Ok, I'll start by saying that I'm trying to update my rogers 1337m to a custom ROM based on 4.4. The phone came with 4.2.2 on it and the 1337MVLUAMDJ modem. Since having bought it, I rooted it with motochopper, kicked the samsung firmware to the curb, and installed jamal's 4.2.2 google edition rom.
Anyhoo, now I want to install jamal's 4.4 rom. I installed it, but the phone doesn't work. I can't make calls, mobile data isn't working, and I get no bars in the signal indicator. I restored my nandroid backup to 4.2.2 and all is well again - calls, mobile data, and signal reception.
Do I need to upgrade my modem firmware? I have the MDJ firmware, and I noticed that there's an MK6 firmware that seems to be newer. Jamal's rom actually comes with a modem, I9505XXUFNA1, but when I tried installing that with Odin, it said 'security check failed'. I'm guessing that I can only install Canadian modems?
What would be the pros/cons of flashing MK6? Does this unroot my phone? Does this lock my boot loader? I seem to recall that AT&T pushed out an update that locked their users' phones in some way. Is that what I would be in for?
tedmm said:
Ok, I'll start by saying that I'm trying to update my rogers 1337m to a custom ROM based on 4.4. The phone came with 4.2.2 on it and the 1337MVLUAMDJ modem. Since having bought it, I rooted it with motochopper, kicked the samsung firmware to the curb, and installed jamal's 4.2.2 google edition rom.
Anyhoo, now I want to install jamal's 4.4 rom. I installed it, but the phone doesn't work. I can't make calls, mobile data isn't working, and I get no bars in the signal indicator. I restored my nandroid backup to 4.2.2 and all is well again - calls, mobile data, and signal reception.
Do I need to upgrade my modem firmware? I have the MDJ firmware, and I noticed that there's an MK6 firmware that seems to be newer. Jamal's rom actually comes with a modem, I9505XXUFNA1, but when I tried installing that with Odin, it said 'security check failed'. I'm guessing that I can only install Canadian modems?
What would be the pros/cons of flashing MK6? Does this unroot my phone? Does this lock my boot loader? I seem to recall that AT&T pushed out an update that locked their users' phones in some way. Is that what I would be in for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The i337m will never have a locked bootloader. AT&T was never unlocked, we only had an exploit. Updating yours will get you Knox however, i believe. There is a thread of the modems so you can flash just the modem by itself.
DeadlySin9 said:
The i337m will never have a locked bootloader. AT&T was never unlocked, we only had an exploit. Updating yours will get you Knox however, i believe. There is a thread of the modems so you can flash just the modem by itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've seen knox before in my process list - when I had the samsung firmware installed, I thought knox was just an obnoxious ( obknoxious? ) policy agent for enforcing exchange rules or something. I've seen neither hide nor hair of it since I installed the google edition ROM, which of course doesn't come with knox. So you're saying the the new modem might have some knox component in it and this might cause problems?
tedmm said:
I've seen knox before in my process list - when I had the samsung firmware installed, I thought knox was just an obnoxious ( obknoxious? ) policy agent for enforcing exchange rules or something. I've seen neither hide nor hair of it since I installed the google edition ROM, which of course doesn't come with knox. So you're saying the the new modem might have some knox component in it and this might cause problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you already had a version with knox it doesn't make a difference. It's just that the newer official firmwares have the knox enabled bootloader and it adds an extra flag beyond the normal system status that would void your warranty on flashes but if you already have it then it doesn't matter. It wouldn't cause any problems, just adds that little flag and I'm not sure if recoveries are made to not trip that flag or what.
tedmm said:
I've seen knox before in my process list - when I had the samsung firmware installed, I thought knox was just an obnoxious ( obknoxious? ) policy agent for enforcing exchange rules or something. I've seen neither hide nor hair of it since I installed the google edition ROM, which of course doesn't come with knox. So you're saying the the new modem might have some knox component in it and this might cause problems?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, Knox is not part of any modem firmware. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
TLK3 said:
As far as I know, Knox is not part of any modem firmware. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't, flashing only the modem packages does not include knox. Using the full system ODIN or Heimdall files will include it if you update the bootloader.
tedmm said:
Ok, I'll start by saying that I'm trying to update my rogers 1337m to a custom ROM based on 4.4. The phone came with 4.2.2 on it and the 1337MVLUAMDJ modem. Since having bought it, I rooted it with motochopper, kicked the samsung firmware to the curb, and installed jamal's 4.2.2 google edition rom.
