Database Users

New to the G2

I'm receiving my new VZW G2 tomorrow. Just was wondering what the best root/ unlock method to use is? Any ROM suggestions. Any help would be appreciated. I apologize in advance if this is the wrong section.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

jzmax22 said:
I'm receiving my new VZW G2 tomorrow. Just was wondering what the best root/ unlock method to use is? Any ROM suggestions. Any help would be appreciated. I apologize in advance if this is the wrong section.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may want to look in this section "G2 Android Development (Verizon)"
You should be able to find everything you need there.

jzmax22 said:
Just was wondering what the best root/ unlock method to use is?
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Click to collapse
There is no bootloader unlock, but we have the loki exploit. This is a workaround that circumvents the need to unlock the bootloader to install ROMs, etc. So with that out of the way, to root you'd want to use this thread.
jzmax22 said:
Any ROM suggestions.
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Click to collapse
Check out the development section for the Verizon G2. It should have you covered. CyanogenMod/AOSP-based ROMs are still unstable as of yet, but Verizon progress is arriving quick. If I were you, I'd wait until they do a beta release and perhaps have support for double-tap to wake.
All other ROMs are based off stock. They are a huge improvement over your factory ROM, removing bloatware and such. I like CleanROM for the AT&T variant, but have found that for straight-up features and de-bloat on Verizon, Malladus is quite nice and wins my recommendation. It also has the fix for Mobile Hotspot not reporting to Verizon baked in, as well as a smaller nav bar. I highly recommend using the mods in that thread to get the Recents key on your navigation bar instead of menu. Much more useful.
jzmax22 said:
I apologize in advance if this is the wrong section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is the wrong section! The first post, a sticky, in this forum reads: This device has its own Q&A Forum... Please use it. Questions do not go in GENERAL.
It's okay though, your thread will hopefully be moved. I still answered your question. Just know that some people will be bothered by the clutter we've created
jzmax22 said:
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh boy, are you in for a treat. I came from the Galaxy Nexus as well. Couldn't be happier with the battery life, among everything else.

Sacrosaint said:
There is no bootloader unlock, but we have the loki exploit. This is a workaround that circumvents the need to unlock the bootloader to install ROMs, etc. So with that out of the way, to root you'd want to use this thread.
Check out the development section for the Verizon G2. It should have you covered. CyanogenMod/AOSP-based ROMs are still unstable as of yet, but Verizon progress is arriving quick. If I were you, I'd wait until they do a beta release and perhaps have support for double-tap to wake.
All other ROMs are based off stock. They are a huge improvement over your factory ROM, removing bloatware and such. I like CleanROM for the AT&T variant, but have found that for straight-up features and de-bloat on Verizon, Malladus is quite nice and wins my recommendation. It also has the fix for Mobile Hotspot not reporting to Verizon baked in, as well as a smaller nav bar. I highly recommend using the mods in that thread to get the Recents key on your navigation bar instead of menu. Much more useful.
It is the wrong section! The first post, a sticky, in this forum reads: This device has its own Q&A Forum... Please use it. Questions do not go in GENERAL.
It's okay though, your thread will hopefully be moved. I still answered your question. Just know that some people will be bothered by the clutter we've created
Oh boy, are you in for a treat. I came from the Galaxy Nexus as well. Couldn't be happier with the battery life, among everything else.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for all the great info! Greatly appreciated! I'm pretty familiar with Loki. I had the s4 for a short stint.
Can't wait for the G2!
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I came from a GNex as well. I've had my G2 for about 2 weeks now and I'm in love and still finding out little things about it. The rear buttons will take some time to get used to and are styled differently than the other variants. I like the others better but you'll get the hang of it.
I flashed Malladus 1.1.3 last night and it's a huge improvement over stock. It's debloated (there is a ton of bloat on this thing) and doesn't have any negative effects on battery life. One tip I can offer is instead of following the directions to install TWRP, download the free app called Flashify and flash the recovery image. It took two seconds and worked like a charm.

Lockett said:
One tip I can offer is instead of following the directions to install TWRP, download the free app called Flashify and flash the recovery image. It took two seconds and worked like a charm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do not use Flashify, and please do not recommend Flashify. There is a chance that it will ruin your boot partition, putting your phone into a bootloop that can only be fixed by flashing back to stock. Take the few seconds needed to run the proper adb commands in this thread.
Option 2 is easy and safe. Please use it as opposed to Flashify. The devs on Freenode #lg-g2 have had to help a LOT of people who got screwed over by that app, and therefore removed it from that thread. Please proceed with caution.

Sacrosaint said:
Please do not use Flashify, and please do not recommend Flashify. There is a chance that it will ruin your boot partition, putting your phone into a bootloop that can only be fixed by flashing back to stock. Take the few seconds needed to run the proper adb commands in this thread.
Option 2 is easy and safe. Please use it as opposed to Flashify. The devs on Freenode #lg-g2 have had to help a LOT of people who got screwed over by that app, and therefore removed it from that thread. Please proceed with caution.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up. I generally use an adb method opposed to the one click methods. Thanks for all the community support, this why XDA is the best.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

This is actually the easiest device I've ever rooted and installed custom recovery. Probably because there was no need to unlock bootloader.

It was quite breeze. I just hope the development for the VZW version picks up.I'm sure it will soon!
Sent from my VS980 4G using xda app-developers app

Best option for those of us still on MDL?

So, I've had the GS4, for what, something like a year now, and I'm still on the MDL firmware. I haven't been keeping up, though, so I'm wondering if someone could give me a quick lay-of-the-land in terms of ROMs. I was using Task650's AOKP on my GS2 previously, but it seems like (from his thread) that development dropped off, or at least, went underground there. Is the best option nowdays to let it update, and run a SafeStrap rom, or is there still ongoing development of loki ROMs?

godefroi said:
So, I've had the GS4, for what, something like a year now, and I'm still on the MDL firmware. I haven't been keeping up, though, so I'm wondering if someone could give me a quick lay-of-the-land in terms of ROMs. I was using Task650's AOKP on my GS2 previously, but it seems like (from his thread) that development dropped off, or at least, went underground there. Is the best option nowdays to let it update, and run a SafeStrap rom, or is there still ongoing development of loki ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are plenty of Loki ROM"s still being updated... check out the most of the ROM's in this section. Whatever you do I strongly advise NOT upgrading from the coveted MDL firmware.
Personally, I'd just install this or CyanogenMod and call it a day.

godefroi said:
So, I've had the GS4, for what, something like a year now, and I'm still on the MDL firmware. I haven't been keeping up, though, so I'm wondering if someone could give me a quick lay-of-the-land in terms of ROMs. I was using Task650's AOKP on my GS2 previously, but it seems like (from his thread) that development dropped off, or at least, went underground there. Is the best option nowdays to let it update, and run a SafeStrap rom, or is there still ongoing development of loki ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to his Google+ page he has been putting out bad ass Roms on there.
Sent from my jflte using Xparent Green Tapatalk 2

Like Nighthawk said, DO NOT UPGRADE. You can flash anything you want on MDL, Safestrap is for those of us on the later firmwares MF3 (4.2.2) and MK2 (4.3).
If you want suggestions on what Roms CM or a 4.4.2 KitKat GPE Rom will be the best. Pretty much what Nighthawk linked...I'm not even sure why I made this post now.

godefroi said:
So, I've had the GS4, for what, something like a year now, and I'm still on the MDL firmware. I haven't been keeping up, though, so I'm wondering if someone could give me a quick lay-of-the-land in terms of ROMs. I was using Task650's AOKP on my GS2 previously, but it seems like (from his thread) that development dropped off, or at least, went underground there. Is the best option nowdays to let it update, and run a SafeStrap rom, or is there still ongoing development of loki ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't update man, enjoy the MDL.. but if you just want to update then better sell your MDL phone on swappa and buy an updated one from there, there are people who would want that.

Double check before I root

I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!

burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

rugmankc said:
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.

burgertime78 said:
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.

rugmankc said:
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DAMN! Thanks!

burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Luck
There are plenty of folks here to help with specifics like jd and tedusa--:good:

burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New way to root is call towelroot. Google it or search for it around here the link is everywhere. It's an apk file made by geohot (same guy that jail broke the iphone and ps3). Once you root you can install safestrap. If you've ever owned an droid device they have something identical called boot strap. Think of it as a dual boot of sorts. Definitely keep your eyes on these threads as well as the sgs5 thread. If an exploit is discovered it'll probably be for the s5 and will be compatible with our s4 (towel root was made for the s5 but works for a whole bunch of devices)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52167774&postcount=3&nocache=1&z=8413408249616623
I was in the same boat as you 2 weeks ago, bought a NC1 and wanted CM, and used this to root. I currently use the Google Edition ROM that has been modified to work on locked bootloader phones, though it does have it's fallbacks. For someone new I'd recommend GoldenEye, just click the link on my signature to download it.
Good luck!

Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.

You all are AWESOME! Thank you so much! I'll look into this and keep you posted.

rugmankc said:
Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.
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Click to collapse
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?

burgertime78 said:
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?
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Click to collapse
MDL builds have an exploit that allows the kernel to flash. That is loki-doki. Bypasses the Sammy security check to allow this. There is no exploit yet for post MDL builds. Hence you can only flash stock Touch Wiz kernels, thus only roms that have them. So, no aosp based roms. In one of the threads in General that talk about MK2/NC1 etc is a list of roms for you. I forget the technical coding side of SafeStrap. But, it puts roms in System bypassing the bootloader. But, no way of doing that with aosp roms yet.
I am old and don't retain things much anymore if they are not very important to me. So, although I have read up on this stuff, and have a "45 year old" Engineering Degree, I don't need SafeStrap having the MDL bootloader. So, don't remember all that I have read. But, what I said is the basics of it.
Your roms need to have SafeStrap option in the rom thread's OP page. If not listed, it won't work. Having said all that things like Towelroot are new and more options may come along. :good:

Rom Question

Hey guys.. I don't have an s4 for AT&T as I am with another carrier but My friend does and she wants to get rid of all the bloat. I rooted the phone and safe strap for her but she isn't local for me to try the roms out to see which is best. She is a basic user that is looking for stability and battery life with no tweaks. I see Ib4stid has a few roms out that seem simple but was hoping to get some feedback on which would be the best Rom debloated and solid battery life. Thanks in advance

First off she could get in big trouble if she is not experienced on flashing. Have her back up before doing anything.
iB has very stable roms and gives the option to flash a slim version along with SafeStrap all in Aroma. But, you may lose some things you want like SMemo?
Both need to read the OP very carefully. But, I think she will like the roms. I love his KangaKat rom. VERY stable. Not TW. I use Nova launcher because you can easily back up and restore homescreens including widgets--
Good Luck :good:

rugmankc said:
First off she could get in big trouble if she is not experienced on flashing. Have her back up before doing anything.
iB has very stable roms and gives the option to flash a slim version along with SafeStrap all in Aroma. But, you may lose some things you want like SMemo?
Both need to read the OP very carefully. But, I think she will like the roms. I love his KangaKat rom. VERY stable. Not TW. I use Nova launcher because you can easily back up and restore homescreens including widgets--
Good Luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the flashing concerns. I have an m8 with Verizon and an s4 with Verizon as well. I am a crack flasher lol.I was more concerned with just which roms were recommended because of the fact I can't switch between them myself and try. I don't see her often either. Want to make sure I make the best choice. I know each device is different but was just gathering information in the meantime. Thanks for your feedback

My error, sorry. Forgot you said SafeStrap. Nix KangaKat it won't work on her build. Stay with his TW rom. His Golden Eye 37 is SafeStarp compatible. You can select SafeStrap in Aroma. But, has special flash instructions in OP.
Here is the link from the OP for SafeStrap--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53038182&postcount=13961
I am on the early S4 build so not expert at SafeStrap flashing. May be other things to consider.
Good Luck :good:

rugmankc said:
My error, sorry. Forgot you said SafeStrap. Nix KangaKat it won't work on her build. Stay with his TW rom. His Golden Eye 37 is SafeStarp compatible. You can select SafeStrap in Aroma. But, has special flash instructions in OP.
Here is the link from the OP for SafeStrap--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53038182&postcount=13961
I am on the early S4 build so not expert at SafeStrap flashing. May be other things to consider.
Good Luck :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was looking at sky fall but if you think g.e. is better I will try that

never tried it but give it a whirl, won't know till she flashes it--
you probably do it too, but I like reading last 20 pages or so after OP to see how recent versions are running, or not running--:good:

italbomber said:
Was looking at sky fall but if you think g.e. is better I will try that
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Click to collapse
I flashed this rom last night and is working like a champ, battery seems to be very good, is a GPE ROM, you can flash it with SafeStrap. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/development/rom-google-edition-s4-t2837239. To get wifi working, you need the flash the modules found on the OP

Please lend me ROM guidance

I never allowed the first big update (im on 4.3), assuming Verizon would slow my phone down. So, what steps and which ROM do you suggest? I am really just looking to tether(wired and wireless) and want the phone to stay smooth. I don't want to lose any S-Pen or Samsung functions but do not care for Touchwiz.
Thanks for advice!

skidawgz said:
I never allowed the first big update (im on 4.3), assuming Verizon would slow my phone down. So, what steps and which ROM do you suggest? I am really just looking to tether(wired and wireless) and want the phone to stay smooth. I don't want to lose any S-Pen or Samsung functions but do not care for Touchwiz.
Thanks for advice!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
S-pen is a touchwiz implementation so for the most part you are stuck there. Go through the stock based ROMs, find something debloated, back up, try it, then maybe look for some AOSP type themes and apps for your phone. You will have to do some of the leg work and research as there is no easy path for you to get what you are asking.

KennyG123 said:
S-pen is a touchwiz implementation so for the most part you are stuck there. Go through the stock based ROMs, find something debloated, back up, try it, then maybe look for some AOSP type themes and apps for your phone. You will have to do some of the leg work and research as there is no easy path for you to get what you are asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should I accept the OTA update first or does it not matter? I'm not sure what NC2 vs NC4 is.

skidawgz said:
Should I accept the OTA update first or does it not matter? I'm not sure what NC2 vs NC4 is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on the NC2 kitkat leak? You should read this thread about avoiding ending up with a locked bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876

KennyG123 said:
Are you on the NC2 kitkat leak? You should read this thread about avoiding ending up with a locked bootloader: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876
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Click to collapse
nope, i am not. i am on 4.3... and you just saved me from being severly angry later.

skidawgz said:
nope, i am not. i am on 4.3... and you just saved me from being severly angry later.
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Click to collapse
Yeah...gotta love Verizon!! OK...so you should proceed as mentioned in that thread. I am a Sprint user but try to keep up on everything under my watch. I will leave you in, I am sure, very capable hands by the awesome Samsung users around here.

Looks like there is some hope for your Spen...http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2611415
But most Samsung apps would still not work without TW.