Chainfire 3D on SGH-I337 problem - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I rooted my galaxy s4, OTA MF3 updated, I accidently installed Chainfire 3d and tapped 'install CF3D driver', and instantly the device reboots and stuck at at&t logo. i tried latest stock firmware to flash with Odin 3.07, but it says
<NAND write start>
<FAIL(Auth)>
.
also did factory reset but it stuck at the at&t logo every time.
what should i do!!
I sent my device to MobileTechVideos for JTAG brick repair and ROM/root upgrade.
do you think they can fix it with JTAG?

Please tell me this isn't the same guy from a few days ago with a different username.
If not. You did not accidentally install it! You have to click install and accept in the play store then install the drivers through the app. You intentionally installed it but you were too busy NOT reading anything that says that it is only compatible on specific hardware. Now you are screwed and have no way to fix it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Way too coincidental...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419863
If it's not you, please read that thread so we don't have to keep cluttering the board up with the same stuff over and over again. Any help you will find for your issue has been posted in that thread.
If it is you, I hope you are banned for multiple accounts.

OH NO
graydiggy said:
Please tell me this isn't the same guy from a few days ago with a different username.
If not. You did not accidentally install it! You have to click install and accept in the play store. You intentionally installed it but you were too busy NOT reading anything that says that it is only compatible on specific hardware. Now you are screwed and have no way to fix it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it can't be fixed ANYWAY? by the way, why do you think the Odin doesn't work? i want to know why my device can't be fixed. explain to me please, why can't it be fixed and what is the problem that make it unable to fix.

You are on MF3. Thee is no custom recovery on MF3. There is no ODIN flashable MF3 ROMs, there is no MF3 on Kies.
If you would read the stickies and most MF3 related threads, you would know that there is no way to come back from messing up on MF3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Nope i'm not that guy
graydiggy said:
Please tell me this isn't the same guy from a few days ago with a different username.
If not. You did not accidentally install it! You have to click install and accept in the play store then install the drivers through the app. You intentionally installed it but you were too busy NOT reading anything that says that it is only compatible on specific hardware. Now you are screwed and have no way to fix it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you mean the guy who posted same problem few days ago?

Yep... Created multiple threads on it too.. scott14719 posted a link.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

.
graydiggy said:
You are on MF3. Thee is no custom recovery on MF3. There is no ODIN flashable MF3 ROMs, there is no MF3 on Kies.
If you would read the stickies and most MF3 related threads, you would know that there is no way to come back from messing up on MF3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed Clockworkmod recovery and did the factory reset. isn't Clockworkmod recovery a custom recovery? so that means, i have to collect 400 dollars and switch the mainboard at at&t or should i wait until odin flashable MF3 comes out? i just bought galaxy s4 a week ago.
anyway i'll find my way to solve this even if that means i have to switch mainboard. thanks for replying.

If you are truly on MF3,you would not be able to install CWM.
It means that you have a $650 paperweight for the time being until you
A: Get it replaced
B: Get a new motherboard
C: learn ADB and can fix it with that
D: Try a J-Tag repair
E: Wait until the bootloader gets unlocked. If it is even possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

graydiggy said:
If you are truly on MF3,you would not be able to install CWM.
It means that you have a $650 paperweight for the time being until you
A: Get it replaced
B: Get a new motherboard
C: learn ADB and can fix it with that
D: Try a J-Tag repair
E: Wait until the bootloader gets unlocked. If it is even possible.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A: Yep
B: Would be better off getting another phone. I'm not sure if the NV memory is located on the Motherboard or not?
C: ADB might not be able to connect if he can't get the phone booted.
D: So far JTAG is a no-go on MF3.
C: Yep, but hopefully Samsung will release the full MF3 firmware (hopefully through KIES as well) that will be able to reflash the firmware to the phone.
I would say replace it or be screwed until MF3 firmware drops.

