Database Users

[Q] Trade-In Rooted Phone

Does it matter if i trade in a rooted phone into a Best Buy or other stores without unroot. I have no saved information in the phone and have removed sim card. If they accept it do i have to be concerned with the fact its running a rom. Help guys thanks?

I wouldn't worry about it. I traded in my og Atrix to the Att corporate store and it was running cm.
Sent from my HTC ONE Google Play Edition Running Android 4.3

capathy21 said:
I wouldn't worry about it. I traded in my og Atrix to the Att corporate store and it was running cm.
Sent from my HTC ONE Google Play Edition Running Android 4.3
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Guess I am asking from a legal point of view. Not concerned with privacy cause I emptied it out. I own the phone, its mine

You own it. So no. You have nothing to worry about.

When they get your phone I think they either recycle or refurbish it so I'm pretty sure that the content of the phone doesn't matter so long as the parts of the phone are functioning.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

I wouldn't worry about it. Sprint bought my S2 that was rooted back from me. They don't care at all.

Only problem is if you were going to give ur phone to someone with it being rooted. The new owner won't be able to port his/her number to the rooted phone.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA

Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
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kennyglass123 said:
Please read forum rules before posting
Questions and Help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thank you for your cooperation
Friendly Neighborhood Moderator
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Click to collapse
Sorry new to these forums

papacast said:
Sorry new to these forums
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No worries...thus the "Friendly" part of my nick...lol.

kennyglass123 said:
No worries...thus the "Friendly" part of my nick...lol.
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Your thoughts in my question?

papacast said:
Your thoughts in my question?
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AFAIK all trade-ins are immediately sent to a refurb center and flashed with the latest stock software available to them, wiping the phone. Then packaged up as refurbs and put on the shelf. Best Buy cares least of all...lol. Unless there is a dishonest nosy tech going through phones you wouldn't even need to worry about wiping....ofc you absolutely should wipe data though.

kennyglass123 said:
AFAIK all trade-ins are immediately sent to a refurb center and flashed with the latest stock software available to them, wiping the phone. Then packaged up as refurbs and put on the shelf. Best Buy cares least of all...lol. Unless there is a dishonest nosy tech going through phones you wouldn't even need to worry about wiping....ofc you absolutely should wipe data though.
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I did wipe wipe just left a rooted rom on it. Is that okay?

primo523 said:
Only problem is if you were going to give ur phone to someone with it being rooted. The new owner won't be able to port his/her number to the rooted phone.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA
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That has absolutely nothing to do with changing service on the device.
The number will go to the device regardless of wether or not it is rooted.
Some custom ROMs do not support the programming codes necessary to get the phone working correctly, but to just generalize and say they cant use it because it is rooted is totally incorrect. A rooted device with stock firmware would work absolutely fine.

I agree that it shouldn't matter but with the few minutes it takes to flash a stock image why not just return it to stock.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4

TonyTurboII said:
That has absolutely nothing to do with changing service on the device.
The number will go to the device regardless of wether or not it is rooted.
Some custom ROMs do not support the programming codes necessary to get the phone working correctly, but to just generalize and say they cant use it because it is rooted is totally incorrect. A rooted device with stock firmware would work absolutely fine.
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sorry. I was speaking of personal experience. When I went to the sprint store to upgrade to a new phone and give my wife my s2 the lady said the number won't transfer because u are rooted. This is when I had first started out with xda not knowing I could just go back to stock from a custom rom with no issues. Please forgive my ignorance o great moderator.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using XDA

papacast said:
I did wipe wipe just left a rooted rom on it. Is that okay?
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Yes. Like I stated they just make sure it turns on then it is sent to have original stock flashed on it. It is easier for them to just odin a stock image than worry if it is rooted, corrupted or whatever. Also as @crawrj stated you could just quickly Odin it yourself and be done with it.

crawrj said:
I agree that it shouldn't matter but with the few minutes it takes to flash a stock image why not just return it to stock.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4
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This is precisely what I just did this past weekend with my E4GT. I flashed a stock FI27 image and wiped the phone with a factory reset before taking into BB. The BB mobile rep noticed (and commented) that I had done a factory reset but other than that they just checked the phone out to insure all the buttons were operational and gave it an inspection for damage. They even removed the Zagg screen protector from it...

[Q] MF3 bricked, question about 4.3

so I have a bricked MF3 build.
I've read up and down, and at this point it can't be fixed. bootloader locked, etc.
I had an idea of flashing the 4.3 leak onto the S4 in hopes of fixing the /system/ partition since only one file is messed up that is causing the phone to bootloop.
if I could locate the 4.3 leak -- will it fix my soft-brick?
hypothetically speaking it should, right?
all directions that speak of flashing the file ask that the phone be ON the MF3 baseband.
is the odin file for JWR66V on the i337 signed so that I could flash it in Odin and get my phone working again?
sounds like it should work, please any input?

