Database Users

[Q] Which ROM Do you suggest?

I'm looking to upgrade my phone to a custom ROM, but I'm not sure which one is the best for my needs. This is what I am looking for:
Fyro Update
Increased Phone Speed
Increased Battery Support
Adblock for browser and apps
Also, how do I flash my ROM? I have the drivers to connect my phone to my computer, and that's about as far as I got. Secondly, will I lose my apps and their data? I already have my contacts and SMS backed up.
Thanks guys
jt

As a shameless plug - I whole-heartedly recommend SyndicateROM. It'll fulfill three of your four features already (including ad blocking in apps and the browser), and when the OFFICIAL, FINAL (ACS prides itself on stability and feature-completeness) Froyo release is out, it will be updated right away!

That's actually the one I was looking at. Is there instructions on how to flash your ROM? Will I lose my apps and their data?

After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps

Epic Experience + Phoenix is the best battery life I've had on any ROM.
Performance feels like stock, which is to say, this phone is really fast just as is and I don't think its screaming for better performance out of the box. Its not like it feels sluggish like the Evo does.

All these devs do great work! You can't go wrong with any of these roms. This belongs in the General Discussions section!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Streamline8 said:
After rooting you'll need Clockwork Recovery mod(CWM). Look for a Dev who has created a root with a CWM install (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770388).
1. Follow steps to root and install CWM.
2. Download a ROM and put it on your SDcard (Start with ones that have been around for a while and have been tested quite a bit. Avoid Froyo ones till you feel comfortable with CWM and Odin {if you ever use it}).
3. Reboot into CWM, BACKUP everything (this is key for your data to come back), wipe x3 (including cache)
4. Install ROM from SDcard(reboot, may take a few minutes to load for the first time)
5. Reboot into CWM, and advance restore (DATA only). reboot
6. Enjoy with all your data.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section

tuttjs said:
Hoping you can help me a little further;
1) Done successfully
2) Done
3) How do I boot into CWM? I installed Titanium back up, and ROM manager - not sure if that's needed or not
Thanks guys
PS, sorry for posting in the wrong section
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
camera button, down volume and power on.

I suggest you try them all and figure out what you like or don't like. Also try out the ODIN program so when you accidentally bork your phone you will know how to fix it right away.

Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Thanks, this should be the last question!

tuttjs said:
Got it. I assume this is backing up to my SD card. Do I not wipe my SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way you will wipe your SD card is if you partition it for A2SD support. The factory reset wipes all your data and might be a good idea if you are going from one rom/kernel to another. CWM backs up to your SD card. I have about 6 backups and can restore several different roms if I want. If you try all the roms out and make backups of all them it will be easy to go back to what you want.
A program called ROM Manager will make it easy to rename your backups.

[Q] CM-6.1.0-RC1 ----> CM-7.0.0-RC1 ~ Upgrade Steps

Hi all,
This is probably a pretty basic question for you, so please bear with me, and if it is basic, hopefully there is a straightforward answer .
Having settled on the awesome CM-6.1.0-RC1, I haven't looked to change ROM.
However, with CM-7.0.0-RC1 being released, its time to upgrade .
Can anyone please explain the steps needed to follow in order to go from CM-6.1.0-RC1 to CM-7.0.0-RC1 please?
I appreciate there is a lot of info in ali ba's dev thread [ [ROM] CyanogenMod experimental builds] however, there is approx 235 pages there, and the OP is a little lite.
Would it be possible to have guide here, as I presume many people will be wanting to follow the same upgrade path.
I am wondering how we can 'save' apps, [i.e. Angry Birds status, web browser installation, general settings/config,] during the upgrade... because I am guessing a full wipe is required and therefore a Nandroid backup won't really help...or will it?
Anyone that can help?

