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Stuck in a bootloop. Please help!

Got a replacement phone today. I went to install the ROM that I liked I'm stuck in a bootloop and not sure how to recover. Would really appreciate some help as I'm bricked otherwise.
1. Rooted via Odin. Easy.
2. Went to install TWRP via Odin. I *think* it worked. I took these instructions from TWRP's site and tried to interpret as best as I could because this didn't seem to be English to me (Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use Google to find the proper key combo to enter recovery. After typing fastboot reboot, hold the key combo and boot to TWRP. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don't follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.)
I booted into recovery, and it went into TWRP so I assumed I was good.
3. I installed Alliance ROM via ROM Customizer as instructed in the Alliance thread. I have done this many times before.
4. I thought it installed, and it started booting up (Alliance splash screen came up, etc) but then it looped back into a reboot.
5. Tried flashing another ROM via TWRP I had on my card and it did the same thing.
6. Tried Odin and it's doing nothing.
Not sure what to do now...please help!

I seem to have gotten back to stock somehow. Big relief.
I would appreciate any advice as to where I might have gone wrong.

First thing that comes to mind is firmware compatibility. If your phone is still using kit-kat firmware and you try to flash a lollipop rom it will not boot, and vice versa.
---------- Post added at 06:19 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 AM ----------
Also, are you going into download mode from a powered off state?

Thanks for the reply. I did verify 5.0 first. And yes, was going into download from a powered off state.
My best guess was that I didn't follow those directions from TWRP I pasted above correctly because I didn't understand them. But like I said, TWRP did install, so I figured I was good. Maybe it just didn't install correctly?

I'm not sure, I've never had a recovery NOT install correctly before.
---------- Post added at 06:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:54 AM ----------
What roms are you flashing? Have you tried those specifically for sprint phones?

I tried Alliance and MOAR. I had both on my SD card from my previous S5 before it broke. They are definitely the Sprint versions.
Here was the verbiage that confused me in the TWRP instructions "After typing fastboot reboot"
In the set of instructions below I'm not sure exactly what it means. I found the key combo, and at some point during reboot I held it to go to recovery mode, and TWRP launched. I am just wondering if I pressed it at the wrong time? Or maybe I'm getting hung up on the wrong thing.
(Note many devices will replace your custom recovery automatically during first boot. To prevent this, use Google to find the proper key combo to enter recovery. After typing fastboot reboot, hold the key combo and boot to TWRP. Once TWRP is booted, TWRP will patch the stock ROM to prevent the stock ROM from replacing TWRP. If you don't follow this step, you will have to repeat the install.)

metalfan78 said:
First thing that comes to mind is firmware compatibility. If your phone is still using kit-kat firmware and you try to flash a lollipop rom it will not boot, and vice versa.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is the issue the more I contemplate it. I DID verify that I was on Lollipop. However, my mistake was assuming that my old phone was also on Lollipop when I flashed it, and assuming that the roms I was trying to flash were also lollipop roms. They are based on 4.4.
Going to try again, I restored the phone to 4.4. Thanks again for this.

Price is Right failhorn.
Another boot loop. Going to restore again. Ugh.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/16zl5f4dchh1k4m/Root files.zip?dl=0
These are the files I used to root after updating. It's the version of TWRP I'm still using. Just make sure when flashing TWRP with Odin that you have reboot UNCHECKED and boot into recovery manually.

Just wanted to circle back and say thanks metal, for trying to help.
Thanks to all of the awesome members/tutorials here I was able to use Odin to flash back to a stock unrooted kit kat ROM without issue every time. Because I was having troubles loading Alliance with kit kat but I was dead set on getting away from stock, I followed the tutorial for MOAR for 5.0 down to first flashing Lollipop and then flashing the ROM. The instructions in that thread were crystal clear for upgrading and then flashing and they worked like a charm.
Y'all are doin' work here, and I thank everyone for putting up with newbie tweakers like myself.

[How-To] I installed a custom Lollipop ROM on my AT&T Galaxy S4 and it was easy!

