I'm picking up a GS4 tonight for my wife and the store confirmed their phones are loaded with MF9. I'd like to root the phone using the rooted MDL files I have from my GS4. How would I go about doing this backwards update from MF9 to MDL? I'm a root newbie, so sorry if this is dumb question.
Don't go back. Just use Chainfire's CFAutoroot in the development section. Very easy.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
From what I heard when MF9 came out there were a lot of battery issues and poor reception, while my MDL has been fine. Is there any risk of damage by going back to MDL?
Nothing wrong with mf9 as far my two s4s are concerned. I haven't seen anything really about battery life being bad and I'm here all the time. Root and enjoy
Good deal and thanks for the info. I rooted MF9 and had no issues.
Related
Sorry if this has been answered, but I just picked up my sprint S4 a few hours ago and I'm reading through the threads as fast as I can.
Are there rooted/stock one-click .exe files available for the S4 like the ones we had on the E4GT? I really like how easy they were to use to restore my phone to a stock or rooted stock condition.
Thanks in advance
Foulwx said:
Sorry if this has been answered, but I just picked up my sprint S4 a few hours ago and I'm reading through the threads as fast as I can.
Are there rooted/stock one-click .exe files available for the S4 like the ones we had on the E4GT? I really like how easy they were to use to restore my phone to a stock or rooted stock condition.
Thanks in advance
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Sure are http://www.rwilco12.com/downloads.php?dir=Files/Devices/Samsung Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720)/
I see he has MDC up, but I'm still looking for MDL.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
I don't there are any MDL one clicks...just a flashable zip
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Foulwx said:
I see he has MDC up, but I'm still looking for MDL.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
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I think the MDL oneclicks haven't been created yet b/c people are still trying to figure out how to flash the MDL modem. AFAIK, the only way right now to get the MDL modem is through the official MDC to MDL OTA update.
optimummind said:
I think the MDL oneclicks haven't been created yet b/c people are still trying to figure out how to flash the MDL modem. AFAIK, the only way right now to get the MDL modem is through the official MDC to MDL OTA update.
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Thanks for the info. I've already updated the modem through OTA to MDL. I guess I will try Chainfire's method to root then, but I was trying to avoid the triangle. I've always liked how the one-clicks never gave a count when flashed. After rooting, do you use mobile ODIN to install a recovery kernel? Which one do you guys prefer?
Sorry about the noob questions, but I am a noob on this phone.
Love it so far. I have to get a case today until I get one from Amazon. The slippery little bugger has been on the floor three times already. Once after I fell asleep.
Foulwx said:
Thanks for the info. I've already updated the modem through OTA to MDL. I guess I will try Chainfire's method to root then, but I was trying to avoid the triangle. I've always liked how the one-clicks never gave a count when flashed. After rooting, do you use mobile ODIN to install a recovery kernel? Which one do you guys prefer?
Sorry about the noob questions, but I am a noob on this phone.
Love it so far. I have to get a case today until I get one from Amazon. The slippery little bugger has been on the floor three times already. Once after I fell asleep.
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I used desktop Odin to flash a recovery. I started off with Team SXP's CWM recovery then went on to the OUDHS recovery. I like OUDHS b/c I don't have to press any physical buttons but swipe to do everything (although you can use buttons too, if you'd like).
Today I tried the TWRP v2.5.0.2 recovery and it's awesome~! It's touch screen enabled and it recognizes my 64GB exFat microSD card. I used Goomanager from the app store to install it.
So I am upgrading from my beloved S3 to the Red S4 now, getting it in on Tues. Thank you employee line deals.. So anyways, I saw some stickies about to avoid the OTA otherwise can not flash a diff kernel, correct? That there are no odin files of the new update.
That being said, How will I know when I get my device in, if they already gave it to me updated or if its where I can custom rom it. Would figure its a certain thing in the status menu part for a version. Dont wanna mess this up, so doing my research now.
Also any custom roms that are super worth it? I know on my S3, I use a nice one with the multi window and floating windows. So if there is a super good one to use, IF I can use one, what is it?
Also does the toolbox program we used for the S3 work for S4? (Havent checked on updates in awhile) cause I need to least root this sucker if I wanna restore my titanium backups.
Anyways thanks for any points in the right direction, this is the part I always hated.. working with a new phone then sitting with it till I study up on all the roms and tweaking of it.
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT? Then chances may be slim of anything other than mf3. But I did get a MDL from Walmart (they had black and white if I remember correctly, not sure about red). I got a black one with MDL about a month ago and they had two others in stock. So places like that MAY be a better bet for you.
