Database Info

[GUIDE] For beginners - Root Verizon Samsung Galaxy S3 SCH-i535/d2vzw

THIS METHOD:
- ONLY WORKED FOR ICS (Android 4.0.x)
- IT WILL NOT WORK FOR THE SGS3 RUNNING JELLY BEAN (Android 4.1.x)
But I hate it when threads say that ^ or worse...
they don't get updated and you read it and/or try it for NOTHING!
So here you go...
CLICK HERE FOR AN AWESOME JELLY BEAN THREAD
Step by step guide to Root your phone, Unlock the bootloader, and then install ClockWorkMod Recovery. Also some unnecessary mods at the bottom if you're interested. I know there is another really well written guide for rooting the SGS3 and other mods but I wanted to post this and hope to get it sticky'd for the beginners
************************************************************
DISCLAIMER:
I am not responsible for any damage that happens to your device. I've made this guide as simple as possible and include less risky methods to achieve root and simple modifications. If you follow a link from this guide I am not responsible for the content on that page, read it in full yourself.
************************************************************
Confirmed working with newest VZW update/patch:
I535VRALG1
I535VRALG7
I535VRALF2
I535VRLHE -- Thanks DHamilton44!
GETTING ROOTED:
Navigate to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1aksh2bikfsne43/wmpWRj7Und
Download:
- Verizon_Wireless... (USB Drivers for SGS3)
- Root Debug FS.7z... (7zip (freeware) file used to one-click root)
Credit to Noxous Ninjas as he created this program. It's the best I've found to easily root my S3 without feeling the need to baby sit the phone during rooting.
Thanks Droidstyle for reminding me about the credits Noxous Ninjas deserves!
Install (Computer):
- USB drivers
- Unzip Root Debug tool to a folder of your choice
Enable USB Debugging and Unknown Sources (Phone):
- Settings -> Developer Options -> Tick USB debugging
- Settings -> Security -> Tick Unknown source
Plug in phone to computer using OEM USB cable:
- Allow the drivers to complete (the little balloon pop-up in the right hand corner will say "Device ready/installed" -something to that effect)
MUST BE RAN AS ADMINISTRATOR
Navigate to your extracted Root Debug FS folder (Computer):
- Double-click "RootDebugfs"
- Choose option 1 (press 1 and then enter)
- Read the disclaimer, IF YOU AGREE, press y, then enter
- USB drivers reminder appears, press any key to continue
- Unknown Sources/USB Debugging reminder appears, press any key to continue
- Yet another informational message appears (READ THIS ONE), then press any key to continue
- Root process starts -> WAIT UNTIL IT COMPLETES | DO NOT UNPLUG YOUR DEVICE
- Once complete you will need to open the Superuser app and click through the initial dialog to actually start the program/allow it to run in the background. -- Thanks Whyzor!
ON YOUR PHONE: Navigate to https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1aksh2bikfsne43/wmpWRj7Und
Download the following from the APKs folder:
- ez_unlock.apk (Also found on Google Play store, free)
- rom_manager.apk (Also found on Google Play store, free)
- Normally when downloading them right to your phone it will immediately prompt you to install them, choose install in both instances
- Open your app drawer and open EZ-Unlock
- Accept/Grant the app SuperUser permissions, select Unlock, you should hear "That was easy" and the word "Unlocked" should show in green at the top of the screen
BEFORE CONTINUING: it is recommended that you are connected to a stable WiFi network to ensure a successful flash!
- Open your app drawer again and open ROM Manager
- Select "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery"
- Find and select "Samsung Galaxy S3 (Verizon)"
- You'll see the blue bar at the top indicating progress, when it nears the end you'll need to Accept/Grant the app SuperUser permissions
- You may receive a message that Touch recovery is available, install if you'd like (I have read some posts a week or two ago about Touch recovery not always working flawlessly though, just FYI)
***AT THIS POINT ROOTING, BOOTLOADER UNLOCKING, AND CWM RECOVERY ARE COMPLETED/INSTALLED***
RECOMMENDED! BUT OPTIONAL: MAKING A NANDROID BACKUP
- I would recommend having your preferred apps and home screens set up prior to making a recovery
- From the ROM Manager application select "Reboot into Recovery"
- FYI: Recovery mode can be entered manually as well, turn the phone off.
- While off, press AND HOLD Vol. Up, Home, Power
- Once you see the "Samsung" boot screen you can release (There will also be some blue text in the top left hand corner, this indicates recovery mode is booting)
- Recovery mode navigation: Vol. Up/Down moves the selection, Power selects it
- Select "backup and restore"
- Select "backup to external sdcard"
- Wait for it to finish (Usually takes about 5 minutes)
- Select back to get to the main menu
CONGRATS!
- If all that worked your phone is now rooted and (hopefully) a backup has been made after rooting. This way if you start tinkering and break something you can (hopefully) restore back to this recovery.
REMOVE PERSISTANT/ONGOING WIFI NOTIFICATION AND POPUP (REQUIRES ROOT)
ON PHONE: Navigate to Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.speedsoftware.sqleditor
- Download: SQLite (Yes it's a paid app, support our Devs!)
- Open the app, Accept/Grant the app Superuser permissions
- Select Settings Storage
- Select settings.db
- Select system
- Long-press "wifi_offload_network_notify"
- Select "Edit Record"
- Change the value field to "0" (zero)
- Select Save
- Press back key
- Select "Secure"
- Long-press "wifi_networks_available_notification_on"
- Select "Edit Record"
- Change the value field to "0" (zero)
- Select Save
- Reboot your phone
UI MODS (Not necessary but are definitely improvements in the UI)
- Notification bar toggles mod: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775235
- More (personalized versions): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=28829000&postcount=67
--Above files are flashed using recovery
HOW TO: FLASH A .ZIP USING RECOVERY (REQUIRES ROOT & UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER)
**ONLY FLASH A ZIP UPDATE THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH YOUR MODEL AND OS**
- Know where you downloaded the file to (Preferrably external SD card)
- Reboot into recovery
- Choose "install zip from sdcard"
- Choose "install zip from (external) sdcard" -or wherever you saved it
- Choose the desired file you want to flash
- Scroll up (it's quicker) to select "Yes - ..."
- The file(s) will flash (progress at bottom), once it's done you can flash another or go back to the main menu and reboot!

