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/
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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?
Related
Okay, so I know this phone doesn't exactly win the spec war, but it's awesome and would make a fantastic rooted phone. Unfortunately there isn't a forum here on XDA for the device (either because it's too new or there isn't a demand for it)
Do you guys think a forum will be made for this device? It'd be nice to at least have a place to say what root methods DON'T work (I've tried a few)
Thanks for the help, XDA rules!
I second this. I am planning on buying a new phone and after researching numerous phones out there based on my tastes and constraints, I think this phone works very well (another is Samsung Galaxy Exhibit 2). One flaw that I heard is the amount of storage in this phone is around 4gb. Without a way to put apps on an external SD card (which I believe would require a custom ROM), the storage would probably fill up pretty quickly. So it'll be great if XDA opened a forum for this phone.
As a side note if anyone can point to other devices that fit my needs I would be grateful:
- Less than 4.2" screen (preferably 4").
- Android only
I don't have any financial constraints or any favorite companies.
Thanks!
What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
bbradf44 said:
What root method did you find worked? Did you try framaroot? Also have you found any Roms?
Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)
habitforming said:
I used Motochopper, worked like a charm. make sure you have the LG Optimus f3 drivers on your computer.(found on LG website)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.
richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wolfu11 said:
richardpwnsner said:
Ratified. Motochopper worked flawlessly for me as well.[/QUOT
Anyone find a tethering ap that works?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do tethering apps need to be phone specific? I don't have data, but I'll let you know if I come across one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bad news
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions
inyourface09 said:
I have created the recovery tree, and have created a recovery.img for this phone. ok now heres the bad news OUR lg optimus f3 has a stock 3.4 kernel with a locked bootloader. Even worse news is that 3.4 "locking" features a sha5 hash system for its image/partitions (recovery, boot, and bootloader). Even worse news there is no known (or atleast what i know or have heard) way to get around this. The phone will be forever locked until lg updates or allows said lock to be removed. I have flashed the recovery and have had no damage to my device but it just sticks at "unsecure recovery" and does a hard reset (factory restore) every time i try to play with it which is a huge flaw if you ask me.
I have hexedited the bootloader and found that there is indeed "juicy" strings within that may tell to a future unlock these strings being
-Device UnLock!, so Boot Success!!
-oem unlock
-ERROR: Could not do normal boot. Reverting to fastboot mode
Also these strings could just be defualt with all lg bootloaders meaning....there is no hope.
My phone is without a soul and I will never be buy lg again.
If anyone is able to get into fastboot
1. PM ME
2. run : fastboot oem unlock
Again root for this phone works great as long as you dont touch recovery, bootloader, or boot partitions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.
richardpwnsner said:
Ugh. Thanks for the work. This is bad news indeed. I'll keep poking around and let you know if I find anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .
Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!
jjfad said:
Will motochopper work on any carrier version of this phone? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen confirmations on three carriers (can't remember which ones off the top of my head, sorry [edit-well, T-Mobile and Virgin Mobile come to mind now]), so I'd assume the answer is yes. Regardless, I have yet to see anyone complain about adverse affects, so no reason not to try (though, grain of salt—I'm brand new to android).
For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Steve5400 said:
For anyone that has this, how are the antennas on this phone?
I just ordered one from tmo and am hoping to get better reception at my house than from my Samsung or HTC.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They seem better and with WIFI calling built in the phone hasn't skipped a beat.
Check my way!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2420178&highlight=rooting+lg+optimus+f3
I failed rooting my phone with Windows system, maybe cause I'm not familiar with the process or I was just to lazy, but it does work if you use motochopper. Try looking it up youtube. You could try my method, it should work on Jellybean 4.1.2!
richardpwnsner said:
Out of curiosity, any chance Loki would work? I'd be willing to give it a go if there's a decent chance—still within the 14 day exchange window .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
BAHAHA me to man i think im down to 10 days. Im trying to get some attention but i need someone who knows little endian, and their way around bootloaders. Id be willing to donate to someone who can help me out, also to support the other 3 variants (if the aboot differs).
I have a recovery created also and a device tree (needs gpio support for kernel).
