Database Users

New phone, MDB and rooted, should try to upgrade?

I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!

cabadam said:
I just purchased a new AT&T Galaxy S4 via Amazon. Came with MDB software installed. I used the CASUAL root procedure and was successful. That left me with rooted MDB + TWRP recovery.
I am intending to stay with a stock ROM, not a complete custom ROM.
My question is: Should I try to update to a newer version of software? I believe right now I am two releases behind (MDB -> MDL -> MF3?)
I haven't been able to find much talking about the MDL version, so I don't know if there is anything useful in it (perhaps radio updates?). I did see some references to a performance enhancement which is always good.
I'm assuming I want to stay away from MF3 as there seems to be a lot of rapidly changing/conflicting information at this point about if and how one can get to that release (and keep root).
If I wanted to go to the MDL version, how would I go about it? I found two threads here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2348859&highlight=mdl
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2307157&highlight=mdl
Preferably, this would be done just as an update instead of wiping what I have now. But neither of those threads indicate if a wipe is necessary or if they can simply be installed on top of the stock MDB.
Appreciate any feedback!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot OTA update to MF3 without ODINing back to stock - your custom recovery will prevent the update from working.
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
I would suggest you stay on MDL until MF3 has not only root, but also custom recovery. At this point it's still too early to take the risk, even with a root access exploit now available.
If you want the updates, there are several ROMs available that incorporate updates...there's one that is almost completely stock MF3 without the bootloader (which is the main problem with it)...there's multiple based off of stock MF3 with some optimizations...and even some based on the latest Galaxy S4 International firmware which is several updates ahead of MF3.
Of course all that requires your willingness to install a custom ROM.

+1

I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
jeffreii said:
If you want to update to MDL, you can ODIN the stock MDL package and redo the CASUAL script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.

cabadam said:
I think you confirmed most of what I gathered - thanks for the clarifications.
I did this, and it didn't do quite what I expected (although maybe it is better than I expected). I downloaded the MDL firmware from:
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-stock-firmware/
AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 UCUAMDL (Android 4.2.2)
After flashing it with Odin, and my phone rebooted, I was surprised to note that it didn't actually WIPE my device. Everything was still in place, except now the device reports that it is in fact updated to MDL.
Is that right? I was expecting it to basically be in factory-new state after flashing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on

jd1639 said:
Yes that's normal. It doesn't wipe your internal or external sd card. The parts you store info on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!

cabadam said:
Too easy, that basically gave me exactly what I wanted. I think I'm squared away until MF3 settles down.
Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.

jeffreii said:
When you ODIN an upgrade to the same firmware, you don't get a wipe. It's nice to keep your settings in those situations!
Now just make sure you root/recovery so you can avoid the OTA...otherwise make sure you freeze the OTA apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?

cabadam said:
Haha yeah, I had spent some time backing up some settings via TB, nice to know I don't have to deal with that (at least for now )
Already re-applied the CASUAL root process. I froze the "AT&T Software Update" app. Is there anything other than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=44022554&postcount=74

Hmm, so I went and also froze LocalFOTA, but I dont have anything called FW Upgrade
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Good post.
I'm also on MDB. Do you think it's actually worth it to install the MDL update?
I'm currently running Kangabean with 4.3, if it matters.

Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

deron37129 said:
Do not update ota may bypass mdl and go to mf3
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.

trunzoc said:
Nope. Would flash the MDL through Odin and immediately run Motochopper. Just trying to figure out if it's even worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4

sd_N said:
Definitely worth it. MDL irons out the issued that the S4 had upon release.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!.
Here goes nothing
***EDIT***
Flashed the MDL image. I pulled the SIM to avoid any kind of OTA crap and booted. Got stuck at the AT&T logo though.
I had to go into stock recovery and do a factory reset. Did that and it booted up. Ran Motochopper fine and was able to boot into TWRP.
I restored by backup, but wouldn't boot past the Samsung Logo. Did another factory reset, but still wouldn't boot. Restored a backup I had of rooted stock. That worked.
Reset again and reinstalled Kangabean from scratch. That worked. Went back to recovery again and just restored my data partition. that worked too. yay
Pain in the arse, but let's see if MDL has any noticeable differences.

Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?

custommx3 said:
Thank you ALL!! I am also on MDB firmware and was wondering about all of this.
I do have some questions if you don't mind. (sorry for the thread hijack)
On MDB firmware, can you install a stock modded rom w/o updating the firmware?(such as MDOB and Goldeneye)
Is the MDB modem compatible with these roms or will I have to flash to a newer firmware to use them?
Knowing its working perfectly now, I'd like to stick with my current setup, but Id like the ability to use a stock modded TW rom, as I have a Samsung smart TV and use most of the Samsung bloatware.
Is there really any reason to go to MDL over MDB?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check the roms you want to use. Most of them require mdl firmware.

[Q] I want to install ROMs too

I bought my phone after MF3 was released. I know i can't go back to MD5 but is there any chance or way i don't know? I really want to install those cool theme with performance improved ROMs. Is it possible to unlock MF3 someday? And one more question. Is MF3 Odin flashable stock released?

ryujeff said:
I bought my phone after MF3 was released. I know i can't go back to MD5 but is there any chance or way i don't know? I really want to install those cool theme with performance improved ROMs. Is it possible to unlock MF3 someday? And one more question. Is MF3 Odin flashable stock released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now the only option to install other roms on MF3 is safestrap... read those topics..

ryujeff said:
I bought my phone after MF3 was released. I know i can't go back to MD5 but is there any chance or way i don't know? I really want to install those cool theme with performance improved ROMs. Is it possible to unlock MF3 someday? And one more question. Is MF3 Odin flashable stock released?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure MF3 will be unlocked eventually, but for now use Safestrap to flash your device. Make sure you follow the steps carefully or you could end up bricking it. As for Odin, I don't believe so. Samsung Kies it self isn't even updated yet for the MF3 Kernel support; it doesn't even recognize it for emergency restores.

I'm so scared about getting hard bricked again. i sent for JTAG before and they took 60 bucks for repair. i will wait untill MF3 stock comes out for Odin.

I just installed safestrp on mine less than 10 minutes ago, it worked like a charm. The instructions are pretty easy as long as you pay attention to what you are doing its a snap

ryujeff said:
I'm so scared about getting hard bricked again. i sent for JTAG before and they took 60 bucks for repair. i will wait untill MF3 stock comes out for Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap WILL NOT brick your phone as it does not touch the MF3 and makes a whole nother partition instead, also bestbuy can unbrick your phone free.

Still be careful cause people are not following instructions in that thread either and are flashing over there stock rom slot.it can be done just dont do it.i use Safestrap and MDOB rom and works like it did before I chose to take the MF3 update.so easy
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Drake9897 said:
Safestrap WILL NOT brick your phone as it does not touch the MF3 and makes a whole nother partition instead, also bestbuy can unbrick your phone free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen a couple people brick their phones already with safestrap because they didn't read and flashed a rom on top of their stock rom. but yes, safestrap itself can't brick your phone

Latest Update for AT&T I337?

I need latest update for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T I337 model as I live outside USA and for some reason when I click on Software Update (Settings -> About device) nothing happens.
Below is the details for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T I337 phone
Model Number - SAMSUNG-SGH-I337
Android Version - 4.3
Baseband version - I337UCUAMDL
Kernel version - 3.4.0_StockUp_tw_4.3
Build Number - StockUp MJ6 v1.1
I need some guidance on how I can update my phone to the latest updates that is available for AT&T I337 model
Look forward to getting some tips and guidance on this matter

Search for mk2 tar files

jd1639 said:
Search for mk2 tar files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the required file from this forum which was redirected to another download site as shown below
http://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=23329332407566574
Do you I use the following instructiuon that is found in this forum
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2621279
1.POWER OFF YOUR PHONE AND GO TO DOWNLOAD/ODIN MODE ( VOLDOWN+HOME+POWER)
2.DOWNLOAD ODIN (http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=2537619&d=1390629800) AND MAKE SURE U HAVE THE LATEST DRIVER INSTALL FROM SAMSUNG KIES
3.DOWNLOAD AND EXTRACT I337MK2_Combined_Odin_Tar FILES
4.START ODIN AND FOLLOW IN ORDER WHERE EACH FILE SHOULD GO INTO ODIN SLOT....
I need confirmation if the above instruction is correct to get the latest update for Samsung Galaxy S4 AT&T i337 model?

You're currently on mdl firmware. This firmware allows you to put on a custom recovery and flash roms. Are you sure you want to update? You will no longer have the ability to put on a custom recovery.

jd1639 said:
You're currently on mdl firmware. This firmware allows you to put on a custom recovery and flash roms. Are you sure you want to update? You will no longer have the ability to put on a custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well not interested in custom recovery as long as I get the latest update that looks like offical Samsung Galaxy S4 updates for i337 model. Will I be getting latest update for future updates?

userS4i337 said:
Well not interested in custom recovery as long as I get the latest update that looks like offical Samsung Galaxy S4 updates for i337 model. Will I be getting latest update for future updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes to all your question.....i337MK2 tar md5 contain 4 seperated files ( first released ) follow the image guide where u have to place into ODIN SLOT ....the one that said combined ALL IN ONE ( newest released ) mean that u just flash into PDA ODIN SLOT ONLY.....just follow that guide on second post it would get u to latest ATT MK2 4.3 firmware. But like @jd1639 said with MDL firmware u can install anything even 4.4.2 rom and also there is alot of custom stock rom without ATT bloatware out there that u can install .....goodluck and PM me if u need more help. FYI if u got helped by someone please hit THANK button to show your appreciation ....:good::good:

I'll update my S4 to the latest update and you can send me yours. I'd kill for mdl firmware...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-1337 using Tapatalk

That is my another question regarding ATT bloatware? Will the combined TAR file contain the ATT bloatware?
Is there a way I can remove the ATT bloatware after I have upgraded the phone, as I find the ATT bloatware annoying

userS4i337 said:
That is my another question regarding ATT bloatware? Will the combined TAR file contain the ATT bloatware?
Is there a way I can remove the ATT bloatware after I have upgraded the phone, as I find the ATT bloatware annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it contains all the bloatware, another reason not to upgrade and flash custom roms.
Edit, it has not been mentioned yet but one you upgrade you can not go back to a previous firmware.

When I upgrade to MK2, does this mean I will need to perform factory reset and all my existing app will be gone or will the app remain on the phone even after the upgrade.
I will do the backup before the upgrade but at the moment when I connect the Phone to the PC, it would mot pick up so maybe I will need the latest software driver, is that correct? I have the same problem with Kies which does not recognise when phone is connected.
Any suggestion would be great.

userS4i337 said:
When I upgrade to MK2, does this mean I will need to perform factory reset and all my existing app will be gone or will the app remain on the phone even after the upgrade.
I will do the backup before the upgrade but at the moment when I connect the Phone to the PC, it would mot pick up so maybe I will need the latest software driver, is that correct? I have the same problem with Kies which does not recognise when phone is connected.
Any suggestion would be great.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you Odin I believe you lose everything anyway.

rbedell said:
When you Odin I believe you lose everything anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not always, most times a factory reset is needed to clear the phone of old apps and data. Root, is lost, but apps that require root can still be present which can become a problem when root is no longer available.

A friend of mine has a rooted MDL firmware s4 and wants a rooted stock version of the latest update. Can someone please provide a link to the latest flashable stock ROM for the att s4? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Henrock11 said:
A friend of mine has a rooted MDL firmware s4 and wants a rooted stock version of the latest update. Can someone please provide a link to the latest flashable stock ROM for the att s4? Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why doesn't your friend flash a custom rom instead

He wants a stock touchwiz ROM. If their is a custom ROM based on the latest firmware then by all means direct me to it and I'll flash that for him. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

Henrock11 said:
He wants a stock touchwiz ROM. If their is a custom ROM based on the latest firmware then by all means direct me to it and I'll flash that for him. Thanks.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's on mdl which allows a custom recovery and easy flashing of roms. If he upgrades to mk2, the latest, he'll lose that ability. Try this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47713264

Right, we have a custom recovery and an unlocked boot loader and I flashed an older build of that Google edition ROM, but he just really wants the ability to move his apps2sd. I didn't see a mention of the apps2sd feature in the change logs. Thanks for replying so quickly.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

[Q] odin from MK2 to earlier release which allows flashing AOSP roms?

Let me get this straight:
I have a shiny new, rooted, safestrapped MK2 flavor ATT i377, and am limited, painfully, to TW 4.3 roms.
I see all sorts of firmware for my device, but can't flash it, thanks to my bootloader.
Question:
can't I odin to an earlier firmware, one that allows for the loki crack, and then flash KitKat releases?
I am unclear on the concept of how odin plays into the bootloader equation. I get that I can't flash from my device, but it seems like I should be able to go back in time, find tar files, with bootloaders, and push them to my device. No?
thanks in advance to the community.