Noooooooooooo
scott14719 said:
A: Yep
B: Would be better off getting another phone. I'm not sure if the NV memory is located on the Motherboard or not?
C: ADB might not be able to connect if he can't get the phone booted.
D: So far JTAG is a no-go on MF3.
C: Yep, but hopefully Samsung will release the full MF3 firmware (hopefully through KIES as well) that will be able to reflash the firmware to the phone.
I would say replace it or be screwed until MF3 firmware drops.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did AT&T updated to MF3!!!!!!!!!! do if MF3 comes out, does that mean i can flash that with Odin?
i should say MF3 stands for Mother+F word times 3. anyway thanks for replying.
I sent my device for JTAG yesterday. they might not fix it

ryujeff said:
Why did AT&T updated to MF3!!!!!!!!!! do if MF3 comes out, does that mean i can flash that with Odin?
i should say MF3 stands for Mother+F word times 3. anyway thanks for replying.
I sent my device for JTAG yesterday. they might not fix it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure AT&T views MF3 as a complete success. It's just the people interested in customizing and modding their phones (XDA minded people) that hate it.
When Samsung releases the full MF3 firmware, you should be able to use ODIN to flash back to stock. However, no one will know for sure until it is released. It has been a while since the MF3 OTA started to roll out, so if Samsung is going to release the full MF3 firmware, it should be soon.
As far as JTAG goes, I haven't seen a successful flash yet. I think the JTAG people are waiting for the firmware release as well.

I thought J-Tag works for flashing MF3 but doesn't work for downgrade. It doesn't work for both?
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scott14719 said:
I'm sure AT&T views MF3 as a complete success. It's just the people interested in customizing and modding their phones (XDA minded people) that hate it.
When Samsung releases the full MF3 firmware, you should be able to use ODIN to flash back to stock. However, no one will know for sure until it is released. It has been a while since the MF3 OTA started to roll out, so if Samsung is going to release the full MF3 firmware, it should be soon.
As far as JTAG goes, I haven't seen a successful flash yet. I think the JTAG people are waiting for the firmware release as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yay! thank you so much for at least giving me hope to fix my device. i was very experienced developer of galaxy a, you may never heard of galaxy a. it was released only in Korea. i thought galaxy s4 might be similar to galaxy a. i should've studied more. in Korea, we used to make custom roms flashable by Odin. XDA doesn't seem to have roms that are flashable with Odin. i used to make my own roms. please could you help me fixing my phone when MF3 releases? i don't know a lot about galaxy s4. again, thank you.

XDA is full of ODIN flashable Stuff. MF3 is just locked tight. We are working on some stuff to make it better for now until there is a bootloader unlock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

graydiggy said:
XDA is full of ODIN flashable Stuff. MF3 is just locked tight. We are working on some stuff to make it better for now until there is a bootloader unlock.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't know that! thanks!

graydiggy said:
I thought J-Tag works for flashing MF3 but doesn't work for downgrade. It doesn't work for both?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is from the thread when Aou was trying to JTAG his device...
well i finally got in touch with mobile tech and got a refund/explanation of our problem it seems the qfuse being blown is the main reason this is happening..
Unfortunately, we were not able to repair your device. The device's onboard EMMC controller was in a non-responsive state. It is advised to try out warranty replacement if possible or to search for a parts device and use it's mainboard for the swap.
The blown fuse is the reason JTAG (or ODIN / KIES) for that matter) can not revert the device to a previous firmware.
Once the full MF3 firmware is available, it will probably be possible to restore the device via JTAG to MF3, but as we know, the MF3 firmware is not yet available. Therefore, it can not be done (yet). And once / if it is released, there is no guarantee it will work until it is tried.
The quote from Mobile Tech above mentions swapping mainboards, but I don't think it will work due to the NV memory I mentioned before (but maybe it can?).
Anyway, the key seems to be wait until the full MF3 firmware is released or wait until / if the bootloader is unlocked. I think the firmware is the better bet and it isn't guaranteed.

