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Hello Fellow XDA Members,
I am about to purchase my T-Mobile LG G2 as of tomorrow. Coming over from a Nexus 4 rooted / stock / Xposed. I am very excited about. This phone really caught my eye from beginning against the advice of my friends to wait for the Galaxy S5. This is the one I want. Of course there are tons of perks to being rooted and it's usually the first thing I do when I get a new phone. One thing I noticed about this phone is there doesn't seem to be an inclusive *ROOT* thread and I am not sure where to start other than the regular stuff; ADB enabled, drivers installed, etc. Also I know this phone is in sort of a transitional update to Android 4.0 presently (although this doesn't apply to T-Mobile as of this writing). So, I guess what I am looking for is.
1. Can someone link me a solid thread to ROOT instructions for the T-Mobile variant or is it carrier specific? Does it even matter?
2. Are there any special things I should know about like ( I recently helped a friend fix his LG Optimus due to the fact that he did not have an unlocked bootloader, rooted it and uninstalled system apps and got himself in a bootloop / soft brick) because the phone had some special *EVIL* software that would do that without first unlocking the bootloader.
3. Is there any "going back" from root on the LG G2? I mean I was reading something about root detecting, warranty voiding software. So, in other words if I get the device tomorrow and have it rooted by tomorrow night, then over the weekend I notice a weird glitch that would be covered under warranty, am I S.O.L. because I rooted it or can I flash back to stock and unroot and RMA the device?
4. Anything else I should know about that is an issue for the LG G2 during the root / romming process or otherwise.
Also I would like to thank everyone again. Going on my 4th device using only XDA as my source of info and help and still 100% HARD brick free and I plan to keep it that way. IMHO I don't see how people use phones unrooted. Thanks for the help! See you around the forums.
jcnbama said:
Hello Fellow XDA Members,
I am about to purchase my T-Mobile LG G2 as of tomorrow. Coming over from a Nexus 4 rooted / stock / Xposed. I am very excited about. This phone really caught my eye from beginning against the advice of my friends to wait for the Galaxy S5. This is the one I want. Of course there are tons of perks to being rooted and it's usually the first thing I do when I get a new phone. One thing I noticed about this phone is there doesn't seem to be an inclusive *ROOT* thread and I am not sure where to start other than the regular stuff; ADB enabled, drivers installed, etc. Also I know this phone is in sort of a transitional update to Android 4.0 presently (although this doesn't apply to T-Mobile as of this writing). So, I guess what I am looking for is.
1. Can someone link me a solid thread to ROOT instructions for the T-Mobile variant or is it carrier specific? Does it even matter?
2. Are there any special things I should know about like ( I recently helped a friend fix his LG Optimus due to the fact that he did not have an unlocked bootloader, rooted it and uninstalled system apps and got himself in a bootloop / soft brick) because the phone had some special *EVIL* software that would do that without first unlocking the bootloader.
3. Is there any "going back" from root on the LG G2? I mean I was reading something about root detecting, warranty voiding software. So, in other words if I get the device tomorrow and have it rooted by tomorrow night, then over the weekend I notice a weird glitch that would be covered under warranty, am I S.O.L. because I rooted it or can I flash back to stock and unroot and RMA the device?
4. Anything else I should know about that is an issue for the LG G2 during the root / romming process or otherwise.
Also I would like to thank everyone again. Going on my 4th device using only XDA as my source of info and help and still 100% HARD brick free and I plan to keep it that way. IMHO I don't see how people use phones unrooted. Thanks for the help! See you around the forums.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome phone and great choice I totally agree.
Proceed with caution though, I have extensive experience with android phones and this one has turned into a flourishing source of nightmares for me and is seeming to head towards a total "paperweight" story. This all stems from rooting and recovery installation and such obviously, I am sure if you leave it untouched it is fantastic.
Just make sure you follow things EXACTLY as told. :good:
zprovo said:
Awesome phone and great choice I totally agree.
Proceed with caution though, I have extensive experience with android phones and this one has turned into a flourishing source of nightmares for me and is seeming to head towards a total "paperweight" story. This all stems from rooting and recovery installation and such obviously, I am sure if you leave it untouched it is fantastic.
Just make sure you follow things EXACTLY as told. :good:
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Click to collapse
Well, I'm not one to ever leave anything untouched. What has been the main issue? Finding credible threads? Roms, etc? One thing confusing for me is I've been kinda used to the T-Mobile thread or the AT&T thread. Seems like this is mostly compiled into one with the development section being separated.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
jcnbama said:
Well, I'm not one to ever leave anything untouched. What has been the main issue? Finding credible threads? Roms, etc? One thing confusing for me is I've been kinda used to the T-Mobile thread or the AT&T thread. Seems like this is mostly compiled into one with the development section being separated.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Neither am I trust me. i would never sport a locked/crippled/stock device.
There is a lot of info out there honestly. Search for Ioroot and read about that, it's pretty awesome basically an automated rooting software.
Hardest thing for me has been all kind of compatibility/driver issues. Had to use multiple computers, x64 and x86 architectures.
But there are obviously loads of people out there enjoying this phone. I am just part of the select few who had issues.
