Database Info

[GUIDE][INFO] The beginner's info thread (aka. the noob helper)

This guide is intended to be an all-in-one resource for people coming to Samsung phones after using other devices. It is a general introduction to the S4 and a glossary/explanation of terms you may see here in the forums.
This thread is slightly out of date but the info is still good, I will be updating again soon!!! Remember to hit thanks if this was useful
Disclaimer "Just because I am trying to be helpful does not make me responsible for anything that you do to your phone. Playing with any of this stuff could destroy your phone"
The layout of this post is as follows:
Welcome
FAQ
Glossary of terms
First off, welcome to XDA
The XDA community is home to the most talented and helpful phone developers on the planet.
These developers spend lots of their free time working on making all of our phones better. You should be nice and respectful to them and follow the rules. WHY? If the statement above isn’t enough reason then think selfishly, the less time they are dealing with redundant questions, the more time they have to develop stuff for all of us!
Help them help you by following the following basic rules:
1.If you are confused or have a question, the first thing to do is READ! Read lots, look things up both on xda and using google.
2.If after searching you still have not answered your question, then post in the Q&A forum.
3.Asking for ETAs on ROMs, updates, etc. is considered rude.. DON’T DO IT!
4.Don’t report bugs to a developer unless:
a.You know 100% that it hasn’t already been reported,
b.You know how to reproduce it
c.You can get a logcat of the problem (more on this later)
Some advice if you are new to all this and don’t want to ruin your phone:
1.Be patient. Don’t be the first or even the tenth person to flash anything. Wait until you see others using whatever Rom or kernel with success.
2.If you have any doubts about what you are doing, read more. Don’t flash.
3.Make sure you are in the forum for your device, not some similar or related device.
FAQ:
Q. Is my bootloader locked?
A. Only if you have an AT&T or Verizon phone
******* Info for AT&T users *******
Q. What is LOKI?
A. Loki is an exploit for phones with locked boot loader that allows us to bypass the locked boot loader in order to install custom roms or recoveries. More Loki info down below
Q. Whats the deal with MF3?
A. MF3 is the current firmware from AT&T that comes on any new phone. Your phone may also auto update to MF3 if you are not careful. MF3 patched the ability to use Loki to install custom roms/recoveries so if you are on MF3 things are much more difficult.
Q. How can I keep my phone from updating to MF3?
A. If you want to avoid the update, you should root your phone and freeze the following three apps using titanium backup or some similar app.
1. AT&T Software update Vxx_x_xxxx_x_x
2. FWUpgrade x.x.x
3. LocalFOTA vx_xxxx_x_x​
Why flash?
by flashing your device you can make your phone act differently, look different, and enable new or disabled options. you could ,for example:
enable native tethering
enable call recording
change the look of your phone
add custom toggle buttons
overclock or undervolt
increase battery life
etc..
Kernel vs Rom vs Recovery vs Modem
Kernel is the layer between the phone hardware and the rom. it controls things like Wi-Fi power, touch sensitivity, possible range of screen brightness, phone logging, and processor max and min speed. kernel must be designed not only for your device but also for the type of rom you are using (Sammy rom or Aosp) some kernels support all roms, others are specific.
Rom is the operating system of your phone. there are three main categories of roms.
roms that are based off of the Samsung stock rom (Sammy rom)
roms that are based off of Android open source project aka AOSP (AOSP, AOKP)
roms based off of the miui project (these used to be a branch of AOSP but recently they have also used Sammy base for miui)
recovery is a partition that you can access at boot by holding down a combination of keys. (volume up and home button in the case of our sgs4) every phone has recovery stock but it doesn't do much. you can replace stock with clockwork mod recovery which is extremely useful for flashing all kinds of things and making backups before you do. There are other alternative recoveries besides clockwork but that seems to be the most common. TWRP is also gaining popularity these days. You can easily switch between recoveries and or upgrade your current recovery. All that needs to happen is for a new image to be flashed onto the recovery partition. See the rooting guide for more info on how to flash a custom recovery.
