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As the title suggests, I plan on buying a S4 today. If I do, will it have the latest software that I can't root? How recent was the update the isn't rootable?
Thanks!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Just make sure when you get it doesn't have the mf3 firmware and don't let the sales person update it for you. If they do don't accept it. When you get it, take the SIM out and root and disable the auto update apps, see other threads for those, or flash a custom Rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
jd1639 said:
Just make sure when you get it doesn't have the mf3 firmware and don't let the sales person update it for you. If they do don't accept it. When you get it, take the SIM out and root and disable the auto update apps, see other threads for those, or flash a custom Rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But once they bring the phone out to you and break the seal, isn't it yours no matter what? What can I say to decline the phone if it has the update on it without acting fishy?
What are the odds the update will already be on it? How long ago did it come out?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
WizeGuyDezignz said:
But once they bring the phone out to you and break the seal, isn't it yours no matter what? What can I say to decline the phone if it has the update on it without acting fishy?
What are the odds the update will already be on it? How long ago did it come out?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a 30 day remorse period to return a phone with AT&T for any reason. So I wouldn't worry about that.
I'm in the same position. My plan is to ask them to just give me one in the box and not let them touch it til I get home.
Frogacuda said:
There's a 30 day remorse period to return a phone with AT&T for any reason. So I wouldn't worry about that.
I'm in the same position. My plan is to ask them to just give me one in the box and not let them touch it til I get home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the box of the phone it will have the software version printed near the serial number and IMEI on a sticker. Ask the salesperson if you can just check the software version first. Won't even have to open the box, and if you get a cool salesperson you can ask them to specifically look for a phone with the exploitable firmware version.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
So I'm already gonna have to pay a restocking fee. If the S4 has the update, can I even go back to the One? Is it unlimited exchanges as long as you pay the restocking fee?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure you can exchange all you want.
Also, there's no "acting fishy." You're allowed to root and mod your phone. It voids your warranty, but the sales reps in the store are not going to narc you out on your warranty anyway. I've had discussions with the reps in the store about mods, and modding concerns and it's fine to just tell them that's what you're looking for.
Also, in my experience, AT&T has had no problem servicing and replacing modded phones. They don't seem to care in practice.
Thanks a ton guys! I wasn't thinking, so I just checked the box of my gf's S4 and it's the MDL firmware! She got the red one though, so maybe that stock isn't turning over as fast.
I might get the red one just to be safe haha! I will put a case over it anyway. If she just got hers yesterday and it had MDL, I'm guessing mine would too. I'm going to the same store.
Thanks a ton guys for the fast responses! :thumbup:
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
I got mine last week it was NOT updated, unfortunately i updated it before I knew what the deal was. So you should be ok seeing how you know whats going on =]
You should be good just make sure the baseband ends in MDL and not md3. The sales person shouldn't have an issue with it. Let us know how it goes
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
txtech89 said:
You should be good just make sure the baseband ends in MDL and not md3. The sales person shouldn't have an issue with it. Let us know how it goes
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with this if you are buying it from a brick and mortar store the sales people wont have a problem with you checking out the phones before purchasing
i too was concerned about the update so i got one (for my daughter) from BestBuy. i asked them to fire it up to make sure it was working and confirm it was MDL before i left the store. first thing i did was remove the sim card, turn off wifi, root it, install TWRP and flashed a rooted MF3 version.
I was only able to return a phone for a different phone once. Maybe other stores allow it but I was only able to once.
Hey guys, here is the update....it worked out great!! When I went into the store, I told the guy that I was torn between the red and white one since my girlfriend got the red one. Even though I knew that I wanted the white. So he said he wasn't even sure they had the red in stock since it's not as popular as the other colors. He went into the back to check.
He came out with a red and white one and put them on the counter and started opening them up to show them to me. I casually looked at each box and they were both MDL! So I told him that I was in a rush and would put the sim in and do all the setup myself. He was cool with it and I left.
As I type this, I already rooted it and am about to flash a ROM. I'm in good shape and on my way! Thanks guys! :good:
Lol I got a black mist one last week on thursday that was still fine.. I am guessing. For at least the next few weeks you have a decent chance
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4 Beta
kejar31 said:
Lol I got a black mist one last week on thursday that was still fine.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I picked up a red one two days ago.
The sales rep told may that all the reds they had in stock were from an older shipment, so they haven't been updated.
Color was not an issue for me since I'm going to wrap the thing in a case anyway.
Sure enough... I now have an MDL GS4 already rooted, TWRP and unlocked.
Now to decide what rom to flash first.
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WizeGuyDezignz said:
Well here's the thing... I actually signed up with AT&T yesterday. My gf got the S4 and I got the One. I kinda like the S4 better.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you don't mind, and without going too OT, what brought you to the S4 over the One? I'm a current S4 owner considering going to the One.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
buying my new phone, 7-25, updted it, and exchanged it 7-28. got to love costco. i disable data, and turned off wifi, until i was able to root it. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
and disable to OTA altogether
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2270759&highlight=disable+ota+update
or
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2268946
received a warranty exchange today from customer service and it was shipped with MF3 ,,, bummer
I have an upgrade available and am considering moving from the One to the SGS 4.
I'm on AT&T. From what I've been reading,and I've been reading for a while now, if my SGS 4 comes with the latest firmware out of the box, I can root it, but Loki, therefore custom ROMS and recovery are out. Is this correct?
I was hoping to be able to put the Google edition ROM on the SGS 4.
Someone please set me straight.
Please and thanks
Correct, if it has the latest firmware than no flashing roms
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
mg2195 said:
Correct, if it has the latest firmware than no flashing roms
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'm going to look awful funny making the guy open the box and check the firmware version before I buy, but I guess I'll have to.
gunnyman said:
Thanks. I'm going to look awful funny making the guy open the box and check the firmware version before I buy, but I guess I'll have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The firmware version is on the side of the box, if I am not mistaken. I just got my S4 shipped directly from AT&T. It came with MDL.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium
And mdl is what I want right?
If you want to install custom ROMs, yes.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium
Typically, at least from what ive seen, the ATT box will have an "Updated" sticker on it if the firmware has been updated. My GS3 had that.
I have both the One and the S4. I don't think I'd give up the one for the s4.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Eallan I'm just bored. Probably keep both phones and switch around
gunnyman said:
Eallan I'm just bored. Probably keep both phones and switch around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I've been doing haha.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Just go to the store and ask the sales tech to find one that ends in MDL and NOT one that ends in MF3.
It sounds crazy or embarrassing, but it is not! Certainly it is not illegal or wrong to do this.
Others have done that and the AT&T folks really don't care, or if they do select another sales person or even another store (like Best Buy or even Costco and Radio Shack! Those other stores may even have better insurance plans than AT&Ts!)
(As to which phone. ...the HTC One is prettier, and it is unique in design, but would you be happy with less/slower ram, no changeable battery, no SD card, and a smaller screen? The S4 also has some very nice camera options that seem (to me at least) a bit better than the HTC One. Of course, it is all personal preference . . )
Good Luck!
I upgraded yesterday and noticed my husband's galaxy box said MF3 so I was looking pretty screwed for rooting/roms. Cue today when I notice that my box says MDL! I am filled with hope! Then I realize with dread that my phone made a crazy noise in the middle of the night and I half asleep hit update. Dreaded MF3 now. Ugh. I feel like the world's biggest idiot and I can't reverse.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Look nto safestrap itll allow u to duel boot a rooted device so as not to touch thestock rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Did you get your phone at the AT&T store?
Just asking in case because if you got the phone from Costco by any chance, you can return it without any questions asked and get one that has MDL on it.
deron37129 said:
Look nto safestrap itll allow u to duel boot a rooted device so as not to touch thestock rom
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty level has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Wittyusernametaken said:
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooting is very different than jailbreaking and more user involved. Don't feel bad. You'll get it down and then you'll be an Android master.
emckai said:
Did you get your phone at the AT&T store?
Just asking in case because if you got the phone from Costco by any chance, you can return it without any questions asked and get one that has MDL on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah att store think I'm borked cause I could pay the restocking fee but how to exchange?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
If u just got it. Then u have 14 days to return to AT$T without restock fee. But doesn't guarantee u will get lucky with ur next one being MDL either. I bought 1 for each family member (4 total) and received only 1 MDL outta the bunch. But I been reading on the safe strap and it may be easier than dealing with AT$T
Sent from somewhere in the Galaxy using my S4Tardis
Wittyusernametaken said:
Yeah att store think I'm borked cause I could pay the restocking fee but how to exchange?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I had the Lumia 920 and returned it within 14 days, I still had to pay the restocking fee. ($36)
Just say you have some issue with your WiFi and it's extremely weak at your house, but your husbands WiFi strength is full. Basically tell them you have a defective device. They should be able to exchange the phone for you without the restocking fee. If you're brave enough, ask kindly if you could get a phone with the MDL software. If they bring one out that is MF3, ask kindly if they can recheck.
Good luck!
Wittyusernametaken said:
Oh I will it just seems like the difficulty level has increased a lot. I considered myself fairly tech savvy (coming from a jailbroken iPhone 5) but a lot of rooting information is going over my head
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here you go straight to the point with pictures and videos should be easy enough.
http://gs4.wonderhowto.com/how-to/root-your-at-t-samsung-galaxy-s4-mf3-firmware-0148603/
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
emckai said:
When I had the Lumia 920 and returned it within 14 days, I still had to pay the restocking fee. ($36)
Just say you have some issue with your WiFi and it's extremely weak at your house, but your husbands WiFi strength is full. Basically tell them you have a defective device. They should be able to exchange the phone for you without the restocking fee. If you're brave enough, ask kindly if you could get a phone with the MDL software. If they bring one out that is MF3, ask kindly if they can recheck.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I actually am having a few issues with dropping wifi so I'm going to try my luck and see if I can get an MDL one this afternoon. Thanks. Hoping to avoid the restocking fee
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Good luck! Eager to know how it goes...
Wittyusernametaken said:
I actually am having a few issues with dropping wifi so I'm going to try my luck and see if I can get an MDL one this afternoon. Thanks. Hoping to avoid the restocking fee
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck! I'm also eager to know how it went.
If they tell you it might be the router that is causing the issue, tell them they're wrong because your husbands S4 stays connected all the time and doesn't have any problems.
I took the MF3 uptate by choice just for a new challenge and its actually very easy to root using the card reader exFAT formated SdCard method.Safstrap is also very easy to install and use.its all good reading material here in Xda
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
I was sweating bullets. They forced a factory reset and were saying I had to keep the phone and so I pushed the fact that we are a cell phone only house and with no coverage at random it wasn't safe (since we use a mcell tower for coverage) then they approved it and had ONE in back.
Success!!!!
Can anyone tell me how I turn off updates so I stay at MDL and point me to the direction of the best rooting tutorial for slightly techy people? Lol.this was crazy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Wittyusernametaken said:
I was sweating bullets. They forced a factory reset and were saying I had to keep the phone and so I pushed the fact that we are a cell phone only house and with no coverage at random it wasn't safe (since we use a mcell tower for coverage) then they approved it and had ONE in back.
Success!!!!
Can anyone tell me how I turn off updates so I stay at MDL and point me to the direction of the best rooting tutorial for slightly techy people? Lol.this was crazy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This will get you rooted and a custom recovery. On page 2 post 14 has the option for CWM or TWRP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
You need Titanium Backup (paid version) to freeze these 3 files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41424569&postcount=4
*edit* Whatever you do, do not put the SIM in or setup your wifi until the 3 files are frozen.
~wolverine~ said:
This will get you rooted and a custom recovery. On page 2 post 14 has the option for CWM or TWRP.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
You need Titanium Backup (paid version) to freeze these 3 files.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41424569&postcount=4
*edit* Whatever you do, do not put the SIM in or setup your wifi until the 3 files are frozen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!! Uh, I connected to the wi-fi for a little bit but I'm still on MDL, I just turned it off, hopefully I was fast enough. I'm rooting right now and then Titanium Backup to freeze the files.
Wittyusernametaken said:
Thank you!! Uh, I connected to the wi-fi for a little bit but I'm still on MDL, I just turned it off, hopefully I was fast enough. I'm rooting right now and then Titanium Backup to freeze the files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the tutorial that is located in the General section.
Root -> Custom recovery (I suggest CWM) -> Custom ROM.
If you use CASUAL to root, Loki and install TWRP after that is complete, download ROM Manager from the playstore and flash CWM. (I've been having boot issues with AOSP (CM10.1) and switching to CWM helped)
If you want a really simple ROM, I suggest CyanogenMod 10.1 RC2 (get.cm) or you could do NIGHTLIES. Up to you.
Glad you were able to get an MDL version!
emckai said:
If you use CASUAL to root, Loki and install TWRP after that is complete, download ROM Manager from the playstore and flash CWM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CASUAL will give the option to install CWM. No need for ROM Manager.
~wolverine~ said:
CASUAL will give the option to install CWM. No need for ROM Manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it gives you an option to install CWM?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
That is the one I used and it never gave me the option to pick CWM over TWRP.
emckai said:
I don't think it gives you an option to install CWM?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
That is the one I used and it never gave me the option to pick CWM over TWRP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to post 14 in this thread like I said and you'll have the option for TWRP or CWM!
Does anyone know if Sprint GS 4 can be flash to Verizon?
Not from my understanding.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
daniel4653 said:
Not from my understanding.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I thought we can since we can root and flash any roms, but I guess not.
mr_moua said:
Thanks. I thought we can since we can root and flash any roms, but I guess not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can flash Verizon Roms but not flash it.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
daniel4653 said:
You can flash Verizon Roms but not flash it.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I want to know is, if I switch to Verizon, can I still use the Same device I used from Sprint? Because Sprint is one of the worst carrier I've ever had, damn so disappointed.
mr_moua said:
What I want to know is, if I switch to Verizon, can I still use the Same device I used from Sprint? Because Sprint is one of the worst carrier I've ever had, damn so disappointed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From my knowledge you will not be able to.