You should go for it seriously, the display is breathtaking, I have pretty large hands and this is the first time I have had one that feels just perfect in one hand which is huge to me. Can't comment much on the using of it since it only worked for about a day and a half before i wrecked it apparently .
It seems very intuitive though, the camera is really awesome too. Being a photographer I was really impressed by the menu flow and the amount of options you have. Its really amazing that they include cameras like these at the price the phone sells for.
Is it dangerous to uninstall system apps or LG apps once rooted? On my friends Optimus that's what jacked him up. If you didn't have an unlocked bootloader and you just simply rooted and removed system apps then you would get a soft brick. Is there any similar issues here?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
It does not change ver. from 4.1.2
what does this updatedo?
What does this update do? Does it affect my root? Thanks!
It is notifying me too. Since I have twrp and root on stock jelly bean, how can I update if helpful, or turn off update notification?
Chad
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA Free mobile app
AFwarbird said:
It is notifying me too. Since I have twrp and root on stock jelly bean, how can I update if helpful, or turn off update notification?
Chad
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Started getting the notification yesterday, but I'm also on stock Jelly Bean 4.1.2 and TWRP. I was able to stop the notifications by freezing "AT&T Sofware Update" with Titanium Backup, but I'd also like to know if there's anything here worth the trouble of trying to get it installed.
I just had a chat session with a Samsung official, and she said it's news to them. I told her that I am on I727UCMC1, and she said that my device is up to date. The small update AT&T is pushing must be something to do with AT&T.
Unless it updates my camera features, I'm not even bothering with it, and will keep AT&T Update frozen.
I'm pretty sure I'd have to backup everything, revert to stock UCMC1, cross my fingers and toes that it still doesn't brick my phone, and hope it still can be rooted the way I did before.
It sure would be nice if there was some sort of explanation as to what is being updated. I have looked all over and not found anything anywhere else that mentions this update to I727UCNJ1. I got the number from this an at&t website I would post the link but can't. It is only 12mb so probably not worth a bunch of trouble but I wish I knew what it is trying to update.
Paranoid?
Me too. Mine is original stock, but I upgraded the Android OS last year to 4.1.2 via Samsung Kies. However, mine is unlocked, and I can't help but be suspicious that AT&T is "updating" to do something that is to their benefit and not ours (i.e. relocking the phone?, spyware, etc.?), so it would be nice to have some details of what/why this unexpected update, before blindly agreeing to it. So, if anyone know what this update is all about, please share with us. Thanks very much!
My money's on an update that locks the phone down. What else would AT&T possibly do with a three-year-old platform that isn't making them any new money at this point?
I chatted with an AT&T representative yesterday, and all I could get out of her was that the update had to do with new features to the O/S. That's all the information that she could find, and couldn't tell me any specifics about what features were being updated.
I am about to go to an S5 or S5 Active soon, and I might just revert to stock to check it out.
It's pretty fishy though that neither Samsung, or AT&T has, or wants to divulge in any, information on exactly what it's going to do.
---------- Post added at 07:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:26 PM ----------
As far as it locking your device back down, I have yet to flash, or install anything that has re-locked my phone. I guess it's possible. The only thing I'm worried about is losing root, and not being able to get it back with the last way that's available.
I see it's now listed on the AT&T eSupport website No details, just "Android OS Enhancements".
I don't have enough posts on this forum to be permitted to publish a link, but you can find it by Googling "AT&T Update to Skyrocket", and the eSupport link should be near the top of the results.
AT&T is taking the same tack as Verizon, and locking everything down. Even the mid to low end phones. So, I wouldn't be surprised if this is a way to lock older phones.
On the other hand, it really may be final bug fixes - a sort of final service pack. I wish I trusted them to give it a try.
I reverted back to stock I727UCMC1 using Odin v1.85, updated OTA to I727UCNJ1, flashed TWRP custom recovery, got root back, but I am not sure if I am still unlocked or not. I tried *#7465625# on the dialer, but the code does nothing.
Anyone know of another code to check the unlock status?
Thanks very much for your feedback. I've always just put a SIM card from another carrier into my phone. Even if it is not an active SIM, your phone should still tell you whether or not it is locked.
24fan4life said:
I reverted back to stock I727UCMC1 using Odin v1.85, updated OTA to I727UCNJ1, flashed TWRP custom recovery, got root back, but I am not sure if I am still unlocked or not. I tried *#7465625# on the dialer, but the code does nothing.
Anyone know of another code to check the unlock status?
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Click to collapse
unless u restored a previous efs partition that was locked to a carrier then u will remain unlocked, afaik no one lost their unlocked sim by restoring or flashing any firmwares, to read more about the sim lock or to unlock the sim read this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2638037
as for firmwares locking down the phone its referring to the way root is acheived not to the sim carrier lock
T.J. Bender said:
My money's on an update that locks the phone down. What else would AT&T possibly do with a three-year-old platform that isn't making them any new money at this point?
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Click to collapse
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.
Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices. Several devices started out unlocked, like the S2, and became locked by OTA updates. The S3, Note 2, etc.
IOW, I wouldn't put it past them, especially if Samsung wasn't aware of the update. On the flip side, the S2 is no longer even for sale, and I have to wonder how many are left in active service.
Clarification?
lingowistico said:
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.
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Click to collapse
Thanks, that was very helpful! Seriously though, as a senior member of this forum, perhaps you might have some constructive comments on this subject? After all, we're sitting here with phones (the I-727 SII Skyrocket is an oldie, but goodie!) that are trying to push an unanticipated OTA update on us, in a very suspicious manner. We hope it's just a bug fix, but don't trust the carrier (AT&T) to be doing this, unless they have some ulterior motive. The benefit of your substantial experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer us.
Regards,
Ron M.
jshamlet said:
Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices. Several devices started out unlocked, like the S2, and became locked by OTA updates. The S3, Note 2, etc.
IOW, I wouldn't put it past them, especially if Samsung wasn't aware of the update. On the flip side, the S2 is no longer even for sale, and I have to wonder how many are left in active service.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for your insight, it was TRULY helpful! As a relative newbie, I just want to clarify our terms. When you use the term "unlocked", I deduce you are referring to a phone that has been rooted and is running a different platform - is that correct? In my case, I am NOT rooted and simply running the original crappy stock platform, but my phone is "unlocked" in the traditional sense, in that I can use it with different sims from different carriers throughout the world, rather than being "locked" to AT&T. So, for those of us who are not as technically advanced, could you please clarify? For me, if this OTA update doesn't prevent me from continuing to use other sims from other carriers, then I don't know what the downside would be, unless they're just adding more spyware and bloatware to their already intrusive system? I look forward to your comments.
Regards,
Ron M.
jshamlet said:
Not so insane, I'm afraid. AT&T has started a war on unlocked bootloaders lately. The CEO has officially come out as saying they don't want unlocked devices on their network, and have followed up by sending out OTA updates that lock down devices.
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Click to collapse
I thought T.J. Bender was talking about simlock since he didn't mention the bootloader. :silly:
At&t sure isn't making life easy for you.. I'd still be proudly rocking a skyrocket too if I didn't lose it :angel:
I only messed with my Skyrocket for an hour or so after accepting the OTA update, before starting up my new S 5 Active.
The only thing that I really noticed, was they took the AT&T phone setup app off of it, since it is no longer in use by AT&T. There may have been more that I didn't notice, but only running it a couple hours, I couldn't tell. I even checked the camera thinking they might have finally snuck some new features into it, but no dice.
lingowistico said:
i hope you are joking, because if not then then you're insane. no offense intended.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does suggesting that AT&T would lock a bootloader make me insane?
Sent from my totally badass HTC One m8 using Tapatalk
Anybody interested in the bootloader and unlocking it I encourage you to sign this petition. These phones are ours to use how we see fit and the more noise we make the better our chances are. I bought this phone under the assumption that nothing had changed and for Samsung to change their policies without notice isn't acceptable for me and hopefully you as well. Thank you
Petition
Dude, there's honestly no point. Ive been on xda for about 10 years and ive always need to root every single android phone ive owned. Until recently, Samsung started making pretty good android phones starting with the s6 and up. I had no reason to root my s6, note 5, and now no reason to root my s7 edge. Im not saying you should have no need to root yours, i just feel like Samsung and android have come a long way and nowadays rooting serves no purpose;for me at least. Is rooting worth losing Samsung pay or any other security features we need to protect us? Not really. Also, Samsung can change their policies as they please, you still bought their phone. Rooting died a couple years ago, move on. Best of luck with your petition.
No point is simply just not true. I haven't even looked at a Samsung until the S6 last year and I got the M9 instead. Now with HTC dumping boomsound on the M10 I switched after 8 HTC phones. While I agree Samsung has come a long way not only in hardware but software and you can do more things now without root I still miss it a lot. Have this phone a week now, not having root sucks. It's just not the same. While yes you can do quite a bit without it, there is still plenty missing. People saying that root is dead or they don't need it is just denial for the fact that things have got so locked down it's not worth justifying the hassle which might just be true.
Let's say knox was never developed, triangle away still worked so you could also go back to stock and you could flash away with an unlocked bootloader everyone would be singing a totally different tune and you guys would be rooted. Now that Samsung has total control, we have to justify it to ourselves on why it makes sense not to root which frankly right now I think is the case.
kennypow3rs said:
Dude, there's honestly no point. Ive been on xda for about 10 years and ive always need to root every single android phone ive owned. Until recently, Samsung started making pretty good android phones starting with the s6 and up. I had no reason to root my s6, note 5, and now no reason to root my s7 edge. Im not saying you should have no need to root yours, i just feel like Samsung and android have come a long way and nowadays rooting serves no purpose;for me at least. Is rooting worth losing Samsung pay or any other security features we need to protect us? Not really. Also, Samsung can change their policies as they please, you still bought their phone. Rooting died a couple years ago, move on. Best of luck with your petition.
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Click to collapse
Its all good if you have no interest then that's fine but I for one do. I hate touchjiz and the bloatware that is just the tip of the iceberg. Rooting will never die maybe some people don't but most that have rooted will always want it. Thanks for your input though. Without root we really don't have any need for a development section so this forum will likely die. I'm jumping ship to the lg g5 until samsung does something if they ever do.
brendan802 said:
Its all good if you have no interest then that's fine but I for one do. I hate touchjiz and the bloatware that is just the tip of the iceberg. Rooting will never die maybe some people don't but most that have rooted will always want it. Thanks for your input though. Without root we really don't have any need for a development section so this forum will likely die. I'm jumping ship to the lg g5 until samsung does something if they ever do.