Switching out motherboards should be no issue. All that is being done is dropping it into the back of the screen, plugging in some flex cables, slap it back together and booting it up. I know why we can't downgrade, just didn't realize that a full system dump of MF3 was not enough for J-Tag.
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ryujeff said:
Didn't know that! thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, be careful. The SGH-I337 (AT&T S4) has a locked bootloader, so only official firmware (signed by Samsung's encrypted key) can be flashed via ODIN. To complicate things, the MF3 update (which you have) made the previous firmwares unflashable via ODIN. Phones that did not update to MF3 (still on MDB or MDL firmware) have the ability to flash Custom recoveries and Roms because of an exploit called "LOKI". LOKI was patched when the MF3 OTA was released. So any phone on MF3 can not flash recoveries or ROMs at this point. ODIN is basically useless for the time being.
I highly suggest you read the "pinned" threads in the "general" and Q & A sections. Alsor ead the threads that have "MF3" in the titles. This will give you a good understanding of what your options are if / when you can repair your phone. There is a method being developed that would allow several custom Roms to exist on the phone (MF3), but it hasn't been tested or released yet. The thread about it is in the "general" section as well. However, again, it will do you no good unless you get your phone repaired / replaced.
---------- Post added at 12:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 AM ----------
graydiggy said:
Switching out motherboards should be no issue. All that is being done is dropping it into the back of the screen, plugging in some flex cables, slap it back together and booting it up. I know why we can't downgrade, just didn't realize that a full system dump of MF3 was not enough for J-Tag.
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I realize the physical action of switching motherboards isn't an issue, I was just wondering if it would do any good? If the NV memory remains in another area of the circuitry, or other memory remains that still has a part of the MF3 bootloader structure intact, switching the motherboard by itself won't do any good. If all structures of the MF3 bootloader are included on the motherboard, maybe it would work.
Also, last I knew, bootloaders can't be pulled via system dump. They have to be obtained via official firmware release. In the case of MF3, the bootloader parts from the OTA can't be combined with a system dump from a post OTA MF3 device because of signing issues. It just doesn't work. It's been tried. I know there are a couple of MF3 Tar balls floating around but they are only good for parting out. Aou has tried a bunch of this stuff. Honestly, I do not know 100% of the technical reasons why it won't work. I have a pretty good understanding but that is it. Truly, the MF3 Bootloader is the problem and until the full, official, MF3 firmware is released from Samsung (or a signing key is released / leaked) I don't see much happening in the area of repairing / restoring bricked MF3 devices.

It shouldn't remain. The only other parts that are separate from the motherboard and screen assembly. Are the charging port assembly/flex,the camera, the softkeys/home button assembly and the back housing that just holds antennas. None of that should have anything on it that would hold any residual MF3 data. Even if something did, it would have to hold the whole update to possibly do any kind of damage in eras of installation and blowing the Qfuse. If it did not and it blew the fuse without updating, it would instantly render the device useless if the motherboard had MDL on it.
All data is stored in the motherboard.
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Related