EASY... relatively speaking.
I read XDA forums for hours and hours... and hours. Seriously. I spent about 20 hours reading XDA just for this. All the info is out there, but it is spread out across a dozen different threads, and multiple posts within those threads.
When I actually went through the process, I had (no lie) eighteen windows open, each with a relevant thread/post.
Sheesh, and people think this is complicated... [/s]
But in the end - I have a custom Lollipop ROM on my phone (Goldeneye v53) and it is working beautifully. And I had NO issues with the process, it all went smoothly.
The phone (which previously was starting to run out of space, lag, and just all-around felt "old") is now like new. And, dare I say... better than a stock S6? It is certainly leaner and meaner than a stock system (that's a good thing - I despise all the bloat on stock systems)
So, to make it easier for all those who come behind me, here is how to do it. In 39 easy steps.
One post.
One list.
Bullet points.
Links.
EASY.
Do this EXACTLY - and you will have a custom ROM on your S4.
Do something "just a little" different... Or miss a step... I'm pretty sure your device will explode, or at least catch on fire.
Either way, there is no express or implied warranty on this process I have collected and posted here. Anything you choose to do to your device is on you, and if something goes wrong, I accept no liability.
For risk mitigation in my case (as I'm an overly anal type) - I made sure that I dug my previous phone out of the closet, charged the battery, installed my SIM, and confirmed that I could use the old phone to at least make calls/texts in the event that "something" happened to my S4 during the upgrade process and I had to go to work the next day without my S4. Everything went smoothly, but IMO you should definitely have a contingency plan just in case.
Note - this is only for those NOT on MDB or MDL bootloaders. You guys have it easy. Don't do all the crap below - you don't need to, and if you DO do it, you are locked into this "complicated" method FOREVER (mwa-ha-haaa!!!)
1. Preparation
1.1 READ THROUGH THIS POST 27 TIMES (NO LESS, NO MORE) AND MAKE SURE YOU "GET IT". IF NECESSARY, READ THE THREADS LINKED THROUGHOUT THIS POST. <<< THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS. IF YOU JUST READ THE FIRST FEW STEPS AND START FLASHING CRAP, YOU ARE GOING TO F SOMETHING UP. READ IT ALL, UNDERSTAND IT, THEN DO IT. I CAN'T EMPHASIZE THIS ENOUGH.
1.2 Backup. Back your stuff up. Back it all up - ALL of it. Understand that whatever you do not back up now, YOU WILL LOSE. This process is going to wipe your device clean. Anything you want to save, you need to back it up now.
1.2.1 Do not use Titanium Backup - for anything. It will F your stuff up. Which is unfortunate, because TB is a great app that is incredibly useful - just not this time. Apparently TB has issues when migrating form one version of Android to another (i.e. 4.x.x to 5.x.x). Sorry, but you gotta do it manually.
1.2.2 Copy your pics/vids to your PC
1.2.3 Use "SMS Backup& Restore" from the Play store
1.2.4 Let Google sync your contacts and calendar.
1.2.5 Any apps that store your data locally (not sync'd to their server) - manually find it (I like ES File Explorer) and copy it to your PC if you care about it.
All of that said - I found that wiping my device and migrating to Lollipop was a GREAT way to clean a bunch of useless crap I no longer needed off of my phone.
2. Rooting and Flashing STOCK KitKat (4.4.2) ROM (relevant thread - see post #2, under the "NB1 - KitKat 4.4.2 > Option 2" section.
Note: The reason you have to do this is because you must have rooted Lollipop on your device in order to flash custom Lollipop ROMS. If you just want stock, non-rooted Lollipop maybe you COULD just use Odin to flash Lollipop directly? But there is no way to get root on Lollipop directly - and you must be rooted if you want to wind up with a custom ROM. So you have to do this intermediate step of flashing and rooting a 4.4.x or higher OS. This version of NB1 is easiest because you can use Odin to flash a ROOTABLE ROM which makes the root process simple with Towelroot.
2.1 Download Odin v3.09 here. Place on PC.
2.2 Download ROOTABLE NB1 ROM here. Place on PC.
2.3 Download towelroot v3 here. Place on PC and copy to device (likely your SD card).
2.4 Use Odin to flash ROOTABLE NB1 ROM to your device. When the phone boots up, just speed through the "initial setup" screens, it doesn't matter since you're going to install a couple more ROMs before the finished product.
2.5 Go to settings>more>security and check "unknown apps", and uncheck "verify sources".
2.5 Navigate to towelroot v3, and install it.
2.6 Open towelroot and click the "make it rain" button.
Congrats, you are now rooted on KitKat NB1.
3. Upgrading to ROOTED STOCK OC3 (Lollipop) using "keep root" method (relevant thread)
As mentioned, this process takes you from ROOTED NB1 (KitKat, 4.4.x) to OC3 (Lollipop, 5.x.x). The only way to get rooted OC3 is to first get root in any 4.4.x version or higher and then upgrade to OC3 using the "keep root" method. There is (as of this writing) no way to root OC3 Lollipop directly. "keep root" reference thread - post #1
3.1 Download Flashfire app using below steps. (no direct link available).
3.1.1 Join the G+ community using the same Google account as you're using for Play on your phone/tablet Here.
3.1.2 Sign up to receive the BETA versions from Play Here.
3.1.3 Use the link provided after sign-up to download the app. Note - the link was not immediately available for me, and apparently that is normal. (There was a link, but it told me something like "link not found" when I tried to access it at first.) I had to sign up, and then 30 minutes later I went back and had access to the Flashfire file.
3.2 Download I337_OC3_Stock_Rooted_ROM here.
3.3 Place ROM on SD card.
3.4 Use Flashfire to flash ROM (see "keep root" reference thread from above for specific details of using Flashfire)
Congrats, you are now on rooted (stock) Lollipop.
4. Install your CUSTOM Lollipop ROM
4.1 Download ROM and prepare Safestrap recovery
4.1.1 Download your chosen ROM. I chose Goldeneye v53 here. (I chose Goldeneye because after brief reading, Goldeneye seemed to be one of the more stable options, and stability is what I wanted when going through this the first time.) Place it on your SD card. Here are other options for Lollipop custom ROMs on AT&T GS4. If you happen to wander into the development section and see all the shiny, new, intriguing ROMs floating around, keep in mind that most of them won't work for the AT&T GS4. Any custom ROM on this device must be based on Touchwiz and setup to be compatible with safestrap - only a handful meet those criteria.
4.1.2 Download Safestrap v3.75 here. Place it on your SD card. Do not install it at this point, Safestrap is currently not compatible with Lollipop - you are going to flash a different Kernel in Step 4.2 to work around this.
4.1.3 Download BusyBox from Play store
4.1.4 Install BusyBox on your device.
4.1.5 Install Safestap 3.75
4.1.6 Open Safestrap
4.1.7 I did not do this step because I did not start this process with any previous version of SS on my phone. But if you did have a previous SS recovery installed, use the Safestrap to "uninstall" the previous recovery version. It is my understanding that you can't install v3.75 on top of another version, you need to first remove the old version before installing the new version. The "uninstall" option is done from within the SS app, not the Android application manager - you are uninstalling the custom recovery, not the SS app.
4.1.8 "Install Recovery" (from within Safestrap). NOTE: this only INSTALLS safestrap, it does not boot you into safestrap recovery. There is no need to go into safestrap recovery yet. That's later.
4.2 Flash NC1 Kernel
As mentioned above, you need to flash the NC1 Kernel so that you can do your thing in Safestrap. But then you MUST remember to reflash the OC3 Kernel after using Safestrap to install the ROM, or else your phone will explode (probably).
4.2.1 Download NC1 flasher app from here. Place it on your SD card.
4.2.2 Download I337_stock_OC3_kernel_recovery_flashable from here. Place it on your SD card.
4.2.3 Download OC3 modules from here. Place it on your SD card.
4.2.4 Open NC1 flasher app and press "flash" (it's the only button)
4.2.5 Wait for completion and press reboot. NOW you will get automatically rebooted into safestrap recovery.
4.3 Install your custom ROM!!!
(note: all the below is done in safestrap recovery)
4.3.1 Go to "Wipe" and perform factory reset (will wipe system data, cache, and dalvik)
4.3.2 Flash your ROM. For Goldeneye ROM, it uses the AROMA installer. Choose the options that you like, but make sure to READ THEM ALL BEFORE SELECTING ANYTHING - IF ONE OF THE OPTIONS MENTIONS AT&T/SAFESTRAP, YOU MUST CHOOSE THAT OPTION. HELLFIRE, BRIMSTONE, AND ETERNAL DAMNATION WILL AWAIT YOU IF YOU CHOOSE ANOTHER OPTION.
4.3.3 At the end of the ROM installation, uncheck the "reboot now" option and continue - it will send you back to safestrap.
4.3.4 From within SS, install the OC3 modules from your SD card.
4.3.5 From within SS, install the I337_Stock_OC3_kernel_recovery_flashable from your SD card.
4.3.6 Reboot > system
4.3.7 Keep hitting "continue" when you get the safestrap recovery screen. This is a symptom of Lollipop not being compatible with Safestrap. Hit "continue" repeatedly (like 4 or 5 times) and eventually you will get into your ROM.
4.3.8 (Optional) Install safestrap.apk (that you d/l to your SD card) to your phone, and then use it to UNINSTALL recovery. This will avoid the above step 4.3.7 happening every time you reboot your phone.
Congrats, you now have a custom Lollipop ROM running on your device.
Note: SuperSU is finicky on Lollipop. See this thread for how to manipulate SuperSU to get your root apps working.
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See? EASY.