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Click to collapse
I personally have no problem with Samsung locking things down. In fact for the general pop it will be great, but since we live in the free world it Samsung should still allow the option of choice. As long as they have the proper disclaimer in place that warns of consequences the one can make the decision. I think the big reason for the locked bootloader has to do with carriers leasing the phones. Since rooting breaks the pay app and can't reversed. Just imagine if you got a previous leased phone and the pay app doesn't work. What samsung should do is allow for a complete reset factory action including knox. Maybe not have it available to the general public but maybe the carriers or somewhere higher up. This would give the best of both worlds.
kennypow3rs said:
Dude, there's honestly no point. Ive been on xda for about 10 years and ive always need to root every single android phone ive owned. Until recently, Samsung started making pretty good android phones starting with the s6 and up. I had no reason to root my s6, note 5, and now no reason to root my s7 edge. Im not saying you should have no need to root yours, i just feel like Samsung and android have come a long way and nowadays rooting serves no purpose;for me at least. Is rooting worth losing Samsung pay or any other security features we need to protect us? Not really. Also, Samsung can change their policies as they please, you still bought their phone. Rooting died a couple years ago, move on. Best of luck with your petition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude you've been here 5 years. I've been here 7. Neither of which matters. Rooting didn't die any more than rock and roll did when disco came along.
I drive a semi and without root I can't get the headphone, or bluetooth, volumes high enough when running through the trucks stereo. And before you start talking about headphones, those that cover both ears are illegal and i don't like listening through only one ear. So I want root. If you don't that's wonderful for you, but please don't step onto a developers board, claim seniority you just don't have, and try to tell people the board has become meaningless.
DreamingWolf said:
Dude you've been here 5 years. I've been here 7. Neither of which matters. Rooting didn't die any more than rock and roll did when disco came along.
I drive a semi and without root I can't get the headphone, or bluetooth, volumes high enough when running through the trucks stereo. And before you start talking about headphones, those that cover both ears are illegal and i don't like listening through only one ear. So I want root. If you don't that's wonderful for you, but please don't step onto a developers board, claim seniority you just don't have, and try to tell people the board has become meaningless.
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Click to collapse
This is my second account ive definitely been here since the palm and original HTC touch days with Windows pocket lol. But to the point, rooting is dead per se, but there's definitely less of a reason to do so these days. Touch wiz is damn near perfect. Even for those thay dont like it can slap a launcher on it. I see no purpose to root, i can block ads with ad guard. Also stock android doesnt have all the bells and whistles either so id rsther stay stock. Again, i know others may need it, but i was simply saying its pointless thess days. I still come here for many other things, just not to root.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
kennypow3rs said:
This is my second account ive definitely been here since the palm and original HTC touch days with Windows pocket lol.
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Click to collapse
I stand corrected.
kennypow3rs said:
Again, i know others may need it, but i was simply saying its pointless these days.
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Click to collapse
Are not 'needed' and 'pointless' antonyms? You just refuted your own statement.
And I don't use stock android. I use rooted and modded versions of Sprint's base ROM. The only stock versions I have truly liked and used are by Temesek, and those tend to be few and far between on Sprint variants.
I also never use Touchwiz. It's been NovaLauncher for years now for me. And I just prefer all the little conveniences and tweaks that you can make with root. Like an extended power menu without having to add more apps from Google Play. And several diagnostic tools I use to troubleshoot when I have a weak or slow signal where I shouldn't.
So I'm really happy that your content to live with what Samsung and Sprint deign to allow you, I'm not. And since these boards seem to be doing just fine, I would guess that there are enough people who agree with me to make your opinion not nearly as wide spread as you believe it to be.
And one final question, if you believe rooting is pointless and dead, why are you still on these boards?
DreamingWolf said:
I stand corrected.
Are not 'needed' and 'pointless' antonyms? You just refuted your own statement.
And I don't use stock android. I use rooted and modded versions of Sprint's base ROM. The only stock versions I have truly liked and used are by Temesek, and those tend to be few and far between on Sprint variants.
I also never use Touchwiz. It's been NovaLauncher for years now for me. And I just prefer all the little conveniences and tweaks that you can make with root. Like an extended power menu without having to add more apps from Google Play. And several diagnostic tools I use to troubleshoot when I have a weak or slow signal where I shouldn't.
So I'm really happy that your content to live with what Samsung and Sprint deign to allow you, I'm not. And since these boards seem to be doing just fine, I would guess that there are enough people who agree with me to make your opinion not nearly as wide spread as you believe it to be.
And one final question, if you believe rooting is pointless and dead, why are you still on these boards?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still come here for other things, like questions i may have, apps, reviews, and ive been here for so long i still help others when i can. Its still a community i am apart of regardless if i root or not.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Root or not to root is a matter of opinion, I think it is far from dead or useless imo.
