Database Users

Debating on rooting my S4

Hi everyone! I just upgraded to the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Before I had the original Galaxy Note. I've rooted and loaded custom ROM's on all my previous Android devices (Captivate, Inspire 4G, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy Note), but I'm debating on rooting this device. It's running great on the stock ROM.
Has anyone else debated this? If so, did you go ahead and root and loaded a ROM then regret it or were you glad you did it?

You can run it absolutely stock and still be rooted. Rooting gives you the advantage of certain apps that require it, as I'm sure you know, such as Titanium Backup, Root explorer and others. Plus ability to get rid of AT&T apps you never do or never will use. fwiw

Root it! You want regret it. The possibilities are endless. And if you do prefer a stock like rom, well believe me there are GREAT custom stock like roms that these great devs have put together that run flawlessly with added benefits. Hope this helps. Happy Rooting
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.

lazard said:
even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on stock with root. I rooted it using Adam's casual only to have TiBu work. I froze all ATT bloats and some google and samsung apps. The stock is very fine for me.
Now I am debating to flash Paranoid rom to try their multiwindow and halo features...

Thanks for all the input everyone, I appreciate it. Knowing me I'll end up rooting it and loading a ROM since I can't leave stuff alone. HA!
Does anyone know if there's a ROM out there that someone has gotten Bluetooth Tethering to work? That's one thing I miss from ICS on my Galaxy Note.

Hey gk
In same boat, been flashing roms hundreds of times for over 3 years from early Nexus One days. Most of the reasons were to get newer OS's without waiting. However, one of the reasons I got the S4 was it already has the latest as in 4.2.2.
One thing I have learned as most of us have is there always seems to be something not 100% on each rom for some folks. Goes with the territory as we know. Although, I have been lucky in that area. Maybe due to lots of reading and proper pre-install wipes. Hats off to all the devs though for their long and tiresome hours giving us these great roms.
My concern, since this is early on with the S4 and no unlocked bootloader, are our chances higher to have issues.
My phone with all it's "gimmicks" is running fast and perfect--NO issues. I also would like TiBu and eventually a custom recovery for nandroids even if I don't flash a custom rom. Used both CWM and TWRP in the past. Also, Amon_Ra. All worked great for me.
But, like you and others will probably root and flash a custom recovery anyway.
Damn Samsung for making this so tough of a decision--

I was in same position lol I've been flashing andneven Ade a few Roms but ya know its cool and all but its a hassel sometimes enough for me to be stock! There's no reason IMO to flash anything this phone is packed to the gills with features already and its on a very new os so I feel like I wanna root and flash away but have found no reason to YET key word there and of course its purely my own standpoint
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Root it! You can get new features before they come to your carrier. ... I debated it and told myself I would stay rooted but run stock rom.... now they figured out ways to bypass the bootloader and flash roms and im back to crack flashing lol. ..

Yup. I thought I wouldn't root this thing. That lasted a week. Then I told myself it's fine the way it is, I don't need to flash a rom. That lasted 3 weeks. I'm not a flashaholic though. I usually pick one and stick with it for a while.
You think it runs fine until you've rommed it and added a kernel. Then you realize you had no idea how fine it could be.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

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I wouldn't ever even own a phone that I couldn't root. It just gives you freedom over your phone. Again you don't NEED to run a custom rom to be rooted, but check out some of the TW custom Tom's that just take the phone to another level but still being stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Custom toms are bad ass lol I had to say it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

The Mint Jelly Rom battery life is insane ..it's worth rooting for that alone. Definitely root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I'm more than likely going to root and load a ROM soon. I'm between two different ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280556
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2305752
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I was a flashaholic on the captivate, and S II. I loved trying new ROMs like Miui and AOKP. But, since I got the Note II and now the S 4 I don't have that desire. My only reason for rooting usually was TiBu, and only from flashing so often. Without flashing a new ROM each week I had little need for restoring apps. After three weeks I finally rooted and started trying ROMs on this phone. It was about the same for my Note. I really like TouchWiz, and miss some of those features on AOSP based ROMs. I don't see the performance need for custom ROMs on either of these phones like I did on the older phones. I guess it just came out of boredom, in the end.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

Well, I finally gave in and rooted--knew I would
Used Adam's Casual--very easy--much more so than my HTC phones
TiBu and Nandriods already in use
Next step roms--

Still haven't rooted yet. I probably will over the weekend. Why can't I leave stuff alone? HA!

