

Many devs are going g4 pro or nexus 6. I'm still on note 4 until something comes out. I'm done with Samsung.

wing_addict_usa said:
Many devs are going g4 pro or nexus 6. I'm still on note 4 until something comes out. I'm done with Samsung.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LG phones can be difficult to dev for, so it remains to be seen how much dev there will be for it
If you want endless incredible development, Nexus is the only way to go..

glensta said:
I wonder which phones these developers are going to buy then? I might want to follow them wherever they go lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wase4711 said:
LG phones can be difficult to dev for, so it remains to be seen how much dev there will be for it
If you want endless incredible development, Nexus is the only way to go..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crossing my fingers it has msd

mocsab said:
Each to their own I suppose. I respect your feelings and passion - I guess I look at things differently but no matter. I personally like the note 5 but that is just me I guess. I am no where near as knowledgeable about code work, developing and that sort of thing as you are- and I guess I am easy to please. Regardless I wish you well and hope you find your next 'dream phone'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same to you buddy.
Learning all this is easy. Alot of just doing and if it doesn't work, return to previous state.
I started back with the Nexus One so I've been doing it a while lol.
And honestly, I don't think a company will ever release my dream phone. Every Phone will have sometime we have to live with, or don't like.
But that's why android prevails.
And exactly, you want big name devs, Nexus devices. The next batch of Nexus devices are going to be a huge hit. Assuming all leaks are true.
---------- Post added at 06:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:41 AM ----------
chong67 said:
I am still using N4 and on KK 4.4.4 My Wanam Exposed work great. And my hotspot meter never go up.
Why change when old thing work? No wonder I am a conservative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
5.1.1 is actually a very nice upgrade for Notes. 5.0 was trash honestly. 5.1.1 they fixed a tub of issues.
At least on a nexus, the 5.1.1 was a very nice upgrade.
Granted I'm on 6.0 at the moment. Gotta love a nexus.

Root? Who's developing for this device?

I know several people have already received the new T-mobile S7 in the mail yesterday, and I am looking forward to when my S7 comes. Are there any developers or teams working on root for this device? Are there any teams planning a release of any multi-handset root? Usually we don't find out until it's published, but sometimes we get advanced warning....
1: Is anyone getting this device and going to be developing for it?
2: Has anyone heard of a root solution being worked on?
3: Is there any rumblings or hearsay of a multi-handset root (universal root)?

After only using the phone for 24 hours I am very satisfied with how it came out of the box. I would love to remove a couple bloatware apps and find a good darker theme but otherwise, I'm not sure there much to be tweaked. This battery is KILLER!

Needs Root...
Coming from S5...
Initial impression is good. Built better, battery better, feels nice in the hand.
Camera is definitely snappier.
We need root however.
Annoying constant notification that you have an SD card inserted pops up after reboot (not sure why that's necessary), bloatware sucks, can't easily change fonts without root.
I would love to see a reasonable amount of bloatware removed along with some universal tweaks in a relatively stock ROM, and am willing to subsidize a motivated developer. Those who participate in the T-Mobile S5 forum are aware 'Malbert' is raising money for an S7... That would be good for all of us who are diving in early.
Still waiting for a protective case, as most of them are not shipping yet...
Happy to be here!

There is a universal bloatware removal tool out there that works non root..
Can't remember name.. Look for that , that should help disable some of that bloat that settings won't let you disable. I ordered a UAG on 2/26 ,only a few days ago but yet to receive it as well.

I use Package Disabler Pro when I want to disable apps without root. It works great and is the only solution for the time being..

jonathan3579 said:
I use Package Disabler Pro when I want to disable apps without root. It works great and is the only solution for the time being..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! Will definitely try that in the interim.

Considering only a few have it right now it's way too early lol

i can see now that we have some seasoned moderators for the forum, so hopefully that's an indication somw of them are working on the t-mo version...?

I have mine in today. Edge model. Very nice and clean in hand

I've got my S7 as well - can't wait to see what happens from a dev perspective. I'd love to see what can be done to remove bloat, etc., but I'm also thinking I may not trip Knox this time around because I'd like to keep it intact and keep android pay/samsung pay working. I've always rooted without worrying about that in the past, but I'd like to try these out.

bournefusion said:
I've got my S7 as well - can't wait to see what happens from a dev perspective. I'd love to see what can be done to remove bloat, etc., but I'm also thinking I may not trip Knox this time around because I'd like to keep it intact and keep android pay/samsung pay working. I've always rooted without worrying about that in the past, but I'd like to try these out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to try the app I suggested then! I've been using it since the Note 4 and it has never failed me.

