So you’re a N00B with a brand new Android device, and you have no idea what all this sbf, adb, bootloader talk is all about; you just want to know how to do cool stuff with your new phone and be as cool as all of us Senior Members
Well here’s a Atrix N00B Guide just for you that will hopefully be a good jumping off point for you to start exploring and getting into the world of themeing, ROMing, flashing, etc. Most of this stuff was pulled from various XDA forums, and is easy enough to find, if you just take the time to search for it, but being the nice N00B friend that I am, I thought I’d try and compile most of it one place. So here goes…
*If you can’t figure something out or need help with whatever your particular problem may be, before you go cluttering up the forums with your problem and you get blasted by Senior Members like me use the SEARCH bar at the top of each section and/or thread. I promise you, you are not the first person to have your problem, and more times than not, your problem has been answered more than once. People HATE seeing questions that were just answered one or two pages previously. SO USE THE FREAKING SEARCH BUTTON!!!
*NOTE: Most of the following links are going to be for U.S. AT&T based phones only. Sorry, but that’s what I have and that’s what I know. Most of you BELL & other international guys should find some of this useful though, and most of the links below also have a international build version now.
CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES
Lets start with some basic terminology & general understanding:
What is Root / Rooting?
Put simply, Rooting your device allows you, and/or rooted apps, to access parts of the Linux based Android software that is your OS, and that you would otherwise not be able to access. These tasks can be as simple and beneficial as backing up your system setting, or as complicated as installing custom ROMs, Kernels, etc. (more on this later).
What is a Motorola .SBF file?
SBF stands for Single Binary File, and contains a firmware image that can be installed on your device. i.e. they are more of less what you are installing on your device when you do a OTA (over the air) update; except an actual .sbf file that you download and flash on your own will most of the time not only contain the updated info. in the OTA, but also all the other “stock” info. that came with the device. That’s why when you flash a .sbf file it will return you to a stock/retail device.
What is ADB?
ADB = Android Debug Bridge. So what this basically is, is a command/terminal based interface you can run from your PC, to interact with your device and its file structure. You can PUSH (install) programs, apps, .apk files, etc. to your device, move things around, set permissions, etc. One of the primary things to remember when trying to use adb, is that you need to enable debugging on your device. In fact it’s a good idea to enable this, and leave it that way… forever! This setting can be found on your device under Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging
Here is a list of helpful adb commands:
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=ADB
What is a ROM?
A rom is like a custom firmware image that is made by a Developer either entirely from scratch, or based off of the official firmware package. Some ROMs contain simple changes like changing icons and adding extra options to things, other more complicated ROMs can change the entire Android experience. Which one you will want to flash, will be entirely up to you. Read carefully, and make sure you understand what you are getting into before you flash.
What is a Kernel?
As a rule of thumb, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t be messing with this anyway. But hey, best for you to at least know what it is. A kernel is the heart of the device's OS. In simplest terms it’s a connection between your apps and your device’s hardware; i.e. the processor, RAM, etc. A custom kernel can dramatically change the way your device’s hardware performs… for the better and/or the worse.
What is a Bootloader?
The bootloader is a program code that is executed before the device OS starts up, and that instructs that device to boot “normally”. The bootloader can come locked or unlocked from the manufacture. A unlocked bootloader will allow you to install custom ROMs & Kernels (as well as some other neat things) on your device.
What is a odexed and de-odexed framework, and what is the difference between the two?
Just read this:
http://www.addictivetips.com/mobile/what-is-odex-and-deodex-in-android-complete-guide/
What is CWM Recovery (ClockWorkMod Recovery)?
CWM is a custom recovery program that allows you to backup / restore a full or partial system backup of your device. It also allows you to install flashable .zip files; which is one of the primary installation methods for custom ROMs. It also provides other neat features such as cache wiping, battery reset, and other processes. Long story short, if you are thinking about flashing custom ROMs or just want a really good backup program, incase you FUBAR your device, you need to install this.
What is Fastboot?
Again, just read these for description & helpful Commands:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153 [Thanks briggie108]
or
http://android-dls.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fastboot
What is all this CM7 stuff about?
CM7 stands for CyanogenMod v7. It's a very popular ROM, b/c of its built-in options, great enchantments and total removal of manufacture software; i.e. all that MotoBlur stuff on your device is gone. It is a stripped down fast and well designed ROM with a custom kernel, that allows for easy flashing of great custom themes (just check out the General Theme Section for Android on XDA). Only a small selection of Android devices have a "official" release of CM7, however almost all Android devices have a "un-official" port for it. The Atrix 4G port is currently in its pre-beta stage and is being worked on by the Atrix Dev-Team.
More info. on CM7 can be found here:
http://www.cyanogenmod.com/
And here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CyanogenMod
The #1 rule of CyanogenMod is that you do not ask for timetables!!! You have been warned. If you choose to ignore my warning, ask away and prepare to be blasted until you cry.
Information on the current status of the Atrix 4G port of CM7, as well as a list of current bugs, can be found here:
https://code.google.com/p/atrix-dev-team/
CM7.1 Beta for the Atrix is Available Now!!!
Information, install instructions, etc. can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1257574
CM7 Nightlies Now Available for the Atrix (a.k.a. Olympus)
*Note: Nightly builds may be unstable, and are unsuppoted by the Dev Team.
http://download.cyanogenmod.com/?device=olympus
Nightly change log can be found here:
http://cm-nightlies.appspot.com/?device=olympus
The current version of CM7 for the Atrix does not yet support the following:
- Webtop
- Fingerprint Scanner
- Pocket Detector
- Horizontal HDMI Mirroring
MY CYANOGENMOD INSTALLATION GUIDE:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=19986512&post=234
Theme Chooser Themes for CM7 (200+):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1167075
*Please make sure to search the thread before you post an already answered question. Also, if you have the $ available, please consider a $donation$ to the Atrix Dev Team for their continued hard work (remember, this is still beta, they're still working hard at it).
ATRIX (4.5.91 FIRMWARE) HOW TOs:
Here are some How To Guides that may be helpful to new Atrix 4G owners that have just got thier phone & have the most recent firmware = 4.5.91 (Android 2.3.4). Read each How TO carefully and completely before attempting. If you are unsure of what to do, or how to do it, ask a question first. I will try a put this is a order that somewhat makes sense.
