Database Users

[Q] Questions about FW updates on my S4..

I'm used to my Skyrocket so I'm not too noobish, but the s4 is different so I want to do this right.
So I have been reading Haphim's thread listed below about getting his new phone and he said it came with the MDL fw.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432816
Mine came with MDB FW. I immediately turned off the OTA updates after I rooted the phone. I had some issues trying to rename the Data Management app, so I used TBU to freeze it. Thank goodness ~wolverine~ posted a link to the 3 updates I needed to freeze. I found 2 of the 3 updates, but FWUpgrade x.x.x was not listed on my device. Is this because of the age of my firmware? This was NEW in the box, so I must have gotten one that had been sitting on a shelf somewhere, that is if the MDB fw is older..
Now if the above holds true about the MDB FW, are there any advantages of this one over any others?
What about modems? Can I update to a newer modem without upgrading my FW?
I'd like to go to a newer TW based rom (I have a Samsung TV and would prefer to use Allshare, ect). Can I do this with just flashing the rom via TWRP? Do I need a newer modem to do so? I saw some mention that an international version of TW rom is better. Why would that be? I'd like to jump to 4.3, but I'm still on 4.2.2.
Just a side question, does the CM based roms have Bluetooth issues? the Skyrocket CM based roms had connectivity issues where you'd have to reboot to get BT functionality back.
Sorry for the list of questions, I just got this phone and do not want to brick it.

I'm assuming you already found this, but if not it's a good place to start. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42320391
Flashing roms is not as straight forward as the sr as the boot loader is locked and you need to use Loki to work around it. If it were mine I'd Odin to mdl, root it and freeze the update apps so you don't get mf3. Then do more research until you're comfortable flashing.

Thanks for the reply. The thread you linked was very informative.. but..
What about the other questions? Modems, CM issues, ect?

[Q] Some questions about rooting

Hello guys, I have some questions I am hoping you experienced people can answer for me.
After doing a bunch of research, I am left a bit confused since a lot of the posts are older, and things have changed over the last few months, especially with locked bootloaders and such.
My current phone is:
-Samsung S4 (Fido based) SGH-i337M
-Android Version 4.3
-Baseband Version i337MVLUEMK6
I only want to ROOT the phone, so I can remove a bunch of excess Samsung bloatware that I never use, I am not really interested in custom ROM's at this time.
1. What is a Custom Recovery exactly?
I keep reading about Custom Recoveries but I don't really know what they are exactly... . Is this just a Firmware mirror that I can go back to at any time AFTER I root the device? Do I need to root the device to CREATE the Custom Recovery?
2. CAN I go back to "Stock" easily? Can I just find the original 4.3 Samsung FW and load it up?
3. I know that moving to 4.4 will require another Root when it becomes available later this month from Samsung, however can I go to the Default Android 4.4 ROM at this time, skipping all the Samsung Stuff?
4. I see a programmed called KINGO offering to root my phone for me, but then somebody said something about there not being a Custom Recovery available for it, which goes up to my original question. Can I not just revert back to unrooted status after?
Thanks to anybody who can help me with these noobish questions, I appreciate it.

I don't have your model so don't want to guess at rooting.
But:
Do not remove Bloatware after rooted. Get Titanium BackuP from the Market. The paid version (support devs) and just freeze the apps until you know they have no negative impact after freezing.
Do a Nandroid ASAP and put a copy on PC also.
Read this on your Recovery question:
http://freedupthoughts.com/2013/04/what-is-custom-recovery-why-should-i.html
You have an unlocked bootloader with the i337m
Someone else can address correct rooting for your specific device and get the correct recovery for it. I prefer TWRP.

How to upgrade after root

HI.
I really liked the idea of keeping pretty stock (ie no custom rom).. but just tweaking with root / xposed etc.
But.. doing that I now cant install firmware upgrades...
Is it possible to remove root so that ota firmware upgrades work? Have no idea as in the past I've just had custom roms..
Thanks!

llewelld said:
HI.
I really liked the idea of keeping pretty stock (ie no custom rom).. but just tweaking with root / xposed etc.
But.. doing that I now cant install firmware upgrades...
Is it possible to remove root so that ota firmware upgrades work? Have no idea as in the past I've just had custom roms..
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the mods will probably move this to Q&A as its where you should be asking this question.
Anyways if your sticking with stock and rooted but want to update the firmware as they come out you simply get it via a full firmware flash from Samsung's own Kies 3 software.
Doing this however breaks your root and any apps/mods that you've installed to the system partition however you can simply just re-root and reinstall any system apps/mods you happened to have installed there.
This is not a big deal and is generally quick and painless.
Also remember that if you use a custom recovery TWRP or CWM doing a full firmware flash will restore the stock recovery and you will half to re-flash that back as well.
You wont get notifications about updates however since your rooted and OTA gone. Just keep an eye on things for your specific device and region for updates. People generally post here on XDA about the new updates when their available as well as firmware update news from Sammobile.com
You can also plug your phone into your computer with Kies3 running and it will check to see if your on the latest firmware available as a way of manually checking.

