Database Users

[Q] Note 4 Rooted, Then What?

I'm coming from the HTC environment and the Note 4 will be my first Samsung phone. I have a few concerns regarding root. Assuming the Note 4 can be rooted, using the Note 3 and the S5 as a precident, how does one maintain updates? With HTC, if you had root, you could flash a new ROM for software updates (newer android versions, bug fixes, carrier updates). However, to update firmware, like updated radios, you needed S-Off.
Please help explain. With the Note 4, what will we need in order to do the following, and what is the likelyhood each of the following will be possible:
1) Obtain Root to run apps requiring root (Titanium, adblocker, WIFI tether...)
2) Install custom recovery
3) Flash custom ROMs
4) maintain a phone with updated and current Firmware and Radios.
Otherwise, what do people do who root there phone on day 1? Do they go 1-2 years with the phone without updating firmware?
Thank you

you can update samsung software with no issues. Assuming they'll keep it like the Note 2, there under the settings>update, there are different tabs, and one is Samsung.
Modems and other such updates, you'll just need to wait a day or two for someone to upload the newer OTA with root. Sometimes, some of the root tools, like SuperUser, will have OTA survivor mode, but they're not guaranteed to worked.
End of the day, it's not anything you're not already use to

Thanks for the response. So if the bootloader is NOT able to be unlocked, what will we be missing out on then? If the bootloader IS locked and there is no way around it, we can still root, flash ROMS, and update radios/firmware?

we can only go by the past to predict the future, but in US ATT Note 3 had locked bootloader, T-mobile loader was unlocked, so it was up to the carrier, but I believe both had way to root. One problem with Samsung was Knox software, which once triggered by root or loading custom firmware couldn't be reset back to zero. Based on that flag some people claimed to be refused warranty repairs, others didn't, so who knows. One thing is that Samsung "donated" knox to Google L Android, so it may be on all Android phones in the future, but again who knows how Google will implement it. It may take a time for developers to find their way around new phone, so if you have concerns, wait a little until all is clear, for now we can only guess. My Note 3 is rooted, "official" with Knox flag 0, but I had to wait for proper methods to be developed and every time I update I need to re root (and make some other changes) again. There could be developer model also with everything open, who knows.

Thanks for the response.
I just need to clarify what can be done on a rooted Samsung device vs what can be done with a rooted AND unlocked Samsung device.
Am I correct:
Rooted Only:
-superuser
-can run root required apps (Titanium, Wifi Tether)
-can flash custom ROM but must be stock based only, and must be on stock kernel
-can NOT install CM or TWRP custom recovery
-can update firmware and radios but must OTA and then re-root

you cant flash a rom with stock recovery
if no bootloader unlock, and no custom recovery, then no rom flashing..

flyhighx said:
.... Rooted Only:
.. -can flash custom ROM but must be stock based only, and must be on stock kernel .../QUOTE]
As stated above, this not correct. You'll able to flash the stock firm via Odin. In fact, you'll be able to get the tar file from Samsung if you wanted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I haven't used it in awhile, but I believe you still need a custom recovery to use Mobile Odin, don't you?

i want root mostly for four reasons:
Disable logging
Multi window enable more apps
Make one hand mode background black
because its mine and i can...
But I also need it rooted without tripping knox (for work purposes..)

Help with OTA Update

Hi all,
I'm hoping someone here can assist me. I've not played about with the phone since buying it and seem to have forgotten how to do everything in that time. I used to install custom ROMS on my older phones on an almost daily basis but having kids have prevented me having time to do this any more!!
I have the G900F model and after buying it, the first thing I did was root it and install Philz recovery and Wanam exposed. I haven't needed to do anything else since then. The firmware version on the phone is currently 4.4.2. I see now though that 5.0 is available to us and I thought it was high time I updated.
My preference would be to get OTA working, but having trouble with it due to the fact that it is rooted and has a custom recovery. After refusing to even check for updates, I used Wanam exposed to trick the device status into showing "Official" and I can now download updates OTA. The install fails though, but the error is not on screen in recovery long enough to see why, though I presume it has something to do with the custom recovery.
My first question is whether flashing a stock recovery back on will allow the OTA update to work? If so, where can I get it?
Secondly, if this will still not work I take it I will need to use ODIN instead? Will this factory reset the phone? I just want to update to 5.0 without the fuss of resetting the phone, so hoping people can help me get this to happen.