[Q] gs4 mf3 no bootable rom

i did some stupid stuff with safestrap. i attempted to install a rom over my stock rom. and it said it failed. now its in a bootloop. anyway i could get the original file that came with the mf3 update?
IS33D34DP30PL3 said:
i did some stupid stuff with safestrap. i attempted to install a rom over my stock rom. and it said it failed. now its in a bootloop. anyway i could get the original file that came with the mf3 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no original file for mf3. Safestrap is new and I'm curious how you recover from what you did. Hopefully someone else is more helpful but keep us posted on your outcome. It could help someone else.
IS33D34DP30PL3 said:
i did some stupid stuff with safestrap. i attempted to install a rom over my stock rom. and it said it failed. now its in a bootloop. anyway i could get the original file that came with the mf3 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SafeStrap instructions CLEARLY state to not touch the stock ROM. So now, you have to treat it like any other bricked MF3 S4. You can try putting it into download mode and then manually canceling out to see if it will boot, but you probably will need to go to a Best Buy and see if they can re-flash it for you.
Take it to your local Best Buy that has a Samsung Experience kiosk. They can restore it to MF3. Tell them Samsung tech support told you to go there and if they have problems to call tech support.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
thank you all for the help . im going to attempt to reflash the firmware from odin. (i have a warranty and i will get my phone replaced even if it doesnt work. i wanna find out just in case other people make the same mistake)
i attempted this guide:http://www.androidrootz.com/2013/06/how-to-unroot-unbrick-galaxy-s4.html. says "failed" everytime. trying a new .tar file
Samething happend to me and best buy n my area doesn't have samsung expereince so I'm trying thngs out my self if anyone happens to have the mf3 update.zip that would be very helpful
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda app-developers app
Well I'm not an expert here... but if you have MF3 baseband which one from here http://www.androidrootz.com/p/galaxy-s4-stock-firmwares.html are you trying to flash because I can't see the MF3 ... And that could be the reason why it's failing
There is no ODIN/Kies for MF3 unfortunately. This has been discussed for the past weeks since MF3 came out
Your only option now is either take it to a Best Buy Samsung Kiosk and get it flashed to stock MF3 without the need to warranty:
distortion said:
Take it to your local Best Buy that has a Samsung Experience kiosk. They can restore it to MF3. Tell them Samsung tech support told you to go there and if they have problems to call tech support.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
trying purposely flash the wrong firmware and then attempt have kies recognize and update...long shot i know also i downloading the opensource file for mf3 to study see if that could be helpful...im most confident if i can get hold to the udate.zip file for mf3 i could see a lil success..
IS33D34DP30PL3 said:
i did some stupid stuff with safestrap. i attempted to install a rom over my stock rom. and it said it failed. now its in a bootloop. anyway i could get the original file that came with the mf3 update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this may be a long shot but im thinkg flash mdl and then the mf3 modem
deron37129 said:
this may be a long shot but im thinkg flash mdl and then the mf3 modem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on the mf3 firmware you are not going to be able to flash mdl. When the firmware is updated a qfuse is blown on the internal circuitry which will not allow it to down grade the firmware. You're just wasting your time. Take it to best buy.
I just got bk from there they asked no question I told them I messed my phone up tryna update and handed it to the rep already in download screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Help!
deron37129 said:
I just got bk from there they asked no question I told them I messed my phone up tryna update and handed it to the rep already in download screen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having a similar problem, i went to best buy and told the samsung guy that my phone won't boot after kies tried to update and if he could flash the firmware for me. He put it into download mode and tried something and said it wouldn't go through. Then he tried to do a factory reset through recovery which i told him i have already tried and it didn't work. Then i asked if he could call samsung for assistance, after doing so he put it back into download mode and was asked by samsung to read the information in the top left corner, after he read the part that said custom the guy at samsung said there was nothing that could be done because its rooted... The guy at best buy obviously had no idea what he was doing, should I try a different best buy and ask them specifically to flash the mf3 firmware? (I rooted my s4 and accidentally wiped the stock rom, now it wont boot past the samsung logo with the unlock icon underneath. i'm able to go into odin mode and recovery mode but recovery shows android with red exclamation mark. I tried recovery through kies and that failed also.) If best buy is able to flash the mf3 firmware update would that fix my phone?
deron37129 said:
trying purposely flash the wrong firmware and then attempt have kies recognize and update...long shot i know also i downloading the opensource file for mf3 to study see if that could be helpful...im most confident if i can get hold to the udate.zip file for mf3 i could see a lil success..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how it
I'm not exactly sure, but this sounds similar to the problem I had. You can read my post here to see if this is the same problem. I solved my issue via this post. Downloading the files took a couple tries (the website kept freezing), but flashing them through Odin worked the first time. Turns out AOSP-based mods won't work with SafeStrap, and you shouldn't write over the stock ROM. I made both mistakes. Here is a thread with a list of ROMs working with SafeStrap.
revel_onetime said:
how it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=46888516&postcount=1
Shockndrop got all the MF3 files to flash with Odin from a Best Buy.
Make sure to thank him if you use it. He saved a lot of people by taking the risk getting that.