I have rooted every phone I have ever had that it was capable on within 24 hours of getting the phone just because I want to put on the phone what I want not what Samsung thinks I want.
I don't fit well with the masses and rooting let's me be that way with my phone....
That said this has been seen before on other devices and has been worked around by the amazing devs on this sight.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Rooting will never die unless the manufacturers kill it. It has too much of a following with people that love to root and need to root. So yes no root is a huge deal for me I'm coming from a Nexus 6 where I had multirom and weekly updates. The phone never gets boring when it is unleashed and rootable. I have had the Edge for about a week and I'm already bored/frustrated with it. I'm going to the Sprint store today to try and return it. My Nexus 6 flies compared to the S7 Edge even though its specs are way better. Hardware can only get you so far the software is what makes the phone fly. The stock S7 Edge has so much BS bloatware and unneeded stuff that slows it down significantly. Give me the international one and maybe I would keep it. Also, the Samsung pay is a joke for me because it doesn't support any of my banks or cards. I will be preordering the LG G5 or waiting for the next Nexus.
We should have the option.
I don't really need to root today, because I primarily use the phone for business and I don't want to have it down because I change my mind on which ROM to pick every 6 hours.
But I want the option to get rid of the ****, yes, ****, they put on this phone. Why they load junk I can't get rid of is beyond me.
If we can't control the phone, I'll have to jump off the Samsung bandwagon next year...no matter how good they make it.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
brendan802 said:
Anybody interested in the bootloader and unlocking it I encourage you to sign this petition. These phones are ours to use how we see fit and the more noise we make the better our chances are. I bought this phone under the assumption that nothing had changed and for Samsung to change their policies without notice isn't acceptable for me and hopefully you as well. Thank you
Petition
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there one for Sprint? This petition does not go to them at all.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
So I've had this thought about this locked bootloader problem. I am not sure if this is a viable solution or whether it would even work. I was thinking that our European brethren has an unlocked bootloader. Would there be a way to Odin their bootloader on our devicesor would the fact that they have a different processor be a problem. Because in theory if we had a Samsung sign Odin file of with an unlocked bootloader we should be able to Odin and have a unlocked bootloader, no? Or is there more to it than that?
El.Dante565 said:
So I've had this thought about this locked bootloader problem. I am not sure if this is a viable solution or whether it would even work. I was thinking that our European brethren has an unlocked bootloader. Would there be a way to Odin their bootloader on our devicesor would the fact that they have a different processor be a problem. Because in theory if we had a Samsung sign Odin file of with an unlocked bootloader we should be able to Odin and have a unlocked bootloader, no? Or is there more to it than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question. But no, it would not work. Not even because it's a different processor, which that is part. But say if T Mobile got an unlocked bootloader, it would not work for Sprint. Nor would it necessarily help to know how it happened and use it as a road map to unlock another carrier's bl.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
not so fast
mkeller96 said:
Rooting will never die unless the manufacturers kill it. It has too much of a following with people that love to root and need to root. So yes no root is a huge deal for me I'm coming from a Nexus 6 where I had multirom and weekly updates. The phone never gets boring when it is unleashed and rootable. I have had the Edge for about a week and I'm already bored/frustrated with it. I'm going to the Sprint store today to try and return it. My Nexus 6 flies compared to the S7 Edge even though its specs are way better. Hardware can only get you so far the software is what makes the phone fly. The stock S7 Edge has so much BS bloatware and unneeded stuff that slows it down significantly. Give me the international one and maybe I would keep it. Also, the Samsung pay is a joke for me because it doesn't support any of my banks or cards. I will be preordering the LG G5 or waiting for the next Nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would suggest waiting to see if the bootloader is locked down on the lg g5 before ordering. I was not planning to root my s7e, but I must say I was curious to see what this powerhouse was capable of if unleashed from touchwiz,sadly I will never know.:crying:
Anyone else receive an OTA update this morning from Sprint? Took about 15 minutes to download and install.
I'm now showing software version G935PVPU2APC5.
runner77 said:
Anyone else receive an OTA update this morning from Sprint? Took about 15 minutes to download and install.
I'm now showing software version G935PVPU2APC5.
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Click to collapse
I have Ota's stopped, but i haveapb5.
Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Root
I have a sneaky suspicion that the Sprint S7 & S7 Edge will end up just like the
ATT Note 5 and S6 Edge/Edge+ phones and will NEVER have root. LOL
I would strongly advice & suggest NOT to get rid of your current rooted phones at least not yet!!!
(unless you buy a different brand which can be rooted)
Have a great day!
El.Dante565 said:
So I've had this thought about this locked bootloader problem. I am not sure if this is a viable solution or whether it would even work. I was thinking that our European brethren has an unlocked bootloader. Would there be a way to Odin their bootloader on our devicesor would the fact that they have a different processor be a problem. Because in theory if we had a Samsung sign Odin file of with an unlocked bootloader we should be able to Odin and have a unlocked bootloader, no? Or is there more to it than that?
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Click to collapse
I have the firmware for the Chinese model s7 edge it is the closest match to ours and the firmware will not load in odin. It checks against the model and csc codes so we couldn't even cross flash with t-mobiles firmware. I have the bootloader posted over in t-mobile forums and a few people are poking around to see what can be done. Unfortunately bootloader and hardware hacks are nothing I have ever done before.
Hey there remaining Verizon S3 users!
Coming from my favorite device the T959V this has been quite a trip. This device's bootloader is seemingly impossible to unlock on the 4.4.2 NE1 firmware.
I've got a slightly modified Superlite rom rolling with SafeStrap already strapped. And it is great to say the least. Added some initd and utilities. Evie launcher is pretty nice btw- recommend a try :good:
However. I still really want this thing to be unlocked. The T959V has multiple working Fro, GB, ICS, JB, KK, L, M, AND Nougat ROMS. Totally different devices yes but-- even the newer S4-S6 have cracked loaders now.
There has to be a special way to change this things firmware.
Right now I have 2 ideas to throw out to the wind-
1- Would be that there could be a way to trick the device into thinking it is receiving a new update. Maybe somehow with CSC or something. Also I saw a file named authorized.xml and was reading through to find traces of knox. Would unauthorizing knox strings somehow render it useless?
2- I was reading a suggested post about AVB boots and how they can be resigned on devices such as the Google Pixel and allows the newer patches to still install. Including what was described as a forced re-sign method.
--- Could we somehow resign the bootloader on our device so as to gain control of it? Has anybody tried anything like this since around 2015?
I'll gladly talk about all of this more whenever I feel like popping on- and atm I have no web besides this service. :silly: so no DOS updates and no shiny linux for now.
Gladly tell me that it is "impossible" but I'm not asking that. I'm trying to add some ideas to possibly do the impossible.
Edit: This seems to be an interesting lead on emmc cracking this device. It's probably why people in other threads were in search of a "dev" edition.
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f777/unlock-samsung-devices-bootloader-emmc-backdoor-2142981/
graycow9 said:
Hey there remaining Verizon S3 users!
Coming from my favorite device the T959V this has been quite a trip. This device's bootloader is seemingly impossible to unlock on the 4.4.2 NE1 firmware.
I've got a slightly modified Superlite rom rolling with SafeStrap already strapped. And it is great to say the least. Added some initd and utilities. Evie launcher is pretty nice btw- recommend a try :good:
However. I still really want this thing to be unlocked. The T959V has multiple working Fro, GB, ICS, JB, KK, L, M, AND Nougat ROMS. Totally different devices yes but-- even the newer S4-S6 have cracked loaders now.
There has to be a special way to change this things firmware.
Right now I have 2 ideas to throw out to the wind-
1- Would be that there could be a way to trick the device into thinking it is receiving a new update. Maybe somehow with CSC or something. Also I saw a file named authorized.xml and was reading through to find traces of knox. Would unauthorizing knox strings somehow render it useless?
2- I was reading a suggested post about AVB boots and how they can be resigned on devices such as the Google Pixel and allows the newer patches to still install. Including what was described as a forced re-sign method.
--- Could we somehow resign the bootloader on our device so as to gain control of it? Has anybody tried anything like this since around 2015?
I'll gladly talk about all of this more whenever I feel like popping on- and atm I have no web besides this service. :silly: so no DOS updates and no shiny linux for now.
Gladly tell me that it is "impossible" but I'm not asking that. I'm trying to add some ideas to possibly do the impossible.
Edit: This seems to be an interesting lead on emmc cracking this device. It's probably why people in other threads were in search of a "dev" edition.
http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/f777/unlock-samsung-devices-bootloader-emmc-backdoor-2142981/
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Click to collapse
I've been around this and many many other forums for years now. If there was an unlock method it would of been found years ago. Devs have long moved on from the old S3. I still have my S3 lying around, bootloader unlocked but I really haven't messed around with it for quite a long time now
And yes the dev edition would of been nice had someone actually had one, it would of of course made it easier to crack the bootloader option maybe. I don't know much about the ins and outs of the device but I know many are permanently locked and will probably never be unlocked.
As far as certain other Samsung devices being unlocked those are far and few between. VZW got smart and started just locking them from the start. This is a huge reason why I left Verizon. The S3 was my last device on big red. I since have had a Nexus 5 and 6 and now a oneplus 3t. I really don't like locked devices and the ability to unlock them and customize them just intrigues me to no end. Good luck however in finding something that may work, but I highly doubt it will ever be cracked
Sent from my OnePlus 3T
Ya I expected your negatude Shapes. Already seen that you have been searching but it isn't just some application you run. It's an unknown exploit that I'm sure exists. There are exploits right now that can be considered viral potentially exploiting my device as we speak. Maybe not granted my semi-precautious take on things.
Quadrooter and dirty cow could be used to exploit the S3 and gain access to a quoted "all" physical memory. So I find it hard to believe that things can't work in our favor.
Being open minded here. After all, this is technically hacking your own device. Which--
Got me thinking the other day, becausr I was setting up my laptop proper- could we run a nix distro and poke through the bootloader's parameters via exploitation tools? Referencing Kali or it's elder BTrack. But I think it is possible and I just haven't gotten around this loop mounting issue.
To be clear, running a distro ON the device. My flat is already running square.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Also a purposely separate post- I'm building a ROM for this locked firmware and the goal is to have some specific updated apps and yet trim it nicely so as to save space and RAM it's mostly stock style-wise but it'd be cool to re-theme it. I haven't gotten things deodexed yet- being I haven't gotten my apktools working proper yet.
