Question before buying an S4.. - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Actually just one question.
I know loki is a bypass of the bootloader to install ROM's.
My question is, if I buy an S4, is there any updates or anything that have been applied that keep Loki from working?

Kurant1 said:
Actually just one question.
I know loki is a bypass of the bootloader to install ROM's.
My question is, if I buy an S4, is there any updates or anything that have been applied that keep Loki from working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

kurant1 said:
actually just one question.
I know loki is a bypass of the bootloader to install rom's.
My question is, if i buy an s4, is there any updates or anything that have been applied that keep loki from working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do not buy an s4 with the new mf3 build. Loki is broke for that build.

I'm assuming most the new ones will have MF3 build already?

Kurant1 said:
I'm assuming most the new ones will have MF3 build already?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not necessarily. I've heard stories of people still being able to buy previous versions especially at best buy. The trick is to ask the sales associate to see if they have a device without MF3. On the outside of the box next to the barcodes it will tell you the software running on it.

rockshot2 said:
Not necessarily. I've heard stories of people still being able to buy previous versions especially at best buy. The trick is to ask the sales associate to see if they have a device without MF3. On the outside of the box next to the barcodes it will tell you the software running on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's exactly what I did.

rockshot2 said:
Not necessarily. I've heard stories of people still being able to buy previous versions especially at best buy. The trick is to ask the sales associate to see if they have a device without MF3. On the outside of the box next to the barcodes it will tell you the software running on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for the heads up. I just bought my Galaxy S 4 from Best Buy and had them check that the software version sticker first. In my case the phone was on MDL. Now rooted with TWRP and on CM10.2. :good:

Related

[Q] Gonna be getting this when my plan is up, few questions.

