Related
Hi All,
After flashing new ROM, my first time, the device couldn't connect to the network due to missing IMEI.
I don't know how and why it was deleted.
I have tryied to revert back to the Stock ROM and the same.
I have no support from my service provider because the device is hacked...
Any solutions?
same case happened to me
hi there, just the same thing happened to me when I newly bought samsung galaxy S2, I did many trials to find a solution and a lot of internet research but I could not find any, and a lot of new flashes.
At the end, I re- installed again a stock ROM and went to the service shop where it is still under guaranty, the guys there did not know how to fix it back although they have contacted the VENDER (samsung firm), and at the end they replace it with BRAND New one, I was lucky.
However, when you get a new one, you have to back up a directory called "efs" using root explorer application (have to buy it from market),while u must be rooted, they folder includes the imei data needed, and if you have it already back it up some time back, try to restore it and may be you will have your imei back, (i could not dare to try this after i got the replacement).
My cousin had this problem when he flashed lite'ning rom 6.1 on his new galaxy s 2. I flashed it back to stock XXKH3 and imei and baseband returned. Tried flashing back to 6.1 and again went off so back to stock and everything working fine.
Try restore IMEI technqiues (part of my reserches atthat time):
www(dot)youtube(dot)com(slash)watch?v=JqLK_2I-SBM
and
www(dot)youtube(dot)com(slash)watch?v=SluVXRxgvpc&feature=related
Good Luck
chipxtreme said:
My cousin had this problem when he flashed lite'ning rom 6.1 on his new galaxy s 2. I flashed it back to stock XXKH3 and imei and baseband returned. Tried flashing back to 6.1 and again went off so back to stock and everything working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please provide me a link for the stock XXKH3 ROM ?
Thanks in advance.
gentle10 said:
hi there, just the same thing happened to me when I newly bought samsung galaxy S2, I did many trials to find a solution and a lot of internet research but I could not find any, and a lot of new flashes.
At the end, I re- installed again a stock ROM and went to the service shop where it is still under guaranty, the guys there did not know how to fix it back although they have contacted the VENDER (samsung firm), and at the end they replace it with BRAND New one, I was lucky.
However, when you get a new one, you have to back up a directory called "efs" using root explorer application (have to buy it from market),while u must be rooted, they folder includes the imei data needed, and if you have it already back it up some time back, try to restore it and may be you will have your imei back, (i could not dare to try this after i got the replacement).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using the root explorer method I'm not sure you will be able to restore the IMEI if you corrupt the /efs folder. Have a look at this!
Dude, read the f**king rules!
This is the wrong section, and you obviously haven't even tried to use the search button.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
sagytb said:
Hi All,
After flashing new ROM, my first time, the device couldn't connect to the network due to missing IMEI.
I don't know how and why it was deleted.
I have tryied to revert back to the Stock ROM and the same.
I have no support from my service provider because the device is hacked...
Any solutions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your /efs directory got erased due to a flash.. Short answer: Without a backup you cannot restore it. A support request from samsung maybe, but unlikely due to the modified nature of the device.
bruflot said:
Dude, read the f**king rules!
This is the wrong section, and you obviously haven't even tried to use the search button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How hard was that? A civil and informative response in same time it took you to swear at him..
bruflot said:
Dude, read the f**king rules!
This is the wrong section, and you obviously haven't even tried to use the search button.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, how helpful you were, you should be "flashed" to CEO of XDA-developers and not remaining senior member.
you amazed us really...
bruflot said:
Dude, read the f**king rules!
This is the wrong section, and you obviously haven't even tried to use the search button.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If only. It's funny how people lose their efs folder then come complaining and researching afterwards. All they have to do is simply back it up.
Return the phone to samsung under warranty and hope for the best OP.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
for me, after installing Lite... Rom 6.1, i miss my IMEI, but after installing first rom(with three files!) of middle east, its back to me!!!
Lost IMEI
Are you sure the IMEI is realy lost? sometimes when the modem ****s up or compatibility issues.
I think maybe you should download only the modem which corasponds to the rom you are using, ie, use KH3 modem if KH3 ROM etc.
Give that a try my friend...dont forget to read the instructions in the other threads about the use of odin, I know this is not the appropriate place for this thread but there is no need to be agresive towards people who are learning the ropes
indeed try to flash back to stock rom and then root Backup your efs folder then try flashing a rom again.
i got this also that my Imei was gone flashed back to stock and it was back again.
Someone knows how to reproduce this?
I already have an efs backup but want to try to get a new sgs2 (yellow tint prob).
Cheers
Same here, have had Litening Rom 6.1 (for a couple of months already) and IMEI gone since this morning. The phone can't find the network anymore. It also has problems booting up sometimes. In some cases I need to pull the battery and boot it 5 times in a row before it boots past the first screen.
I guess I need to downgrade as well. (Or upgrade to the latest Litening version, but I'll first downgrade to the original firmware.)
on newer phones they have made it harder to fff up your imei the efs directory no longer exists and the data is saved in a private partition instead..
that is the way it is on my wifes galaxy s gio that i just setup..
just info for thought.
Anyone else a tad nervous about flashing a recovery.
I really want titanium backup.
But
My main problem is I want to have a play with different sound mods, but the device is sooo new im scared about voiding the warranty.
Any thoughts
???
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
You'll be able to go back to stock and reset the flash counter with triangle away should you need to send your phone back for service. That is, unless you do something very wrong so just make sure you read and understand everything before flashing.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
fstorm said:
You'll be able to go back to stock and reset the flash counter with triangle away should you need to send your phone back for service. That is, unless you do something very wrong so just make sure you read and understand everything before flashing.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Duuuuudddddeeeee
Your a legend
All I have wondered this whole time
Custom recovery here I come. Any suggestions
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
jcurran.jc said:
Duuuuudddddeeeee
Your a legend
All I have wondered this whole time
Custom recovery here I come. Any suggestions
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TWRP
Please press thanks if I helped you!
TWRP is buggy and pretty awkward to use. The UI is horrible.
I'd recommend Philz Cwm recovery, it's awesome!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
jcurran.jc said:
Anyone else a tad nervous about flashing a recovery.
I really want titanium backup.
But
My main problem is I want to have a play with different sound mods, but the device is sooo new im scared about voiding the warranty.
Any thoughts
???
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't b scared.
Don't be scared, and read the forums here
Make sure you understand what you are doing, and there are some awesome guides here for beginners, read them. DO NOT forget to create a backup before you proceed. Download the official firmware for your model too, just in case something goes wrong. And be confident, hopefully nothing will go wrong if you follow the steps word by word.
Sent using GT-I9505!
Obagleyfreer said:
TWRP is buggy and pretty awkward to use. The UI is horrible.
I'd recommend Philz Cwm recovery, it's awesome!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, like Jccurran.jc, I am a new comer to the Android world and delighted to have a S4. Having rooted my phone, I am starting to explore what custom ROMs have to offer. In this staged process, I am now keen to get Recovery on my phone but despite my readings still have a number queries that I would be grateful for someone to help me understand. All of these are based on the premise that you must have custom recovery on your phone before moving to installing a custom ROM on it. The specific questions I have are:
Am I correct in understanding that "custom recovery" is merely the means of installing a ROM to return to should the installation of a custom ROM go wrong?
If this is the case, why can't your Stock ROM achieve this fall-back role?
There seem to be several ways of installing a custom Recovery whether it be via TWRP, ClockWorkMod and Philz CWM. These all seem to achieve the same objective but use different custom recovery file formats whether they be zip, taz or image files. However, is the method of choice largely a personal one and once the custom recovery file is in place, it doesn't make any difference when you move on to installing a custom ROM or are you now locked into a set way of installing a Custom ROM?
All guides to undertaking installation of a custom recovery stress the importance of backing up your phone (which is a little confusing to a new comer as I have Titanium Backup Pro but can't backup my ROM until I have Recovery in place?). I have done what I can but note that some sites recommend using EFS Prossional to backup my phone's EFS settings folder that contains very critical phone specific information that include IMEI (encrypted in the nv_data.bin), wireless MAC addresses and product code. While I can't be certain that this doesn't happen with Apps like My Backup Pro or Helium, it seems very sensible to help avoid bricking my phone but the program itself requires BusyBox v1.20.2, not the current version in Google Play Store which is more recent but as the developer states is less stable than the older version (and with which EFS Professional wont work). Despite my best attempts to locate the older version as a APK file I haven't been able to as most links point to crap or seem to be for inclusion in custom ROMs (but this may reflect my lack of understanding of the Android system). Can anyone help me understand this and point me to a site where I can obtain the necessary version of BusyBox to enable me to run EFS Professional?
