Database Users

Just bought my S4 (I9505)

Hi guys!
Yesterday I've received my new S4 and obviously I'm really happy!
I'm planning to root my S4 after some tests (just to be sure the device has not problems) and I'm thinking to flash the Google Edition ROM.
Now some questions:
- Is there some test,stuffs to check or common warrenty problem to check/wait before root my S4?
- Just rooting the device will invalidate the KNOX? Is there a way to restore the KNOX or may I root my device only when I'm sure I really want invalidate my warrenty?
- After rooting decision/time... I live in Italy but I've bought an EU S4: do you suggest me to change the CSC (I9505OXXBMG3) to ITV and flash Italy sotck/mod ROM or it doesn't matter and I can stay on the actual CSC?
- In your opinion, Is it really worth to flash the Google Edition 4.3 or may I wait for the official 4.3 from Samsung (I saw the leaked ROM so maybe it's time for official!)
Thanks guys!

If your device has the older bootloader you're fine for flashing as it doesn't have KNOX implemented. If it has the new bootloader with KNOX, flashing a custom rom will void your warranty forever. It flags it in download mode and you can't remove it even if you went back to fully stock, so you still wouldn't have any warranty

Someone posted this on one of the BLOG.
chiragnarasimha on 4 October 2013 at 14:52 said:
Incase the above method failed, then i am sad to tell you that there is a long process that is probably going take more than an hour to complete the downgrade process.
First of all, remember that when you upgraded to 4.3, you also upgraded stuff like BL(bootloader), AP(formerly known as pda which can be downloaded from this site), CP (modem of the phone) and finally CSC. So, the trick is to download the BL of 4.2.2, AP(PDA) of your region, CP of your region or your carrier, and the CSC of your region. Trust me, finding these stuff can be hard depending on the popularity of your region and the popularity of your carrier.
Hopefully, you were able to download all the above mentioned stuff. Now go ahead and flash these things with odin. Also note that wiping the device with the stock recovery ( vol up + home Key + Power button) might be necessary. While flashing with odin, DO NOT CHECK ANYTHING APART FROM AUTO REBOOT AND F. RESET TIME.
OR THE EASIEST IS PROBABLY TO WAIT FOR THE OFFICIAL RELEASE AND THEN FLASH IT WITH ODIN. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL RELEASE WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE IN THIS WEBSITE ANYWAYS
will this work?? splitting the firmware? anyone?

imlgl said:
If your device has the older bootloader you're fine for flashing as it doesn't have KNOX implemented. If it has the new bootloader with KNOX, flashing a custom rom will void your warranty forever. It flags it in download mode and you can't remove it even if you went back to fully stock, so you still wouldn't have any warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for response!
I've just reboot in download mode and my S4 printout:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: gt-I9505
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Offical
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTED: Enabled
Have I the older bootloader? I can't see any knox strings...
If yes, that means that if I want to flash the 4.3 Google Edition ROM it's better to flash it now before Samsung send me the OTA update of the official 4.3 ROM or I didn't understand well?
In which ROMs Samsung has introduces the KNOX.... I'm little bit confused because someone of you has KNOX but my S4 says to me via OTA thet there is no new update...

Markino said:
Thanks for response!
I've just reboot in download mode and my S4 printout:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: gt-I9505
CURRENT BINARY: Samsung Official
SYSTEM STATUS: Offical
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
WRITE PROTECTED: Enabled
Have I the older bootloader? I can't see any knox strings...
If yes, that means that if I want to flash the 4.3 Google Edition ROM it's better to flash it now before Samsung send me the OTA update of the official 4.3 ROM or I didn't understand well?
In which ROMs Samsung has introduces the KNOX.... I'm little bit confused because someone of you has KNOX but my S4 says to me via OTA thet there is no new update...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup you have older bootloader, it's the same as mine except my says custom instead of official.

[Q&A][i9505] Knox Q&A / Discussion Thread - ask questions here!