Optional fix to a MF3 brick (point of no return)

After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time.
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
Note:This will upgrade your phone to 4.3 and there are no root methods for 4.3 as of right now.Plus there might be some problems with the playstore.(i haven't encounter any yet)
Also remember that you can go to bestbuy and ask them to flash your phone so you can stay on 4.2.2. This is for people who just want to fix it now instead of going to a store.
Credit to jball and rayburne for telling me to put the downsides and other opitions
Cool deal buddy
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Odischeese said:
After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time!!!!!!
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
And now i have recovery!
Not just recovery, but i have my phone back!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isn't that the leaked 4.3 fw?
xuanphucn said:
isn't that the leaked 4.3 fw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and it works like a charm.
I still have no clue why it can flash with odin if you're on MF3, regardless i am happy with it as it is the only rom that you can flash (that i know of) if you're on MF3.
Just a word of caution to anybody who wants to try this, there is no root method for it and playstore is having some issues installing some apps.
Edit, here's the thread discussing mj6 and some of the issues people are having http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=46860747
Playstore?
jd1639 said:
Just a word of caution to anybody who wants to try this, there is no root method for it and playstore is having some issues installing some apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am having no problems with the playstore as of right now.I'm downloading over 4gb of apps right now. I'll post back if there's any problems.:good:
After downloading 4GB of apps, there were no problems.
Odischeese said:
Yes and it works like a charm.
I still have no clue why it can flash with odin if you're on MF3, regardless i am happy with it as it is the only rom that you can flash (that i know of) if you're on MF3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm MF3 as you know and I'm using Omega V12 4.2.2 and it's a rom .I use Safestrap with no problems
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jball said:
I'm MF3 as you know and I'm using Omega V12 4.2.2 and it's a rom .I use Safestrap with no problems
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes but i was talking about flashing with odin though
Some people with the MF3 problem couldn't even get to their stock recovery like me:crying:
This is the only ROM i know of that you can flash with odin on MF3.
Even if you don't have a stock recovery you should have been able to use Safestrap. I don't have stock recovery
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jball said:
Even if you don't have a stock recovery you should have been able to use Safestrap. I don't have stock recovery
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was ****ed big time. I did install SS but like i told you yesterday, SS ****ed up the wiping and it looked like SS just deleted itself. The reason why i said that because SS never came up. My phone never could go past the bootlogo nor bring up the 2 SS options. If i had SS at the time then i would of never came to forums lol
Odischeese said:
After just playing around with odin.
I think i have found a fix.
I flashed http://downloads.fairview5.com/i337/I337UCUEMJ6_full_wipe.tar.md5.7z through odin and it went through for the first time!!!!!!
Then i used the pit file called "SGS-I337_16GB.pit" idk where it is but it's on the forums
And now i have recovery!
Not just recovery, but i have my phone back!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Odischeese said:
I was ****ed big time. I did install SS but like i told you yesterday, SS ****ed up the wiping and it looked like SS just deleted itself. The reason why i said that because SS never came up. My phone never could go past the bootlogo nor bring up the 2 SS options. If i had SS at the time then i would of never came to forums lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm glad you were able to fix your phone and share with other to help them out, but I feel this title is a little misleading.
Yes you are fixing a soft bricked MF3 phone but the fix is upgrading them to MJ6 4.3. I understand a fixed MJ6 phone is better than a broken MF3 phone but I think it should be mentioned in your instructions. Best Buy is an alternative to fixing your phone and remaining on 4.2.2. Maybe a fix is around the corner for MF3 soft bricks that won't apply to MJ6 devices (yes I agree high unlikely but it should be mentioned this is upgrading the user to 4.3).
Sorry to hear your troubles with Safestrap. I'm on MF3 using SS and not had a problem. I think I have installed most of the 4.2.2 ATT and International Roms without issue. With what you described above about SS, I can only guess that SS has a bug that you encountered that affected your stock slot or you mistakenly wiped or flashed something to your stock slot that hosed your MF3 stock slot. Either way glad you recovered and shared your fix.
rayburne said:
I'm glad you were able to fix your phone and share with other to help them out, but I feel this title is a little misleading.
Yes you are fixing a soft bricked MF3 phone but the fix is upgrading them to MJ3 4.3. I understand a fixed MJ3 phone is better than a broken MF3 phone but I think it should be mentioned in your instructions. BB is an alternative to fixing your phone and remaining on 4.2.2. Maybe a fix is around the corner for MF3 soft bricks that won't apply to MJ3 devices (yes I agree high unlikely but it should be mentioned this is upgrading the user to 4.3).
Sorry to hear your troubles with Safestrap. I'm on MF3 using SS and not had a problem. I think I have installed most of the 4.2.2 ATT and International Roms without issue. With what you described above about SS, I can only guess that SS has a bug that you encountered that affected your stock slot or you mistakenly wiped or flashed something to your stock slot that hosed your MF3 stock slot. Either way glad you recovered and shared your fix.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I was just a little over exited finding a fix and quickly made a title.
I'll edit the instructions a little more...
Thanks for catching my mistakes :good:
Odischeese said:
Yeah I was just a little over exited finding a fix and quickly made a title.
I'll edit the instructions a little more...
Thanks for catching my mistakes :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Naw man, I'm not claiming you made any mistakes :good:
Just trying to help others who read the OP to fully understand the fix.
I'm just glad you found an alternative fix to Best Buy and shared it with others!
rayburne said:
Naw man, I'm not claiming you made any mistakes :good:
Just trying to help others who read the OP to fully understand the fix.
I'm just glad you found an alternative fix to Best Buy and shared it with others!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh ok
what do you think i should rename the title btw???
"Optional fix to a MF3 brick" point of no return
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Thanks man, you got me back up and running... I know it's not ideal but it works...
jball said:
"Optional fix to a MF3 brick" point of no return
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"Optional fix to a MF3 brick point of no return"
the entire quote???
Sure
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Getting my S4 on Tues, have some questions to rom/root it.