I'm also running CM6.1 rooted and I've tried upgrading by downloading Rom manager and then booting into recovery, doing a factory reset/wipe data/wipe cache/wipe dalvik cache - and then flashing the CM7 RC1 zip but I get a boot loop every time.
I've tried removing the SD card and Sim card but same error appears.
Actually it's weird because I've been getting a boot loop with every firmware I've tried to flash except for CM6.1.
Luckily I did a Nandroid backup...

c_man said:
Can anyone please explain the steps needed to follow in order to go from CM-6.1.0-RC1 to CM-7.0.0-RC1 please?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First question should be:
Do we need to wipe when upgrading from CM6.1?
If we need wipe, I suggest you to:
- do a nandroid backup
- backup all apps with titanium backup
- wipe + flash 7.0 RC1
- download and install gapps
- restore apps with titanium backup
If no wipe required:
- do a nandroid backup
- flash 7.0 RC1
Question: does UOT kitchen (for circle mod battery) works with 7.0?

gilliu00_ said:
I'm also running CM6.1 rooted and I've tried upgrading by downloading Rom manager and then booting into recovery, doing a factory reset/wipe data/wipe cache/wipe dalvik cache - and then flashing the CM7 RC1 zip but I get a boot loop every time.
I've tried removing the SD card and Sim card but same error appears.
Actually it's weird because I've been getting a boot loop with every firmware I've tried to flash except for CM6.1.
Luckily I did a Nandroid backup...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.cyanogenmod.com/topic/15838-cyanogenmod-7-for-legend-v700-rc1-2152011/
Issues?
Experience issues? Please provide the following info:
If the device was hard reboot, please provide the file "/proc/last_kmsg".
If the device was soft reboot or is "bootlooping", please run a logcat and provide the full ourput.
Please use Pastebin when possible

Skardy said:
First question should be:
Do we need to wipe when upgrading from CM6.1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, true.
Anyone?

Upgrading from earlier version of CyanogenMod 7?
* Perform a NANDroid backup of your current ROM.
* Flash CyanogenMod (your Google Apps will be backed up & restored automatically)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So no, you do not need to wipe before upgrading,
The backup is just for security reasons. You never know what could go wrong, so it's good to have a backup in place.
Just flash the new CM 7 and you should be good to go.

^ Mastacheata - thats if you're upgrading from earlier version of CyanogenMod 7
That question we are asking here is what if you're upgrading from CM6.1.

Oh I'm sorry, I misread that the whole time.
Gonna try it now and report back in a few minutes.

I've not gone 6.1 -> 7rc directly, but I did go from 6.1 to a 7 nightly build a couple weeks ago without wiping and I don't seem to have any problems (except GPS not working).

I'm thinking I may just do a full on Titanium backup, full wipe, then go for CM7.0RC1.

easyonthev said:
I've not gone 6.1 -> 7rc directly, but I did go from 6.1 to a 7 nightly build a couple weeks ago without wiping and I don't seem to have any problems (except GPS not working).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS not working in CM7.0 RC1 ??
Do we even have a list of things not working in CM7.0RC1? Again, the OP in the dev thread is a little lite with respect to 'known issue' and similar.

My test was unsuccessful.
I was neither able to install directly over 6.1 nor with prior wipe.
My phone would always end up in a boot loop.
Logcat did tell some Exceptions for unknown permissions.
Detailed explanation will follow in the developer thread.

i accidentally flashed cm7 build 0 over cm6.1 stable before. was able to boot but my phone was laggy & some features were broken, as far as i can remember. so i guess the best path is:
TI backup
complete wipe
flash cm7
TI restore
cliche by now, i know. but it never fails...

As we start the RC phase of CM7, many of you are now taking the leap from CM6 stable to the new RC's.
Some of you may be able to get away with doing this without a wipe; however, most of you will not be that lucky.
Differences in the rom, files system, and even Google Addons will likely throw most of you into boot loops.
Therefore, here is my recommended upgrade path:
1) Nandroid backup your current rom
2) Update your recovery to the latest available (CWR is my choice)
3) Format system via recovery
4) Wipe/Factory reset
5) Flash CM7 then Google addon 1/20
If any of you have data that you must absolutely save, then and only then should you use Titanium backup (or other backup apps) to restore your data. Please be sure not to restore any data to /system using these apps, as this will mostly likely corrupt your ROM and/or Market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is what CM Team recommends

Skardy said:
Here is what CM Team recommends
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perfect, I shoud've found that myself .
Now its just a question as to whether to go to CM7.0RC2 - lots of people still reporting bugs...