And to awnser your question, yes loki will work IF i can get the needed values so that when recovery/boot is read into memory that it overwrites the security check feature in aboot. If the wrong values are give you may end up with a brick (very slim chance)
My return window just closed . If it helps, you can pull the open source from LG's website and merge it with the android source. I also discovered an even easier solution: set up the LG Sync application, and select the "upgrade recovery option". Then, when it begins downloading, remove your phone, set Windows (or your relevant OS) to show hidden files and folders, and go the the Program Data folder. There should be something like "PHONEAX" under the LG Electronics folder that will contain the full stock kdz file when the download is complete.
It's really kind of surprising that there's absolutely no dev love out there for the F3. I suppose it's because the phone is entry level, but it's really not that bad but for the storage. I got it as a gift, so no complaints here—of course, if anyone wants to donate a Note or Galaxy gratis, I suppose I'd be willing to switch .
I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.
yutzyscott said:
I had a Galaxy S4 from Verizon. I switched to T-Mobile Because believe it or not the network is stronger where I work. Also, there pricing on plans cannot be beat. But, I digress. The Galaxy S4 being a Verizon device never really functioned the way it was supposed to on T-Mobiles network. It was unlocked however was still useless for 4G LTE and while I could do better than edge in some places, those places were few and far between. I started to assess what it is I actually used my phone for these days. I'm not into modding with custom ROMS and kernels anymore and I'm not much of a multi-tasker either so I decided that I did not need the super power device anymore. The specs on this phone are perfect for what I need my phone to do. Its been a long time since I have gone beyond rooting to remove bloat and tether. I agree that the storage on this sucks. I don't understand why there are any devices anymore that come with less than 32gb internal. storage is the cheapest thing that can be added to a device and its not as though it uses much physical space. other than the storage I will say that I am impressed with the quality of this device and I don't know that I would even put this as low as "entry level device." I would say its more of a mid-grade device. I am also happy with the reception on this device and its nice to have a compact phone again that actually fits comfortably in my hand and on my belt.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No argument here. I like it well enough, but I'm (1) a closet geek; and (2) a heavy multitasker, so given the option I'd prefer something with more screen space (I just graduated from law school, so I do a lot of reading on the go). As a phone, however, you really couldn't ask for more—the size otherwise pretty much perfect, it's relatively snappy with most applications, and once debloated the stock launcher is pretty good.
That being said, the second I see a safe way to deal with the bootloader pop up, I'm diving in, no question .
Decided to share my home screens.
Sent from my LG-P659 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you can't. Once you take the 4.3 OTA, you're stuck with it.
McDastardly said:
Because you can't. Once you take the 4.3 OTA, you're stuck with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
But coming back to the issue at hand: lets imagine I was lucky enough not to trust Samsung to deliver me an update and instead took a hacked one. Is there any reason whatsoever to stay on 4.3? And by that I mean:
- does 4.3 solve some problem in original firmware, that anyone should care about?
- does 4.3 implement some new feature, which was not in original 4.1 firmware that I should be excited about?
galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What features were taken out? Anything that can be replaced with better apps on the market shouldnt count. In my opinion the new stock task manager makes it worth it.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------
Well if I could go back in time I would have just waited for a custom 4.3 tw rom. But at least I don't feel the need to flash a new rom every day now.
ThePagel said:
What features were taken out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time, my biggest issue is that codes do not work, and i cannot get into hidden menu, so no QPST. I'm on PagePlus, so updating PRL is a manual process, and without putting phone into modem mode I cannot do that.
There are a few other annoying things, such as: can't turn off warning against increasing volume on headphones (i think there's some add-ons which let you do it though)
galets said:
At this time, my biggest issue is that codes do not work, and i cannot get into hidden menu, so no QPST. I'm on PagePlus, so updating PRL is a manual process, and without putting phone into modem mode I cannot do that.
There are a few other annoying things, such as: can't turn off warning against increasing volume on headphones (i think there's some add-ons which let you do it though)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand your annoyance with the hidden menu being gone. But that wasn't a "feature" it was a "hidden menu" after all and with root there are ways to get rid of the volume warning. That bugs the crap out of me as well but not to the point to change it yet.... YET!
galets said:
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, Samsung hasn't been overwhelmingly developer friendly for awhile. There's a bit of dislike for them due to Exynos processors.
Additionally, it wasn't that sneaky. The phone was intended to have a locked bootloader from the beginning. It was expected that the update would patch the loophole we found from the leaked aboot step. That's why it was mentioned multiple times to not accept the 4.3 update in case it locked the bootloader.