So I am upgrading from my beloved S3 to the Red S4 now, getting it in on Tues. Thank you employee line deals.. So anyways, I saw some stickies about to avoid the OTA otherwise can not flash a diff kernel, correct? That there are no odin files of the new update.
That being said, How will I know when I get my device in, if they already gave it to me updated or if its where I can custom rom it. Would figure its a certain thing in the status menu part for a version. Dont wanna mess this up, so doing my research now.
Also any custom roms that are super worth it? I know on my S3, I use a nice one with the multi window and floating windows. So if there is a super good one to use, IF I can use one, what is it?
Also does the toolbox program we used for the S3 work for S4? (Havent checked on updates in awhile) cause I need to least root this sucker if I wanna restore my titanium backups.
Anyways thanks for any points in the right direction, this is the part I always hated.. working with a new phone then sitting with it till I study up on all the roms and tweaking of it.
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT? Then chances may be slim of anything other than mf3. But I did get a MDL from Walmart (they had black and white if I remember correctly, not sure about red). I got a black one with MDL about a month ago and they had two others in stock. So places like that MAY be a better bet for you.
Now this is MY opinion and take it for what it is worth. I will NEVER be buying another ATT phone due to how hard they are locking the boitloaders down. NEVER... So my next suggestion is get a T-Mobile S4 and you can use it on ATT and it does not have locked bootloaders at this time and hopefully never.
Read all the sticky threads about MF3 and prepare yourself in case you want to keep it. Good luck to you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
You will have to try out different roms and see for yourself what they have to offer.if it turns out to be MF3 take the most important advice "!!READ!!"
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Before you get your phone read a whole lot about it. Read all the pinned (stickies) threads first. Then keep reading before you do anything with it. Good luck!
RockRatt said:
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, getting from ATT dealer accounts, while I know I can use T-Mobiles stuff, I wouldnt have the "LTE" ability, which is what is happening now with my TMO S3, I have 4G, yes, but not LTE. So giving that phone to my friend for her upgrade, so she can get LTE with TMO while upgrading myself. Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Qbeezy24 said:
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
Mysticales said:
Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it would be almost exactly business as usual. Of course READ any Roms HOW TO INSTALL section. About the only difference from the S3 flashing is if you are flashing kernels/Roms make sure the are loki'd or use Loki doki during flashing. Again read up on this.
Mysticales said:
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash some Roms (4.2.2 based Roms) with Safestrap. Read all about safestrap as I do not have it and don't know many if the answers since I cannot test. But the one thing is be VERY CAREFUL removing bloat with tibu, once it is gone you will NOT be able to get it back. Read many horror stories if debloating gone wrong and phone not working.
Mysticales said:
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes download either Motochopper or I like "Casual+Motochopper" as it gives you a recovery as well. Either cwm or twrp.
No at that point it is NOT safe from OTA updates, you will need to FREEZE certain apps with tibu.
Check out the Roms section. I haven't used it but I believe there is a "neutered mf3 stock firmware" that has the ota updating parts removed already. If you do NOT freeze the apps ATT set up mf3 to Auto Download and INSTALL mf3. Most users got it while they were sleeping, even if they were only stock and rooted. But IF you have a custom recovery and a ROM on it you will not get the auto update and install.
Mysticales said:
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDB was what came with the phone and MDL was updated within a few weeks if I remember correctly. I believe I still have the mdb bootloaders on my phone and my wife's came with MDL and has those bootloaders. I have seen NO DIFFERENCE as far as flashing or things working differently in my case.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
nash2000 said:
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe you cannot flash kernels with safestrap. And only 4.2.2 based Roms will work and possibly on tw Roms, but there might be one cm variant that would work. Just check out the safestrap thread for more info on all if this. I think they even have a list if tested working Roms there.
No one knows FOR SURE but I believe the new 4.3 update blows a second qfuse, this will make it so you cannot downgrade to anything lower than MJ6.
MF3 blows the first qfuse which is why you cannot downgrade to MDL bases.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Mysticales said:
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I just got my phone!!!! I got mine at Costco which I normally get my phone through best buy but there insurance plan stinks now.
Anyways, My phone had the MDF!! So get your phone at Costco!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
[email protected] said:
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I am rooted... you think after being a pioneer with a beloved Htc G1, that I would EVER be on a device without root. =p (Man.. the reinstalling of a 100 apps manually alone without titanium backup along with its prefs, config and data would take a week to get right) I used that exFat method.
But yea, even tho I am rooted, I wouldnt "mind" a diff rom.. or least debloat this sucker. Half tempted to see which ATT apps I could get rid of, issue is... no odin to restore to if something messes up. I am sure someone will do a mf3 recovery sometime eh?
Oh... btw, how would I disable any auto OTA that could come in the future?