Sorry you feel so bad about sprint. I enjoy it very much.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
daniel4653 said:
From my knowledge you will not be able to.
Sorry you feel so bad about sprint. I enjoy it very much.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to work fine in the Bay Area, sucks here in Central valley. Time to switch carrier.
Are us At&t custom ROM users going to have to move on to greener pastures with this Knox bs or will someone unlock the s4, note 3, and s5 (when it comes out) bootloaders at some point? Just curious if anyone has any insight on this, cause if we can't unlock it I'm definitely moving on to another carrier, personally. Or at least I'll buy international unlocked or Google editions in the future. Thanks and f at&t and Knox!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
whmgreen said:
Are us At&t custom ROM users going to have to move on to greener pastures with this Knox bs or will someone unlock the s4, note 3, and s5 (when it comes out) bootloaders at some point? Just curious if anyone has any insight on this, cause if we can't unlock it I'm definitely moving on to another carrier, personally. Or at least I'll buy international unlocked or Google editions in the future. Thanks and f at&t and Knox!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader being locked has nothing to do with KNOX. And AT&T has already released an official statement a while back that said they plan on locking ALL carrier branded phones in the future.
I understand that they are locked. Now can you actually answer my question on whether or not someone will figure out how to unlock it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
How would someone know that? There have been Bounty threads out for awhile and no luck. If they are still active you can follow them--
whmgreen said:
I understand that they are locked. Now can you actually answer my question on whether or not someone will figure out how to unlock it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They lock them to keep people from hard bricking their devices. If it stinks...buy a Nexus or GPE device
I think we have to wait a while till the s4 becomes old news. Then att will care less about it and there will be less updates and more time for someone to find a crack or leak for the bootloader unlock and the carriers will care less
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
I think I'll just be done with at&t then probably. It's too bad that companies won't allow you to do whatever you want with YOUR phone. That's why I never got an iPhone! I actually don't mind running stock TW but I don't want to be stuck with it forever. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
whmgreen said:
I think I'll just be done with at&t then probably. It's too bad that companies won't allow you to do whatever you want with YOUR phone. That's why I never got an iPhone! I actually don't mind running stock TW but I don't want to be stuck with it forever. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sad part is until it's paid off it not really your phone. Since they have a warranty for a year to cover issues it only makes sense. Now if they would provide an unlock after that warranty is up and the contract is settled then it would make sense.
Att will never have a unlocked device again, watch and see.....
And these are the reasons I'm going to be moving over to T-Mobile or nexus devices. Just tired of AT&T all together.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Another view:
I will stay with ATT as Verizon is too expensive and TMO in my area has sh**ty reception. ATT has been perfect for me in that area.
Also, I have been a heavy flasher for almost 4 years. The phones now are powerful enough that flashing roms is not that important to me as it once was. If I can get root with Xposed/Gravity Box/3Minit I am good. Plus there are fairly good backup apps now that Nandroiding isn't that critical.
I don't see much more coming my way, after this year, in improvements I am interested in. Something like a Note4 or S5 would be as far as I care to go.
All IMHO of course
:good:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
~wolverine~ said:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd go to the note 3 if I swapped to T-Mobile. I'm honestly tired of the s4 and the features don't wow me anymore plus the note 3 would be better in spec wise as well.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
~wolverine~ said:
I thought that I read somewhere on a T-Mobile thread that the latest update locked the bootloader on the S4. Was that incorrect?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i337 bl was always locked but the loki-doki exploit bypassed sig check and allowed us to flash recoveries and kernels. With mf3 they closed that loophole by "blowing the Q-Fuse", whatever that is. Googled it but forgot what I read.
And now you are limited to flashing mostly TW roms <4.4. No custom recoveries/kernels.
rugmankc said:
The i337 bl was always locked but the loki-doki exploit bypassed sig check and allowed us to flash recoveries and kernels. With mf3 they closed that loophole by "blowing the Q-Fuse", whatever that is. Googled it but forgot what I read.
And now you are limited to flashing mostly TW roms <4.4. No custom recoveries/kernels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not talking about a I337 from AT&T. I was talking about a T-Mobile M919 or do they use the exact same firmware?
~wolverine~ said:
I'm not talking about a I337 from AT&T. I was talking about a T-Mobile M919 or do they use the exact same firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol ok, in that case i have no idea