Nope. MF3 baseband is the modem needed. That can be flashed to MDL. The MF3 OTA completely locks your bootloaders... You're screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

grammar gripe
graydiggy said:
Nope. MF3 baseband is the modem needed. That can be flashed to MDL. The MF3 OTA completely locks your bootloaders... You're screwed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
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Needed for what? graydiggy, please fix that partial sentence "That can be flashed to MDL."
Solidus636 might be screwed like you say, but your answer leaves me wondering why.

That is not a partial sentence. OP cannot flash anything on the MF3 firmware update.
The MF3 baseband can be separately flashed onto MDL. At that point, one would be able to flash 4.3.
Since there is no way to flash using MF3, OP goofed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

graydiggy said:
That is not a partial sentence. OP cannot flash anything on the MF3 firmware update.
The MF3 baseband can be separately flashed onto MDL. At that point, one would be able to flash 4.3.
Since there is no way to flash using MF3, OP goofed.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Thank you for the clarification.
Why are these people that took the OTA MF3 update from AT&T trying to flash in the first place?
How are they getting root or a recovery? It makes no sense to me.
Solidus636? What did you do (please include details) how did you do it? It would be helpful for everyone to learn what not to do.

We are able to get root with no issues. Just no recovery.
Why? People don't read. They don't care that they could brick a $650 phone. They deserve it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

root
graydiggy said:
We are able to get root with no issues. Just no recovery.
Why? People don't read. They don't care that they could brick a $650 phone. They deserve it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Thanks, I read up on getting root for MF3 OTA and it says right up front CAUTION THERE IS NO RECOVERY
and rooting looks like it's more complex, I remember the Android Debug Bridge, and I'm glad I was able to get in early with motochopper and then casual and I'm pleased with the GoldenEye Rom. Just a tap and a swipe bar in the TWRP recovery. I see how I dodged a bullet back in June when I froze AT&T Update service with Titanium Backup. I'm lucky. And it took me a long time to grasp all the terminology and what the difference is between root and getting a custom recovery, and I'm sure that it's not the amount of reading one does, but rather comprehension. That's why when I print in here I try not to leave anything out.
Whiz kids like yourself forget what it's like to wonder if there is a difference between installing a zip or flashing one and could care less on articulating the details you take for granted.
There's not a fix in the world for solidus636's handset cuz he blew the E fuse huh? Not sure what that is and barely understood it when I read about it.
I loathe AT&T. Now they locked the bootloader. What a bunch of creeps. I almost didn't get the S4 because of the shrunken SIM but I found an adapter so I can light up all those old phones in my gun safe. It's how I roll. I would never buy a handset you couldn't pull the battery on. And everytime I see a new connector plug I go on a rant about UL listed and deregulation. Instead of making a one size fits all battery, almost every device has a different shape size and fit.
Ok all done complaining now. Beg pardon for bending your ear. I think you like it tho, and will find something to be smart alec about.

fukenbiker said:
Thank you for the clarification.
Why are these people that took the OTA MF3 update from AT&T trying to flash in the first place?
How are they getting root or a recovery? It makes no sense to me.
Solidus636? What did you do (please include details) how did you do it? It would be helpful for everyone to learn what not to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i Rooted the phone.
then i messed with the /framwork-res.apk and accidentally renamed it to /framework-res.apk.bak and now there is NO framework-res.apk file inside /system/framework/ meaning i am soft-bricked until I can get the MF3 Odin file or a file higher than that....
i also didn't accept the RSA keys to default to accept on my computer, meaning I can't access ADB it says OFFLINE. if I could access ADB this would've been an easy fix by renaming the framework-res.apk.bak file back to framework-res.apk, but I messed up:/

graydiggy said:
We are able to get root with no issues. Just no recovery.
Why? People don't read. They don't care that they could brick a $650 phone. They deserve it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i don't deserve anything. i made a mistake and forgot to take precaution. i'm not blaming anyone, i asked a simple damn question....so get off your damn high horse. LOL..... sigh.
fukenbiker said:
Thanks, I read up on getting root for MF3 OTA and it says right up front CAUTION THERE IS NO RECOVERY
and rooting looks like it's more complex, I remember the Android Debug Bridge, and I'm glad I was able to get in early with motochopper and then casual and I'm pleased with the GoldenEye Rom. Just a tap and a swipe bar in the TWRP recovery. I see how I dodged a bullet back in June when I froze AT&T Update service with Titanium Backup. I'm lucky. And it took me a long time to grasp all the terminology and what the difference is between root and getting a custom recovery, and I'm sure that it's not the amount of reading one does, but rather comprehension. That's why when I print in here I try not to leave anything out.
Whiz kids like yourself forget what it's like to wonder if there is a difference between installing a zip or flashing one and could care less on articulating the details you take for granted.
There's not a fix in the world for solidus636's handset cuz he blew the E fuse huh? Not sure what that is and barely understood it when I read about it.
I loathe AT&T. Now they locked the bootloader. What a bunch of creeps. I almost didn't get the S4 because of the shrunken SIM but I found an adapter so I can light up all those old phones in my gun safe. It's how I roll. I would never buy a handset you couldn't pull the battery on. And everytime I see a new connector plug I go on a rant about UL listed and deregulation. Instead of making a one size fits all battery, almost every device has a different shape size and fit.
Ok all done complaining now. Beg pardon for bending your ear. I think you like it tho, and will find something to be smart alec about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i didn't blow the e-fuse. i messed up one single file within /system/framework/ and the moment an odin flash file is released with mf3 , even only the system.img will be the moment I can fix my device... but i asked if we could do this or not. seems it's bricked for now.