Coming from the OG Evo, Have a few Questions

Hey everyone!
So I'm finally going into a Sprint store later today to pick up the GS4. I'll be coming from HTC and I know that there are some differences between the two companies when it comes to rooting. I've read a bit about ODIN, but I'm not really sure what it is or if its even necessary, can anyone explain it to me? Also, what are your recommendations on Roms/Kernels that are out right now, or do you think that stock is currently the best experience?
Thanks for the help everyone.

You need Odin to root. Check out the video by QBking 77 that is stickied on android development section. It works for both MDL and MF9 (latest OTA).
And when it comes to the "best ROM" there is no answer as all the Roms have there great attributes. So I recommend you take your time and read the description of various Roms and find one that catches your attention. Flash it and see if you like it.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
---------- Post added at 08:20 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 AM ----------
Here is the link on how to root. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257101
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

And do try the stock ROM to see if you like it. Personally, I like some of the features that Samsung has included in TW enough to make me want to stick with the stock (rooted) ROM for now, with a few mods installed.

monkeychef said:
Hey everyone!
So I'm finally going into a Sprint store later today to pick up the GS4. I'll be coming from HTC and I know that there are some differences between the two companies when it comes to rooting. I've read a bit about ODIN, but I'm not really sure what it is or if its even necessary, can anyone explain it to me? Also, what are your recommendations on Roms/Kernels that are out right now, or do you think that stock is currently the best experience?
Thanks for the help everyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also came from the og evo.
Odin is an application that helps flash recovery, firmware, modems, etc.
The first thing I noticed is the difference between sense and touchwiz. It can be overwhelming at first but I would recommend sticking with touchwiz based roms for a little before trying aosp.
I personally use forcerom. It now has aroma which is great to pick and choose mods and themes.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

[INDEX][Everything you need to know][All In One Guide]

