Database Users

[Q] return to stock recovery?

I would like to update to mf3 but after doing the ota update it reboots to recovery but I now have twrp instead of the required stock recovery...
After doing a lot of searching the only solution I found was to flash the official firmware with odin, but I'm assuming I will have to do a factory reset after this?
Is it possible to replace twrp with the stock recovery without having to do a factory reset or is there another way to get the mf3 update with twrp? (I'd rather not have to re-install all my apps and settings)
I hope my questions make sense its late and I'm tired.

badboyz said:
I would like to update to mf3 but after doing the ota update it reboots to recovery but I now have twrp instead of the required stock recovery...
After doing a lot of searching the only solution I found was to flash the official firmware with odin, but I'm assuming I will have to do a factory reset after this?
Is it possible to replace twrp with the stock recovery without having to do a factory reset or is there another way to get the mf3 update with twrp? (I'd rather not have to re-install all my apps and settings)
I hope my questions make sense its late and I'm tired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42253396#post42253396
There is always a risk of screwing something up...so read the thread, follow the directions, and decide if you want to take the risk..it's your decision.

Why not just flash a sweet custom rom like omega v9.0? That's the best thing about a custom recovery. It makes it easy to back up your current content and then try out a wide variety of mods and roms.
It's kinda counter productive to flash a stock recovery when you are trying to mod or customize your phone.
Odin is the cats butthole when trying to return to stock. Also, read the poop out of these threads... somebody has done what you want to do already so most things can be resolved with the solutions others have presented.

Bigbabyjesus said:
Why not just flash a sweet custom rom like omega v9.0? That's the best thing about a custom recovery. It makes it easy to back up your current content and then try out a wide variety of mods and roms.
It's kinda counter productive to flash a stock recovery when you are trying to mod or customize your phone.
Odin is the cats butthole when trying to return to stock. Also, read the poop out of these threads... somebody has done what you want to do already so most things can be resolved with the solutions others have presented.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The OP said he wants to update to MF3. I can't figure out why anyone would willingly do so either, but it is his decision. Personally I would also just flash one of the MF3 ROMs or International updated ROMs and still have the ability to use custom recovery with the benefits (I don't really think there are any) of MF3.

scott14719 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42253396#post42253396
There is always a risk of screwing something up...so read the thread, follow the directions, and decide if you want to take the risk..it's your decision.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This should work. When you type the command make sure that the block number ( mmcblk0p21) is correct. Any mistake there and you will get a $600 paperweight
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

I read there is a root method for the MF3 OTA update in general section
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

jball said:
I read there is a root method for the MF3 OTA update in general section
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is correct, but it has nothing to do with the OP's request.

I read this hole page and u quoted the op wanted to update to mf3 so I just reassured the op that there is a root method for it .I do apologize to the op
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Thanks for all the replies.
I wanted to update to mf3 because isn't it a newer modem? I was waiting until root was possible which now there is a method for mf3.
Sent from my Samsung S4

AT&T Message - Not Authorized Software found
rushi.1986 said:
This should work. When you type the command make sure that the block number ( mmcblk0p21) is correct. Any mistake there and you will get a $600 paperweight
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks god did not turn my cell into a $600 paperweight :laugh: ... the process worked, but, when I try to do a factory recovery a sign from ATT says, in the top:
Secure Fail: Kernel
and a yellow exclamation with the following message: "System software not authorized by AT&T has been found on your phone. Please turn off your phone and go to the nearest AT&T store for help."
has anyone seen this?

badboyz said:
I would like to update to mf3 but after doing the ota update it reboots to recovery but I now have twrp instead of the required stock recovery...
After doing a lot of searching the only solution I found was to flash the official firmware with odin, but I'm assuming I will have to do a factory reset after this?
Is it possible to replace twrp with the stock recovery without having to do a factory reset or is there another way to get the mf3 update with twrp? (I'd rather not have to re-install all my apps and settings)
I hope my questions make sense its late and I'm tired.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash your recovery with fastboot command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery /path/to/revocery.img

I ended up just flashing the modem it seemed to be the safest option
Sent from my Samsung S4

simone.mutti said:
You can flash your recovery with fastboot command:
Code:
fastboot flash recovery /path/to/revocery.img
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure that will work with the AT&T S4?

scott14719 said:
Are you sure that will work with the AT&T S4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think so, pretty sure that the bootloader has to be unlocked to do that
Sent from my Samsung S4

badboyz said:
I don't think so, pretty sure that the bootloader has to be unlocked to do that
Sent from my Samsung S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm confused, are you on stock mf3 and have twrp installed as your recovery?

