Database Info

Looking to switch to this phone

I hope this is the right place for this post and if not I apologize in advance. I currently have a Verizon Galaxy S4 which is my first smart phone so going in, I didn't know much about rooting and flashing and other modifications so as I began tinkering, I was very unhappy to find my bootloader had been locked. I've had this phone a while and being unable to flash AOSP roms and the like is really starting to get annoying so I have been browsing Swappa and considering a new phone. I very much do like the M8 and it seems to be my best option for a decent upgrade without breaking the bank. I was wondering if all versions of the Verizon M8 are completely unlock-able or if there are things I should look for when buying this phone. Are there any software updates that have locked the bootloader down to the point that there is no unlock solution? Is there anything specific I should avoid when looking to purchase this phone? On a similar note, should putting my sim from my S4 into this phone just work or will I need to go through Verizon and get the device approved? Thank you in advance for any replies and I apologize again if this is the wrong place to post this.

The Sunshine unlock is available for $25 for all devices running Android 4.4.3 or below. Sunshine hasn't been updated to support Android 4.4.4 yet. If you want to S-OFF, unlock your bootloader, and root the device you will need a phone running either Android 4.4.2 or Android 4.4.3. The Galaxy S4 uses a micro SIM and the M8 uses a nano SIM. You can try cutting your current SIM down, but the best option is to get a new SIM.

That's honestly what I was wondering as well, and it's something good to know once I make the switch from a Note 2 to the m8.

I switched from a Galaxy S5 and my mistake was not doing enough research I ended up getting a M8 on 4.4.4 and now I'm stock again with a locked bootloader for now, you're definitely gonna want to make sure that you get a phone on 4.4.3 or lower

santanac said:
I switched from a Galaxy S5 and my mistake was not doing enough research I ended up getting a M8 on 4.4.4 and now I'm stock again with a locked bootloader for now, you're definitely gonna want to make sure that you get a phone on 4.4.3 or lower
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Click to collapse
I dont know about OP, but I know for me I am okay with not having an unlocked bootloader. The droid turbo has way too many problems, the nexus 6 has its share of problems and hasn't been announced for Verizon yet, and Touchwhiz is way too laggy and buggy for me to even consider it after having the Note 2 for two years.

Coming from flashing everything posted on XDA to my Galaxy S3 I was pretty happy with Sense 6. It's a bit of its own spin but is honestly pretty bearable. Battery life is perfect (with heavy use near a days use easy), fast and takes wonderful pictures. I miss the ability to swap out batteries but it's really not too much of an issue with this phone. Front facing speakers are wonderful and seem pretty obvious with BoomSound suprisingly not a gimmick
My only real complaint is the stock emojis HTC throws at you, but that's pretty minimal.

santanac said:
I switched from a Galaxy S5 and my mistake was not doing enough research I ended up getting a M8 on 4.4.4 and now I'm stock again with a locked bootloader for now, you're definitely gonna want to make sure that you get a phone on 4.4.3 or lower
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Click to collapse
Is there root available on 4.4.4 at least or is that also locked down?

06sharpshot said:
Is there root available on 4.4.4 at least or is that also locked down?
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Click to collapse
Nope

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2792487&page=172 refer to post 1715, shouldn't be too much longer. These dudes are committed and put out top notch work. Just a little longer :victory:

bjoostema said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2792487&page=172 refer to post 1715, shouldn't be too much longer. These dudes are committed and put out top notch work. Just a little longer :victory:
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I was on their live IRC chat and jcase has been saying 1.5 - 2.5 months for 3.0 to be released

santanac said:
I was on their live IRC chat and jcase has been saying 1.5 - 2.5 months for 3.0 to be released
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up man! That'll give me a little more time to get sick of being locked down and ultimately appreciate the freedom more whenever it arrives haha

RemnantKing2 said:
That's honestly what I was wondering as well, and it's something good to know once I make the switch from a Note 2 to the m8.
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I went from a Note 2 to the M8. It was painless. I purchased a sim cutter from Amazon for $5. I cut the sim and all's well.