Great write up. This should be sticked instead of the tutorials that are already there.

I'm having trouble getting rid of the persistent wifi notification, i have successfully achieve root, and flashed cwm. I go to edit record and the value is already a "0". any idea whats up here? i flashed one of those ui customizations you linked too if that matters.

That Baker Guy said:
I'm having trouble getting rid of the persistent wifi notification, i have successfully achieve root, and flashed cwm. I go to edit record and the value is already a "0". any idea whats up here? i flashed one of those ui customizations you linked too if that matters.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the toggle customizations shouldn't bother it. There are 2 records to edit though, did you make both 0?
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Nice job on the guide!

eMpTy43 said:
One of the toggle customizations shouldn't bother it. There are 2 records to edit though, did you make both 0?
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, im dumb, i only saw the first record that needed editing, thanks for pointing that out

That Baker Guy said:
wow, im dumb, i only saw the first record that needed editing, thanks for pointing that out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No prob! Glad you got it going!
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Been wanting to root my phone but have been too busy to do the research. I might take the plunge now, thanks to your guide. Sounds pretty straightforward.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium

nattygirl said:
Been wanting to root my phone but have been too busy to do the research. I might take the plunge now, thanks to your guide. Sounds pretty straightforward.
Sent from my Xoom using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go for it! If you have any questions just reply on the thread. I've got my notifications on.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

Thanks Man!!! You made it easy breezy.