Some sites, including one of the responders to this thread, point out the importance of staying with your phone's offical firmware so that the modem and other hardware components of your phone continue working properly. I have purchased an unlocked international GT-I9595 phone via an internet store that has the baseband version I9505ZHUAME1. Should I my custom recovery file be the same (or its more recent release) or can I use an international LTE variant file such as "CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip"? Obviously, living in Australia, I am not wedded to the Hong Kong based ROM that is native to my phone.
If the answer to the previous question is to stay with the phone's native ROM, then this may force me away from TWRP as it doesn't believe there is any Recovery files available for my phone. Does this fit with other people's experience?
Many thanks in advance for any responses as I totally agree with another responders to this thread (FlOYD') advice: "Make sure you understand what you are doing!".
Basically the first step to customising your Android device is rooting, second step is backing up EFS and third is installing a custom recovery.
The stock recovery doesn't give you an option to install anything or make backups this is why you need custom.
The first thing I do after flashing a custom recovery (usually a .tar.md5 file in PDA section of Odin) is back up my current state.
You can choose any recovery you like, like firmware, some are built better than others. CWM is the original and probably the most used, followed by TWRP. They both have advantages and disadvantages.
I prefer Philz version of CWM personally as I don't flash CM based ROMs and tend to stick with Touchwiz ROMs.
You can also flash custom kernels using a custom recovery this is basically the 'bridge' between your phone's hardware and software. You can change LOTS of things with a custom kernel, I won't go into that.
Once you've backed up your EFS and current state you can flash a new Rom, try it out, if you don't like it then just restore back to your old back up
Before making any changes to themes, or installing zips you should make a backup, that why if anything goes wrong you can just restore it again. And believe me it happens often!
Read through threads, read again and when using Odin double check everything is in the right place and DO NOT TICK REPARTITION!
I'm sure you'll be fine, you seem like a responsible guy lol
Have fun with your new toy!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Hi everybody, I just have a few questions before I root my phone.
First of all, I am new to android having just come from the iPhone, but having said that I do not view myself as computer illiterate and am confident in the ability to be able to root my phone. But before I do so, I just have a few questions:
How high is the potential of risk when rooting my device?
Is there anything important I should consider or do before attempting to root my device?
What are the main advantages in rooting your phone?
Can I revert the root and restore it to a point where it no longer voids my warranty? And on a similar note, if I flash a custom ROM am I able to go back to touchwiz?
and finally, can anyone please provide me with an easy, updated guide on how to root my device?
I currently have the GT-I9505 model and it is locked to Virgin in Australia.
Thanks to anyone that can help
Williamharv said:
Hi everybody, I just have a few questions before I root my phone.
First of all, I am new to android having just come from the iPhone, but having said that I do not view myself as computer illiterate and am confident in the ability to be able to root my phone. But before I do so, I just have a few questions:
How high is the potential of risk when rooting my device?
Is there anything important I should consider or do before attempting to root my device?
What are the main advantages in rooting your phone?
Can I revert the root and restore it to a point where it no longer voids my warranty? And on a similar note, if I flash a custom ROM am I able to go back to touchwiz?
and finally, can anyone please provide me with an easy, updated guide on how to root my device?
I currently have the GT-I9505 model and it is locked to Virgin in Australia.
Thanks to anyone that can help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The risk of something going wrong when rooting your phone is very small, as long as you follow the right instructions for the right device! I don't know what you should use for a virgin locked i9505 though..
You have to know that your data (games/apps with its data, not your internal SD or external sd) will be wiped after flashing a new rom, not necessarily while rooting! When flashing a new rom, your system settings will be wiped, your call logs and text messages will be wiped, but not your contacts as they are stored on your google account and restored after flashing a new rom!
The main advantages of rooting is the ability to do things Samsung doesn't 'want' you to do. This can be small things like themeing, but also things like flashing a custom recovery, which is needed for flashing a new ROM. Another useful feature is foldermount, with which you can move appdata to your external SD.
Yes you can
Just use YouTube! Can't be any easier than that! I recommend you use this one --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlsO5o_-CI8&feature=youtube_gdata_player . This way of rooting also let's you keep all your data!
I don't know anything a out a carrier locked device, as mine is not. So please take some time to look up if any extra procedures are needed for flashing a ROM on a carrier locked device. But I think rooting should just be fine!!
For any more questions, feel free to pm me!
Me Gusta!
Me Gusta said:
The risk of something going wrong when rooting your phone is very small, as long as you follow the right instructions for the right device! I don't know what you should use for a virgin locked i9505 though..
You have to know that your data (games/apps with its data, not your internal SD or external sd) will be wiped after flashing a new rom, not necessarily while rooting! When flashing a new rom, your system settings will be wiped, your call logs and text messages will be wiped, but not your contacts as they are stored on your google account and restored after flashing a new rom!
The main advantages of rooting is the ability to do things Samsung doesn't 'want' you to do. This can be small things like themeing, but also things like flashing a custom recovery, which is needed for flashing a new ROM. Another useful feature is foldermount, with which you can move appdata to your external SD.
Yes you can
Just use YouTube! Can't be any easier than that! I recommend you use this one --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlsO5o_-CI8&feature=youtube_gdata_player . This way of rooting also let's you keep all your data!
I don't know anything a out a carrier locked device, as mine is not. So please take some time to look up if any extra procedures are needed for flashing a ROM on a carrier locked device. But I think rooting should just be fine!!
For any more questions, feel free to pm me!
Me Gusta!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the reply Gusta
That is one of the problems I face, everywhere I look I seem to be getting guides on Verizon/AT&T Galaxy's and I have never even heard of those companies until I joined this forum Perhaps I will take a look at the Australian thread on the Galaxy and see if there is anything special needed to root/flash my device.
As rooting allows me to transfer data to my SD card, will it still be wiped when I flash a new ROM? Or is it only whole apps that can be transferred to an SD card?
Also funnily enough, I was just looking at that guide on YouTube
Williamharv said:
Thank you for the reply Gusta
That is one of the problems I face, everywhere I look I seem to be getting guides on Verizon/AT&T Galaxy's and I have never even heard of those companies until I joined this forum Perhaps I will take a look at the Australian thread on the Galaxy and see if there is anything special needed to root/flash my device.
As rooting allows me to transfer data to my SD card, will it still be wiped when I flash a new ROM? Or is it only whole apps that can be transferred to an SD card?
Also funnily enough, I was just looking at that guide on YouTube
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I'm sorry all data on your SD will be kept, but savefiles will be wiped. You will have to use Titanium Backup to backup your savefiles/apps.
Me Gusta!
---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 PM ----------
Oh and looking at the Australian user thread is a good idea!
Me Gusta!
Me Gusta said:
No, I'm sorry all data on your SD will be kept, but savefiles will be wiped. You will have to use Titanium Backup to backup your savefiles/apps.
Me Gusta!
---------- Post added at 05:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:19 PM ----------
Oh and looking at the Australian user thread is a good idea!
Me Gusta!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah I think I get it now, could I just use titanium backup to restore SMS/data on my phone after flashing? Also, is there any ROMS you recommend?
Thanks again Gusta
Williamharv said:
Ah I think I get it now, could I just use titanium backup to restore SMS/data on my phone after flashing? Also, is there any ROMS you recommend?
Thanks again Gusta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be careful restoring Data.. This can cause problems in some roms...
As for what rom, the best idea is to read the description, see if it fits your need and try it out. I personally like Omega 7 at the moment but can't say it will stay forever....
If your phone is an i9505 you'll be fine using any root method for i9505.
I would suggest flashing CF Root using Odin, it's simple, quick and easy.
Restoring your phone back to stock is as simple as resetting flash counter with triangle away then downloading your carriers firmware from sammobile and flashing with Odin.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
ultramag69 said:
Just be careful restoring Data.. This can cause problems in some roms...
As for what rom, the best idea is to read the description, see if it fits your need and try it out. I personally like Omega 7 at the moment but can't say it will stay forever....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what problems may arise from restoring after flashing? I don't mind losing some data just an inconvenience really. Omega seems good, might give it a try
Obagleyfreer said:
If your phone is an i9505 you'll be fine using any root method for i9505.
I would suggest flashing CF Root using Odin, it's simple, quick and easy.
Restoring your phone back to stock is as simple as resetting flash counter with triangle away then downloading your carriers firmware from sammobile and flashing with Odin.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright thanks for that clarification i am learning towards the CF Root and using TWRP as custom recovery.