[Q] need help flashing please?

Im sure this question has been answered somewhere but i can't seem to find it. I was wondering if some one could give me detailed instructions on how to flash roms on my DROID x. Im running android 2.3.3 and system version 4.5.605. I have rom manager with cwm recovery flashed and paid for the d2bootstrap app.i also rooted with petes one click moto root. Im just having extremely difficult time figuring out how to flash roms. Id appreciate any help?

First things First.
You said you have CWM flashed.
Good.
Make sure you have 2-3 gigabytes of free space on your SD card.
Boot into that via Rom Manager and make a "nandroid backup" as you'll hear them called.
[Simply labeled Backup]
Now Select Reboot.
Open Contacts>Settings>Export To SD (or something similar).
Install This
https://market.android.com/details?id=jp.eguchi.android.bookmarkbackup&feature=search_result
And backup your browser bookmarks.
Next install this.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en
(The Pro Key makes this process...faster...but not any different.)
Open it up and Options>Batch>Backup all User Applications
Now...Find the ROM you'd like to try.
http://rootzwiki.com/forum/16-droid-x-developer-forum/
I'd Suggest Liberty 3 if you're wanting a semi-stock experience with good battery life and decent customization.
MIUI if you want a SUPER pretty experience...with superb customization.
Or
CM7 if you want Great customization + AOSP (How Android feels STOCK).
*Use RevNumbers pinned in the CyanogenMod Forum for CM7
The download you find will be a .zip.
Put this on your SD card...
And boot into CWM.
I always do a factory Reset Here.
And then...
Navigate to Install Zip From SD...
Find it...
Install it.
Congratulations!
You're now running a Custom ROM!
You can now import your contacts...
Sign into your google account and reinstall Titanium and that Browser Backup app...
And use Titanium Backup to restore your Applications (Most people Say NOT to restore Data with this, as it may cause Force Closes...however...if you do...You can always Factory Reset from CWM and Reinstall the Zip if you have problems. Data = Saves for your Games...how Facebook Remembers your Password...stuff like that.)
And that other application should restore your browser bookmarks.
If any of this process leaves you with a broken phone...
And you somehow messed up...
Or would simply like to return to where you were...
You can use CWM's "Restore" option to restore your backup...
Or if you can't boot into CWM...
You'll SBF
http://rootzwiki.com/topic/331-guide-flashing-droid-x-sbf/
Re-root...
And restore.

man i really appreciate you taking time to explan all that to me. it worked FLAWLESSY!! im finally rooted and flashing custom roms with no problems thanks to your answer. so thanks man

No problem at all man.
The hardest part of flashing your first rom is finding out how to do so.
I wish there was a simple guide out there stickied in every forum, as I know I could have used one...would have saved me a couple sbfs...and I'm sure I'm not alone on that.

[Q] Quick update question ?

Hi Guys,
Im looking to update my dads phone today and just have a quick question (it been a while since i did it and am a bit rusty)
Basically he currently has MIUI-STABLE V5 by langthang android 2.37 installed (i know i used Magldr for this but arnt sure of the exact process)
I basically just want to update to the last gingerbread Miui Rom (so i can just keep all his data as it is, not fussed about JB or ICS) i beleive this is 2.4.20
If i were to just drop this into the root of the sd card could i just use CWM to install this ROM without the need to do a system wipe? and just do Dalvik and Cache? Im hoping this will then put the phone on a stable build (it was having bluetooth issues)
Also once that is done can i add a EXT3 partition on the sd card(something i forgot last time!! and it now says no storage)
Thank for any help,just to sum up haha, i just want to update the rom to solve the BT issue, and add a EXT 3 (i found some instructions fo this) so it has more 'system memory' thanks for any help guys.