Samsung hasn't been developer friendly for a long time. Anytime you take an OTA update you can expect it to prevent the use of custom firmware unless a trusted source says it doesn't.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
BadUsername said:
Additionally, it wasn't that sneaky. The phone was intended to have a locked bootloader from the beginning. It was expected that the update would patch the loophole we found from the leaked aboot step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still maintain it's been sneaky. The boot loader was not patched for a long time, you even get an icon which indicates custom firmware. Many folks understood it as if Samsung quietly endorses modding. The S3 has had a reputation of phone friendly for modders. Many purchased this very model specifically because they intended to mod it. Also don't forget, people look up to tinkerers, so a lot of sales were made because "this guy who knows the phones has samsung"
galets said:
I still maintain it's been sneaky. The boot loader was not patched for a long time, you even get an icon which indicates custom firmware. Many folks understood it as if Samsung quietly endorses modding. The S3 has had a reputation of phone friendly for modders. Many purchased this very model specifically because they intended to mod it. Also don't forget, people look up to tinkerers, so a lot of sales were made because "this guy who knows the phones has samsung"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung isn't as nice as you think. HTC will often allow you to unlock the phone by signing an agreement that you are voiding the warranty. Verizon has had a history of locking bootloaders that other carriers wouldn't.
This bootloader lock is mostly Verizon's implementation anyway. They're the ones who changed the bootloader and patched our loophole. Other devices on the 4.3 OTA update (sprint and T-Mobile) still have unlocked bootloaders.
The custom icon was only stating we had a custom recovery installed. Didn't have anything to do with firmware checking.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
It's hard to call it sneaky if you look back at the thread that was all about waiting for the update it was repeated daily, if not a couple of times a day that if the OTA hits your phone not to take it because it would lock your bootloader. Taking my early upgrade from the Bionic this didn't really surprise me lol. It just clinched it that, I'll maintain my unlocked bootloader and rom away until its time for my next phone, which will be a nexus or amazingly enough a moto if i can let go of my bionic anger lol....
If you purchase a phone to be modded, after you mod it, why would you ever take a manufacturer OTA?
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
galets said:
I have to say, it was incredibly disappointing that Samsung decided to sneak device lock-down disguised as a software update. Very lame. I was under impression that Samsung does value community building mods for its overpriced phones, understands the value of such community. Apparently, they don't. I agree with someone who said it will be the last Samsung device he purchased, I think it's time for me to join the boycott.
But coming back to the issue at hand: lets imagine I was lucky enough not to trust Samsung to deliver me an update and instead took a hacked one. Is there any reason whatsoever to stay on 4.3? And by that I mean:
- does 4.3 solve some problem in original firmware, that anyone should care about?
- does 4.3 implement some new feature, which was not in original 4.1 firmware that I should be excited about?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
XdrummerXboy said:
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its samsung. Every version of the s3 is locked on 4.3 the only difference is nobody is complaining about it on the other forums. samsung wants to be able to have there phones used in government agencies and the like so they locked the phone down. I accidentally upgraded and haven't complained once because its not that big of a deal. I am just not buying from samsung from now on (unless they make the tablet that folds into a phone). Someone can correct me if I am wrong but everything I have read says every s3 on 4.3 has been locked down. If you do say I am wrong please give me a link so I can educate myself.
XdrummerXboy said:
Samsung probably does value it, however we need to keep in mind it doesn't HAVE to be their fault.
Android is released from Google, then Samsung gets a hold of it, adds their own skin/features/framework, then hands it off to Verizon, where Verizon locks everything down and adds crap things to it. Verizon is EXTREMELY against community mods and such.
We need to figure out if other carriers are having issues with the 4.3 rollout (if it exists) then we might be able to decide who dropped the ball
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhh I forgot about the Knox or whatever they call it. I thought you were able to switch between using it and not though.
But I guess maybe they have to make sure EVERYTHING is secure, then build the "non" secure stuff on top of that framework.
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
XdrummerXboy said:
Ahhh I forgot about the Knox or whatever they call it. I thought you were able to switch between using it and not though.
But I guess maybe they have to make sure EVERYTHING is secure, then build the "non" secure stuff on top of that framework.