modem is a file that controls the cell radio of the phone. Helps determine what frequencies to use and settings for a particular network. It is important when flashing a radio that you flash a radio that is for the AT&T sgs4
Methods for flashing files - Odin vs mobile Odin vs. clockworkmod(cwm) vs adb
Odin is the internal Samsung tool for flashing. I believe it only exists on Windows platform. This tool is mostly used to initially flash an insecure kernel or rooted kernel, OR to return to completely stock rom.. Files for flashing in odin generally should end in .tar or .tar.md5 although sometimes they come zipped and the tar is inside the zip. Read more about Odin before using it as it can easily break your phone. !!!as a general rule make sure you never check the "partition" checkbox EVER!!!
Mobile Odin (THIS TOOL DOES NOT SUPPORT ALL S4 MODELS...make sure you check that it specifically works with yours first. I think at this time it works on your phone unless you have locked bootloader but STILL DOUBLE CHECK) is a phone based version of Odin made by the very talented developer Chainfire. It can be installed on a rooted phone and used to flash the same .tar based files as the desktop version. Mobile odin has a few advantages. 1 you can use it from your phone. 2 it can auto root a stock rom (nice if you want to try out a brand new update that has not been rooted yet)
clockworkmod(cwm) or TWRP is recovery based tool that can make backups of your entire phone, flash new roms, kernels etc.., and do many other useful tasks. Once you have this on your phone my guess is that most of your flashing will be done through this tool. The files for flashing through clockworkmod are .zip files.
ADB is the android develpment bridge. It allows for command line interface with your phone through its debugging options. ADB can do most anything as I understand it. In my several years of flashing I have only had to use it once, and i could have waited for someone to come up with another solution. In general as a noob i recommend you stay away from ADB.
open source vs Samsung base(aka Touchwiz or TW) vs miui
Open Source Roms such as AOSP/AOKP are built using Google's open source android code as a base. The developers then add functionality specific to the device. The advantages of these builds are that they often have tons of options built in to the rom that change the behavior and look of the phone. They usually allow you to change the toggles in your notification pull down, change the battery display, make all kinds of adjustments to sounds, vibration etc... Some people also prefer the "vanilla" android look and feel. These roms often provide "bleeding edge" concepts, design, and modifications. The Disadvantages of these roms is that some of the hardware coding is done closed source by the phone manufacturers, which means that things like Infrared, bluetooth, camera, video recording, and MHL video out often don't work or take much longer to get working by the developers. Basically anything that relies on the Samsung framework will not work in an open source build. This means Svoice, Snote, and the Samsung camera app will not work.
Samsung based roms (aka Touchwiz/TW) are taken from the Samsung original phone software and modified by the developer. Usually, these roms are modified in order to be faster and to make changes to some of the features. Expect to see changes to the stock rom like: debloated (ATT and samsung software removed), de-odexed (explained later), enable tethering, unlimited sms recipients, added notification toggles, etc. Most of these changes are made to: make the phone faster, improve battery life, make the phone easier to theme. The advantage of these roms is that they still use the Samsung framework so all the proprietary stuff like camera, bluetooth, MHL still work, the disadvantage is that they will never be as customisable as open source roms.
MIUI is a rom that focuses on theming. Official MIUI (Chinese) gets updated weekly on Friday and then there are lots of miui developers who adapt it to other languanges and make some tweaks to it. MIUI can be built from AOSP source or Samsung source and depending will have different features. The first MIUI rom for our phone just appeared in these forums and it is based off of AOSP. MIUI has a unique look and is also highly customizable through theming. There are tons of themes available for download through the rom itself and you can mix and match any part of any theme you want. This includes icons, lockscreen style, etc.. Some people criticize while others praise MIUI for being very "iphone like". This is because the icons look more iphone like and there is no app drawer in the MIUI launcher. However, you can still use any launcher you like within MIUI.