Now this is MY opinion and take it for what it is worth. I will NEVER be buying another ATT phone due to how hard they are locking the boitloaders down. NEVER... So my next suggestion is get a T-Mobile S4 and you can use it on ATT and it does not have locked bootloaders at this time and hopefully never.
Read all the sticky threads about MF3 and prepare yourself in case you want to keep it. Good luck to you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
You will have to try out different roms and see for yourself what they have to offer.if it turns out to be MF3 take the most important advice "!!READ!!"
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Before you get your phone read a whole lot about it. Read all the pinned (stickies) threads first. Then keep reading before you do anything with it. Good luck!
RockRatt said:
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT?
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Yes, getting from ATT dealer accounts, while I know I can use T-Mobiles stuff, I wouldnt have the "LTE" ability, which is what is happening now with my TMO S3, I have 4G, yes, but not LTE. So giving that phone to my friend for her upgrade, so she can get LTE with TMO while upgrading myself. Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Qbeezy24 said:
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
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So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
Mysticales said:
Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
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Yes it would be almost exactly business as usual. Of course READ any Roms HOW TO INSTALL section. About the only difference from the S3 flashing is if you are flashing kernels/Roms make sure the are loki'd or use Loki doki during flashing. Again read up on this.
Mysticales said:
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Click to expand...
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Yes you can flash some Roms (4.2.2 based Roms) with Safestrap. Read all about safestrap as I do not have it and don't know many if the answers since I cannot test. But the one thing is be VERY CAREFUL removing bloat with tibu, once it is gone you will NOT be able to get it back. Read many horror stories if debloating gone wrong and phone not working.
Mysticales said:
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
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Yes download either Motochopper or I like "Casual+Motochopper" as it gives you a recovery as well. Either cwm or twrp.
No at that point it is NOT safe from OTA updates, you will need to FREEZE certain apps with tibu.
Check out the Roms section. I haven't used it but I believe there is a "neutered mf3 stock firmware" that has the ota updating parts removed already. If you do NOT freeze the apps ATT set up mf3 to Auto Download and INSTALL mf3. Most users got it while they were sleeping, even if they were only stock and rooted. But IF you have a custom recovery and a ROM on it you will not get the auto update and install.
Mysticales said:
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
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MDB was what came with the phone and MDL was updated within a few weeks if I remember correctly. I believe I still have the mdb bootloaders on my phone and my wife's came with MDL and has those bootloaders. I have seen NO DIFFERENCE as far as flashing or things working differently in my case.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
nash2000 said:
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Yes I believe you cannot flash kernels with safestrap. And only 4.2.2 based Roms will work and possibly on tw Roms, but there might be one cm variant that would work. Just check out the safestrap thread for more info on all if this. I think they even have a list if tested working Roms there.
No one knows FOR SURE but I believe the new 4.3 update blows a second qfuse, this will make it so you cannot downgrade to anything lower than MJ6.
MF3 blows the first qfuse which is why you cannot downgrade to MDL bases.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Mysticales said:
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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Click to collapse
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I just got my phone!!!! I got mine at Costco which I normally get my phone through best buy but there insurance plan stinks now.
Anyways, My phone had the MDF!! So get your phone at Costco!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
[email protected] said:
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
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Of course I am rooted... you think after being a pioneer with a beloved Htc G1, that I would EVER be on a device without root. =p (Man.. the reinstalling of a 100 apps manually alone without titanium backup along with its prefs, config and data would take a week to get right) I used that exFat method.
But yea, even tho I am rooted, I wouldnt "mind" a diff rom.. or least debloat this sucker. Half tempted to see which ATT apps I could get rid of, issue is... no odin to restore to if something messes up. I am sure someone will do a mf3 recovery sometime eh?
Oh... btw, how would I disable any auto OTA that could come in the future?
SGH-i337 got bricked and updated to *leaked* MJ6. I've found out that ATT has pulled this update from OTA because of it being really buggy. Battery life and everything has gotten bad. Wondering it is possible to downgrade from MJ6 to MF3. Already have the MF3 tar just not sure if I should flash it.
Thanks in advanced.
You can't downgrade even if you wanted to.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
The qfuse on the S4 after MF3 was blown, meaning that downgrading versions will NOT work. Sorry to hear that. I don't know if Best Buy will flash 4.3 but it's worth a shot in trying.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Some people are having luck calling up AT&T and saying that 4.3 is giving them tons of problems. In some cases, AT&T is actually replacing the phone. So theoretically, you could call up customer care, and have your phone replaced with an MF3 one.
LZLandingZone said:
Some people are having luck calling up AT&T and saying that 4.3 is giving them tons of problems. In some cases, AT&T is actually replacing the phone. So theoretically, you could call up customer care, and have your phone replaced with an MF3 one.