If it's the same ROM and uses the same /system partition (on occasion they change even if the ROM is the same) then that should be fine. I'd strongly recommend backing up in Titanium backup first at the very least (CWM backups can take a long time) just in case something goes wrong.

Nigeldg said:
If it's the same ROM and uses the same /system partition (on occasion they change even if the ROM is the same) then that should be fine. I'd strongly recommend backing up in Titanium backup first at the very least (CWM backups can take a long time) just in case something goes wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your repl, im not 100% sure if its technically the same ROM, as the one installed (stil MIUI and GB) was a modded one from here. and the one im looking to install is the 'official' MIUI one (Still GB)n

Lidds123 said:
Thanks for your repl, im not 100% sure if its technically the same ROM, as the one installed (stil MIUI and GB) was a modded one from here. and the one im looking to install is the 'official' MIUI one (Still GB)n
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case backup and fresh install, it won't work if it's not the same ROM. If the system partition is the same, wipe in CWM then flash the new ROM. Download and install Titanium Backup on your new ROM and restore your apps.

[Q] Is Freedompop version unlockable?

I'll be switching to Freedompop soon and really want a phone I can customize with whatever I want like custom roms and rooting. This is all the information they seem to have on the site about there phone http://freedompop.com/devices/Samsung-Galaxy-S4-White. Any thoughts? Thanks

yes.
This might be a bit late answer but if you still haven't made the switch, my S4 came with freedompop's custom version of stock TouchWiz software and Phil's recovery.

xxqqzzaa said:
This might be a bit late answer but if you still haven't made the switch, my S4 came with freedompop's custom version of stock TouchWiz software and Phil's recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? I was thinking about getting an s4, and wondered if I could flash CM or other roms.

I've been running the CyanogenMod official nightlies for several months now on my FreedomPop S4. Should be perfectly fine.

ThaiFighterGo said:
Really? I was thinking about getting an s4, and wondered if I could flash CM or other roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use CM as well. But if you do, you should have a back up your original rom it came with first.
Also, if you can, do you think you could share the backup of the rom?

xxqqzzaa said:
Also, if you can, do you think you could share the backup of the rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I made a Nandroid backup [1.76 GB] as soon as I received my second FreedomPop S4 as a warranty replacement. Both came with TWRP, but the new phone didn't have root access and came with KNOX on it. Looks like FreedomPop's builds vary widely, but if you have nothing else this should help. Just remember it's not a flashable zip, it's a zip file of my TWRP backup folder.

jkmartindale said:
I made a Nandroid backup [1.76 GB] as soon as I received my second FreedomPop S4 as a warranty replacement. Both came with TWRP, but the new phone didn't have root access and came with KNOX on it. Looks like FreedomPop's builds vary widely, but if you have nothing else this should help. Just remember it's not a flashable zip, it's a zip file of my TWRP backup folder.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you! And I do remembering rooting the phone as soon as I got it too.

I get hold of a Sprint S4 with FreedomPop rom on it and it has not been activated with FreedomPop service yet.
I want to flash it back to the latest Sprint stock rom or custom roms. Can anyone provide what steps should I follow as I am new to this phone?