Would you by any chance know if Virgin locked devices are the same as optus on sammobile?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Any firmware for the i9505 will work but if you want official Virgin firmware then no Optus will be different. It will run fine but you'll have Optus apps installed and things like that. I'd go for the Australia XSA firmware, it's unbranded
I would advise against TWRP. PhilZ CWM recovery is by far the best, easiest and totally bug free
And the best advice anyone can give you is to perform regular nandroid backups using CWM.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Obagleyfreer said:
Any firmware for the i9505 will work but if you want official Virgin firmware then no Optus will be different. It will run fine but you'll have Optus apps installed and things like that. I'd go for the Australia XSA firmware, it's unbranded
I would advise against TWRP. PhilZ CWM recovery is by far the best, easiest and totally bug free
And the best advice anyone can give you is to perform regular nandroid backups using CWM.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In that case I may root my phone tonight the reason I picked the optus one is because when I got the phone it came loaded with optus apps, and Virgin uses optus towers, so I'm thinking maybe they merged? In that case would the official Virgin software be the optus one? Either way the unbranded one is probably the best
Thanks heaps, feel much more confident in rooting my phone now haha just wanting to be really cautious.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Williamharv said:
In that case I may root my phone tonight the reason I picked the optus one is because when I got the phone it came loaded with optus apps, and Virgin uses optus towers, so I'm thinking maybe they merged? In that case would the official Virgin software be the optus one? Either way the unbranded one is probably the best
Thanks heaps, feel much more confident in rooting my phone now haha just wanting to be really cautious.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck!
Me Gusta!
Just one more question, sorry guys! This is the model number and details for my galaxy, it's the right one for the video mentioned previously using CF auto root correct?
Edit: never mind, took a closer look at the video and everything matches
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
Hello, I have just got a Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 White 16GB in the UK locked to the O2 network. This is my first time using an Android phone and I have looked around and saw the Google Edition, how do I flash it onto my phone? is there any drawbacks is the ROM the official one, it will not damage my phone or anything will it? I have warranty on it, I do know rooting and flashing voids the warranty but will I be able to unroot and go back to the official OS that was on the phone?
I just want the Google Play Edition as I find the Touchwiz UI horrible and GPE is apparently quite faster and better for battery life.
Please help me and please take into consideration that I am a beginner and have never done this kind of stuff, thanks.
That's simple.
You need:
Heimdall suite: https://github.com/downloads/Benjamin-Dobell/Heimdall/heimdall-suite-1.3.2-win32.zip
CWM Recovery: http://www.clockworkmod.com/rommanager
ROM:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348272
1.Install heimdall on pc
2. download recovery for your device
3.Turn off phone > Press vol down + home +power button, you will go to download mode
4.run heimdall with command prompt and type: heimdall flash --recovery yourrecovery.img if that will not work type: heimdall flash --RECOVERY yourrecovery.img
5. Turn off your phone and go to recovery by pressing vol up + home + power button
6. Wipe data and flash your rom from sd card.
7. Reboot.
8. Enjoy.
Press thanks if it work for You.
ShadowBlazeSheff said:
Hello, I have just got a Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 White 16GB in the UK locked to the O2 network. This is my first time using an Android phone and I have looked around and saw the Google Edition, how do I flash it onto my phone? is there any drawbacks is the ROM the official one, it will not damage my phone or anything will it? I have warranty on it, I do know rooting and flashing voids the warranty but will I be able to unroot and go back to the official OS that was on the phone?
I just want the Google Play Edition as I find the Touchwiz UI horrible and GPE is apparently quite faster and better for battery life.
Please help me and please take into consideration that I am a beginner and have never done this kind of stuff, thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First what firmware are you currently on? I have an o2 model and I believe they are still officially on 4.2.2. firmware I think. If you are on a 4.2.2 firmware pre knox bootloaders you'll be fine. You can root and later use triangle away to clear the counters. If you are on a KNOX bootloader then rooting will make it impossible for you to downgrade to a lower firmware.
Rooting is easy, you just need to flash CF-Root, flash custom recovery and good to go using Odin. There are a few different GPE roms around so read the relevant threads and see what users are saying in regards to the roms.
I have no idea what Knox and stuff is, I'm a basic beginner so I basically know nothing, here is screenshot of it
Just checked I have Knox installed so rooting and stuff will void my warranty forever without any chance of getting it back right?