Seeing as the thread in the development section is being flooded with questions when its meant to be a development research thread and important info is getting lost amongst all the questions, I thought Id create a Q&A thread for all Knox bootloader 0x1 related questions so that we can try and keep the development thread just for research and testing.
Please feel free to ask any question here and i'll do my best to answer it but hopefully some of the other members who know a bit more will also join in and help answer some of the questions people have.
What we know so far (I think!)
1. Upgrading to newer Samsung firmware will upgrade the bootloader to knox bootloader. this will give an additional 2 lines in download mode about knox status.
2. If the Knox warranty void line says 0x1 then you cannot use knox softwareas your device has been flagged as insecure. By this i mean that if your workplace / company supports bring your own device to work for corporate emails etc and they use knox to keep security your device will not allow this. You are still able to use future samsung firmware releases with the knox flag 0x1. hope this makes sense. sorry for any confusion this has caused!
3. If the knox warranty line says 0x0 knox will work.
4. with the new knox bootloader root will work, however rooting with CFautorootwill trip the knox flag. thanks @DjeMBeY for correcting this point you can use the root method (Root de la Vega) described here for rooting a device with knox bootloader.
5. If you try to downgrade to earlier firmware / bootloader it will set the knox flag to 0x1 i.e. void.
6. once the knox flag gets set to 0x1 there is no way to set it back (that anyone has found yet anyway!)
7. some newer 4.2.2 software that's supplied with the knox bootloader has been repacked by devs to not use the new bootloader and it all works fine you can still keep up to date.
8. I've seen people trying the test build of 4.3 touchwiz without the new knox bootloader sound and wifi does not work. This is no longer the case, see point 12.
9. There seems to be a big question mark as to weather Samsung will allow hardware repairs under warranty with the knox 0x1 flag
10. only seems to affect GT-i9505 at the moment!
11. Software affected thanks to @DjeMBeY
DjeMBeY said:
XXUDMGG was the first one....
The letters changed from XXUB... to XXUD...
XXUB... - BOOTLOADER KNOX FREE
XXUD... - NEW KNOX BOOTLOADER with 0x0 / 0x1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
12. it is now possible to install custom 4.3 TW roms which have been modified to work without the new knox bootloader, do make sure that they are free from knox bootloader before flashing. Do note also that if you already have knox bootloader flashing anything even these 4.3 custom roms will still trip your 0x1 flag
What knox bootloader looks like in download mode . In this picture Knox warranty is in tact as the flag is 0x0:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
I hope this answers some questions, anyone feel free to correct me and i'll try to keep this OP updated with info as people supply it / discover it.

Nice initiative mate.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4

good idea,
This thread Must be splitted because of several models that can be concerned in different aspect. ( I9505 or 9500 and others)
this would avoid misunderstanding or wrong rules to be spread over.
Thanks

Its quite obvious that Samsung are not only trying to control the software we use on our device but also how we obtain it.
I dont see many posts about binary counter recently, because now theres a bigger wall that has been put up.
So you cant even check to see if there has been custom software on your device, because doing so would require root which will trigger the knox crap, permanently.
Its that permanently which i have a problem with, and one i believe Samsung will use to reject a warranty claim in future based on that.
They want OTA and Kies naturally. I mean going back to an older official release bootloader via odin break knox? What the hell Samsung.
The saying you cant have your cake and eat it too applies here. I do read some people of the opinion that its my device and i can do anything i want with it, and Samsung you must now fix it when it breaks.
Anything, really? No, and this is the problem, because running custom software gives you the ability to do this. Not because you did, but because you could have and they probably dont have the resources to prove it with every single warranty claim.
So where does that leave the rest of us? In the same boat because they now have a way to prove you did something naughty, theyre not quite sure what it is except knox warranty void 0x1 (maybe).
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

hi...
I have mh8 btu firmware and Then I root it with CF-Auto root and my knox warranty is 0x1...
my question is: Can I install new official frimware that released from sammobile or samsung-update????
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4

I just got my new s4 20 mins ago, I've switched it on and it has 4.2.2 MH8 can i use a repacked 4.2.2?
If I cant get root the phone is useless to me as i need to run it in my car with the pioneer appradio arliberator software.

ace_of_spades021 said:
hi...
I have mh8 btu firmware and Then I root it with CF-Auto root and my knox warranty is 0x1...
my question is: Can I install new official frimware that released from sammobile or samsung-update????
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
The new "Official" firmware is not yet available.
Please let us know if you can update.