Is there anybody left to be interested in this? I haven't posted anything I've made before- usually just keep them lying around for emergency flashes.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
graycow9 said:
Ya I expected your negatude Shapes. Already seen that you have been searching but it isn't just some application you run. It's an unknown exploit that I'm sure exists. There are exploits right now that can be considered viral potentially exploiting my device as we speak. Maybe not granted my semi-precautious take on things.
Quadrooter and dirty cow could be used to exploit the S3 and gain access to a quoted "all" physical memory. So I find it hard to believe that things can't work in our favor.
Being open minded here. After all, this is technically hacking your own device. Which--
Got me thinking the other day, becausr I was setting up my laptop proper- could we run a nix distro and poke through the bootloader's parameters via exploitation tools? Referencing Kali or it's elder BTrack. But I think it is possible and I just haven't gotten around this loop mounting issue.
To be clear, running a distro ON the device. My flat is already running square.
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Click to collapse
I don't think shapes was trying to act negative at all, just stating the obvious. Nobody is going to try to unlock the Verizon S3, it's pretty much a dead end.
The unlock method used on the S5 will most likely work on this phone, but we need a developer CID to rewrite to the emmc as the series chip used on the S3 likely has the same vulnerability. This is what happened on the S5.
If you read some of the other posts (sounds like you have), we looked for an S3 developer edition but had no luck in tracking one down. For one, it's an incredibly old device. Secondly, you'd have to be semi retarded to purchase one as the original unlock method was around before the developer edition was released.
So yes, if you can find a developer S3 this will likely be an unlock method. It tricks the S3 into thinking it's a developer phone and unlocks the bootloader if the method to write it works the same as in the S5.
As for your questions,
1. I think you're underestimating the amount of security that goes into the bootloader itself. If you want to learn a lot about Android security in general, in the Android security discussion section located under general forums, there's tons of info regarding how complex this all is. But basically, in order to send an update patch, it needs to be signed (you can't just fake the signature) and it must agree with the current bootloader. The way the bootloader is written, it simply won't allow a reversion back to earlier versions or it'll abort the boot.
An easier way to think of this is understanding that the changes made are preinstalled before the actual boot. There's no way for us to change this through normal methods as the emmc has to be written to directly. There is no way to do this from download or recovery mode. Wouldn't matter if you flashed it or used and update package, they are essentially the same thing.
So the only way to actually change the bootloader is to write to the emmc directly through use of the JTAG port. This changes the code of the entire bootloader before the boot and the phone will boot up with any version of the S3 bootloader you write.
2. I think I kind of answered that?
Hope it's clear.
BadUsername said:
I don't think shapes was trying to act negative at all, just stating the obvious. Nobody is going to try to unlock the Verizon S3, it's pretty much a dead end.
The unlock method used on the S5 will most likely work on this phone, but we need a developer CID to rewrite to the emmc as the series chip used on the S3 likely has the same vulnerability. This is what happened on the S5.
If you read some of the other posts (sounds like you have), we looked for an S3 developer edition but had no luck in tracking one down. For one, it's an incredibly old device. Secondly, you'd have to be semi retarded to purchase one as the original unlock method was around before the developer edition was released.
So yes, if you can find a developer S3 this will likely be an unlock method. It tricks the S3 into thinking it's a developer phone and unlocks the bootloader if the method to write it works the same as in the S5.
As for your questions,
1. I think you're underestimating the amount of security that goes into the bootloader itself. If you want to learn a lot about Android security in general, in the Android security discussion section located under general forums, there's tons of info regarding how complex this all is. But basically, in order to send an update patch, it needs to be signed (you can't just fake the signature) and it must agree with the current bootloader. The way the bootloader is written, it simply won't allow a reversion back to earlier versions or it'll abort the boot.
An easier way to think of this is understanding that the changes made are preinstalled before the actual boot. There's no way for us to change this through normal methods as the emmc has to be written to directly. There is no way to do this from download or recovery mode. Wouldn't matter if you flashed it or used and update package, they are essentially the same thing.
So the only way to actually change the bootloader is to write to the emmc directly through use of the JTAG port. This changes the code of the entire bootloader before the boot and the phone will boot up with any version of the S3 bootloader you write.
2. I think I kind of answered that?
Hope it's clear.
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Truthfully after being around the forums for as long as I have I'm really surprised there is any interest in unlocking this device at this point in time. There are just so many other options and unlocked vzw s3s are not that hard to come by.
And I wasn't being negative it's about being realistic. Thanks for sticking up for me brother
Sent from my OnePlus 3T
Are there any updates to this by any chance, I am interested :C
any hope?
Due to a little frustration I decided to create a whole thread for this.
I suck at computers and I have no idea what I am doing so I ended up bricking my device lmao.
In theory, the thought of rooting your device, and installing a custom OS sounds great! (Like communism) but when put in practice never really works out. The reason for that (I think) is because there are so many different versions, models, and brands. I end up spending all my time trying to refine my search to the right software and versions, and then when I do, I am stuck with some stupid site like (every damn rom site) with a 20kb/s download rate, and a page full of ads! Why? Because they are storing like 2 billion different 2GB roms. In my opinion paying for faster download speed from these websites is ridiculous. I don't even know why they offer (you would have to be stupid(like me)).