I'm gonna be getting one as soon as my plan is up. I have a few questions though.
1. (Disregard this one. Didn't realize this was a Verizon exclusive.)
2. When I first get it should I OTA it, so it doesn't disable the possibility of unlocking it?
3. Is this phone supported by many developers?
If I think of any more, I'll post them. Thanks guys!
DubleJayJ said:
I'm gonna be getting one as soon as my plan is up. I have a few questions though.
1. (Disregard this one. Didn't realize this was a Verizon exclusive.)
2. When I first get it should I OTA it, so it doesn't disable the possibility of unlocking it?
3. Is this phone supported by many developers?
If I think of any more, I'll post them. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think SOL. Used? I do not think you can get the non 98.18.78 anymore.
aviwdoowks said:
I think SOL. Used? I do not think you can get the non 98.18.78 anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So when I get it I won't be able to unlock it. Verizon..WHY DO YOU DO THIS...
What version did they patch the BL Unlock method? Cause when I get it I won't be OTA'ing. I will unlock this phone.
DubleJayJ said:
So when I get it I won't be able to unlock it. Verizon..WHY DO YOU DO THIS...
What version did they patch the BL Unlock method? Cause when I get it I won't be OTA'ing. I will unlock this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will most certainly be able to unlock the phone with the latest update using either cellzealots method or mine, but the bootloader will remain locked disabling the ability to use custom roms. If you get one on the 98.17.66 (?) Software your good to use Matt's Droid RAZR M Utility to unlock the bootloader yet so dont take the update, unlock the bl and do what youd like
DubleJayJ said:
I'm gonna be getting one as soon as my plan is up. I have a few questions though.
1. (Disregard this one. Didn't realize this was a Verizon exclusive.)
2. When I first get it should I OTA it, so it doesn't disable the possibility of unlocking it?
3. Is this phone supported by many developers?
If I think of any more, I'll post them. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stock, this phone is great (not sure about the latest release - although, I think it was just to enable a security patch to prevent folks from unlocking the device). so, essentially, if your version is prior to May 2013, then you'll be able to unlock with current methods - otherwise, you'll have to HOPE for someone to create a new method for unlocking or for the devs to make their ROMs flashable via safestrap.
I'm pretty sure you can still root though.
developer support is great (both kernels and ROMs).
jco23 said:
stock, this phone is great (not sure about the latest release - although, I think it was just to enable a security patch to prevent folks from unlocking the device). so, essentially, if your version is prior to May 2013, then you'll be able to unlock with current methods - otherwise, you'll have to HOPE for someone to create a new method for unlocking or for the devs to make their ROMs flashable via safestrap.
I'm pretty sure you can still root though.
developer support is great (both kernels and ROMs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root works fine still using the RAZR M Utility
jco23 said:
stock, this phone is great (not sure about the latest release - although, I think it was just to enable a security patch to prevent folks from unlocking the device). so, essentially, if your version is prior to May 2013, then you'll be able to unlock with current methods - otherwise, you'll have to HOPE for someone to create a new method for unlocking or for the devs to make their ROMs flashable via safestrap.
I'm pretty sure you can still root though.
developer support is great (both kernels and ROMs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if I do get this don't OTA it when it first arrives? I'm down to this phone or the HD
DubleJayJ said:
So if I do get this don't OTA it when it first arrives? I'm down to this phone or the HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
right - do not accept the OTA if your baseband is prior to May 2013. if it reads May 2013, then you've already got the latest, and you're locked until someone really smart decides to crack it.
if you wanted to, go into the store, have them break out the device, and check the baseband.
jco23 said:
right - do not accept the OTA if your baseband is prior to May 2013. if it reads May 2013, then you've already got the latest, and you're locked until someone really smart decides to crack it.
if you wanted to, go into the store, have them break out the device, and check the baseband.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Closest one to me I think is down in Pittsburgh. Only a 30 minute drive, not too bad. I guess I could do that, if I decide to go with this. I'm either going with this, or the Razr HD.
DubleJayJ said:
Closest one to me I think is down in Pittsburgh. Only a 30 minute drive, not too bad. I guess I could do that, if I decide to go with this. I'm either going with this, or the Razr HD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too bad you aren't closer to Reading, I could really use the business at my shop lol
---------- Post added at 03:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:42 PM ----------
DubleJayJ said:
Closest one to me I think is down in Pittsburgh. Only a 30 minute drive, not too bad. I guess I could do that, if I decide to go with this. I'm either going with this, or the Razr HD.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have both to play with and I have to say I like the feel and size of the RAZR M moreso over the bulk of the HD. won over my Galaxy Nexus which hates me now lol
jco23 said:
stock, this phone is great (not sure about the latest release - although, I think it was just to enable a security patch to prevent folks from unlocking the device). so, essentially, if your version is prior to May 2013, then you'll be able to unlock with current methods - otherwise, you'll have to HOPE for someone to create a new method for unlocking or for the devs to make their ROMs flashable via safestrap.
I'm pretty sure you can still root though.
developer support is great (both kernels and ROMs).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, as long as I can root. I think I can live without the custom ROMs... maybe. I plan to get one used, hopefully no OTA but whatever.
braveally said:
Ok, as long as I can root. I think I can live without the custom ROMs... maybe. I plan to get one used, hopefully no OTA but whatever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a great little thing, I have people playing with them in my office all the time even my boss and hes an iFart lover