II had the same doubt. Thank you for the clear explanation.

[Q] Noob Needs Help finding Latest Stock Lolipop ROM for Samsung S4 Canada

Hi Guys,
Can someone please point me in the right direction on where to find the Latest Stock Lolipop ROM for Samsung S4 Canada?
I've searched this site and found several of them but they all appear to be modded. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.

sammobile.com
samsung-updates.com

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
sammobile.com
samsung-updates.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Strephon,
Thanks for your speedy response. How do I know which region is my phone and Does the region matter for which ROM I grab?
http://samsung-updates.com/device/?id=SGH-I337M
Also, can I juse CWM to install or will I need to use Odin?
Thanks again!

To help answer your question, please post the following information:
1. Model Number
2. Android Version, found by going to Settings > More > About device.
3. Firmware Version (AP, CP, CSC), found by dialing *#1234# in the dialer or by installing Phone Info from the Play Store and running it.
4. Service Provider
5. Country
6. Is the phone rooted? (Yes/No)
7. Is a custom ROM installed? (Yes/No, and the name of the ROM)

Hi Strephan,
1. Model Number: SGH-I337M
2. Android Version: Kitkat v4.2.2
3. Firmware Version AP: I337MVLUGOC4, CP: I337MVLUGOC4, CSC: I337MOYAGOC4
4. Service Provider: 7-Eleven Speak Out
5. Country: Canada
6. Is the phone rooted? Yes
7. Is a custom ROM installed? No
I ended up flashing using odin with the following file and everything seems to work fine except for some reason there is a HUGE amount of space that's has been taken up on the internal SD card and I can't seem to figure out what or where it is.
Here's the link to the ROM and instructions I used:
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/45777/I337MVLUGOC4_I337MOYAGOC4_RWC/
Please let me know if there's anything I missed, Sorry for not waiting, I got impatient!
Thanks again for your help

How much is "huge"? You should have about 9GB remaining after the stock ROM is installed.
Oh, and the ROM you installed was fine.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
How much is "huge"? You should have about 9GB remaining after the stock ROM is installed.
Oh, and the ROM you installed was fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey Strephon,
I was left with just under 400 mb after the install. I suspected that it was my CWM backup image taking up the room but after deleting it-it STILL still showed my phone was left with just under 400mb BUT after I rebooted - BAM, total available space now 4.45GB. yay!
I'm tempted now to try out the imperial ROM for lolipop but I'm guessing I'd lose OTA updates right? In fact, I'm guessing I'll lose OTA updates if phone is rooted? Do you know of any custom ROMS that are identical to lolipop but SLIMMED down ie: doesn't have any of the samsung, rogers, bell, crap?
Thanks again for your help Strephon!

Yes, using a custom ROM will cost you OTA updates. But, given the fact you can install a ROM using Odin without losing data, losing OTA updates is simply not a big deal.
None of the Touchwiz custom ROMs have the Rogers, Bell, or Telus bloatware. The Samsung bloatware though is a given on those ROMs. The good news however is that there are guides on the forums here that can be used to customize those ROMs, by deleting the bloatware from the flashable zip before you install it.
The ROMs that aren't based off Touchwiz, in addition to removing the carrier bloatware, also remove all the Samsung bloatware and its customizations, leaving you with something closer to what Google offers on its Nexus 6.
In general, the ROMs in the Android Development subforums are based off Touchwiz, while the ROMs in the Original Android Development subforums don't use Touchwiz at all. However, at least in the Android Development subforum, there can be exceptions.