Package disabler pro ftw ??
Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

jonathan3579 said:
You might want to try the app I suggested then! I've been using it since the Note 4 and it has never failed me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already did, actually! Just looking forward to romz

bournefusion said:
I've got my S7 as well - can't wait to see what happens from a dev perspective. I'd love to see what can be done to remove bloat, etc., but I'm also thinking I may not trip Knox this time around because I'd like to keep it intact and keep android pay/samsung pay working. I've always rooted without worrying about that in the past, but I'd like to try these out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my concern as well, although, my Samsung pay, Android pay and Google wallet all fail on the S7 for me so far.. I can't even add bank info or cards before it closes on me :/

jonathan3579 said:
I use Package Disabler Pro when I want to disable apps without root. It works great and is the only solution for the time being..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best bloat removal app for non root. Been using it for a while too. It actually turns apps off not remove them thats the only thing that sucks but its still great. You can create xml files of all turned off apps to share with others which is pretty cool too.
As soon as root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Im picking the s7 up for my wife next week.
---------- Post added at 02:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 AM ----------
Once root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Picking up an S7 for my wife next week. If i have time i might cook up a stockish rom with a few mods too.

sshafranko said:
Best bloat removal app for non root. Been using it for a while too. It actually turns apps off not remove them thats the only thing that sucks but its still great. You can create xml files of all turned off apps to share with others which is pretty cool too.
As soon as root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Im picking the s7 up for my wife next week.
---------- Post added at 02:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 AM ----------
Once root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Picking up an S7 for my wife next week. If i have time i might cook up a stockish rom with a few mods too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bless you bro!! Ive been waiting on a stock flavored rom

sshafranko said:
Best bloat removal app for non root. Been using it for a while too. It actually turns apps off not remove them thats the only thing that sucks but its still great. You can create xml files of all turned off apps to share with others which is pretty cool too.
As soon as root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Im picking the s7 up for my wife next week.
---------- Post added at 02:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 AM ----------
Once root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Picking up an S7 for my wife next week. If i have time i might cook up a stockish rom with a few mods too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Glad to see you might be on here! I've seen your work in previous ggalaxys

92drls said:
Exactly my concern as well, although, my Samsung pay, Android pay and Google wallet all fail on the S7 for me so far.. I can't even add bank info or cards before it closes on me :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First 2 days I had phone, Android Pay wouldn't let me add card. Something changed last night...perhaps Google realizing that the device actually had been released, and I was able to add a card last night around 9pm. New to Android Pay, so it didn't work when I tried to use it this morning...LOL. Gonna try it again later.

Great! It looks like we have some talented devs showing up! That's very promising! Welcome guys, I too just got my S7 in, and I'm looking forward to rooting and modding, so I guess now we wait

sshafranko said:
Best bloat removal app for non root. Been using it for a while too. It actually turns apps off not remove them thats the only thing that sucks but its still great. You can create xml files of all turned off apps to share with others which is pretty cool too.
As soon as root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Im picking the s7 up for my wife next week.
---------- Post added at 02:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:24 AM ----------
Once root is available ill create a dual speaker mod for you guys. Picking up an S7 for my wife next week. If i have time i might cook up a stockish rom with a few mods too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whatever you cook up would be fun! I actually just pre-ordered the gold S7 for my wife because of the IP68 rating. She's always putting her phone in danger of water lol.

Cant flash some ROMS on Sprint S5

I just got an S5 with OG1 BUILD. Twrp recovery 3.0.2-2
Im having issues flashing roms. MOAR 7.0 gets to the aroma installer part n reboots. Nothing more. Cm13 gives error 7 code.
Resurection Remix flashed just fine btw.

error 7 should be rectifiable with a factory reset
---------- Post added at 12:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:21 PM ----------
as mentioned in the other thread, did you update to OK4 yet?