SGS3 running Android 4.4 KitKang
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still root the OTA by using saferoot. Once rooted, superSU will ask if you want to disable knox. You can then load safestrap which will allow you to load other 4.3 roms and multi-boot your phone etc. Read ALL the threads on saferoot and safestrap before you install them.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
galets said:
Okay, we got the 4.3 update we all been waiting for. Now comes the magic question - WHY.
I'm not trying to troll here, I think I have a valid question. It's got features taken out, a lot of stuff is different now, some things work, some things don't. It looks different, but - is it better? I am yet to find what is it that it does better than original 4.1 firmware.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is : "give me a reason not to revert back to where it was"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App access to notifications. That is my killer app for 4.3
Morning all,
I have recently received my CAT S60 and I have to say, I am extremely pleased with the device out of the box. It is solid, extremely well built, battery life is amazing and camera quality is far better than the reviews led me to believe. Call quality is also the best I have ever had on any handset.
Unfortunately, I have never before owned a device without root. I have rooted most of my phones + installed a custom rom within a couple of days of opening the box. Sadly, this time round I've bought a less-popular device which is quite new and there is no existing support.
I am able to do most of the root-requiring functions with this phone (flashlight via button from locked, skip tracks with volume etc) using software workarounds, but I am already butting up against things that are pissing me off because I don't have system access, and I am so used to having it.
I've read horror stories about the lockdown function Qualcomm have applied to the 617 chips, but I now see that some phones with this chip have already been rooted (Motorola) so I am wondering, what are the chances that I will see root or a root exploit for this phone in the near future?
I'm not sure that I would sell the device over not being able to gain root, but it is really really annoying me.
I would be interested too. I couldnt even figure out how to set the s60 to downloadmode (If there is such a mode at all) to flash a custom recovery like twrp. Recoverymode is the usual volume up before poweron.
heinzherbert said:
I would be interested too. I couldnt even figure out how to set the s60 to downloadmode (If there is such a mode at all) to flash a custom recovery like twrp. Recoverymode is the usual volume up before poweron.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Recovery mode is volume up and power button together for 3 to 4 seconds
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
bandario said:
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option to unlock bootloader. It's called OEM unlocking
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
bandario said:
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To be honest flicking that switch does nothing for me. I am unsure how to unlock the bootloader
On S60 bootloader is locked.
No fastboot, but you will be able to select recovery mode.
bump. I'd like to see this phone rooted.
Any progress on this or has anyone tried yet?
My SONY Z1C died on me the other day and I'd need to know if there's at least a chance to root this one.
I'm considering getting the S60 but only if I'm able to root it. An unrooted phone is barely usable to me...
Greetz and thanks in advance,
Unr3aL67
haven't tried rooting mine yet. Not felt the need to yet TBH
Mine is working pretty good without root. Only reason I'd want root honestly is to make backups, and perhaps uninstall a couple apps, but the bloatware is minimal.
Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk
Since the original question was "Is this rootable?" and lately answers have come in the form of "I haven't tried rooting mine" .... which doesn't seem much like an answer at all, to be honest .... I want to join the OP in asking this question. For those of us who have grown accustomed to the freedom and flexibility of having root access to our devices, it would be really nice to know (before making a decision to purchase) whether it is possible to obtain root on the CAT S60.
Does anyone know where to get a zip of the ROM?
After the Arstechnica review this may be my next phone. However, I really require a way to root it so that I can use iptables.
Anyone had any luck?
In response to your query we regret to inform you that we do not offer any assistance or tools to root our devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried contacting support about help to root, got the above back. It's a work phone so maybe it's better that I don't mess with it.
If anyone is going to root or make a custom recovery, it'll need to be without any support from the manufacturer. I mostly miss Xposed Framework for adblocking, less frequent notifications and the ability to longpress the back key to enable/disable screen rotation, the ROM itself is 99% "stock" otherwise and I have no complaints on that front.
In response to your query we regret to inform you that we do not offer any assistance or tools to root our devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is, of course, their right, and buyer beware if you wanted a rootable phone. Still, I can't keep from being annoyed at this attitude; if I'm paying them good money for my devices, I want the freedom to do with it everything that I want, including modifying it and knowingly voiding my warranty, or even breaking it outright, if that's what makes me happy. Especially now that rooting/jailbreaking is a thing. Wanting to keep on controlling and limiting how people are able to use your product after you've sold it to them always sticks in my craw.