Will we keep root on kitkat

With an update to kitkat happening in the near future I started to think that root may not be so easy. Our bootloader being locked down don't help matters. Right now Kingo is giving users problems and the only other option being vroot.
But what if neither of these work with kitkat?
I will not take an update until I confirm root is possible.
If there's any devs out there that can unlock this bad boy please don't give up.
So what's everyone else think?
I think that in the future people who want root will need to buy a developer's edition.
Frank
SGH-I717(AoCP6.4), SM-N900V/MI9(dlV), XDA Premium
Frank Westlake said:
I think that in the future people who want root will need to buy a developer's edition.
Frank
SGH-I717(AoCP6.4), SM-N900V/MI9(dlV), XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True but the unfortunate thing is Verizon and or Samsung don't make enough available.
Would be nice if they started to manufacture more dev units in the future.
Or Verizon can just unlock the bootloaders.
Harleydroid said:
True but the unfortunate thing is Verizon and or Samsung don't make enough available.
Would be nice if they started to manufacture more dev units in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm guessing that they will make more. There will, and may now be, some significant legal difference between the two. A lot of people want rooted phones so when bootloaders are no longer exploitable they will come up with a scheme to exploit those root-wanters.
Frank
SGH-I717(AoCP6.4), SM-N900V/MI9(dlV), XDA Premium
I heard a while ago that kitkat could break some root apps. I wonder if anyone is experiencing that?
I haven't heard anyone say anything about it so hopefully that's not a factor anymore.
Harleydroid said:
I heard a while ago that kitkat could break some root apps. I wonder if anyone is experiencing that?
I haven't heard anyone say anything about it so hopefully that's not a factor anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look up Chainfire on Google+ he has a write up on root breakage with KitKat in his community. Lots of good stuff there.
Misterxtc said:
Look up Chainfire on Google+ he has a write up on root breakage with KitKat in his community. Lots of good stuff there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's the source I heard it from a while back. I will have to check out his G+
not worth update
Harleydroid said:
Yeah that's the source I heard it from a while back. I will have to check out his G+
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have KK on another phone(razr maxx) and no root problems. the difference btw jb and kk isn't worth any potential problems. kk is such a minor update i won't update the note3 until a root is out there and tested
Harleydroid said:
Yeah that's the source I heard it from a while back. I will have to check out his
Edut
Nermind i found him.
☛HYPER?DRIVE☚
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like kitkat could be soon. Probably still a month or more out but thought I'd share this.
http://www.elementalxdesigns.com/eclipse/showthread.php?t=8759
Samsung lays out which devices will get Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Anybody hear any news on kitkat for us Verizon guys?
I see Tmo guys have been able to root 4.4.2 with Chainfires CF Autoroot tool but it trips knox.
Wonder how this is going to be for us?
??Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipse Note 3??
Kingo might work.
XzxBATTxzX said:
Kingo might work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo doesn't work for the Tmo guys.
But it's possible they might update it to work in the future I guess.
??Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3??
Harleydroid said:
Kingo doesn't work for the Tmo guys.
But it's possible they might update it to work in the future I guess.
??Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thought we were talking about Verizon?
XzxBATTxzX said:
Thought we were talking about Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol yes we are I was just saying that kingo didn't work for them but was before kitkat.
??Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3??
Everything I've read about how Kitkat screws up access to SD card makes me want to have no part of it. When I hear it is coming to vzw I plan to root and try to figure out how to stay stock mje and block updates. The only thing I really want fixed is the compass and since Nobody admits it's a problem I don't expect any update to fix it.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2
recDNA said:
Everything I've read about how Kitkat screws up access to SD card makes me want to have no part of it. When I hear it is coming to vzw I plan to root and try to figure out how to stay stock mje and block updates. The only thing I really want fixed is the compass and since Nobody admits it's a problem I don't expect any update to fix it.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes from what I have read guys are not happy with the kitkat update. Of course thats on the other carriers.
I guess we will just have to wait and see
?Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3?
,Kitkat is Kitkat. No way we'll have free access to our sd cards
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 2
Harleydroid said:
Kingo doesn't work for the Tmo guys.
But it's possible they might update it to work in the future I guess.
??Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tmobile guys don't need kingo to root since they have an unlocked bootloader. If it wasn't for t-mobile's poor network compared to verizon I'd switch in a heat beat.
sulla65 said:
Tmobile guys don't need kingo to root since they have an unlocked bootloader. If it wasn't for t-mobile's poor network compared to verizon I'd switch in a heat beat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They were having trouble rooting the kitkat build on tmo. My friend just picked up a tmo note 3 and the only way for him to root was to use chainfires CF autoroot but it trips knox. Which he didn't care.
?Tapped via my Blacked out Eclipsed Note 3?

[Q] Question about S4 Development...

