Database Users

Double check before I root

I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!

burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

rugmankc said:
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.

burgertime78 said:
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.

rugmankc said:
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DAMN! Thanks!

burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Luck
There are plenty of folks here to help with specifics like jd and tedusa--:good:

burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New way to root is call towelroot. Google it or search for it around here the link is everywhere. It's an apk file made by geohot (same guy that jail broke the iphone and ps3). Once you root you can install safestrap. If you've ever owned an droid device they have something identical called boot strap. Think of it as a dual boot of sorts. Definitely keep your eyes on these threads as well as the sgs5 thread. If an exploit is discovered it'll probably be for the s5 and will be compatible with our s4 (towel root was made for the s5 but works for a whole bunch of devices)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52167774&postcount=3&nocache=1&z=8413408249616623
I was in the same boat as you 2 weeks ago, bought a NC1 and wanted CM, and used this to root. I currently use the Google Edition ROM that has been modified to work on locked bootloader phones, though it does have it's fallbacks. For someone new I'd recommend GoldenEye, just click the link on my signature to download it.
Good luck!

Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.

You all are AWESOME! Thank you so much! I'll look into this and keep you posted.

rugmankc said:
Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?

burgertime78 said:
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDL builds have an exploit that allows the kernel to flash. That is loki-doki. Bypasses the Sammy security check to allow this. There is no exploit yet for post MDL builds. Hence you can only flash stock Touch Wiz kernels, thus only roms that have them. So, no aosp based roms. In one of the threads in General that talk about MK2/NC1 etc is a list of roms for you. I forget the technical coding side of SafeStrap. But, it puts roms in System bypassing the bootloader. But, no way of doing that with aosp roms yet.
I am old and don't retain things much anymore if they are not very important to me. So, although I have read up on this stuff, and have a "45 year old" Engineering Degree, I don't need SafeStrap having the MDL bootloader. So, don't remember all that I have read. But, what I said is the basics of it.
Your roms need to have SafeStrap option in the rom thread's OP page. If not listed, it won't work. Having said all that things like Towelroot are new and more options may come along. :good:

Phone won't update (rooted)

I have had my S4 since december. I love it. I rooted it to NAE and used enable native hotspot because amazing. This was many many months ago. Now I'm getting Google play services notification that i have a system update downloaded ready to install. I tried installing it, doesn't pass, so I tell it to preserve root status. The notification comes back an day or 2 later and nothing dismisses the notification.
What's the most efficient thing for me to do? On my S2 I would install roms mods and tweaks till It was 'just right', but something was always broken and backdoor fixed and with Knox I decided to stick with simple and non - invasive, mostly for safety but it has left me lazy and ignorant. I'm capable, but warry.
1 what is the update?
2 what are my options (install an update 'this way') or (revert back to stock, install the update, then root again and hotspot) or (disable Google play services?) What else?
Thanks, I can't even find reference to the updates from sprint.

If you can't find anything about the update, you're not looking very hard. There are dozens of threads on this site regarding the NG2 update and all of your questions will be answered within.

frostedunit said:
If you can't find anything about the update, you're not looking very hard. There are dozens of threads on this site regarding the NG2 update and all of your questions will be answered within.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Listen to this guy^^^
Search! And your phone won't install the update because you are rooted. If you don't know how to proceed search some more. This question has been answered.

I flashed from MK2 back to MF9 then updated to NG2 using Samsung Kies.

frostedunit said:
If you can't find anything about the update, you're not looking very hard. There are dozens of threads on this site regarding the NG2 update and all of your questions will be answered within.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you meant to be helpful or not, but I didn't know it was called ng2 and that keyword makes all the difference.
Thank you, I am now finding a lot of relevant information. If you don't want to A my Q's then maybe you clicked on the wrong forum.
In case it wasn't clear. Because of knox, I'm no longer doing the kind of tinkering I used to and staying up to date on every update, bug, mod, etc because the danger of bricking is higher and I have less time than I did 2 years ago. I wanted to read every thread about installing NG2 for casuals with rooted phones but not knowing the updates title had my searches full of irrelevant results and I couldn't identify whether any of them were useful. I'm not sorry I bothered and you should not want me to be. I'll find my way now thanks to you and if you never wanted me to, then you're a Q&A troll, and nobody cares about trolls.

tenaciousj said:
I flashed from MK2 back to MF9 then updated to NG2 using Samsung Kies.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I'll look into this, I'm warry of flashing backwards because I have knox but I'm sure I'll probably read its safe and follow this route if there's no easier way to directly apply the update.