HOW TO FLASH A SBF:
WARNING: If you are on Android 2.3.4 (4.5.91) w/ a unlocked bootloader, do NOT flash back to a earlier sbf version. DOING SO WITH BRICK YOUR DEVICE!!! Use CWM Fruitcake described below instead.
SBF Hints, Tricks & Guidelines:
- Always make sure to flash with a full battery! The last thing you want to do is run out of juice in the middle of a sbf flash; that's a great way to brick your device.
- As a general rule of thumb before flashing a sbf file to your device, you should always download the sbf file to a file path on your computer with the least possible spaces (i.e. the shorter the file path to the sbf file the better). So just download it to the root drive of your computer, such as C:\.
- Also, because these sbf files are so long, this sometimes causes problems with RSD Lite (the program you use to flash the sbf to your device). So, I would suggest you change the file name to something short, like OLYFR.sbf. It doesn’t so much matter what you name the sbf file, just so long as it’s short, does not contain any spaces in the name and you do not change the .sbf file extension. This will help prevent errors when trying to flash (no, I don’t know why, it just does).
- If you are running Windows on your PC, open RSD Lite as a Administrator. Also, when you open RSD Lite, Instead of browsing for the sbf file via the normal “…” button in the program, just drag the sbf file onto the file path bar in RSD Lite. Sometimes, the sbf file will not load when you select it via the browser button in RSD Lite (again I have no idea why).
- Once your sbf file begins to flash to your device, be patient… the device will re-boot at least a couple times in the flash process. Do not get jumpy and disconnect your device until RSD Lite says you are 100% done! Doing so can cause your device to BRICK! If for some reason you have waited for an inordinate amount of time, and it does not say finished, then ask for help on the thread, before unplugging. The same goes for pulling the battery. DO NOT DO THAT!!! Pulling your battery during a sbf flash, is one sure fire way to brick your device. Only pull the battery as a last resort and only after you have asked for help.
- RSD Lite has been updated to v5.3.1, here is the download link:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zz81vf1o2y73d4n
or
http://www.datafilehost.com/download-33dce367.html
STEPS:
1) Have the correct Motorola drivers installed for your PC (i.e. x32-bit or x64-bit).
2) Download RSD Lite (Links above) & install on your PC.
3) Choose a sbf file to download and flash from Motorola Atrix Firmware Super Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125944
If you are currently running firmware 4.5.91, I suggest that you only flash back to this firmware version. Flashing back to a eariler sbf/firmware version may have unintended consequences, the most serious of which is bricking your device.
*Note: U.S. AT&T users should only flash AT&T sbfs, internationl users should only flash their particular sbf versions.
4) Read the above sbf hints, trick, etc. to help prevent RSD Lite problems/errors.
5) Open RSD Lite and load the sbf file that you downloaded.
6) Put your device in RSD Protocol Mode by powering OFF, and upon powering back ON, hold both the power button and the volume UP button. Device should now say "Entering RSD Protocol Mode."
7) Connect your device to your computer via the usb cable, and select your device by clicking/highlighting it in RSD Lite.
8) Select START in RSD Lite and let the sbf flash process fully complete before disconnecting the device from the PC. There will be several reboots and the process make take 5 - 10 minutes to complete a FULL sbf flash.
9) If you have any errors or problems as a question, prefably in the Q&A section.
*Note: After unlocking your bootloader and installing a CWM (*see below), you have the option to flash stock sbf files named "Fruitcakes" that do not require RSD Lite to flash (see information below).
HOW TO UNLOCK YOUR BOOTLOADER FOR ANDROID 2.3.4 (FIRMWARE 4.5.91):
WARNING: If you are on Android 2.3.4 (4.5.91) w/ a unlocked bootloader, do NOT flash back to a earlier sbf version. DOING SO WITH BRICK YOUR DEVICE!!!
Try the automated scrpit in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1182871
or
Try the original unlock method in the Main Pudding Thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261
*Use the instructions on this page for this method: http://briefmobile.com/how-to-unlock-the-atrix-4g-bootloader]
Directions are in the respective OP
HOW TO ROOT YOUR DEVICE ON ANDROID 2.3.4:
One Click Root For Motorola Phones Running Android 2.3.4:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1255548
Alternative Root Methods:
Follow the instructions in this post:
forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=15872818
or
These Instructions:
http://briefmobile.com/motorola-atrix-4g-root
*Note: Many of the ROMs you may wish to install, after your boot loader is unlocked, will also include a ROOT package. Check the indiviual ROM OP to make sure though.
HOW TO INSTALL CWM RECOVERY ON 2.3.4:
CWM Options:
With 2.3.4, you now have 2 different options available for CWM Recovery. You should have a unlocked bootloader, be rooted and be on Android 2.3.4 (firmware version 4.5.91), before attempting to flash any of these. Each is described below.
Option 1: RomRacer's CWM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1204500
- This CWM is extremely stable & has multiple features, such as the ability to choose whether to backup the webtop portion of your device, or not. It supports both ext-sd (micro sd card) and internal sd (internal storage). You can also choose from a variety of colors & supports both U.S AT&T and International users. This CWM will also be the official CWM of CM7 ported by the Atrix Dev Team.
- I personally prefer this CWM as it also works with ROM Manager (app from the market - *see details below).
*Note: If you do not have any CWM Recovery installed yet, you can use the fastboot commands in the OP (use the non .zip version to install via fastboot), or you can install via ROM Manager with the below instructions.
*Note: If you already have a different version of CWM Recovery installed, and want to switch to RomRacer's, then first check to see if a file labeled "install-recovery.sh" @ /system/etc/. If the file is there, delete it, before proceeding with the install of RomRacer's version.
Install Instructions to Use RomRacer's CWM w/ ROM Manager APP:
1) Download the ".zip" file of your color choice (make sure you choose the right version AT&T or international), and place the .zip file on the sd-card (internal storage).
2) Download ROM Manager from the Market (paid or free, it doesn't matter) and install app.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&hl=en
3) Open ROM Manager and select "Flash ClockworkMod Recovery," making sure to select the right device (i.e. Atrix 4G). This will flash the current version of CWM to your device, which will also work (see details/limitations discussed below).
4) Now, choose "Install ROM from SD Card", and choose the .zip file that you saved on your internal storage. You should not need to delete any of the cache options. ROM Manager will reboot the device into CWM and flash the .zip automatically, and then reboot again.
5) You should now have RomRacer's custom CWM installed over the ROM Manager version. You can now select Reboot into Recovery from ROM Manager, and it should boot into CWM Recovery.
Option 2: ROM Manager's Stock CWM
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.koushikdutta.rommanager&hl=en
- For install instructions, see steps 1-3 under the RomRacer's CWM.
- Allows for easy CWM updating, as well as ROM updates that are posted by the developer on ROM Manager's servers.
- Current build much better, and allows for both internal & external sd installs/backups.
HOW TO INSTALL FRUITCAKES ON 2.3.4 (GREAT SBF/RSD ALTERNATIVE!!!):
If you have a unlocked boot loader and CWM Recovery installed, and you wish to go back to "stock" you now have a wonderful alternative called Fruitcake. The fruitcake files are essentially stock sbf files that bypass the need to use RSD Lite; they flash via CWM just like any other .zip file that you flash. This is very welcome as it eliminates the need for RSD Lite and the problems associated with it.
You can find your Fruitcake here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163009
WHAT DO I DO IF MY DEVICE WILL NOT FULLY BOOT??? (i.e. Boot Loop or Soft Brick):
- If you have a bootloop/softbirck after atempting to unlock your bootloader:
a) If you flashed the unlock .sbf, are you sure you booted into fastboot and issued the "fastboot oem unlock" command.
b) If you happen to have a 2.3.4 ROM saved on you device, or a Fruitcake.zip, try booting into Android Recovery and reflashing. Make sure to wipe dalvik cache, cache partition, and format data first though.
c) If you can boot into fastboot, you can fastboot flash the "stock" 2.3.4 Gingerbread .img/system files by following the instructions on this page:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163342
*Note: The .img files to install via fastboot are located under "Download Gingerbread Stock Images" on the download page.
- If you have bootloop/softbrick after attempting to flash a ROM or Kernel:
a) Did you download the correct version of the ROM or Kernel for your device (i.e. US AT&T vs International).
b) If you're installing a new kernel, did you flash back to the stock kernel first, before trying to flash the different kernel.
c) Are you sure you wiped the dalvik cache, cache partition & formated the data (i.e. The Big Three) before installing the ROM. For a kernel install, just wipe dalvik cache & chace partition.
*Note: If you are using the stock ROM Manager CWM version, then you need to fastboot wipe for fomating data, as this feature does not yet work on ROM Manager. Fastboot command: "fastboot -w".
d) Try re-flashing ROM, after making sure you did the above 3 correctly... still not working, you can hopefully still:
1) Flash a Fruitcake in CWM to give you a clean install. Make sure to wipe "the big 3" first.
2) Can't get into Android Recovery/CWM, try flashing the stock Gingerbread .img files via fastboot. Instructions here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163342
The 2.3.4 (4.5.91 Firmware) Section:
Updated ROMs, Kernels, etc. for 2.3.4 (firmware 4.5.91) --- UPDATED 8/14/2011
So with the official release of Gingerbread 2.3.4, a host of new ROMs & Kernels have been released for the Atrix, along with various fixes and mods for those ROMs & Kernels. I'll try and cover the most common ones below, as always if you feel something needs to be added, just let me know.
*Note: Before flashing any of these make sure that you:
1) Have a unlocked boot loader:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1136261
2) Have CWM installed
3) Understand Fastboot/moto-fastboot commands
ROMs & Kernels:
FYI:
Before installing any ROM or Kernel I suggest you do the following to help prevent error, boot-loops, etc. Also, it's a good idea to flash a new ROM or Kernel on a fully charged device:
1) Download which ever ROM or Kernel you plan on flashing and have the .zip on your device ready to flash.
2) Backup your apps (not system data), contacts, etc. Also consider making a CWM backup of your device, just in case.
3) Boot into CWM Recovery
4) Wipe Dalvik Cache (under advanced in CWM)
5) Wipe Cache Partition
6) Wipe data/factory reset
6a) If you're using ROM Manager/CWM you will need to reboot the device after step 5, and upon reboot enter fastboot mode and enter the command: "fastboot -w" or "moto-fastboot -w" if you prefer using moto-fastboot. Then type "fastboot reboot" and upon reboot make sure to enter Android Recovery again, so that you can flash the ROM/Kernel.
7) Install .zip from SD Card (choose the .zip you wish to install)
8) If you installing a radio, theme, kernel, etc. on top of a ROM, I would suggest redoing the whole wipe process again between flashes.
9) Reboot the Device
- If you get a boot loop, try entering Android recovery and re-wiping the chace and data, and perhaps try reflashing the ROM/Kernel. Or if you made a CWM backup, you can always restore that.
ROMS
Stock Gingerbread 2.3.4 (Thanks KennethPenn):
*Note: This is useful if you need to return to stock Gingerbread. Both CWM & Fastboot install available.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1163342
Home Base ROM (by Seanzscreams):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1242721
This is a "stock" Android base ROM, with multiple versions ranging from almost stock with only a few tweaks, to a stock feel with multiple mods, extras, etc.
ASOP Atrix ROM (by Stinebd):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1306550
ASOP = Android Open Source Project - - in other words, it's supposed to make your device as close to a stock Google Android device as possible (i.e. like a Nexus device).
*Note: since this rom is essentially a stock Android experience, many of the Atrix's stock features will not work; like the fingerprint scanner, webtop, etc.
Alien ROM & Theme (by KennethPenn):
*Note: The ROM is separate from the theme, which can be applied afterwards if you wish.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1186537
This is a very stable ROM, however there are a few issues with the Theme portion. The Kernel is stock 2.3.4.
Ninja ROM (by SamCripp):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1173843
Super fast ROM, with Faux123's Kernel included.
Cherry Pie & Pie Crust (by Navalynt):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189497
Includes optional themes and has a separate international build version.
Aura ROM (by Diviance):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1186990
Includes Faux's Kernel
3 versions to choose from (de-bloat, de-bloat w/ accounts, & w/ all bloat)
DarkSide ROM (by Nottach):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1222108
Includes Faux's Kernel
Multiple Mods available to add to ROM
Theme incorporates many apps
HoneyComb ROM/Theme (by Seanzscreams):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1206767
Based off of Alien ROM w/ a Honey Comb Theme. Different versions are available for different kernel choices.
iBlur ROM (by Marko!):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305015
Like the look of the iPhone... but hate the iPhone. Give this ROM a try then.
StarWars Rom/Theme (by Seanzscreams):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1200214
Ying / Yang ROM (by Shady_lanem):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1244852
Nice black/white ROM, with all the latest tweaks, mods, etc.
KERNELS
Faux's Kernel (over-clocked @ 1.45 GHz):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1156040
*Note:
- Froyo version, Gingerbread version & CM7 version, each w/ multiple versions avaliable; a enchanced stock kernel @ 1 GHz that allows undervolting, profiles, etc. Also a OC kernel @ 1.3 GHz & 1.45 GHz.
- Make sure you pick the right kernel; i.e. if you are on CM7, use a CM7 kernel, if you are using a Gingerbread based ROM, use the Gingerbread kerenl.
- The overclocked 1.45 GHz kernel may cause heat issues with your battery, thus causing random reboots... suggest undervolting.
Kholk's EternityProject Kernel (over-clocked @ 1.5 GHz):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1153003
*Note:
- Current build based off of Faux's kernel.
- Kernel may cause heat issues with your battery, thus causing random reboots... suggest undervolting.
Clemsyn's Kernel (over-clocked @ 1.4 GHz):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1354502
*Note:
- Based off of Faux's Kernel, but includes additonal optimizations.
- AT&T and CM7 versions available @ either 1.0 GHz or 1.4 GHz.
- B/C of memory timings, this kernel may not work on your device (like mine), and you will not be able to fully boot. Make sure you have a backup kernel to flash incase this happens to you.
OTHER MODS & FIXES:
V6 SuperCharger Script
My Instructions Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=18906120&post=201
Battery Jumping Fix:
*Note: Charge battery to 100% (overnight) & wipe battery stats in CWM (under advanced) before flashing this.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1174349
WEBTOP on 2.3.4:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1169457
Native Tethering MOD for 2.3.4 (included in the above ROMs):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1160452
All Atrix 4G AT&T Radios:
http://www.multiupload.com/G8T8IGZF05
2.3.4 Ported Boot Animations:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162936
OTHER HELPFUL THREADS:
How To Recover From A Soft Brick:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=966405
The Same Thing As This Thread (Posted in the Dev Section), Without All The Fluff:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=972423
Theming the Atrix 4G: tools, processes, locations, etc.:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1060199
How To Port A Theme:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1186819
How To Theme Gingerblur / Compiling & De-compiling a Framework (This is what got me started):
XDA Thread Here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1101138&highlight=gingerblur
How To Here: http://briefmobile.com/how-to-theme-gingerblur
List of ROOT APPS available & working on the Atrix:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1099846
A Whole Bunch of Icon Sets (for when you're ready to start customizing):
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=824656
Widget Locker Themes:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=968613&highlight=D3S-L002
How to Manually Deodex Any Atrix ROM:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1162764
Invaluable Resource:
http://gitbrew.org/android/
Terrific Info!
Great job as usual Swiftks!! It's always nice having everything in one place. Sometimes searching XDA can be frustrating with the amount of search results. This should help everyone, not just the noobs.
Good work.. Only way to be useful is its stickied so it isn't lost
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Great post/thread, someone should sticky this... Maybe it will help reducing all the generic questions...
Might want to add asking for cm7/miui
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Nice thread, just what i needed, i am new to the Atrix and i need all the help i can get. Cheers Dude
What a great thread. I am well versed in rooting and flashing my nexus one, even did some minor development for it. But this is a very useful summary for the atrix, and not everything is the same between devices. For example I had no idea what an sbf file was.
I'm glad this is helping some of you. I thought of a few more details I can add to the OP when I get home today... also, I'll see about trying to get stickyfied.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Swiftks said:
What is Root / Rooting?
Put simply, Rooting your device allows you, and/or rooted apps, to access parts of the Linux based Android software that is your OS, and that you would otherwise not be able to access. These tasks can be as simple and beneficial as backing up your system setting, or as complicated as installing custom ROMs, Kernels, etc. (more on this later).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have made a great post that will help a lot of new people out. For rooting it would be helpful to add that all rooting does is give you the equivalent of the Administrator account, like in Windows.
For your fastboot/bootloader section. I always point new people to this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=619153
Your link is pretty good. I like the one I posted as well. It is a little advanced, but it also has some added fluff for newbies.
Also some advice while flashing in general. Never ever do a battery pull unless you are absolutely 100% sure something went wrong and the phone is frozen. Some mods take a while to install, or the progress bar might not be coded in correctly. I have made some personal mods where the progress bar screwed up. After a couple minutes of freaking out, all of a sudden cwm goes "Ding, done!" so yeah patience is key.
I second that it should be stickied....
Very well written guide. Wish this guidewould have been here when I started flashing. Will be very helpful to the newbies coming to the atrix/xda. Good job.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA Premium App
Woow i feel like dev after reading this lol ^__^
thanks!!
GreAt thread! Question, was my post the one you are talk in about for the non-market apps enabled? I posted that just recently and worked like a charm. I was surprised that it did. It is ironic how an app from app store enables non market apps..lmfao. Great work on thread.
demandarin said:
GreAt thread! Question, was my post the one you are talk in about for the non-market apps enabled? I posted that just recently and worked like a charm. I was surprised that it did. It is ironic how an app from app store enables non market apps..lmfao. Great work on thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think it might have been.
Am Updating the OP now with some more info.
Sent a request to Mr. Clown for a Stick, and he said they he would do it... so hopefully this thread won't get lost for future noobs.
One thing though is instead of calling it the "noobs" guide? Why not just call it beginners guide cause the new people coming here are probably not gonna have any idea wth a noob is anyway! Great guide besides that though!
Gutterball said:
One thing though is instead of calling it the "noobs" guide? Why not just call it beginners guide cause the new people coming here are probably not gonna have any idea wth a noob is anyway! Great guide besides that though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Makes Sense...
I was a total noob when I picked up my Atrix back in Feb. Proceeded to mess around with things and soft-bricked it. Took me a few days to seach for all of this information and finally get it back to stock. Thanks for putting it all in one spot!!
this just just great work dude.
Can you include a brief explanation about what CWM is?
Edit: Oops... I saw that you've already done this.
yay its stickied...good job man
Hey There!!
Just a little guide I threw together for all the new CANADIAN SGH-i257m S4 Mini owners out there who are looking to join the world of modded Androids
I found it quite difficult to track all the info down on Google over the last couple of weeks and have yet to find a CLEAR guide as to how to go about modding this specific model of phone, and unlocking its true potential so I figured I'd throw one up on here since everyone has been so helpful, so here it is!
* If anyone notices anything wrong or changes I need let me know!*
*Disclaimer*
First off I would like to say that I in NO WAY had anything to do with developing ANY of these methods that I am about to explain here, they are property of their respective owners, I am just placing them in a clear order for new users to follow so if anyone has any issues with this please let me know and i will fix it ASAP!
I also assume that you have backed up all of your contacts ETC on the phone to either the sim card or google or something. Its always safer to start from scratch and restore a backup right?
Also, PLEASE READ THE WHOLE GUIDE, and ANY linked posts. They have some good answers to a lot of peoples issues with rooting and whatnot
WARNING:
!*!*!*!THE METHODS EXPLAINED BELOW DO TRIP THE KNOX 0X1 WARRANTY FLAG!*!*!*!
If you are at all afraid of tripping the flag and voiding your warranty the please DO NOT continue as I, nor anyone else here are responsible for ANY damage or warranty issues you may run into after this. You are still able to flash a STOCK ROM back onto the phone but the 0x1 flag will always be there.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Another thing I should mention is that although these posts/files are technically for the GT-i9195(LTE) model, I have tested this on my personal phone (SGH-i257m) and I assure you it works GREAT with no problems if you follow the instructions given.
If you DONT want CyanogenMod 11 and want to roll with the stock ROM, you can refer to THIS post. Just follow the instructions as if your phone is the GT-i9195
Originally Posted by arco68
Actually, the SGH-I257M and GT-I9195 are pretty much identical in every way. Unlike the US carriers, the Canadian ones didn't see the need to go about and change everything on it.
The recovery and ROM's for the 9195 should work just fine on it. The only thing is that the model number will be set as GT-I9195. However, in latest CM11 nightlies I've added a routine which will identify which variant it is, and it will set the model number accordingly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HERES HOW TO INSTALL CyanogenMod 11 and recovery-clockwork on your SGH-i257m:
Heres the Original Post By arco68 if your interested!
1.You need to download 4 files to your computer (linked below) and move gapps and CM 11 over to your phones internal storage
Odin 3.09
gapps version 20140105
recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 extracted on your pc (YOU MUST USE THIS RECOVERY TO FLASH CM 11) just download it from that post
CyanogenMod 11 Nightly LTE VERSION
!!MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST ABOVE VERSION OF CYANOGEN! IT IS THE GT-I9195 VERSION AND IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR PHONE TO WORK PROPERLY!! YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE OTHERWISE
Now the fun part! After you have installed Odin and extracted recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 somewhere on your pc :
2. Turn off the phone.
-Press and hold home, volume down and power. A "Download" screen should appear (a big yellow triangle, youll know when you see it)
-Connect your USB cable, and press volume up to continue.
-Start Odin, and uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click AP button.
-Select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file that you previously downloaded and extracted, and press Start button (Odin might seem like it hung up when you first load the file but just let it do its thing!! It eventually let you press start). The phone will reboot when finished.
-After the phone resets (it wil vibrate) IMMEDIATELY hold volume up and home buttons to boot into recovery mode. if you miss it dont worry you can always try again.
3. Once your in recovery your going to want to wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache
4. Now choose install from sdcard and navigate to the files we put on there earlier, and install cm-11
5. When that is complete install gapps the same way you installed cm-11
6. REBOOT PHONE AND PROFIT!
Thats basically it people. After that is HIGHLY suggest going and reading the ORIGINAL posts where i got all of this info from, so you can be familiar yourselves Feel free to post any feedback or questions and ill get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your new rooted and amazingly awesome SGH-i257m
SIDE NOTES:
1.Be sure to use the built in updater for Cyanogen! I have it set to check for updates DAILY (because its still in daily duuuuh ) and everything will work beautifully!
2.I DO NOT recommend restoring your apps data etc from your old rom using google backups, as it re-installs ALL the bloatware that is removed when you install CM11. Instead use an app like AppBak to give you a list of what you had so you can choose
Original Posts:
[GT-I9195][ROM][Official][4.4.2] CyanogenMod 11.0 Nightlies for S4 Mini LTE
[GT-I9190][ROM][Official][4.3.1] CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightlies for S4 Mini 3G
[RECOVERY][ROOT] Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE (GT-I9195)
STOCK i257m ROMS for ALL Canadian Carriers
Sammobile Firmware List for SGH-i257m
Thanks for contributing to the community
The guide looks pretty much set just you might want to start your thread title with something like [SGH-I257M].
You can also mention which of the two ROMs you used and have tested with and if possible just inform readers to use that one (arco68 did mention that the GT-I9195 was the one that the SGH-I257M is identical to and not the GT-I9190) to avoid confusion.
Cheers!
Nice guide,very interesting...
Thank you
*This is an automated message,No need to Respond
Nice guide,very interseting
Thank you
Whosat said:
Thanks for contributing to the community
The guide looks pretty much set just you might want to start your thread title with something like [SGH-I257M].
You can also mention which of the two ROMs you used and have tested with and if possible just inform readers to use that one (arco68 did mention that the GT-I9195 was the one that the SGH-I257M is identical to and not the GT-I9190) to avoid confusion.
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are very welcome!
Thanks for the feedback, I have fixed some errors i found as well as what you said
Hopefully it makes a bit more sense now!
Cheers!
Many Thanks!!!
This is an awesome thread! Thank you SO much for the work you put into this for the many Canucks up here with Bloated i257m's.
I have been waiting for 6 months for a detailed guide for the Canadian s4m . woohoo!
@Davis4ever
You are very welcome!
Im glad I was able to help out with your phone.
Feel free to share with others!
Enjoy your new phone: D
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Now we need someone to build an I257M rom
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Unfortunately I am not qualified to do that
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
ExiLeX420 said:
Hey There!!
Just a little guide I threw together for all the new CANADIAN SGH-i257m S4 Mini owners out there who are looking to join the world of modded Androids
I found it quite difficult to track all the info down on Google over the last couple of weeks and have yet to find a CLEAR guide as to how to go about modding this specific model of phone, and unlocking its true potential so I figured I'd throw one up on here since everyone has been so helpful, so here it is!
* If anyone notices anything wrong or changes I need let me know!*
*Disclaimer*
First off I would like to say that I in NO WAY had anything to do with developing ANY of these methods that I am about to explain here, they are property of their respective owners, I am just placing them in a clear order for new users to follow so if anyone has any issues with this please let me know and i will fix it ASAP!
I also assume that you have backed up all of your contacts ETC on the phone to either the sim card or google or something. Its always safer to start from scratch and restore a backup right?
Also, PLEASE READ THE WHOLE GUIDE, and ANY linked posts. They have some good answers to a lot of peoples issues with rooting and whatnot
WARNING:
!*!*!*!THE METHODS EXPLAINED BELOW DO TRIP THE KNOX 0X1 WARRANTY FLAG!*!*!*!
If you are at all afraid of tripping the flag and voiding your warranty the please DO NOT continue as I, nor anyone else here are responsible for ANY damage or warranty issues you may run into after this. You are still able to flash a STOCK ROM back onto the phone but the 0x1 flag will always be there.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Another thing I should mention is that although these posts/files are technically for the GT-i9195(LTE) model, I have tested this on my personal phone (SGH-i257m) and I assure you it works GREAT with no problems if you follow the instructions given.
If you DONT want CyanogenMod 11 and want to roll with the stock ROM, you can refer to THIS post. Just follow the instructions as if your phone is the GT-i9195
HERES HOW TO INSTALL CyanogenMod 11 and recovery-clockwork on your SGH-i257m:
Heres the Original Post By arco68 if your interested!
1.You need to download 4 files to your computer (linked below) and move gapps and CM 11 over to your phones internal storage
Odin 3.09
gapps version 20140105
recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 extracted on your pc (YOU MUST USE THIS RECOVERY TO FLASH CM 11) just download it from that post
CyanogenMod 11 Nightly LTE VERSION
!!MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST ABOVE VERSION OF CYANOGEN! IT IS THE GT-I9195 VERSION AND IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR PHONE TO WORK PROPERLY!! YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE OTHERWISE
Now the fun part! After you have installed Odin and extracted recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 somewhere on your pc :
2. Turn off the phone.
-Press and hold home, volume down and power. A "Download" screen should appear (a big yellow triangle, youll know when you see it)
-Connect your USB cable, and press volume up to continue.
-Start Odin, and uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click AP button.
-Select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file that you previously downloaded and extracted, and press Start button (Odin might seem like it hung up when you first load the file but just let it do its thing!! It eventually let you press start). The phone will reboot when finished.
-After the phone resets (it wil vibrate) IMMEDIATELY hold volume up and home buttons to boot into recovery mode. if you miss it dont worry you can always try again.
3. Once your in recovery your going to want to wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache
4. Now choose install from sdcard and navigate to the files we put on there earlier, and install cm-11
5. When that is complete install gapps the same way you installed cm-11
6. REBOOT PHONE AND PROFIT!
Thats basically it people. After that is HIGHLY suggest going and reading the ORIGINAL posts where i got all of this info from, so you can be familiar yourselves Feel free to post any feedback or questions and ill get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your new rooted and amazingly awesome SGH-i257m
SIDE NOTES:
1.Be sure to use the built in updater for Cyanogen! I have it set to check for updates DAILY (because its still in daily duuuuh ) and everything will work beautifully!
2.I DO NOT recommend restoring your apps data etc from your old rom using google backups, as it re-installs ALL the bloatware that is removed when you install CM11. Instead use an app like AppBak to give you a list of what you had so you can choose
Original Posts:
[GT-I9195][ROM][Official][4.4.2] CyanogenMod 11.0 Nightlies for S4 Mini LTE
[GT-I9190][ROM][Official][4.3.1] CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightlies for S4 Mini 3G
[RECOVERY][ROOT] Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE (GT-I9195)
STOCK i257m ROMS for ALL Canadian Carriers
Sammobile Firmware List for SGH-i257m
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should help these folks that stumble upon this from google as well to show them how to unlock the phone to use in the States on ATT or Tmobile. When I unlocked mine I used the regionlockaway app after rooting using the s4 mini rootkit and was on stock rom. Was painless and smooth. Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2470551
Also you could inform them that all lte roms work for our phone as in 9195 roms. BUT there kernels DO NOT work.
And just another thing about roms, Cyanogenmod is a basic AOSP with very little customizbility, Liquidsmooth is the best option for AOSP on our phones, Ive always hated basic cyanogenmod builds link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2676053 and also ive never liked clockworkmod recoveries as well lol.. we have twrp touchscreen recovery as an option on our phone: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2589011
EDIT: also if anyone is looking for stock rom firmwares to flash to odin they can be found here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/ by searching for i257m and picking which carrier you want.
---------- Post added at 08:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 AM ----------
[/COLOR]
Omega2513 said:
Now we need someone to build an I257M rom
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All LTE roms work on our device. look for 9195 roms, there are plenty!
civicsr2cool said:
All LTE roms work on our device. look for 9195 roms, there are plenty!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They do but then they get identified as a 9195 and we lose features that are I257M exclusive.
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Omega2513 said:
They do but then they get identified as a 9195 and we lose features that are I257M exclusive.
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And what features are those? I thought we gained not lost,FM radio wasn't an option stock and it is after 9195 roms
Is this confirmed to be working on MK5? And does MI3 have KNOX installed or is it the MK5 update that installs it? Thanks in advance
Sent from my SM-G730W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
civicsr2cool said:
And what features are those? I thought we gained not lost,FM radio wasn't an option stock and it is after 9195 roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are some S4 features such as the smart stay and some of the gestures that was put into the I257M and I haven't seen a 9195 rom with those in it. The radio is nice if you use it.
ninjablackwing said:
Is this confirmed to be working on MK5? And does MI3 have KNOX installed or is it the MK5 update that installs it? Thanks in advance
Sent from my SM-G730W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do believe that MI3 has KNOX but there is something in Mk5 that makes it harder to get around.
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Omega2513 said:
There are some S4 features such as the smart stay and some of the gestures that was put into the I257M and I haven't seen a 9195 rom with those in it. The radio is nice if you use it.
I do believe that MI3 has KNOX but there is something in Mk5 that makes it harder to get around.
Sent from my SGH-I257M using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply but I still want to know whether or not this method can root and install cwm on MK5.
Sent from my SM-G730W8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
does this method work on the newly released i257 US AT&T?
Sent from my LG-E970 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Being completely new to the technical aspects of this phone i wanted some clarification on the details. I did some more research and asked a bunch of questions of ExiLeX420. He very graciously answered in detail. Thank you ExiLeX420. I incorporated the results as some Notes and Explanations into his original post and reproduced it here. Hope this helps, especially others who are new like me!
As i post this i have not done this procedure yet myself. I have been having a technical problem requiring that i return the phone for repair. Once that process is settled, or my warranty runs out, then i will consider doing this myself.
Note:
The phone is rooted once you INSTALL CM11 (arco has it pre rooted for you), but the KNOX flag is tripped when you flash the custom recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 onto the phone using Odin. Once you do this there is no going back! As soon as ANYTHING on the inside of the phone is modified via something other than Samsung it gets set to 0x1.
Before beginning do the following ...
Save your contacts to an external SD card
Download the stock i257m ROM from Sammobile. The link is at the end of this note. The stock ROM is actually very good to have because it allows you to start FRESH. Yes the KNOX flag will always be tripped, but it DOES allow you to get updates once you flash the stock ROM back onto the phone using Odin. But there is no need to update as CM11 runs on 4.4.
If you would like a list of all the apps on your phone then install AppBak and run it before proceeding with step 1 of the guide below. That way you'll have a list of all the apps you had if you want them back. The program even links them in the play store. Just run it again after finishing step 6 below to restore your apps. OTOH, if you have only a few apps to transfer over just write down a list and re-download/install them fresh.
====================
1.You need to download 4 files to your computer (linked below), and move gapps and CM 11 over to your phones storage - you could in theory use the internal storage but for the sake of this just use the external sd card.
Odin 3.09
gapps version 20140105
recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 extracted on your pc (YOU MUST USE THIS RECOVERY TO FLASH CM 11) just download it from that post
CyanogenMod 11 Nightly LTE VERSION
Notes:
gapps is a version of the google play store that works with CM 11 and allows you to download apps regularly, as if the phone wasn't modded.
Extracting the md5 from the zip is simple - just double click the zip and out comes the md5.
We are using the Nightly version of CyanogenMod rather than a release Candidate or even a Stable version because according to arco68 "the SGH-I257M ... in latest CM11 nightlies I've added a routine which will identify which variant it is, and it will set the model number accordingly. It sets the model number properly so you retain all of the features the phone comes with originally".
!!MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST ABOVE VERSION OF CYANOGEN! IT IS THE GT-I9195 VERSION AND IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR PHONE TO WORK PROPERLY!! YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE OTHERWISE
Now the fun part! After you have installed Odin and extracted recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 somewhere on your pc :
2. Turn off the phone.
-Press and hold home, volume down and power. A "Download" screen should appear (a big yellow triangle, youll know when you see it)
-Connect your USB cable, and press volume up to continue.
-Start Odin, and uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click AP button.
-Select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file that you previously downloaded and extracted, and press Start button (Odin might seem like it hung up when you first load the file but just let it do its thing!! It eventually let you press start). The phone will reboot when finished.
-After the phone resets (it wil vibrate) IMMEDIATELY hold volume up and home buttons to boot into recovery mode. if you miss it dont worry you can always try again.
Note:
If you miss you don't have to do ALL of the above steps over; you just have to boot into recovery using the volume up and home buttons. Just keep the phone in your hand and wait for it to reboot and vibrate, and when it does hold the power, home, and volume up buttons and you'll get into recovery.
3. Once your in recovery your going to want to wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache.
Note:
This step is done to delete all the old data left from the stock ROM so nothing conflicts with CM11. Use this method ...
Turn your Galaxy S4 mini OFF.
Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up + Home + Power buttons on your device until the logo appears, then release.
Once Android system recovery loads, use the volume buttons to navigate to ”Wipe data/Factory reset” and the power button to select it.
Confirm your choice by selecting “Yes”.
Select “Reboot System Now”.
There are separate options to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache.
4. Now choose install from sdcard and navigate to the files we put on there earlier, and install cm-11
5. When that is complete install gapps the same way you installed cm-11
6. REBOOT PHONE AND PROFIT!
Thats basically it people. After that is HIGHLY suggest going and reading the ORIGINAL posts where i got all of this info from, so you can be familiar yourselves Feel free to post any feedback or questions and ill get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your new rooted and amazingly awesome SGH-i257m
SIDE NOTES:
1.Be sure to use the built in updater for Cyanogen! I have it set to check for updates DAILY (because its still in daily duuuuh ) and everything will work beautifully!
2.I DO NOT recommend restoring your apps data etc from your old rom using google backups, as it re-installs ALL the bloatware that is removed when you install CM11. Instead use an app like AppBak to give you a list of what you had so you can choose
Original Posts:
[GT-I9195][ROM][Official][4.4.2] CyanogenMod 11.0 Nightlies for S4 Mini LTE
[GT-I9190][ROM][Official][4.3.1] CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightlies for S4 Mini 3G
[RECOVERY][ROOT] Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE (GT-I9195)
STOCK i257m ROMS for ALL Canadian Carriers
Sammobile Firmware List for SGH-i257m
dynamiclynk said:
does this method work on the newly released i257 US AT&T?
Sent from my LG-E970 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreciate the detailed directions an did locate them through the search function of the forum.
I do not see that anyone confirmed that this process and these roms would work on the newly released AT&T SGH-I257 with volte. I appreciate any constructive responses.
thx for that but i have problem
mdawdy said:
Being completely new to the technical aspects of this phone i wanted some clarification on the details. I did some more research and asked a bunch of questions of ExiLeX420. He very graciously answered in detail. Thank you ExiLeX420. I incorporated the results as some Notes and Explanations into his original post and reproduced it here. Hope this helps, especially others who are new like me!
As i post this i have not done this procedure yet myself. I have been having a technical problem requiring that i return the phone for repair. Once that process is settled, or my warranty runs out, then i will consider doing this myself.
Note:
The phone is rooted once you INSTALL CM11 (arco has it pre rooted for you), but the KNOX flag is tripped when you flash the custom recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 onto the phone using Odin. Once you do this there is no going back! As soon as ANYTHING on the inside of the phone is modified via something other than Samsung it gets set to 0x1.
Before beginning do the following ...
Save your contacts to an external SD card
Download the stock i257m ROM from Sammobile. The link is at the end of this note. The stock ROM is actually very good to have because it allows you to start FRESH. Yes the KNOX flag will always be tripped, but it DOES allow you to get updates once you flash the stock ROM back onto the phone using Odin. But there is no need to update as CM11 runs on 4.4.
If you would like a list of all the apps on your phone then install AppBak and run it before proceeding with step 1 of the guide below. That way you'll have a list of all the apps you had if you want them back. The program even links them in the play store. Just run it again after finishing step 6 below to restore your apps. OTOH, if you have only a few apps to transfer over just write down a list and re-download/install them fresh.
====================
1.You need to download 4 files to your computer (linked below), and move gapps and CM 11 over to your phones storage - you could in theory use the internal storage but for the sake of this just use the external sd card.
Odin 3.09
gapps version 20140105
recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 extracted on your pc (YOU MUST USE THIS RECOVERY TO FLASH CM 11) just download it from that post
CyanogenMod 11 Nightly LTE VERSION
Notes:
gapps is a version of the google play store that works with CM 11 and allows you to download apps regularly, as if the phone wasn't modded.
Extracting the md5 from the zip is simple - just double click the zip and out comes the md5.
We are using the Nightly version of CyanogenMod rather than a release Candidate or even a Stable version because according to arco68 "the SGH-I257M ... in latest CM11 nightlies I've added a routine which will identify which variant it is, and it will set the model number accordingly. It sets the model number properly so you retain all of the features the phone comes with originally".
!!MAKE SURE YOU GET THE LATEST ABOVE VERSION OF CYANOGEN! IT IS THE GT-I9195 VERSION AND IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR PHONE TO WORK PROPERLY!! YOU MAY BRICK YOUR PHONE OTHERWISE
Now the fun part! After you have installed Odin and extracted recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5 somewhere on your pc :
2. Turn off the phone.
-Press and hold home, volume down and power. A "Download" screen should appear (a big yellow triangle, youll know when you see it)
-Connect your USB cable, and press volume up to continue.
-Start Odin, and uncheck "F. Reset Time", and then click AP button.
-Select "recovery-clockwork-6.0.4.6-serranoltexx.tar.md5" file that you previously downloaded and extracted, and press Start button (Odin might seem like it hung up when you first load the file but just let it do its thing!! It eventually let you press start). The phone will reboot when finished.
-After the phone resets (it wil vibrate) IMMEDIATELY hold volume up and home buttons to boot into recovery mode. if you miss it dont worry you can always try again.
Note:
If you miss you don't have to do ALL of the above steps over; you just have to boot into recovery using the volume up and home buttons. Just keep the phone in your hand and wait for it to reboot and vibrate, and when it does hold the power, home, and volume up buttons and you'll get into recovery.
3. Once your in recovery your going to want to wipe data/factory reset and wipe cache.
Note:
This step is done to delete all the old data left from the stock ROM so nothing conflicts with CM11. Use this method ...
Turn your Galaxy S4 mini OFF.
Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up + Home + Power buttons on your device until the logo appears, then release.
Once Android system recovery loads, use the volume buttons to navigate to ”Wipe data/Factory reset” and the power button to select it.
Confirm your choice by selecting “Yes”.
Select “Reboot System Now”.
There are separate options to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Wipe Cache.
4. Now choose install from sdcard and navigate to the files we put on there earlier, and install cm-11
5. When that is complete install gapps the same way you installed cm-11
6. REBOOT PHONE AND PROFIT!
Thats basically it people. After that is HIGHLY suggest going and reading the ORIGINAL posts where i got all of this info from, so you can be familiar yourselves Feel free to post any feedback or questions and ill get back to you ASAP!
Enjoy your new rooted and amazingly awesome SGH-i257m
SIDE NOTES:
1.Be sure to use the built in updater for Cyanogen! I have it set to check for updates DAILY (because its still in daily duuuuh ) and everything will work beautifully!
2.I DO NOT recommend restoring your apps data etc from your old rom using google backups, as it re-installs ALL the bloatware that is removed when you install CM11. Instead use an app like AppBak to give you a list of what you had so you can choose
Original Posts:
[GT-I9195][ROM][Official][4.4.2] CyanogenMod 11.0 Nightlies for S4 Mini LTE
[GT-I9190][ROM][Official][4.3.1] CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightlies for S4 Mini 3G
[RECOVERY][ROOT] Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini LTE (GT-I9195)
STOCK i257m ROMS for ALL Canadian Carriers
Sammobile Firmware List for SGH-i257m
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Just for everyone using ATT model. This doesn't work for the Samsung SGH-I257 ATT model.