Database Info

I seriously need help with this

Okay, so my Android 4.3 AT&T Galaxy S4 is rooted (through Kingo) and the only reason I did it in the first place was to flash CyanogenMod or some stock Android variant. Now I'm being told I can't install a custom recovery on my phone for two reasons. 1) AT&T locked the bootloader 2) I'm running Android 4.3.
Now, I'm considering unrooting my phone but even that's unclear and confusing, and it's hard to find people on these forums who are willing to help with these relatively simple (to the non-newbs, of course) things.
Can I flash a custom recovery? Can I run CyanogenMod or any good ROM? If no, will I be able to, ever? If no, how do I unroot? Would it be wise to just wait for the next update from Samsung or AT&T and install it so I automatically unroot?
Much appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

drooskiii said:
Okay, so my Android 4.3 AT&T Galaxy S4 is rooted (through Kingo) and the only reason I did it in the first place was to flash CyanogenMod or some stock Android variant. Now I'm being told I can't install a custom recovery on my phone for two reasons. 1) AT&T locked the bootloader 2) I'm running Android 4.3.
Now, I'm considering unrooting my phone but even that's unclear and confusing, and it's hard to find people on these forums who are willing to help with these relatively simple (to the non-newbs, of course) things.
Can I flash a custom recovery? Can I run CyanogenMod or any good ROM? If no, will I be able to, ever? If no, how do I unroot? Would it be wise to just wait for the next update from Samsung or AT&T and install it so I automatically unroot?
Much appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im not confirm with it but i read theres a tool called "loki" with it you can unlock your bootloader and run custom firmware. but the rom must provisioned with loki.
search for it and read you in.
hope i could help you a little.

[Q] Downgrade I535

Hey XDA,
I want to downgrade my verizon s3 to 4.1.2 from 4.3 in order to flash a custom rom (that isn't TW based so I can't use safestrap). I did a google search and found this link:
androidpit[ENTER DOTCOM HERE]/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3
I have heard that trying to downgrade will trip Knox and your phone will be bricked. So basically my question is would this work..
**also my contract is about to end, once it ends will Verizon have to unlock my boot loader?

ng4 said:
Hey XDA,
I want to downgrade my verizon s3 to 4.1.2 from 4.3 in order to flash a custom rom (that isn't TW based so I can't use safestrap). I did a google search and found this link:
androidpit[ENTER DOTCOM HERE]/how-to-downgrade-galaxy-s3
I have heard that trying to downgrade will trip Knox and your phone will be bricked. So basically my question is would this work..
**also my contract is about to end, once it ends will Verizon have to unlock my boot loader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That link had been posted in this forum before. It is for the international version of the s3. It will not work on the Verizon version and will brick your phone. You cannot downgrade the Verizon s3 from 4.3 or higher.
No, Verizon does not have to unlock your bootloader when your contract ends. They have to SIM unlock your phone so it can be used on other carriers. Wrong unlock.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

landshark68 said:
That link had been posted in this forum before. It is for the international version of the s3. It will not work on the Verizon version and will brick your phone. You cannot downgrade the Verizon s3 from 4.3 or higher.
No, Verizon does not have to unlock your bootloader when your contract ends. They have to SIM unlock your phone so it can be used on other carriers. Wrong unlock.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, well there has been a 4.4 update OTA that I haven't taken yet. I know I can easily root if I took it. Has there been any success with flashing roms on that firmware or is it the same verizon garbage and I should just stay on 4.3 because I am more likely to get a boot loader unlock/solution to this issue.
(I'm about ready to sell this phone and buy an at&t phone I have had enough with verizon's overpriced non-service.)

ng4 said:
Ok, well there has been a 4.4 update OTA that I haven't taken yet. I know I can easily root if I took it. Has there been any success with flashing roms on that firmware or is it the same verizon garbage and I should just stay on 4.3 because I am more likely to get a boot loader unlock/solution to this issue.
(I'm about ready to sell this phone and buy an at&t phone I have had enough with verizon's overpriced non-service.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 4.4.2 update is also locked down. Pretty much no chance of getting bootloader unlocked on 4.3 or 4.4. If you want to run a custom ROM, you will have to stick with 4.3 and use safestrap to run a custom 4.3 touchwiz ROM. No AOSP, and no custom kernels for you.
Sent from the Shark Tank using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