The chances are that you've tripped KNOX by flashing a custom recovery, if that is the case, it's likely that KNOX is breaking OTA, and will continue to do so no matter what you do. The only way past this is Odin..........
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 stocKK SM-G900F S5

Another RMA disaster...

I bought my Pure Edition about a month ago. A week and a half ago, I wake up and check Google Now for the weather and the phone shuts down and is fried. It has been hot a lot, but I heard it was normal and no big deal. I went through the ordeal of getting a replacement phone a week ago Monday. I then got the email saying it would ship the day after it was received. Sweet! I was thrilled! Only 3 days with a cheap prepaid temp phone. So it doesn't get delivered on that Thursday as stated. Or the next day. I call them to check on it and they said it wasn't going to be here until Today. Surprise! I got it a day early! Yes! However, they sent me a phone that had the bootloader still locked, but the software was modified so I can't use it for work as it shows compromised in Airwatch. I'm fairly certain my account has been flagged, but that's another issue to fix. I called them again today. They will send me a new one. Again. Another week without a phone that I bought only a month ago. I really wish they had the Nexus 6 in stock the day I bought this because that is the one I wanted. I absolutely loved by 2013 Moto X. This one, not so much. The several people I was transfered between had no idea what compromised means on the bootloader. The last guy, thought that the bootloader was used for loading Airwatch in the first place. Has anyone else recieved a phone from the OEM that was compromised or modified software? Slowly, but surely losing faith in this company.

That's a disaster? We must have a very different definition of that word

OK, So I am a little upset by it all, but I just bought the phone a month ago and now I am going to be without it for 2 out of the 5 weeks of ownership. Maybe its not the RMA process, but that I am having to go through it so soon and twice at that.

I do agree that is a PITA. I bought mine used and did not have this experience. It's funny you say you liked the 2013, because I actually very much disliked the 2013 and could not be happier with my 2014.
I'm not quite following the modified software thing. They sent you a phone with a locked bootloader but was not all the way stock? I found that either a) AirWatch does not look for whether the bootloader is locked/unlocked, or b) my firm did not include that in the AirWatch policies or whatever. I unlocked my bootloader, installed TWRP, and rooted, and my phone showed up as compromised. I returned to pure stock with stock recovery, but kept my bootloader unlocked, and had no problems clearing AirWatch. I've heard the same from others on XDA. But I find it weird that Moto would ship out a phone that had compromised software. Even if it was one someone else returned, you would think it would be standard policy to ensure it is completely wiped and returned to full on factory stock condition.

anidrin said:
Has anyone else recieved a phone from the OEM that was compromised or modified software?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would return it again. This is Moto's fault for having these flags in the first place.

Yeah, shipping it locked is not a surprise, showing up in Airwatch as compromised when it's still stock recovery, locked, and non rooted? That's odd.

Paddington said:
I'm not quite following the modified software thing. They sent you a phone with a locked bootloader but was not all the way stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a root checker on Motorola phones since I think ICS days. If a device has never been rooted it's status is 0/0, if it is currently rooted it is 1/1 and if it was rooted and unrooted it is 0/1. If it is either of the latter 2, it will show as modified software in bootloader mode.
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 AM ----------
scottricketts said:
Yeah, shipping it locked is not a surprise, showing up in Airwatch as compromised when it's still stock recovery, locked, and non rooted? That's odd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it's not, it means it has been rooted in the past.

JulesJam said:
There is a root checker on Motorola phones since I think ICS days. If a device has never been rooted it's status is 0/0, if it is currently rooted it is 1/1 and if it was rooted and unrooted it is 0/1. If it is either of the latter 2, it will show as modified software in bootloader mode.
---------- Post added at 01:12 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 AM ----------
No it's not, it means it has been rooted in the past.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try running a root checker app to see if the phone is currently rooted? Because my device was rooted, but reflashing a stock unrooted system made my phone go from compromised to compliant on our AirWatch system. And our AirWatch policies are pretty strict, because they have to meet the security tests of our clients with the strictest security policies, and we are a big law firm that represents most of the Fortune 100 and nearly (or every) major bank.
Although I do agree with your initial stance that there is really no excuse for them to ship you a pre-rooted phone without you requesting it. In the past, that would have saved me 10 minutes, but now, it would be a hassle.