Hey Strephon,
Just wanted to write about my experience so far.. After flashing to Lolliop 5.01 the email app was slow as molasses retrieving mail, so after some research I discovered doing a cache wipe was supposedly going to fix it..... NOPE! screwed up my phone so then I had to do factory reset. After which FINALLY, it was fixed. THEN, I wanted to get rid of all the bloat ware the stock Lollipop ROM came with. I decided to tackle this with the nifty program called Debloater. After some trial and error removing vital things that resulted in me having to factory reset 3 times and ultimately ending with a full re-install of Lollipop ROM via Odin I FINALLY have my phone setup perfectly the way I want. It was aaaall worth the time and effort, I'm really happy with the results - it's like a brand new phone!
Anyway, just wanted to share this with everyone. Thanks again Strephon and XDA - keep up the awesome work! :good:
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Yes, using a custom ROM will cost you OTA updates. But, given the fact you can install a ROM using Odin without losing data, losing OTA updates is simply not a big deal.
None of the Touchwiz custom ROMs have the Rogers, Bell, or Telus bloatware. The Samsung bloatware though is a given on those ROMs. The good news however is that there are guides on the forums here that can be used to customize those ROMs, by deleting the bloatware from the flashable zip before you install it.
The ROMs that aren't based off Touchwiz, in addition to removing the carrier bloatware, also remove all the Samsung bloatware and its customizations, leaving you with something closer to what Google offers on its Nexus 6.
In general, the ROMs in the Android Development subforums are based off Touchwiz, while the ROMs in the Original Android Development subforums don't use Touchwiz at all. However, at least in the Android Development subforum, there can be exceptions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Ogriv said:
Hey Strephon,
I was left with just under 400 mb after the install. I suspected that it was my CWM backup image taking up the room but after deleting it-it STILL still showed my phone was left with just under 400mb BUT after I rebooted - BAM, total available space now 4.45GB. yay!
I'm tempted now to try out the imperial ROM for lolipop but I'm guessing I'd lose OTA updates right? In fact, I'm guessing I'll lose OTA updates if phone is rooted? Do you know of any custom ROMS that are identical to lolipop but SLIMMED down ie: doesn't have any of the samsung, rogers, bell, crap?
Thanks again for your help Strephon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry about the OTA, we won't be getting any more updates anyways lol?
Tap thanks instead of writing it. Guess what, it's easier!! ??

New around here. Some doubts.

Hello.
Ever since I bought a Galaxy Nexus and found XDA, my life changed. Without noticing I got infected a virus: addiction to Android.
My Nexus got outdated quickly and now is pretty done and I need a new toy. 3,5 years later I finally got some spare money to buy a new phone. Since here in Portugal the minimum wage is around 500€ and top flagship phones cost around 700€ (and there's no affordable contract to get something cheaper and still nice), I had to wait until now to get a used Note 3 for 300€.
I love the phone's design and above all the specs. There's no other phone with 3GB RAM and Snap 800 for this price and I always liked big sized phones.
Well, I write too much unnecessary info... I need to stop
Let's get down to the point. I will get the phone tomorrow!!
TL;DR
How do I check the bootloader version? I want to flash TWRP right away and maybe install a Note4/5 port or something stock Android, do I need to be careful with the bootloader?
I know from other phones (i.e LG G2) that any custom rom uses KK bootloader and the stock roms use their respective version bootloader. Is this also true for the Note?
Also, which version of TWRP should I flash? Does it depend on the stock rom version that I have?
Checking if the device has 2.3x GB of available RAM, if Odin and Recovery have their stock aspect and if the S-Pen works is enough to ensure that the Note I'm getting is truly original?
Well, that's all. I'm sorry if I'm asking the same questions everyone does. I'm used to Nexus so I'm afraid of bricking the Note with dumb moves. That's why I am taking my time to read every important thread and asking here some doubts that went into my mind while doing the required reading. I have no warranty (no box nor invoice) so I can't afford to mess up with the new babe
Cheers!

This app!
diogofd8 said:
Hello.
Ever since I bought a Galaxy Nexus and found XDA, my life changed. Without noticing I got infected a virus: addiction to Android.
My Nexus got outdated quickly and now is pretty done and I need a new toy. 3,5 years later I finally got some spare money to buy a new phone. Since here in Portugal the minimum wage is around 500€ and top flagship phones cost around 700€ (and there's no affordable contract to get something cheaper and still nice), I had to wait until now to get a used Note 3 for 300€.
I love the phone's design and above all the specs. There's no other phone with 3GB RAM and Snap 800 for this price and I always liked big sized phones.
Well, I write too much unnecessary info... I need to stop
Let's get down to the point. I will get the phone tomorrow!!
TL;DR
How do I check the bootloader version? I want to flash TWRP right away and maybe install a Note4/5 port or something stock Android, do I need to be careful with the bootloader?
I know from other phones (i.e LG G2) that any custom rom uses KK bootloader and the stock roms use their respective version bootloader. Is this also true for the Note?
Also, which version of TWRP should I flash? Does it depend on the stock rom version that I have?
Checking if the device has 2.3x GB of available RAM, if Odin and Recovery have their stock aspect and if the S-Pen works is enough to ensure that the Note I'm getting is truly original?
Well, that's all. I'm sorry if I'm asking the same questions everyone does. I'm used to Nexus so I'm afraid of bricking the Note with dumb moves. That's why I am taking my time to read every important thread and asking here some doubts that went into my mind while doing the required reading. I have no warranty (no box nor invoice) so I can't afford to mess up with the new babe
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en
this app will help you confirm your phone.
then you can proceed flashing twrp and supersu, things are so easy for N9005
and Welcome Aboard