Safestrap never works. I always select recovery when its powering on and it just powers up normally and takes me to my lockscreen. I installed safestrap using the apk, im already rooted on stock lollipop.

Israelsalinas19 said:
Safestrap never works. I always select recovery when its powering on and it just powers up normally and takes me to my lockscreen. I installed safestrap using the apk, im already rooted on stock lollipop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You probably missed the step where he said to flash the nc1 kernel.

Yup, safestrap is known to be not fully compatible with OC3, that's why you have to flash the NC1 kernel in order to be able to use SS to flash your custom ROM. Don't forget to flash back to the OC3 kernel though, as stated in step 4.3.4.

Bootloops everytime. Flash kernels and modules after rom..reboot, samsumg custom screen then safestrap then 10 seconds later back to custom screen. After flashing kernels and modules I'm still able to get into recovery, nc1 should be gone in order for ss to work. I'm so sick of odin... :what:
Sent from my sghi337 on oc3

robot_head said:
Bootloops everytime. Flash kernels and modules after rom..reboot, samsumg custom screen then safestrap then 10 seconds later back to custom screen. After flashing kernels and modules I'm still able to get into recovery, nc1 should be gone in order for ss to work. I'm so sick of odin... :what:
Sent from my sghi337 on oc3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you got all the way to step 4.3.6 successfully, it sounds like? And now you are just getting the Safestrap screen - where you can either "continue" or "recovery"? How many times did you hit "continue" and go through the "bootloop" (if any)?
After step 4.3.6, when you boot into your custom ROM, you will have the Safestrap screen pop up several times (like, at least four or five) - keep hitting "continue" and you will eventually get into the ROM. This is another symptom of Lollipop not being fully compatible with Safestrap.
I did not put that detail in the writeup. Very sorry it caused you issues. I am updating with that info now.