Paddington said:
Did you try running a root checker app to see if the phone is currently rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did it with my N6. I know the phone is unrooted as I flashed a stock system image. In the bootloader mode, it still says software is modified.
This is well known to be how it works with Motorola phones.
Paddington said:
Although I do agree with your initial stance that there is really no excuse for them to ship you a pre-rooted phone without you requesting it. In the past, that would have saved me 10 minutes, but now, it would be a hassle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
His phone wasn't pre-rooted - it had been rooted in the past and that then creates the 0/1 state.

JulesJam said:
I did it with my N6. I know the phone is unrooted as I flashed a stock system image. In the bootloader mode, it still says software is modified.
This is well known to be how it works with Motorola phones.
His phone wasn't pre-rooted - it had been rooted in the past and that then creates the 0/1 state.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I just tried this out. I booted into fastboot and it says my device is UNLOCKED, and then it says:
"Status Code: 3"
"Software Status: Official"
I unlocked this phone, flashed TWRP, and rooted it. I screwed around with it, downloaded a few root apps (busybox, rootbrowser, quick boot), then saw it was listed as compromised on AirWatch. I used a toolkit to do a full wipe and revert back to stock, unrooted 4.4.4 and factory recovery. I then upgraded to 5.0 through the OTA. I never relocked the bootloader. My device showed up as compliant when I redownloaded AirWatch.
And I still agree with the original premise that Motorola should have made sure this didn't happen originally--which is why they are going to fix it--but I'm not understanding why he can't get around this the same way I did. I'm not understanding why he is showing up as a modified software while I am not.

Paddington said:
So I just tried this out. I booted into fastboot and it says my device is UNLOCKED, and then it says:
"Status Code: 3"
"Software Status: Official"
I unlocked this phone, flashed TWRP, and rooted it. I screwed around with it, downloaded a few root apps (busybox, rootbrowser, quick boot), then saw it was listed as compromised on AirWatch. I used a toolkit to do a full wipe and revert back to stock, unrooted 4.4.4 and factory recovery. I then upgraded to 5.0 through the OTA. I never relocked the bootloader. My device showed up as compliant when I redownloaded AirWatch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, that is not what is happening with my N6 or on the Droid Turbo forums for those who are using MoFo. For us, once we root, that is it, even unrooting, flashing back to stock doesn't reset that root check flag.

JulesJam said:
Hmm, that is not what is happening with my N6 or on the Droid Turbo forums for those who are using MoFo. For us, once we root, that is it, even unrooting, flashing back to stock doesn't reset that root check flag.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it was just Droid Turbo, I'd guess it has to do with the MoFo exploit and the fact that it is not supposed to be unlocked and rooted. And by "not supposed to be," I of course mean in the eyes of Verizon, because it is ridiculous that a company will not let you unlock your bootloader on a $600 phone once you've fully paid it off. But that is beside the point. The fact that it is also happening with your Nexus 6 pretty much defeats my theory that it is MoFo causing it.
Could it be that when I updated through a true OTA, like went to Settings > About Phone > Updates, it reset this counter? Or, ignoring the counter for a moment, that the true OTA update re-established my system as being 100% unmodified stock--"Software Status: Official"? Troubleshooting based on recent experiences without the ability to test my hypotheses (it is my work phone ,after all) is driving me nuts.