Anyhoo, now I want to install jamal's 4.4 rom. I installed it, but the phone doesn't work. I can't make calls, mobile data isn't working, and I get no bars in the signal indicator. I restored my nandroid backup to 4.2.2 and all is well again - calls, mobile data, and signal reception.
Do I need to upgrade my modem firmware? I have the MDJ firmware, and I noticed that there's an MK6 firmware that seems to be newer. Jamal's rom actually comes with a modem, I9505XXUFNA1, but when I tried installing that with Odin, it said 'security check failed'. I'm guessing that I can only install Canadian modems?
What would be the pros/cons of flashing MK6? Does this unroot my phone? Does this lock my boot loader? I seem to recall that AT&T pushed out an update that locked their users' phones in some way. Is that what I would be in for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
were you able to figure this out?
Faultyy said:
were you able to figure this out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes.
First, I don't think that it was strictly necessary to upgrade the modem to get 4.4 - I think it might have just been a problem with jamal's ROM and the kernel he used. Anyways, I decided that I wanted the new modem anyways because I reasoned that it would probably have bug fixes and performance and reception improvements. I was pretty sure that flashing the official 4.3 Rogers image (there is no 4.4 Rogers image) with Odin would give me the new modem. Then I could flash whatever aftermarket ROM I wanted.
Strangely, this didn't work. At least not the way using Odin is recommended. Odin has two text fields pointing to tar.md5 Roms - onw of them is marked 'phone' and the other is marked 'PDA'. As I recall, I had to point BOTH of these at the official Rogers 4.3 ROM get get both the Samsung/Rogers android along with the Qualcomm mk6 modem. I don't think I've ever found a how to where they recommend using both at the same time.
After that, I flashed a Google edition ROM and all is well. And the new modem does seem to get somewhat better reception.
So there is no way to update just the modem from a custom ROM (without wiping everything and installing a stock ROM) for Canadian S4s?
Related
Haven't played with custom rom for awhile as well as rooting/recovery.
Now that Samsung implemented Knox, I'm reading this is changing how to implement roms and upgrading/downgrading stock roms.
I am currently on MDJ from MG1 and did not want to go to 4.3 because of the full blown Knox implementation.
So my questions are:
1. Can I still downgrade from 4.3 to 4.2.2 (MDJ)? I read some in one thread you can but others you can't. Have to make sure which thread I read for I337 vs I337M which seem quite different. Reason is that I can still easily repair/modify stuff on MDJ firmware.
2. I am also considering installing Google Edition 4.4.2 ROM as I believe it does not have Knox. Can I easily revert back to 4.2.2 MDJ from a custom rom?
I've been reading for awhile and I can't seem to figure this out. Must be old age. TIA.
lg777 said:
Haven't played with custom rom for awhile as well as rooting/recovery.
Now that Samsung implemented Knox, I'm reading this is changing how to implement roms and upgrading/downgrading stock roms.
I am currently on MDJ from MG1 and did not want to go to 4.3 because of the full blown Knox implementation.
So my questions are:
1. Can I still downgrade from 4.3 to 4.2.2 (MDJ)? I read some in one thread you can but others you can't. Have to make sure which thread I read for I337 vs I337M which seem quite different. Reason is that I can still easily repair/modify stuff on MDJ firmware.
2. I am also considering installing Google Edition 4.4.2 ROM as I believe it does not have Knox. Can I easily revert back to 4.2.2 MDJ from a custom rom?
I've been reading for awhile and I can't seem to figure this out. Must be old age. TIA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The safest thing to do is stay on a version without the knox bootloader. I know for sure I337 can't downgrade, and i think the bootloader isn't downgradeable but the system is or something for the I337M. I'm not sure, but either way the safest bet is to stay without the 4.3 bootloader. That way you can root and use recovery and flash without worrying about knox and you'll easily be able to revert from any custom ROM back to stock as long as you either keep a nandroid backup or the ODIN files for the firmware.
DeadlySin9 said:
The safest thing to do is stay on a version without the knox bootloader. I know for sure I337 can't downgrade, and i think the bootloader isn't downgradeable but the system is or something for the I337M. I'm not sure, but either way the safest bet is to stay without the 4.3 bootloader. That way you can root and use recovery and flash without worrying about knox and you'll easily be able to revert from any custom ROM back to stock as long as you either keep a nandroid backup or the ODIN files for the firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I think I'll do that. I also understand the issue with Knox is tripping the counter voiding the warranty but I don't care about my warranty. Going to try Goldeneye when I get the chance or look at some 4.4 roms.