Hi,
BTW, if anyone is interested what the KNOX thing is all about,check THIS

Does Knox make a person's phone non rootable
Sent from my GT-I9500

malybru said:
Hi,
The new "Official" firmware is not yet available.
Please let us know if you can update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thx for reply...
but if I can't upgrade my phone I perefer to sell it as soon as possible!!!!
how can I know that? :crying:

paras said:
Does Knox make a person's phone non rootable
Sent from my GT-I9500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty much yes it will mess with root so it only partly works and voids the warranty at the same time!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

ace_of_spades021 said:
thx for reply...
but if I can't upgrade my phone I perefer to sell it as soon as possible!!!!
how can I know that? :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I'm afraid there is no way to know at the moment. Only info we have is that people have been able to install the leaked 4.3 build with 0x1 flag already present but it's not finished build so who knows what Samsung will do to it
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

iamflamez said:
I just got my new s4 20 mins ago, I've switched it on and it has 4.2.2 MH8 can i use a repacked 4.2.2?
If I cant get root the phone is useless to me as i need to run it in my car with the pioneer appradio arliberator software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loose track of letters and builds. If you turn it off and turn it on holding vol up and go into download mode does the small text at the top mention Knox?
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda premium

Great idea mate - Subscribed:good:

What's the FIRST ROM that contained the dreaded Knox bootloader?
I used: I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar to flash via Odin, before I knew anything about Knox, and I do not have a Knox flag in Download mode. I have not gone beyond this ROM, as I normally use CyanogenMod.
I have never been able to get a direct answer on this. I am pretty sure (if memory serves) that I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar contains Knox software in the ROM, but the Knox flag does not show up in the Download mode screen. Mine looks like this:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: GT-I9505
CURRENT BINARY: CUSTOM
SYSTEM STATUS: CUSTOM
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0X30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
Does it have a Knox bootloader or does it not?

donalgodon said:
What's the FIRST ROM that contained the dreaded Knox bootloader?
I used: I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar to flash via Odin, before I knew anything about Knox, and I do not have a Knox flag in Download mode. I have not gone beyond this ROM, as I normally use CyanogenMod.
I have never been able to get a direct answer on this. I am pretty sure (if memory serves) that I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar contains Knox software in the ROM, but the Knox flag does not show up in the Download mode screen. Mine looks like this:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: GT-I9505
CURRENT BINARY: CUSTOM
SYSTEM STATUS: CUSTOM
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0X30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
Does it have a Knox bootloader or does it not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not entirely sure but if it had the Knox bootloader I believe it would say Knox/Knox warrenty somewhere in the list and would be at 0x0 or 0x1 My CSB-CONFIG-LSB is also 0x30 and I am pretty sure I do not have Knox.......

PhoeniX ROM - question
Hi, i am on MGA now and i want to install PhoeniX ROM.
This is knox free so after install can i back for example to MGA ?
Sorry for my bad english and thx

kapiszon53 said:
Hi, i am on MGA now and i want to install PhoeniX ROM.
This is knox free so after install can i back for example to MGA ?
Sorry for my bad english and thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your current ROM IS knox free and the ROM you are going to is Knox free then yes you should be able to go back without any issues!

It looks like the insurance I took out will come in handy when I accidentally drop my s4 in the bath.......

donalgodon said:
What's the FIRST ROM that contained the dreaded Knox bootloader?
I used: I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar to flash via Odin, before I knew anything about Knox, and I do not have a Knox flag in Download mode. I have not gone beyond this ROM, as I normally use CyanogenMod.
I have never been able to get a direct answer on this. I am pretty sure (if memory serves) that I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMH1_I9505XXUBMGA_HOME.tar contains Knox software in the ROM, but the Knox flag does not show up in the Download mode screen. Mine looks like this:
ODIN MODE
PRODUCT NAME: GT-I9505
CURRENT BINARY: CUSTOM
SYSTEM STATUS: CUSTOM
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0X30
WRITE PROTECTION: Enable
Does it have a Knox bootloader or does it not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Knox looks like this:
You do not have it

[Q] [noob] help i am clueless about s4 i9505

In odin mode i saw something like this.
ODIN MODE
Product Name: GT-i9505
Current binary: custom
system status : Custom
Knox kernel lock : 0x0
knox warrenty void : 0x1
CSB-CONFIG-LSB: 0x30
Write protection : Enable
eMMC Burst mode: Enabled
I have 4.3 firmware
Can i downgrade my firmware to 4.2.2 ??
or if i get official firmware of 4.4 then can i update it to 4.4 using ODIN??
i am really in delimma i don't know what will happen because of the new bootloader i can work or not.. Just need reply if i cannot downgrade or upgrade using ODIN then it's usless of keeping this phone i have to sell it that's why i need fast reply !!!