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There's a smart move on at&t's part. Roll out buggy software and have to replace the phones. Nice!
OK this section says noob questions welcome, so I'm hoping I can get some advice. I actually did pretty well on the OG evo but when I came to the S4 I rooted, flashed frees rom, and didn't look back. Well as much of a tribute that it is to the rom, I really fell behind. I'm on 4.2.2 MDL and I've missed several updates. Now there's MJA, MK2 and maybe one in-between I missed. So my question is how do I upgrade ? Can I simply upgrade to a custom rom? I think I read that I need to upgrade my recovery. Can I just download that recovery and flash it like a custom rom? Do I even want to go to MJA or MK2 because everyone complains about Knox. I read you can upgrade but keep your boot loader...the problem is that I feel like my phone is way far behind. Any suggestions? As far as from preferences I'm happy with touchwiz and it looking fairly stock so long as I have hotspots mod the rom will work for me. Hopefully I can get some advice from anyone. If you read this I appreciate your time and consideration. Thanks.
Sent from my A500 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
My opinion is I haven't taken it and won't just for the fact I Dont like the idea of Sammy locking me down!! Lol and that I Dont care for tw but reality is almost all the custom tw ROMs are 4.3 now so you'll still have plenty to choose from if you make the leap! But IMHO 4.4 kit kat is where its at!
Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
Download the MK2 firmware and the latest Philz touch recovery from the dev section. This will allow you to flash 4.3 ROMs and get you up to date.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2277480
This is another option working for me. You would have to flash mf9 firmware 1st.
First off thank you for the link to those instructions they were very easy to follow. Everything is updated to 4.3 and I'm on MJA baseband. I did mess up and forgot to flash the MF9 firmware first so when I booted up I had a system update notification. I simply held it down, went to app info and unchecked notifications. I'm assuming nothing should effect me since all my other stuff is correct. Thanks again for the assistance in this thread. Awesome getting the answers and guidance necessary.
I had Odin'd back to stock amdl as I planned on trading in my S4 at AT&T. forgot it was stock and that there was an update out there for it. My phone just restarted and is now installing the update... Grrrr. Not to happy about that.
Thanks, Just had to rant for a second..
schollianmj said:
I had Odin'd back to stock amdl as I planned on trading in my S4 at AT&T. forgot it was stock and that there was an update out there for it. My phone just restarted and is now installing the update... Grrrr. Not to happy about that.
Thanks, Just had to rant for a second..
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Click to collapse
Sorry man thats the worst thing that can happen. I guess kiss your bootloader goodbye
I know what you are going through, been there myself.
I was one of the first people to take the update before it was all over XDA that it kills the exploit. I had custom recovery for a short while, never even got to try out any ROMs ;P
My situation was unlucky, foolish nonetheless.
Had a bad ROM flash last summer using MDB. Reverted back to MDL just to start over. Tried going back to MDB before rooting, etc. because it was more stable. That was the day MF3 rolled out and that was the OTA I took without knowing.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
phobia09 said:
My situation was unlucky, foolish nonetheless.
Had a bad ROM flash last summer using MDB. Reverted back to MDL just to start over. Tried going back to MDB before rooting, etc. because it was more stable. That was the day MF3 rolled out and that was the OTA I took without knowing.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I know what that's like too. I got my MF3 S4 in Dec, opened it, everything was glorious and working great. Next morning I find out phone download ota mk2. WTF? I now have Titanium Back Pro & freeze the updater from Samsung & At&t. No worries.
John The Rhino said:
I know what that's like too. I got my MF3 S4 in Dec, opened it, everything was glorious and working great. Next morning I find out phone download ota mk2. WTF? I now have Titanium Back Pro & freeze the updater from Samsung & At&t. No worries.
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Is there really any advantage to being on mf3 as opposed to mk2?
Honest question, I'm still on mdl myself.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
ssn713 said:
Is there really any advantage to being on mf3 as opposed to mk2?
Honest question, I'm still on mdl myself.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Not really. If you are still on mdl, I envy you. You have no reason to upgrade to mf3 or mk2. Only if you want to be pure stock & the latest bloatware available from Samsung & At&t. You can flash whatever roms you wish on mdl. Okay, now where is my Skyrocket? I need to flash some roms damn it.
ssn713 said:
Is there really any advantage to being on mf3 as opposed to mk2?
Honest question, I'm still on mdl myself.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both use Safestrap recovery...
on MF3 you can flash other 4.2.2 touchwiz and GPE ROMS since kernel is same (or close enough)
on MK2 you can only flash other 4.3 touchwiz ROMs, but no GPE roms. (There are some "hybrid" touchwiz ROMs, though, that have a AOSP theme. Check out Blackbox and Purified from the i9505 dev threads.)