OA8 Upgrade

I've read a lot of posts, and there are multiple instructions and people having different issues concerning upgrading to OA8 and keeping root.
1) At this time, do we have a set of instructions all in one place that works for almost everyone?
2) Anyone experiencing issues with the upgrade that would keep people from waiting until a better system is made?
Currently running NK2
Android 4.4.4
Kernel 3.4.0
Model SM-G900V
I do not use SafeStrap or KeepRoot. I can't play around at this time, because I'm using my phone for work, and can't be out of commission for an afternoon if I run into any problems. Thanks everyone!

I hate to be the guy to say this but if you can't risk the device or have the ability to recover from a bad flash you should probably leave well enough alone.

Yeah, I get it, thanks. Anyway, has anyone had any luck with the upgrade to Lollipop? Namely, can we upgrade and keep root without setting up Safestrap?

essenceofveles said:
Yeah, I get it, thanks. Anyway, has anyone had any luck with the upgrade to Lollipop? Namely, can we upgrade and keep root without setting up Safestrap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only way to flash roms or even restore a backup rom on 900V is with safestrap, because of the locked bootloader.
terrigan said:
I hate to be the guy to say this but if you can't risk the device or have the ability to recover from a bad flash you should probably leave well enough alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.

[Q] Need Help Updating AT&T S.Galaxy 4 V. 4.2.2 Rooted to Newest Version AT&T

Hey guys,
I ran a search but I don't understand half the things people are writing. I would greatly appreciate it if someone could please explain to me my options. In layman's terms, as I do not understand half the abbreviations and jargons here.
I rooted my phone over a year ago and really don't remember much about the process. I can't download important apps from Google Play anymore as they require newer versions than 4.2.2... So I'm stuck on this old version and need to update ASAP.
I have ONLY rooted the phone. I haven't done any mods or installed any ROMS. It's on stock AT&T Rom. (sometimes I wonder why I even bothered in the first place).
Can someone please point me in the right direction, I want a regular STOCK AT&T newest version, whether it stays rooted or not that's fine, but a newer version, KitKat preferably. What are my options? The simplest method would help me the most.
Things I really need backed up: My Text Messages, Voicemail, Call Logs, Whatsapp Messages etc. What is the best way to back that up? If I use Titanium Backup, and I don't have root after I update, Titanium Backup would be obsolete. So what would my other option?
Please help.
Much appreciated,

Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Are you sure you want to update from 4.2.2. You probably have the option to flash custom roms on your phone. There are many custom roms that that'll put 4.4.4 on your phone. Since you're rooted get terminal emulator from the play store. In it type
getprop ro.bootloader
If the last three characters are mdb or mdl you have a lot of options. I can help walk you through on how to get a custom rom on your phone.
You can update your firmware and bootloader to 4.4.4 too but you'll lose the option to flash most custom roms.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?

Kepela523 said:
Thanks bud,
I got I337UCUAMF3
I'll be honest, I haven't really messed with any custom ROMS before. I just use the stock AT&T one. But I would like to upgrade to KitKat so my phone is faster and can download / upgrade the latest Apps. Lollipop isn't out for the AT&T Samsung S4 right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!! Or you can get the AT&T S4 i337 to Stock 4.4.4 NJ4 Kit Kat Scroll down this page, easy to do. http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/general/guide-odin-to-stock-updating-rooting-t2926642

tailgunner9 said:
Will the phone Not download the latest 4.4.4 from the phone settings?? Settings/More/About Device/Software Update. It must be connected to WiFi to download!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. My phone is rooted... Is it supposed to download to 4.4? And also couldn't there be issues with that?