An easy way to check is to shut down your phone, hold the volume down + home button + power button until you are presented with a green Android and a warning about download mode, press whichever it is to go to download mode (don't worry, to get out of it just hold down the power button and then restart your phone). You are looking for knox warranty or something like that with a 0x0 or 0x1 beside it, if it isn't in the list in the top left corner, you are pre-knox bootloader and you are fine to follow the instructions provided above.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I have done it and it seems I do not have this supposed Knox thing, btw can you give me a link with good instructions on how to cf flash, install custom recovery and use odin? I also don't know what GPE rom to go with, I just want one that is fast, stable and makes my battery life good
Hi,
Just wanted to put my 2 pence in and help with choosing a ROM.
I have flashed both GPE other roms on my S4 and I must say the best Rom in terms of battery (speed, size and customisation) is PACman rom. This may not he very helpful if you are definitely wanting to go pure android but I was in the same position and after using PACman its hard to recommend anything else.
You will lose some Sammy services like smart scroll, samsung camera functions, s-health and others but if you can live with that have a play and try out the different roms.
Once rooted and added a recovery (I use CWM) you can flash and flash any roms you like to try.
Give the rom a day or 2 to settle and see what you like the best.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Hi everyone!
Basicly I can't install Samsung based ROMs on my s4 i9505. I am able to install only aosp based ROMs. I flashed manyroms starting from Omega, echoe and many more.
I even tried to flash stock ROM but it is not rebooting and gives bootloops.
Appreciated for all your advises.
blondbond said:
Hi,
Just wanted to put my 2 pence in and help with choosing a ROM.
I have flashed both GPE other roms on my S4 and I must say the best Rom in terms of battery (speed, size and customisation) is PACman rom. This may not he very helpful if you are definitely wanting to go pure android but I was in the same position and after using PACman its hard to recommend anything else.
You will lose some Sammy services like smart scroll, samsung camera functions, s-health and others but if you can live with that have a play and try out the different roms.
Once rooted and added a recovery (I use CWM) you can flash and flash any roms you like to try.
Give the rom a day or 2 to settle and see what you like the best.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm not really looking for customisation as such, but since you've had experience with GPE ROMS which is the best GPE version for battery and performance/speed?
i9505 GE Rom
ShadowBlazeSheff said:
Hi, I'm not really looking for customisation as such, but since you've had experience with GPE ROMS which is the best GPE version for battery and performance/speed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My personal best experience was to use the ROM Here
Its very quick and has a couple of little extras for you.
May I say that you will need to ROOT your device which will void your warranty.
Im not 100% sure how O2 set their devices up but you may need to see if there are any O2 related apps you need/want to keep also before flashing.
You will also need to install a recovery.
The procedure is very simple and their are some very detailed explanations and step by step guides on how to achieve this.
Please think carefully about what your next step is as its very easy to root and then unroot but some devices have KNOX built in to them which means as soon as you root you "flip a switch" (a sort of eswitch) which cant, as of yet, be flipped back again and no amount of "unrooting" will reset your device exactly how it was before modifying.
It sounds daunting but everyone on here is really helpful and you are not the first to be trying this for the first time. There are 100's of users all doing the same thing as you and asking all the right questions. Everyone has a point of view and some people may prefer one thing over another. Once you are ready let us know and we can point you in a few more directions/posts.
blondbond said:
My personal best experience was to use the ROM Here
Its very quick and has a couple of little extras for you.
May I say that you will need to ROOT your device which will void your warranty.
Im not 100% sure how O2 set their devices up but you may need to see if there are any O2 related apps you need/want to keep also before flashing.
You will also need to install a recovery.
The procedure is very simple and their are some very detailed explanations and step by step guides on how to achieve this.
Please think carefully about what your next step is as its very easy to root and then unroot but some devices have KNOX built in to them which means as soon as you root you "flip a switch" (a sort of eswitch) which cant, as of yet, be flipped back again and no amount of "unrooting" will reset your device exactly how it was before modifying.
