Database Users

New phone, MDB and rooted, should try to upgrade?

I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!

cabadam said:
I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot OTA update to MF3 without ODINing back to stock - your custom recovery will prevent the update from working.
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
I would suggest you stay on MDL until MF3 has not only root, but also custom recovery. At this point it's still too early to take the risk, even with a root access exploit now available.
If you want the updates, there are several ROMs available that incorporate updates...there's one that is almost completely stock MF3 without the bootloader (which is the main problem with it)...there's multiple based off of stock MF3 with some optimizations...and even some based on the latest Galaxy S4 International firmware which is several updates ahead of MF3.
Of course all that requires your willingness to install a custom ROM.

+1

I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
jeffreii said:
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.

cabadam said:
I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on

jd1639 said:
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!

cabadam said:
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.

jeffreii said:
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?

cabadam said:
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44022554&postcount=74

Hmm, so I went and also froze LocalFOTA, but I dont have anything called FW Upgrade
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Good post.
I'm also on MDB. Do you think it's actually worth it to install the MDL update?
I'm currently running Kangabean with 4.3, if it matters.

Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

deron37129 said:
Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.

trunzoc said:
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

sd_N said:
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!.
Here goes nothing
***EDIT***
Flashed the MDL image. I pulled the SIM to avoid any kind of OTA crap and booted. Got stuck at the AT&T logo though.
I had to go into stock recovery and do a factory reset. Did that and it booted up. Ran Motochopper fine and was able to boot into TWRP.
I restored by backup, but wouldn't boot past the Samsung Logo. Did another factory reset, but still wouldn't boot. Restored a backup I had of rooted stock. That worked.
Reset again and reinstalled Kangabean from scratch. That worked. Went back to recovery again and just restored my data partition. that worked too. yay
Pain in the arse, but let's see if MDL has any noticeable differences.

Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?

custommx3 said:
Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the roms you want to use. Most of them require mdl firmware.

[Q] MF3 back to AMDL?

I'm on MF3 right now, but can I use ODIN to go back to AMDL, then root and install a different recovery? It seems that the answer is yes because I saw a thread to download ODIN with AMDL, and that AMDL will allow you to fully root with a custom recovery. Just wanted to confirm before I start down the path of no return. Just want to get the 4.3 Google Edition going on my SGH-1337.
Thanks all.
EDIT: Did some more snooping and other threads saying you cannot use ODIN to go back to AMDL. Ugh. Guess I'll have to wait.

Your post edit is correct.
You have other options. Check out post #2 of the I337 guide in my signature. It covers root and safestrap for your mf3 firmware. Read up though, and don't jump into it without knowledge.
Cheers

jedil1c1ous said:
I'm on MF3 right now, but can I use ODIN to go back to AMDL, then root and install a different recovery? It seems that the answer is yes because I saw a thread to download ODIN with AMDL, and that AMDL will allow you to fully root with a custom recovery. Just wanted to confirm before I start down the path of no return. Just want to get the 4.3 Google Edition going on my SGH-1337.
Thanks all.
EDIT: Did some more snooping and other threads saying you cannot use ODIN to go back to AMDL. Ugh. Guess I'll have to wait.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to add that you cannot do ANYTHING (other than rooting) at the moment with the MF3. I will promise you that it will totally jack up your device.

Your best off rooting installing exposed and than install wanam exposed app and that will get you the customization of a stock rom with everything you can possibly ask for.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

agent929 said:
I just want to add that you cannot do ANYTHING (other than rooting) at the moment with the MF3. I will promise you that it will totally jack up your device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap

xBeerdroiDx said:
Safestrap
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected

i messed up bid time

so I have been on vision x rom for last couple months. I had a guy flash the stock rom back on my phone and now I have an att update aprox 359mb ready to install BUT I cannot update it. after update completes it boots into twrp. how can I uninstall twrp or is it something I missing. thanks for your help in advance. NOOB here

Do you know what firmware you're on? I don't what stock rom the guy flashed but it must not have been the stock firmware or you wouldn't have twrp.

jd1639 said:
do you know what firmware you're on? I don't what stock rom the guy flashed but it must not have been the stock firmware or you wouldn't have twrp.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it shows 4.2.2

JSUMNERS said:
it shows 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you on MDB/MDL or MF3?
Edit: must be MDB/MDL if you still have custom recovery?