jd1639 said:
I'm confused, are you on stock mf3 and have twrp installed as your recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was on mdl rooted with twrp recovery then flashed just the modem for mf3
Sent from my Samsung S4

[Q] Confused and stuck - with AT&T SGH-i337 (MF3)

Hello everyone
I am looking to root and install a custom ROM on my AT&T S4 SGH-i337 (MF3) phone. The whole process is confusing... I see one video saying this and another saying that. I finally found a site to root my phone but the loki recovery step says "loki aboot version does not match device" while using Terminal emulator. I wanted to install the FOXHOUND ROM or something similar. I just wish someone had ONE place to get the correct information for your specific phone.
The link below is where I found out how to root my S4.
honai-android.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-root-galaxy-s4-at-sgh-i337-on.html
This is where I downloaded my loki recovery
galaxys4root.com/clockworkmodtwrp-recoveries
Thank you so much for ANY information you can provide!

capth4u said:
Hello everyone
I am looking to root and install a custom ROM on my AT&T S4 SGH-i337 (MF3) phone. The whole process is confusing... I see one video saying this and another saying that. I finally found a site to root my phone but the loki recovery step says "loki aboot version does not match device" while using Terminal emulator. I wanted to install the FOXHOUND ROM or something similar. I just wish someone had ONE place to get the correct information for your specific phone.
The link below is where I found out how to root my S4.
honai-android.blogspot.com/2013/08/ how-to-root-galaxy-s4-at-sgh-i337-on.html
This is where I downloaded my loki recovery
galaxys4root.com/clockworkmodtwrp-recoveries
Thank you so much for ANY information you can provide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your phone came with MF3 already then I'm afraid you can't flash Custom Roms yet since the bootloader is locked my friend.
Sent From My Galaxy S 4 SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 Running On New Deadly Venom v8.0.0

I would highly recommend you stop everything you're doing and put some time into reading up about MF3. You are likely to bork your phone if you continue. Cheers

capth4u said:
Hello everyone
I am looking to root and install a custom ROM on my AT&T S4 SGH-i337 (MF3) phone. The whole process is confusing... I see one video saying this and another saying that. I finally found a site to root my phone but the loki recovery step says "loki aboot version does not match device" while using Terminal emulator. I wanted to install the FOXHOUND ROM or something similar. I just wish someone had ONE place to get the correct information for your specific phone.
The link below is where I found out how to root my S4.
honai-android.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-root-galaxy-s4-at-sgh-i337-on.html
This is where I downloaded my loki recovery
galaxys4root.com/clockworkmodtwrp-recoveries
Thank you so much for ANY information you can provide!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As the others mentioned, you should read up more on MF3, and stop trying to do anything to it. MF3 is the firmware version AT&T pushed out after the Loki exploit was released, and with it they patched the exploit.
From this point, you have a couple options:
1. Root using this method, and then use Xposed mods to customize your stock rom.
2. Follow this thread closely, and wait for Hashcode to release a working version.
Oh, and get your information only from this site. Don't go to galaxys4root.

mattdm said:
As the others mentioned, you should read up more on MF3, and stop trying to do anything to it. MF3 is the firmware version AT&T pushed out after the Loki exploit was released, and with it they patched the exploit.
From this point, you have a couple options:
1. Root using this method, and then use Xposed mods to customize your stock rom.
2. Follow this thread closely, and wait for Hashcode to release a working version.
Oh, and get your information only from this site. Don't go to galaxys4root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you... My phone is already rooted so what should I do? Should I just leave it as is and wait for a fix for the recovery?

capth4u said:
Thank you... My phone is already rooted so what should I do? Should I just leave it as is and wait for a fix for the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now there's nothing you can do till someone unlocks the bootloader you can use the MOD WanamXposed.1.4.2 look it up in playstore make sure if you use it to install
first XposedInstaller_2.1.4 then WanamXposed.1.4.2 that's if your wanting to custimize the stock rom a bit, Read the instructions in playstore for WanamXposed.1.4.2

capth4u said:
Thank you... My phone is already rooted so what should I do? Should I just leave it as is and wait for a fix for the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what I see is you have 2 options.
Option 1: Keep your phone rooted and don't mess anything up. So you have to be very careful while rooted and not mess with the system files.
Option 2: Check this thread out as someone was able to reflash their galaxy s4 on mf3 at Best Buy' Samsung Kiosk:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432427&highlight=mf3
mattdm said:
As the others mentioned, you should read up more on MF3, and stop trying to do anything to it. MF3 is the firmware version AT&T pushed out after the Loki exploit was released, and with it they patched the exploit.
From this point, you have a couple options:
1. Root using this method, and then use Xposed mods to customize your stock rom.
2. Follow this thread closely, and wait for Hashcode to release a working version.
Oh, and get your information only from this site. Don't go to galaxys4root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slightly offtopic but I notice Hascode is working on Verizon's S4. How will Hascode's version be compatible with AT&T? Is it mainly because both verizon & at&t have a similar locked bootloader?

capth4u said:
Thank you... My phone is already rooted so what should I do? Should I just leave it as is and wait for a fix for the recovery?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point, there's no harm in installing the Xposed Framework, and using Wanam Xposed. There are a lot of cool tweaks in there, and the only requirement is root, which you already have.
haremmon said:
Slightly offtopic but I notice Hascode is working on Verizon's S4. How will Hascode's version be compatible with AT&T? Is it mainly because both verizon & at&t have a similar locked bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In Hashcode's OP, he says that he is developing SafeStrap for "the locked versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4." I assume that means both Verizon and AT&T.

Pick up a s4 today that is on mf3. But i dont think it came shipped with mf3. I duno if this has been asked but can i downgrade it sense it wasnt shipped with mf3?

[Q] about rooting and unlocking

so i just picked up an S4 yesterday due to my old phone finally dying on me. I tried the loki method to root it and install TWRP. but when my phone reboots it gives me takes me back t the stock android recovery instead of TWRP.

Grona said:
so i just picked up an S4 yesterday due to my old phone finally dying on me. I tried the loki method to root it and install TWRP. but when my phone reboots it gives me takes me back t the stock android recovery instead of TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What firmware was on the phone?
MDB/MDL or MF3?
If MF3, you have softbricked your phone and may need to go to Best Buy to have it fixed.
Review the Stickies in the General section about MF3 (if you haven't already).

rayburne said:
What firmware was on the phone?
MDB/MDL or MF3?
If MF3, you have softbricked your phone and may need to go to Best Buy to have it fixed.
Review the Stickies in the General section about MF3 (if you haven't already).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like I'm mf3 but I'm still able to use my phone normally.
Is there a different unlocking method or am I missing something?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

Grona said:
Looks like I'm mf3 but I'm still able to use my phone normally.
Is there a different unlocking method or am I missing something?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear you didn't soft brick your phone.
MF3 has a locked bootloader that no one has cracked yet.
Read through MF3 stickies in both the General and Q&A sections for more info.
Long story short, you can Root the phone then use Safestrap as your recovery to install custom roms.

rayburne said:
Good to hear you didn't soft brick your phone.
MF3 has a locked bootloader that no one has cracked yet.
Read through MF3 stickies in both the General and Q&A sections for more info.
Long story short, you can Root the phone then use Safestrap as your recovery to install custom roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds good. I'll be rooting it soon once my SD card comes in.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

I don't see much action in the dev section that would make me believe its going to be cracked at all.thank Hashcode for what we do have.
sent from a I337 MF3 S4

[Q] Bootloader Help

OMG!!!! After tons of reading for a way to check if my Bootloader is locked. I have gotten no result except to use safstrap for bootloader stuff or what not. I just want a straight answer to my question/s. A post should also be sticky about this.
My Phone BASEBAND is I337UCUAMF3
1.How do I know if my bootloader is unlocked or locked. When I go into download mode, will it say like bootloader=locked/unlocked or so.
2.If its locked. How do i unlock it. Secure or non secure. Just wanna install CWM/TWRP Recovery with updates straight from there site without a need for modification like safestrap. Wanna install custom roms A.S.A.P

alvin14 said:
OMG!!!! After tons of reading for a way to check if my Bootloader is locked. I have gotten no result except to use safstrap for bootloader stuff or what not. I just want a straight answer to my question/s. A post should also be sticky about this.
My Phone BASEBAND is I337UCUAMF3
1.How do I know if my bootloader is unlocked or locked. When I go into download mode, will it say like bootloader=locked/unlocked or so.
2.If its locked. How do i unlock it. Secure or non secure. Just wanna install CWM/TWRP Recovery with updates straight from there site without a need for modification like safestrap. Wanna install custom roms A.S.A.P
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any AT&T I337 that's MF3, MK2, or NB1 has a locked bootloader so don't bother checking. So far there is no exploit, Devs are working on it and when they crack it it will be all over the S4 threads. Safe strap is the only way to run custom roms. Don't try to flash a custom recovery.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

dave5777 said:
Any AT&T I337 that's MF3, MK2, or NB1 has a locked bootloader so don't bother checking. So far there is no exploit, Devs are working on it and when they crack it it will be all over the S4 threads. Safe strap is the only way to run custom roms. Don't try to flash a custom recovery.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your speedy reply. So upgrading my Baseband to something else wont change the bootloader locked? I am also guessing every AT&T S4 comes bootloader locked then... In other words, would it be best i get my i9500 back since i don't have to worry about bootloader locked and brick and all that stuff that's currently making my i337 useless.

Yes every AT&T is locked, get your i9500 back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

dave5777 said:
Yes every AT&T is locked, get your i9500 back.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a million. Now that was easy and straight forward. Someone should create a sticky thread of this topic with it close so no replies. Damn. Information was so hard to get but many thanks to you. It was a breeze.

alvin14 said:
Thanks a million. Now that was easy and straight forward. Someone should create a sticky thread of this topic with it close so no replies. Damn. Information was so hard to get but many thanks to you. It was a breeze.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This information is already in the "stickied" threads.

[Q] New to the S4, assistance required.

Hi all! I'll start by saying this, I'm not a COMPLETE noob here. I have had a fair share of experience with rooting and flashing roms; However when i got my new S4 i stepped up in the world of android and am sorta lost now lol. Currently I'm stock MF3 with AT&T, and in a bit I will flash the MK2 update.zip and root then. Well, my understanding of SafeStrap is that it uses the phones memory to make virtual slots for roms, therefor (correct me if I'm wrong) the current system doesn't get wiped. Now I have searched, searched, searched, read, read, AND read, multiple threads trying to find my answers and I've just ended up with confusuion. If my understanding off SS is correct I want a rom that is Stock 4.4.2, Fast, battery enhancing, and most importantly Stable. I saw on in Particular that stood out to me and that was Vision-X but the post to me confused me whether i could use it on the NB1 build. Another question I have: Is NC1 worth it? I've seen that I could do a work around to keep root from NB1 and go to NC1, And Finally my last question (thus far): Can I flash themes i whip up myself with Universal online Theme Kitchen? Is that compatible? I hope that the XDA community can help me once again with my questions and guide me onto the right track. Thanks in advance XDA!!!

DroidWizzy said:
Hi all! I'll start by saying this, I'm not a COMPLETE noob here. I have had a fair share of experience with rooting and flashing roms; However when i got my new S4 i stepped up in the world of android and am sorta lost now lol. Currently I'm stock MF3 with AT&T, and in a bit I will flash the MK2 update.zip and root then. Well, my understanding of SafeStrap is that it uses the phones memory to make virtual slots for roms, therefor (correct me if I'm wrong) the current system doesn't get wiped. Now I have searched, searched, searched, read, read, AND read, multiple threads trying to find my answers and I've just ended up with confusuion. If my understanding off SS is correct I want a rom that is Stock 4.4.2, Fast, battery enhancing, and most importantly Stable. I saw on in Particular that stood out to me and that was Vision-X but the post to me confused me whether i could use it on the NB1 build. Another question I have: Is NC1 worth it? I've seen that I could do a work around to keep root from NB1 and go to NC1, And Finally my last question (thus far): Can I flash themes i whip up myself with Universal online Theme Kitchen? Is that compatible? I hope that the XDA community can help me once again with my questions and guide me onto the right track. Thanks in advance XDA!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't have to upgrade past MK2, and it doesn't matter if you're just going to put a custom ROM on. I believe the ROM you mentioned is compatible, but you could always check the All Things MK2 & NB1 thread. With safestrap on MK2 you'll be able to run both 4.3 and 4.4.2 ROMs by using Om ODIN to switch kernels. As for themes, Safestrap allows all normally flashable zips, so it's a matter of whether the kitchen is compatible.

Thanks for the reply! Currently im Stock NB1 and rooted. I'm going to flash Skyfall.Ill see what happens.
Edit: Flashed Skyfall but for some reason after reboot i get stuck on the Samsung splash screen. I followed the installation guide, am i missing something?
Since i didn't update my bootoader when using the keep root method to NB1 i used Odin to get back to stock MK2. Which SS version should i use to try and flash skyfall?