Galaxy_Cat said:
Let me get this straight:
I have a shiny new, rooted, safestrapped MK2 flavor ATT i377, and am limited, painfully, to TW 4.3 roms.
I see all sorts of firmware for my device, but can't flash it, thanks to my bootloader.
Question:
can't I odin to an earlier firmware, one that allows for the loki crack, and then flash KitKat releases?
I am unclear on the concept of how odin plays into the bootloader equation. I get that I can't flash from my device, but it seems like I should be able to go back in time, find tar files, with bootloaders, and push them to my device. No?
thanks in advance to the community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must have read just a little before asking your question .many have tried what sounds so simple and have the popular paperweight known as a "BRICK".
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/use-odin-android-28504.html

Galaxy_Cat said:
Let me get this straight:
I have a shiny new, rooted, safestrapped MK2 flavor ATT i377, and am limited, painfully, to TW 4.3 roms.
I see all sorts of firmware for my device, but can't flash it, thanks to my bootloader.
Question:
can't I odin to an earlier firmware, one that allows for the loki crack, and then flash KitKat releases?
I am unclear on the concept of how odin plays into the bootloader equation. I get that I can't flash from my device, but it seems like I should be able to go back in time, find tar files, with bootloaders, and push them to my device. No?
thanks in advance to the community.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NO!
Please read the following. nearly everything we know about flashing roms is null & void with our beloved S4. It's a different game now. If you miss how it used to be (how it should be, free open source) buy a Google Edition phone or switch to Sprint. Can't do that? Yeah me either, so here is some really great roms.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221

jball said:
You must have read just a little before asking your question .many have tried what sounds so simple and have the popular paperweight known as a "BRICK".
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/use-odin-android-28504.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG, we can't use odin! WTF! at least, the att version isn't listed as such... i'm confused, deeper...

Galaxy_Cat said:
OMG, we can't use odin! WTF! at least, the att version isn't listed as such... i'm confused, deeper...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@Galaxy_Cat
Read the MK2 Index link posted earlier by @John The Rhino and since u are on MK2,u CAN"T revert back to previous firmware.U can only odin back to MK2 if u follow my thread | ★ MK2 ★ FULL ODIN TAR FILES ★ MK2 ★ | ★ UNBRICKED ★ Feb.06.2014 ★ | ....goodluck....:good:
Swyped From MK2 DVSS Hybrid Edition

You cannot revert back to older firmware with Odin. In order to revert back, you need an unlocked bootloader, see the problem?

Now remember guys someone may figure out how to unlock your boot loader or some other patch like Loki. It just takes time

[Q] I337UCUFNJ4 AT&T Galaxy S4 4.4.4 only download mode

i root my gs4 with odin, everything went fine but I wanted to get my gs faster so i downloaded kernel for gs4 and flashed it. mistake here. i didnt check if it supports 4.4.4. it only support devices under 4.3 so.. no wifi. that was the problem i had other than that, all was good. than I downloaded some OTA file for my gs4 and when i tried to flash it with safestrap, it kept said fail. so i thought it's maybe because i already have OS installed... so i wiped system,data and i tried to flash that OTA file, fail again. now im screwd. there is no OS on my gs4. when i trun it on, it vibrates, than reboots and than goes into Odinmode and say something like "nornal boot not possible" in red.
so i spent couple days searching how to get my phone work again but everything i tried didnt work. and for galaxy s4 sgh i337 nj4 version 4.4.4 it even made me think it was made just for me.
i tried kies, failed it told me to do emergency recovery but my phone does not show on list.
can anyone please help me.. Im new to Samsung Galaxy..

im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?

JustinBushke said:
im thinking about following this guide since there are no options
http://www.androidrootz.com/2014/03/how-to-unrootunbrick-at-galaxy-s4-sgh.html
is this okay?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.

DeadlySin9 said:
You'll have to use the ODIN file from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2674223
Flash that in ODIN, use the rootable version if you want to root it using towelroot.
Besides that, you can't flash any custom kernels on the S4 unless you're on the 4.2.2 MDL bootloader, and there's no way to get back to that from 4.4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader

JustinBushke said:
Thank you so much for your reply. i will try that after couple hours.
but I am curious if i can use I337UCUFNB on NJ4 bootloader. i have nj4 bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it will work.

DeadlySin9 said:
Yes, it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! You saved my life!
I want to be just like you helping other people
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app