solidus636 said:
i don't deserve anything. i made a mistake and forgot to take precaution. i'm not blaming anyone, i asked a simple damn question....so get off your damn high horse. LOL..... sigh.
i didn't blow the e-fuse. i messed up one single file within /system/framework/ and the moment an odin flash file is released with mf3 , even only the system.img will be the moment I can fix my device... but i asked if we could do this or not. seems it's bricked for now.
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Click to collapse
You are educated and knowledgeable beyond my own level of intelligence. If I could help I would. If anyone comes up with a petition for a class action against AT&T for locking their bootloader I'm all in. Too bad you can't boot all the way up and get root explorer to fix your file name.

fukenbiker said:
You are educated and knowledgeable beyond my own level of intelligence. If I could help I would. If anyone comes up with a petition for a class action against AT&T for locking their bootloader I'm all in. Too bad you can't boot all the way up and get root explorer to fix your file name.
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Click to collapse
there is!
https://www.change.org/petitions/samsung-usa-at-t-unlock-the-bootloader-of-the-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-2
sign it!

solidus636 said:
there is!
https://www.change.org/petitions/samsung-usa-at-t-unlock-the-bootloader-of-the-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-2
sign it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I signed it. Thanks for the link

solidus636 said:
there is!
https://www.change.org/petitions/samsung-usa-at-t-unlock-the-bootloader-of-the-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337-2
sign it!
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I didn't sign it because I don't do "facebook". It would appear my wife just signed it. LOL

fukenbiker said:
I didn't sign it because I don't do "facebook". It would appear my wife just signed it. LOL
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Click to collapse
you don't need facebook to sign it.........

fukenbiker said:
You are educated and knowledgeable beyond my own level of intelligence. If I could help I would. If anyone comes up with a petition for a class action against AT&T for locking their bootloader I'm all in. Too bad you can't boot all the way up and get root explorer to fix your file name.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only posts I have seen from you are trying to get people to file a class action lawsuit against AT&T and to start petitions. Why don't you either shut the hell up about it or do it yourself.
First:
AT&T does not have to provide unlocked bootloaders . Those are not open source. They can do whatever they damn well please with THEIR bootloaders. A lawsuit would be fruitless.
Second:
Stop trying to get people to do what you want. If you want it, do it yourself. If you are too lazy to do it, shut your mouth. You sit here and preach all this BS but are too lazy to even sign a petition that was linked to you. You act like you're 12. Only a kid would put forth so much talk but absolutely no action.
I will start reporting every post from you that has anything to do with you trying to get people to do what you want in regards to this topic, if i see one more. I and many others are tired of seeing it. You are spamming the forums with it.
OP Google the odin file you are looking for or use the search function here in the forums
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium

graydiggy said:
The only posts I have seen from you are trying to get people to file a class action lawsuit against AT&T and to start petitions. Why don't you either shut the hell up about it or do it yourself.
First:
AT&T does not have to provide unlocked bootloaders . Those are not open source. They can do whatever they damn well please with THEIR bootloaders. A lawsuit would be fruitless.
Second:
Stop trying to get people to do what you want. If you want it, do it yourself. If you are too lazy to do it, shut your mouth. You sit here and preach all this BS but are too lazy to even sign a petition that was linked to you. You act like you're 12. Only a kid would put forth so much talk but absolutely no action.
I will start reporting every post from you that has anything to do with you trying to get people to do what you want in regards to this topic, if i see one more. I and many others are tired of seeing it. You are spamming the forums with it.
OP Google the odin file you are looking for or use the search function here in the forums
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
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An EXCELLENT scolding! I KNEW you would find my prattle fodder for discussion!
You're dead wrong however, as I am busy.
I have a day job being a g*[email protected] lineman that I won't bore you with, but something up your self righteous research and document alley would be the web page that I constantly try to improve: http://lango.us
If they start the revolution, it might be without you and your own laziness, but I do not intend to be counted out.
So go ahead. Tell me to shut the hell up again.
I bet you're a profile picture of a Libtard.

