Question about updating to latest firmware - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

I did some searching of the forums, but didn't find what I was looking for. I have an AT&T S4, currently on the MDL firmware and rooted with TWRP. So that puts me two updates behind now and I'd really like to update.
So the question is, what would be the best way to go about updating to the latest official firmware, while retaining root? I can do without recovery if necessary, but I really want to keep root. I'd prefer to do this in a way where I avoid having to do a clean install and back up everything, then restore. I'd like to update in a way that keeps settings and applications as they are, as an official OTA update would do.
Is this possible?

Stay where you are and run a custom firmware!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

HiTideBlastoise said:
Stay where you are and run a custom firmware!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought about it, but I actually like the Touchwiz ROMs, as odd as it may sound.

Why you flash a custom touch wiz rom? Trust me, only being able to root in a still sketchy/kinda legimate way is not worth it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

HiTideBlastoise said:
Why you flash a custom touch wiz rom? Trust me, only being able to root in a still sketchy/kinda legimate way is not worth it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want the official Samsung update, just with root capability. So that I can still use programs which require root (such as TitaniumBackup, Avast's Anti-Theft, AdAway, GameKiller, etc.). I've seen on the forums that people have proceeded to the latest update while retaining their root, but I haven't found how yet.

Gamer_Josh said:
I want the official Samsung update, just with root capability. So that I can still use programs which require root (such as TitaniumBackup, Avast's Anti-Theft, AdAway, GameKiller, etc.). I've seen on the forums that people have proceeded to the latest update while retaining their root, but I haven't found how yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this if you want to get back to 100% stock and update : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=33953446&postcount=1 . Works on most Samsung devices

Gamer_Josh said:
I want the official Samsung update, just with root capability. So that I can still use programs which require root (such as TitaniumBackup, Avast's Anti-Theft, AdAway, GameKiller, etc.). I've seen on the forums that people have proceeded to the latest update while retaining their root, but I haven't found how yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wait, run StockUp, or a 4.3 rom for the international version. If you want Touchwiz, you can get one of those and if you really want the OTA wait until someone creates a version that doesn't update your bootloader so you can still have the option to change. If you really do want it, then flash the stock firmware and go through the updates, making sure you root after you get MF3 and then use SuperSU survival before updating to MK2.

DeadlySin9 said:
Just wait, run StockUp, or a 4.3 rom for the international version. If you want Touchwiz, you can get one of those and if you really want the OTA wait until someone creates a version that doesn't update your bootloader so you can still have the option to change. If you really do want it, then flash the stock firmware and go through the updates, making sure you root after you get MF3 and then use SuperSU survival before updating to MK2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there now a way to retain root when updating from MDL to MF3 via OTA? Becuase I already am stock, I just need to unfreeze the files that allow for OTA updating.

Yes there is a way.use Supersu pro and enable Survival mode and it will retain root .we would all move the world to go back to MDL is why people are trying to persuade you to use a rom. (ENVY)
ROOTED ATT MK2 using Tapatalk

Related

Temporary Unroot Using SuperSU to Perform OTA Updates?

Hi Everyone,
I know there is already a thread about using Voodo OTA Rootkeeper which I believe allows you to temporarily unroot the Nexus 7 in order to apply the 4.1.1 update, but I'm wondering if SuperSU can be used to do the same? Is the process as simple as disabling SuperSU in settings, then applying the system update and then re-enabling SuperSU once the update has been installed? I am currently unrooted and have already installed the 4.1.1 update, but I am intending to root my device soon and am wondering if this process could be used for future updates?
Thanks
Here is a link to the Voodoo OTA guide:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1764794
I'd like to know the as well.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
IIRC, ota updates won't flash without the stock recovery.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
just forget about official ota, deb's cook em to be flashable in custom recoveries, plus paulobrein will update his rom when new updates drop!
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
do you have to change the recovery when unlocking/rooting if i'm not bothered about installing other roms, but want the ability to run root programs?
fridgeman said:
do you have to change the recovery when unlocking/rooting if i'm not bothered about installing other roms, but want the ability to run root programs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, you don't have to change/flash a different recovery. When using the Nexus Toolkit (which I used this afternoon with great success!), you have the option to keep the stock recovery or flash clockworkmod (CWM). CWM is great if you're flashing custom roms, themes etc. as it's much more flexible (I believe), but if you're main goal is to be able to use root apps, then the stock recovery will be fine

[Q] Should I install the OTA update if I want to root?

Got a new S4. First time I start up, it asks if I want to install OTA update. Will this stop me from rooting the device after? If I root first, can I apply the update after root? What has been the best practice?
Still extremely easy to root the mdl update
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
Agree. Take the update and then easily install custom recovery/kernel/root without to much trouble.
easy to root with MDL easy to revert back to stock. Ultra noobs :silly: with no patience who can't read would be the only people I could think of that could brick this install...
Ok I'll break it down to it's most easy form. Rooting MDL involves this:
1) Take the update from sprint. That will get you to all MDL (radio, rom and kernel)
2) flash a custom recovery. I really don't care which.
3) flash a custom kernel. Shabbys works well.
4) flash busybox/supersu zips
5) profit.
It's not hard to root MDL. if you think this is hard you should have tried rooting the HTC 4g LTE. with a locked bootloader. THAT was hard.
Oh, so even if we accepted the OTA, everything is fine? I thought there was a kernel issue?
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 2
eyecon82 said:
Oh, so even if we accepted the OTA, everything is fine? I thought there was a kernel issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is, hence why rawintellect stated that you need to "flash a custom kernel."

[Q] Should I update?

I rooted my S4 when it first came out and I have never updated it. It won't let me install the OTA updates, but I was wondering if there are any benefits to the updates and should I unroot and update? Much appreciated!
No need to unroot! Just do a system wipe and flash a custom ROM that has the newest version of 4.3 incorporated in it.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
scaryfaces said:
I rooted my S4 when it first came out and I have never updated it. It won't let me install the OTA updates, but I was wondering if there are any benefits to the updates and should I unroot and update? Much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't update/take the OTA for MF3 if you are currently running AMDL firmware or previous older firmwares. The MF3 OTA update updates your bootloader and thus seals an exploit that blocks your device from using custom recoveries/kernels.
If you do take the OTA for MF3 for what ever reason do know that you can still flash custom ROM's by using safestrap after rooting it. Just don' attempt to flash any recoveries other than that provided by the app safestrap.
As for benefits on MF3? I haven't noticed many improvements IMO other than the official ability to use apps2sd. App2sd can be easily replaced by third party solutions. I suggest you stay rooted and install a custom recovery such as Philz touch, lastly, flash an MF3 based ROM via our android development section.
Good luck! =)

What does really prevent me from getting OTAs?

I'm a little bit confused right now, supposedly rooting does not prevent you from getting OTAs, but having a custom kernel does, but having root is not having a custom kernel?
Having TWRP prevents me from getting OTAS? if I reflash the stock recovery will I lose root?
Sorry for the noob questions
They are using staged rollouts of the ota.
So people won't be getting it at the same time. This is so the servers won't be overloaded, and they can delay it if lots of issues arise
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
You need stock recovery, thats what going to do the OTA update for you. It won't remove root, but the OTA update will remove your root, you can use SuperSU paid app to save root through OTAs.
eksasol said:
You need stock recovery, thats what going to do the OTA update for you. It won't remove root, but the OTA update will remove your root, you can use SuperSU paid app to save root through OTAs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, thanks! I wil make sure to save my root before I update my phone, but I still don't know what root really does to the system, if it's not a custom close to stock kernel, then what is it?
I think this will answer your question easier what root does: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superuser
The customization is base on how you intend to use root to customize to your phone. You want to stay stock as much as possible if you want to receive OTAs.
sent from nexus 4