Welcome to the note 3 forums. We welcome you as long as you do your job and search before making 1,000,000 new threads.
So,You just got your shiny new note 3 and dont know where to begin?
Well that's ok because, this is the all in one thread.
Lets begin​
How do I Root?
That is the common question around here. Im going to simplify this.. Here you go
For 4.3
1.The best and safest way is this method by @evilpotatoman. It does require a little work but in return you do get root Here is the link for That,
2.Another method that is faster, but does not offer busybox with install, nor did it originate from XDA-forums is Here,
For 4.4 Or KitKat
You have to Go to My thread located
Here,
This does root KitKat and provides a custom ROM.
How Do I Install Custom Rom's
First What you should know is that our phone has a locked bootloader. This means that we can not boot kernels. But we still can flash custom rom's Thanks to @Hashcode
To install custom rom's on 4.3, Head over Here,
Another method That i originally created, but does not work as good as safestrap, could be found Here
If you are on KitKat, Then you could either install my KitKat rom or wait for safestrap to be updated.
What Do I Do If I Bricked My Phone? Or if it wont boot?
Well There are 2 methods to get you back to stock and running again.
To Restore back to Jellybean (4.3) Follow this Thread Here
To Restore back to KitKat (4.4.2) Follow this Thread Here
Why are Rom's Based off different Bases & Whats the difference?
A little basic intro
MJ5,MI9 & MI1 Are all 4.3 AT&T Bases
Ml2 Is an international 4.3 Base
MlG is a leaked AT&T 4.4.2 Base
Mj5 Is the latest 4.3 AT&T Base
Ml2 Is the latest international Base
The difference depends on what you need. Right now There are pro's and con's to all bases
Mj5
-Fast Data speeds
-Better indoor Signal
-No Bluetooth internet tethering
Ml2
-NO group messaging
-lower signal in areas
-slower data
-Does have Bluetooth internet tethering
Leaked Kitkat base (MIG)
-Extremely fast
-Newer modem with better signal & speeds
-Safestrap is not yet updated to work with kitkat (But you could still install my 4.4 ROM)
Why is my GPS Crappy and How do i fix it?
This issue is well known with our phone. The main reason is bad software coding.
To fix this issue Flash this fix made by me, in safestrap or manually push the files using root explorer.
4.3-Click Here
4.4-(Coming Soon)
What is "SafeStrap & Why do i have to use it?
Safestrap is our main method of flashing Rom's and could be found Here,
Always WIPE before flashing a new ROM or expect to receive errors. DON'T BE LAZY
Issues with safestrap
-Sometimes the storage is messed up and shows that you are using all your memory, when you really are not.If you use a different app to check, then you should see your real memory usage.
Where are all the kernels located?
Like i stated earlier, We don't have kernels yet, because of our locked bootloader
Where are all the Roms compatible with my phone?
All compatible and ready to install rom's could be found Here
There is currently NO AOSP,CM Based Rom's, So don't ask
What is KNOX and how does it effect me?
KNOX is basically made to **** us. But Samsung calls it security.
KNOX is removed from most custom Rom's. Knox does prevent root apps from working properly and should be removed asap.
How do I transfer My bookmarks from ROM to ROM?
Follow the guide i created Here
Im still working on a list of roms,and cool mods that are compatible with our phone. they will be located in the second post.Mods please sticky this thread​

For me, to post mods and roms compatible with our phone

one more

Great information.
Thank you very much.
I have tried your KitKat 4.4.2. Glad to see it is rooted!
Now, it is easy to switch between MJ5 4.3 and MLG 4.4.2 through SafeStrap and Odin.

Wow very nice! Hopefully this will prove helpful.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I will send people here. Thanks man. Wish we could donate to you. I bet there is a bunch of people who would love to buy you some drinks or whatever your in to....Thanks again for being organized and detailed. You have your Sh** together and its great!!!

Awesome work. Me personally Im waiting for SS to be updated but definitely keeping an eye out.
Im curious on one thing. When you discuss Knox and to 'remove it', would freezing this via TB server the same purpose? Also since youve had a go with 4.4, does Samsungs iteration of 4.4 still have the GPS issues or did they fix it? Just curious
Thanks!

Guys where can I get the stock rom my N900A (Note 3 AT & T) now install version 4.4.2 filtered want to go back to stock!
Enviado desde mi SAMSUNG-SM-N900A mediante Tapatalk

Read the first post!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thank you love your rom and glad to see you are so involved in the community
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

No problem buddy
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

hi, how do i manually fix push the GPS files?

So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly

thanks, perfect thread for an android newbie :good:

Nix A Nerd 2 said:
So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are referring to the N900A, thew is root! Just gotta search.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thank you. Now my almost $800 Samsung Galaxy note 3 has basic gps working properly. Samsung needs to hire guys like you

only thing missing is how to back up and restore...
so if you want a new rom...youre good to go..

Wanting to down grade back to JB rom from KITKAT v2
I Used to be on JB rom 4.3 And I really liked it. But I wanted to upgrade to to KitKat v2 because alot of people said they liked it. After I upgraded to KITKAT 4.4.2 I really did not enjoy it as much JB 2.6. I used to get 35000 score from Antutu Benchmark but now on V2 I get about 30000 score. And I thought the JB 2.6 was setup nicer. I dunno, but what I do know is that I would like to go back to JB 2.6 because I think it was a nicer piece of work. Anyone know where I can find the tutorial to downgrade back to JB 2.6? I thought I seen it before but I cant seem to find it. Thank you for your time.
htsl

I have now soft bricked my phone I am lost and need help! no one last night would help me! PLEASE help me now!!! I am stuck on step 4 of http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2559715
when I select "show all devices" it only list 2 "Samsung mobile usb cdc composite device" and " samsung mobile usb modem" what am I doing wrong????
some one on another thread said I am using the wrong drivers... where Do I find the correct drivers?
Thanks
Rick

Are you in download mode?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Issue flashing 'Google' edition ROMs...

Hi, I'm probably being very idiotic atm but I can't think of any logical issues.
I'm using the Samsung Galaxy S4 i337.. I downgraded from NB1 to MK2, got root, installed safestrap, and attempted to install this: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2544474
It was my understanding this came with Loki-Doki (saw it floating around in a different thread asking if it worked, can find it if nessecary) as a patch. So I downloaded and backed up my stock install, and attempted to install this.
Now the problem is when I boot, it returns me to a bootloop, if you could call that progress.. It vibrates occasionally while bootlooping (samsung - safeboot - blackscreen - vibrate - samsung....). I still have access to safestrap, download mode and so on, if it helps at all. I've also tried http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495 WITH loki-doki (as it is explicitly stated) to no success either..
I'm looking for one of two solutions;
how to get stock firmware back, or how to properly install this? Or any variation thereof. . . I don't know what the problem is ahaha

Bumping to say multiple wipes>reflashes later the blue screen has yet to occur, not sure what that was... Bootlooping is the huge problem now!

You can't use that rom. You need a tw based rom. This one is aosp
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
You can't use that rom. You need a tw based rom. This one is aosp
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't the second one work with my phone though? And the comments say 'working on i337'etc on the first one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495
It's still giving me the same problems with loki-doki.

Rhymey said:
Doesn't the second one work with my phone though? And the comments say 'working on i337'etc on the first one... http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2537495
It's still giving me the same problems with loki-doki.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only works if you have mdl firmware and not on safe strap
Sent from my Nexus 5

jd1639 said:
It only works if you have mdl firmware and not on safe strap
Sent from my Nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guh. Well ****. They should make that more obvious in the OP.. saw no mention of either of those being an issue..
Any similar roms that still have TouchWiz or should I just roll back to OTA 4.4.2?

Rhymey said:
Guh. Well ****. They should make that more obvious in the OP.. saw no mention of either of those being an issue..
Any similar roms that still have TouchWiz or should I just roll back to OTA 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Start here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5

So will it ever be possible to flash AOSP ROMs on NB1?

Not until the bootloader is unlocked. There is no telling when that will be.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Best bet is to find a ROM that you like, then install the Google Experience Launcher apk. It will give your phone the stock google launcher.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Domination Theme will also extensively theme your touchwiz rom to give it a more complete AOSP look without an AOSP rom.

All right thanks for the help guys.

Question about safestrap and the stock rom slot

Before I got this phone I had the galaxy s3 and was running an AOSP ROM on it within the first hour of having the phone, I've also built a few roms myself. I'm nowhere near a noob to custom recoveries and how to odin back to stock and all of that. However I am a noob to safestrap. I was just wondering if it is possible to overwrite the stock rom with another touchwiz rom based on the current kernel without bricking the device?

This is by far the most asked question in the past week or so regarding ss. I have spent many hours researching this question. Here's what I found:
1. Several in the s5 dev threads say yes it's fine to flash to stock and appear to have successfully done it with no problems.
2. Found posts from Scott, developer of clean Rom, and he does this on his note3. http://www.scottsroms.com/showthread.php?4988-Safestrap
3. Hashcode, creator of ss doesn't seem to recommend, but he did give us the ability to flash to the stock slot.
So there. Depends on who you ask I guess. Hope this helps.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

Thank you very much for your reply. I guess I'll be giving it a try and having odin ready if needed lol.

Post your experience please, I'm still undecided on flashing to stock slot.
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app