It sounds daunting but everyone on here is really helpful and you are not the first to be trying this for the first time. There are 100's of users all doing the same thing as you and asking all the right questions. Everyone has a point of view and some people may prefer one thing over another. Once you are ready let us know and we can point you in a few more directions/posts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, thanks for your reply, I checked through that download mode on my S4 and I did not see that Knox counter 0x0 or 0x1 or any mention of it anywhere so it's safe to say that I am on 4.2.2 pre knox bootloader, I am currently looking on CF-Flash root using Odin, will look into recovery but since you have experience could you recommend me to a guide for the recovery you are using which I see a lot of people use
ShadowBlazeSheff said:
Hello, thanks for your reply, I checked through that download mode on my S4 and I did not see that Knox counter 0x0 or 0x1 or any mention of it anywhere so it's safe to say that I am on 4.2.2 pre knox bootloader, I am currently looking on CF-Flash root using Odin, will look into recovery but since you have experience could you recommend me to a guide for the recovery you are using which I see a lot of people use
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a brilliant guide to rooting, recoveries using the most common and tried and tested methods and products (I use CWM recovery but have also use Philz and TWRP) they all have their merits and all do similar things.
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AND ALL SUB LINKS - IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT HIT US UP HERE AND WE CAN HELP YOU
Good luck and happy rooting
blondbond said:
Here is a brilliant guide to rooting, recoveries using the most common and tried and tested methods and products (I use CWM recovery but have also use Philz and TWRP) they all have their merits and all do similar things.
PLEASE READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE AND ALL SUB LINKS - IF THERE IS SOMETHING YOU ARE NOT SURE ABOUT HIT US UP HERE AND WE CAN HELP YOU
Good luck and happy rooting
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Click to collapse
You know the GPE ROM you recommended, will it work for my GT-I9505 UK O2 model, it's locked to O2 if that makes any difference?
This should work fine. But I would maybe do a little diggin to see if it does.
My device was a Vodafone device and I used this with no problems at all.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Mine is locked to Meteor Ireland and I installed (a different) GE ROM with zero issues. It booted first time, and from my own experience that's a rarity!
Best of luck with it, I love the GE ROM especially since I have the one thing I thought wouldn't work: the IR blaster! There's a watchON apk on xda somewhere and it's great! It fcs a few times but it will work!
Nice ^^
May I also suggest you do this:
Root device and install recovery
Make a Nandroid backup from within recovery and save that to your external SD card
Then go ahead and flash new rom
That way if anything should go wrong you can just restore your phone from your Nandroid back up.
Very useful
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
blondbond said:
Nice ^^
May I also suggest you do this:
Root device and install recovery
Make a Nandroid backup from within recovery and save that to your external SD card
Then go ahead and flash new rom
That way if anything should go wrong you can just restore your phone from your Nandroid back up.
Very useful
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do this! Then copy the backup folder onto your PC also. Nandroid backups have saved me many times! It's easy to forget.
I've been doing this for years and forgot with my S4 to install a custom recovery That was a bit silly, then flashed without a nandroid backup, that's a bad idea!
Even if there isn't any issue sometimes you just think: I don't like this and prefered it the way it was, you can have it back to EXACTLY the way it was in about 5 mins with a backup!
I do not have a external SD card at the moment, will this be problem??
Thanks everyone, I've managed to get a 4.3 GPE ROM installed!!!
First of all, i recently rooted using cf autoroot and afterwards installed cwm recovery. I'm on 4.3.
After the things listed above i am completely clueless on things regarding flashing and things of that nature.
My first question is how do i backup my phone to my pc without the need of a external sd card, because mine is only a 1gb i cant backup to it.
2nd question is how to verify if i am on mf9, mdl, or whatever else. From what i have read it seems to matter regarding roms.
3rd and last question is once i am all setup and have chosen a rom how would i go about flashing it.
I'm sorry for my extreme case of noobness regarding androids and flashing, any well detailed links would really help and would love to be recommended roms.
Once again i have a Sprint Galaxy s4 running jellybean 4.3.
EDIT: Also the difference between Touchwiz and AOSP roms and kernels would help.
1. Not sure. I use Dropbox so I'm of no help here.
2. If you are on 4.3, you are on MJA. You can verify this from the About screen in System Settings.
3. Download your desired ROM to your phone. Turn off phone. Boot into recovery holding power and volume up. Flash away.
EDIT: Touchwiz is Samsung's Android interface. AOSP is closer to pure Android. Basically a user preference thing. Try them both.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
frostedunit said:
1. Not sure. I use Dropbox so I'm of no help here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but on the above did you backup with cwm and then post to dropbox?
As far as flashing a ROM goes, follow whatever instructions the OP has posted. Read through all their initial posts on their ROM before you flash.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Buy a bigger sdcard!! What are they like $10 for a 16gb now.