fukenbiker said:
An EXCELLENT scolding! I KNEW you would find my prattle fodder for discussion!
You're dead wrong however, as I am busy.
I have a day job being a g*[email protected] lineman that I won't bore you with, but something up your self righteous research and document alley would be the web page that I constantly try to improve: http://lango.us
If they start the revolution, it might be without you and your own laziness, but I do not intend to be counted out.
So go ahead. Tell me to shut the hell up again.
I bet you're a profile picture of a Libtard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congrats on being nothing to me. I could care less how busy you are or what you do. I also noticed you brag about being a lineman... Cool story, bro. Another worthless piece of info. You sound like a conspiracy theorist. Everyone is out to get you, man. We gotta get this revolution rolling, bro. I don't even care to look at the link. I'm too busy with the real world. So... With all that said, shut the hell up. (see? I said it again.) No one cares. If you want to start a revolution, keep it off of XDA. This is not the place for your political agendas or views. This is not the place to get people to join your uprising against AT&T or anyone else for that matter. Take it to Facebook.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

google it
Do a search for" [AT&T][How To][FIX] Did you root MF3 then try to flash a custom recovery"
hopefully it works for you guys.

smcabete said:
Do a search for" [AT&T][How To][FIX] Did you root MF3 then try to flash a custom recovery"
hopefully it works for you guys.
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Click to collapse
This really did work, thanks! Only allows booting into the os and trying factory reset doesn't work but arty least I can use it again until a fix for mf3 is found.

Yup.. I fell right into that trap too... just happens when you think about it too much. Just be happy with your phone and live with it till a dev can make it better in the future.

Chances of MDL being available

So my update is on Sept 1, and I plan on going anywhere I need to in order to find a MDL phone. I NEED my CM10.2! haha:angel:.
What are the chances I'll find one? I know they are getting slimmer by the minute, but I'm thinking maybe some rural Target or BB may have one? I've been trying to get my update anytime I'm near a store, but they all tell me I have to wait for the 1st of the Month. dumbbb.
Or do I wait for Note 3/LG G2/new Sony? (i know, i know, s4 forum...)
Or do I wait for the new iphone, sell it on fleabay/cl, and buy a Google Edition s4?
I dont NEED to update right away... But my skyrocket battery is KILLING me.
AHHH I hate this!

I'm on MF3 and I'm suffering with Touchwiz (I'm a huge fan of AOSP).
I'm pretty sure the Note 3 (from AT&T at least) will have a locked boot loader so it'll be the same situation us MF3 users are in right now.
Since MF3 has been out since July, I'd think that many/most S4's would have it. If you're willing to sell/buy unlocked, go ahead for the Google edition(I personally like black mist much more than white frost, which is what the Google edition comes with. ).
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-i337) via Tapatalk 4

teeg07 said:
... I'm thinking maybe some rural Target or BB may have one?
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Actually, ask if the employee would be kind enough to let you see the stickers on their boxes. The side of the box shows the firmware revision (on brand new devices only). The employees, nor AT&T would have absolutely no reason to update something in-the-box like that, so this sticker should be accurate. It's the same sticker that includes all the serial numbers/etc.
It may or may not be beneficial to explain that you want a specific version of the firmware, otherwise the employee(s) may get a bit suspicious of a request like this. They may think you are trying to steal IMEI numbers or something stupid.

Aou said:
Actually, ask if the employee would be kind enough to let you see the stickers on their boxes. The side of the box shows the firmware revision (on brand new devices only). The employees, nor AT&T would have absolutely no reason to update something in-the-box like that, so this sticker should be accurate. It's the same sticker that includes all the serial numbers/etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what my plan was to do. I'll say something about it performing better or something (even though we all know its not true. I love playing dumb )

teeg07 said:
Thats what my plan was to do. I'll say something about it performing better or something (even though we all know its not true. I love playing dumb )
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Click to collapse
Not exactly a lie. In the very end, MDL does perform better, because we can flash 'whatever' firmware we want... some of which can perform better.

whatever you do, DONT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET. install through apk's and then go to cm10.2. you can get terminal and the goomanager files, and install w/o internet....

Just ask to check it out before you buy. Most sales persons won't have an issue with it. Find one with MDL baseband and ask them to Leave it in box and that you prefer to set it up yourself
I'm running cm 10.2 on my s4 its so much better than touch wiz and the only feature I miss is the Samsung camera app.
Also I agree don't connect to the internet until after you have rooted and flashed a custom ROM as you can only delay the mf3 update 3 times before it auto installs
Good luck!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

vedantgp said:
whatever you do, DONT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET. install through apk's and then go to cm10.2. you can get terminal and the goomanager files, and install w/o internet....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
txtech89 said:
Also I agree don't connect to the internet until after you have rooted and flashed a custom ROM as you can only delay the mf3 update 3 times before it auto installs
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Click to collapse
That was the plan guys- thanks! I've done my homework
I think thats what I'm gonna do. I'll see if I can find a MDL, and if not.... i'll cross that bridge when i get there.
Thanks for the help, friends!