i left the note 3..... and i love it! especially the sound output.... its absolutely amazing! over bluetooth or headphones. its night and day over the note 3....
just try and find one that's already s-off and unlocked.
good luck!

js0uth said:
i left the note 3..... and i love it! especially the sound output.... its absolutely amazing! over bluetooth or headphones. its night and day over the note 3....
just try and find one that's already s-off and unlocked.
good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm considering switching from the Note 3 as this latest update has all but killed development and pretty much all the developers are jumping ship.

thegamerdarkseid said:
I'm considering switching from the Note 3 as this latest update has all but killed development and pretty much all the developers are jumping ship.
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All of the devs working to unlock the S4 have jumped ship as well. We lost about 4 guys that were really working hard to unlock it.

Dead community

Little surprised there isn't many people in the community yet. Granted its a new phone but just seems pretty dead. Anyone else notice?

I've been saying that. Feels like when I bought my G3. Nothing happening.
Sent from my SM-G920P

thlinx said:
Little surprised there isn't many people in the community yet. Granted its a new phone but just seems pretty dead. Anyone else notice?
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Click to collapse
It would be hard to judge how many people there are in this community, since like myself, I would imagine most people who are here aren't talking, because there are no custom roms, and there is subsequently nothing to talk about.
The newness of the phone has nothing to do with the deadness of the forum. All devices that don't have custom roms have dead forums. You should check out the galaxy tab 3 forum, it's a hoot.
You could buy tdunham and rompnit S6 edges and I'm sure they'd be happy to jump over from the Sprint S5. Once they made a custom stock rom, the forum would be a lot more active.

arlyn said:
It would be hard to judge how many people there are in this community, since like myself, I would imagine most people who are here aren't talking, because there are no custom roms, and there is subsequently nothing to talk about.
The newness of the phone has nothing to do with the deadness of the forum. All devices that don't have custom roms have dead forums. You should check out the galaxy tab 3 forum, it's a hoot.
You could buy tdunham and rompnit S6 edges and I'm sure they'd be happy to jump over from the Sprint S5. Once they made a custom stock rom, the forum would be a lot more active.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
we need some moar here! muahahaha

I think it would be different if Samsung only released 1 flagship device vs. 2. Most likely the masses are going to go for the cheaper device, especially if ordering online. But to see the edge in person, it's a different story! I swapped out of my M9 once I held this device! I just hope people aren't looking at the edge as "gimmicky" because it is different, but from the commercials I have seen it looks like they mostly show the edge as opposed to the standard s6.

Yes im also waiting for some action, its killing me not being able to flash a slimmmmed down TW rom. I cant wait to safely remove most of the junk

You should also give it some time. The device has only been out for a few weeks.

I have been checking everyday
But with no custom roms and rumors of knox tripping will make Samsung pay not work, I haven't even rooted
Sent from my SM-G925P

At least give me a recovery! Lol
Since this thread has some people posting can anyone advise what files I have to delete or overwrite in system/media for a custom boot animation?

SPR_bootsamsung.qmg and SPR_bootsamsungloop.qmg

Well, the fact that there isn't currently much development isn't always a bad thing. It may indicate that the phone is 95% of what people want and requires few changes. I moved from the S5 to the S6 edge and I'm in no big hurry to even root it. One of the reasons is the Samsung Pay thing. (I could care less about knox). I want to hold off a bit and see if this device can be rooted without tripping knox and potentially screwing up Samsung Pay capabilities. The only thing I miss at this point is the ability to do a Nandroid Backup and the Hotspot/Tether mods. I think battery life could be better but my experience with kernels and governers usually resulted in a lot of instability. I do in fact hope that development picks up eventually once Samsung has done everything they plan to do with this device. Once the honeymoon is over I'll be right there creating and flashing mods, but only to overcome limitations and make improvements. Not just for the sake of being first or just to have something different.

Im here!!

I'm so eager to get flashing.. I rooted cause I couldn't care about Samsung pay. Hopefully we get some action soon.

dazednconfused said:
You should also give it some time. The device has only been out for a few weeks.
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we could use some Wicked Sensations .....