Sorry if this question has been asked before.
I'm going to be upgrading phones soon, and I'm wondering if there are people still working on unlocking the bootloader on phones with the MF3 update or later? I understand that its possible it might never be unlocked, but I would feel better getting an s4 if I new there were people out there still trying to crack it...
I would prefer to be able to install cyanogenmod in the future, so I'm wondering if I should even go with the galaxy s4.
What do you guys think?
Also, if this is the wrong place for this question, let me know. Thanks!
My opinion is it will not be unlocked. This is an old device now and any devs who were working on it have moved on.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
My opinion is it will not be unlocked. This is an old device now and any devs who were working on it have moved on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I was kinda thinking the same thing. Still, I'm tempted to go for the S4. I know its an older device, but being that it has a removable battery, and a sd card slot makes it one of my first choices. Can you suggest another phone that I should be looking at based on that?
Thanks!
Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
sent from xda app
Ashyford said:
Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking for one. Do you have any suggestions on where I could purchase one?
Ashyford said:
Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
sent from xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock bootloaders on S4 with Safestrap on the newest 4.4.4 NJ4 but can only use TouchWiz
roms
tailgunner9 said:
You can unlock bootloaders on S4 with Safestrap on the newest 4.4.4 NJ4 but can only use TouchWiz
roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I knew you could do that, thanks for the heads up though!
If the Oneplus One wasnt so damn big, I would go with that... The s4/s5 is about as big as I would like to go with a phone...
thecrazydemon said:
Yea, I knew you could do that, thanks for the heads up though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap does not unlock the bootloader of the S4. Read all the info before you proceed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
kevinco1 said:
Safestrap does not unlock the bootloader of the S4. Read all the info before you proceed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, good call. I guess I meant, I knew the part about touchwiz only roms. But yea, I've gone through that thread, and many others. I don't actually have a phone yet. I might just breakdown and get a nexus 5, but I'm still looking for an S4 on mdb, or mdl...
I found one on swappa, but the seller is unresponsive.
Get a T-Mobile S4. Is pretty much the same as the AT&T one, but with an unlocked boot loader.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app
thecrazydemon said:
I've been looking for one. Do you have any suggestions on where I could purchase one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my 32GB sgh-i337 Galaxy S4 running the MDL firmware off ebay a few months ago. Brand new in the box, never used, and everything. Paid $375 for it. The sellers name is "taylorwireless" with a 99.9% feedback rating. He has an S4 for sale right now under item number: 171557373643
StoneyJSG said:
I got my 32GB sgh-i337 Galaxy S4 running the MDL firmware off ebay a few months ago. Brand new in the box, never used, and everything. Paid $375 for it. The sellers name is "taylorwireless" with a 99.9% feedback rating. He has an S4 for sale right now under item number: 171557373643
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought one on Swappa. Thanks for the suggestion though. If the one you linked was new, I might be tempted to send the phone I just ordered back... I'll keep an eye on that seller though.

Possible new MobileOdin Support?

Anyone think our Locked phones could have a chance of utilizing this new app from ChainFire?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/flashfire-t3075433
Stupifier said:
Anyone think our Locked phones could have a chance of utilizing this new app from ChainFire?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/flashfire-t3075433
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's little info on what it works on (locked bootloader etc), so why don't you ask Chainfire ?
ldeveraux said:
There's little info on what it works on (locked bootloader etc), so why don't you ask Chainfire ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't even think ChainFire knows. Would be really cool if it does work on our Phone though! Would finally remove need for a PC.
Stupifier said:
I don't even think ChainFire knows. Would be really cool if it does work on our Phone though! Would finally remove need for a PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So instead of asking the source, you started this thread? why?
ldeveraux said:
So instead of asking the source, you started this thread? why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because his thread is gonna get flooded with posts now that his app has made big news! Furthermore, his thread is about ALL devices. This thread is specific to OUR device. Why you being grumpy and hasslin' me?
Stupifier said:
Because his thread is gonna get flooded with posts now that his app has made big news! Furthermore, his thread is about ALL devices. This thread is specific to OUR device. Why you being grumpy and hasslin' me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! I'm not trying to hassle you! I just know that no one knows better than Chainfire about his own app, plus he responds to everyone. This thread would be just conjecture...
ldeveraux said:
There's little info on what it works on (locked bootloader etc), so why don't you ask Chainfire ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tested FlashFire on my locked bootloader I337 S4 and my G900T and it works. Still testing but it appears this will be our safestrap replacement.
I will update my update and keeproot thread once testing is complete.
Yes...a possible end to Safestrap and ODIN with PC madness....
muniz_ri said:
I have tested FlashFire on my locked bootloader I337 S4 and my G900T and it works. Still testing but it appears this will be our safestrap replacement.
I will update my update and keeproot thread once testing is complete.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Considering SS hasn't been updated for months, this is good news
ldeveraux said:
Considering SS hasn't been updated for months, this is good news
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very exciting, and given 5.0 is now widespread and the lack of a recovery solution supporting 5.0 on locked BL devices, I will quickly adopt it into the my threads. Suspect others will also.
muniz_ri said:
Very exciting, and given 5.0 is now widespread and the lack of a recovery solution supporting 5.0 on locked BL devices, I will quickly adopt it into the my threads. Suspect others will also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just did a full backup and flashed a ROM with no issues so far.
Rapunzl said:
I just did a full backup and flashed a ROM with no issues so far.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most excellent. So does this mean we have a replacement for SafeStrap or ODIN? Or BOTH!?
it allow to flash g900f rom in g900v with locked bootloader? I need to change rom language
LEENO said:
it allow to flash g900f rom in g900v with locked bootloader? I need to change rom language
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It allows you to flash ROMS without safestrap. Only stock ROMS will work with 900v, due to the locked bootloader.
Rapunzl said:
It allows you to flash ROMS without safestrap. Only stock ROMS will work with 900v, due to the locked bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only touchwiz based ROMs?
ldeveraux said:
Only touchwiz based ROMs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your question is a little ambiguous.
1. FlashFire works for more than just TouchWiz
2. The Non-Developer Verizon S5 has a locked bootloader....as such, only TouchWiz ROMs (some people might say TouchWiz = Stock...but that is misleading) will work on the device.
Stupifier said:
Your question is a little ambiguous.
1. FlashFire works for more than just TouchWiz
2. The Non-Developer Verizon S5 has a locked bootloader....as such, only TouchWiz ROMs (some people might say TouchWiz = Stock...but that is misleading) will work on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wasn't a question; it was a correction with a question mark to soften the blow.
ldeveraux said:
It wasn't a question; it was a correction with a question mark to soften the blow.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look at the keyboard cowboy over here
damagi123 said:
look at the keyboard cowboy over here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or maybe THAT was to cover up my mistake, we'll never know!