Havent updated yet. Got pissed off lol.
Factory resets result in the same results. Ill get the update via odin n try again.

the downloads from sammobile are super slow. idoneapps.com has WAAAAY faster downloads in the forums section. Lemme grab the link. They have links for MANY samsung devices' tar.md5s. Here ya go http://idoneapps.com/forum/index.php?topic=8.0

Hey, i see on that idone page they have an unlocker app. Do i need any of that?

not if youre just flashing the stock tar.md5. If you want it sim unlocked for at&t and tmob and so forth, then youll need something to do the unlock. idoneapps method is faultless except its not free LoL. Ive used it on 2 sprint S5 G900Ps and its an awesome tool. They even have their own forum and are great about replying and replying accurately

youdoofus said:
the downloads from sammobile are super slow. idoneapps.com has WAAAAY faster downloads in the forums section. Lemme grab the link. They have links for MANY samsung devices' tar.md5s. Here ya go http://idoneapps.com/forum/index.php?topic=8.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use SamFirm (deprecated but still works great!!) to grab downloads direct from SamMobile at super fast speeds.
Direct Download: SamFirm v0.3.6
Newest project is Updato which lets you search/download with no speed limits or other restrictions of any kind if you'd rather not use software: Updato website

who is this @AthieN guy anyways? LoL good info aBROham lincoln!!! Ive been using idones links because theyre hosted on a fast server. The more fast servers we have, the better IMO!

Good stuff. Thanks!
I got up to pe1 now.
Still cant flash but only a couple roms. Not my first go around, but im happy.
Fyi, for hotspot, use wifi tether router 6.0 on stock. The hotspot fix i find on here dont work on mm. I just installed n set to open network for home. Changed nothing else.
So, again i thank you guys for the info and links. This thread can be closed if nobody minds.

dwilson48625 said:
Good stuff. Thanks!
I got up to pe1 now.
Still cant flash but only a couple roms. Not my first go around, but im happy.
Fyi, for hotspot, use wifi tether router 6.0 on stock. The hotspot fix i find on here dont work on mm. I just installed n set to open network for home. Changed nothing else.
So, again i thank you guys for the info and links. This thread can be closed if nobody minds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on a 6.0 bootloader, then you're stuck with 6.0 Roms, but if you're on a LP bootloader then the world is your oyster!

youdoofus said:
If you're on a 6.0 bootloader, then you're stuck with 6.0 Roms, but if you're on a LP bootloader then the world is your oyster!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi! Android + oyster enthusiast here. On Marshmallow because of a few bad life choices.
Is there an easy method for catching this elusive LP bootloader you speak so highly of?

Curtex said:
Hi! Android + oyster enthusiast here. On Marshmallow because of a few bad life choices.
Is there an easy method for catching this elusive LP bootloader you speak so highly of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what G900x are you using? i assume its the G900P, but id hate to be wrong

youdoofus said:
what G900x are you using? i assume its the G900P, but id hate to be wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got a little something stuck in my craw + softbricked the old 900P so... I'm using the computer as of this moment.
KNOX counter has been tripped (0x1). But my hunch is that it's also there's also bootloader issue hanging around.
So I'm trying to two girls one cup two birds one stone this sucker!! Trying for a capture of this mythical bootloader of yours while at the same time restoring my once trusty phone/mad science experiment back to life.
Figure too I might get out of this with something knowledgeable + can skate this SET WARRANTY BIT : kernel trauma message that has haunted my screen since the boondoggle went south. Straight down like a lead zeppelin five very long and very drawn out days ago.
Possible TMI: At least I've turned the corner on phone withdrawals and the twitching has finally left my body

Curtex said:
Got a little something stuck in my craw + softbricked the old 900P so... I'm using the computer as of this moment.
KNOX counter has been tripped (0x1). But my hunch is that it's also there's also bootloader issue hanging around.
So I'm trying to two girls one cup two birds one stone this sucker!! Trying for a capture of this mythical bootloader of yours while at the same time restoring my once trusty phone/mad science experiment back to life.
Figure too I might get out of this with something knowledgeable + can skate this SET WARRANTY BIT : kernel trauma message that has haunted my screen since the boondoggle went south. Straight down like a lead zeppelin five very long and very drawn out days ago.
Possible TMI: At least I've turned the corner on phone withdrawals and the twitching has finally left my body
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried flashing the OK4 tar.md5 in Odin?

youdoofus said:
Have you tried flashing the OK4 tar.md5 in Odin?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying this now per your healthy + helpful suggestion but I wouldn't be surprised if I have. It FEELS like I've tried everything + at this point the phone repair burnout is so very real. If it doesn't work, oh well. I wouldn't be shocked at this point.
I've already prepared myself for the doomsday scenario of having to drive ten minutes past Walmart to the Sprint store + then just whipping out my community college acting chops like some dirty old hobo without dignity or regard for any woman or child who might be in the general vicinity.
Show the Sprint tech my utter confusion + bewildering loss of trust. Pleading ignorance to everything.
"Let me tell you, it was the weirdest thing, Mr. Sprint Gent... Phone updates and then BAM! This darn yellow message of death won't leave my screen and just decides to set up shop and hang around there thinking it's a bad habit something... This has never happened before."
Awkward silence. There's s a car alarm going off way on the other side of the Sprint store's parking lot. Nobody is talking in the entire store.
"But it WAS caused because of the phone's service upgrade, so..."
*Edited for clarity.*
---------- Post added at 05:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 AM ----------
Seriously though, in my short experience actually commenting here at XDA + not just lurking, does it seem like there's been a bunch, a new rash of these type issues with our SMG900Ps very recently?
I counted three new posts from within a week as I again made my rounds looking for the solution to my soft-brick yesterday.
It might just be me though- haven't ruled that one out.

Curtex said:
I'm trying this now per your healthy + helpful suggestion but I wouldn't be surprised if I have. It FEELS like I've tried everything + at this point the phone repair burnout is so very real. If it doesn't work, oh well. I wouldn't be shocked at this point.
I've already prepared myself for the doomsday scenario of having to drive ten minutes past Walmart to the Sprint store + then just whipping out my community college acting chops like some dirty old hobo without dignity or regard for any woman or child who might be in the general vicinity.
Show the Sprint tech my utter confusion + bewildering loss of trust. Pleading ignorance to everything.
"Let me tell you, it was the weirdest thing, Mr. Sprint Gent... Phone updates and then BAM! This darn yellow message of death won't leave my screen and just decides to set up shop and hang around there thinking it's a bad habit something... This has never happened before."
Awkward silence. There's s a car alarm going off way on the other side of the Sprint store's parking lot. Nobody is talking in the entire store.
"But it WAS caused because of the phone's service upgrade, so..."
*Edited for clarity.*
---------- Post added at 05:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:35 AM ----------
Seriously though, in my short experience actually commenting here at XDA + not just lurking, does it seem like there's been a bunch, a new rash of these type issues with our SMG900Ps very recently?
I counted three new posts from within a week as I again made my rounds looking for the solution to my soft-brick yesterday.
It might just be me though- haven't ruled that one out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, just shoot straight with me. No anecdotes. No bs. I just want to fix your issue

You're probably not surprised, but I am shocked
Less mustard from me this time because hell, it's Friday and nearly everyone is going to have an awesome day.
Oh, and because your Android wizardry clutch + Columbo (but with brevity) detective game got the phone up and running. That LP bootloader unicorn we spoke of earlier will be nice.
If around Houston during the colder months let's do oysters. Otherwise, it's crawfish. That, or I'd be happy to assist in any way possible!
In the spirit of less being more, thank you man. Thank you!

Curtex said:
Less mustard from me this time because hell, it's Friday and nearly everyone is going to have an awesome day.
Oh, and because your Android wizardry clutch + Columbo (but with brevity) detective game got the phone up and running. That LP bootloader unicorn we spoke of earlier will be nice.
If around Houston during the colder months let's do oysters. Otherwise, it's crawfish. That, or I'd be happy to assist in any way possible!
In the spirit of less being more, thank you man. Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sooooo, you got it working then? What baseband are youre on?

youdoofus said:
sooooo, you got it working then? What baseband are youre on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, man!
Baseband version G900PVPU3BOK4, or just OK4 as the hip kids like to say.
But coolness be damned, it's always "God's Second Gift to Man" in my thankful prayers. :good:

Curtex said:
Hey, man!
Baseband version G900PVPU3BOK4, or just OK4 as the hip kids like to say.
But coolness be damned, it's always "God's Second Gift to Man" in my thankful prayers. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still am unsure about what you need help with. If you're on ok4, your bootloader should be unlocked