odexed vs de-odexed
odexed is how the phone comes stock from Samsung. Odexed means that system files and apps are split into two pieces and kept in different places on the phone. This is done to speed things up a bit. However, it makes it harder to theme the phone because the apps are split up. Most custom roms choose to de-odex (basically regroup the files back into one) so that custom themers can make themes more easily for the phone.
Flashing "dirty" vs flashing "clean"
Clean
Doing a clean install of a rom means erasing or formatting all the data from the previous rom before you flash the new one. This is the prefered way to flash a rom to ensure that it will run smoothly. It is necessary if you are switching from one rom type to another (CM to Samsung base). In order to do a clean flash you need to boot into recovery and select the following options: wipe user data (this wipes all apps and personal data, but not your photos/videos), wipe cache, advanced>wipe dalvik cache, storage/mounts>format system. This will ensure that no trace of the former rom is left on the phone. Beware that at this point your phone will not boot until you install a new rom. I suggest using titanium backup to backup apps and smsbackup+ for texts to make getting your new rom configured easy.
Dirty
Doing a dirty install means just flashing a new rom right over the top of the old one without wiping any data. The advantage to this is that you don't lose any apps or account info. The disadvantage is that you open up the possibility for problems. Generally you only want to flash this way if you are upgrading a rom (CM10 nightly to the next nightly, or from one samsung based rom to another). If you decide to flash over the top and have any issues, you should not report bugs, but try flashing clean first.
Logcat
Logcat is a way to access the android system log for everything that is going on behind the scenes. This tool is used to help developers pinpoint problems in a rom. If you want to actually be helpful to a dev when reporting a bug, you should really learn to use this tool. I am no expert on logcat but you can find some good information in this post: http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1726238
What is the Bootloader?
The bootloader is basically what it sounds like...it loads the boot image of the device. Basically it is one of the first things to run on the phone and it shows the phone where to find the boot image and how to start. The bootloader is also responsible for allowing access to the recovery part of the phone.
Locked Bootloader?
This seems to confuse a lot of users so here goes: The AT&T and Verizon versions of our phone have a locked bootloader. What does this mean? To the noob, it means that the devs had to figure out how to bypass or unlock this part of the phone in order to be able to boot custom recoveries such as CWM and TWRP. Getting a custom recovery means being able to backup the phone as well as flash custom roms. Luckily for us, Djrbliss (make sure and thank him! his thread is here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2292157) figured out how to bypass the locked bootloader. The exploit he used is known as Loki. Please remember that the loki exploit is not the same thing as unlocking the bootloader, it is a bypass/trick. AT&T and Verizon have fixed the exploit that allowed loki to work in there newest firmware. Loki patch will not work for MF3 firmware or later.
Loki
refers to the exploit that allows us to run custom recoveries as well as custom roms. You only need to have a loki'd rom if you have a model with a locked bootloader (AT&T). Thankfully, you can install a custom recovery that will auto-Loki any rom you flash so that you can install almost any rom built for our model phone (see below). I strongly recommend flashing an auto loki recovery if you have a phone with locked bootloader. I use this one here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291956
Compatible Roms
you should be able to run any rom built for AT&T, TMobile, or the I9505 international model (NOT I9500!!) as long as you flash with an auto loki recovery. You can check out this thread for more info. Make sure and thank TheAxman! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2295557
You may have to manually set the APN. If you encounter problems with the rom look in that roms thread for answers.