I must of not been patient enough, with so many failed rom installs with this locked bootloader i just odin'd back to nb1 to get to oc3... Any custom recovery would be such a relief as ss acts wonkey in lollipop, and flashfire isn't accessible if you're caught in a bootloop or the radical "att unauthorized software". Thanks for the help
Sent from my sghi337 on oc3

Update:
So once again I follow the instructions completely to the t
After I flash the ROM and the kernel and the modules and I reboot I get the Samsung custom screen then to safe strap then 20 seconds reboots to Samsung Galaxy s4 screen then safestrap then again to the Samsung Galaxy s4 screen with reboot to recovery again and this time it puts me into stock recovery no safestrap after rebooting system each time from recovery. It does the same thing and eventually i end up at the system recovery... I've tried this about 11 times, with no success to boot into the ROM
Sent from my sghi337 on oc3

robot_head said:
Update:
So once again I follow the instructions completely to the t
After I flash the ROM and the kernel and the modules and I reboot I get the Samsung custom screen then to safe strap then 20 seconds reboots to Samsung Galaxy s4 screen then safestrap then again to the Samsung Galaxy s4 screen with reboot to recovery again and this time it puts me into stock recovery no safestrap after rebooting system each time from recovery. It does the same thing and eventually i end up at the system recovery... I've tried this about 11 times, with no success to boot into the ROM
Sent from my sghi337 on oc3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try wiping data/cache in the stock system recovery?

Yes wiped with system recovery and safestrap. This is an issue of flashing the oc3 kernels and modules with safestrap. I think.....
sent from my sghi337 on oc3

Read through your tutorial, very nice. ?The only thing I noticed is you flash the kernel before the modules. I think flashing the kernel should be the very last step before rebooting, I'm not sure it matters, but it might. Also when the phone is booting I never touch any buttons (continue or recovery) just let it work through the screens on it's own.

Thanks, Cats_PJs - I will edit the OP to indicate flashing the modules before the kernel. I didn't see such a recommendation to flash one or the other first in my research, and I honestly can't remember now which I flashed first. But I will update the OP to recommend flashing the kernel last, just in case.

If I'm safestrap'd and rooted on a custom 4.x.x ROM, should I flash to rootable NB1 per step 2.2 then start here with step 3? Thanks for compiling all this, I chuckled at the 18 pages open comment. I know that pain.

What version are you running now? If you already have root on a KitKat 4.4.x or higher ROM, you should be able to go straight to rooted Lollipop using the muniz_ri keep root method method here. (see the very first line of the linked reference post.) So if you meet that criteria, you could start in Step 3.
If you're on a lower build, you'll want to just start with step 2 and flash NB1 via Odin. I believe that you will need to uninstall your current version of safestrap at some point to be able to install the required v3.75.

So I have an update I finally found that sometimes safestrap won't flash the kernel so you have to Odin it even if its downgrading the kernel or upgrading. I've been able to flash any lollipop rom since I've been doing the Odin method for the kernels you still have to safestrap your ROM though. In another thread it said to flash the OC3 partition which I didn't find necessary and when I did try to flash them Odin kept failing therefore it wasn't required you must also flash the module with safestrap right after you do your rom unless you have your modules in a tar file then just do it via Odin. So to go over it one more time... you have to be able to use safestrap so if you were on lollipop you must downgrade your kernel (via odin or nc1 flasher) then you can use safestrap to flash your ROM and flash your oc3 modules then reboot into download mode and use Odin to flash your oc3 kernel(sometimes it will fail,just try again, i hold my phone gently to comfort it through the process) and it boots up going through the safestrap screen at least 4 to 5 times.
Confirmed to work. ..
Goldeneye
Imperium
Car hd
I'll be testing all the compatible lollipop roms for my device it's exciting I can finally flash roms thank you for this tutorial for heading me in the right direction.
:thumbup::thumbup:
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

robot_head said:
So I have an update
I finally found that sometimes safestrap won't flash the kernel so you have to Odin it even if its downgrading the kernel or upgrading.
I've been able to flash any lollipop rom since I've been doing the Odin method for the kernels - you still have to safestrap your ROM though.
In another thread it said to flash the OC3 partition which I didn't find necessary and when I did try to flash them Odin kept failing therefore it wasn't required
You must also flash the module with safestrap right after you do your rom unless you have your modules in a tar file then just do it via Odin.
So to go over it one more time... you have to be able to use safestrap so if you were on lollipop you must:
downgrade your kernel (via odin or nc1 flasher)
then you can use safestrap to flash your ROM and flash your oc3 modules
then reboot into download mode and use Odin to flash your oc3 kernel (sometimes it will fail, just try again, i hold my phone gently to comfort it through the process)
and it boots up going through the safestrap screen at least 4 to 5 times.
Confirmed to work. ..
Goldeneye
Imperium
Car hd
I'll be testing all the compatible lollipop roms for my device it's exciting I can finally flash roms thank you for this tutorial for heading me in the right direction.
:thumbup::thumbup:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
robot_head, glad to hear you got the custom ROMs working on your device! I will add a note in the OP regarding your experience so it helps others that might have the same issue.
Sorry, but stupid question - you did only try to install flashable ".zip" files from within safestrap, and ".tar" files using Odin? Your word choice in your above post seems to indicate that you do recognize the difference. But I ask that because I did not realize the difference at one point, until I tried to load a .zip into Odin and encountered issues. (and also I wanted to make this distinction for any others reading this thread)
Question for you – when you are swapping between custom ROMs, are you backing up your system settings and apps/data, then restoring them to each ROM (or are you just “sampling” each ROM for limited time and not worrying about your apps)? Based on advice I read in several places, I didn’t use Titanium Backup when I upgraded from 4.x.x to 5.0.1, but I figured I could use it to swap between ROMs now that I’m on Lollipop. But I just wanted to be sure I could easily move between ROMs without requiring so much time manually downloading apps like I did for the upgrade.