I guess I'll be passing on what otherwise looks like a perfect phone for me, unless some shining hero (or heroine) manages to figure out how to root a CAT S60 anyway, despite what the manufacturer might wish.
Tangib1e said:
This is, of course, their right, and buyer beware if you wanted a rootable phone. Still, I can't keep from being annoyed at this attitude; if I'm paying them good money for my devices, I want the freedom to do with it everything that I want, including modifying it and knowingly voiding my warranty, or even breaking it outright, if that's what makes me happy. Especially now that rooting/jailbreaking is a thing. Wanting to keep on controlling and limiting how people are able to use your product after you've sold it to them always sticks in my craw.
I guess I'll be passing on what otherwise looks like a perfect phone for me, unless some shining hero (or heroine) manages to figure out how to root a CAT S60 anyway, despite what the manufacturer might wish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed a great phone, but the camera is sub-par. The focus takes an age compared to my Z5 Compact. I would wait for the second-generation version unless you critically need FLIR as a feature.
I've done a bit of poking around. I suspect that the bootloader could be unlocked with the commands "adb reboot bootloader" followed by "fastboot oem unlock-go".
I'm not going to do that at this point because without a custom ROM to flash there is no point in me voiding my warranty, but I believe it should be possible with USB debugging enabled, and the bootloader confirmed as unlockable.
I think this is how root will arrive on this device: by way of modifying a flashable ROM and flashing it to the device using QFIL as you would any other Qualcomm device.
The tools are all there in front of us, we just need someone with the knowledge to create that modified rom file....at this point I can't even find a factory rom to flash.
Given the recent speed and quality enhancements made available through the stock camera app, I also suspect that doing this will send us backwards to a much ****tier camera as has been the case with many sony handsets in the past.
bandario said:
There is a switch in developer options to allow bootloader to be unlocked. Maybe this, combined with factory recovery menu will set us free? Flash a modified factory rom with root enabled? The stock ROM is very clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Chuggers said:
There is an option to unlock bootloader. It's called OEM unlocking
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
bandario said:
So, flicking this switch should unlock the bootloader???
That gives me a bit of hope for some development on this handset. None of the previous cat phones have seen any real development.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That switch is available in a lot of devices and does nothing on a lot of them
Sent from my Lenovo A7010a48 using XDA Labs
Been seeing development arising for the s8 and + Sammy devices and root has been achieved and mods can be applied. The question that keeps rolling through my head is why is the S8 and the SD 835 such a hard one to crack as far as being unlocked for custom recovery, mods, roms, performance tweaking. I'm just curious to why this unlock is unachievable and where and what stops it from happening. To me having TWRP installed is a huge safety net and I'll be honest I miss having it. Maybe someone can enlighten me to why this is such a pain in the arse to achieve.
fastjohnson said:
Been seeing development arising for the s8 and + Sammy devices and root has been achieved and mods can be applied. The question that keeps rolling through my head is why is the S8 and the SD 835 such a hard one to crack as far as being unlocked for custom recovery, mods, roms, performance tweaking. I'm just curious to why this unlock is unachievable and where and what stops it from happening. To me having TWRP installed is a huge safety net and I'll be honest I miss having it. Maybe someone can enlighten me to why this is such a pain in the arse to achieve.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know what you mean man! It used to be the other way around I'm up in Canada and we've never had locked bootloaders until this phone came around. It's crying shame that you can't use any other Rom except for what it comes with.
Right I'm sure eventually it'll get unlocked because you have 4 phones that are identical in hardware and the only difference is what the carrier has put in it. Then you have the international version that can be unlocked and they've got development for that version. I'm sure there's way to many smart cookies on here to not happen. They've achieved root and all the other goodies. It'll happen just takes time.
fastjohnson said:
Right I'm sure eventually it'll get unlocked because you have 4 phones that are identical in hardware and the only difference is what the carrier has put in it. Then you have the international version that can be unlocked and they've got development for that version. I'm sure there's way to many smart cookies on here to not happen. They've achieved root and all the other goodies. It'll happen just takes time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it ever will be unlocked. The S7 still hasn't been unlocked despite sharing the same hardware across carriers in the US. Damn efuse and secure boot. The other issue is that we wouldn't really have source to do anything and it would be an uphill struggle to get anything substantial.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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 .