Sticky!!

Well damn, I thought I knew a lot, but after reading this thread, I really didn't. Well done. :good:

Incredible resource for those coming in from a different ecosystem.
Thanks much!!

Thread stuck!! Nice work!

Got my new At&t Samsung Galaxy S4 and this will definitely help me!!

this is another thread that really helped me as well these two have really helped me so far i have rooted several divices and just relied on everyone else and not i am starting to take a lot more of an interest ant these threads have been the most helpful
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42055644#post42055644

WoW
Great work! I'm sure this thread will be very helpful to a lot of people (Myself included). Tanks bro! :victory:

More! More! :d

I've been searching high and low ive read everything and maybe im not understanding but after I root my phone how do I do the whole loki thing??... I'm eager to start flashing roms... Ive read of some recoveries that do this is that an accurate assessment??

KINGDROID25 said:
I've been searching high and low ive read everything and maybe im not understanding but after I root my phone how do I do the whole loki thing??... I'm eager to start flashing roms... Ive read of some recoveries that do this is that an accurate assessment??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly are you trying to do?
If you want to install a custom ROM or kernel, you need a custom recovery. The ROM or Kernel developer will have LOKI-fied it for you.
For TWRP (my custom recovery of choice) Download GooManager from the Play Store and install.
Inside the goo.im app, go to menu>Install OpenRecovery Script
then you can boot into recovery to apply kernels, ROMs, etc to your hearts desire

joeybear23 said:
What exactly are you trying to do?
If you want to install a custom ROM or kernel, you need a custom recovery. The ROM or Kernel developer will have LOKI-fied it for you.
For TWRP (my custom recovery of choice) Download GooManager from the Play Store and install.
Inside the goo.im app, go to menu>Install OpenRecovery Script
then you can boot into recovery to apply kernels, ROMs, etc to your hearts desire
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its tht ez just root and add custom recovery??.. The whole loki thing is what's been throwing me off
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

KINGDROID25 said:
Its tht ez just root and add custom recovery??.. The whole loki thing is what's been throwing me off
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... the difficult part is if you are a developer. They make our lives much easier.

joeybear23 said:
Yes... the difficult part is if you are a developer. They make our lives much easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanx ima root tonight I jus need to get a copy of the stock firmware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

KINGDROID25 said:
Thanx ima root tonight I jus need to get a copy of the stock firmware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock Firmware:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
That is a HUGE download, but the process is simple.

im not a newb but i need to boost my post count lol...soooo spam

KINGDROID25 said:
I've been searching high and low ive read everything and maybe im not understanding but after I root my phone how do I do the whole loki thing??... I'm eager to start flashing roms... Ive read of some recoveries that do this is that an accurate assessment??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have updated the OP to explain Loki, hope that helps :good:

Noob here first time posting I rooted my phone and installed cwm using casual method, created backup and installed mint rom love it but after a couple of post I see I didn't backup EFS should I be worried?

I'm not sure what the deal is with backing up the IMEI number on our phones yet. I have not seen anyone post about losing their IMEI yet so I wouldn't be too worried. On the s3 only the international model phones could be backed up by saving the efs folder. The backup process for AT&T phones was much more complex. I assume the same holds true on the s4. Will update when I find out more
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

I wanted to make sure Thx. Is it to late to back EFS or can I just restore my backup and do it?

Install Android 4.4 beta 3 on LG L5

Hi, guys I'm new to android phones...but I'd love to know more about them and about these custom roms...so the point is that I read this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2519448 and I don't know how to start ... I have a LG L5 E610 and the default ROM is a little slow...I need to mention that my phone isn't rooted...is brand new...so pls can you help me...I searched the Internet but I founded so many things and I'm kind of mix up...

Go to this subforum for your phone and read up on what's needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/optimus-l3-l5-l7
The procedure varies slightly from phone to phone but you first need to unlock your bootloader (the first unlock will wipe any data you have stored on the phone, make sure you backup first)
And most importantly don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need, we were all noobs once
Also, once you got a custom recovery installed, make sure you do a full backup before experimenting, that way you always can get back to a working device no matter what happens.
Good luck and enjoy.
Nexus 7 LTE
SlimKat KOT49H
Bricked Kernel

Thank u...
Raverbunny said:
Go to this subforum for your phone and read up on what's needed.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/optimus-l3-l5-l7
The procedure varies slightly from phone to phone but you first need to unlock your bootloader (the first unlock will wipe any data you have stored on the phone, make sure you backup first)
And most importantly don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need, we were all noobs once
Also, once you got a custom recovery installed, make sure you do a full backup before experimenting, that way you always can get back to a working device no matter what happens.
Good luck and enjoy.
Nexus 7 LTE
SlimKat KOT49H
Bricked Kernel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...first I rooted my phone with this http://androidteen.com/lg-optimus-l5-e610612-android-4-1-2-how-to-root-and-install-custom-recovery/ and then I followed this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2519448
first I wiped data ..and after that I installed the ROM and after that Gapps...and now the phone is working but when I am on 3G, apps like youtube, exhange mail stop working..."unfortunately YouTube has stopped working"...what to do...is this problem related to Gapps or my Internet Acces VODAFONE RO or this UNOFFICIAL ROM from cm...and I wanna ask you another question if you don't mind HOW CAN I UNINSTALL GAPPS...?..maybe is from the .zip file ...you know better...sorry for my english