Surprised this hasn't been stickied yet!
Sent from my Cocaine White S3.

lol im the guy who hates to read more of the visual guy, found a youtube video on how to root the phone after rooting what else should i do in order to gain complete access

eMpTy43 said:
Go for it! If you have any questions just reply on the thread. I've got my notifications on.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just rooted!!!! Couldn't be any easier!!! Now time to start flashing!!!
---------- Post added at 08:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 AM ----------
HELP!!!!
Followed this to a "T". Everything went smoothly and appeared successful until I flashed a rom. I flashed Jellybean CM10 for VZW. Now all I get is a screen that says "System software not authorized by Verizon Wireless has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest Verizon Wireless store for help.".
I tried booting into recovery manually so I could do restore my backup, but i can't even get back into it. It just keeps taking me to this screen.

Followed the guide to return to stock using odin and repeated all of these steps.... i'm back in business now.... phew!!!!

This is Noxous Ninjas root Tool! its pretty obvious when it says "Noxious Ninja" at the top of the program. Download both versions and compare them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342

This guide is the best I've read yet!
I've been casually reading these forums for over two years and still haven't decided to lose my rooting virginity, probably because every guide always seems so damn confusing. This looks nice and simple.
3 questions:
1- If I'm not going to be putting on a custom ROM yet, do I need to continue and install CWM right away? Can I just wait and do it when I finally take the next step? (I really just want to root to get rid of some bloat for right now. I know I'll last a day though where I start wanting to use mods and tweaks though, will I need to install CWM for that?)
2- Can I just ODIN back to stock instead of bothering with a Nandroid backup? I keep nothing on my phone that I feel is of importance for backing up. Everythings in the cloud.
3- When I go to flash my first ROM, does it need to be on the internal SD or on the external SD card (I have a jillion laying around, but they are only 2GB a piece)?
Thanks!

droidstyle said:
This is Noxous Ninjas root Tool! its pretty obvious when it says "Noxious Ninja" at the top of the program. Download both versions and compare them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1792342
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll put credits in my OP. Didn't mean to imply that was my work at all! That was just the most straight forward and one-click program I'd found to root the S3.
bbeelzebub said:
This guide is the best I've read yet!
I've been casually reading these forums for over two years and still haven't decided to lose my rooting virginity, probably because every guide always seems so damn confusing. This looks nice and simple.
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bbeelzebub said:
1- If I'm not going to be putting on a custom ROM yet, do I need to continue and install CWM right away? Can I just wait and do it when I finally take the next step? (I really just want to root to get rid of some bloat for right now. I know I'll last a day though where I start wanting to use mods and tweaks though, will I need to install CWM for that?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you don't flash a custom ROM or custom .zip update a backup is nice to have in case you make one little tweak that breaks something. Eliminates the hassle of having to flash back to stock and start from scratch again.
bbeelzebub said:
2- Can I just ODIN back to stock instead of bothering with a Nandroid backup? I keep nothing on my phone that I feel is of importance for backing up. Everythings in the cloud.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sure can. Keep in mind ODIN flashing does have a higher risk than a Nandroid backup. You simply cannot perma-brick your phone if there is no cable plugged into it.
bbeelzebub said:
3- When I go to flash my first ROM, does it need to be on the internal SD or on the external SD card (I have a jillion laying around, but they are only 2GB a piece)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having either a full ROM or a .zip update ROM flash on the external SD is the best scenario. Part of a nice clean install is to make sure a factory reset was done (which wipes the internal SD). If your ROM is on the internal SD... well you know the rest lol

Thanks! Just want to make sure folks are properly credited for thier work...and again nice guide!

i have been stuck on the odin downloading screen and command prompt is still looking for device to be detected. i waited till it installed the driver now what ?

prztruspaz said:
i have been stuck on the odin downloading screen and command prompt is still looking for device to be detected. i waited till it installed the driver now what ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guide doesn't use download mode. Reset your phone and start from the top.
Relayed from the moon to xda via my handheld beam machine!

[Q] Does anybody know how to root LG L9 P769?