TexasLTE said:
we could use some Wicked Sensations .....
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Good to see you man, you get the device?

dazednconfused said:
Good to see you man, you get the device?
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I got the regular S6 (actually got 3 ... my youngest daughter, my wife and myself) but the Edge looked really cool too

TexasLTE said:
I got the regular S6 (actually got 3 ... my youngest daughter, my wife and myself) but the Edge looked really cool too
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Click to collapse
Awesome man good to hear from you, it's definitely been awhile.

Finally a thread thats alive. I remember when evo came out and how booming the community was. So many smart phones out now and some haven't switched to new devices yet. I just love rooting and hope to do it with this phone.

carrsteven said:
SPR_bootsamsung.qmg and SPR_bootsamsungloop.qmg
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply but that didn't work for me. I also swapped out bootsamsung and bootsamsungloop
Can't get that boot animation to work
---------- Post added at 08:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 AM ----------
Has anyone successfully changed the boot animation? I tried changing SPR_BOOTSAMSUNGLOOP.QMG, SPR_BOOTSAMSUNG.QMG, bootsamsung.qmg and bootsamsung loop.qmg
But none of that has worked

SantinoInc said:
Thanks for the reply but that didn't work for me. I also swapped out bootsamsung and bootsamsungloop
Can't get that boot animation to work
---------- Post added at 08:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:46 AM ----------
Has anyone successfully changed the boot animation? I tried changing SPR_BOOTSAMSUNGLOOP.QMG, SPR_BOOTSAMSUNG.QMG, bootsamsung.qmg and bootsamsung loop.qmg
But none of that has worked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It worked for me.. Make sure you're setting the permissions
And I only changed the SPR ones

TMobile Note 5 Rootable?

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

patience grasshopper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sprint - Anyone regret unlocking the bootloader

So I just picked up a refurbished Sprint v20. It is currently at zv3 so i'll be able to use Dirty Santa. My issue is do I? I know there's no going back since there isnt a factory image for Sprint.
If you've unlocked, are you happy you did so?

Very happy. but im biased since i made it...

Well, I didn't need much convincing. Thanks! Very smooth process, it's really nice to actually have TWRP on a lg phone again. Haven't had that since my LG G2.

yea it was a no brainer for me coming from a sgs7e , i hated the fact i could not do nanddroids or flash custom roms, i love my v20.

Bootloader possibly unlocked
So I just called Sprint and reemed them on how there bootloader practices are illegal and that this is an open source phone. Not an Iphone. My device is paid off ect. They supposedly are fully unlocking it as we speak. In the mid of a six hour phase I guess. I was told not to reboot during six hours. On ZVD firmware btw. If this does happen to get fully unlocked including bootloader ect., can I finally root my phone? I really hope so. I am running out of options.

Mysticblaze347 said:
So I just called Sprint and reemed them on how there bootloader practices are illegal and that this is an open source phone. Not an Iphone. My device is paid off ect. They supposedly are fully unlocking it as we speak. In the mid of a six hour phase I guess. I was told not to reboot during six hours. On ZVD firmware btw. If this does happen to get fully unlocked including bootloader ect., can I finally root my phone? I really hope so. I am running out of options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't hold my breath, at most they may unlock the sim, the bootloader I doubt it
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs

Well at around 4/5pm est. I am going to check. When I reboot it should tell me if unlocked right? If its not, then I will call again. I specifically told them bootloader and reasked. She said yes and that I will able to do whatever I want to with it. My network was already unlocked as well before I even called.

Mysticblaze347 said:
Well at around 4/5pm est. I am going to check. When I reboot it should tell me if unlocked right? If its not, then I will call again. I specifically told them bootloader and reasked. She said yes and that I will able to do whatever I want to with it. My network was already unlocked as well before I even called.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck, first time I've ever heard sprint voluntarily unlock a bootloader
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs

Mysticblaze347 said:
Well at around 4/5pm est. I am going to check. When I reboot it should tell me if unlocked right? If its not, then I will call again. I specifically told them bootloader and reasked. She said yes and that I will able to do whatever I want to with it. My network was already unlocked as well before I even called.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any news?