Google Nexus 5 Flashing

Hi Guys.
I am a bit out of date. Haven't done something here for about 2 years, and can't even remeber how I did my last flash of the rooted stock rom on my device.
Is there any way I can see, if my phone is already prepared for any flash method? Or are there no more different options out there these days?
If it doesn't matter, which one you would advise me to use? I am interessted to flash the CM (hammerheadcaf).
Thank you for any help. Cheers

s0urce said:
Hi Guys.
I am a bit out of date. Haven't done something here for about 2 years, and can't even remeber how I did my last flash of the rooted stock rom on my device.
Is there any way I can see, if my phone is already prepared for any flash method? Or are there no more different options out there these days?
If it doesn't matter, which one you would advise me to use? I am interessted to flash the CM (hammerheadcaf).
Thank you for any help. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fist the bootloader must be unlocked.Then you need to flash a custom recovery ("normal" TWRP for stock/aosp based roms or CAF TWRP for CM 12.1 CAF).
Also check which bootloader version is required for the rom you are planning to flash.
Of course this is a quick overview of the requirements, but you will find plenty of detailed information about every step here in the Nexus5 forum. Good luck!

Pretoriano80 said:
Fist the bootloader must be unlocked.Then you need to flash a custom recovery ("normal" TWRP for stock/aosp based roms or CAF TWRP for CM 12.1 CAF).
Also check which bootloader version is required for the rom you are planning to flash.
Of course this is a quick overview of the requirements, but you will find plenty of detailed information about every step here in the Nexus5 forum. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thank you for ur answer. My problem is not to find details about flashing a specific ROM. My question was more about, how to find out, which kind of flashing I have done the last time on my phone? So I would know, if I can skip a big part of the tutorials or if I need to do everything from scratch.

Well, those steps are meant for flashing in general not only a specific rom and from my point of you it doesn't matter how you used to flash in the past (but maybe i'm missing something here or didn't understood your question).
Basically flashing the Nexus5 two years ago was same as now (but might different than other devices) but most likely you will need a newer revision of your recovery, a bootloader upgrade (and if necessary unlock your bootloader if you locked it in the past). So just check this information against your current configuration and you will find out if you can skip a step or not (and also different roms could come with different requirements, like the CAF buils).

[Q&A]