[Q] Unlocked Bootloader? How to change it back?

I rooted my device a few weeks ago, and 4.3 released earlier, so I completely uninstalled root, through my superuser app. 4.3 downloads, and when it came time to install, it went through the install process in about five seconds, and booted up normally. I have an unlocked bootloader, I need help changing it back to normal? Is there a way?
Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk
Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
jball said:
Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF3.
How do you have an unlocked bootloader. ? and what leads you to believe its unlocked ?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2
Oh he thinks it's unlocked because of the icon on the Samsung splash screen. Lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Lol if you have mf3 the bootloader is NOT unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
ralphie1267 said:
Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!
We all know he either wants the padlock gone or back to completely stock rite.
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk
drichter12 said:
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.
gj23 said:
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.
drichter12 said:
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not real sure what you mean by a "kludge solution", but I'm on MF3 with Safestrap and there are quite a few ROMS available to flash and some of them are as good as any I've run before (excluding none). I would be willing to bet that 4.3 will have root and ROMS available in a very short time. Im quite certian that Hashcode will have Safestrapup and running on 4.3 before ya know it and if not, I'm happy with the device and options I have with it as it is now. I do agree that anyone who chooses to take the update right away, and then expect all the development options, are wishful thinking, and/or not doing their research
MDB,MDL,MF3,MJ9
The above list has always been bootloader locked.yes rooted minus the new MJ9 and a "work around" to flashing roms.
I have faith that one day someone will crack the lock,just not before I switch to a Nexus 5
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