Paddington said:
The fact that it is also happening with your Nexus 6 pretty much defeats my theory that it is MoFo causing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just flashed my N6 back to total stock using factory images and relocked it. Software status says modified and bootloader status is status code 2 locked (which means relocked). And AFAIK, this is what everyone's experience on a Motorola phone is:
Locked Status Code 0 = never been unlocked before by the fastboot oem unlock command
Unlocked Status Code 1 = unlocked in its original factory state and never been locked before*
Locked Status Code 2 = locked but has been unlocked before
Unlocked Status Code 3 = currently unlocked
*You can't buy a phone in the Status Code 1 Unlocked state in the US. You can buy them off of Tao Bao and they are referred to as "factory" devices. They are "removed" from the Chinese factory before they are locked. However, I would not do that as I am not sure if they are on the global blacklist or not.
The Software state can be any of the following:
qe 0/0 = never been rooted
qe 1/1 = currently rooted
qe 0/1 = not currently rooted but rooted at some point in the past
States qe 1/1 and qe 0/1 will show the Software status as modified IME. So Software Modified means modified currently or at some point in the past.

Finally rooted then I rebooted...

So hi all, this is my first post on XDA. Finding information these days you think would be easy but alas it's been one big waiting game.
A little background, I've wanted for the longest time to link my ps3 controller (WIRELESSLY) to my s4, but Verizon forced an upgrade to Lollipop, I hate it and it's been a nightmare for me.
I learned I would have to be root to get the controller to work wirelessly, but I wanted root access for other reasons well such as bloatware removal and interface customization.
So I've been skulking around forums like a hawk, finally I found king root but it wouldn't root my phone and I wasn't about to install it on my PC, too risky... so I waited and waited and waited.
several months pass...
New update for King root will now work to root my phone, and I was able to replace it with super-sume, root checker showed I was rooted and Bazinga! Off I was at last. I removed a couple pieces of bloatware but before I continued I thought it might be wise to reboot the phone while rooted to make sure everything is kosher.
Phone comes back up, no problems. but now ROOT ACCESS IS GONE. I read up and discovered that in some cases the boot-loader will unroot the phone everytime you reboot. I don't want to have to re-root my phone over and over again, that's a pain in the arse.
I read up on some laws felt confident if I called Verizon they wouldn't be able to give me a hard-time, I just wanted to know how to disable the boot-loader locking things up.
I ended up with tier two, who they stated all their 4G devices are unlocked... when I got into the nitty gritty regarding the bootloader the techs I spoke with were lost.
I just want to be able to root my phone and KEEP root. I wish I had Kit-Kat because this wouldn't even be an issue but I don't. Can anyone help? I'm so sick of this crap.
HALP PLZ :crying: :crying:

Another small caveat I should mention, when I reboot my phone, it has an unlocked padlock but root checker states that root access in no longer properly installed and I can't do anything that I'd be able to do rooted either. Before the reboot, root was showing as properly installed.

Wrong forum, there is a Verizon subsection.
Verizon phones are all unlocked...... meaning you can insert whatever SIM card you feel like putting into it.
The bootloader, however, is locked. It will remain locked and it's more than likely never going to be unlocked. Write access is dependent on an unlocked bootloader. The security checks are set up as such that if you attempt to alter the system files, they'll just all return to normal on a reboot.
You can use a temp root method on Android 4.4, but as you figured out.... when you reboot, Bye Bye Root!
There is not, nor has there been, nor will there be a bootloader unlock unless somebody cracks Samsung's encryption keys. You have a better chance of winning the Powerball jackpot than doing that.

Use CF root if you wanna perm and thing solved..

Noob question re bought half-rooted phone & poss issues if keep way it is?

I just bought what was meant to be a new factory unlocked HTC 10 online but it's actually half-rooted phone that was Sprint branded. As in Malwarebytes and Android Pay claim it's rooted but Root Checker says it's not rooted properly.
I'm also unable to open any free apps that require rooting (i.e., Titanium back up, Super SU), and checking for the latest Android software on my phone has a never-ending busy signal. Thus, I'm unable to wait for update to Oreo when it's released in a few months to unroot the noob way? I'm currently running Nougat.
I'd prefer the phone to be unrooted but I guess my concern is that if I revert the phone back I may not able to use the phone as it may be locked to Sprint? (I'm an Australian user). Is there anyway I can check this with the phone the way it is at the moment? If I just leave the phone not rooted correctly what issues will I run into while using the phone for next few years? What convenience apps (besides Android Pay) won't work?
Note: I'm also not keen on returning the phone as it's too much hassle and don't have a decent back up phone.