(tl;dr: Android SUCKS)
So, now to my actual question...
With the release of the Librem 5 phone, there really is not going to be a point to rooting phones anymore, because google with already be decimated from it... But that comes out in April/May and I still need a phone in the meantime.
So.. Are there any cheap phones ($500+/-), that are not a pain in the ass to root? And one that the developers actually care about to actively develop. All I wan't is a phone I can install stock android with root, and that can be installed without google or gapps. Also I live in Canada, which is another reason why it's a pain in the ass to find a decent phone because all our carriers deadbolt their firmware, and bootloaders like their storing the coordinates to some secret location with a pot of gold.
starscrpt said:
Due to a little frustration I decided to create a whole thread for this.
I suck at computers and I have no idea what I am doing so I ended up bricking my device lmao.
In theory, the thought of rooting your device, and installing a custom OS sounds great! (Like communism) but when put in practice never really works out. The reason for that (I think) is because there are so many different versions, models, and brands. I end up spending all my time trying to refine my search to the right software and versions, and then when I do, I am stuck with some stupid site like (every damn rom site) with a 20kb/s download rate, and a page full of ads! Why? Because they are storing like 2 billion different 2GB roms. In my opinion paying for faster download speed from these websites is ridiculous. I don't even know why they offer (you would have to be stupid(like me)).
(tl;dr: Android SUCKS)
So, now to my actual question...
With the release of the Librem 5 phone, there really is not going to be a point to rooting phones anymore, because google with already be decimated from it... But that comes out in April/May and I still need a phone in the meantime.
So.. Are there any cheap phones ($500+/-), that are not a pain in the ass to root? And one that the developers actually care about to actively develop. All I wan't is a phone I can install stock android with root, and that can be installed without google or gapps. Also I live in Canada, which is another reason why it's a pain in the ass to find a decent phone because all our carriers deadbolt their firmware, and bootloaders like their storing the coordinates to some secret location with a pot of gold.
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Get something that is not a Samsung, not carrier branded(an international model) and is factory unlocked or can be unlocked.
I suggest you just do some searching to find some devices that you are interested in, then write down the model number of each device and then do some Google searches using those model numbers one at a time to see if a known rooting method exists for each model, then do some Google searching to see if TWRP exists for each model number, then do some searches to see if there are ROMs available for each model number.
We can't predict the future and say which devices will have a rooting method, we can only point you to devices that have already had a known rooting method discovered for that model, you can find that information yourself by doing the Google searches listed below.
To find root methods for the devices:
"Root for (specific device model number here)"
That should find root method for the device in question.
To find TWRP or custom recovery for the devices:
"TWRP for (specific device model number here)"
Or
"Custom recovery for (specific device model number here)"
That should find TWRP or custom recovery if it exists for the device in question.
To find custom ROMs for the devices:
"Custom ROMs for (specific device model number here)"
That should find ROMs if they exist for the device in question.
You might want to consider getting an international device directly from the manufacturer that is factory unlocked or can be unlocked(also known as SIM/carrier unlocked) instead of getting a carrier branded/sold device. Factory direct doesn't come with bloatware and unlocked/unlockable means it should be able to be activated on your carrier network.
Also, make sure the device has a factory unlocked bootloader(this is not the same thing as SIM/carrier unlocked) or can at least be unlocked using a known and verified unlock method. The unlocked bootloader is required if you want to flash custom recovery or custom ROMs.
If you just want to use the stock firmware and modify it to remove the Google stuff, unlocked bootloader won't be required for that. But, if you are going to just modify the stock software already on the device, I will advise you to make sure that the stock firmware for that device is available for download and then download a copy of it just in case you mess something up in the process of removing Google and its components, then you can just flash the firmware on the device to fix it(if you don't screw it up too bad, that is).
I would really recommend that you choose a device that has:
1) an unlocked/unlockable bootloader so that you can flash TWRP on the device
2) has an available downloadable stock firmware so that you can repair the device, if needed
3) has a TWRP recovery available so it can be installed on the device and then used to create a backup of your unmodified stock ROM, then you can modify the device and if you screw something up, you can use TWRP to restore the backup that you create, this will return the device to working condition.
Sent from my LGL84VL using Tapatalk
Droidriven pretty much covered it extremely well.
With regards to rooting:
It often can raise the stress levels beyond normal. Set aside time and take each step slowly and deliberately. Some guides can be much worse than others.
PS. Your idea of a cheap phone is at least 3x the cost of my idea of a cheap phone
The Asus Zenfone 6 just released bootloader unlock and kernel source so there should be a fairly healthy dev community when its released in the US.
The librem 5 ?? I dunno , on my list for sure . but hardware specs soundsmeh for the price . And will we be able to install ubuntu software like clementine music play ? jeez if so that would make up for the lack hardware.
looks like 2019 q3 is going to be an exciting time. I want the zenfone 6 but I dunno..... that librem 5 ubuntu phone is going to need to be checked out once rc is released .