I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!

Kepela523 said:
I found this post. So I know this is ONE option: But I'll lose my Root. Which is fine if that's my only option.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2728462
As the OP says, I will lose ROOT. So my question would be, If I back up using Titanium Backup, how can I restore my backup if Titanium Backup works only on ROOT? This is very important.
@ jd1639 - He had mentioned there were several other options, so I will wait to hear them, and I can make a decision from there. Otherwise, I may have to fork out another $150 - $200 Bucks on a Samsung Galaxy S5 or S6. depending which suits my needs.
Many thanks for the replies!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You're on mf3 bootloader which doesn't really allow you to flash any roms anyway. You'd have to use safestrap.
What I'd do is flash the nb1 tar file in Odin. That'll update you to 4.4 and the device should then ota update itself from there. You will lose root, you can root it again if you want. See this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks JD, do you know if this wipes my phone? In other words, does it factory reset my phone?

Yes Flash the NB1 Stock file as he said. But you are going to loose Root and any pictures etc. stored on phone memory, so copy them to your PC or SD card. I always like to take SD card out just in case when I flash just in case it may erase it. But after you flash NB1 Stock or the Stock Root it is like a phone and have to set it up. Then it should Update to 4.4.4 itself from the settings/ Software update. Good luck. Any problem let us now.

Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's possible to root even the 4.4.4. It just gets a little trickier to do it and you have to flash modules in Odin. In the general forum see "all things at&t....." by guut13
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Kepela523 said:
Ah cheers,
Last question: Do you recommend the First or second option?
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Stock_Odin_tar
I337UCUFNB1_4.4_Rootable_Stock_Odin_tar
Just a bit confusing as why he would post two separate links? I'm interpreting the first cannot be rooted ever.
Thanks again to the both of you for helping with this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep I think you are correct. So if you want to root again use the Rootable to flash in Odin. Once you go from Jelly Bean to Kit Kat bootloaders are Locked for some .tar Same for Lollipop, they have not been able to root and unlock bootloader as yet. Just follow the steps and take your time and all will be good. Have done it several times on mine with Odin.

Hey guys, I just wanted to take the time and thank you both for the help. I finally updated today. After backing up all my data and making sure everything was safe to go. Bam! I did exactly as you suggested and had zero issues... I am now on 4.4.2
There were a couple hiccups along the way, but I figured them out without too much of a hassle.
Cheers again and best of luck to the both of you!

Is lollipop worth it?

Hey guys!
Im a noob when it comes to installing ROMs and crap like that into phones (never done it), so even after looking at alot of threads about lollipop on s4 im wondering. Is it worth the time and effort i need to go through to get it because im running an unlocked version so i cant get updates from at&t. Chances of bricking? Oh and i was wondering do i need a sd card to do all of this? Can i do this from my phones internal storage?
Many thanks in advance.

TheJuli said:
Hey guys!
Im a noob when it comes to installing ROMs and crap like that into phones (never done it), so even after looking at alot of threads about lollipop on s4 im wondering. Is it worth the time and effort i need to go through to get it because im running an unlocked version so i cant get updates from at&t. Chances of bricking? Oh and i was wondering do i need a sd card to do all of this? Can i do this from my phones internal storage?
Many thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What system version are you currently on? Check your baseband in the About section of your settings. Depending on which it is, the process is different, but you can do it from internal storage either way.

DeadlySin9 said:
What system version are you currently on? Check your baseband in the About section of your settings. Depending on which it is, the process is different, but you can do it from internal storage either way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im on 4.4.2 1337UCUFNB1 atm and rooted using towelroot.
Still, is lollipop worth the effort to update from this?
If yes how do i go on about doing it so the chances of bricking are low? (I just got the phone and paranoid )
The tutorials ive seen gave some terminology im not up to par with it :/
Thank you for the help!

Is anyone there willing to help?
Pliz.