VZW M8 Master RUU/Firmware Collection

Greetings....
Assembling a list of all RUU/firmware threads so that users no longer have to dig to find what's needed. Support for each will be found in the linked thread itself while general questions like "which one is applicable to my situation?" can be handled in this thread.
If you are S-ON
Your options are somewhat limited.. naturally.
RUU (4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 5.0.1, 6.0) in EXE/ZIP format
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/general/official-ruu1-55-605-2-t2883845
If you are S-OFF
RUU 6.0 zip thread
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...pment/stock-m-firmware-nand-recovery-t3330972
RUU 5.0.1 (comes pre-rooted (EXE/zip support)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...zip-ruu-m8vzw-5-0-1-s-off-onlynewest-t3047103
RUU 4.4.4 (comes pre-rooted) (EXE/zip support)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ent/ruu-m8vzw-4-4-4-s-off-onlynewest-t2914914
RUU 4.4.3 (comes pre-rooted) (zip support)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ent/ruu-m8vzw-4-4-3-s-off-onlynewest-t2873144
RUU 4.4.2 (comes pre-rooted) (zip support)
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727831
Firmware only
4.4.3/4.4.4/5.0.1 Stock Recoveries, Stock kernels (boot), Stock ADSP, and many more....
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723159
4.4.2/4.4.3/4.4.4 Radios
- http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-htc-one-m8/development/radios-0-89-20-0222-t2824882

Note.... If you are needing to go back to locked and S-on for warranty purposes but are too leery to do it yourself, help is available via pm. Don't let your s/lock status from getting proper hardware RMA'S!
If you have bricked one beyond fixing and can't get it replaced, please consider donating it rather than throwing it in a desk drawer, shooting it, or whatever other crazy idea comes to mind. I can almost always put a bricked phone to good use.

Anyone who would like to use fastboot/adb for this device please use the following version fastboot/adb. It's HTC's own version. It works on pc's with less ram and it automatically breaks up a single zip into pieces for transfer. It also reflashes automatically if needed.
USE IT!
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95784891001612150
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95784891001612150

Looks good bro.

Great job!

Sweet! Thanks bro =]

Nice! I admit that the firmware was confusing for me on this phone, but thanks to dottat's posts, I figured it out.
This clears things up a lot and should help quite a few people.
Thanks!

xdadevnube said:
Nice! I admit that the firmware was confusing for me on this phone, but thanks to dottat's posts, I figured it out.
This clears things up a lot and should help quite a few people.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What was so confusing?

You are the MAN dottat!! Thanks!

Tigerstown said:
What was so confusing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I managed to figure out the firmware largely due to dottat. There were multiple threads of various age, some with seemingly conflicting advice. This goes for most device forums I follow. There was no authoritative resource, IMO, until this thread.
The search feature was key, I am pretty thorough before embarking in firmware upgrades.

xdadevnube said:
I managed to figure out the firmware largely due to dottat. There were multiple threads of various age, some with seemingly conflicting advice. This goes for most device forums I follow. There was no authoritative resource, IMO, until this thread.
The search feature was key, I am pretty thorough before embarking in firmware upgrades.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@xdadevnube what could I do better in my OP of Vzw m8 firmware thread? I would like your input if you have ideas that would help make it easier for new comers to Xda? I would gladly make positive changes to my op to make it a easier an smoother experience. So feel free to tell me your ideas you/anyone might have that would help everyone..thanks I appreciate it.

Tigerstown said:
@xdadevnube what could I do better in my OP of Vzw m8 firmware thread? I would like your input if you have ideas that would help make it easier for new comers to Xda? I would gladly make positive changes to my op to make it a easier an smoother experience. So feel free to tell me your ideas you/anyone might have that would help everyone..thanks I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your OP does contain the required information and instructions, so I can't really complain. One thing that could be helpful is to list the bootloader version info for each firmware release. You listed the most recent one right at the top of the thread, so at least it is easy to tell whether a given device is on the latest firmware or not. Because your thread is the main firmware thread, perhaps it would be best if the OP were organized into sections for 4.4.2, 4.4.3, and 4.4.4. It could be clarified which partitions are modified in the process, and whether the radios are affected. Install instructions could be put in their own spot.
These are only ideas! Also, your thread should probably be stickied. Thanks for all you do.

xdadevnube said:
Your OP does contain the required information and instructions, so I can't really complain. One thing that could be helpful is to list the bootloader version info for each firmware release. You listed the most recent one right at the top of the thread, so at least it is easy to tell whether a given device is on the latest firmware or not. Because your thread is the main firmware thread, perhaps it would be best if the OP were organized into sections for 4.4.2, 4.4.3, and 4.4.4. It could be clarified which partitions are modified in the process, and whether the radios are affected. Install instructions could be put in their own spot.
These are only ideas! Also, your thread should probably be stickied. Thanks for all you do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey whats up. I have made major changes to my firmware thread will you go check it out an let em know if i made it user friendly :highfive:

Firmware flash
Hello everyone. I am new to this Forum. I've only been here a few days. I have an Unlocked/S-Off Verizon HTC One M8 that I recently purchased from Ebay. I had a little trouble for a while when I first got it as it was running 4.4.2 and I took the OTA update to 4.4.3 and it messed up the phone. I didn't know it was Unlocked/S-Off'd. And the seller said it wasn't rooted any more. Well so now that I know it is even after running the Verizon RUU, I was wondering if I need to upgrade the firmware one upgrade at a time (meaning 4.4.3 and then 4.4.4)? Or can I jump to a 5.01 Lollipop ROM? I have TWRP installed and I used Flashify to install it. I'm hoping to use Flashify more for installing zips. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you....oh and I'm loving this M8!!!!

Tigerstown said:
hey whats up. I have made major changes to my firmware thread will you go check it out an let em know if i made it user friendly :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks good to me.

den_hart said:
Hello everyone. I am new to this Forum. I've only been here a few days. I have an Unlocked/S-Off Verizon HTC One M8 that I recently purchased from Ebay. I had a little trouble for a while when I first got it as it was running 4.4.2 and I took the OTA update to 4.4.3 and it messed up the phone. I didn't know it was Unlocked/S-Off'd. And the seller said it wasn't rooted any more. Well so now that I know it is even after running the Verizon RUU, I was wondering if I need to upgrade the firmware one upgrade at a time (meaning 4.4.3 and then 4.4.4)? Or can I jump to a 5.01 Lollipop ROM? I have TWRP installed and I used Flashify to install it. I'm hoping to use Flashify more for installing zips. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you....oh and I'm loving this M8!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rom and firmware are to separate things. You can flash straight to 4.4.4 firmware and then flash a lollipop Rom or any custom Rom.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

Firmware Updates
dottat said:
Rom and firmware are to separate things. You can flash straight to 4.4.4 firmware and then flash a lollipop Rom or any custom Rom.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello dottat. Thank you for replying to my question(s). Yes I know that a ROM is different than firmware. I was just wondering if I had to upgrade my firmware one update at a time or if I could just jump from 4.4.2 to say 5.0 or 5.01 so that if I wanted to I could put a custom ROM on my M8. I'm not actually sure how high the firmware upgrades go. I've only seen 4.4.4 as the highest so far.

den_hart said:
Hello dottat. Thank you for replying to my question(s). Yes I know that a ROM is different than firmware. I was just wondering if I had to upgrade my firmware one update at a time or if I could just jump from 4.4.2 to say 5.0 or 5.01 so that if I wanted to I could put a custom ROM on my M8. I'm not actually sure how high the firmware upgrades go. I've only seen 4.4.4 as the highest so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can go straight to 4.4.4 and get crack flashing. No L firmware yet as we don't have L official.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

update process on factory unlocked VZW M8 used with GSM
Hi!
I am getting a verizon factory unlocked model and i am going to use it on a GSM network in india.Since its factory unlocked there should be no issues with the network. .however i had some doubts about the software updates. .so will i be able to receive and install updates normally without resorting to rooting the phone. .some people reported that they had an issue installing the update where it said that they have to be on CDMA or something like that. .Will i be able to overcome such issues by connecting to wifi?Is someone could shed a little light on how the update process works when used abroad with a GSM carrier it would be great!Thank you so much in advance!

balag59 said:
Hi!
I am getting a verizon factory unlocked model and i am going to use it on a GSM network in india.Since its factory unlocked there should be no issues with the network. .however i had some doubts about the software updates. .so will i be able to receive and install updates normally without resorting to rooting the phone. .some people reported that they had an issue installing the update where it said that they have to be on CDMA or something like that. .Will i be able to overcome such issues by connecting to wifi?Is someone could shed a little light on how the update process works when used abroad with a GSM carrier it would be great!Thank you so much in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will always be able to install the s-on ruu from here. The problem is that the latter versions of software while sim unlocked have proven very difficult to use on some carriers because you can no longer edit apn. You have to chose from pre-provided apn and thats only if they show up with your SIM card inserted.
You would be really wise to s-off the phone even if you don't root it as this would be the only way to downgrade if you ended up not having a workable situation on the newer software.

I know it can be done on my GS3 SCH-I535

Hello everyone. This is my first post and I am quite new to the world of smartphone modding. Literally, I have only been learning about this for a few hours. In those few hours I have been able to root my SCH-I535 4.4.2, soft brick it and reflash the stock ROM using odin. So I learn fairly quick and can follow basic instructions. Anyways, thats my intro.
So here is my goal:
1) Update my GS3 SCH-I535 FROM 4.4.2 TO Marshmallow 6.0.x.
So here is what I think I know:
1) The SCH-I535 has a locked bootloader which cannot be unlocked and therefore recovery programs such as TWRP or Clockwork will not work which means I cannot install any ROMS via that method. Correct? This is how I bricked my phone using TWRP.
2) There is a recovery program called Safestrap which CAN be used to install ROMS but these ROMS have to be specifically written to work with Safestrap? Correct?
So here are my questions:
1) Can anybody point me to a tutorial or help me achieve my goal?
2) Where can I find these Safestrap specific ROMS? I have read there is a version of Cyanogen13 for Safestarp. Is this correct?
Thanks in advance.

Snoopy329 said:
Hello everyone. This is my first post and I am quite new to the world of smartphone modding. Literally, I have only been learning about this for a few hours. In those few hours I have been able to root my SCH-I535 4.4.2, soft brick it and reflash the stock ROM using odin. So I learn fairly quick and can follow basic instructions. Anyways, thats my intro.
So here is my goal:
1) Update my GS3 SCH-I535 FROM 4.4.2 TO Marshmallow 6.0.x.
So here is what I think I know:
1) The SCH-I535 has a locked bootloader which cannot be unlocked and therefore recovery programs such as TWRP or Clockwork will not work which means I cannot install any ROMS via that method. Correct? This is how I bricked my phone using TWRP.
2) There is a recovery program called Safestrap which CAN be used to install ROMS but these ROMS have to be specifically written to work with Safestrap? Correct?
So here are my questions:
1) Can anybody point me to a tutorial or help me achieve my goal?
2) Where can I find these Safestrap specific ROMS? I have read there is a version of Cyanogen13 for Safestarp. Is this correct?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, your device will never be able to use custom recovery or custom CM/AOSP based ROMs, you're stuck with Safestrap Recovery, modified stock ROMs and Xposed framework if you want to use it in addition to a ROM for more customization.
The safestrap compatible ROMs are stock based and there are no 6.0+ or 5.0+ versions for Verizon S3 that I know of unless I'm missing something.
If you want Lollipop or Marshmallow you'll have to port a stock firmware from one of the other S3 variants or other Samsung devices with similar hardware that has 5.0+ or 6.0+ stock firmware available for it.
Porting is done to convert the firmware from the device it is made for to the device you want to use it on, you'll need a copy of Verizon stock firmware and a copy of the firmware you want to port, then you extract them both and switch the vital stuff from the Verizon firmware over to the firmware you want to port. It's probably too complicated for someone with just a few hours of experience though.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Not to mention there's also no 6.0 stock roms available on any S3 variant.
Additionally OP, it's more than being compatible with safestrap, the roms have to be compatible with the stock kernel because you are unable to change that.
Only way you can get a 6.0 rom is to compile your own AOSP rom, delete the AOSP kernel, and configure that rom to run off of the Samsung kernel. It would be a difficult task, but it has been done before. Nobody has done it yet for this device. And I wouldn't have the slightest idea where to find the information to do that.

Well thanks for the replies. I guess those videos I watched are fake or maybe I just didnt understand them properly. I guess my wife will have to be happy with kitkat..
Now I just need to figure out how to root my SG5 sm-900v. Can someone point me in the right direction? I tried using a guide I found here on XDA but just ended up softbricking my phone. I reflashed the stock though.
Thanks

