Database Users

Getting a tab soon, looking for info.

So i jumped on the deal on sellout.woot today, and i'll be getting a verizon galaxy tab, hopefully next week, and wanted to get a few things together and start reading up.
I'll probably look at just updating it out of the box and playing around with the stock firmware, but i know i'll probably want to stick some kind of custom firmware on it. So are there any recommendations on a good custom firmware? I'd like one that enable the ability to connect to ad-hoc networks (which the few in the development section i saw did not seem to mention). Should any rom for the VZW tab work? or are there different versions of this tab that i need to be aware of?
As far as flashing goes, what is hiemdal and odin? do they do basically the same thing? what about the clockwork mod, what exactly does that do? I've done a bit of rooting of devices before, but nothing major, so are there good tutorials or guides that explain a bit more about flashing custom roms? I'd like to not have a paperweight when all is said and done.
Any info you can provide or link me to is greatly appreciated.

dav3yb said:
So i jumped on the deal on sellout.woot today, and i'll be getting a verizon galaxy tab, hopefully next week, and wanted to get a few things together and start reading up.
I'll probably look at just updating it out of the box and playing around with the stock firmware, but i know i'll probably want to stick some kind of custom firmware on it. So are there any recommendations on a good custom firmware? I'd like one that enable the ability to connect to ad-hoc networks (which the few in the development section i saw did not seem to mention). Should any rom for the VZW tab work? or are there different versions of this tab that i need to be aware of?
As far as flashing goes, what is hiemdal and odin? do they do basically the same thing? what about the clockwork mod, what exactly does that do? I've done a bit of rooting of devices before, but nothing major, so are there good tutorials or guides that explain a bit more about flashing custom roms? I'd like to not have a paperweight when all is said and done.
Any info you can provide or link me to is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are not very many custom ROMs that have been developed for the Verizon Tab. Galaxy Cubed seems to be a good one. The same Dev created a stock rooted gingerbread ROM so you may want to start with that one. Some of the Sprint ROMs also work. The Sprint and Verizon are both CDMA and very similar. NEVER flash a GSM ROM to this device!
Odin and Heimdall both have the capability to flash ROMs to Samsung devices. Odin is leaked Samsung software and Heimdall is newly written software based on Odin code. I recommend you use Heimdall version 1.1.1, it is free and easy to use. Just do a google search and you will find their website.
Clockworkmod is a custom recovery that does what the stock recovery does only more. It adds the ability to flash various mods to the ROM from recovery and to do backups. But once it's installed you can only get to it by software on your system. If you try to get to it by booting, you get into the stock recovery.
Just be careful when flashing things to your Tab, it is easy to bork it up. There are a lot of tutorials here on XDA, so read them carefully.

I jumped on the same deal! Got a question too, if you don't mind the piggyback...
I chose the Verizon model and I'm interested in using a bluetooth keyboard... I understand that upon release not all keyboards would work but that Verizon put out an update and now all do work.
How do I know other than trial and error if this unit has been upgraded?
My plan is to root and go with a basic gingerbread upgrade and then pretty much leave it be. But if this is a Verizon specific update I'm wondering if I don't need to do a one month data deal in order to get the upgrade.
Any help is appreciated!

rouxdy said:
I jumped on the same deal! Got a question too, if you don't mind the piggyback...
I chose the Verizon model and I'm interested in using a bluetooth keyboard... I understand that upon release not all keyboards would work but that Verizon put out an update and now all do work.
How do I know other than trial and error if this unit has been upgraded?
My plan is to root and go with a basic gingerbread upgrade and then pretty much leave it be. But if this is a Verizon specific update I'm wondering if I don't need to do a one month data deal in order to get the upgrade.
Any help is appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you install the stock vanilla rooted ROM by dsb9938 you will have the latest Verizon upgrade, only rooted. Look on settings, about device, and the latest says EI04. Even if your unit comes with the latest ROM, you may want to flash the rooted vanilla since that is the easiest way to get rooted. Most of the other methods fail or are very difficult to implement on EI04.
No need to subscribe to data unless you want to. I personally like having data everywhere.

Lagfix ASAP
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium

leapinlar said:
If you install the stock vanilla rooted ROM by dsb9938 you will have the latest Verizon upgrade, only rooted. Look on settings, about device, and the latest says EI04. Even if your unit comes with the latest ROM, you may want to flash the rooted vanilla since that is the easiest way to get rooted. Most of the other methods fail or are very difficult to implement on EI04.
No need to subscribe to data unless you want to. I personally like having data everywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! That was very helpful!
I have a droid 3 with data and it looks like there are ways to tether the Tab to the droid... I'd only need to send a few files via email a few times a month and even then it's not a necessity so much as it is a convenience.

Very confused about MF3

I just bought the HTC One for $200, but then I saw that Best Buy had the Samsung Galaxy s4 on sale for $50. I did not know which one I wanted and was truly torn between the two and ended up buying the HTC but if I can save $150 I will gladly get the s4. My only problem is that as I've been reading up on cs4 forums to make sure that I would be able to unlock root and flash custom roms I had came across what seems to be the problem with an AT&T firmware update known as mf3. If I cannot root and flash custom kernels and roms I do not think I will take advantage of the offer from Best Buy. My problem is that even after all the reading I cannot figure out whether it is possible to root and flash custom ROMs and kernels to the new version from AT&T, known as mf3, or if it is still not possible, or if it will be possible very soon so that I'm may use Android 4.4 Kit Kat on the phone or any custom Rom I wish. Can someone please clarify this for me as soon as possible because my time to return the HTC One to AT&T is coming close to its end?
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

You can root and flash some roms using safestrap. But it's very limited. Imo I'd stay away from the s4

It's there any progress toward cracking MF3? I've had a one x for pat year and kinda wanted a change and I love the screen on the s4. If you had to choose between the s4 and the HTC one taking into consideration the mf3 problem, which would you choose? And which would you choose if there was no mf3 problem?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

If you can find a S4 with MDL or earlier firmware it's a excellent phone. Personally if it has MF3 or later I wouldn't bother. But that's just my opinion.

You might as well get rid of the One as well. It's just as locked down.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Untrue, about HTCone being just as locked down. It can have it's boatload unlocked quiet easily and if you want to, although it's not necessary, you can even do s-off to get full unbridled access. I previously had a HTC one x and also from everything I've read it seems AT&T went out of there way to lock down s4 tight , just like they did to the one x but eventually the devs got it. I do want the s4 though,even though this phone is awesome(HTC One), and I can live with no custom Rom for a while but I can't go without root. So if I get a s4 with mf3 will it still be able to be rooted ? I've read up on it but don't understand what everyone is talking about when they say if the phone is encrypted or notand it seems to be random.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

So sick and tired of reading about MF3, or MK2 constantly on these forums. If you want to buy an S4 on AT&T look for an MDL one on eBay. It's not that hard, really.
Or buy the T-Mobile variant or International version.

Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone new on these forums just asks over and over about MF3 and the Android 4.3 update. Basically, if you get an S4 with Mf3 or later firmware, you are pretty much stuck on stock. Then we have noobs who don't read and attempt to root their MF3 phones and brick them.
On pure stock, the S4 is a bad phone. The software is very laggy and needs a lot of improvement. I was one of the early adapters when it first came out. The phone was a nightmare with MDB and MDL firmware. Mf3 made slight improvements, but not enough.
I would not even invest in buying this phone right now. Most development for it has died down because of the restrictions. Developers are moving on. Those of us with MDL firmware (like myself) won't see much continued support for Loki nowadays anyway. If the bootloader could be unlocked, I believe it would have been unlocked by now. All these workarounds are very limited, and dangerous.
Personally, I wouldn't even buy the phone at this point. Scrape the funds together for either the T-Mobile S4 or Note 3.

Get the nexus 5, you'll be very happy

Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk

Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The development for the AT&T S4 has died down. In my opinion, no one will ever unlock the bootloader for it. Maybe someday with some future device, but not this device. The closest we got was with the loki method, which was great. But that's long gone now.
Look on negri for the T-Mobile variant. I think its M919. I'm not sure. T-Mobile developers have been able to make great roms for the device, instead of wasting so much time to find a workaround. Maybe even try T-Mobile out and see if they've improved in your area. They got a lot better in my area, but still a lot of EDGE.
If I were you, I'd go for the Nexus 5.

Rad ryan said:
Thanks for your kind response to my honest question mattmjb0188. I can't get a t mobile or international variant bc I'm on a budget. I will use my upgrade to get the phone at best buy for $50, and the condition of this price is that it must be a contract renewal/upgrade, which is another reason I can't get diff version of the phone. Did you even read the op? I would love to get one brand new out of the box with mdl but the odds of that are slim hence why I asked the question in the 1st place. So if you can't help or don't like the question then don't respond, but I do thank you for your info about the other variants that don't have issues, it just doesn't help me.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heres my suggestion, if you want the s4, get it from best buy than sell it unopened for as much as you can and than with the money you get buy a tmobile or i9505 international variant...(not i9500 or the verizon or sprint one)
The tmobile variant is probably your best bet, the tmobile variant supports all of ATT service bands so youll have no issues with reception or internet. The tmobile variant can flash roms from any of the other s4 variants (verizon sprint att i9505...just not any roms from the i9500)
So in other words if you get the tmobile variant you dont have to worry about a dead dev scene as you can always flash roms from a differnt carrier...only thing is you will probably have to set up your apns for att rom flashes
Hope that helps you
And on another note if you decide to stick with the ATT s4, every firmware can be rooted
Mdb has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel - Unfortunately I do not think there are any stores that are selling phones with this firmware
Mdl has real recoveries, so you can flash anything as long as you "loki" the kernel...Unfortunately it is pretty much impossible to find a phone with this firmware in any store now
Mf3 has safestrap which is kinda like a recovery, with it you can flash any touchwiz based 4.2.2 rom (stock roms) or any 4.2.2 Google Phone Edition (aka GPE, which is an aosp experience S4, no bloatware no samsung features, its like having a nexus in the body of an s4) rom...NO CUSTOM KERNELS, NO AOSP ROMS (no cyanogenmod) - this is the firmware most phones come with
Mk2 (latest firmware) recently got a beta safestrap...as of now you can flash some 4.3 touchwiz stock based roms, alot dont boot yet, and the GPE 4.3 rom doesn't boot with it either. As it becomes stable it should work identical to the one for mf3 - phones will probably start coming with this one soon
In other words, safestrap allows you to run roms that are built off the same firmware version as your stock rom, safestrap flashes no kernel, so whatever rom you flash has to be compatible with the stock kernel of your current firmware
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 08:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
Rad ryan said:
Thank you very much for that answer, that was an excellent answer. Although I'm not a noob bc I've been doing this stuff for years and been a member for years.I did the trading but I am not familiar with Samsung at all bc the last Samsung I had was a captivate. It's there a lot of active development for the t mobile variant? I'm guessing it's probably around $600, right? Lastly do you think that there will be a solution to the lock down of mf3 and later in the next few months?
Again thanks for your very helpful answer.
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They actually seem to be getting close to another work around which will allow you to flash any rom or kernel using safestrap...turns out theres a feature in the 4.3 mk2 kernel which allows unsigned drivers to run, in theory they can compile a kexec driver for the kernel which would allow you to use any kernel thus allowing the flash of any rom...theres a how-to thread in the original development section with more info, however...its not a guarentee we will see this anytime soon, as you never know what issues they may run into...but something to look into if your interested
EDIT: actually heres a post from the thread i mentioned which pretty much sums up how we hope this "exploit" will work as far as kernel flashing goes http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=48703510&postcount=10
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.