Hello everybody, as I see many questions being repeated I thought it could be nice to have an explanation for most of them. Please feel free to add questions/answers! I will update OP accordingly.
Questions are sorted into:
General
Root
Recovery
Xposed
Bootloader
Rom
General
Q: Which specs does my phone have?
A: Have a look at gsmarena.com, they provide splendid information to all devices.
Q: Where is the difference between (e.g.) D6603 and D6633 or other?
A: The Xperia Z3 series is mainly divided into: Internationally available (e.g. D6603), Dual Sim (D6633, D6683), and branded (D6616). While the first group covers most internationally used frequency bands, the branded ones offer LTE support for T-Mobile and Verizon in the US. The disadvantage is that it is harder to develop for the latter.
Q: How do I seek support for a questions regarding xy?
A: If you have flashed something specific, ask in the thread you got the link from or where it originates. If you have more general questions, ask here or here. Note that many questions have already been asked, so please use the search function before asking a new question.
Q: I read up a little on various flashing related stuff and saw flashtool was mentioned. What is it? How do I get it to work?
A: Flashtool is a tool created by @Androxyde and it allows us to flash every file that we have in the .ftf format to our phones. While most of its steps are explained here, it is to note that if you use Windows 8 or higher, you may have to take an additional step to install the correct drivers for your phone. Look here for help on that.
Root
Q: What is root?
A: Root enables you to have more in depth access to your system. If you don't know what it is and want to aquire it, first inform yourself, for example here and find out what advantages it could give you as well as disadvantages and consider if it suits you. Never forget: Your warranty will be voided! While you can get it back, it might be quite some trouble if you're not somewhat experienced. On the other hand, people are always eager to help. If you don't try, you won't find out .
Q: How can I root my device?
A: There are two possible methods it root your device, one being way more risky than the other.
Method 1: Downgrade to 4.4.4 (if you are not already there), then use giefroot, get a recovery and flash a pre-rooted updated ROM. Sounds complicated? Thanks to @G-FACE it is not! Look here to see how to root and install recovery on your handset!
Method 2: Use Kingroot. This method is not recommended at all as it sends your IMEI, so your unique identification number, to a Chinese IP address without knowledge who the receiver is. While it is possible, I would definitely recommend the first method. If you still want to use it - it is essentially a one-click root solution, but I've never used it, so no experience with it.
Q: Help! I messed up on the way there!
A: Ask in the appropriate thread (depending on in which step you messed up), there are always people helping out! Generally speaking, flashtool will be one of your biggest companions. If you have questions regarding that, look at the prior section.
Recovery
Q: What is a recovery?
A: A custom recovery is either TWRP, Philz or CWM (different versions), which allows you to install .zip files onto your phone on the go, without using your PC.
Q: How do I get it?
A: Please refer here.
Q: Which of the three (CWM, Philz, TWRP) is favourable to do xy?
A: To be honest, it depends. While most of the time you won't use CWM, it is up to you to use Philz or TWRP. Note however, that some Roms or wipes may require a specific one of the two. Always refer to the OP of your file source. If it states you should use a specific recovery, do so, as you may encounter problems if you do not.
In Roms of version 6.x, only TWRP is available.
Xposed
Q:What is Xposed? What can you do with it?
A:Xposed advanced framework is an awsome tool created by @rovo89 and helps you to easily mod your phone with tons of modules! For example you can blur your system UI, control which apps boot on start, or mod your phone to infinity. These are just few examples, I for my part use 13 xposed modules at the moment to get what I want from my device.
Q:Where do I get it?
A:Download it here if you're on LP or MM. Use the arm version, e.g. xposed-v79-sdk22-arm.zip
Now we have already learned the basics, so let's go a little further
Bootloader
Q:What is a bootloader?
A:
In literal terms, bootloader is code that is executed before any Operating System starts to run
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Refer here for further explanation.
Q:Why do I need to unlock it for a few Roms?
A:This is due to them using a different kernel, which would not work with a locked bootloader.
Q:I want Rom xy now, how do I unlock my bootloader??
A:Sony makes it a little easier than some other companies do, so have a look here. Note: Your warranty will be voided and you will lose your DRM keys! (look below)
Q:What are DRM keys? What is the TA partition?
A:As mentioned, unlocking your bootloader will wipe your DRM keys. These are unique keys generated by Sony to enable your access to some Sony-specific things. These include but are not limited to image capturing & viewing enhancements and access to PSN. The TA partition is the part of your phone where these keys along with your IMEI is stored. Before unlocking your bootloader you should backup your TA partition. How to do so? Have a look here.
Q:Help! I messed up/unlocked my bootloader without backing up my DRM keys.
A:I'm sorry to hear that. While you will not be able to get back your warranty, you can get back most of the functions. Look here for help.
Roms
Q:What are Roms?
A:To make it short: They are your OS, so your system that you're running on.
Q:What differences are there?
A:While we have many people use plain stock Roms, many here at xda favour modified Roms, be it to include Root or Xposed, or to go further by unlocking the bootloader (look prior topic) to flash Roms not based on stock, such as Cyanogenmod.
Q:How do I install Rom xy?
A:As long as you have it as a .zip file use your recovery, if its a .ftf file use flashtool. Please check that you've wiped data, cache and dalvik before a flash (recovery) or do it during the flash (flashtool).
Q:Where do I find (stock) Roms?
A:Luckily, there are collection threads for Roms here. Please refer to the 'general' section for pre-rooted stock Roms. If you want to reset your phone to its original state, use XperiFirm, it will help you download the .ftf for your phone!
Any further questions? Anything I missed? Please write it down below, I will add more Q&A's as we go
Feel free to link to this thread if one of these questions is repeated over and over in your thread!
It took me quite a while to organise this thing so please consider pressing "Thanks" if this post was helpful.

