Database Info

Should I return my S4?

I recently upgraded from a Nexus 4. I was unlucky when I purchased my S4 because it came with the MF3 firmware. It's really important for me to be able to run custom roms on my phone. I know that using the safestrap method I can install TW based roms but I'd like to have more options available to me. It seems as though this has been the case for a while now. Should I just return my phone and purchase something else or wait for a fix in the future? Also, with the 4.3 update coming soon for the AT&T S4, will this effect my ability to use the safestrap method?

motojdm said:
I recently upgraded from a Nexus 4. I was unlucky when I purchased my S4 because it came with the MF3 firmware. It's really important for me to be able to run custom roms on my phone. I know that using the safestrap method I can install TW based roms but I'd like to have more options available to me. It seems as though this has been the case for a while now. Should I just return my phone and purchase something else or wait for a fix in the future? Also, with the 4.3 update coming soon for the AT&T S4, will this effect my ability to use the safestrap method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A. You need to search, the question you asked about safestrap has been answered several times as well as it can be answered at this point.
B. Only you can decide if you want to take the phone back or not. How is anyone supposed to make that decision for you? If you need information to help you make the decision, I suggest you read the "pinned" threads in the General and Q&A sections and also read the threads that are on the front couple of pages of those sections. Good luck.

motojdm said:
I recently upgraded from a Nexus 4. I was unlucky when I purchased my S4 because it came with the MF3 firmware. It's really important for me to be able to run custom roms on my phone. I know that using the safestrap method I can install TW based roms but I'd like to have more options available to me. It seems as though this has been the case for a while now. Should I just return my phone and purchase something else or wait for a fix in the future? Also, with the 4.3 update coming soon for the AT&T S4, will this effect my ability to use the safestrap method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say return it if you really care about flashing custom roms, get the nexus 5 if you want pure Android experience. Otherwise, you could keep it and wait for the flashing method to becomes available.
@scott14719
There is nothing wrong asking for a second opinion. move on.

Mod Edit profanity
I say return it. There a plenty of options out there. My girlfriend just bought the lg g2 it's a very good phone. Or like was mentioned above the nexus 5 if you want pure android.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

scott14719 said:
A. You need to search, the question you asked about safestrap has been answered several times as well as it can be answered at this point.
B. Only you can decide if you want to take the phone back or not. How is anyone supposed to make that decision for you? If you need information to help you make the decision, I suggest you read the "pinned" threads in the General and Q&A sections and also read the threads that are on the front couple of pages of those sections. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... thanks buddy. the reason i ask is because maybe there is a developer reading this who might be able to give me a clearer timetable on when a fix might be released. it seems as though this has been an ongoing problem with no fix in sight. if the problem were to be fixed within the next month or so i'd be interested in keeping the phone. hence, why i ask the community for advice. it's not as though i'm a little child who doesn't know how to spend his money. and my question about the update/safestrap issue isn't clearly answered on the OP's FAQ... maybe if i sifted through thousands of pages. you go out of your way to write a lengthy MOD EDIT response yet fail to answer the question that could be easily answered much faster.

Anyone who buys an S4 or Note 3 from AT&T right now isMOD EDIT And did not do their homework before buying.
I'm lucky because I got my S4 the first day it was released, so I can run any ROM I want, including AOSP. But as of recently, nobody who buys a new S4 or Note 3 can run REAL custom ROM's, ever (as of today). And I'm talking AOSP of course.
When the first of my two current AT&T contracts is up (June '14), I'm ditching AT&T and going to T-Mobile.
I'll sell my used S4 to cover the cost of prematurely ending my second contract.
MOD EDIT AT&T.
I still love Samsung though. And have no plans to leave Samsung phones as long as they continue to give us removeable battery covers and MicroSD card slots.

Read and make a decision on your own. No one can decide it for you...the end!

Consider the Thread closed.
To the OP the reply to search and read is the best reply. The #1 rule on XDA is search. Your remark to the individual suggesting to search and read is unwarranted.
Also questions go in the Q&A section not in General. Please read the XDA rules here and familiarize yourself with them.
To all others profanity is not permitted on XDA in any style or form. Masked profanity is profanity. Also abusive name calling is not tolerated.
Thank you for your future attention to this.
EFM
Have a nice day.