Can we still change APN settings without root?, other ST&T phones for ST LTE?

I do not have an S4. I ordered one from Swappa expecting to use it on Straighttalks LTE service. Already ordered the sim card as well.
However, of course right after this I started digging a bit more and found that it is currently impossible to root an S4 after it's updated to 4.4.2. The one I ordered is updated.
I'd highly prefer to have root. I don't "need" it. But, if I can achieve root without much issue I'd prefer it.
I did find a few posts about using something called Odin and safestrap. I didn't read fully through them yet. But, I'm curious if doing these methods actually work for downgrading? If they do what are the "limits"? Can I put any Rom in or is it only a specific Rom?
Will I likely run into issues doing this while using the ST LTE settings?
Just trying to cover my bases before I start on this phone. It's not here yet and I'd rather resell it if I'm better off doing that.
I am curious what would be suggested purchase for the ST LTE service since it seems the AT&T S4 is out of question if I can't even update the damn thing. I'd rather be capable of updates and having root. I don't care about being able to do Roms and stuff.
Dude, you can have root on any firmware but it may not be easy to get it. Do you know what firmware your device will have?
Odin flashes the stock firmware onto your device. Safestrap is a custom recovery that you'll need to flash custom touch wiz roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
Dude, you can have root on any firmware but it may not be easy to get it. Do you know what firmware your device will have?
Odin flashes the stock firmware onto your device. Safestrap is a custom recovery that you'll need to flash custom touch wiz roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been reading nonstop that the 4.4.2 AT&T Galaxy s4 is not rootable? If this is inaccurate can you lead me to a post that shows the method for rooting this version?
I do not know anything about the phone other than it being updated to 4.4.2.
GamerXavier said:
I've been reading nonstop that the 4.4.2 AT&T Galaxy s4 is not rootable? If this is inaccurate can you lead me to a post that shows the method for rooting this version?
I do not know anything about the phone other than it being updated to 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be rooted. You'll need to downgrade thru Odin to mk2 firmware, root it with saferoot then instill safestrap and flash a 4.4.2 rooted rom Start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
And keep asking questions. You're limited to the roms you can flash but you can get root
jd1639 said:
It can be rooted. You'll need to downgrade thru Odin to mk2 firmware, root it with saferoot then instill safestrap and flash a 4.4.2 rooted rom Start here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
And keep asking questions. You're limited to the roms you can flash but you can get root
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm curious about Cyanogenmod? If it's worth it or possible atm?
Once I get the phone probably later this week I'll get started on the process.
GamerXavier said:
I'm curious about Cyanogenmod? If it's worth it or possible atm?
Once I get the phone probably later this week I'll get started on the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, cm is not possible. Only touch wiz based roms
Edit, as an fyi, if your phone is on 4.4.2 it'll be on nb1 or nc1 firmware. Read up on how to downgrade to mk2. Look in the general forum. Also look at rebel1699's venom magic tool kit. There's a lot of reading and studying to do before you get your phone
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...ve-and-maybe-almost-any-other-current-device/
Is this going to work on the ATT S4? It's stated that it would. Would save me the trouble of doing all of this other stuff.
GamerXavier said:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/0...ve-and-maybe-almost-any-other-current-device/
Is this going to work on the ATT S4? It's stated that it would. Would save me the trouble of doing all of this other stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does if you're on nc1 firmware. Seems it didn't work on nb1
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
I shall hope to get lucky and have the NC1 firmware

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