Your welcome. I'm confident that you'll be able to find an MDL version laying around at one of the stores
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

txtech89 said:
Your welcome. I'm confident that you'll be able to find an MDL version laying around at one of the stores
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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I just picked up a 32GB version yesterday.
It has AMDL firmware. Turned on airplane mode as soon as I could and rooted then renamed the file to prevent an OTA.

billinaz said:
I just picked up a 32GB version yesterday.
It has AMDL firmware. Turned on airplane mode as soon as I could and rooted then renamed the file to prevent an OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good news! Thanks! Is it september 1 yet?

Well, from here on out...ATT released a statement a few weeks ago stating they no longer will be supporting unlocked devices...which means all their smart phones will theoretically have a locked boot loader.
With that said...personally I wouldn't get another device and sell it for the Google edition. As far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong someone) the Google edition does not support touchwiz ROMs, only aosp. However you can get the T-Mobile variant which has an unlocked boot loader and allows you to flash anything from touch wiz to aosp based ROMs to the actual Google edition ROM...plus the T-Mobile supports all the bands that ATT uses so you won't have problems with service
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

mg2195 said:
Well, from here on out...ATT released a statement a few weeks ago stating they no longer will be supporting unlocked devices...which means all their smart phones will theoretically have a locked boot loader.
With that said...personally I wouldn't get another device and sell it for the Google edition. As far as I know (correct me if I'm wrong someone) the Google edition does not support touchwiz ROMs, only aosp. However you can get the T-Mobile variant which has an unlocked boot loader and allows you to flash anything from touch wiz to aosp based ROMs to the actual Google edition ROM...plus the T-Mobile supports all the bands that ATT uses so you won't have problems with service
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the google edition (i9505G) is theoretically an i9505 running a nexus firmware... you should have no issues running a touchwiz rom made for i9505.

funny thing is when i got mine it was on MDL from at&t about a month and a half ago and it never onced tried to update. then i had to do a factory reset which put me on MDB and i want to go back to MDL. theres an over the air update now that im on MDB but i froze the apk because im scared its the MF3 firmware. i'd love to go back to MDL though is that even possible ?

I seen a little bit of bad information here that I feel I should clear up.
When you first get your device on MDL. Just don't insert the SIM card. You can power it on, and keep wifi completely open. No airplane mode needed. The OTA is pushed through on the AT&T network. If you don't have the SIM in on boot, it will not pull the update. The reason behind this is that the Phone verifies the network you are connected to. It can't verify AT&T without the SIM.
The only way you could possibly get the update without the SIM in is if you turn the phone on with the activated SIM, at this point it calls for the update. When on WiFi, it downloads it. So as soon as it calls for the update, you then need to remove required items to stop it. Even if you pull the SIM it will continue the download. So just don't turn it on with the SIM in it. I know this from personal experience and reading the Forums.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

graydiggy said:
I seen a little bit of bad information here that I feel I should clear up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the clear up! I was under the impression it would download as soon as i was connected to wifi.
Thanks again!:good:

Even if it downloads you don't have to install it. You can always disable the apps that prompt you to update.

I was in the same boat, being ready to upgrade after MF3 was released.
I spent the last two days checking 7 different ATT stores in the Los Angeles area for a 16GB S4 with the MDL firmware, unfortunately they had all been sold or replaced with the newer update. I was lucky to find one store that still had a 32GB version with MDL. I really dont need the extra 16GB, especially for an extra $50, but as long as i can Loki the damn thing Im happy. You might have to look for a 32GB version if you want a chance to find one as these do not sell anywhere near as frequently as the 16GB model.
Just do not put the SIM in until you block the OTA packages.

graydiggy said:
I seen a little bit of bad information here that I feel I should clear up.
When you first get your device on MDL. Just don't insert the SIM card. You can power it on, and keep wifi completely open. No airplane mode needed. The OTA is pushed through on the AT&T network. If you don't have the SIM in on boot, it will not pull the update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The above quote is inaccurate. I purchased a used MDL S4 during the last week of August. For the first few days, I did not activate the SIM. However, whenever I turned on Wi-Fi, the update would start to download immediately.
Short story: I placed the su binary and su app on the root of the internal sd card via Samsung Kies, ran CASUAL to root the phone and install twrp, downloaded Quick Terminal via my desktop, placed Quick Terminal on the phone via Kies, installed it, then used Quick Terminal to disable the three apps causing the OTA update as well as delete the fragment of the update that downloaded via Wi-Fi. (I posted the commands in the loki, motochopper thread.)
After doing this, I activated the SIM and didn't have to rush to find a ROM since OTA was disabled.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Just got back from upgrading to the S4. I asked the clerk to look for a MDB or MDL and lo and behold he walked out from the back with a Black Mist 16GB MDL in his hand. Damn am I glad. :good:

New to the S4

So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?