TheJuli said:
Im on 4.4.2 1337UCUFNB1 atm and rooted using towelroot.
Still, is lollipop worth the effort to update from this?
If yes how do i go on about doing it so the chances of bricking are low? (I just got the phone and paranoid )
The tutorials ive seen gave some terminology im not up to par with it :/
Thank you for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's mostly personal preference, but if you're already rooted then it's not very difficult to do. If you want to just use stock Lollipop with root it's as simple as install Safestrap, flash the OC4 ROM, and flash the kernel. I can get you links for that if you want. If you want a custom ROM, you'll have to also flash the SuperSU Beta file and the correct modules for either the OC3 or OC4 kernel, which isn't difficult. I can get you links if you want to go ahead with either of those, if you want a custom ROM though you'll have to pick one out yourself.

DeadlySin9 said:
It's mostly personal preference, but if you're already rooted then it's not very difficult to do. If you want to just use stock Lollipop with root it's as simple as install Safestrap, flash the OC4 ROM, and flash the kernel. I can get you links for that if you want. If you want a custom ROM, you'll have to also flash the SuperSU Beta file and the correct modules for either the OC3 or OC4 kernel, which isn't difficult. I can get you links if you want to go ahead with either of those, if you want a custom ROM though you'll have to pick one out yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock lollipop please or just any lollipop that won't give me trouble like camera or bluetooth not working! So how do i do all what you mentioned there? Thanks a ton btw!

DeadlySin9 said:
It's mostly personal preference, but if you're already rooted then it's not very difficult to do. If you want to just use stock Lollipop with root it's as simple as install Safestrap, flash the OC4 ROM, and flash the kernel. I can get you links for that if you want. If you want a custom ROM, you'll have to also flash the SuperSU Beta file and the correct modules for either the OC3 or OC4 kernel, which isn't difficult. I can get you links if you want to go ahead with either of those, if you want a custom ROM though you'll have to pick one out yourself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ran into this => http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
Will it do the job for me? Seems easier than what you described - But i still dont get step number 7. How do i do that Odin's PDA/AP thing?
If you dont wanna be bothered with what i just asked, continue with your own method, if its safer.

Sooo, umm anyone else there in the community, knows how to do this and walk me through?
Pliz.

TheJuli said:
I ran into this => http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...-to-update-to-i337oc3-5-0-1-keeproot-t3075814
Will it do the job for me? Seems easier than what you described - But i still dont get step number 7. How do i do that Odin's PDA/AP thing?
If you dont wanna be bothered with what i just asked, continue with your own method, if its safer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TheJuli said:
Sooo, umm anyone else there in the community, knows how to do this and walk me through?
Pliz.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
muniz_ri's thread that you linked is the preferred method for someone in your situation to accomplish what you want to do. The instructions are all there. Read through the instructions several times until it makes sense to you. If there is something you don't understand, ask specific questions. It is better (for you) if we don't hold your hand and walk you through everything, because you will learn more if you do it yourself.

Regarding: "Is it worth it?"
It's personal preference. I find the ui improvements in 5.0.1 not great...they are minor or in some cases they seem like down grades.
But I do find the phone noticeably snappier and faster in most tasks. I've had no glitches or fc in the week since I upgraded (I think most of the people complaining about problems about 5.0.1 took the ota without doing a reset) And you'll have the latest security updates also.
If you do upgrade, you have choice of odexed stock or deodexed stock. I'd recommend deodexed if you think you might want to use xposed in the future.

Installed it

In my experience 5.0.1, with its huge constant 1GB Ram usage (without apps or bloatware running and grenify too), was pretty meh. The design of things looks good and all but i personaly think that kitkat did it better RAM wise (Constantly on 500MB), and for that reason, I switched back. I did not experince any snappier or faster performance but i would say it was the same. All in all, if you want flashy and a good looking android phone without loss of performance, but only 800MB free RAM, go for it.
The only thing i learnt from all of this was, how android stuff actually works. So much searching of things lead me to learning more and more. Never had i ever used odin or flashed any firmware. This whole proccess went with some fright within me, but as long as you follow the steps correctly, there is nothing you should be afraid of.