So Now That It's Legal To Unlock Our Phones

Will Sprint let us unlock our S V's for domestic use?
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Questions and Help issues belong in Q&A and Help sections

KennyG123 said:
Questions and Help issues belong in Q&A and Help sections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VoLTE thread is very similar to my thread and its still in the general section.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797205
I was informing people that unlocking is now legal (didn't see it posted) and then asked a question about our devices. It's more of a discussion (like the VoLTE thread) than a "I need help thread."
Just wanted it to get more views especially since it may (or may not) mean that folks can just call Sprint and get their phone unlocked instead of having to do the unlock th themselves.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Y.G. said:
The VoLTE thread is very similar to my thread and its still in the general section.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797205
I was informing people that unlocking is now legal (didn't see it posted) and then asked a question about our devices. It's more of a discussion (like the VoLTE thread) than a "I need help thread."
Just wanted it to get more views especially since it may (or may not) mean that folks can just call Sprint and get their phone unlocked instead of having to do the unlock th themselves.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you labeled your thread with [Discussion] it may have stayed. It means you can unlock your phone to take it to another carrier http://lifehacker.com/you-can-now-legally-unlock-your-cellphone-heres-what-i-1614787933
Which for a short time was deemed illegal. As far as Sprint giving you an unlock code, it still requires carrier permission and for you to be free of contract. Sprint can still make that decision and is not forced to give you an unlock code. It is just not illegal for you to do it yourself.

KennyG123 said:
If you labeled your thread with [Discussion] it may have stayed. It means you can unlock your phone to take it to another carrier http://lifehacker.com/you-can-now-legally-unlock-your-cellphone-heres-what-i-1614787933
Which for a short time was deemed illegal. As far as Sprint giving you an unlock code, it still requires carrier permission and for you to be free of contract. Sprint can still make that decision and is not forced to give you an unlock code. It is just not illegal for you to do it yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, so in reality, not much has changed in regards to carriers unlocking our phones? :lol:
In that case, it's really not big news after all.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Y.G. said:
Ah, so in reality, not much has changed in regards to carriers unlocking our phones? :lol:
In that case, it's really not big news after all.
Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. It was a ridiculous law to begin with.

[Completed] [Q] Sprint Note 3 flashed to Boost Mobile ROM

Hello, i have a SM-N900P note 3 originally on sprint, now flashed to Boost Mobile. I bought it brand new. It has android version 4.4.2 and im wanting to update to Lollipop on either a official version, or unofficial....whichever more stable. I paid a person to flash it to boost and he did so remotely, ive attempted to contact him for information on his process but have not been responded to. It is rooted and has TWRP and a full nandroid back up.
Please help me, im scared to try flashing a rom then ruining the ''boost flash''.
I can attatch pictures from my About Device if safe and helpful.

Hi
Thanks for writing to us at XDA Assist. Paying someone to alter your device has left you in a position where you have a modified phone but no knowledge on how it got to that state or how to proceed. I firmly believe that if you can't take the time to learn how to do these things for yourself then you shouldn't be doing them at all. Having a modified phone, and working with a modified phone, requires a certain level of knowledge, it requires research, it requires work. Now you can see that taking the easy way initially hasn't really benefited you in the long run. Anyway, you have a lot of learning to do, Samsung phones can be especially difficult to modify due to the way that they're locked down. You're going to need to head over to the Sprint Note 3 section and start doing as much reading as you can. I can't really point to one specific thread because there's so much information that you need to take in. If you get stuck though there's a q&a section that you can ask for help in. Here's a link to the Sprint Note 3 device forum:
Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3

timmaaa said:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us at XDA Assist. Paying someone to alter your device has left you in a position where you have a modified phone but no knowledge on how it got to that state or how to proceed. I firmly believe that if you can't take the time to learn how to do these things for yourself then you shouldn't be doing them at all. Having a modified phone, and working with a modified phone, requires a certain level of knowledge, it requires research, it requires work. Now you can see that taking the easy way initially hasn't really benefited you in the long run. Anyway, you have a lot of learning to do, Samsung phones can be especially difficult to modify due to the way that they're locked down. You're going to need to head over to the Sprint Note 3 section and start doing as much reading as you can. I can't really point to one specific thread because there's so much information that you need to take in. If you get stuck though there's a q&a section that you can ask for help in. Here's a link to the Sprint Note 3 device forum:
Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol look man, I am very familiar with flashing stock Roms and custom roms. As well as most other device modifications. I reached out for advice in hopes of hearing someone's output that may have already done this type of procedure.with that being said,if I can afford to pay someone to do what I may simply not have TIME to do,then that's my prerogative. These forums are to help people, not to write a reply that is in no way helpful. Maybe you should be the one that needs to do more reading. ☺??
P.s.
I have a Galaxy Note 3 flashed to Boost Mobile and pay only $35 a month, I'd say I was very benefited. Lmfao ???? You mad bro? ???