@sac02 yes I do have backups of all of my firmware and roms and yes I am just sampling through all of the roms and any apps that I need backed up are on my SD card and Google Play backs up the ones from them automatically. Yes when I'm flashing with safestrap obviously it has to be a zip file and Odin has to be a tar. And if you search the site there are downloads for your kernel in a tar format I actually got half of the help I needed from this thread and the other half from the Goldeneye thread when someone was having an issue with safestrap they had to Odin everything.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

The instructions are good. You may have a bad download of kernel file. Note that the instructions call for the "reflashable kernel zip file" which can also be found on the NC1 flasher thread.

My main problem is i couldnt flash kernels with safestrap after the rom. Tried a different download, same thing. Either said unauthorized att software
Or firmware update failed, use kies
Or bootloop into system recovery.
Finally. ..just odining kernels solved my issue.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

I have root on a base NJ4 4.4.4 ROM. I couldn't get the google play edition working on my i337 (dimming sensor worked poorly during calls) so I went to something basic. I'll try your recommendation, thanks again.

[HOW TO]Safestrap for the VZW S5 [LP-MM]

So I see ALOT OF CONFUSION regarding Safestrap on the Verizon Galaxy S5, I think its about time to explain it to stop this nonsense
THIS IS MEANT FOR 11 eMMC Users, 15 eMMC Users should unlock their bootloader and use TWRP instead
What is safestrap?
Why thank-you for asking, Safestrap is essentially a second recovery written by member @Hashcode to be used for systems with locked bootloader. Safe strap IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR STOCK RECOVERY OR A CUSTOM RECOVERY. Safestrap on a locked bootloader cannot flash locked bootloaders, cannot flash TWRP, and cannot flash custom kernels,(well it can but it is gonna brick) all this requires a custom bootloader, in which you could flash those things but at that point, you'd be better using SafeStrap, Flashfire or Odin to flash TWRP first.
So then what can safestrap do? Well safestrap is capable of flashing system partitions, data, cache and taking backups and even restoring them. It also has a built in file manager to give you access to system allowing the deleting, moving, and changing of files
You could run some stock based ROMs with this and in some cases pre-rooted ROMs. If you are on MM and running a pre-rooted rom, you must flash the stock kernel everytime you leave. YOU WILL NOT HAVE ROOT, but it will allow booting.
How do I access or use safestrap
Well I'll tell you this much, you DO NOT use your hard keys to do such. Don't try any button combos it just won't work. Safestrap doesn't exist on your recovery partition, but instead it exisst on the system partition, meaning you have to use the kernel to load safestrap, not hardware recovery.
On Lollipop its very simple, you need root first which can be obtained here http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370 @jrkruse
In this thread it also includes instructions for installing safestrap
Once safestrap is installed, continue by opening lollipop safestrap and selecting reboot to recovery. To exit, you can simply reboot to system
Now the hardest part comes down to Marshmallow. @jrkruse has a thread here about it http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ow-to-flash-custom-6-0-1-roms-locked-t3393943
Unlike Lollipop you DO NOT HAVE ROOT. Sorry, just won't happen. But you can still flash some stuff. The worst part is "how do I get into safe strap?"
In the magical folder you downloaded and probably deleted when you rooted your galaxy S5, there was a Kernel file. NI2 or NK2. Either works, what you do is open up Odin on your PC and put your phone into download mode, when it boots into download mode, just flash it and it will reboot. When your phone starts up it will say "safe system not installed" or something. Press recovery. If you wait too long it'll freeze and need a battery pull. Now your in safe strap. to exit just reboot to system(possibly need to flash stock kernel via Odin for MM as safe strap flashes stock LP kernel. Again if you followed the directions in @jrkruse thread then it will manage to boot without any hassle
So why bother?
That! Is an excellent question.
For lollipop users you can flash prerooted stock based ROMs and such. You can use debloat scripts, Knox removal scripts, even modify system files and build.prop and boot and shutdown animations, change boot sounds, install xposed, use rooted apps, go crazy!!! And you can take system backups and restores. Its just awesome!
However, those on Marshmallow have a more sinister fate. Verizon doesn't like us so you CANNOT ROOT. Which means NO YOU CANNOT USE FLASHFIRE TO BOOT INTO SAFESTRAP, NOR SAESTRAP REBOOT OR SUCH. They all require root. So what can you do? Your in luck, you can flash debloat scripts to debloat some ROMs, Knox removal, take backups and do restores, you can still modify build.prop(I don't recommend it, take a backup), and even use Safestrap built-in file manager to edit the system partition, just remember, don't do anything without a backup. Also YES you can DOWNGRADE back to Lollipop if you read @jrkruse thread. You can flash custom ish stock based ROMs but you still CANNOT GET ROOT. DO NOT TRY TO FLASH A ROOTED ROM WITHOUT FLASHING A STOCK KERNEL BEFORE REBOOT.
Thanks to changes made by google you no longer can root MM+ without a custom kernel and you cannot get custom kernels without custom recovery which needs unlocked bootloaders. So sorry to those who want it but nothing we can do right now
So that's the majority of how to safestrap. Any comments or questions leave them below and I probably will answer them maybe kinda probably not.

GeTex said:
So that's the majority of how to safestrap.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to safestrap? Do you even safestrap?

Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
How to safestrap? Do you even safestrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions unclear, ended up with unlocked bootloader and TWRP

GeTex said:
Instructions unclear, ended up with unlocked bootloader and TWRP
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Instructions unclear, ended up with my eMMC chip reaching terminal velocity on its ride to space

GeTex said:
So I see ALOT OF CONFUSION regarding Safestrap on the Verizon Galaxy S5, I think its about time to explain it to stop this nonsense
What is safestrap?
Why thankyou for asking, Safestrap is essentially a second recovery written by member @Hashcode to be used for systems with locked bootloader. Safe strap IS NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR YOUR STOCK RECOVERY OR A CUSTOM RECOVERY. Safestrap cannot flash locked bootloaders, cannot flash TWRP, and cannot flash custom kernels, all this requires a custom bootloader.
So then what can safestrap do? Well safestrap is capable of flashing system partitions, data, cache and taking backups and even restoring them. It also has a built in file manager to give you access to system allowing the deleting, moving, and changing of files
You could run some stock based ROMs with this and in some cases pre-rooted ROMs. If you are on MM YOU CANNOT NOT USE SAFESTRAP WITH A PRE ROOTED ROM. YOU WILL BRICK!!!
How do I access or use safestrap
Well I'll tell you this much, you DO NOT use your hard keys to do such. Don't try any button combos it just won't work
On Lollipop its very simple, you need root first which can be obtained here http://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/root-method-og5-ok3-t3290370 @jrkruse
In this thread it also includes instructions for installing safestrap
Once safestrap is installed, continue by opening lollipop safestrap and selecting reboot to recovery. To exit, you can simply reboot to system
Now the hardest part comes down to Marshmallow. @jrkruse has a thread here about it http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...ow-to-flash-custom-6-0-1-roms-locked-t3393943
Unlike Lollipop you DO NOT HAVE ROOT. Sorry, just won't happen. But you can still flash some stuff. The worst part is "how do I get into safe strap?"
In the magical folder you downloaded and probably deleted when you rooted your galaxy S5, there was a Kernel file. NI2 or NK2. Either works, what you do is open up Odin on your PC and put your phone into download mode, when it boots into download mode, just flash it and it will reboot. When your phone starts up it will say "safe system not installed" or something. Press recovery. If you wait too long it'll freeze and need a battery pull. Now your in safe strap. Again if you followed the directions in @jrkruse thread then it will manage to boot without any hassle
So why bother?
That! Is an excellent question.
For lollipop users you can flash prerooted stock based ROMs and such. You can use debloat scripts, Knox removal scripts, even modify system files and build.prop and boot and shutdown animations, change boot sounds, install xposed, use rooted apps, go crazy!!! And you can take system backups and restores. Its just awesome!
However, those on Marshmallow have a more sinister fate. Verizon doesn't like us so you CANNOT ROOT. Which means NO YOU CANNOT USE FLASHFIRE TO BOOT INTO SAFESTRAP, NOR SAESTRAP REBOOT OR SUCH. They all require root. So what can you do? Your in luck, you can flash debloat scripts to debloat some ROMs, Knox removal, take backups and do restores, you can still modify build.prop(I don't recommend it, take a backup), and even use Safestrap built-in file manager to edit the system partition, just remember, don't do anything without a backup. Also YES you can DOWNGRADE back to Lollipop if you read @jrkruse thread. You can flash custom ish stock based ROMs but you still CANNOT GET ROOT. DO NOT TRY TO FLASH A ROOTED ROM UNLESS YOU WANT A BOOTLOOP.
Thanks to changes made by google you no longer can root MM+ without a custom kernel and you cannot get custom kernels without custom recovery which needs unlocked bootloaders. So sorry to those who want it but nothing we can do right now
So that's the majority of how to safestrap. Any comments or questions leave them ebloe and I probably will answer them maybe kinda probably not.
NOTE mods may move this thread as seen fit
NOTE2 anyone may correct, suggest content, or give me pointers, I wrote this while sick laying here in the doctors office
NOTE3 Notes will be deleted after a few days
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Click to collapse
Safestrap cannot flash locked bootloaders, cannot flash TWRP, and cannot flash custom kernels, all this requires a custom bootloader. Safestrap can flash bootloader and custom kernels and TWRP This is why you should not try to do so it has safety feature built in where normal script will not flash them but it can be made to like I did with the Bootloader update and downgrade zips
DO NOT TRY TO FLASH A ROOTED ROM UNLESS YOU WANT A BOOTLOOP. As long as you flash the stock kernel back after you flash the rom systemless root will be broken and you will not bootloop. So you can flash MM roms that have systemless root just always make sure to flash stock kernel when finished if you dont you wont even have time to bootloop you will be taken to that unauthorize software is detected on your device screen

jrkruse said:
Safestrap cannot flash locked bootloaders, cannot flash TWRP, and cannot flash custom kernels, all this requires a custom bootloader. Safestrap can flash bootloader and custom kernels and TWRP This is why you should not try to do so it has safety feature built in where normal script will not flash them but it can be made to like I did with the Bootloader update and downgrade zips
DO NOT TRY TO FLASH A ROOTED ROM UNLESS YOU WANT A BOOTLOOP. As long as you flash the stock kernel back after you flash the rom systemless root will be broken and you will not bootloop. So you can flash MM roms that have systemless root just always make sure to flash stock kernel when finished if you dont you wont even have time to bootloop you will be taken to that unauthorize software is detected on your device screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant to say it cannot flash those on locked bootloaders
Can you reword what I should replace those with and I'll update the OP
Do you think this thread is even helpful?

GeTex said:
I meant to say it cannot flash those on locked bootloaders
Can you reword what I should replace those with and I'll update the OP
Do you think this thread is even helpful?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it can flash those on locked bootloaders but you wont like the outcome!
I need you to write my stuff your so much better at explaing stuff than me. I just had a rant on your bootloader unlock page. Nothing meant towards you!

Haha alright, just trying to not mess things up in translation, gonna attempt to reboot your root page now that MM is here and I think we can overhaul it completely, along with a few minor changes to the batch files to streamline everything. Your Rant is justified, I honestly wanted to myself but I've been holding back

My experience
Okay! I ABSOLUTELY had to add to this thread because it was so helpful and confusing at the same time. I wanted to put in some points that seriously helped me. It took me about 8.5 hours total to get this done and I think this can help save people a lot of time.
Phone, I bought an unlocked verizon samsung galaxy s5 off the web (used). 5.0 lollipop with OK base from what I could tell. I was a ten year iphone user so this was all new to me. But I've run a web company for years so I'm very familiar getting around networks and software.
The first recommendation I would have is to read, then re-read, then re-read, then re-read the initial instruction page. The original writer didn't make it Step 1, Step 2, but put multiple steps inside a sentence so you have to sometimes figure out what he's trying to say.
The first problem I ran into was flashing the NK kernel. This is confusing because the Samsung logo will freeze and no where did it say how long to wait, just be patient. This cost me HOURS. There are two things happening, the root.bat file is giving you information and then the phone is responding. I would get all the ##### notifications and then a cursor sitting at the bottom with no response. Samsung logo would freeze. To get it to work I had to install the Factory Tar BPB1 Full Restore Image.
G900VVRU2BPB1_G900VVZW2BPB1_VZW.zip by unzipping and then using the Odin app to install. Once I did that the root.bat file would flash the kernel, I'd wait about 3-4 mins at the blinking cursor after the ### notices, then it said Root Installed and then I was off to the races. I would HIGHLY recommend doing this as from that point forward everything was soooo much smoother. I had about a dozen failures further down the process over about 4 hours because i never saw that Root Installed message at this stage. Once I did, everything was smooth.
I also did not opt out of buying Super Sume. I bought it and then removed kingroot with it and all the other steps were flawless.
For a new droid user one thing you may want to also need to know is that to move files over to the android download HandShaker, it's a much easier file transfer app to move those zip files in later stages over to the phone.

SO - If I am on Lollipop, I can load a custom ROM with Safestrap that is pre-rooted. Right? Would that allow me to load a ROM based on CM 14? What would or would not work. I have had a lot of prior experience with rooting and custom recovery, etc with my Razer M and an Xperia Play and the old LG Ally, but nothing with this S5 and no experience with Safestrap (that I can recall). Cut me a little slack - I'm 59 years old and a tech, but no experience with Samsung except ODIN a couple of times. Thanks.

netizenmt said:
SO - If I am on Lollipop, I can load a custom ROM with Safestrap that is pre-rooted. Right? Would that allow me to load a ROM based on CM 14? What would or would not work. I have had a lot of prior experience with rooting and custom recovery, etc with my Razer M and an Xperia Play and the old LG Ally, but nothing with this S5 and no experience with Safestrap (that I can recall). Cut me a little slack - I'm 59 years old and a tech, but no experience with Samsung except ODIN a couple of times. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only with an unlocked bootloader

Okay so I come from dos and Lynx area late 90s going to college and back then it was fun to sit down and code stuff and drink beer on the weekend can I just delete the hole OS out of my g900V cid 11 make my own somehow. It's been 23 yrs but sudo apt update still probably over rides a regular program saying no oh a and I barely got my first smartphone three or four months ago when I would consider smart I don't think the Samsung whatever it was was smart and just could text

averydiablo said:
Okay so I come from dos and Lynx area late 90s going to college and back then it was fun to sit down and code stuff and drink beer on the weekend can I just delete the hole OS out of my g900V cid 11 make my own somehow. It's been 23 yrs but sudo apt update still probably over rides a regular program saying no oh a and I barely got my first smartphone three or four months ago when I would consider smart I don't think the Samsung whatever it was was smart and just could text
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No idea what you are trying to ask
CID 11 cannot run a custom OS.
Making your own OS is not anywhere near easy either

Inglis Second language is possible on rooted phone like LG spectrum 2 or g900v to get rid android just have kali or unbunt do you need bootloader unlock

averydiablo said:
Inglis Second language is possible on rooted phone like LG spectrum 2 or g900v to get rid android just have kali or unbunt do you need bootloader unlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
again, you cannot run anything but touchwiz based roms on a locked bootloader. you cannot use a custom kernel.