[Q] Is the newest firmware rootable?

I'm about due for upgrades on my account and trying to decide which phone to buy for my wife. Deciding between the Galaxy S5, HTC One M8, and LG G3. I prefer the S5 because my wife is more familiar with Samsung phones, but I need to know if it's still rootable or if Verizon has managed to completely lock this thing down.
I apologize for asking a question that's probably answered multiple places, but despite my best searching, I'm unable to determine the newest firmware version available for this phone, nor if there is any root method available for it that doesn't require an unlocked bootloader (presumably impossible with a "new" phone now).
I'd greatly appreciate a quick answer or a nudge in the right direction to look for this information.
flamadiddle said:
I'm about due for upgrades on my account and trying to decide which phone to buy for my wife. Deciding between the Galaxy S5, HTC One M8, and LG G3. I prefer the S5 because my wife is more familiar with Samsung phones, but I need to know if it's still rootable or if Verizon has managed to completely lock this thing down.
I apologize for asking a question that's probably answered multiple places, but despite my best searching, I'm unable to determine the newest firmware version available for this phone, nor if there is any root method available for it that doesn't require an unlocked bootloader (presumably impossible with a "new" phone now).
I'd greatly appreciate a quick answer or a nudge in the right direction to look for this information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to downgrade to NGC to root. Then you can upgrade and keep root.
OD5 is the latest firmware. See down in the notes to see how to root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900vod5-5-0-keeproot-t3136945
Tulsadiver said:
You have to downgrade to NGC to root. Then you can upgrade and keep root.
OD5 is the latest firmware. See down in the notes to see how to root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900vod5-5-0-keeproot-t3136945
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to assume you meant NCG.
Nandr0idC0nsumer said:
I'm going to assume you meant NCG.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Tulsadiver said:
You have to downgrade to NGC to root. Then you can upgrade and keep root.
OD5 is the latest firmware. See down in the notes to see how to root.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900vod5-5-0-keeproot-t3136945
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info. That's encouraging. I found that thread earlier but it says that method is only possible if you are already rooted...?
flamadiddle said:
Thanks for the info. That's encouraging. I found that thread earlier but it says that method is only possible if you are already rooted...?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look further down. In the bottom of the notes.
Tulsadiver said:
Look further down. In the bottom of the notes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! Duh. I completely missed that part. Thank you!

Categories

Resources