Elomeli21 said:
Hello, i have a SM-N900P note 3 originally on sprint, now flashed to Boost Mobile. I bought it brand new. It has android version 4.4.2 and im wanting to update to Lollipop on either a official version, or unofficial....whichever more stable. I paid a person to flash it to boost and he did so remotely, ive attempted to contact him for information on his process but have not been responded to. It is rooted and has TWRP and a full nandroid back up.
Please help me, im scared to try flashing a rom then ruining the ''boost flash''.
I can attatch pictures from my About Device if safe and helpful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Elomeli21 said:
Lol look man, I am very familiar with flashing stock Roms and custom roms. As well as most other device modifications. I reached out for advice in hopes of hearing someone's output that may have already done this type of procedure.with that being said,if I can afford to pay someone to do what I may simply not have TIME to do,then that's my prerogative. These forums are to help people, not to write a reply that is in no way helpful. Maybe you should be the one that needs to do more reading. ☺??
P.s.
I have a Galaxy Note 3 flashed to Boost Mobile and pay only $35 a month, I'd say I was very benefited. Lmfao ???? You mad bro? ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You came here for help and yet you LOL at the help....
Sounds like you take your device back to the carrier and stay stock but you also stated you are familiar with flashing, and yet you are "scared".
And sounds like you should be doing the reading, after all you came here to ask, vice searching and reading for yourself. Nevertheless
Good Luck and Thread Closed.

Elomeli21 said:
Lol look man, I am very familiar with flashing stock Roms and custom roms. As well as most other device modifications. I reached out for advice in hopes of hearing someone's output that may have already done this type of procedure.with that being said,if I can afford to pay someone to do what I may simply not have TIME to do,then that's my prerogative. These forums are to help people, not to write a reply that is in no way helpful. Maybe you should be the one that needs to do more reading. ☺??
P.s.
I have a Galaxy Note 3 flashed to Boost Mobile and pay only $35 a month, I'd say I was very benefited. Lmfao ???? You mad bro? ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello,
timmaaa pointed you in the right direction, and as he suggested you will get more help posting your question in the device specific forum.
XDA Assist is not a "Support" forum it is to guide new users to areas they can find the help they need.
Please post your question in the link above or the Sprint Note 3 Q&A section to get the answer/help you are looking for.
Thread closed.
Thanks for understanding,
BD619
Ninja'd by JJD :silly:

[Completed] Unlocking Moto x or Galaxy S5

I am looking to buy a used Android device, many adds describe phone as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. but I want to try a different carrier. Some tell me that unlocking is easy and it can be done anywhere, others tell me it can only be done by the original carrier. Can I be sure I can unlock a used phone if I buy one? I learned of XDA-developers online but have not been able to find info directly related by searching this sight. Can someone please direct me? Thanks!

Hi, thank you for using XDA Assist. There are a number of ways to SIM unlock a phone. Get a code from the carrier, buy an unlock code online, be careful with this, or use one of the methods on XDA if available for your phone. I would suggest you ask in the specific forum for the device you are considering. For the Moto X see this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/Unlock and this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x
For the S5 see this, http://forum.xda-developers.com/tmobile-galaxy-s5
If anyone knows if it's possible the people in those forums will knoe.
Good luck and don't forget to register on XDA to ask questions in those forums.

Thread closed.

Best places to buy a phone to root... amazon?

I'm a long time beneficiary of all the work done on these forums. Many thanks to all who spend lots of work for the benefit of those of us to enjoy rooting. I've never been a technology wizard but and I've always been pretty good at following instructions. The tutorials and instructions on these forums are amazing.
I'm about to buy a Galaxy S8 with the plan to root. I am on the Verizon network and I'm clearly not going to buy a Verizon phone with a locked bootloader.
Any recommendations on where to buy a factory unlocked phone that should work well with the instructions provided on these forums for rooting? Amazon.com is my leading contender at this point to buy a US version that is unlocked.
I have tried to get answers by asking questions about locked bootloaders on Amazon but get mixed feedback. I've also tried to get build numbers for devices that are sold but haven't been successful.
Many thanks!

shm02 said:
I'm a long time beneficiary of all the work done on these forums. Many thanks to all who spend lots of work for the benefit of those of us to enjoy rooting. I've never been a technology wizard but and I've always been pretty good at following instructions. The tutorials and instructions on these forums are amazing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your best bet is to post this question within one of the following threads that is specific to your question.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1846277
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1620179
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.