JSUMNERS said:
it shows 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are the last three characters on your base band

rayburne said:
are you on mdb/mdl or mf3?
Edit: Must be mdb/mdl if you still have custom recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sorry im noob to the 10th......baseband version 1337ucuamdb

JSUMNERS said:
im sorry im noob to the 10th......baseband version 1337ucuamdb
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your are on mdb firmware. If flashing custom roms is important to you what I would do is use Odin to upgrade you to mdl firmware. That is probably the same firmware that you have the update for based on its small size. If you use Odin you will lose root and twrp. But you'll be able to put those back on.

jd1639 said:
your are on mdb firmware. If flashing custom roms is important to you what i would do is use odin to upgrade you to mdl firmware. That is probably the same firmware that you have the update for based on its small size. If you use odin you will lose root and twrp. But you'll be able to put those back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what im trying to attempt is to totally get back to stock everything with no root. I would like to get the update from july which is avail for me and then get the ota for 4.3 in november.... Totally stock. Is this possible ?

JSUMNERS said:
what im trying to attempt is to totally get back to stock everything with no root. I would like to get the update from july which is avail for me and then get the ota for 4.3 in november.... Totally stock. Is this possible ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, by flashing the mdl firmware in Odin

Thanks you very much. Now time to download odin and do research on xda forums.... Wish me luck

JSUMNERS said:
Thanks you very much. Now time to download odin and do research on xda forums.... Wish me luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you run into problems just ask. The firmware you can get from sammobile.com. You have to register but it's free.

JSUMNERS said:
what im trying to attempt is to totally get back to stock everything with no root. I would like to get the update from july which is avail for me and then get the ota for 4.3 in november.... Totally stock. Is this possible ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure you want to take that update (I'm assuming it's the MF3 update)?
If you do, you will be limited to using safestrap and the custom roms you can flash in the future.
If you stay at MDL, you can still install a custom 4.3 rom (or the stock 4.3 release without bootloaders once it's available).
You can even install stock MF3 without the bootloaders from the dev section to get the update.
If you want to have an unlocked bootloader and have complete freedom to flash whatever you want on your phone, you only want to update to MDL as mentioned above and not take the MF3 update.
Once your at official OTA MF3, your bootloader is locked and there is no turning back (just trying to help and make sure you are aware of what happens if you take the OTA and upgrade to MF3).
Good Luck

JSUMNERS said:
so I have been on vision x rom for last couple months. I had a guy flash the stock rom back on my phone and now I have an att update aprox 359mb ready to install BUT I cannot update it. after update completes it boots into twrp. how can I uninstall twrp or is it something I missing. thanks for your help in advance. NOOB here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heimdall is your friend , safer than Odin. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2374441&highlight=heimdall

jakew02 said:
heimdall is your friend , safer than odin. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2374441&highlight=heimdall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok so i havent unrooted yet. Still researching. My problem is now that when i power the phone on it shows custom with the open pad lock. But but when i run root checker basic is says im not rooted. Im confused and need help please. Sorry for being so ignorant but im learning

Sorry again but im still confused as to why it still has pad lock on start up but root checker says no root. I am so stupid im sorry but i need help please

JSUMNERS said:
Sorry again but im still confused as to why it still has pad lock on start up but root checker says no root. I am so stupid im sorry but i need help please
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go get Triangle Away. That helped me get rid of the pad lock.
---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 PM ----------
risensunx said:
Go get Triangle Away. That helped me get rid of the pad lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Read this thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2319251

[Q] I337UCUFNJ4 AT&T Galaxy S4 4.4.4 only download mode

i root my gs4 with odin, everything went fine but I wanted to get my gs faster so i downloaded kernel for gs4 and flashed it. mistake here. i didnt check if it supports 4.4.4. it only support devices under 4.3 so.. no wifi. that was the problem i had other than that, all was good. than I downloaded some OTA file for my gs4 and when i tried to flash it with safestrap, it kept said fail. so i thought it's maybe because i already have OS installed... so i wiped system,data and i tried to flash that OTA file, fail again. now im screwd. there is no OS on my gs4. when i trun it on, it vibrates, than reboots and than goes into Odinmode and say something like "nornal boot not possible" in red.
so i spent couple days searching how to get my phone work again but everything i tried didnt work. and for galaxy s4 sgh i337 nj4 version 4.4.4 it even made me think it was made just for me.
i tried kies, failed it told me to do emergency recovery but my phone does not show on list.
can anyone please help me.. Im new to Samsung Galaxy..

im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?

JustinBushke said:
im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.

DeadlySin9 said:
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader

JustinBushke said:
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will work.

DeadlySin9 said:
Yes, it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! You saved my life!
I want to be just like you helping other people
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] Downgrade from OE1?

I just switched back to my GS5 because I broke my iPhone 6. I am currently running 5.0 Baseband G900VVRU2BOE1. I've been trying to Odin back to KItKat. I get a fail in Odin every time. Is there something going on with the bootloader that prevents downgrading?

reverendyummypants said:
I just switched back to my GS5 because I broke my iPhone 6. I am currently running 5.0 Baseband G900VVRU2BOE1. I've been trying to Odin back to KItKat. I get a fail in Odin every time. Is there something going on with the bootloader that prevents downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am unfamiliar with that build. How about giving us a screens hot of about phone?

This is the screenshot you requested. I have not heard anything about this build, either. Any help is appreciated

reverendyummypants said:
I just switched back to my GS5 because I broke my iPhone 6. I am currently running 5.0 Baseband G900VVRU2BOE1. I've been trying to Odin back to KItKat. I get a fail in Odin every time. Is there something going on with the bootloader that prevents downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sounds to me like the aboot qfuse counter changed which would mean that there's no going back to any previous FW. It was only a matter of time before they did it since the VZW S4 lollipop update did that.
We won't know until we get ahold of either the update.zip or the odin tar. I have 2 VZW S5's and both refuse to tell me there's an update available even when I Odin back to a stock FW.

Nice. That's what I hated about Apple. You own the phone, yet, still can't do what you want with it. Well, thanks for checking it out.

reverendyummypants said:
Nice. That's what I hated about Apple. You own the phone, yet, still can't do what you want with it. Well, thanks for checking it out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's most likely more of a Verizon thing than a Samsung thing. Although with the 5.1.1 S5 update on T-Mobile, the kernel prevents rooting and T-Mobile phones are on unlocked bootloaders which means they don't care if you root or install a custom rom so maybe it is becoming more of a Samsung thing now.

reverendyummypants said:
I just switched back to my GS5 because I broke my iPhone 6. I am currently running 5.0 Baseband G900VVRU2BOE1. I've been trying to Odin back to KItKat. I get a fail in Odin every time. Is there something going on with the bootloader that prevents downgrading?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Want free advice, next time you see an update dont install it it will better if went to the xda forums for more info

As of now there is no way to downgrade. Someone already looked at the update zip. I guess it night be possible once the full OE1 tar is out..something about downgrading everything except the bootloader
Sent from my SM-G900V using XDA Free mobile app

MuminMohamed said:
Want free advice, next time you see an update dont install it it will better if went to the xda forums for more info
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the thing is, with Verizon, you can choose to not accept the upgrade a few times, but ultimately, it is forced on you...which is why I rooted my S5 the same week I bought it (to avoid unwanted 'upgrades')

Can I downgrade from OA8?

brettdacosta said:
Can I downgrade from OA8?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes as long as you do not take the oe1 update you should be good

root and downgrade to kitkat
I have s5 having base-band number g900vvru1boa8 unlocked verizon version. How i can root and downgrade to kitkat version? I need help.

fairy8902015 said:
I have s5 having base-band number g900vvru1boa8 unlocked verizon version. How i can root and downgrade to kitkat version? I need help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look a few threads up...

s5
ldeveraux said:
Look a few threads up...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't get to the thread that you have answered. kindly send me the link to the thread as i will be very grateful.

fairy8902015 said:
I can't get to the thread that you have answered. kindly send me the link to the thread as i will be very grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, I'm sure you can find it!

Dudash said:
It sounds to me like the aboot qfuse counter changed which would mean that there's no going back to any previous FW. It was only a matter of time before they did it since the VZW S4 lollipop update did that.
We won't know until we get ahold of either the update.zip or the odin tar. I have 2 VZW S5's and both refuse to tell me there's an update available even when I Odin back to a stock FW.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OE1 update prevents downgrading even if you have never flashed anything, correct?

tr4nqui1i7y said:
The OE1 update prevents downgrading even if you have never flashed anything, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct.

hi guys can you help me my baseband version is g900vvru2bpb1 i dont see oe1 anywhere, and i fail everytime i roll back is this the unflashable unrootable version came this way from ebay

lucasdvega said:
hi guys can you help me my baseband version is g900vvru2bpb1 i dont see oe1 anywhere, and i fail everytime i roll back is this the unflashable unrootable version came this way from ebay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why would you need to downgrade from pb1?