I tried different tools but none worked so far.
superoneclick: hanged
Optimus G root: permission denied on reboot
This phone currently is a big seller and I am expecting somebody will give a solution. The source is also available at LG open source center.
Please help.

mingkee said:
I tried different tools but none worked so far.
superoneclick: hanged
Optimus G root: permission denied on reboot
This phone currently is a big seller and I am expecting somebody will give a solution. The source is also available at LG open source center.
Please help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol I am also waiting for root for this phone
But mine is P760

Taftus said:
Lol I am also waiting for root for this phone
But mine is P760
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than the screen size and HSPA band, the rest of spec are pretty the same, so it's possible P760 method is applied on P769.
Unfortunately, the method I searched online is simply a fraud (I looked up the web code).

Just picked up 2 of these phones. My wife loves hers. I am hoping to begin liking mine. Rooting would help.

also waiting for some development for this phone, i have done themes before and know the basics of android but would still need help from a real dev.

without root we can not move apk data to sd card !!! aaaa... im wating for root solution to

I've found an italian guide but i cannot post it cause i'm new and post external link is not allowed.. anyway look at:
androiworld.it -> forum -> lg-optimus-l9-335 -> root-lg-l9-75483

antoz87 said:
I've found an italian guide but i cannot post it cause i'm new and post external link is not allowed.. anyway look at:
androiworld.it -> forum -> lg-optimus-l9-335 -> root-lg-l9-75483
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one?
http://translate.google.com/transla....it/forum/lg-optimus-l9-335/root-lg-l9-75483/

Root procedure
Hi guys, I'm italian and I am one of the guys that rooted the phone with that procedure.
I'll try to help you out.
1) Download and install USB drivers and LG Suite
2) Make a full backup of your phone data with LG suite
3) Download bin4ry's script...you will find the link on the italian post you quoted
4) Plug the phone in, and make sure is set to "LG software mode" and it's in debug mode
5) Run the script, and make sure you DON'T run it as administrator, but run it as normal user, or it won't work (at least on Windows 8 64)
6) Select first "2" (Device type: Special), then 1 (root)
7) At some point, the phone will ask you to proceed with a recovery. Do it.
8) Follow the script's procedure until the end. Install super user app. Phone will reboot a few times...don't worry, it's normal You will also be asked to type something like "/data/etc"..do it!
9) Root should be effective by now. To check this out, try "Got root?" application
10) Restore your data with the backup you made at step 2.
Enjoy!
Let me know!

gianrond said:
Hi guys, I'm italian and I am one of the guys that rooted the phone with that procedure.
I'll try to help you out.
1) Download and install USB drivers and LG Suite
2) Make a full backup of your phone data with LG suite
3) Download bin4ry's script...you will find the link on the italian post you quoted
4) Plug the phone in, and make sure is set to "LG software mode" and it's in debug mode
5) Run the script, and make sure you DON'T run it as administrator, but run it as normal user, or it won't work (at least on Windows 8 64)
6) Select first "2" (Device type: Special), then 1 (root)
7) At some point, the phone will ask you to proceed with a recovery. Do it.
8) Follow the script's procedure until the end. Install super user app. Phone will reboot a few times...don't worry, it's normal You will also be asked to type something like "/data/etc"..do it!
9) Root should be effective by now. To check this out, try "Got root?" application
10) Restore your data with the backup you made at step 2.
Enjoy!
Let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't work on me even I have to perform factory reset to fix.

mingkee said:
It doesn't work on me even I have to perform factory reset to fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's the problem? What happened?

I can't even get PC Suite to detect my phone. The drivers are installed and seem to be working. Device manager shows everything OK. I select "LG Software" from the USB connection type menu on my device. The PC Suite software says "The device inforation failed to load" after attempting to connect.

gianrond said:
What's the problem? What happened?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many applications were gone and I even can't use "restore" (2-2).
--------------------------------------------------------
(update)
Good News!!!
My P769 is rooted! The key is "Lookout Security". Disable it and you're ready.
Here is the steps:
Make sure LG driver installed (the simplest way: install LG suite)
You MUST disable Lookout Security (menu-settings-applications). Choose disable
Make sure USB debugging enabled, and choose USB charge only.
Run Root and Restore->RunMe.bat->choose 1. Check the phone screen if you're asked to restore, choose it when you're prompted.
The phone will reboot. You have to look at the status of the terminal. If there's NO permission denied error, look at the phone. If it shows "Android is updating", the phone should be rooted.
Don't forget to grab SuperSU and BusyBox (and install the latter).

mingkee said:
Many applications were gone and I even can't use "restore" (2-2).
--------------------------------------------------------
(update)
Good News!!!
My P769 is rooted! The key is "Lookout Security". Disable it and you're ready.
Here is the steps:
Make sure LG driver installed (the simplest way: install LG suite)
You MUST disable Lookout Security (menu-settings-applications). Choose disable
Make sure USB debugging enabled, and choose USB charge only.
Run Root and Restore->RunMe.bat->choose 1. Check the phone screen if you're asked to restore, choose it when you're prompted.
The phone will reboot. You have to look at the status of the terminal. If there's NO permission denied error, look at the phone. If it shows "Android is updating", the phone should be rooted.
Don't forget to grab SuperSU and BusyBox (and install the latter).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heck yes!! I will try this with my other PC. I think this one is having driver conflicts because of all the devices I have rooted on it.
Do we need to do the backup and restore steps? Or is all data still intact?

kevev said:
Heck yes!! I will try this with my other PC. I think this one is having driver conflicts because of all the devices I have rooted on it.
Do we need to do the backup and restore steps? Or is all data still intact?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't really matter because the phone is still new and I have not yet put in data until it rooted.

Thread closed as per OP request. See this thread for detailed rooting information.

ROOTING Starmobile Energy

Hi everyone !!! Did you already encountered rooting Starmobile Energy?
Not sure if this thread will help me.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=39496756
Just asking you guys because im noob in Qualcomm Chipset.
Please HELP me i don't want to brick the phone. TIA.

Successful in Rooting Energy
Hi!! Don't worry. I already rooted my Energy. And I used Root And Restore by Bin4ry.
Just use the software First. Run the "'RunMe.bat" and then make sure that:
1. You're device is connected to the PC.
2. You turned on "USB connection"
After clicking on the RunMe.bat, a command prompt window will open. Then you'll see there the choices on what kind of action you'll need to perform.
- press 1 then enter (because your device is a normal device)
- a couple of things will appear on the window like daemon started successfully etc.
-then it will tell you to go to your device and press "restore my data" (or just restore)
-then your device will restart. Don't worry if it restarts a couple of times. It's okay.
-then after the boot, you'll be welcomed with a dialogue indicating that "Android is upgrading".
Enter your homescreen and voila!!! you are rooted :victory:
Then manually install the latest version of BusyBox in the market. As well as SuperSU (The android logo with the red cape) :highfive:
I'll expect that you'll be rooted in no time
HIT THANKS IF I HELPED

Succesfully rooted Starmobile Energy
I just used the pdanet for drivers then followed the steps.
thanks :victory:
:highfive::highfive::highfive:

Hi! I'm newbie about this process, but looking forward to root one of my phone which is Star Mobile Energy. Do you guys have video on YouTube about the step by step process? I believe I could follow it through visual process or procedures, but if there's no video about this I hope you guys could suggest me what is the best software or program to use to get through with it... I really don't have idea about this aha
pls post the very basic on how to get this root process successfully done, from the very start to the end
pls include to the post the files and program that are needed to get this done ..
Thank you by the way to the early post you've (Amadeuzz) done I really appreciate it!! :good::good: I just don't know on how to get through it you deserves thanks :angel:
I hope you Amadeuzz would elaborate it more in a simple way plss plss

Amadeuzz said:
Hi!! Don't worry. I already rooted my Energy. And I used Root And Restore by Bin4ry.
Just use the software First. Run the "'RunMe.bat" and then make sure that:
1. You're device is connected to the PC.
2. You turned on "USB connection"
After clicking on the RunMe.bat, a command prompt window will open. Then you'll see there the choices on what kind of action you'll need to perform.
- press 1 then enter (because your device is a normal device)
- a couple of things will appear on the window like daemon started successfully etc.
-then it will tell you to go to your device and press "restore my data" (or just restore)
-then your device will restart. Don't worry if it restarts a couple of times. It's okay.
-then after the boot, you'll be welcomed with a dialogue indicating that "Android is upgrading".
Enter your homescreen and voila!!! you are rooted :victory:
Then manually install the latest version of BusyBox in the market. As well as SuperSU (The android logo with the red cape) :highfive:
I'll expect that you'll be rooted in no time
HIT THANKS IF I HELPED
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I successfully rooted my Starmobile Astra. Installed SuperSU and Busybox.. but i have this problem about ota not installed and scatter missing etc.. No matter how many times a try to install my Youtube and Google+ it always shows that i need to install google play services. and when i install the google play services it says that the application is not compatible because of some id etc.. Can you help me with my problem?

starmobile energy original software crash
I have change my bootlogin animation through root explorer. but I restart the phone my phone is stuck while bootloading and does not seen any process. I have try data wipe or restore but the bootloading problem is not correct and still boot loading animation is seen. what can I do . I Have no recovery/backup/software zip about this phone. this phone is TV facilities available and cricket world is coming up. please help me. please upload starmobile energy software zip file. thank you.

How to Unlock TF300T basic steps sticky required....

I love this place but sadly I waste hours on posts of people who 'assume knowledge'. At the end of the day I am time lost and no answer. I have a tf300t and I simply want to know how to unlock it. I have read all the posts of go to asus and download the apk file and then get the installer file and whoola... there you go. I understand and can use adb and found the unlock app and tried to install it but nothing happened. So can some guru out thesre spell it out nice and simple and if links are required so be it that would be lovely. Imagine you are a teacher and success is a great thing.

Here's how to do it:-
1. Make sure you DON'T have a Google account set up on your tablet.
2. Backup your tablet and restore to factory settings
3. Setup as normal but don't add a Google account
4. Go to settings>about tablet> and click the Build field 7 times
5. You now have a new field called Developer. Go into that and click allow usb debugging
6. Go back to the Security tab in Settings and click allow apps from unknown sources
7. Go here and download the Unlock_v8.apk file: https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95747613655047165
8. Go to File Manager>Downloads and click on it.
9 When Google fashes up and asks if you want it to check for harmful apps click 'Disallow' and proceed.
10. At the end your tablet will reboot and it will tell you the device is unlocked.
Enjoy.

[How To] Verizon s5 Kit Kat root and update to PB1 for plain vanilla user

--- edited to update from a "Should I do this?" post to "This is what I did" -------
There are some nice How To guides here, but it's tough at times to roll in years late to a model and decipher what has been updated, what is now moot, and what newer break-throughs or pitfalls have and haven't percolated back into the threads. That makes sense with the phone no longer being a big focus of effort. I, like the S5, am past my peak. It took me a lot of reading and trying to connect the dots to figure out where to go and how to get there. I've laid it out below FYI.
This worked for me in Aug 2016, on one phone and one only. Probably my first and last s5, I'll move up to the s7 when the 9 or 10 comes out and try to burn through 3 or 4 year old threads to find that ground truth. So no promises, certainly no support from me, no plans for me to maintain this thread. I'm just a knucklehead who nugged his way through, and figured I'd post my cheat sheet rather than just throw it away. I did update it a bit as I went along.
What I had --
Newly refurb'd Verizon S5 phone with 4.4.2 NCG
eMMC is 15
Target -- (I think appropriate for my modest needs)
Root & update to 5.0 PB1 with OD5 bootloader
Method overview --
root 4.4.2 using Towelroot
install SuperSUme from Play store and update binaries
use Flashfire to make backups of original system
use Flashfire to update ROM, kernel, most other software (except bootloader) to PB1
use Odin to update bootloader to OD5 (5.0 but last downgradeable)
use Titanium Backup to debloat & freeze, and to restore my user apps & data from old phone
Wondering whether I have the target right -- PB1 w/ OD5 bootloader?
Marshmallow is initially referred to as unrootable, but there's a recent way to get there . However, it seems a bit more involved - requires unlocking the bootloader and can only be done with eMMC 15, don't try with an 11. I don't know if the juice is worth the squeeze for a lower end user like me. I didn't try.
There are lots of custom ROMs, none that I know of that leap out as something I should focus on rather than just a little update and debloat, given my modest skills and enthusiasm.
I probably don't need to be able to downgrade my bootloader in the future, so I could go full PB1. But the directions I found had the OD5 bootloader baked in already, so I'll run with that.
My "For Me & Other Dummies" guide follows
(not complete yet, I'll round it out before I dummy my way through, and revise here for other dummies after I test drive it)
Good references
Paniac's guide, great overview. NOOB READ THIS!!!
Franzie's How To
muniz_ri's How To Update to G900V_xxx and Keep Root -- this one has a bit of complexity in its life cycle. It is linked to from Paniac's guide as a how to update to PB1, but the thread's original post has since been updated to run all the way up to PF4. PF4 seems to be a bit more hit & miss. However, post #777 (et al?) quotes the original post so the details are preserved there for getting to PB1.
How to migrate stuff from old phone, see the last method with TB
Steps
Charge up the new phone.
Install latest Samsung USB drivers on computer.
Start running Titanium Backup on old phone to update user apps and data, it will take a while.
Turn on the new phone. Don't bother with SIM yet. Connect to your WiFi.
Sign in to Google account and get the Play store working.
Install from Play store: eMMC brick bug checker and Astro File Manager
Run eMMC brick bug checker. If it checks out (15) then good. If it doesn't (11) then don't follow these steps, the bootloader update part will cause you pain.
Prep phone
1. Enable developer options (settings > about phone > click on build 7 times)
2. Enable usb debugging (settings > developer options)
3. Go to settings >security and allow apps from unknown sources​
Root with towelroot. See Franzie's How To post #2. Do the SuperSUme steps, too. Some highlights, but read the original post and the screens as they go by.
1. Go to towelroot.com, Click on the lambda to download the file
2. Use Astro to navigate to the download
3. Click on the .apk and use package installer
4. Run towelroot and Make it Rain
5. Install SuperSU from play store
6. Update binaries with Normal
7. Choose to disable Knox
8. Allow reboot
9. Install Root Checker from Play store and run to verify root​
Install Flashfire (see here) from Play store.
Install the PB1 ROM. Use Flashfire.....see post #777, be sure to check all downloads using MD5 checksum, see Paniac's Guide post #3
Install the OD5 bootloader. Use Odin.....again, see post #777, and info in Paniac's guide post #3 on Odin
Now you’ll be on Lollipop, 5.0, PB1 but with a bootloader that is downgradeable in the future. It will be a clean install so you’ll have to reinstall things you just put in, e.g. Flashfire and Astro, but SuperSU is in there.
Use Flashfire to create a backup of your new configuration. See here. Put the files somewhere sage to be able to do a fresh install at this point in the future. See also Odin back to stock
Now customize and move in.
1. This is a handy way to start with debloating
2. See also here for things to Freeze (OTA and security notification) and apps to debloat (though some were ​16. Install Titanium Backup Pro from Play Store (buy it). It will probably warn about “mount namespace separation” setting. Consider going to SuperSU settings and disabling. Reboot.
Use TB to get your user apps and data in from old phone.
Activate the phone on Verizon -- move their SIM over. See FAQ here (item 1) and begin here
Once all is settled, go to settings >security and unallow apps from unknown sources

If your on ngc with eMMC 15 you can unlock your bootloader and flash custom roms also if you don't go past BOD5 and don't want to unlock your bootloader you can downgrade back to kit kat
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

That worked. Almost smoothly.
I've udpated the first post with what I learned along the way, and am outta here. No more clogging up the bandwidth of the folks that know what they're doing.
No original work on my part, just a decent bit of effort pulling together the bits and pieces from across a number of super helpful postings to figure out what was still on target for me. I'll just leave my notes for whoever might benefit, rather than flush them and leave the next person to have to chase it all down for themself..