No. Can you upgrade to official 4.4 - probably, given if you have the Knox bootloader you can flash firmware the same or newer than what you have, but not firmware with the old bootloader.
nishangrg said:
I have 4.3 firmware
Can i downgrade my firmware to 4.2.2 ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

MistahBungle said:
No. Can you upgrade to official 4.4 - probably, given if you have the Knox bootloader you can flash firmware the same or newer than what you have, but not firmware with the old bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thankyou but is there any possible solution to downgrade to 4.2.2??
i have heard if i downgrade my bootloader then i can install 4.2.2 is it true??

*cough*
I've already answered your question (and the answer is easily found in hundreds of different threads here/elsewhere anyway). And as I said to someone else on here a week or so ago, I find repeating myself tedious in the extreme.

[Q] Does rooting void your warranty?

I have galaxy s4 9500... When I had android 4.2.2 I rooted my phone and then
when the 4.3 update roll out I updated my phone and unroot my phone..
When I go to download mode all the stresses are "samsung official"... And no Knox counts...
Do I still have warranty?

hatan88 said:
I have galaxy s4 9500... When I had android 4.2.2 I rooted my phone and then
when the 4.3 update roll out I updated my phone and unroot my phone..
When I go to download mode all the stresses are "samsung official"... And no Knox counts...
Do I still have warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you still have warranty (like in pic attached). Be relaxed :highfive:
*EDIT: You will void ur warranty (KNOX:1) if you root again ur phone having android 4.3.

Joku1981 said:
Yes, you still have warranty (like in pic attached). Be relaxed :highfive:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In download mode I see:
"Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Knox Warranty Void: 0
AP SWAEV: A3
"
Can't see "warranty bit"..
And if i flash and put ROM on my galaxy there is no way back right? no Trianle Away or something that support...

hatan88 said:
In download mode I see:
"Current Binary: Samsung Official
System Status: Official
Knox Warranty Void: 0
AP SWAEV: A3
"
Can't see "warranty bit"..
And if i flash and put ROM on my galaxy there is no way back right? no Trianle Away or something that support...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have warranty now. For flash a CUSTOM ROM you need a custom recovery. Installing one custom recovery in android 4.3, void ur warranty

Joku1981 said:
You have warranty now. For flash a CUSTOM ROM you need a custom recovery. Installing one custom recovery in android 4.3, void ur warranty
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have one more year of warranty... what would you do?
Right now the phone stuck often and touchwiz is annoying

It really depends in what country you live if you get warranty. In some countries Samsung gives warranty and in some they don't.
And for example if you live in the EU then the shop you bought it from still has to fix it even if you have rooted it.

Lennyz1988 said:
It really depends in what country you live if you get warranty. In some countries Samsung gives warranty and in some they don't.
And for example if you live in the EU then the shop you bought it from still has to fix it even if you have rooted it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think we have it here.....don't know if to give up warranty for CM11 or HaSSan ROM V6.0....

Anyone? I'll be happy to get your recommendations

Once you root the device, you will need to do the following to restore warranty.
1. flash original unrooted firmware.
2. reset flash count.
This is for firmware up to 4.2.2.
If you install 4.3 or 4.4 and KNOX is enabled. rooting will void your warranty permanently.
That is my understanding...

Note 4 error knox

After updating to 5.1.1 fw the device continues to restart and shut down.
Trying to get into the "download mode", the message that is knox 1
But I never rootato or modified the notes 4 that is under warranty
The assistance will be able to see that the device has not been tampered although knox showed 1?
There have already been cases like this ??
There have already been cases like this ??
I hope that my English with the translator of google is understandable .. I'm Italian and I do not know your language ... sorry
I also hope it is the right section for this type of application if necessary ... I apologize for the error due to what I have just written
Thank you

znhel said:
After updating to 5.1.1 fw the device continues to restart and shut down.
Trying to get into the "download mode", the message that is knox 1
But I never rootato or modified the notes 4 that is under warranty
The assistance will be able to see that the device has not been tampered although knox showed 1?
There have already been cases like this ??
There have already been cases like this ??
I hope that my English with the translator of google is understandable .. I'm Italian and I do not know your language ... sorry
I also hope it is the right section for this type of application if necessary ... I apologize for the error due to what I have just written
Thank you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you are not rooted flashing via odin trips the knox counter,
Btw wrong section.

Senthil360 said:
Even if you are not rooted flashing via odin trips the knox counter,
Btw wrong section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not true, the KNOX counter will only be tripped if a file that has been modified is flashed, if you flash stock firmware you wont trip the KNOX counter.