SuperMiguel said:
So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since you are new to the Galaxy S4 ZI would highly recommend you read the post at the link below. Depending on what release your phone is on, there are some unfortunate consequences to having an S4 at the moment.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
If you are not on the OTA MF3 or MJ9 you are very fortunate and should start by reading this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
Your most immediate focus should be on getting root so you can freeze the AT&T software update app as well as the FWUpgrade and I believe LocalFOTA apps so your phone is not FORCED to update to the latest AT&T releases which have a locked bootloader.
I hope this helps and good luck,

drichter12 said:
Since you are new to the Galaxy S4 ZI would highly recommend you read the post at the link below. Depending on what release your phone is on, there are some unfortunate consequences to having an S4 at the moment.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
If you are not on the OTA MF3 or MJ9 you are very fortunate and should start by reading this post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now since i just ordered the phone from ATT how do i check if im not on the OTA MF3?

SuperMiguel said:
Now since i just ordered the phone from ATT how do i check if im not on the OTA MF3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you just ordered a new s4 from AT&T you will most likely be on MF3 (I337UCUAMF3 is the baseband version) since it has been out for a while. You could luck out and get one that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and still has an older rom on it but unfortunately you will not know until you get it in your hands and look in the "About Device" tab. If you do happen to luck out, keep WiFi off until you can get rooted to try and keep the phone from force updating (which appears to have happened to many users even after they declined the update) before you have a chance to freeze the update apps.
Let us know how it goes,

drichter12 said:
Well, if you just ordered a new s4 from AT&T you will most likely be on MF3 (I337UCUAMF3 is the baseband version) since it has been out for a while. You could luck out and get one that has been sitting on a shelf for a while and still has an older rom on it but unfortunately you will not know until you get it in your hands and look in the "About Device" tab. If you do happen to luck out, keep WiFi off until you can get rooted to try and keep the phone from force updating (which appears to have happened to many users even after they declined the update) before you have a chance to freeze the update apps.
Let us know how it goes,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something

SuperMiguel said:
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are no indicators outside the phone..... If you are on MF3, there is a proven root method that will at least give you root, just not the ability to install a custom recovery. The first link in my original message explains the work-around so you can at least get some custom roms (currently only TW based roms) to work on an MF3 phone but until the dev community can unlock the bootloader that is the best option there is.

drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone..... If you are on MF3, there is a proven root method that will at least give you root, just not the ability to install a custom recovery. The first link in my original message explains the work-around so you can at least get some custom roms (currently only TW based roms) to work on an MF3 phone but until the dev community can unlock the bootloader that is the best option there is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha, so one of the main reasons i wanted to get this phone was to "start" doing custom rooms, etc, etc i guess i didnt pick a right platform? ill be a bit pissed if i cant load my own room

if you're wanting to do custom roms, return the phone before opening it and get your cash back. Though there's a lot of great development on the MDL basebands and the phone is a great phone, the MF3 and new one (MJ9?) have locked bootloaders that haven't been broken yet. I personally wouldn't take the risk of being stuck on a later baseband and i'd get a different phone like the HTC one max or the N5

I just really want to know why the S4 I bought last night won't update to 4.3 OTA...

Ya at the moment i have the HTC one (regular one) and screen cracked so needed a replacement.. Also i got the 32GB sam S4 for $150 so i think im better off selling it and getting a N5... not sure yet..

SuperMiguel said:
Ya at the moment i have the HTC one (regular one) and screen cracked so needed a replacement.. Also i got the 32GB sam S4 for $150 so i think im better off selling it and getting a N5... not sure yet..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you can stomach the wait buy from google, if you can't there's swappa and craigslist. I'm planning on selling my S4, going back to my i717 (OG note) and ordering the N5 from google. I like my i717 better than the S4 anyway.

Theoriginalgiga said:
If you can stomach the wait buy from google, if you can't there's swappa and craigslist. I'm planning on selling my S4, going back to my i717 (OG note) and ordering the N5 from google. I like my i717 better than the S4 anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the 32GB says shipping dec 4th so not that long wait..

SuperMiguel said:
Ummmmm so if it is MF3, im out of luck? no fix for it... Does the box show the baseband version? I rather sell it unopened and get a Nexus 5 or something
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the outside of the box.

drichter12 said:
There are no indicators outside the phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. The firmware version is included in the label on the outside of the box. No need to open the box to check it.
Edit: See photo in above post. Looks like we were typing at the same time.

SuperMiguel said:
So i just got an S4 comming from a HTC one, and was wondering whats the current best rom for this phone? Is 4.4 available yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As you now have some guidance from users, and we typically do not allow "best rom discussion" as they turn into arguments. I suggest all users read and learn the pros and cons of what the latest issues are with the official OTA's....
Thread is closed.