I think you should change your words to 'warranty MAY be voided'
Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

Flashing stock Roms, Bootloader problems

Hi,
iam glad this place still exits
I've got a S6 (SM-G920F), more or less a testing-device (poor Batterie^^) . It was on Android 7 Stock, may not updated for 6month+, not 100% sure . Was my first mistake, i don't know any more details...
First i tried a few old stock from sammobile (Android 5.1.1 etc.) and tried to flash with odin. As you may guess it didnt work. I thought "Stocks - should be easy " and there are many outdated guides who tell this. I searched for the error messages (onscreen) and found hints that this problems could be caused by Bootloader who deny downgrading, may also for good reasons. I didnt read any deeper, as i found this Guide here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s6/help/guide-downgrade-sm-g920f-nougat-to-t3639253
Followed this Guide with https://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/galaxy-s6/SM-G920F/DBT/download/G920FXXU2COH2/54694/ as "Source". I worked with the engineering bootloader and the told parts from the Stock. RecoveryMode was broken, but systems seems boot fine and no obvious Errors or Problems. A good guide for that goal, but no guide can teach me whats going up in detail. I want to understand a little bit more, and not searching for a "from any to ANY guide"
Actually iam trying to get on 6.0.1 Stock, but this guide doesnt work for me with a few stock-roms, not booting.
Flashing complete stocks with odin still fails. Flashing dont start or fail at hidden.img.
I came to this page with my first xda, later flashed a lot with my Galaxys...S2-S4, also custom roms- but stayed on stock at some point. So i should have basic knowledge, but i realize its outdated and there a few new "stummbling blocks" etc. Therefore i decided to get more in detail and ask here, before trial and error with other ways (like flashing with recovery)may leads to a brick. Not founded deeper informations myself. In the past i knew which parts a rom/firmware could have and their functions and whats possible with it.
Somebody here with time to help? Where can i find infos which bootloader i got, which others i may can flash (on what way) and which one is working with which Rom^^ Hope that the device wasnt on newest BL, and i still have the choice. Is the Kernel or other parts important as long as iam only trying to jump between stocks?
I backuped efs-partition with TWRP and stored the backup folder on PC, is that enogh to be prevent IMEI lost?
Hints or Links could be enough in some cases.
Thanks for reading and your work

Mattezh said:
Hints or Links could be enough in some cases.
Thanks for reading and your work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G920f is international version, so compatible with all roms. Frankly speaking, flashing is basically same as s2 etc. If you're on nougat, then nougat bootloader.
Idk why u want to go to Marshmallow, but some guys managed to flash a Marshmallow custom rom directly from nougat. It's called xtrestolite. It has no support whatsoever. https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...xtrestolite-deodexed-mod-edition-1-0-t3094423
For TWRP & ROOT, follow the steps in this video https://youtu.be/BV1ELmu8T0I & that's it.
DO NOT USE supersu. USE & flash latest Magisk v15.0+ (stable) from here https://forum.xda-developers.com/app...80cb6-t3618589 Download latest Magisk Manager as well
So the steps are:
From the links in the video, download the specific twrp for g920f. This one: https://eu.dl.twrp.me/zeroflte/twrp-...roflte.img.tar The first file.
Install the Samsung drivers from the link in the video on your pc.
Download & extract Odin.exe.(link in video. Use the same version)
Enable usb debugging on your phone.
Put your phone to download mode
Start odin. Follow the steps in the video to install twrp
When install is complete, immediately reboot to twrp to flash latest Magisk. Wipe Dalvik.
Reboot. Install latest Magisk Manager
Check status in the Magisk Manager.
Done.
If not rooted, flash magisk.zip again in twrp
SuperSu gave problems to some users. Magisk was successfully installed in the first shot!
Nougat roms I'd suggest to flash. They're in S6 unified forum:
MiPa rom, A8 2016 v2, OdexLite v4.1
Try the Nougat roms I've mentioned since you're already on Nougat.
BTW Don't flash any kernels. Stay with those which came with the roms