Database Users

[Q] OTA Root on ATT? (Or Downgrade?)

So I got my first smartphone, and being naive, I downloaded and installed the OTA update from AT&T because I wanted to be able to store my apps on my 64GB SD card instead of the limited 16gb already on my phone. A few days later, I looked into rooting, only to find out that update breaks it. (at least as far as I know).
So my question is, is there a way to root this update, or are the devs working on one? Or will they wait for 4.3 to be released? I'm not sure how this process goes, I have been jailbreaking iPods and iPads for the last 5 years, but I presume it is similar, seeing as they both gain root.
Also, is there a way to uninstall the OTA update so I can then root? I am new to all this, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

HeDsh0t said:
So I got my first smartphone, and being naive, I downloaded and installed the OTA update from AT&T because I wanted to be able to store my apps on my 64GB SD card instead of the limited 16gb already on my phone. A few days later, I looked into rooting, only to find out that update breaks it. (at least as far as I know).
So my question is, is there a way to root this update, or are the devs working on one? Or will they wait for 4.3 to be released? I'm not sure how this process goes, I have been jailbreaking iPods and iPads for the last 5 years, but I presume it is similar, seeing as they both gain root.
Also, is there a way to uninstall the OTA update so I can then root? I am new to all this, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick answer... You are stuck. No rollback or root for now. There are always people working on rooting and not waiting for.
4.3. Maybe someone will figure out how to restore old rom. Who knows.
All your questions have been answered in other threads.

Well a lot of people can't upgrade to MF3 so I say first thing first....what version are you on? MDL? or MF3? If you're MDL any of the rooting options should work. If you upgraded to MF3 like the previous person said you're stuck. Since you're used to iOS...think of it as upgrading to new firmware and CRAPPLE no longer signing the previous OS, and Android doesn't store your BLOBS and you can't use Tiny umbrella.

HeDsh0t said:
So I got my first smartphone, and being naive, I downloaded and installed the OTA update from AT&T because I wanted to be able to store my apps on my 64GB SD card instead of the limited 16gb already on my phone. A few days later, I looked into rooting, only to find out that update breaks it. (at least as far as I know).
So my question is, is there a way to root this update, or are the devs working on one? Or will they wait for 4.3 to be released? I'm not sure how this process goes, I have been jailbreaking iPods and iPads for the last 5 years, but I presume it is similar, seeing as they both gain root.
Also, is there a way to uninstall the OTA update so I can then root? I am new to all this, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Confirm you are on MF3 and not MDL (settings/more/about device/last 3 letters in your build version). MDB is oldest, MDL is what you want to keep rooting, MF3 is the newest and unrootable for the time being.
2) You cannot root MF3. If you are on MDL and use Voodoo OTA Rootkeeper before updating to MF3, you might be able to preserve your root.
3) You can bet there are people trying to exploit this new build. Same as when a new version of ios comes out, you have to wait until someone jailbreaks it. We're waiting for someone to root MF3.
4) When 4.3 comes out they will try to root that one too...or hope that whatever root method we currently use, at that time, still works.
5) They used something called a QFUSE in the MF3 update that prevents us from downgrading once we're on MF3. Until (if) someone finds a way to exploit that, you're stuck on MF3.

[Q] Can the GN3 be rooted currently?

If I got a GN3 new in the box today, can I root it?
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I've read conflicting things about this and was having trouble finding a straight answer. Some things I've read/been told is that the current version you'd get new out of the box there is no root for. My company is moving to Verizon and I want to make sure I get a phone I can root.
Thanks everyone! :good:

This depends entirely on the software on the phone. If the software on the phone is 4.3, then the answer is yes. If the software on the phone is 4.4.2 then the answer is not yet. Here is the way to root on 4.3 and get the new version of the software.

acdnykon said:
This depends entirely on the software on the phone. If the software on the phone is 4.3, then the answer is yes. If the software on the phone is 4.4.2 then the answer is not yet. Here is the way to root on 4.3 and get the new version of the software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!!!

yeah so...
acdnykon said:
This depends entirely on the software on the phone. If the software on the phone is 4.3, then the answer is yes. If the software on the phone is 4.4.2 then the answer is not yet. Here is the way to root on 4.3 and get the new version of the software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on 4.4.2 NC4...I know they say there is no way to root it currently but I'd really like to..I had it rooted before and attempting to update it from 4.3 and keep root didn't work and now I am stuck on 4.4.2 with no safestrap and unrooted. Is there anything I can do? Like is there an md5 tar file i can flash for a rooted 4.4.2? I realize downgrading isn't an option so this kind of sucks.