Thank you very much so now I went and traded for lg g2 and still have the vs93o old as dirt And the pixel 2 xl I don't want to mess with the other old ones I can root do they make os for lynux or Kali sorry I do understand I have hard time wording questions

GeTex said:
again, you cannot run anything but touchwiz based roms on a locked bootloader. you cannot use a custom kernel.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now

ryanbg said:
For now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed

Looking for a bit of help. I have a S5 with Emmc = 11. Know I cannot install TWRP. Have gone with all the steps from jrkruse here: http://https://forum.xda-developers.com/verizon-galaxy-s5/general/testers-required-easier-root-method-t3561529 I have no trouble getting into safestrap after rooting. The issue I have is once I flash a stock lollipop rom (either EMMC_11_PB1_LL_STOCK_SAFESTRAP_ONLY.zip or VZW_BPB1_ODEX_DEODEX_V9.zip), I can no longer access safestrap. I still have root (Super SU Pro) and busybox etc. However I can install, uninstall & re-install safestrap and when I click re-boot to recovery, it just reboots the system. I cannot figure out what the heck I am doing wrong. Is there a way to force a safestrap install that works? Or how am I destroying the SafeStrap that's part of the rom? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
John

Never mind. Installed LL_MM_SafeStrap.apk and that resolved the issue. Now have safestrap.
Thanks anyway!

Stuck on Samsung logo screen after flashing bootloader!

Hey guys,
I was previously on xtresolite 2.4 lollipop rom and saw that he had a new rom out based on Marshmellow 6.01.
The instructions for the installation the new rom said to flash the new bootloader, modem and recovery before installing the new rom.
I flashed the bootloader with Odin using the BL button as instructed and how it's stuck on the Samsung Screen. I can still boot into download mode, but that's about it. It won't let me boot into recovery. Doing a bit of research it says to boot into download warning screen and cancel. Then quickly do the recovery buttons (volup, home, power), but it still won't go in.
So now I'm stuck! i'm trying to download the new stock Marshmellow firmware to see if I can install that, but aside from that I'm not sure what else I can do.
Any suggestions? Since I'm still able to use Odin, can I try to re-install the correct bootloader or is that too late? I'm not even sure which bootloader to install now. :crying::crying::crying:
Any help is much appreciated!
Thanks,
kc

as long as you can boot into the download mode, everything's alright. try flashing the latest stock rom for your model. then a new recovery, and then the new xtrestolite rom.
if something fails. do it again.... flash the latest stock rom, and so on.

Just make sure you have the correct model software for your phone and there won't be any issues. Did you backup your imei way back when you rooted on lollipop? If you did then everything will be fine if you didn't, Restore stock ROM and root, then backup your imei, hopefully you won't have any issues with your modem

Try pressing on power + vol down untill the phone shuts down then quickly press home+power+vol up before the phone starts . you will be in recovery try a factory reset then wait for the first boot. Voila !

hey all, just wanted to update. I still couldn't get into recovery, but was able to flash the stock rom and it's working as stock right now. Been using it for the past week or so and no major issues noted. I'm a bit scared to mess around again
Now that I'm on stock Marshmallow 6.0.1 rom, do I still need to try and flash the modem and boot loader for it?
Also, now that i'm on stock do I need to unroot again to install the twrp recovery? or can I just go into odin and flash it right away?
Thanks again for the help and suggestions!!!

tnimk said:
hey all, just wanted to update. I still couldn't get into recovery, but was able to flash the stock rom and it's working as stock right now. Been using it for the past week or so and no major issues noted. I'm a bit scared to mess around again
Now that I'm on stock Marshmallow 6.0.1 rom, do I still need to try and flash the modem and boot loader for it?
Also, now that i'm on stock do I need to unroot again to install the twrp recovery? or can I just go into odin and flash it right away?
Thanks again for the help and suggestions!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock rom overrides everything so your root is long gone & you now have the latest bootloader & modem already - don't stress & no need to do anything else! If you want custom recovery simply flash with latest TWRP using Odin in download mode (in tar format using AP button). Don't root with TWRP if asked to - instead download latest recovery flash-able SuperSU (ZIP) onto your device & then flash it using TWRP. This will be the safest option for you (with root if you want).
AFAIK one always uses the "AP" button if you wanna flash <anything> with Odin - not the BL button (I've never used this). The rest are for pro's only (of which I'm not one). I'm simply a regular rom flasher & read/study/compare several guides before attempting anything I've never done before with my device. If the overall feeling is not a good one, rule of thumb is I don't proceed until I feel confident enough about what I'm attempting to do.
Good luck.

On my sm-G920I
I flashed the xtresolite ROM without first flashing the bootloader and modem and it worked fine for me, if you back up everything with an otg cable onto a USB then flash the ROM everything should work fine but you will have to wait around 5 minutes for it to boot. If your still waiting after 10-20 minutes then you did something wrong and you can just wipe your entire phone then recover everything from your backup on your USB ????????

Stuck on TWRP after OTA on x600, official EUI

Alright, so it has been a while since I last tried custom roms only to go back to official EUI, so bear with me as this is probably a basic dumb question.
So I had TWRP and the official EUI. I saw that there was an OTA update and normally used the update app on the phone. It downloaded the rom, and booted into twrp which started flashing the rom. So far so good. I let it do its thing as it took some minutes... once it was ready it showed a dialog asking if I wanted the flashing process to rewrite the boot partition or let TWRP own it. I wasn't really sure which one to pick, but as I "swipes to unlock", the phone restarted anyway without letting me pick any of the two.
Now It only boots into recovery mode (TWRP). This is probably easy to fix in TWRP, but I am not sure how. Can anyone help?
Thank you.