Root my note

Hi,
I am not a programmer / developer but just wanted some expert opinion on how to root and what are the advantages. I have now ended my warranty so please can someone let me know:-
1. How to root safely without messing up KNOX
2. Can I bring the device to the same state if something goes wrong while rooting
3. Is there any substitute for firmware updates
Thanks,
Subbu
Rooting trips knox. You can try Towelroot, probably won't work. Flashing recovery will allow you to flash superuser/obtain root, or just flash a new Rom that's pre rooted.
Any samsung device can be Odined back to stock if needed, just not knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app
What version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(2014) do you have? Towelroot won't work with the p600 or the p601. Also it is better to use Obin then a one click root. Read through this topic it explains the whole process.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
Towel root works for P605 up to latest software update as in the link below. The trick is to downgrade the boot.img using odin to a lower firmware e.g. NF2, root with towel root and then upgrade boot.img back to current firmware version. It keeps Knox 0x0. Try and keep your Knox 0x0 status in case it becomes important to you. Flashing custom recovery and kernels will trip knox, and using other rooting methods is likely to trip it also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10-2014/general/p605xxucnj1-firmware-update-t2936219
Good luck.
Thanks for all your responses.
I am looking at orion's website and clear how to root now. Please can someone clarify these for me :-
1. We can root the note but need to remove KNOX (after rooting) as it will not work properly for rooted devices?
2. Is it possible to get the note to the current state if something goes wrong during rooting. If yes, how can we do this?
3. Is it possible to install latest firmwares either from dev community or official Samsung? If it's from the DEV community, then wil it be a simple task of updating firmwares like how we do for official Samsung or do we have to start the process of rooting / stock recovery etc. again?
subram said:
Thanks for all your responses.
I am looking at orion's website and clear how to root now. Please can someone clarify these for me :-
1. We can root the note but need to remove KNOX (after rooting) as it will not work properly for rooted devices?
2. Is it possible to get the note to the current state if something goes wrong during rooting. If yes, how can we do this?
3. Is it possible to install latest firmwares either from dev community or official Samsung? If it's from the DEV community, then wil it be a simple task of updating firmwares like how we do for official Samsung or do we have to start the process of rooting / stock recovery etc. again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You are correct KNOX will not work and will give annoying and intrusive notification about your tablet being modified. But that is a small price to pay. Your warranty will be invalid after rooting, also a gift from KNOX, and it cannot be reset back to valid.
2. Yes, it is possible to reflash stock through Obin by downloading the firmware from Sammobile.com, not sure if I have the web address right, and flashing it like you do CF-Autoroot and twrp.
3. You cannot take ota updates because it will see the custom recovery and say your system has been modified. Again you can flash official updates from Samsung by using obin and Sammobile or for faster updates use a custom ROM which is actually probably better, but it depends on what you use your tablet for. If you want I can link you to some custom Roms that are stock based or CM based.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
Many thanks Orion. I have SM-P600. Basically, I want to root because I want to remove the official software and other bloatware.
1. Clear
2. By reflashing the stock, you mean setting the note 10.1 2014 to it's original state but through the 'odin-flash method'? So, if I do this, then will I be back to normal (including KNOX) and be able to download firmware updates? How do I do it through
3. What is the difference between sammobile formware and custom ROM?
Two more questions
1. Is it possible to download android 4.4.4 / Android L and install it in my device now than waiting for Samsung to officially release it?
2. Will it be possible to root, remove the unwanted software and then unroot to come back to normal again?
subram said:
2. By reflashing the stock, you mean setting the note 10.1 2014 to it's original state but through the 'odin-flash method'? So, if I do this, then will I be back to normal (including KNOX) and be able to download firmware updates? How do I do it through
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. Reflashing the stock ROM via Odin will return your device's software configuration to the way it was out of the box. No custom recovery, no root, etc. However, nothing can reset the KNOX counter. Once tripped, it's tripped for good. Reflashing a stock ROM will not allow you to receive OTA updates, you will have to download updates (from SamMobile or another site) and flash via Odin, or use Kies to update. Updating the firmware on your device through either method will cause you to lose root and custom recovery, but you may be able to re-root and reflash custom recovery.
subram said:
3. What is the difference between sammobile formware and custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SamMobile only hosts Samsung official stock firmwares for devices.
And yes, you should be able to root, uninstall unwanted system apps, and then unroot. But again, you will be unable to accept OTA updates.
Understood about the fact that if I root, then I should forget about KNOX once and for all.
- Ok, how do I unroot? Is that straightforward.
- If sammobile releases a firmware update for SM-P600 (let's say android 4.4.4 for US), can I install that via KIES (without root) though I am in the UK?
- If I root, I can then install android L as soon as it is available in the DEV community?
subram said:
Understood about the fact that if I root, then I should forget about KNOX once and for all.
- Ok, how do I unroot? Is that straightforward.
- If sammobile releases a firmware update for SM-P600 (let's say android 4.4.4 for US), can I install that via KIES (without root) though I am in the UK?
- If I root, I can then install android L as soon as it is available in the DEV community?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes I have never had to unroot any Samsung device but as far as I know it is just that simple.
2. As long as it is for the p600 then yes it is compatible you should be able to flash without root through Obin.
3. This is a developer to watch this is a CM based rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2938652.
This is a TouchWiz based ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793898. They will be updated quicker then Samsung firmware. Here is a complete list of Roms available for our devices. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723420
Edit: Forgot another useful post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2878586
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
siralsmooth said:
Rooting trips knox. You can try Towelroot, probably won't work. Flashing recovery will allow you to flash superuser/obtain root, or just flash a new Rom that's pre rooted.
Any samsung device can be Odined back to stock if needed, just not knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of which, how does one go about restoring the P600 back to stock? I'm starting to miss some of the S Pen functionality.
Download the stock firmware and flash via Odin with the tablet in download mode. Backup anything important first.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app
Chainfire includes an unroot in his SuperSU app, which means you can just root to remove stuff the use the unroot function and then you have stock. There also Roms available that are just debloated stock without root installed. You have to root first to install.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
So, if we root to remove stuff and unroot through SuperSU app, will KNOX mess up again? To be honest, this is all what I want to do.
Another question, if we root, how can we get android L - the same method as odin flash?
1. No knox won't come back if you use the unroot function it just removes root.
2. Yes, obin flash when Samsung release, or install a custom ROM which then you get Lollipop faster.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
I looked at the website for custom ROM. It says I need to have a 'custom recovery' installed and be rooted as well. What do you mean by custom recovery and what should I do to install it?
subram said:
I looked at the website for custom ROM. It says I need to have a 'custom recovery' installed and be rooted as well. What do you mean by custom recovery and what should I do to install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to first flash this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805 through Obin. Then make sure you have root. Then from the play store download flashify. Once you have flashify open it grant it root access and it should say something about a custom recover chose twrp. Flashify will take you to twrp download 2.6.3 not 2.8.1. Then enjoy your custom ROM.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks Orion. Clear on the process but what is custom ROM and why would I need it?
subram said:
Thanks Orion. Clear on the process but what is custom ROM and why would I need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't necessarily need a custom rom(can be called custom OS to) but they are updated faster then stock TouchWiz and they run twice as fast because they are slimmed down. Plus you have control of everything. Some people just want want a more pure android experience but with more customization. TouchWiz is a custom ROM of android because it has features pure android doesn't have a.k.a. multi-window and quick settings with KitKat.
Like I said you don't need a custom ROM but it is a lot more fun to play then rooted TouchWiz. I am linking two custom Roms one is TouchWiz based so it has all of Samsung's features. The other is CM which doesn't have any of the cool features of Samsungs TouchWiz. TouchWiz
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793898. CM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2936863. There are a ton of different options. My a back up with twrp save it to your SD card and enjoy being rooted.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks for answering my questions patiently Orion. Ok, so if I follow the steps mentioned in http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2793898, then
1. Will I have Samsung touchwiz ROM and also get all the features mentioned there including notePRO?
2. Will I have multi-window and s-pen features retained?
3. Is the above website free to download?
4. Is it possible to just get the notePRO features after rooting my SM-P600 instead of getting everything from the above website
5. It looks like there is a 1.7 GB file that I need to download in my local PC before I flash it with odin?
6. There is a mention in the above website that we need to be rooted and also have custom ROM installed so If I have to install hyperdrive as per the website, I need to have done both I guess or can I just root my note and directly flash the 1.7 GB with odin without having a custom recovery installed? Also, how is custom recovery different from root?

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