I don't know why Samsung or any other manufacturer just let corporate users enforce Knox or whatever and let the rest of the users alone.
its completely fine flashing custom roms with the 4.3 bootloader for us canadians. the only downside is, you will trip a knox flash counter, it cannot yet be reset. you only see this flash counter in download mode. AND if you have a non-official kernel, or recovery, you get a little yellow message in upper left corner during the first bootscreen.
BUT. if you do not upgrade to 4.3 modem, you will experience data drops (loss of signal randomly) with any custom 4.3 or 4.4 rom.
so you dont have to upgrade to 4.3 bootloaders, but you will need to get the modem, its around, if you are already on 4.3... just flash the phone as normal, you cant go back, but its not stopping you from going forward.
I have the bell smartphone protection plan, if i break the phone, they replace it, and dont care about custom software or booloader flash counters ect. So i dont care either.
For the modem, find a copy of MK6 modem assuming your in Canada, flash it through odin from your pc. If you get a fail, chances are you have a bad download (happened to me) download from a different source then. Before you flash any rom... root.... install custom recovery.... nand backup your current "stock but rooted rom" If you flash a 4.4 rom (not sure if this applies to 4.3) do a full wipe... System/cache/dalvic.... then factory reset... then flash.... I flashed 4.4 the first 2 times without wiping system and though the phone worked fine, data was inconsistant at times.....
lg777 said:
Yeah, I think I'll do that. I also understand the issue with Knox is tripping the counter voiding the warranty but I don't care about my warranty. Going to try Goldeneye when I get the chance or look at some 4.4 roms.
I don't know why Samsung or any other manufacturer just let corporate users enforce Knox or whatever and let the rest of the users alone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a Bell S4 with Google Play Edition 4.4.2 running perfectly so far. I had an MDJ modem, and tried flashing many custom ROMs on it. All 4.3 ROMs worked fine, and only AOSP 4.4 ROMs also worked fine. The only problem was the GPE 4.4 ROMs that gave me constant signal drops. So I tried to upgrade my modem to MK6 to fix the issue. Even when I upgraded to Samsung's stock 4.3 through Odin, it still didn't upgrade my modem. I had to manually flash the modem in Odin to get it to upgrade successfully. Then I just flashed a GPE ROM and everything went well.
Hey there everyone. I am trying to help my sister out with her (new to her) S4.
She bought an s4 and it is very cool (I'm having a blast playing with it.).
It is carrier unlocked at the moment (I believe, though I don't have a SIM to test it out with)
I believe that it is rooted.
It is advertised as having the MDB bootloader with a MF3 baseband. How do I check this?
When I go to setting I see that the baseband version is i337ucuamf3. I am assuming that since it ends in MF3 that is correct.
The rom installed is GoldenEye 38.1 XXUGNG8.
I am assuming that XXUGNG8 is the base firmware from Samsung\At&T, is that correct?
It currently has a version of TWRP installed and the person it was bought from says it doesn't need SafeStrap. Is that correct? I see a lot of posts saying that safestrap needs to be installed.
Lastly, I'm trying to figure out if she wants CM11, Stock TouchWiz or something like Goldeneye. I am assuming that the "S" apps will only work on a TouchWiz ROM, is that right?
Lastly, how would i get the phone back to a stock? HTC has RUU's, is there an equivalent for Samsung devices? Or is there a download somewhere of the plain stock ROM? I didn't see anything in the development section.
Thanks in advance for all the help, I know that I am asking a lot of questions but I am coming from the HTC side of android (which seems to be a lot less confusing) so I am doing the best I can here.
waterboy100 said:
Hey there everyone. I am trying to help my sister out with her (new to her) S4.
She bought an s4 and it is very cool (I'm having a blast playing with it.).
It is carrier unlocked at the moment (I believe, though I don't have a SIM to test it out with)
I believe that it is rooted.
It is advertised as having the MDB bootloader with a MF3 baseband. How do I check this?
When I go to setting I see that the baseband version is i337ucuamf3. I am assuming that since it ends in MF3 that is correct.
The rom installed is GoldenEye 38.1 XXUGNG8.
I am assuming that XXUGNG8 is the base firmware from Samsung\At&T, is that correct?
It currently has a version of TWRP installed and the person it was bought from says it doesn't need SafeStrap. Is that correct? I see a lot of posts saying that safestrap needs to be installed.
Lastly, I'm trying to figure out if she wants CM11, Stock TouchWiz or something like Goldeneye. I am assuming that the "S" apps will only work on a TouchWiz ROM, is that right?
Lastly, how would i get the phone back to a stock? HTC has RUU's, is there an equivalent for Samsung devices? Or is there a download somewhere of the plain stock ROM? I didn't see anything in the development section.
Thanks in advance for all the help, I know that I am asking a lot of questions but I am coming from the HTC side of android (which seems to be a lot less confusing) so I am doing the best I can here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since the phone has TWRP installed, you either have MDB or MDL bootloader since newer firmwares (bootloader) do not allow for the stock recovery to be replaced.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52415064&postcount=1625 gives you the way to find your bootloader (the most restrictive component of the firmware).
When samsung releases firmware/update, it sets the version of all components to the same. So, on the stock firmware, all components have the same version. Baseband is actually the version of the modem.
Since you have TWRP installed, you should be able to install a lot of ROMs. All you have to ensure is that the bootloader is not updated. When you use ODIN to flash stock firmware, your bootloader will get updated. Since MF3, we are not able to replace the stock kernel and recovery. This brings in a lot of restrictions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221 has a list of ROMs that can be installed.
jmjoyas said:
Since the phone has TWRP installed, you either have MDB or MDL bootloader since newer firmwares (bootloader) do not allow for the stock recovery to be replaced.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52415064&postcount=1625 gives you the way to find your bootloader (the most restrictive component of the firmware).
When samsung releases firmware/update, it sets the version of all components to the same. So, on the stock firmware, all components have the same version. Baseband is actually the version of the modem.
Since you have TWRP installed, you should be able to install a lot of ROMs. All you have to ensure is that the bootloader is not updated. When you use ODIN to flash stock firmware, your bootloader will get updated. Since MF3, we are not able to replace the stock kernel and recovery. This brings in a lot of restrictions.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221 has a list of ROMs that can be installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
So my bootloader is reported as i337ucuamdb (So MDB Bootleader)
My baseband is 1337ucuamf3 (MF3?)
Does this just mean that i have an older bootloader that was rooted and had newer radios installed?
That that a problem for anything? Should they be the same?
waterboy100 said:
Thanks.
So my bootloader is reported as i337ucuamdb (So MDB Bootleader)
My baseband is 1337ucuamf3 (MF3?)
Does this just mean that i have an older bootloader that was rooted and had newer radios installed?
That that a problem for anything? Should they be the same?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on the mdb bootloader which is a good thing, don't update the firmware you can still use twrp or cwm. The baseband is the modem and does not need to be the same version as the bootloader
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Hi, i need help choosing a good modem. I am currently using my samsung s4 on the o2 uk network. I dont know much about the right modem.
But how can i find the latest modem that is designed to operate on a uk network?
any help is much appreciated.
What's wrong with the modem firmware that is currently on your S4?
Under ordinary circumstances the modem firmware is only changed when the ROM itself is changed. For example, an OTA update to go from Android 4.4.2 to Android 5.0.1 would include a new modem designed for Android 5.0.1. The only time the modem firmware may need to be changed outside of an OTA update is if the device is rooted and the user is installing a custom Android 5.x ROM. This is because custom ROMs do not include updated modem firmware or bootloaders. In that case the modem would be updated manually using the Odin software.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
What's wrong with the modem firmware that is currently on your S4?
Under ordinary circumstances the modem firmware is only changed when the ROM itself is changed. For example, an OTA update to go from Android 4.4.2 to Android 5.0.1 would include a new modem designed for Android 5.0.1. The only time the modem firmware may need to be changed outside of an OTA update is if the device is rooted and the user is installing a custom Android 5.x ROM. This is because custom ROMs do not include updated modem firmware or bootloaders. In that case the modem would be updated manually using the Odin software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for responding,
Before i flashed my phone to a custom rom the signal i received was very good. however, since i have flashed a few roms along with their matching baseband i have noticed that the signal is not as good as it was before the phone was flashed.
i can only assume that i have changed a baseband to one of which is not suited to the uk networks, if that is a possibilty. i was wondering which baseband would be best suited for a uk network?
that is if not using the correct baseband can cause signal issues?
The correct baseband for your device should be I9505XXUHOB7. If that isn't what you're running you can download it from the baseband thread in S4 General and flash it through Odin. If you're running something later than that though, I wouldn't bother changing it. For example, my I9505 was originally on O2 before being unlocked, and it's using a later baseband, I9505XXUHOF2, which happens to be from the unbranded German ROM. I'm having no issues using it on Straight Talk here in the United States.
While updating the baseband can help, you might also want to investigate whether the ROM itself might actually be the source of your signal woes.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
The correct baseband for your device should be I9505XXUHOB7. If that isn't what you're running you can download it from the baseband thread in S4 General and flash it through Odin. If you're running something later than that though, I wouldn't bother changing it. For example, my I9505 was originally on O2 before being unlocked, and it's using a later baseband, I9505XXUHOF2, which happens to be from the unbranded German ROM. I'm having no issues using it on Straight Talk here in the United States.
While updating the baseband can help, you might also want to investigate whether the ROM itself might actually be the source of your signal woes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im currently running the 4.4.2 XXUGNK4 goldeneye rom. would it still be ok if i went ahead and flashed the I9505XXUHOB7 along with it considering that is a lollipop version of the baseband?
In that case you'd want to get the latest Android 4.4.2 baseband possible from the aforementioned thread and install that. You'd cause more problems if you tried using the HOB7 baseband while still using an Android 4.4.2 bootloader.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
In that case you'd want to get the latest Android 4.4.2 baseband possible from the aforementioned thread and install that. You'd cause more problems if you tried using the HOB7 baseband while still using an Android 4.4.2 bootloader.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks , ill try that now.
a little of topic is it possible to flash a lollipop bootloader and then revert back to a bootloader designed for the 4.4.2 kitkat roms?
You'd have to try it and find out. I do believe it's possible since Knox is in both bootloaders, but I haven't had a reason to test it.
I have read a fair amount here, but I'm not getting entirely relevant info and am hoping for some help.
I THINK I have finally found the place for stock roms. sammobile.com???
Now a bit of background.
I bought this phone used a few days ago. When I had a look, it is already rooted, which I'm fine with.
It is running 4.4.2. I'd like to upgrade to 5.0.x. Gotta friend with the same model. That's what he recommends.
I can live with 4.4.2 if I have to, meaning if I can't upgrade.
Since this is new (to me) I can live with losing all user data. Only thing is my wifi password is long and random and a pain to type in, but that is about all I'll suffer.
I had removed some apps using debloater, mostly just to see, but have since restored them. Then tried to update, got the message, which essentially says "you've got a custom rom. No updates for you".
I know the phone is unlocked, but not sure if factory or by unlock code. Does it matter, and if so, how can I tell?
I know the previous owner had a fido sim, and I noticed some bell apps on here. If I've read correctly, that doesn't guarantee this was originally a bell phone. Is there any way I can tell? Right now I have no sim. I can shove in an old speakout sim that is deactivated.
So anyway
Model number SGH-I337M
Android Version 4.4.2
Baseband version I337MVLUFNI2
Kernel Version
3.4.0-2767305
[email protected] #1
Mon Sep 29 13:01:35 KST 2014
Build Number
KOT49H.I337MVLUFNI2
SE for Android Status
Enforcing SEPF_SHG-I337M_4.4.2_0032
Wed Oct 15 17:04:13 2014
Secure Boot status
Type: Samsung
I've downloaded ODIN, but not a ROM yet, since I'm not positive who's I should use.
Also, I had gone thru the guide to enable AWS. That seems to work, as it would take the sim at the wind kiosk. I'd like to keep that, but if I have to redo it, that is fine.
I trust it is not a good idea to upgrade to a "stock" 5.0.x by just flashing roms?
Thx for any help.
ok, another question. I just registered at sammobile, but they don't seem to have roms for the S4??? Are they hidden somewhere? Where can I get stock roms, if not there? Thx
Nevermind. You have to type in the device name. It just isn't on the pulldown list.
Another question you might find stupid.
If I update to (for example) the Bell Roms, do I have to have a valid Bell sim in order to do an update?
Well maybe 2 stupid questions.
I still have to use triangle away for flashing back to 4.4.2 don't I? I read somewhere that they (meaning Samsung) expected the count to be > 0 at some point but I don't remember at what version, and I can't seem to find it again.
So what do you guys do? Flash it a couple of times to get the count right?
If the phone is sim unlocked, it should remain permanently unlocked regardless of whether you flash custom or stock ROMs.
The easiest way to get to stock LP would be to flash the stock LP rom via Odin from here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I337M/
Before the first boot with the LP ROM, the phon should be factoru reset via stock recovery.
Doesn't really matter whether you flash Bell, Rogers, or Telus. The hardware used by all 3 carriers is the same. The only difference would be in the apps that are installed with each stock ROM.
audit13 said:
If the phone is sim unlocked, it should remain permanently unlocked regardless of whether you flash custom or stock ROMs.
The easiest way to get to stock LP would be to flash the stock LP rom via Odin from here: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SGH-I337M/
Before the first boot with the LP ROM, the phon should be factoru reset via stock recovery.
Doesn't really matter whether you flash Bell, Rogers, or Telus. The hardware used by all 3 carriers is the same. The only difference would be in the apps that are installed with each stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx. that should get me started anyway.
scott1256ca said:
Thx. that should get me started anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I have reflashed properly. I'm downloading the update (probably to 5.0.1??) via phone now, but I noticed after I started that I have the warning triangle. So maybe the update will not install when it is done. I'll know in a couple of hours I guess.
So I should have run triangle away BEFORE the reflash? Or are you no longer supposed to run that? Or is there some android version after which you are no longer supposed to use it?
Thx
Well, phone seems to have updated to 5.0.1, which is what I wanted. With the update, the warning triangle is gone also.
So thanks again for your help. I guess I'll be on to other things here.
Current device:
L720, rooted android 4.2.2, baseband MF9, kernel kt-sgs4-08-09-2013, rom Negalite-WondeROM-r52.
What's up guys, I am just looking to upgrade to a newer android version and newer rom. When I've tried to update, I either usually lose data coverage or lose the ability to use the dialer. So my question is what kernel, modem, and rom version do I need to install to have access to the following features? -
Mostly, I just want to have my hotspot toggle on the pulldown menu (SQL editing hasn't worked for me), obviously native hotspot enabled, sound boosting mod, and to use emojis without installing an app that logs every key entry. I would also like to stay away from KNOX (even though I still don't fully understand what it does to the phones after being tripped?)
Do I need to unroot, let the updates come through OTA, then re-root and find a new rom for the android version?
Or do I do something like flash each android version by version until I'm all updated?
I've rooted and customized multiple phones with the help of xda, this is just the first time I haven't been able to solve my problem after many many tries at flashing. I am good with recovery, flashing, and odin, but I still don't totally understand differences in kernels, modems, and basebands.
I'd love a little help here too. Similar issues but on mf9 baseband and mk2 firmware, running SACs 4.3. I think twrp 2.6.3.
I'd love to know what I need to do to get my firmware updated and a working ROM installed. Please and thanks.
yall need to odin to at least the oldest version of the Android version you wish to move to. but first, you should know that the MF9 bootloader is a special one. it is one of the last Sprint bootloaders ever to not have a Knox trip.
this opens some opportunities for you -- upon updating via Odin, your phone would become a fresh knox 0x0 with valid warrantee (until your next root or TWRP) and also you could downgrade to the very first rom for the s4. I can't remember the fine details but I think it (MDC) was the only s4 rom that permitted some kind of CDMA editing or APN stuff. if interested you'll have to dig for whatever the perk was
if you want to update to jellybean 4.3, you'll need MJA* or MK2
*first bootloader on s4 both to prevent downgrading and include knox
for kitkat, odin NAE* or NG2**
*might permit downgrade to MK2
**notice! this is the final kitkat version! upgrading past here makes acquiring your MSL more difficult, so be sure to grab that first from any version NG2 or older and write it down. also, last s4 rom to (easily) UUIC unlock. it will stay unlocked
if you want lollipop 5.0.1 you'll need OD2* OH1** or OK3
*does not allow downgrade!
**some of the custom ROMs will require this version or newer.
I don't know if the s4 is one of them, but on some Sprint devices the APN settings are only (easily) accessible from roms with the XAS product code. factory default is SPR. you can change this with GalaxyTools (requires factory reset) or just odin the XAS version (might factory reset).
I know I might have created more questions than answered ...xda search & Google search are your best friends
edit: you can change your recovery to whatever you like, the only trick here is older recoveries don't like installing lollipop / marshmallow(CM13) ROMs -- I think TWRP 2.8 was the minimum? either way, just shoot straight for 3.0.2 there's nothing to lose.