VZW Bootloader Unlock/Root Discussion

Hey all!
Since the V20 has one big thread I wanted to create one for us Verizon users.
As you know the T-Mobile variant is unlockable but so far ATT and Verizon are locked (as expected.)
I know the Google Pixel is an entirely different device but utilizing DirtyCoW should also work the same on our V20.
I was advised "in theory" it is absolutely feasible. I would hope to get some experienced devs in here to work on it since according to @jcase and @beaups there is most likely a fix coming from Google in November.
However don't bother Jcase or beaups because jcase was 100% stating he will not work on LG devices at all. This is myfirst LG device ever so hopefully those that know people cantag any developers they know in hopes of them working with us towards unlocking the BL and or rooting this device before its too late!
Thanks
EDIT: Bounty thread is live, go thank the OP and if youre able to then you can make a pledge!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/v20/how-to/bounty-thread-lg-v20-devices-locked-t3495200

Come on guys, 23 views no comments lol.. who are the best LG devs around XDA??

Nor in here. Lg doesn't get a lot of love.and deservedly so. Sales are abysmal usually. Hopefully v20 fixes that. Or at least for this phone.

My SO uses my hotspot at work and at her place over the weekend, seems like FoxFi won't work for us without root. With that said I'd be willing to contribute to a bounty for at least get rooting our devices possible to get that service working again.

@rbiter said:
Nor in here. Lg doesn't get a lot of love.and deservedly so. Sales are abysmal usually. Hopefully v20 fixes that. Or at least for this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
low sales doesnt mean its not a solid device lol, just means not as popular as sammy or crapple is all

I mean quite honestly if we are able to get root on this phone for all variants (Tmobile, AT&T, VZW, etc.) Then I will be happy. I dont care much about bootloader as I do root. I hope Chainfire may look into getting root for this once he polishes up the root for the Pixel.

twistedvip said:
I mean quite honestly if we are able to get root on this phone for all variants (Tmobile, AT&T, VZW, etc.) Then I will be happy. I dont care much about bootloader as I do root. I hope Chainfire may look into getting root for this once he polishes up the root for the Pixel.
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i would think itd be similar.. they both run Android 7 and usually his flashable zips work on more than one device..
to be honest i feel the unlocked BL would be the best scenario for us as soon as they figure out a way to have a twrp style recovery..
if im not mistaken thats the issue tmo has right now? no way to flash a recovery or no recovery partition?

I want root too. I want to be able to have high impedance mode on all the time. I also want to delete all the Verizon crap and bring back what they removed.

elliwigy said:
i would think itd be similar.. they both run Android 7 and usually his flashable zips work on more than one device..
to be honest i feel the unlocked BL would be the best scenario for us as soon as they figure out a way to have a twrp style recovery..
if im not mistaken thats the issue tmo has right now? no way to flash a recovery or no recovery partition?
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Click to collapse
True, its just my previous phone was the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active which only had a root solution and no way to unlock the bootloader.
And I believe the issue they are having is being able to get around the SELinux making sure the phone only boots with an unmodified system because if I was following the thread correctly they had managed to get to flash a .img correctly but it wouldnt boot when they did the flash. But if Chainfire was able to get around that with the Pixel I cant see why we won't have root if we had both of those people collaborate with their findings

elliwigy said:
i would think itd be similar.. they both run Android 7 and usually his flashable zips work on more than one device..
to be honest i feel the unlocked BL would be the best scenario for us as soon as they figure out a way to have a twrp style recovery..
if im not mistaken thats the issue tmo has right now? no way to flash a recovery or no recovery partition?
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Click to collapse
Actually there is a twrp for tmob variants in testing stage if you wpuld like to be on be board chexk out his thread and jpin the testing crew

rickberg said:
Actually there is a twrp for tmob variants in testing stage if you wpuld like to be on be board chexk out his thread and jpin the testing crew
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the thread title has VZW in it because I have verizon lol not tmo.. theres really no one working towards our devices as we dont have bl unlock as an option without someone exploiting it

twistedvip said:
True, its just my previous phone was the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active which only had a root solution and no way to unlock the bootloader.
And I believe the issue they are having is being able to get around the SELinux making sure the phone only boots with an unmodified system because if I was following the thread correctly they had managed to get to flash a .img correctly but it wouldnt boot when they did the flash. But if Chainfire was able to get around that with the Pixel I cant see why we won't have root if we had both of those people collaborate with their findings
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Click to collapse
Well i believe he already did that previously with systemless root.. but yea, it changes with each os update practically lol

elliwigy said:
the thread title has VZW in it because I have verizon lol not tmo.. theres really no one working towards our devices as we dont have bl unlock as an option without someone exploiting it
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My apologies I assumed twrp was device wide not carrier specific

