Database Users

[Q] New S4 with MF3 - Harmful to root?

I recently got a new S4 at the store, and of course, it came with MF3.
My question is, if I choose to root it, which I would really like to, would this potentially block my ability to utilize a future exploit in the bootloader or otherwise negatively impact the phone?
I know I can't un-root the phone for the time being, which is fine, but I would like to root it if there won't be any future issues.

Why would you think there would be issues with a future bootloader exploit?
Root has nothing to do with the bootloaders. If there were ever to be issues, it would be addressed and fixed before it goes public.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

just remember that if you root, and your device takes a poop, you wont have odin as option to fix it nor will you have a backup to restore it since you wont have a custom recovery. dont root if you dont think you'd know how to get it back up and going again. read up. cheers.

graydiggy said:
Why would you think there would be issues with a future bootloader exploit?
Root has nothing to do with the bootloaders. If there were ever to be issues, it would be addressed and fixed before it goes public.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, as you can see I'm not very knowledgeable about the way the phones work and how these exploits deal with the phone software. But I appreciate the info that rooting won't mess with that kind of thing.
xBeerdroiDx said:
just remember that if you root, and your device takes a poop, you wont have odin as option to fix it nor will you have a backup to restore it since you wont have a custom recovery. dont root if you dont think you'd know how to get it back up and going again. read up. cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'm wondering what could cause my device to take a poop if I simply root it and install Titanium Backup and some other root apps. Yeah, I've been trying to read up ever since I became a member a couple days ago.
I appreciate the advice, guys. Thanks!

there's a hundred threads spread out over the last couple weeks of people asking what they can do to fix their devices. people that were on MF3, rooted, and suddenly there was a glitch somewhere. whether they deleted something they shouldnt have, installed something they shouldnt have, some random misc unforeseen error, etc.
if i were a user that had a very introductory-level of android knowledge, it would be a no brainer for me: having no root on my device vs having no way to backup/restore via a custom recovery and no odin. i choose stock/unrooted. just keep your eyes peeled. when there is finally an exploit, you'll see it here on xda.

[Q] Unlocked Bootloader? How to change it back?

I rooted my device a few weeks ago, and 4.3 released earlier, so I completely uninstalled root, through my superuser app. 4.3 downloads, and when it came time to install, it went through the install process in about five seconds, and booted up normally. I have an unlocked bootloader, I need help changing it back to normal? Is there a way?

Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

jball said:
Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF3.

How do you have an unlocked bootloader. ? and what leads you to believe its unlocked ?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2

Oh he thinks it's unlocked because of the icon on the Samsung splash screen. Lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Lol if you have mf3 the bootloader is NOT unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

ralphie1267 said:
Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!

We all know he either wants the padlock gone or back to completely stock rite.
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

drichter12 said:
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.

gj23 said:
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.

drichter12 said:
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not real sure what you mean by a "kludge solution", but I'm on MF3 with Safestrap and there are quite a few ROMS available to flash and some of them are as good as any I've run before (excluding none). I would be willing to bet that 4.3 will have root and ROMS available in a very short time. Im quite certian that Hashcode will have Safestrapup and running on 4.3 before ya know it and if not, I'm happy with the device and options I have with it as it is now. I do agree that anyone who chooses to take the update right away, and then expect all the development options, are wishful thinking, and/or not doing their research

MDB,MDL,MF3,MJ9
The above list has always been bootloader locked.yes rooted minus the new MJ9 and a "work around" to flashing roms.
I have faith that one day someone will crack the lock,just not before I switch to a Nexus 5
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

Getting my bootloader unlocked

My question is I have a s4 without being on a contract and I let att unlock my boottloader can I install cwm or teamwin on my phone and I am looking to install the liquidsmooth rom. Or do you guys recommend any other rom that allows me to overclock the cpu and gpu??

What firmware version are you on? If you have MF3 or higher, no you can't unlock the bootloader. If you have MF3 or higher you can't install a custom recovery other than safestrap. Most custom roms have cpu control, and if they don't there are always root apps.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

The AT&T S4 does not have an unlocked bootloader. To find out more information about the phone and what you can or can not do, read the "pinned" threads in the General and Q&A sections.

Understand Its not unlocked but since im not under contract of any sort I figured I could get them to unlock it? That was my main question, I know you could go to AT&T before all the bs came up with there security pay a fee and get it unlocked? I am already rooted, I read up on safestrap as much as I could but still I hear its ok and not ok to do so. I root every phone I own and I now work with Verizon and getting the note 3 for my agent line and plan on rooting it as well. But right now I guess I would like to find a way to where I can get this thing where I want it. I had a htc one before the s4 but had tons of problems with the speaker blowing after 4 phones I requested to s4 and got it. I do have M3 software as well, if you have safe strapped your s4 what roms do you recommend? I know only some work with safestrap and I really like the liquidsmooth rom.

faststang71 said:
Understand Its not unlocked but since im not under contract of any sort I figured I could get them to unlock it? That was my main question, I know you could go to AT&T before all the bs came up with there security pay a fee and get it unlocked? I am already rooted, I read up on safestrap as much as I could but still I hear its ok and not ok to do so. I root every phone I own and I now work with Verizon and getting the note 3 for my agent line and plan on rooting it as well. But right now I guess I would like to find a way to where I can get this thing where I want it. I had a htc one before the s4 but had tons of problems with the speaker blowing after 4 phones I requested to s4 and got it. I do have M3 software as well, if you have safe strapped your s4 what roms do you recommend? I know only some work with safestrap and I really like the liquidsmooth rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All your answers will be in this thread right here including links to download safestrap and what Roms will work for it. In the end its user preference than outing out who has the “BEST" ROM. Its all based on personal preference on what is good for you and not. Take your time to read and flash and play around with them.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I believe AT&T unlocked your SIM not the bootloader as they don't do that at att
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

May I suggest maybe changing the title of your thread OP? Its very mis-leading. I'm sure that with the knowledge of the people that responded to you and the links that were provided, you understand that you can not unlock the bootloader at this time.

290 out now on unbranded uk

Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app

Awesome, I get my XZ1 Tomorrow, so its good to be able to get 4.3 straight away
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

Does this been I can update to 290 now and it will keep my root?
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk

sfex3best said:
Does this been I can update to 290 now and it will keep my root?
Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
No.

Just got the notification myself on UK rom
So we cannot update from 4.2.2 and keep partial root on locked bootloader?
If not I'll still hold off till root has hopefully been fixed
Mind you I have custom recovery so wont ota anyways will it?
Thanks

believe me the 4.3 is worth loosing ur root .... the Wifi Signal Is amazing it matches my Series5 Samsung Laptop !

Thanks I have been on 4.3 a few week back but with all the brickin going around I come off it
Still nice to have root though as most of the decent apps need root access

Can share the ftf files?

brockyneo said:
Thanks I have been on 4.3 a few week back but with all the brickin going around I come off it
Still nice to have root though as most of the decent apps need root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bricking?!
What the hell are you talking about.
Flash normal version, official and you'll have one of the best phone available at the moment.
There's no problem at all...
Don't mess with something you don't understand.
For now there's no 100% safe way for rooting (locked BL) so don't do that.
But to said something like that is just ridiculous and, sorry but, stupid.
And all decent apps doesn't need root to work properly...
I know what I'm talking about and I can confirm that you can use your device without any problems without rooting it.
It would be better if we have good way for root but it's not the end of the world if we are, at the moment, without it.
Stop flooding threads with a nonsense.
You want to use older firmware?
Cool, why not.
But to claim new firmware isn't good and there's "all that bricking..." is just stupid.
Sent from my Z1
---------- Post added at 09:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:15 AM ----------
@carbon21
Mate, have you tried to update via OTA?
on some firmwares there's a way to update through OTA.
Please, if you can - try...
Sent from my Z1

Is this a load of nonsense http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574764
That's just one thread of many and it's even proven to of happened to someone just updating via Sony update centre without been rooted of unlocked bootloader
Sorry if my question come across as "stupid" but there are many threads of bricked devices all leading to updating to 290 which is enough to make anyone wounder if it's a safe build
And the rooting thing yes I know we will eventually have it the guys on xda are the best and always prevail :good: but I disagree as far as all apps work without root there a tons of apps which almost everyone use that needs root access

brockyneo said:
Is this a load of nonsense http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574764
That's just one thread of many and it's even proven to of happened to someone just updating via Sony update centre without been rooted of unlocked bootloader
Sorry if my question come across as "stupid" but there are many threads of bricked devices all leading to updating to 290 which is enough to make anyone wounder if it's a safe build
And the rooting thing yes I know we will eventually have it the guys on xda are the best and always prevail :good: but I disagree as far as all apps work without root there a tons of apps which almost everyone use that needs root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very sensible mate, ive stayed on 4.2.2 as well as i need root for apps that I MUST have. Even if root is possible a few people have bricked their phones and I for one am not prepared to take a 600 pounds risk ATM as i bought this phone brand new.