Install phone info samsung from playstore. It could tell a lot about your phone.
To make it easy as long as the phone is running with android version 4.4.2 and above you should use twrp 4.4. If 4.3 use the right one for 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G925F

White Note3 do you have? There are several versions made by Samsung.
Regardless of the bootloader on the phone, I recommend using the latest TWRP as the latest TWRP can be used to flash all ROMs and zip files. Find your device from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
Before moving to custom ROMs, I also recommend installing the latest bootlloader and ROM.
Not sure if your phone still has warranty but if it does, I would not change the ROM or root because doing either may trip the knox counter and void the warranty.

nijom said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en
this app will help you confirm your phone.
then you can proceed flashing twrp and supersu, things are so easy for N9005
and Welcome Aboard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I will keep the link in my favorites and install the app when I get the chance to test things.
Rosli59564 said:
Install phone info samsung from playstore. It could tell a lot about your phone.
To make it easy as long as the phone is running with android version 4.4.2 and above you should use twrp 4.4. If 4.3 use the right one for 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G925F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm pretty sure it has 4.4.x or lollipop. Should I update to any of those versions (just in case it comes with 4.3) first and then install TWRP?
audit13 said:
White Note3 do you have? There are several versions made by Samsung.
Regardless of the bootloader on the phone, I recommend using the latest TWRP as the latest TWRP can be used to flash all ROMs and zip files. Find your device from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
Before moving to custom ROMs, I also recommend installing the latest bootlloader and ROM.
Not sure if your phone still has warranty but if it does, I would not change the ROM or root because doing either may trip the knox counter and void the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone doesn't come with box nor invoice so I don't have any warranty xd
What is the number or version of the latest bootloader?

What is the model # of the phone? There is the n-900t, n9005, n-900w8, etc.

N9005, it's the european unlocked version

The model # is important when asking questions because the AT&T version of the note 3 has a locked bootloader so it's more complicated to flash custom recovery and to get root.
If you want to run custom ROMs, I recommend upgrading to the latest modem and bootloader, install a custom recovery, back up your stock ROM, and try some custom ROMs to see which one you like.
Look for the tar version of TWRP for your phone from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
You can flash TWRP with Odin.

audit13 said:
The model # is important when asking questions because the AT&T version of the note 3 has a locked bootloader so it's more complicated to flash custom recovery and to get root.
If you want to run custom ROMs, I recommend upgrading to the latest modem and bootloader, install a custom recovery, back up your stock ROM, and try some custom ROMs to see which one you like.
Look for the tar version of TWRP for your phone from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
You can flash TWRP with Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll get the phone tomorrow!!!!!
So, by upgrading to the latest official rom avaiable I'll have the most recent modem and bootloader, right?
Do I need to follow the order you mentioned: modem->bootloader->recovery->backup->croms or can I flash TWRP, backup every partition, flash most recent modem and bootloader (not sure if I can flash a bootloader) and then install croms?

No, only flashing a newer custom ROM won't update your Bootloader and Modem. You will need to flash those files separately via Odin. Then you can flash the custom ROM you want. The order is simple. Get a custom recovery first, TWRP. Then update your Modem and Bootloader. Then wipe the device from TWRP (full wipe, take backup beforehand if you need) and flash the custom ROM of your choice.

Safest way to upgrade the modem and bootloader is via ota update on a completely stock unrooted rom with stock recovery. After the phone is running the latest rom, then start with customization.

audit13 said:
Safest way to upgrade the modem and bootloader is via ota update on a completely stock unrooted rom with stock recovery. After the phone is running the latest rom, then start with customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the phone and managed to update it to 5.0 -> n9005xxugboa1
Is it the latest version or should I update it to another one?

BOD2 appears to be the latest according to sammobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N9005/

audit13 said:
BOD2 appears to be the latest according to sammobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N9005/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from Portugal but the phone is unlocked (no carrier) and they only have firmware for carrier notes... Which one should I download and flash?
Also... with a G2 I flashed a .kdz file (official rom) and ended up with a bricked phone (later fixed via warranty), but I have no warranty in this phone, how can I make sure that the file is safe?

Just check for software updates from your phone.

audit13 said:
Just check for software updates from your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says the phone is already at the latest version. I've cleaned framework services and checked again but got the same result.

Try removing the SIM card and moving the date ahead by two days, then try again.

audit13 said:
Try removing the SIM card and moving the date ahead by two days, then try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done that, no update avaiable. Connected to Kies3, no update avaiable.
Is it really in a old version? It's 5.0. Do I really need the latest version to start flashing a recovery?
Also, can I use the recovery without flashing it? I want to check if it works nicely before flashing if it is possible. TWRP can be used to flash any rom right? I'm interested in trying darklord first.

Yes, you can flash recovery without updating. I suggested updating because the update probably deals with the stage fright bug.