Turned in verizon pixel for this v20. Couldnt get over the small screen with huge bezels hope the dev get this phone unlocked as quickly as pixel. Im liking the v20 much more than pixel so far.

elliwigy said:
Hey all!
Since the V20 has one big thread I wanted to create one for us Verizon users.
As you know the T-Mobile variant is unlockable but so far ATT and Verizon are locked (as expected.)
I know the Google Pixel is an entirely different device but utilizing DirtyCoW should also work the same on our V20.
I was advised "in theory" it is absolutely feasible. I would hope to get some experienced devs in here to work on it since according to @jcase and @beaups there is most likely a fix coming from Google in November.
However don't bother Jcase or beaups because jcase was 100% stating he will not work on LG devices at all. This is myfirst LG device ever so hopefully those that know people cantag any developers they know in hopes of them working with us towards unlocking the BL and or rooting this device before its too late!
Thanks
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Well Jcase & Beaups were awesome with the dev support for root and s-off for the HTC M8, a phone I just moved on from for the LG V20, my first LG smartphone. Love the V20 so far, but bummed Jcase wont work on LG devices. I wonder why?

IR1 said:
Well Jcase was awesome in all the dev support for the HTC M8, a phone I just moved on from for the LG V20, my first LG that isnt a work phone. Love the V20 so far, but bummed he wont work on LG devices. I wonder why?
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i briefly talked to him in other threads and something about the lg community and there being fake devs working on LG etc. lol

elliwigy said:
i briefly talked to him in other threads and something about the lg community and there being fake devs working on LG etc. lol
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There was an insane amount of drama in the t-mobile v10 development threads last year and earlier this year and he pretty much threw his hands in the air and said good riddance...
It was pretty crazy. Every time I'd check the threads there'd be a message from a moderator about cleaning the thread and last warning etc.
Drama!

elliwigy said:
i briefly talked to him in other threads and something about the lg community and there being fake devs working on LG etc. lol
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I remember jcase from 2012 when he helped us get the LG Spectrum working with the latest CWM. He used to be in a chatroom all the time with PlayfulGod and Death2all and me and another guy were the testers I haven't seen jcase in ages. Good to know he's still around. And speaking of PlayfulGod, perhaps he might take a look at the verizon V20 since he did do a lot of recovery work for LG devices back in the day. I don't even know if he's still around. Anyway, you mentioning jcase just brought back memories.
---------- Post added at 02:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 AM ----------
patterson?? said:
Turned in verizon pixel for this v20. Couldnt get over the small screen with huge bezels hope the dev get this phone unlocked as quickly as pixel. Im liking the v20 much more than pixel so far.
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I exchanged the Pixel XL for the V20 and glad I did. I just don't get what all the rage is about with that device. I had it for 6 days and was over it. It got warm in the hand even from normal use with the brightness turned down. The display hardly got bright enough for outdoor use. The mics on it were terrible. The 1080p 60fps video recording was awful. The EIS was robotic and not well executed at all. The camera was good but not what people are making it out to be...meh. The bootup was slow and I hated that it played a tune. The display whites had a yellow tint to them when compared to my Note 7 and V20 which I didn't like at all. And overall it was a very average and boring device which I could not justify spending 36 a month for when I could get the V20 for 28 and have way more features and a $150 pair of headphones.