Any news?

rayulove69 said:
Any news?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sadly I did not notice any difference. I got an Android update message a few times. That happens daily though. I will call them tomorrow. Had a few unforseen events happen that strained original plans. Either way this is bull****. They should not be allowed to lock an open source down. I am trying to get this taken care of. Hard fighting corruption.

Mysticblaze347 said:
Sadly I did not notice any difference. I got an Android update message a few times. That happens daily though. I will call them tomorrow. Had a few unforseen events happen that strained original plans. Either way this is bull****. They should not be allowed to lock an open source down. I am trying to get this taken care of. Hard fighting corruption.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open source doesn't mean you have to have an unlocked bootloader. Open source just means you must be provided with a copy of the source code of the open source components (some parts are closed source), which LG has complied by allowing anyone access through this site.
Personally I'd be surprised if it's even technically feasible for them to unlock your bootloader.

Phoenix591 said:
Open source doesn't mean you have to have an unlocked bootloader. Open source just means you must be provided with a copy of the source code of the open source components (some parts are closed source), which LG has complied by allowing anyone access through this site.
Personally I'd be surprised if it's even technically feasible for them to unlock your bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok...well anyway not being able to root is still garbage. Especially on a device that is paid off. I only pay for service.
Love also how - the variant is rootable and this one is not game. So should I be mad a Sprint or LG? Whos fault is it?Rooting is perfectly legal. Seems blocking it is just as legal in this case.

Mysticblaze347 said:
Ok...well anyway not being able to root is still garbage. Especially on a device that is paid off. I only pay for service.
Love also how - the variant is rootable and this one is not game. So should I be mad a Sprint or LG? Whos fault is it?Rooting is perfectly legal. Seems blocking it is just as legal in this case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can blame Sprint, and Instead of spending so much time being angry and posting your frustration on here, why not just get another phone that you can root?
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs

cnjax said:
You can blame Sprint, and Instead of spending so much time being angry and posting your frustration on here, why not just get another phone that you can root?
Sent from my LG-H910 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because this has the flagships that I want. Except root. Cant even find a rootable one to buy unless I get a non sprint phone. I am also not posting out of anger, but for irritation of companies thinking that thay can do what ever and we have to take it.
Was wondering tho, if I am network unlocked, cant I take to a different carrier and their firmware would replace Sprints ZVD one (cdma I know) , and then be able to root via that phone/firmware method?

Mysticblaze347 said:
Because this has the flagships that I want. Except root. Cant even find a rootable one to buy unless I get a non sprint phone. I am also not posting out of anger, but for irritation of companies thinking that thay can do what ever and we have to take it.
Was wondering tho, if I am network unlocked, cant I take to a different carrier and their firmware would replace Sprints ZVD one (cdma I know) , and then be able to root via that phone/firmware method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it wasn't for antirollback (all other firmware, except the h918 which has a different key so no other variant can flash it, is antirollback 0) you could, but the way it is you'd brick if you forced it on there.

Ok then. Well thank you for info everyone. Im just going to be a lump on a log for awhile.

Mysticblaze347 said:
Ok then. Well thank you for info everyone. Im just going to be a lump on a log for awhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should have gotten the Essential phone on one of their many deals ($140 with Sprint)($225 on Amazon)
Its really the only phone I found that replaced my AT&T v20 and I'm enjoying Android Pie allot (we got the Sept security update yesterday)

There is a way to go back, I made a thread detailing the method to restore with a stock aboot image.

pro_granade said:
There is a way to go back, I made a thread detailing the method to restore with a stock aboot image.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What one?
---------- Post added at 08:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:43 PM ----------
clsA said:
You should have gotten the Essential phone on one of their many deals ($140 with Sprint)($225 on Amazon)
Its really the only phone I found that replaced my AT&T v20 and I'm enjoying Android Pie allot (we got the Sept security update yesterday)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does not have the dual cam, and removable battery like the v20. I have my reasons. Believe me . Only issue is Sprint not being able to root...supposedly. Pro_Granade kinda has my hopes up atm lol

Sprint LS997 variant updated to ZV9

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

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

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

No u cant unfortunately

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

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

No its not unfortunately

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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