shoulih said:
I want to flash it back to the latest Sprint stock rom or custom roms. Can anyone provide what steps should I follow as I am new to this phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you need before starting:
ROM
I can't really tell you how to pick a ROM, since there's so many options and things to take into account. I also don't know where to find a stock ROM. There are other threads devoted to ROMs and if you need help choosing one you really should start your own thread. The ROM I used to use is WizCyan S6 Edge, which is a port of the Galaxy S6 Edge software to the S4. I personally got sick of Samsung's bloatware and switched to CyanogenMod's official nightlies.
GApps
Short for Google Apps. These are what you need for Google Play support and other apps made by Google. I prefer to use Open GApps, though there's other GApps packages out there. I picked Open GApps' pico package because anything I want I can get off Google Play.
Then once you have a spare hour (mainly for backup and setup), try this:
Copy your ROM and GApps to an easy-to-access location on your phone (or a flash drive if you have one of the cool micro-USB ones)
Boot into Recovery. You can do this by powering on your phone while holding the volume up button. I don't know what recovery you have, but I'll guess TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which is what my FreedomPop S4 came with.
Make a Nandroid backup, which is pretty much a system image. If anything goes wrong, you can always restore this to get the factory image. In TWRP, you can do this by just tapping Backup. You should only need to backup Boot, System, and Data, but if it makes you feel better by all means backup Cache and EFS as well. I do suggest naming the backup to something you can recognize (the line is right above 'Select Partitions to Backup") and compressing the archive (Options tab). Nandroid backups are rather large, so compression helps if you're not going to move the backup off your phone or onto a large SD card.
Wipe Data, Cache, and Dalvik cache. In TWRP, it's the default option for "Wipe".
Install the ROM and GApps. Tap "Install", navigate the folder structure to find your ROM package, and tap it. Tap "Add more Zips" and find your GApps installation. Swipe to confirm the flash and wait.
Reboot. You should be greeted by the setup screen and be able to set up your new ROM.
Custom ROMs sometimes mess with the APN settings, so I recommend downloading one of the packages off this thread. If your cellular data isn't working correctly, just boot into TWRP and install the zip file. I'm currently testing out the latest package in the thread (this post at the time of writing), though I think the second post in that thread had a package that worked better for me.

jkmartindale said:
What you need before starting:
ROM
I can't really tell you how to pick a ROM, since there's so many options and things to take into account. I also don't know where to find a stock ROM. There are other threads devoted to ROMs and if you need help choosing one you really should start your own thread. The ROM I used to use is WizCyan S6 Edge, which is a port of the Galaxy S6 Edge software to the S4. I personally got sick of Samsung's bloatware and switched to CyanogenMod's official nightlies.
GApps
Short for Google Apps. These are what you need for Google Play support and other apps made by Google. I prefer to use Open GApps, though there's other GApps packages out there. I picked Open GApps' pico package because anything I want I can get off Google Play.
Then once you have a spare hour (mainly for backup and setup), try this:
Copy your ROM and GApps to an easy-to-access location on your phone (or a flash drive if you have one of the cool micro-USB ones)
Boot into Recovery. You can do this by powering on your phone while holding the volume up button. I don't know what recovery you have, but I'll guess TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which is what my FreedomPop S4 came with.
Make a Nandroid backup, which is pretty much a system image. If anything goes wrong, you can always restore this to get the factory image. In TWRP, you can do this by just tapping Backup. You should only need to backup Boot, System, and Data, but if it makes you feel better by all means backupCache and EFS as well. I do suggest naming the backup to something you can recognize (the line is right above 'Select Partitions to Backup") and compressing the archive (Options tab). Nandroid backups are rather large, so compression helps if you're not going to move the backup off your phone or onto a large SD card.
Wipe Data, Cache, and Dalvik cache. In TWRP, it's the default option for "Wipe".
Install the ROM and GApps. Tap "Install", navigate the folder structure to find your ROM package, and tap it. Tap "Add more Zips" and find your GApps installation. Swipe to confirm the flash and wait.
Reboot. You should be greeted by the setup screen and be able to set up your new ROM.
Custom ROMs sometimes mess with the APN settings, so I recommend downloading one of the packages off this thread. If your cellular data isn't working correctly, just boot into TWRP and install the zip file. I'm currently testing out the latest package in the thread (this post at the time of writing), though I think the second post in that thread had a package that worked better for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow, thank you so much for all the detailed information, which allows a newbie to flash a freedompop s4 with a rooted samsung stock rom (SPH-L720_OK3_Stock_Deodexed) and swapped/replaced a broken phone on Ringplus without any issues for my son.
:good::good::good: