Database Users

New phone, MDB and rooted, should try to upgrade?

I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!

cabadam said:
I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot OTA update to MF3 without ODINing back to stock - your custom recovery will prevent the update from working.
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
I would suggest you stay on MDL until MF3 has not only root, but also custom recovery. At this point it's still too early to take the risk, even with a root access exploit now available.
If you want the updates, there are several ROMs available that incorporate updates...there's one that is almost completely stock MF3 without the bootloader (which is the main problem with it)...there's multiple based off of stock MF3 with some optimizations...and even some based on the latest Galaxy S4 International firmware which is several updates ahead of MF3.
Of course all that requires your willingness to install a custom ROM.

+1

I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
jeffreii said:
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.

cabadam said:
I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on

jd1639 said:
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!

cabadam said:
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.

jeffreii said:
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?

cabadam said:
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44022554&postcount=74

Hmm, so I went and also froze LocalFOTA, but I dont have anything called FW Upgrade
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Good post.
I'm also on MDB. Do you think it's actually worth it to install the MDL update?
I'm currently running Kangabean with 4.3, if it matters.

Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

deron37129 said:
Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.

trunzoc said:
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

sd_N said:
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!.
Here goes nothing
***EDIT***
Flashed the MDL image. I pulled the SIM to avoid any kind of OTA crap and booted. Got stuck at the AT&T logo though.
I had to go into stock recovery and do a factory reset. Did that and it booted up. Ran Motochopper fine and was able to boot into TWRP.
I restored by backup, but wouldn't boot past the Samsung Logo. Did another factory reset, but still wouldn't boot. Restored a backup I had of rooted stock. That worked.
Reset again and reinstalled Kangabean from scratch. That worked. Went back to recovery again and just restored my data partition. that worked too. yay
Pain in the arse, but let's see if MDL has any noticeable differences.

Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?

custommx3 said:
Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the roms you want to use. Most of them require mdl firmware.

[Q] Galaxy S4 Root

I rooted my AT&T Galaxy S4 i337 a while back using Motochopper and it worked absolutely fine. After installing Cyanogenmod, I decided to go back to stock. I used triangle away and Odin to return myself back to stock, however, I always had issues. When I would recovery boot, I got an error and I couldn't wipe my cache partition. I tried to re-root my phone today using Motochopper and then Odin, but neither of them worked. I got a fail on both of them. Motochopper installed Supersu on my device, but didn't actually give me root access, and Odin just gave me a fail. Now, my phone is working with stock, but I still get errors in recovery mode and I can't root. Can someone please help!?

What is your baseband and build number on settings, more, about phone?

jd1639 said:
What is your baseband and build number on settings, more, about phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Baseband - I337UCUAMF3
Build Number - JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3

I
cfoughty7 said:
Baseband - I337UCUAMF3
Build Number - JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what i was afraid of. With mf3 you can't root with motorchopper or flash roms like you could on mdl. You also can't put on a custom recovery. Give me a second and I'll give you some links.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44165374
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42478710
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45186518
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45971194
Read these before you do anything else and get familiar with them.

cfoughty7 said:
Baseband - I337UCUAMF3
Build Number - JDQ39.I337UCUAMF3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF3 has a completely different root and recovery method now. Search the threads and you'll find them. Unfortunately it's pretty risky as you won't be able to flash back to stock using ODIN on MF3.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-i337) via Tapatalk 4

jd1639 said:
I
That's what i was afraid of. With mf3 you can't root with motorchopper or flash roms like you could on mdl. You also can't put on a custom recovery. Give me a second and I'll give you some links.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=44165374
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42478710
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45186518
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45971194
Read these before you do anything else and get familiar with them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm just confused as to why I was able to do it perfectly before?

cfoughty7 said:
I'm just confused as to why I was able to do it perfectly before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because you were on mdl firmware. After you Odin'd it had to have taken the ota update to mf3.

shall plyinuf
jd1639 said:
Because you were on mdl firmware. After you Odin'd it had to have taken the ota update to mf3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh, ok. I understand! There's no way to get it back? Is that what I should read those links for?

cfoughty7 said:
Ohhh, ok. I understand! There's no way to get it back? Is that what I should read those links for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I read the links. Now, I'm not so much interested in rooting as I am getting my phone straight. Is there any way to get back to mdl? Will the rumored 4.3 update this month fix that? When I tried to update or recover with Samsung Kies, it said my phone wasn't compatible to recover. Does that mean I won't be able to get the update?

jd1639 said:
Because you were on mdl firmware. After you Odin'd it had to have taken the ota update to mf3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, so I read the links. Now, I'm not so much interested in rooting as I am getting my phone straight. Is there any way to get back to mdl? Will the rumored 4.3 update this month fix that? When I tried to update or recover with Samsung Kies, it said my phone wasn't compatible to recover. Does that mean I won't be able to get the update?

cfoughty7 said:
Ok, so I read the links. Now, I'm not so much interested in rooting as I am getting my phone straight. Is there any way to get back to mdl? Will the rumored 4.3 update this month fix that? When I tried to update or recover with Samsung Kies, it said my phone wasn't compatible to recover. Does that mean I won't be able to get the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, there is no way to go back to mdl. Idk if you'll be able to get the 4.3 update but I would assume so since you are on the stick firmware now. But, each new update is going to make it harder to root your phone or run custom roms. So you probably need to choose whether you want to keep your phone stock and take updates if and when they come out. Or have some snooty to run custom roms and root your device and put safestrap on.

jd1639 said:
First, there is no way to go back to mdl. Idk if you'll be able to get the 4.3 update but I would assume so since you are on the stick firmware now. But, each new update is going to make it harder to root your phone or run custom roms. So you probably need to choose whether you want to keep your phone stock and take updates if and when they come out. Or have some snooty to run custom roms and root your device and put safestrap on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to stay with stock. Will the mdl thing effect anything if I have an issue with warranty sterf?

Shouldn't, your stock mf3 right now.

4.3 update

Newbie here. I rooted the S4 a couple of months ago. Now that 4.3 is out, can experts post some step-by-step guide on how to upgrade it on rooted devices? Thanks.

Are you sure you want to update? Why not just flash a 4.3.1 rom to your device instead and stock to AMDL firmware.
However if it hasn't manually updated to MF3 you can go into your settings and search for updates, or it should automatically update on it's own. The only thing that would prevent it would be if you've flashed a non TW based ROM, changed the framework + kernel, or froze there processes needed to update. Just a stand alone root won't prevent it.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I am not on MF3. I tried to install the AT&T minor update before, but it failed twice. I did freeze some stock apps. If I unfreeze those apps, the automatic update should work then? That's very good to know. Thanks!
Br4nd3n said:
Are you sure you want to update? Why not just flash a 4.3.1 rom to your device instead and stock to AMDL firmware.
However if it hasn't manually updated to MF3 you can go into your settings and search for updates, or it should automatically update on it's own. The only thing that would prevent it would be if you've flashed a non TW based ROM, changed the framework + kernel, or froze there processes needed to update. Just a stand alone root won't prevent it.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Just to be clear you never got/took the OTA update to mf3?
If you still have the mdl bootloader then you will be able to update to a new rom that is based off the new att firmware MJ6 soon. I would wait until a good rom is out to flash rather than getting any OTA update. Once you go to mf3 firmware you cannot go back to a previous firmware and you are limited on what can be flashed to your phone. If you take the new OTA (whenever att actually releases it) you will be stuck on that firmware and not able to go back to a previous firmware.
So like in my situation I have the mdb or mdl bootloader still, rooted, and I can flash any rom I want whether it is a mdl/mf3/ international firmware/ or when available the MJ6 firmware. All of this is harder/not able to do if you ever get OTA updates.
Sent From My Spiderman Themed I337

I never got the MF3 update. As I mentioned, I did try it twice, but the update failed, either because I froze some apps, or because I installed the CWM custom recovery. It's good to hear that it is actually a good thing. I noticed that the 4.3 firmware is out (the general forum), should I just install that one? How should I start? Thanks.
RockRatt said:
Just to be clear you never got/took the OTA update to mf3?
If you still have the mdl bootloader then you will be able to update to a new rom that is based off the new att firmware MJ6 soon. I would wait until a good rom is out to flash rather than getting any OTA update. Once you go to mf3 firmware you cannot go back to a previous firmware and you are limited on what can be flashed to your phone. If you take the new OTA (whenever att actually releases it) you will be stuck on that firmware and not able to go back to a previous firmware.
So like in my situation I have the mdb or mdl bootloader still, rooted, and I can flash any rom I want whether it is a mdl/mf3/ international firmware/ or when available the MJ6 firmware. All of this is harder/not able to do if you ever get OTA updates.
Sent From My Spiderman Themed I337
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

wxiao said:
I never got the MF3 update. As I mentioned, I did try it twice, but the update failed, either because I froze some apps, or because I installed the CWM custom recovery. It's good to hear that it is actually a good thing. I noticed that the 4.3 firmware is out (the general forum), should I just install that one? How should I start? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What until one of the devs creates a flashable zip that you can flash in cwm. It'll probably be only a couple of days now that the leak is out.

[Q] How to unroot a L720 running MK2 4.3 Stock(ish) and the PhilZ Touch ver 6?

I have a L720 running the MK2 4.3 Stock(ish) and the PhilZ Touch ver 6. I want to remove all of these and reinstall the stock MK2 in advance of the new kitkat release. How do I remove all of these before reloading the stock MK2?

[email protected] said:
I have a L720 running the MK2 4.3 Stock(ish) and the PhilZ Touch ver 6. I want to remove all of these and reinstall the stock MK2 in advance of the new kitkat release. How do I remove all of these before reloading the stock MK2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flash the stock MK2 file found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2601443 and your phone will be back to stock unrooted and ready for the OTA. Your data will still be in tact.

I'm hoping this is the right thread.
I'm fairly new to the S4 coming from an S2. I did root MK2 using SafeRoot method. I should not have tripped Knox or anything like that. I unrooted with SuperSU unroot option. Everything looks OK except the Device Status shows Custom. I haven't gotten the OTA yet, but when it comes in, is it safe to try, or am I going to have problems?
Thanks,
Dennis_H

Dennis_H2 said:
I'm hoping this is the right thread.
I'm fairly new to the S4 coming from an S2. I did root MK2 using SafeRoot method. I should not have tripped Knox or anything like that. I unrooted with SuperSU unroot option. Everything looks OK except the Device Status shows Custom. I haven't gotten the OTA yet, but when it comes in, is it safe to try, or am I going to have problems?
Thanks,
Dennis_H
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends if you modded or disabled anything in the system partition. Including the hotspot mod. If you have, the ota will fail and you need to Odin the stock mk2 tar.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD

cruise350 said:
It all depends if you modded or disabled anything in the system partition. Including the hotspot mod. If you have, the ota will fail and you need to Odin the stock mk2 tar.
Sent from my icrap 2 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, nothing in the system partition got changed with saferoot, and I never got around to installing any new recoveries or adding the hotspot mod. The hotspot mod was the real reason i rooted, but got a little concerned/confused after reading about it.If the custom in device status doesn't cause issues, I'll wait to get the OTA and then start reading about the HS mod again to see how to implement in 4.4.2 without tripping knox if possible.
Thanks for the info.
Dennis_H

[Q] OTA 4.4 back to 4.3

Can someone help me take my S4 back to 4.3? I got the OTA update for 4.4 yesterday morning and have had nothing but problems. Terrible battery life (40% down in 3 hours with little to no use) WiFi wont turn on thanks to this piece of junk Knox software. So before I dump Samsung completely for a Moto X or Nexus, can someone help me downgrade from 4.4 back to 4.3 where I had no problems?

Were you totally stock before the OTA? If you still have warranty left, I would bring it in to a Sprint store and *****.
If not, you can try one of 2 things. 1) flash the NAE tar file using odin to see if that fixes your issues or 2) flash the MK2 tar file to bring you back to 4.3

aypanthony said:
Were you totally stock before the OTA? If you still have warranty left, I would bring it in to a Sprint store and *****.
If not, you can try one of 2 things. 1) flash the NAE tar file using odin to see if that fixes your issues or 2) flash the MK2 tar file to bring you back to 4.3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went Cyanogen at one point, didn't like it, and flashed back to stock. When the OTA hit I was rooted but had made no changes from stock, not even an uninstall of a Samsung app. I am backing things up now to flash the NAE again, but I want a version without this Knox garbage in it. Is there such thing?
I read that you can't flash back with Odin from 4.4 to 4.3 so I don't know how to do option 2 at this point.

sponge14 said:
I went Cyanogen at one point, didn't like it, and flashed back to stock. When the OTA hit I was rooted but had made no changes from stock, not even an uninstall of a Samsung app. I am backing things up now to flash the NAE again, but I want a version without this Knox garbage in it. Is there such thing?
I read that you can't flash back with Odin from 4.4 to 4.3 so I don't know how to do option 2 at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct with not being able to go back to mk2 4.3 via Odin.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

sponge14 said:
I went Cyanogen at one point, didn't like it, and flashed back to stock. When the OTA hit I was rooted but had made no changes from stock, not even an uninstall of a Samsung app. I am backing things up now to flash the NAE again, but I want a version without this Knox garbage in it. Is there such thing?
I read that you can't flash back with Odin from 4.4 to 4.3 so I don't know how to do option 2 at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think you are right. Can't go back to 4.3 once you have the 4.4 bootloader, my bad. I wonder if you should do a factory reset to see if that clears up your issues.

daniel4653 said:
You're correct with not being able to go back to mk2 4.3 via Odin.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there some other way of downgrading? What about going back to Cyanogen's full release?

Well that sucks that you can't go back to 4.3

I had the same issues when I updated and was kinda pissed at it to but a factory reset and it been running way better ever since and I'm rooted with xposed installed and no complaints
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

sponge14 said:
I went Cyanogen at one point, didn't like it, and flashed back to stock. When the OTA hit I was rooted but had made no changes from stock, not even an uninstall of a Samsung app. I am backing things up now to flash the NAE again, but I want a version without this Knox garbage in it. Is there such thing?
I read that you can't flash back with Odin from 4.4 to 4.3 so I don't know how to do option 2 at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe once KNOX Bootloader has been installed, your stuck with it. No going back.
But honestly, if you root 4.4, your gonna void KNOX.

lawmangrant said:
I believe once KNOX Bootloader has been installed, your stuck with it. No going back.
But honestly, if you root 4.4, your gonna void KNOX.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want Knox on my phone at all, it's garbage for me. Are you saying I can't even go Cyanogen at this point?

sponge14 said:
I don't want Knox on my phone at all, it's garbage for me. Are you saying I can't even go Cyanogen at this point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still have all that. KNOX is just the warrantly flag I have KNOX on mine, but I still have rooted and flashed other roms.

lawmangrant said:
You can still have all that. KNOX is just the warrantly flag I have KNOX on mine, but I still have rooted and flashed other roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah OK, I don't care about the warranty, it's out in April anyways... Looks like I need to try Cyanogen again, hopefully it's better this time.

i have gone back to 4.3 with odin.....use odin 1.85.....*First flash the mk2 modem or it will fail**.....why? i dont know...
so here is what i do....1) Odin first the mk2 modem...2) Odin stock Mk2 rom...3) Odin philz latest recovery...4) boot into recovery..goto philz settings and tap " re-root....5) reboot and enjoy.....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

chris-allen said:
i have gone back to 4.3 with odin.....use odin 1.85.....*First flash the mk2 modem or it will fail**.....why? i dont know...
so here is what i do....1) Odin first the mk2 modem...2) Odin stock Mk2 rom...3) Odin philz latest recovery...4) boot into recovery..goto philz settings and tap " re-root....5) reboot and enjoy.....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're saying your bootloader went back to MK2 after this? Didn't think that was possible. I've had nothing but stupid little issues myself after using Odin to flash the phone to NAE. I've done factory resets... Completely wiped the phone in Philz. Tried KToonsez kernel as well and stock NAE just sux! I'll probably just flash Liquid Smooth back on it, was only trying to stick with stock NAE for stability and camera , that phone is my girls and she doesn't have the patience for all the bugs that come with custom Roms lol
Anyways just want to confirm that with you. Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

chris-allen said:
i have gone back to 4.3 with odin.....use odin 1.85.....*First flash the mk2 modem or it will fail**.....why? i dont know...
so here is what i do....1) Odin first the mk2 modem...2) Odin stock Mk2 rom...3) Odin philz latest recovery...4) boot into recovery..goto philz settings and tap " re-root....5) reboot and enjoy.....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if that is possible for those of us rocking triband. Obviously we cannot use the Mk2 modem or rom. In any event, I upgraded to 4.4.2 on my new L720T and regretted it, but now I'v" managed to install twrp and rooted it and the rom settled down after a few days. At first, horrible battery use but now its amazing. My battery reads 75 percent after 14 hours and that's quite good enough. The only issue I still face is the SD card thing, but that only seems to apply third party software as I can move files directly from internal to external memory using the stock files app that comes with android.

i dont know about triband. i dont have one and im not going to pretend im a smart dev because thats also not true.. i HAVE ODIN 4.4.2 THEN turned around and ODIN 4.3 due to something i didnt like...im not sure if it changes the bootloader or not, i dont even check. i have only tried this with mk2 to nae.. when i purchesed my device it came with mk2 so i have never tinkerd with the other bootloaders. if you have something other then mk2 id ask a dev befor doing anything. like i said it works for me as long as i flash the modem FIRST that corrisponds to the build. ( mk2 or nae )...and in some cases if the wifi is borked on nae, iv had to flash the modem again after instalation of the rom.. i cant explain why any of this happens....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

chris-allen said:
i dont know about triband. i dont have one and im not going to pretend im a smart dev because thats also not true.. i HAVE ODIN 4.4.2 THEN turned around and ODIN 4.3 due to something i didnt like...im not sure if it changes the bootloader or not, i dont even check. i have only tried this with mk2 to nae.. when i purchesed my device it came with mk2 so i have never tinkerd with the other bootloaders. if you have something other then mk2 id ask a dev befor doing anything. like i said it works for me as long as i flash the modem FIRST that corrisponds to the build. ( mk2 or nae )...and in some cases if the wifi is borked on nae, iv had to flash the modem again after instalation of the rom.. i cant explain why any of this happens....
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
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Lol I know what you mean... Sometimes things just seem to work or they don't.
But that's interesting you can go back to mk2 after being on nae. I figured that was not possible. But if you didn't get any fails in Odin while downgrading that's great. Maybe I'll get ballsy and try this later.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Is there a stock 4.4 Rom out there I can try, preferably one without Knox? Sprint has recommended that I unroot, that they have a tech bulletin where rooted phones have wifi, and other issues.

sponge14 said:
Is there a stock 4.4 Rom out there I can try, preferably one without Knox? Sprint has recommended that I unroot, that they have a tech bulletin where rooted phones have wifi, and other issues.
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You have a link to that bulletin??
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Mistertac said:
You have a link to that bulletin??
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No that's just what the escalated Tech Support person from Oklahoma City told me.
I also just wiped the cache and did a factory reset and still have the same wifi problem...