imucarmen said:
I remember jcase from 2012 when he helped us get the LG Spectrum working with the latest CWM. He used to be in a chatroom all the time with PlayfulGod and Death2all and me and another guy were the testers I haven't seen jcase in ages. Good to know he's still around. And speaking of PlayfulGod, perhaps he might take a look at the verizon V20 since he did do a lot of recovery work for LG devices back in the day. I don't even know if he's still around. Anyway, you mentioning jcase just brought back memories.
---------- Post added at 02:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:41 AM ----------
I exchanged the Pixel XL for the V20 and glad I did. I just don't get what all the rage is about with that device. I had it for 6 days and was over it. It got warm in the hand even from normal use with the brightness turned down. The display hardly got bright enough for outdoor use. The mics on it were terrible. The 1080p 60fps video recording was awful. The EIS was robotic and not well executed at all. The camera was good but not what people are making it out to be...meh. The bootup was slow and I hated that it played a tune. The display whites had a yellow tint to them when compared to my Note 7 and V20 which I didn't like at all. And overall it was a very average and boring device which I could not justify spending 36 a month for when I could get the V20 for 28 and have way more features and a $150 pair of headphones.
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@PlayfulGod @DEATH2All if youre stillaround would like to kindly ask if you still delve into this type of stuff?

@DEATH2All
lame.. wont let me do a mention with his sig lol keeps putting as death2

Sprint LS997 variant updated to ZV9

I just got the update and for the first time it was nice to be up to date with security patches for a change lol... the previous updates were usually a month or two behind..
But the download didn't specify fixes or improvements, I wonder if anyone knows a way to find out if there are any, like at the sprint website with a change log.. I can't seem to find one as I used to find one with previous phones with sprint.
the update was about 650 mb.

and nobody to update it to zv9. Seems the rom community has halted.

hi guys my phone update to zv8 can i do downgrade firmware to zv6 or earlier ?

No u cant unfortunately

I'm almost willing to forego my root and hotspot for an updated phone at this point. Particularly because every rom I've tried has been a goddamn Bluetooth nightmare, and somehow I suspect aosp isn't going to be better because I've never had a phone run aosp without Bluetooth issues, and I've tried 9 phones.

Hey guys, this is a new phone to me (was rocking a release date Note 3 until last week), and unfamiliar with this forum specifically. (Not sure how I like sticking all the carrier variants in one section, but given the relative obscurity of the phone, I guess it makes sense...)
This seems like as good as any place to ask fellow Sprint V20 user w/o creating a new(b) thread unnecessarily?
I'm also on the ZV9, and it's been so long since I've had an unrooted phone, I had forgotten how much of a pain in the ass it is. True adblocking alone is driving my need for root here.
Is my phone rootable with this version of software? Is the Dirty Santa the way to go? Thanks in advance!
Sent from my LG-LS997 using XDA-Developers Legacy app

No its not unfortunately

pbedard said:
No its not unfortunately
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Ugh. Thanks for the response.
The phone is brilliant (after rocking the same phone for over 4 years, even last years phone feels like magic), but this might end up being a deal breaker for me.
Do you know off the top of your head what carrier models are still rootable?
My MNVO carrier (Ting) has other options of carrier models I can use, but T-Mob seems to be the most compatible.
Either way, thanks again for the quick response. ((I apologize for the non-searching, noobish questions, it's been a few years since I was an XDAddict, and still feeling my way around this new forum section.))

kingdazy said:
Ugh. Thanks for the response.
The phone is brilliant (after rocking the same phone for over 4 years, even last years phone feels like magic), but this might end up being a deal breaker for me.
Do you know off the top of your head what carrier models are still rootable?
My MNVO carrier (Ting) has other options of carrier models I can use, but T-Mob seems to be the most compatible.
Either way, thanks again for the quick response.
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Unfortuanely none right now unless u can find one that hasnt been updated

pbedard said:
Unfortuanely none right now unless u can find one that hasn't been updated
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No s**t. That's abysmal. How long has this model been like this? Is root a WIP, or a done deal unless LG/carriers relinquish?
I swear to F'ing gawd, this is the last time I buy a device w/o researching the ... heck out of it here first. IDK what I was thinking.

kingdazy said:
No s**t. That's abysmal. How long has this model been like this? Is root a WIP, or a done deal unless LG/carriers relinquish?
I swear to F'ing gawd, this is the last time I buy a device w/o researching the ... heck out of it here first. IDK what I was thinking.
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Its been like this since june nobody updated root but they have a life you know people do it for free.. Development is pretty much dead except for los rom there updating pretty fast.