Snoopy329 said:
Well thanks for the replies. I guess those videos I watched are fake or maybe I just didnt understand them properly. I guess my wife will have to be happy with kitkat..
Now I just need to figure out how to root my SG5 sm-900v. Can someone point me in the right direction? I tried using a guide I found here on XDA but just ended up softbricking my phone. I reflashed the stock though.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on which stock firmware version the S5 has, typically it involves flashing a kernel then using Towelroot to root then install SuperSU then disable Knox then flash a second kernel as mentioned a few posts down in the thread linked below, it has two links you'll need to follow, a few posts below the post with the links mentions the order that you do it in.
androidforums.com/threads/verizon-rooting-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v.908621
But I think in your case your firmware might be too new and is probably locked down. It's another device that can only use Safestrap and stock based ROMs. That's pretty much what you'll get with any Verizon Samsung device these days, they're all locked from 4.3 and up, its possible to root but no true custom recovery or custom ROMs.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 PM ----------
Snoopy329 said:
Well thanks for the replies. I guess those videos I watched are fake or maybe I just didnt understand them properly. I guess my wife will have to be happy with kitkat..
Now I just need to figure out how to root my SG5 sm-900v. Can someone point me in the right direction? I tried using a guide I found here on XDA but just ended up softbricking my phone. I reflashed the stock though.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a thread linked below that is a discussion of a service provided by a company called MobileTechVideos .com to unlock bootloader for you or unbrick a locked device that has been bricked by flashing TWRP. I don't know if they still offer the service though. They may even do it for the S5, who knows.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603402
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Droidriven said:
It depends on which stock firmware version the S5 has, typically it involves flashing a kernel then using Towelroot to root then install SuperSU then disable Knox then flash a second kernel as mentioned a few posts down in the thread linked below, it has two links you'll need to follow, a few posts below the post with the links mentions the order that you do it in.
androidforums.com/threads/verizon-rooting-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900v.908621
But I think in your case your firmware might be too new and is probably locked down. It's another device that can only use Safestrap and stock based ROMs. That's pretty much what you'll get with any Verizon Samsung device these days, they're all locked from 4.3 and up, its possible to root but no true custom recovery or custom ROMs.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:44 PM ----------
There is a thread linked below that is a discussion of a service provided by a company called MobileTechVideos .com to unlock bootloader for you or unbrick a locked device that has been bricked by flashing TWRP. I don't know if they still offer the service though. They may even do it for the S5, who knows.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2603402
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that post. I checked the links and it requires me to downgrage to 4.4 which I don't want to do. I am on 5.0 and I just want to root it. At this point I dont want to install custom roms or modified stock roms. I'll keep checking for a tutorial for an S5 5.0 root. I tried one here on XDA but I softbricked so I had to reflash the stock.

Snoopy329 said:
Thanks for that post. I checked the links and it requires me to downgrage to 4.4 which I don't want to do. I am on 5.0 and I just want to root it. At this point I dont want to install custom roms or modified stock roms. I'll keep checking for a tutorial for an S5 5.0 root. I tried one here on XDA but I softbricked so I had to reflash the stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a working root for Verizon S5 on 5.0+ that I know of, Samsungs usually require flashing TWRP or CF Auto root but those can't be flashed on locked bootloader devices, only results in softbrick/bootloop or bricked.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

Having Major Trouble Rooting my S6

Hello XDA Forums,
I'm having trouble rooting my S6, I'm a blockhead and can't seem to figure out whats going on. Any help, tips, or comments?
My carrier is AT&T.
i.imgur com/Cm8CnGn.png
i.imgur com/CEyw25z.png

diorxx said:
Hello XDA Forums,
I'm having trouble rooting my S6, I'm a blockhead and can't seem to figure out whats going on. Any help, tips, or comments?
My carrier is AT&T.
i.imgur com/CEyw25z.png
i.imgur com/Cm8CnGn.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't access the links as it's not letting me copy them on my phone on the xda app. What android version are you on?

sofir786 said:
Can't access the links as it's not letting me copy them on my phone on the xda app. What android version are you on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android version: 7.0
Model number: SAMSUNG-SM-G920A

Right okay cool thanks for that. I have bad news for you, because your phone has a locked bootloader it cannot be rooted at this point until an exploit is found. I even had a look over in the At&T s6 forums and there's not much going on. Sorry mate.

sofir786 said:
Right okay cool thanks for that. I have bad news for you, because your phone has a locked bootloader it cannot be rooted at this point until an exploit is found. I even had a look over in the At&T s6 forums and there's not much going on. Sorry mate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sucks but thanks for the straightforward answer. But there's really 0 options for me at this point? Not even downgrading or flashing? (Just some terms I've picked up, don't exactly know what those mean)

diorxx said:
That sucks but thanks for the straightforward answer. But there's really 0 options for me at this point? Not even downgrading or flashing? (Just some terms I've picked up, don't exactly know what those mean)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately not, downgrading is when going from one version to the previous, due to how samsung setup their bootloader, trying to say go from nougat to Marshmallow is not possible so you will always remain on nougat. Flashing is commonly done via a recovery and a piece of software called odin, every phone has a recovery but most root things need you to have a custom recovery like twrp this can only be achieved via having root, odin is used to flash stock Samsung firmwares. Hope that helps a bit. For the time being my advice to you is to keep looking at the s6 at&t forums from time to time, at some point they may come out with a root exploit that works.