Nothing you can do on NC4 but wait

This thread would have been great if I found it 2 hours ago. /sigh

[Q] Need help with updating to recent version after ****ing up update while rooted.

A week ago, I got a prompt to update to the most recent Android version. I have a Galaxy S5 SM-G900F. Had rooted it with Towelroot in July and everything was smooth, haven't done any major changes other than SuperSU and titanium. After I ok'ed the software update, it got to like 30% or something until it crashed and rebooted. Everything seems fine, just the update didn't get installed, I'm still 4.4.2. When trying to update it, it says that my operating system has been modified in an unauthorized way (towelroot) and that I should try to download updates using Kies.
So I looked a bit for solutions, I checked the SuperSU survival mode AFTER failing the update, and now my question is, what is the best way to update whilst retaining root and all my settings, in the fastest way? Or just what is the best solution to update? Don't really want to download Kies just for this. Sorry for noobness. Thanks for any help, appreciate it.

tempest22 said:
just what is the best solution to update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best thing to do is always search first. Most questions have been asked and answered before, so a quick search gives you an immediate answer, not to mention a larger number of replies and accumulated wisdom. And if any aspect remains unanswered, you are in a much better position to pose informed questions.
Of course that is a pipe dream, because most people aren't sensible enough to take 30 seconds to search, expecting someone else to gift wrap the answer for them.
Anyway, the best approach is arguably to never be first to accept an update. Instead wait a few days and then see what early adopters are posting about any given new update. Every update is different and that will quickly tell you if there are any issues regarding root and inevitably how to deal with them. OTA updates will usually break root and often fail to install properly as well. It's better to wait and install an update via Odin IMO.
Some apps, notably mobile odin pro and super su pro have root survival modes that will attempt to regain root after an update. But there are no guarantees and you should not rely upon them. Instead treat it as an emergency plan B.
.

Did you change from dalvik to ART. I got the same message after changing to art and going back to dalvik sorted it for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S5 running NeatRom 0X1

fffft said:
The best thing to do is always search first. Most questions have been asked and answered before, so a quick search gives you an immediate answer, not to mention a larger number of replies and accumulated wisdom. And if any aspect remains unanswered, you are in a much better position to pose informed questions.
Of course that is a pipe dream, because most people aren't sensible enough to take 30 seconds to search, expecting someone else to gift wrap the answer for them.
Anyway, the best approach is arguably to never be first to accept an update. Instead wait a few days and then see what early adopters are posting about any given new update. Every update is different and that will quickly tell you if there are any issues regarding root and inevitably how to deal with them. OTA updates will usually break root and often fail to install properly as well. It's better to wait and install an update via Odin IMO.
Some apps, notably mobile odin pro and super su pro have root survival modes that will attempt to regain root after an update. But there are no guarantees and you should not rely upon them. Instead treat it as an emergency plan B.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the answer. I'm not technically well versed, I just know that this forum is the best for people like me who need advice from the pros lol. I would rather just have the most recent update because I don't want any vulnerabilities or whatever. I haven't ever used Odin, just Towelroot and done. I don't use any roms, just factory plus root through towelroot and supersu, that's it for now. So again, how would a noob like me go about safely getting an update and having the reassurance that Towelroot will either still be there, or if an unroot is necessary, that towelroot will be able to root again? Kies? Also, is an actual OTA update still possible (I'm getting that error message) or is a computer update the only thing left?

Prof Peach said:
Did you change from dalvik to ART. I got the same message after changing to art and going back to dalvik sorted it for me.
Sent from my Galaxy S5 running NeatRom 0X1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope, just towelrooted it 2 months ago and that's that. no roms. still have 4.2.2, wanted to update. I got a failed update a week ago when I got an OTA update prompt. That failed, root is stil there, S5 working fine but can't do OTA since it gives me that error message. What could I do to safely get the most recent software update but retain root, OR be able to update and reroot again with towelroot if I need to unroot to update...

can anybody help please?

Why not find a stock rooted rom for your model and flash it?

tempest22 said:
nope, just towelrooted it 2 months ago and that's that. no roms. still have 4.2.2, wanted to update. I got a failed update a week ago when I got an OTA update prompt. That failed, root is stil there, S5 working fine but can't do OTA since it gives me that error message. What could I do to safely get the most recent software update but retain root, OR be able to update and reroot again with towelroot if I need to unroot to update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just downgrade to an older rom like NE2 and root with Towelroot, after that flash the new rom with Mobile Odin Pro and keep root with Everroot and the other 2 options enabled. Or flash an older kernel on your updated rom now and reroot with TR, look here for how to http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-root-triggering-knox-2nd-method-t2843044. Or as posted above a pre-rooted stock rom like Alexander rom.

metalfan78 said:
Why not find a stock rooted rom for your model and flash it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sorry but I really don't know what that means in this context for an update. I used Towelroot 2 months ago to root and still haven't gotten myself anx root aps or mods (but was planning on it right when the update failed). Is there not a simple way to make this update work while either 1)unrooting, then updating then rerooting with Towelroot, or 2) updating whilst retaining Towelroot?

and ecniqu
gee2012 said:
Just downgrade to an older rom like NE2 and root with Towelroot, after that flash the new rom with Mobile Odin Pro and keep root with Everroot and the other 2 options enabled. Or flash an older kernel on your updated rom now and reroot with TR, look here for how to http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/general/how-to-root-triggering-knox-2nd-method-t2843044. Or as posted above a pre-rooted stock rom like Alexander rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think you understand what I'm asking for, or I'm just way too much of a noob, probably that. but I'd just like to update to the most recent Android version. I'm 4.4.2, got an update prompt 1 week ago, have an SM-G900F, and have Towelrooted 2 months ago. All I want is to update. How can I do this, since I'm getting the failure message that it can't be updated due to my device being modified. If I unroot with supersu, then update, then (if the update works) try to Towelroot again, will Towelroot work? Or does the new update **** with it? Or an I update with Samsung Kies, while retaining Towelroot? Ahhhh I'm so sorry for this stupid question but I really don't know

no halp?

I'm really sorry for bumping this again, but I just honestly have no clue what to do to get it updated and either retain Towelroot or be able to install it again after updating. somebody help a noob out please.

my samsung galaxy s5 , it is rooted but I would like to upgrade, I can't do the OTA upgrade so I should proceed with Kies , I would like to know whether I have to unroot my phone (how do I do that? via kies? it does not matter if it'll lose the root, I just want to be sure I would still be able to use my samsung without creating any damage)or just directly proceed with the upgrade,furthermore, my phone was a sumsung galaxy s5 tmobile but I managed to unlock it in order to use it with other carriers, if I install the original firmware and then upgrade to the newest version, can I still use it with other carriers or will return locked? thank you in advance for your help

[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

4.4.4 OTA update with root

Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

Probably not a good idea to take the update. I'd wait until our trusty devs get ahold of the OTA and do their magic.

Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.

lackdog said:
Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might just of been the best error ever, especially if you use root a lot. No way to go back and no known, released root at the moment for that version. Like above me has said, try flashing the NK1 modem using Odin and see if that improves your signal any.

Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the benefits "fixes" of the latest, would be be smart to Odin stock so you are clean when you take the OTA.

lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk

how to track 4.4.4 rooting progress?
donc113 said:
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Marlon1691 said:
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It likely is possible to update and keep root. But if after updating you screw up a mod, etc. and need to get back to stock you will lose root permanently.

flashing modem
leroybrute said:
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ

tjmethod said:
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.

Odin 3.09
leroybrute said:
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ

tjmethod said:
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to put your phone in download mode before plugging into pc. Make sure debugging is checked in developer settings.

Thanks…
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again

tjmethod said:
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I thank you... Ha

GoNavyMike said:
lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Brainfire2 said:
GoNavyMike said:
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why you should always tell them you are on the latest firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I read about 4.4.4 and didn't like what they took away from 4.4.2. I won't go to it. If I were you I'd 'towelroot'- (get the simple steps on xda), and 'beanstown 106' has all the firmwares for these phones, put the nc4 on w/ 4.4.2, then install biggins rom v7, then upgrade via dirty flash with 8.0 then immediately w/ 8.3- fast touch response and after about 3-4 days, you'lI be getting twice the battery life… I jumped up to the new v9 but they dont have the theme for it yet. I miss the Kromex blue on black…