Yes
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

noel_leon said:
With all that said; how come I have the MF3 baseband my s4 (jflteatt), and I still have a custom recovery with the ability to flash different roms and kernels? Is it because I installed the custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then it got updated to a newer baseband but still kept recovery?
I only found out I had MF3 on my phone now because I couldn't flash a different recovery anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is literally impossible to have officially updated through OTA while on a custom Recovery. What I suspect has been done is the same as my phone. I got an MDL device and quickly installed TWRP and a custom ROM. As new updates came out, I flashed just the baseband. So now, I have a 4.4 ROM with the MK2 baseband and am able to install anything I like.
If I were to have ever done an OTA, I would no longer be able to have a custom recovery because of a blown Qfuse.
Please don't try to say that what you have is the only phone with OTA MF3 and custom recovery.
The only way to have anything like that is through SS and that is not a true recovery. If you do have that, you can only install certain ROMs not including AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, or CM.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

When did I ever say I was the only one? I asked a simple question that I mostly had the answer to already; which in turn was answered by a simple "Yes" from HiTideBlastoise.
And I never said anything about OTA either. I said I had installed custom recovery on an earlier baseband and then my baseband was updated but recovery was still intact.

I never said you did say that. It was preemptive. Secondly, you make it out to seem like you did nothing to update your baseband. You are making it seem like it just happened. Well, that can't happen without either updating the entire phone or flashing it yourself. The funny thing is the baseband means nothing when it comes to recoveries and flashing ROMs. It can only be used as a possible sign on a stock device as to what version one is running. On a modified device, like yours, it is worthless information on the version of Android. Like I said before, I have 4.4 with MK2 as my baseband. How can I install ROMs. Not because it updated my baseband after I already have a custom recovery... But because I never took an OTA and made it do the stuff I wanted.
Basically what I am saying is that you need to be clear with what you say. Everything you said makes it sound like your phone did it all by itself without you or someone else making it the way it is. There is no other option. You have to have done something to have a custom recovery and an MF3 baseband with pre MF3 bootloaders.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I agree with graydiggy that the only way to still have a custom recovery and mf3 baseband is that you either flashed an mf3 tw rom with a modem or a a standalone modem to your mdl software. If you took the "OTA" successfully, you will definitely have a locked down bootloader now.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Looking to update from MDL...

Not sure if i posted in the right section...but i purchased a Sprint galaxy s4 a couple months after it was first released and it was unlocked. I am a person thats pretty knowledgeable about rooting and roms and what not, but buying a that was rooted and unlocked i dont know where to start or go from here or even what the phone has. All i know is...it has a custom recovery (twrp) its on MDL android 4.2.2 and a kernel version of 3.4.0 ([email protected] #1) and it running a stock rom. Another thing is...i dont understand if its supposed to be unlocked doesnt that mean i can travel abroad and use a sim from whatever country im in? I tried and it didnt work. My gf's verizion s3 thats not unlocked or anything did happen to work..like wtf?
Anyway, to break things down...im looking for where can i go from here? should i start from scratch? I feel like im out of the loop with everything and looking for something to give my phone a face lift but i maybe want to stick with a stock rooted rom...whats out there? and also my phone is getting pretty annoying with wanting to install MF9.. posting this on xda also..thanks

darkflare999 said:
Not sure if i posted in the right section...but i purchased a Sprint galaxy s4 a couple months after it was first released and it was unlocked. I am a person thats pretty knowledgeable about rooting and roms and what not, but buying a that was rooted and unlocked i dont know where to start or go from here or even what the phone has. All i know is...it has a custom recovery (twrp) its on MDL android 4.2.2 and a kernel version of 3.4.0 ([email protected] #1) and it running a stock rom. Another thing is...i dont understand if its supposed to be unlocked doesnt that mean i can travel abroad and use a sim from whatever country im in? I tried and it didnt work. My gf's verizion s3 thats not unlocked or anything did happen to work..like wtf?
Anyway, to break things down...im looking for where can i go from here? should i start from scratch? I feel like im out of the loop with everything and looking for something to give my phone a face lift but i maybe want to stick with a stock rooted rom...whats out there? and also my phone is getting pretty annoying with wanting to install MF9.. posting this on xda also..thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you're currently on a pre Knox bootloader so I'd stay right there and just flash the rom of you're choosing to update. You can also flash a different modem as well and update that way without taking an ota. I'm running Carbon 4.4 and it's a pretty sweet rom but you'll have to decide which is better for you.
And as far as using the phone abroad I'm not really sure. Someone else can probably answer that one better than I can.
I know my Verizon S4 can go abroad not sure on sprint but I'm sure the answer is on here somewhere search it out.
Verizon Galaxy S4
SafeStrap
Hyperdrive 12
Sprint Galaxy S4
Philz
Carbon 4.4

darkflare999 said:
Not sure if i posted in the right section...but i purchased a Sprint galaxy s4 a couple months after it was first released and it was unlocked. I am a person thats pretty knowledgeable about rooting and roms and what not, but buying a that was rooted and unlocked i dont know where to start or go from here or even what the phone has. All i know is...it has a custom recovery (twrp) its on MDL android 4.2.2 and a kernel version of 3.4.0 ([email protected] #1) and it running a stock rom. Another thing is...i dont understand if its supposed to be unlocked doesnt that mean i can travel abroad and use a sim from whatever country im in? I tried and it didnt work. My gf's verizion s3 thats not unlocked or anything did happen to work..like wtf?
Anyway, to break things down...im looking for where can i go from here? should i start from scratch? I feel like im out of the loop with everything and looking for something to give my phone a face lift but i maybe want to stick with a stock rooted rom...whats out there? and also my phone is getting pretty annoying with wanting to install MF9.. posting this on xda also..thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try this link. There is a Knox free version.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=42954144
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

thank you guys very much for replying! im gonna trying everything out!..cant wai!

[Q] Please Help!

So I just rooted my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Kingo. All I have installed so far is SuperSu Pro and Titanium backup. Im on android 4.3 and I have the MJE version. (which seems to be the most uncommon because I cant find any help anywhere, so im posting this thread). All I want to know is how or if I even can get the CyanogenMod rom on my phone. This is my first android device ever and I've had it for 5 months and Im definitely never going back to Apple devices. Anyway, I just rooted, I dont care about tripping Knox because I dont have a warranty anyways. I just need someone to explain to me how to get all the things I need including CM. From what ive read I need CWM and GAPPS.

khampton_03 said:
So I just rooted my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with Kingo. All I have installed so far is SuperSu Pro and Titanium backup. Im on android 4.3 and I have the MJE version. (which seems to be the most uncommon because I cant find any help anywhere, so im posting this thread). All I want to know is how or if I even can get the CyanogenMod rom on my phone. This is my first android device ever and I've had it for 5 months and Im definitely never going back to Apple devices. Anyway, I just rooted, I dont care about tripping Knox because I dont have a warranty anyways. I just need someone to explain to me how to get all the things I need including CM. From what ive read I need CWM and GAPPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Slow down there. Lol. Do you have a developer edition Note 3 or just a regular retail Note 3 you purchased from Verizon?

Adam Browning said:
Slow down there. Lol. Do you have a developer edition Note 3 or just a regular retail Note 3 you purchased from Verizon?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol sorry Im very new to android. I got it from Verizon but i enabled Developer mode if thats what youre asking haha.

khampton_03 said:
Lol sorry Im very new to android. I got it from Verizon but i enabled Developer mode if thats what youre asking haha.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all good lol. No, developer mode just gives you some extra features if you want to debug your device. A developer edition Note 3 is a phone that was available directly from Samsung in a small quantity. It had the bootloader unlocked, which is a must for a AOSP ROM such as Cyanogenmod. Cyanogenmod requires a custom kernal, which a retail Note 3 (that you purchase through Verizon or another retail store) can not flash due to the locked bootloader. I would suggest peeking over in the Android Development section to check out the ROMs you are able to flash. Just steer clear of the ones saying for the developer edition or DE (for short). If you're wanting a ROM that has an AOSP feel to it though, check out Eclipse.
Here is a link for the Eclipse thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620723

Adam Browning said:
It's all good lol. No, developer mode just gives you some extra features if you want to debug your device. A developer edition Note 3 is a phone that was available directly from Samsung in a small quantity. It had the bootloader unlocked, which is a must for a AOSP ROM such as Cyanogenmod. Cyanogenmod requires a custom kernal, which a retail Note 3 (that you purchase through Verizon or another retail store) can not flash due to the locked bootloader. I would suggest peeking over in the Android Development section to check out the ROMs you are able to flash. Just steer clear of the ones saying for the developer edition or DE (for short). If you're wanting a ROM that has an AOSP feel to it though, check out Eclipse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So could I somehow unlock the bootloader??

khampton_03 said:
So could I somehow unlock the bootloader??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many people have looked into that, and no luck so far. It is still locked for devices such as ours. Kind of sucks, I know. Almost every Android phone I've owned, I have ran Cyanogenmod on it. With Verizon being difficult about locking the bootloaders, and Samsung introducing Knox, I don't think we will see a bootloader unlock anytime soon, if ever. With the new 4.4.2 leak that BeansTown106 has made available for us here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Kernal modules are enabled, so we may have a workaround in the near future for the locked bootloader. I would suggest not taking the OTA for 4.4.2, but instead flashing the leaked 4.4.2 that is available via that thread. Once you take the OTA, it isn't known if you'll ever be able to flash this leak, which may allow for a modified kernal and therefore AOSP ROMs. I may be mistaken in some of the details, and someone can correct me if I have said something wrong in this, but this thread will explain it a little better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876

Adam Browning said:
Many people have looked into that, and no luck so far. It is still locked for devices such as ours. Kind of sucks, I know. Almost every Android phone I've owned, I have ran Cyanogenmod on it. With Verizon being difficult about locking the bootloaders, and Samsung introducing Knox, I don't think we will see a bootloader unlock anytime soon, if ever. With the new 4.4.2 leak that BeansTown106 has made available for us here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Kernal modules are enabled, so we may have a workaround in the near future for the locked bootloader. I would suggest not taking the OTA for 4.4.2, but instead flashing the leaked 4.4.2 that is available via that thread. Once you take the OTA, it isn't known if you'll ever be able to flash this leak, which may allow for a modified kernal and therefore AOSP ROMs. I may be mistaken in some of the details, and someone can correct me if I have said something wrong in this, but this thread will explain it a little better:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2727876
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So back to the beginning haha how do I flash a rom or what should I do since I just rooted and only have supersu haha

khampton_03 said:
So back to the beginning haha how do I flash a rom or what should I do since I just rooted and only have supersu haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It all depends on what you want to do. How knowledgeable are you with rooting, Odin, and flashing in general?

Adam Browning said:
It all depends on what you want to do. How knowledgeable are you with rooting, Odin, and flashing in general?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ive never flashed anything and I dont know how to use odin. Lol

khampton_03 said:
Ive never flashed anything and I dont know how to use odin. Lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol. Oh goody. Well you're in for a lot of reading then. If you're already rooted and have supersu installed, then at least you have that part out of the way. The way that we install custom ROMs onto our phones (since the bootloader is locked) is by using Safestrap, developed by Hashcode. You can find any and all information you will need on it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517610
Safestrap gives you the ability to have multiple custom ROMs on your phone, without having to flash directly over your stock ROM (if you don't want). It is an application that you download onto your phone, you then open it up and install custom recovery. Once that is completed, you will then see a Safestrap screen everytime you turn on or restart your phone. I would suggest reading through or at least skimming the thread via the link provided above.
Once you have created a ROM slot and have it selected as the active slot, you can then proceed to install a custom ROM into that slot. Once you have everything set up, you can then switch between the custom ROM in "Slot x" to the stock ROM slot, giving you a cushion in case you completely screw up.
You're going to have to decide whether or not you want to stay on the 4.3 base, or update to the 4.4.2 base leak. The only advantages of either one are strictly your personal preference. There are a few that prefer the 4.4.2 base over the 4.3 base due to one reason or another. If you want to update the the newest 4.4.2 base leak though, follow the instructions provided via this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558

Adam Browning said:
Lol. Oh goody. Well you're in for a lot of reading then. If you're already rooted and have supersu installed, then at least you have that part out of the way. The way that we install custom ROMs onto our phones (since the bootloader is locked) is by using Safestrap, developed by Hashcode. You can find any and all information you will need on it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2517610
Safestrap gives you the ability to have multiple custom ROMs on your phone, without having to flash directly over your stock ROM (if you don't want). It is an application that you download onto your phone, you then open it up and install custom recovery. Once that is completed, you will then see a Safestrap screen everytime you turn on or restart your phone. I would suggest reading through or at least skimming the thread via the link provided above.
Once you have created a ROM slot and have it selected as the active slot, you can then proceed to install a custom ROM into that slot. Once you have everything set up, you can then switch between the custom ROM in "Slot x" to the stock ROM slot, giving you a cushion in case you completely screw up.
You're going to have to decide whether or not you want to stay on the 4.3 base, or update to the 4.4.2 base leak. The only advantages of either one are strictly your personal preference. There are a few that prefer the 4.4.2 base over the 4.3 base due to one reason or another. If you want to update the the newest 4.4.2 base leak though, follow the instructions provided via this link:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2726558
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I am going to install Kitkat by watching the video on the thread. He said something about making sure the "MD5's match". What does that mean?

khampton_03 said:
So I am going to install Kitkat by watching the video on the thread. He said something about making sure the "MD5's match". What does that mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That, you don't really have to worry about honestly. I never check, though it may be good practice to. Just follow along with the video in the thread and you will be good to go. Just remember that after you install 4.4.2, you cannot flash 4.3 based ROMs. Also, there is a bug in Safestrap right now that renders the ROM slots somewhat useless, though you can attempt to use them at your own risk. If you want to flash one of the 4.4.2 based ROMs afterwards, it is suggested to back up the stock ROM, and flash the custom ROM in the stock ROM slot. All I can say is, goodluck. Lol. It is a fun process, though somewhat difficult at times. If you have anymore questions after the fact, just reply here. I'll help out as much as I can. It always puts a smile on my face to help convert an Apple fanboy/girl over to Android.

[Q] Options with my new AT&T i337 and MF3

Long time XDA reader here and I am in a bit of a pickle here and I haven't been able to come across a difinitive answer. I apologize ahead of time if this question was answered elsewhere, but know that I have just become more confused as I continue to dig. I have some very basic experience with Odin, CWM, TWRP, Safestrap, from past modding/ROM loading. Please be gentle.
I've just recently finished my contract with Verizon, where I was running a Galaxy S3. I intended to hop over to Straight Talk but determined my S3 could only receive Edge data. So, off to sell my phone and buy something new. Swappa fulfilled both purposes easily and fast (shameless plug). I purchased an i337 and am running her on Straight Talk. So far, I am loving every second of the service and, most importantly, the phone.
My new i337 came loaded with the stock AT&T loadset, running 4.2.2, and the MF3 build. I immediately made my way to Cyanogenmod's (CM) site to take advantage of the new Installer. Much to my dismay, the i337 isn't compatible with the new installer. So, off to research and find out how to manually install CM. http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Install_CM_for_jflteatt I hit a wall with the Loki installer portion. I've done a lot of digging and find that AT&T has apparently locked us in a cage and has limited our recovery options.
I have successfully rooted and installed safestrap. I have used script manager to disable the updates that attempted to download while on wi-fi. For now, I am holding tight on 4.2.2 and MF3. If I understand correctly, I can only use safestrap and not TWRP or CWM. I have read that I can only run TouchWiz ROMs. I am also understanding that I will have to maintain all of the AT&T bloatware ROM on the stock partition (taking up storage space) and place any new TouchWiz-only ROM on a new partition. I am not dead set on Cyanogenmod, just looking to get away from TouchWiz and not have to partition to take up more storage space. I just want one ROM on my phone.
Can anyone please shed some light on any of the following:
1. Should I stay at MF3 or accept the OTA updates?
2.a. What is my best choice for ever running Cyanogenmod?
2.b. If not Cyanogen, what is the next best non-TouchWiz possibility?
Thanks in advance folks!

I would upgrade to NB1 or NC1. More roms like 4.4's
You won't ever "probably" run CM or aosp roms.
No custom recoveries/kernels, only SafeStrap
There is a GPE rom here that is TW based so you can try it. Not perfect but gets you away from some TW. I forget name. Someone may have link.
If not already done, check out Genenal and Q&A for SafeStrap threads and All things MK2 etc. Also an MF3 upgrade thread. I am on MDL so don't need SafeStrap, hence don't have all the links handy.

First off, questions go in Q&A.
Best option would be to sell your device and get the T-Mobile version (bootloader is unlocked).
If you plan to keep this one, you may want to consider doing a carrier unlock while you still can.
Otherwise this guy ^^^ is correct.
Edit:
Two more things...
1) If you decide to sell this device (sell not return), it is worth more if you carrier unlock.
2) Pretty sure this device is no longer supported by CM (last update was February), so you are not missing anything.

rugmankc said:
I would upgrade to NB1 or NC1. More roms like 4.4's
You won't ever "probably" run CM or aosp roms.
No custom recoveries/kernels, only SafeStrap
There is a GPE rom here that is TW based so you can try it. Not perfect but gets you away from some TW. I forget name. Someone may have link.
If not already done, check out Genenal and Q&A for SafeStrap threads and All things MK2 etc. Also an MF3 upgrade thread. I am on MDL so don't need SafeStrap, hence don't have all the links handy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are still here the GE rom is in General. Give Thanks to the OP jmsq--:good:

rugmankc said:
If you are still here the GE rom is in General. Give Thanks to the OP jmsq--:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I decided to take the plunge and accept my fate with this I337. I followed the great guide at the "[INDEX] All things AT&T MK2, NB1, and NC1 (including ROMs)" thread in the General Forum. I am now on NC1 and enjoying the Hyperdrive ROM. Took a little trial and error to get everything up and running (wi-fi in particular), but I'm happy to have dropped the AT&T baggage.
Thank you for the clear cut truth about my poor decision to trust that an AT&T S4 was going to be smooth sailing. If the great minds ever come up with a way to break the bootloader obstacle, I'll be ready to try something new. For now, I'm satisfied with what I have and I'll be trying out some of the other NC1 ROMS around here. I'll give the GE a go next!
Thanks again for the help!

kingamateur said:
I decided to take the plunge and accept my fate with this I337. I followed the great guide at the "[INDEX] All things AT&T MK2, NB1, and NC1 (including ROMs)" thread in the General Forum. I am now on NC1 and enjoying the Hyperdrive ROM. Took a little trial and error to get everything up and running (wi-fi in particular), but I'm happy to have dropped the AT&T baggage.
Thank you for the clear cut truth about my poor decision to trust that an AT&T S4 was going to be smooth sailing. If the great minds ever come up with a way to break the bootloader obstacle, I'll be ready to try something new. For now, I'm satisfied with what I have and I'll be trying out some of the other NC1 ROMS around here. I'll give the GE a go next!
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fantastic, glad you are up and running. The GE has some "not working" items. But, OP page spells that out. Personal choice, but I like reading last 20 pages of any thread I am going to be using, plus all of OP page.
Good Luck--:good: