Before anything, I have searched and searched on this topic, although I have found information on unrooting and reclaiming warranty, it seems to be focused on the I9505 version, so here goes the question:
I have the I9500 variant of the S4; I've always rooted my old phones and reclaimed warranty with Triangle Away and so on. Apparently, the Triangle Away app will never work for the I9500 variant. I would like to know if I can Root and Unroot my galaxy s4 I9500 variant without losing warranty. In addition, if I root, I will then only be able to update by downloading official firmware from the sammobile site. If I root my phone and eventually update to the official 4.4 firmware from the sammobile website using ODIN and then decide to unroot to reclaim warranty, will that be possible? Will installing the official firmware through ODIN cause the binary flash counter to change?
I really want to root my phone and maintain updates even if I have to download manually from the site and update through ODIN, but I also want to keep my 1-year official warranty and my extra 1-year extended warranty.
Nothing?
iancarvalho said:
-SNIP-
I also want to keep my 1-year official warranty and my extra 1-year extended warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't flash anything on your phone if you want the above guaranteed.
Though this wasn't a primary intention so far as Knox is concerned, making it difficult to dud Samsung on warranty claims (I.E where you've clearly used the phone in a manner which breaches the warranty conditions) post-Knox is a nice little bonus for them (and frankly, I don't blame them).
The moment you start flashing stuff to your phone, you should lose all expectations of any warranty.
It depend on in what country you bought the phone if you even will lose warranty by rooting and flashing.
And if you already have a knox bootloader. If you don't have knox bootloader, then just go ahead, root, flash etc. If you do have a knox bootloader, then rooting and flashing will trip the counter. Then it depends on in which country you live if you will get warranty again
Related
Hello,
I recently picked up a Canadian Galaxy S4. This is my first android device after using an iPhone 4 for the last 3 years. I'm a tinkering kind of guy so when I heard about the whole custom ROM community for the s4, I was excited. I've been reading up on this for the last 3 weeks and I still have a couple questions that I haven't really seen a solid answer for specifically regarding the 1337m model.
1) If I root it would be nice to be able to reverse things should I need to send it in for warranty repair. I understand that triangle away isn't working on the latest MG1 firmware (which my device came with). I know that the ME7 update on the US version included a bootloader that no longer allowed downgrading firmware. Is this the case with the Canadian models as well? If it is possible to downgrade are there any special steps that need to be taken, or can I just flash a stock MDJ image via odin/heimdall
2) I have read the whole thread about the issues with the knox warranty void efuse. I checked the download mode on my phone and it does not have any of the knox info on it, so as I understand it, knox isn't enabled and therefore as long as I don't update to new stock firmware and I shouldn't trip the efuse. I have disabled auto-update in the settings. Is there anything else that I should do or be aware of to make sure that my phone doesn't update and force the knox stuff on my phone.
At the end of the day, if my warranty is permanently void, that's fine, but if there's a way that I can still keep the ability to restore my phone to 100% stock without tripping and binary counters or efuses I'd like to make sure that I know and understand how to do that before I start flashing custom roms rather than trying to figure it out in a panic if something goes wrong on my device.
Hey,
I have recently acquired SGS4 in place of my SGS3. I have used to change a rom every week, but now all I would like is a stable, rooted and .
I just discovered all the fuss about Knox and I am even more dissapointed. I really didn't want to buy another Samsung device (Exynos resources, SDS and their horrible overlay) but the offer on it was just insanely good compared to everything else to I took it.
Anyway, below are my current bootloader/firmware information:
http://i.imgur.com/G5pThnv.png
http://i.imgur.com/sl7M1VC.png
As you can see it is 4.3 from T-Mobile from november.
Now would you be so kind and tell me:
Can I root and modify my rom and bootloader on any custom without loosing my warranty?
If not, can I root and change the rom to the google edition?
If nope again, hopefuly I can at least use root with one of the latest Samsung roms? (without T-Mobile bloatware)
You live in the EU. That means that even if Samsung doesn't want to fix your device because you tripped Knox (unlikely that they won't fix it), the store you bought it from still has to fix it even with Knox tripped. That is consumer law which should also apply in Poland.
You can only root without tripping Knox.
You can not flash a recovery without tripping Knox, thus you cannot flash custom roms without tripping it.
So just root and flash the rom you want. You can even skip the part of rooting and just flash a custom recovery.
There are no downsides if you tripped Knox.
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!
No way to install AOSP rom without tripping knox. However, you can install custom touchwiz rom without tripping knox.
we are in the same boat. My warranty has only three months remaining. I will only trip knox if ktoonsez kernel come for official TW lollipop.
ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tripped knox 2 months after purchase.
Chances are low that a brand new device malfunctions. Even so, there are reported cases where people who tripped knox said that they were still able to send the device to be serviced in warranty conditions.
I'm going to try it, I will let you guys know if it worked.
Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.
ha966 said:
Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your warranty is void.
ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash cyanogenmod (or other AOSP roms), but you can flash other Samsung-based custom roms without tripping knox.
The method is quite complex though. Generally you have to downgrade your kernel, root with towelroot, use Mobile Odin Pro to flash a new rom preserving root, update bootloader to have wifi.
The risk of mistakes is quite high.
But if you want to have a deeper look, jump here
As you will see the first step is rooting without tripping knox, which is already a challenge.
Once you achieve that, you will find that root gives you already enough mod opportunities, so you may not feel the need to flash custom roms.
khsh97 said:
Your warranty is void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.
GDReaper said:
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung gives warranty to their product. They do that freely. But that's completely separate from your consumer rights.
The store where you bought it from has a legal obligation to fix the phone within a certain period of time. You can even pull the device apart, put it back together and you still have your rights. As longs as the fault is not caused by you. I'm talking about countries within the EU. The warranty void message has absolutely zero consequences.
Compare it with a pc. You can reinstall Windows, install a different Windows version, install Linux and when your motherboard breaks down, it will never void your warranty because you installed different software.
So you basically have two options. You can send it directly to Samsung or send it to the store you bought it from.
In the Netherlands Samsung made an announcement that tripping Knox, flashing your phone will NEVER void your warranty. Even if you manage to brick it, they will fix it free of charge.
Hello,
I am new to samsung and knox and really I am lost with so much information specially because I have a original version.
I have a i9505 without any upgrade, so I still have the Apr 12 kernel with I understand doesn't have knox.
Can I install any custom rom?
Can I then revert back to stock? And to stock without knox?
If I install custom roms in the forum they will upgrade my kernel and knox will be installed?
What is the best approach to continue knox free?
Thanks
Custom roms or GPE roms are your best bet if you want knox free roms.
Better upgrade to the latest software and root, then install a custom rom.
If you want stock without knox, you can install a knox-free (knox has been removed by the dev) touchwiz rom.
Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?
filtragem said:
Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes.
2) Kernel has nothing to do with knox. Knox is in the bootloader and the rom. Custom roms do not upgrade your bootloader.
So what is the advantage of upgrading first?
Isn't best to install a custom rom as is without having knox even close to my phone?
My previous question about returning to stock was if I need to send my phone for repair (I am still on warranty) can I be stock again but remain knox free, after installing a custom rom?
Thanks and sorry for probably so basic questions
Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.
Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about Asian countries?
O-T said:
Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?
filtragem said:
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any version CM/AOSP rom don't include bootloader or modem/non-hlos firmware as @GDReaper reply 2). Most Deodexed TouchWiz (TW-based) usually neither. Mind there can be exceptions for TW-based roms.
CWM or TWRP recovery isn't the same as bootloader hence it don't trip Knox.
I had previously CWM 6051, changed to TWRP 2840 and CM11. Updated to complete Samsung stock 501 lollipop directly from that state using PC Odin 3.07. Recovery back to stock and unrooted in one single Odin flash with preserved state Knox 0x0. Phone is GT-I9295 hardware 95% identical to GT-I9505 (some buttons +screen/camera difference).
Downgrade to Samsung TouchWiz rom with Knox-free bootloader =< MH1 when bootloader is newer (N** =kitkat or O** =lolipop) will trip Knox. Because Knox featured bootloader can't be downgraded without trip 0x1.
Updating to any Samsung TouchWiz rom with bootloader don't trip Knox.
Find version:
ADB or Terminal command: getprop ro.bootloader
It's common to press XDA Thanks Button sometimes.
Hi,
I am new to samsung phones . I have s4 i9500 i would like to root my phone and install custom recovery . is it mandatory unlock boot loader if yes how can i unlock boot loader n root?
please help me
Thanks
Mahesh
Warranty will be void
Read the forum for the rooting instructions . i9500 has a e fuse , warranty bit called the knox , if you flash a custom rom or recovery or rom , the fuse is permanently blown (only in i9500) , and warranty cannot be claimed from samsung . This applies only to the Indian/Global exynos octa i9500 and not to the qualcomm quad core American i9505 .
@ankushv: All Galaxy S4 devices worldwide have the Knox flag (E-fuse) that is tripped if a custom recovery or custom ROM is applied. The only exception to this is if the firmware on the device is so old as to still have a flash counter, in which case Knox will not be present. In the case of the international models (I9500, I9505, I9506, I9507, I9515), depending on where the user is located Samsung may not be permitted to deny warranty service on the basis of the Knox flag being tripped. In the US and Canada, the devices there (e.g., I9505G, I337, I337M, I545, L720, M919) all are usually serviced by the carriers. Sometimes the warranty is honored despite the Knox flag being tripped. Other times, not.
@Mahesh8348, the only S4 devices with a locked bootloader are the I337 and I545, both US models. So you have no worries about rooting. You will however need to find out whether your warranty will be voided if the Knox flag is tripped. The local Samsung service center should be able to tell you that.
Knox Trip issue
@Strephon Alkhalikoi
I agree that when custom recovery or rom is flashed knox is tripped , what I meant was in case of i9500 the system status cannot be made official again (towelroot and chainfire) , but in the case of i9505 the system status can be set to official again .
You're mixing terms. Any S4 can be returned to "official" status simply by installing the proper ROM through Odin and not customizing the ROM by rooting. However, the status of the firmware has nothing to do with the Knox flag being tripped. Once the Knox flag is tripped and changed to 0x1, there is no way known by us to reset it. If a custom recovery is installed, the flag is tripped. If you try to install a custom ROM, the flag is tripped because you have to install a custom recovery to flash custom ROMs.
The Towelroot method is the only way to avoid tripping the Knox counter. But using Towelroot is rather limiting.
For the benefit of the OP, Knox will be tripped when installing a custom recovery or installing a custom ROM. It will not be tripped if using Towelroot, but you then cannot install a custom recovery or custom ROMs. Your software will remain "Official" only if it's not modified. Rooting will change the firmware status to "Custom". Installing a custom recovery or custom ROM will also change the firmware status to "Custom".
My Bad !!
So am I to understand , that if I install a custom Rom to my i9500 my knox will be 0x1. Which can never be reversed .
What will happen if I install stock rom again , I know knox will be 0x1 , but will I be able to get ota updates ?
I would like to know , as 2 days back my i9500 completed a year and now I do not care about warranty .
BTW My s3 and note never have this problem about knox , I guess samsung implemented stricter measures s4 and newer models now .
If you install a custom ROM Knox will be tripped (0x1). This cannot be reversed. If you install a stock ROM appropriate to your country and do not customize it, you will get OTA updates. I'll try to explain.
The CSC (Consumer Software Customization) is the system Samsung uses to specify the region the firmware is to be used in as well as any carrier-specific features that may apply. This is only speculation, but the OTA system compares the IMEI of the device and the CSC code of the firmware with an internal database on Samsung's end. If the two match, then the OTA update proceeds normally. Otherwise you get nothing. Attempting an update through Kies with an incorrect CSC will throw up an error message, as Kies is essentially the desktop equivalent of the OTA system.
For example, my S4 is originally intended for use on the UK carrier O2. It currently runs Danvdh's GPE ROM, but when I received it the S4 had firmware with CSC SIM on it (Slovenia, SI Mobil). As a result, OTA updates would fail, as the CSC and the IMEI did not match Samsung's database. Had I changed the firmware to CSC O2U and not customized the firmware, I'd get OTA updates. Personally, I'd just use Odin and upgrade that way, if I wanted to stay on stock, as I wouldn't want O2 branding on my device here in the US.
Knox is something Samsung added for the S4, Note 3, and all future devices in an effort to spur adoption of their devices into the workplace. In a workplace environment having a phone which cannot easily divulge its secrets is sometimes necessary, and this is Samsung's solution. It's a royal pain in the a** for us because of the warranty issues that surround tripping the Knox flag. But we are not the majority. The bulk of the Samsung device owners don't deal with these issues because they don't root or customize their devices.
OK. I just bought this new thing and am looking for some feedback before I even think about installing custom recoveries, ROMs, APP's, etc.
On GSMArena.com my device is listed as the i9505. Everything matches up except the model version under "About device" where it states it as being the SPH-L720T (Baseband L720TVUJOH2).
Now what I want to know is, is that just carrier branding or is my phone indeed the i9505 and will all of the i9505 stuff work on it? It may seem like a silly question but I just paid $300 for this thing and the last thing I want to do is brick it.
The reason why I am asking all of this is because Samsung seem incapable of releasing a fully functioning or secure ROM (Stage-fright issues, widgets draw crashing on "Touchwiz" UI, etc). The current Android version I am running is "Lollipop" build 5.0.1 (official).
Which brings me to my next question: I noticed that my device has "KNOX" installed. Is there any way to install custom ROMs and/or recoveries without tripping it? I want to try to avoid voiding the warranty if possible.
Also this is an unlocked device so will flashing custom ROMs disable that?
Thanks.
I have an s4 with i9500 on it but i reality its an SPH-720T. You can know for sure in the bootloader
So far I had no problem installing i9505 ROMs like 'Super WizCyan, Albe95 S6, Imperium LL Rom' and i am corrently using Albe95 LolliROM 6.0 and it works fine :good: with the latest SPH-720T carnal (OH1) an the Imperium Karnal works too (v2.6)
It is rooted with CF-Auto-Root for SPH-720 and I have TWRP Recovery instaled
Grumpy Cat said:
OK. I just bought this new thing and am looking for some feedback before I even think about installing custom recoveries, ROMs, APP's, etc.
On GSMArena.com my device is listed as the i9505. Everything matches up except the model version under "About device" where it states it as being the SPH-L720T (Baseband L720TVUJOH2).
Now what I want to know is, is that just carrier branding or is my phone indeed the i9505 and will all of the i9505 stuff work on it? It may seem like a silly question but I just paid $300 for this thing and the last thing I want to do is brick it.
The reason why I am asking all of this is because Samsung seem incapable of releasing a fully functioning or secure ROM (Stage-fright issues, widgets draw crashing on "Touchwiz" UI, etc). The current Android version I am running is "Lollipop" build 5.0.1 (official).
Which brings me to my next question: I noticed that my device has "KNOX" installed. Is there any way to install custom ROMs and/or recoveries without tripping it? I want to try to avoid voiding the warranty if possible.
Also this is an unlocked device so will flashing custom ROMs disable that?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Boot into download mode. What does it say your model is in download mode?
The SPH-L720T is just carrier branding. It should be an I9505.
Installing a custom recovery will trip knox. You will have to stay stock if you don't want to trip knox. But beware, knox doesn't like root. Meaning that you will have random reboots if you root your phone and knox is installed.
I recommend reading your warranty document to see what kind of damages it covers. I read mine and it concluded that my warranty covers excrements. So I tripped knox after the first month.
Lennyz1988 said:
Boot into download mode. What does it say your model is in download mode?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says SPH-L720T. But according to GDReaper (and the online specs) it is carrier branding.
GDReaper said:
The SPH-L720T is just carrier branding. It should be an I9505.
Installing a custom recovery will trip knox. You will have to stay stock if you don't want to trip knox. But beware, knox doesn't like root. Meaning that you will have random reboots if you root your phone and knox is installed.
I recommend reading your warranty document to see what kind of damages it covers. I read mine and it concluded that my warranty covers excrements. So I tripped knox after the first month.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Crap, I might have already tripped it installing SuperSU (through Play Store, and that's all it took to root it). Under download mode it says "Knox warranty void 0x1". Does that mean I tripped it?
That said, no random reboots the only issue I have is that I can't access the widgets app draw on Touchwiz UI without an FC (but I use a Nova Launcher anyway), and i9505 stuff should work with mine, right? I am thinking about installing EchoeROM, provided it doesn't have the problems the "official" one does.
Knox default status is 0x0
Any modifications done to the bootloader will make it 0x1 which means knox has been triggered.
Since it is already tripped, you might as well flash a custom recovery.
The SPH-L720T has the same specs as the normal GT-I9505 S4. You can compare them yourself.
It is just a rebranded I9505.
I get that it is just a rebranded version of the GT-i9505 but I had to make absolutely sure. In other threads some are saying they have issues. And since I have "screwed the pooch" and tripped KNOX (unless Chainfire's "Triangle Away" can reset the counter), I might as well start flashing then.
I was just reading over this article on how to deal with KNOX and it doesn't seem to cause any issues for me since I am already rooted via Super SU. Will I have to remove it anyway or can I just go ahead and flash TWRP via Odin (can you recommend any version?) without any issues? And is CF-Auto-Root really necessary? I have some experience with all of this from rooting and flashing my old S3 MINI, KNOX and CF-Auto-Root are the only two I'm not sure about.
Oddly enough, while it does say that KNOX (and KNOX II) is installed I can't find the shortcut as described in the article. This is a refurbished phone so god knows what has been done to it.
Thanks.
CF-Auto-Root is only needed for rooting. Since you are already rooted, you don't need it.
As far as I know, Knox status 0x1 is permanent. It can't be changed back to 0x0. The flash counter is a different thing. It shows how many times a firmware has been flashed on the device. I'm not sure if stock roms cout towards your flash counter.
If you have no issues with Knox and root then there is no reason to remove knox.
You can simply flash twrp from their site. The variant you're looking for is for the Qualcomm S4. I used Odin 1.85 and 3.09 with success in the past.