pbedard said:
Its been like this since june nobody updated root but they have a life you know people do it for free.. Development is pretty much dead except for los rom there updating pretty fast.
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yeah, the unpaid work of XDA devs is a thankless job. I try to make donations to devs that have made my life better.
And I suspect with the relative obscurity of this phone, there won't be much more root dev'ing happening at all.
Might have to make a new device gameplan. And I really, really, never want to go back to Samsung.
Thanks for entertaining my questions, you've been helpful, man.

kingdazy said:
yeah, the unpaid work of XDA devs is a thankless job. I try to make donations to devs that have made my life better.
And I suspect with the relative obscurity of this phone, there won't be much more root dev'ing happening at all.
Might have to make a new device gameplan. And I really, really, never want to go back to Samsung.
Thanks for entertaining my questions, you've been helpful, man.
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Click to collapse
I just got the v20 ls 997 also has zv9 preinstalled. I've been reading the forums and there is still active work on root for these phones. Thats all I know. Seems like they are trying to create a kdz or tot file since sprint never released one for this phone. Also there is a thread about creating a universal lg bootloader solution. I think there is some active work in the G6 forum and they talk about how it could help other models.... Just keeping my fingers crossed because I too haven't had a nonrooted phone in about 5 years and I don't like it. nope. don't like it one bit. The v20 is good but would be a dream if I could get root. heres to staying hopeful and keeping an eye on the resale market value.

loopytee said:
I just got the v20 ls 997 also has zv9 preinstalled. I've been reading the forums and there is still active work on root for these phones. Thats all I know. Seems like they are trying to create a kdz or tot file since sprint never released one for this phone. Also there is a thread about creating a universal lg bootloader solution. I think there is some active work in the G6 forum and they talk about how it could help other models.... Just keeping my fingers crossed because I too haven't had a nonrooted phone in about 5 years and I don't like it. nope. don't like it one bit. The v20 is good but would be a dream if I could get root. heres to staying hopeful and keeping an eye on the resale market value.
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Click to collapse
Interesting! Good info, I'm still digging through this forums on this device, trying to wrap my head around it.
This really is a 'best bang for the buck' phone right now, esp if one is on a budget, getting a slightly older device. (I was limited to 300 or less by the wife in my search for a device to replace my old Note3) Plus the removable batt, the SD card use, a jack, a great cam...
I don't even use root that extensively (not a flashaholic anymore), but for the 2 or 3 reasons I do, it's important.

kingdazy said:
Interesting! Good info, I'm still digging through this forums on this device, trying to wrap my head around it.
This really is a 'best bang for the buck' phone right now, esp if one is on a budget, getting a slightly older device. (I was limited to 300 or less by the wife in my search for a device to replace my old Note3) Plus the removable batt, the SD card use, a jack, a great cam...
I don't even use root that extensively (not a flashaholic anymore), but for the 2 or 3 reasons I do, it's important.
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Click to collapse
I switch ROMs but really just being able to block all the ads! I didn't realize there was so many. And creating a back up shouldn't be so hard. Don't even get me started on all the background stuff apps are doing! And really there are so many great features missing from stock experience.

loopytee said:
I switch ROMs but really just being able to block all the ads! I didn't realize there was so many. And creating a back up shouldn't be so hard. Don't even get me started on all the background stuff apps are doing! And really there are so many great features missing from stock experience.
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Yup. That's the NUMBER ONE reason for me. True adblocking.
Been doing my normal browsing for the last week on this unrooted device, and (long stream of explitives here) the amount ads that I had forgotten about are stunning.
Getting rid of bloatware would be nice as well.
Have to admit though, stock LG isn't horrible, compared to Samsung.
(used all my thanks for the day, damnit)

anybody knows if zv9 nougat version for sprint lg v20 can be gsm unlocked?

kingdazy said:
Yup. That's the NUMBER ONE reason for me. True adblocking.
Been doing my normal browsing for the last week on this unrooted device, and (long stream of explitives here) the amount ads that I had forgotten about are stunning.
Getting rid of bloatware would be nice as well.
Have to admit though, stock LG isn't horrible, compared to Samsung.
(used all my thanks for the day, damnit)
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Click to collapse
I've been using Ad-guard and does a pretty good job at blocking ads for the most part.