[N00B] I have an idea for downgrade

Ok, so I have an idea to like downgrade from mk2 or mf3... I am a noob to i337, so please explain to me WHY I can't do this before flaming :C
So we obv can't flash because of Samsung's locked bootloader and knox and stuff, but what if we were to completely wipe our phone. Not like a regular "I'ma factory reset my brick yo!" No no no, I mean completely getting rid of EVERYTHING. Modem, kernel, everything to make it as if you haven't gotten a single flash of ANYTHING on your phone, as if your phone is just getting it's software installed. THEN, we flash a MDL and everything for 4.1.2, or practically whatever came before mf3 (since my phone was shipped with that, I never really took the time to research what came before so I'm not sure what version is before). So, I'm thinking maybe someone has actually tried this, and thinking someone has not... Just want to find out if you can, and if you can't, why not.
Thanks
P.S: Wasn't sure whether to post in General or Q&A, so I posted it here

Because when your phone updated to mf3 or later it blows a q fuse that makes it impossible. It's beyond software. It's a hardware issue
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Ends said:
Because when your phone updated to mf3 or later it blows a q fuse that makes it impossible. It's beyond software. It's a hardware issue
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok, well in that case (sorry I'm a noob) whats a qfuse? I've searched it up and haven't really gotten anywhere with it

SkyAttacksX said:
Oh ok, well in that case (sorry I'm a noob) whats a qfuse? I've searched it up and haven't really gotten anywhere with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I've read, it's a piece of hardware that only counts up. It is checked when attempting to flash old bootloaders.

DeadlySin9 said:
From what I've read, it's a piece of hardware that only counts up. It is checked when attempting to flash old bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This seems like a good place to ask this question: does flashing 4.3 MK2 blow another qfuse? And if we're already on MF3, would you recommend waiting to update and not blowing that qfuse in case that might be the key to regaining access to custom recovery? Or are we doomed forever already and I should just go ahead and take the update?

karate104 said:
This seems like a good place to ask this question: does flashing 4.3 MK2 blow another qfuse? And if we're already on MF3, would you recommend waiting to update and not blowing that qfuse in case that might be the key to regaining access to custom recovery? Or are we doomed forever already and I should just go ahead and take the update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MK2 does trip it, so no MF3 downgrade. Whether or not you upgrade is really up to you: progress is not coming too quickly and unless Samsung patched a security hole we haven't even found yet in the boot loader there's a chance any MF3 exploit may carry over. I would recommend MF3 personally since you can still use Safestrap for some freedom and it'll be less difficult since they won't have Knox to work around.

Hmmm... so it's a piece of hardware huh... would it be possible to remove this hardware? I took apart my S3 when the screen broke to see what was going on internally so if I'm correct, you can take apart the S4, right?
EDIT : Then again, that hardware could be pretty itty bitty...

SkyAttacksX said:
Hmmm... so it's a piece of hardware huh... would it be possible to remove this hardware? I took apart my S3 when the screen broke to see what was going on internally so if I'm correct, you can take apart the S4, right?
EDIT : Then again, that hardware could be pretty itty bitty...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it would be better for someone to hack the firmware and alter it to make it "think" it has checked this piece of hardware and return a favorable response.
However, i am no developer...

joeybear23 said:
I think it would be better for someone to hack the firmware and alter it to make it "think" it has checked this piece of hardware and return a favorable response.
However, i am no developer...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmmm I've wanted to be a dev for quite some time and I am only 14... However I did do a little noob java scripting for irc chats back when I was like 10, so if you know anyone willing to teach me the basics and give me the structure to adb and coding for android and all that, that'd be great

SkyAttacksX said:
Hmmmm I've wanted to be a dev for quite some time and I am only 14... However I did do a little noob java scripting for irc chats back when I was like 10, so if you know anyone willing to teach me the basics and give me the structure to adb and coding for android and all that, that'd be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a great community. PM some of the developers and they can probably point you in the right direction to get started.

LOL.. If it were that easy, it would have already been done.

joeybear23 said:
This is a great community. PM some of the developers and they can probably point you in the right direction to get started.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, thanks a ton! +1

custommx3 said:
LOL.. If it were that easy, it would have already been done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't help

I still have a S4, and I never did the update, so I can flash roms, but do as I am fixing to do, I am fixing to sell the wifes S4 MF3, you can still get $500-$600 and get a T-Mobile Note 3.....there are people who know nothing of flashing roms that will pay that price....quit wasting time looking for a solution as the devs that were working on it moved on to different devices....you can bet that there will be no fix for this in the near future.....keep in mind that this is NO software problem.
.