brockyneo said:
Is this a load of nonsense http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2574764
That's just one thread of many and it's even proven to of happened to someone just updating via Sony update centre without been rooted of unlocked bootloader
Sorry if my question come across as "stupid" but there are many threads of bricked devices all leading to updating to 290 which is enough to make anyone wounder if it's a safe build
And the rooting thing yes I know we will eventually have it the guys on xda are the best and always prevail :good: but I disagree as far as all apps work without root there a tons of apps which almost everyone use that needs root access
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then these threads are people who are not being 100% honest. There's no way you will "brick" your Z1 with an official SEUS or PC Companion Update with a locked, unrooted phone. Zero chance. Unless the phone happens to be faulty.
It's just scaremongering. Plus a good phone, does not need root in my book.

That's just stupid, a good phone will be even better with root... Rooting is to make the software better, or to make it work better for you, nothing to do with the phone itself... And what if I want to backup all my apps with titanium? If I'm not rooted, it doesn't matter how good the phone is, i wouldnt be able to do it.
Sent from my C6903 using xda premium

How does rooting make software better?
It's down to individual choice, some people like to change things only root will allow but others don't.
Scaremongering by claiming widespread bricking of phones is not helpful. Some people have hit problems when experimenting with rooting methods. It's par for the course, most of these so called bricking incidents have been recovered eventually. A truly bricked phone is a rare incident.
Warning people off upgrading is OTT. A safe root method will be found soon.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Does this 290 unbranded uk include 20 MP in Superior Auto or 8 MP?
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

rooting makes some apps not work. I'd rather have root but don't need it and z1 is good without it, but if you need it just stick to older firmware. this thread is going off topic
Sent from my SM-T310 using xda app-developers app

rooting
3 of the major advantages of rooting are (at least in my opinion) ...
1. Block ads in apps
2. Remove bloatware and tweak ROM for better performance
3. Move apps to SD
Regards

[Q] Will an OTA remove root access?

Hello there,
I've had an AT&T Galaxy S4 for about a year now and I've been on custom ROMs since January of this year. When I was last on Stock, I had Android 4.2.2 Jellybean. Recently, I've been running into a lot of problems with my ROM so I tried installing other ROMs only to find more issues that were bothering me. I decided to just go back to stock but I was curious as to whether taking an OTA update will ruin my root? I do apologize for asking this but I'm still rather new at this. I was also curious if taking the OTA will remove my custom recovery as well as re-lock my bootloader? If I'm not supplying enough information for someone to determine the answer, please let me know and I'll provide that information.

BrokeEven said:
Hello there,
I've had an AT&T Galaxy S4 for about a year now and I've been on custom ROMs since January of this year. When I was last on Stock, I had Android 4.2.2 Jellybean. Recently, I've been running into a lot of problems with my ROM so I tried installing other ROMs only to find more issues that were bothering me. I decided to just go back to stock but I was curious as to whether taking an OTA update will ruin my root? I do apologize for asking this but I'm still rather new at this. I was also curious if taking the OTA will remove my custom recovery as well as re-lock my bootloader? If I'm not supplying enough information for someone to determine the answer, please let me know and I'll provide that information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One question my bro, what galaxy s4 do you have?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

I don't know the specific model name but I know it's the Galaxy S4 for AT&T

BrokeEven said:
I don't know the specific model name but I know it's the Galaxy S4 for AT&T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't know what model you're on you shouldn't be rooted. The at&t version is the i337, and yes if the ota works you'll lose root.
And questions go in the q&a forum, not general
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

you need to know your build first, so you can install right .tar
odin will replace everything. except sdcards. best to back up cards anyway and/or pull ext card.
use terminal emulator and type in
SU
getprop ro.bootloader
it will give you your build--:good:
btw your bootloader was never unlocked on an i337.
EDIT: Beat me jd

Oh really? Cuz whenever I turn my phone on it shows a pad lock unlocked. The same animation appeared on my Galaxy Nexus when I had it so I just assumed the bootloader was unlocked

No, that comes up in the rooting process. The i337 has not been unlocked. There is an exploit called loki-doki for pre MF3 builds that bypasses Sammy's security checks. It allows those of us on early build to flash custom recoveries/kernels. Otherwise you need to use SafeStrap and only TW roms. If you are not familiar with SafeStrap then you are probably on a pre MF3 build.
Some people refer to the exploit as unlocking the phone. That's incorrect though--

You should get the ota root keeper, it backs up the root, then after ota update, you can restore back.
Sent from my XT1031 using XDA Free mobile app