Battlehero said:
That's not true, the KNOX counter will only be tripped if a file that has been modified is flashed, if you flash stock firmware you wont trip the KNOX counter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't the ones we flash from sammobile modified one? I thought only the stock that ships with the phone is unmodified, Correct me if I'm wrong

Senthil360 said:
Isn't the ones we flash from sammobile modified one? I thought only the stock that ships with the phone is unmodified, Correct me if I'm wrong
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sammobile provides unmodified firmware files, on a rare occasion if you try to downgrade to an older firmware you can potentially trip KNOX.

I never used odin
I do not know if Knox is tripped after hard reset and restore or after upgrading to 5.1.1 lollipop made with kies 3.
Never any operation of this device modding

znhel said:
I never used odin
I do not know if Knox is tripped after hard reset and restore or after upgrading to 5.1.1 lollipop made with kies 3.
Never any operation of this device modding
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hi ,
Firstly ,
i have to say that Knox does not worry me at all ,tripped Knox ..long ago !!.
I thus have no real interest in its workings ,as i do not need Knox in my "life "or on my device !!
That said ,well my logic says (correct me plse if i am wrong )
i have seen processes " Security log event " etc ..( I have disabled this when i rooted ... as it was also giving me wakelocks etc ) Now surely won't any "incident/breach of security ? ..eg rooting ... " be recorded in log event .??
If so surely cause of " tripping" should be establish ?
Thus take it to Samsung centre and ask them to check reason why tripped ?
Above is just my opinion and theory ...or an option to consider ?
good luck

willcor said:
hi ,
Firstly ,
i have to say that Knox does not worry me at all ,tripped Knox ..long ago !!.
I thus have no real interest in its workings ,as i do not need Knox in my "life "or on my device !!
That said ,well my logic says (correct me plse if i am wrong )
i have seen processes " Security log event " etc ..( I have disabled this when i rooted ... as it was also giving me wakelocks etc ) Now surely won't any "incident/breach of security ? ..eg rooting ... " be recorded in log event .??
If so surely cause of " tripping" should be establish ?
Thus take it to Samsung centre and ask them to check reason why tripped ?
Above is just my opinion and theory ...or an option to consider ?
good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello
Even for me knox +1 is not a big problem .. I can rootare the device and put a firmware that is maybe better than stock ..
But I'd like to understand how it happened! But above all I do not accept that I say that I did when the root is not true
I hope they can determine how it happened
Thank you

The device is returned from assistance for warranty service, but the same problems as before ... do you flash a custom rom could solve ??
thanks

If you downgraded your rom knox might get tripped
Maybe you bought used phone?
Sent from my SM-N920C using Tapatalk

@ johnmassay ---> Purchased new phone
The problems that I mentioned have remained even after the return from assistance samsung.
Also taken new battery but I have not solved the problems
Also now when the phone warms up for extended use itself off and I have to pull out and reinsert the battery to turn it back
At this point I would just like to understand if it is a hardware problem or sotware.
In case of software problems I could flash a custom rom and I would be all right even without the guarantee samsung.
If it is a hardware problem then the matter is serious + .... and I would not know how to solve .....
advice?
Thanks

znhel said:
@ johnmassay ---> Purchased new phone
The problems that I mentioned have remained even after the return from assistance samsung.
Also taken new battery but I have not solved the problems
Also now when the phone warms up for extended use itself off and I have to pull out and reinsert the battery to turn it back
At this point I would just like to understand if it is a hardware problem or sotware.
In case of software problems I could flash a custom rom and I would be all right even without the guarantee samsung.
If it is a hardware problem then the matter is serious + .... and I would not know how to solve .....
advice?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely its hardware problem
Sent from my SM-N920C using Tapatalk

The center samsung think this is hardware problem ...
in which case we hope is still under warranty despite the Knox warranty Void 01
I bent as in previous posts
Thanks

I hope you sort it out and get a new device and when you do then disable knox. Knox and stock **** that ****. Custom roms is the way to go...

I am interested in custom rom, but if the problem is a hardware device on the solution "custom ROM" becomes not decisive
For now await responses from Samsung .. then I will decide accordingly ..
I'm angry because of this problem the Notes 4 is for me the ideal device, both for work and for fun and I am comfortable ... The Note 5 for example, I do not care because it does not have the MicroSD slot and battery less accurate
We hope you find a solution for my note 4 ..