TheAxman said:
I still have a S4, and I never did the update, so I can flash roms, but do as I am fixing to do, I am fixing to sell the wifes S4 MF3, you can still get $500-$600 and get a T-Mobile Note 3.....there are people who know nothing of flashing roms that will pay that price....quit wasting time looking for a solution as the devs that were working on it moved on to different devices....you can bet that there will be no fix for this in the near future.....keep in mind that this is NO software problem.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CURRENTLY CHATTING WITH SAMSUNG (SORRY FOR CAPS JUST SO EXCITED ) This is what they said just now after I asked about an eFuse/qFuse. Tell me if this is invalid!!!
******: As of now, I would like to inform you that, eFuse is not available in S4 mobile.
This is what the rep has said so far for the i337, will be updating further soon
UPDATE BEFORE POST : I had to ask them this, as I am a newbie and I didn't want to put the burden on you guys.
Visitor: Thank you very much. If you don't mind, is there a difference between qFuse and eFuse?
******: You are welcome. I wish I could have helped you in this regard. However we in live chat have information regarding the US model devices trouble shooting only.
So I guess this could mean they aren't completely suited for these types of Q&A's? Either way, rumors did spread about eFuse stuff being involved but I was just told officially that this was incorrect. Please tell me if I am wrong? Or I might have to start a new thread on this, rather.

SkyAttacksX said:
CURRENTLY CHATTING WITH SAMSUNG (SORRY FOR CAPS JUST SO EXCITED ) This is what they said just now after I asked about an eFuse/qFuse. Tell me if this is invalid!!!
******: As of now, I would like to inform you that, eFuse is not available in S4 mobile.
This is what the rep has said so far for the i337, will be updating further soon
UPDATE BEFORE POST : I had to ask them this, as I am a newbie and I didn't want to put the burden on you guys.
Visitor: Thank you very much. If you don't mind, is there a difference between qFuse and eFuse?
******: You are welcome. I wish I could have helped you in this regard. However we in live chat have information regarding the US model devices trouble shooting only.
So I guess this could mean they aren't completely suited for these types of Q&A's? Either way, rumors did spread about eFuse stuff being involved but I was just told officially that this was incorrect. Please tell me if I am wrong? Or I might have to start a new thread on this, rather.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung customer service reps have no clue about the device other than what's on their scripts. A noob on xda has 100 times the knowledge they do

jd1639 said:
Samsung customer service reps have no clue about the device other than what's on their scripts. A noob on xda has 100 times the knowledge they do
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My hopes

TheAxman said:
I still have a S4, and I never did the update, so I can flash roms, but do as I am fixing to do, I am fixing to sell the wifes S4 MF3, you can still get $500-$600 and get a T-Mobile Note 3.....there are people who know nothing of flashing roms that will pay that price....quit wasting time looking for a solution as the devs that were working on it moved on to different devices....you can bet that there will be no fix for this in the near future.....keep in mind that this is NO software problem.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind the T-Mobile Note 3, N900T gets really bad LTE reception when using an AT&T sim. In places that had a -90dbm LTE signal on the S4 wouldn't even connect to LTE on the N900T for me. The device also got really warm when it was connected to LTE. I don't know if that's because the N900T isn't optimized for band 17, or just a way for them to discourage people from using AT&T.
Developers for the S4 have not called it quits. They are currently working on bringing safestrap to the latest MK2 update.

I'm really just wasting my time here because actually "searching" for any of the stuff in this thread would have provided answers, but I guess posting the information 1001 times is no different than the 1000 times it's already been posted.
A q-fuse involves hardware on some level, an e-fuse is software related. The AT&T S4 used q-fuses to increment firmware boot-loaders. It was incremented between MDL and MF3. It was incremented again between MF3 and MJ6. And it was increased again between MJ6 and MK2. When it is incremented, YOU CAN NOT GO BACK TO A PREVIOUS FIRMWARE...PERIOD! You can not simply change the information in aboot. Any changes invalidate Samsung's signature and without their encrypted key, a file CAN NOT be resigned.

scott14719 said:
I'm really just wasting my time here because actually "searching" for any of the stuff in this thread would have provided answers, but I guess posting the information 1001 times is no different than the 1000 times it's already been posted.
A q-fuse involves hardware on some level, an e-fuse is software related. The AT&T S4 used q-fuses to increment firmware boot-loaders. It was incremented between MDL and MF3. It was incremented again between MF3 and MJ6. And it was increased again between MJ6 and MK2. When it is incremented, YOU CAN NOT GO BACK TO A PREVIOUS FIRMWARE...PERIOD! You can not simply change the information in aboot. Any changes invalidate Samsung's signature and without their encrypted key, a file CAN NOT be resigned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very much sorry for that. However, do not misinterpret me when I say this but, your post was unnecessary as someone already said qFuse was on a hardware level. I dedicated a bunch of today to S4 and the I337 model specifically. Tomorrow or Wednesday is when I'll be sending some PMs to Devs
Basically, thread is over with. Thanks everyone