Database Users

[Q] Some questions about rooting

Hello guys, I have some questions I am hoping you experienced people can answer for me.
After doing a bunch of research, I am left a bit confused since a lot of the posts are older, and things have changed over the last few months, especially with locked bootloaders and such.
My current phone is:
-Samsung S4 (Fido based) SGH-i337M
-Android Version 4.3
-Baseband Version i337MVLUEMK6
I only want to ROOT the phone, so I can remove a bunch of excess Samsung bloatware that I never use, I am not really interested in custom ROM's at this time.
1. What is a Custom Recovery exactly?
I keep reading about Custom Recoveries but I don't really know what they are exactly... . Is this just a Firmware mirror that I can go back to at any time AFTER I root the device? Do I need to root the device to CREATE the Custom Recovery?
2. CAN I go back to "Stock" easily? Can I just find the original 4.3 Samsung FW and load it up?
3. I know that moving to 4.4 will require another Root when it becomes available later this month from Samsung, however can I go to the Default Android 4.4 ROM at this time, skipping all the Samsung Stuff?
4. I see a programmed called KINGO offering to root my phone for me, but then somebody said something about there not being a Custom Recovery available for it, which goes up to my original question. Can I not just revert back to unrooted status after?
Thanks to anybody who can help me with these noobish questions, I appreciate it.

I don't have your model so don't want to guess at rooting.
But:
Do not remove Bloatware after rooted. Get Titanium BackuP from the Market. The paid version (support devs) and just freeze the apps until you know they have no negative impact after freezing.
Do a Nandroid ASAP and put a copy on PC also.
Read this on your Recovery question:
http://freedupthoughts.com/2013/04/what-is-custom-recovery-why-should-i.html
You have an unlocked bootloader with the i337m
Someone else can address correct rooting for your specific device and get the correct recovery for it. I prefer TWRP.

[Q] i9505 4.4.2 update + root

I'm currently using 4.3 android and there's no official 4.4 update yet. What I want to do is upgrade to 4.4.2, then root it. I looked for solutions but they all seem dangerous to me, a beginner.
Cf auto root says that if my bootloader is locked, I risk bricking the device. How do I check if it's locked or not?
How can I backup everything so that IF something goes wrong I can go back to stock?
Where can I get the CORRECT firmware / android version 4.4.2 for the i9505?
My baseband number is XXUEMK9 and the phone is factory unlocked. I basically need to be spoonfed with baby explanations if possible.

DragosPaul said:
I'm currently using 4.3 android and there's no official 4.4 update yet. What I want to do is upgrade to 4.4.2, then root it. I looked for solutions but they all seem dangerous to me, a beginner.
Cf auto root says that if my bootloader is locked, I risk bricking the device. How do I check if it's locked or not?
How can I backup everything so that IF something goes wrong I can go back to stock?
Where can I get the CORRECT firmware / android version 4.4.2 for the i9505?
My baseband number is XXUEMK9 and the phone is factory unlocked. I basically need to be spoonfed with baby explanations if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there,
4.4 update came out a few days ago.......There are plenty of links around to download and flash via odin....THIS is just one of them.
If you are looking at flashing custom ROMS then root is generally not necessary as most custom ROMS will root your device. Only a custom recovery is needed. Philz and TWRP are the most popular. A search in xda will help you find them.
I encourage you to do ALOT more reading and research before doing anything unfamiliar to your device as only you are responsible for it!!

Noob Here Needing Some Pro Advice

So my friend told me to root my new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon), but I am a complete noob and do not want to mess up my new phone.
He told me to be careful so I don't brick my device, and too read the forums. I have spent all day reading the forums and still don't know what I should do.
I saw a video explaining how to get root by going to towelroot.com, but this seems too easy to be true and safe.
Can I get root and not have to worry about bricking or tripping knox with towelroot?
If towelrool is ok to use then I will just go ahead with that, but If there is something better, could someone please point me in the right direction with what I need to download.
Thanks for any help and here is some of my device info if that helps...
Latest Software update: update_SM-N900V_MJE_to_NC4
Model Number: SM-N900V
Android Version : 4.4.2
Baseband Version N900VVRUCNC4
Kernel Version 3.4.0
Hardware Version: N900v.07
Security Software version: MDF v1.0 Release 2

what you should do....
iEpic said:
So my friend told me to root my new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon), but I am a complete noob and do not want to mess up my new phone.
He told me to be careful so I don't brick my device, and too read the forums. I have spent all day reading the forums and still don't know what I should do.
I saw a video explaining how to get root by going to towelroot.com, but this seems too easy to be true and safe.
Can I get root and not have to worry about bricking or tripping knox with towelroot?
If towelrool is ok to use then I will just go ahead with that, but If there is something better, could someone please point me in the right direction with what I need to download.
Thanks for any help and here is some of my device info if that helps...
Latest Software update: update_SM-N900V_MJE_to_NC4
Model Number: SM-N900V
Android Version : 4.4.2
Baseband Version N900VVRUCNC4
Kernel Version 3.4.0
Hardware Version: N900v.07
Security Software version: MDF v1.0 Release 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For those of us who took the OTA, ... That app http://towelroot.com/ is the only exploit that provides root access for VZW N3.
yes. i am going to sound confusing now so hold on...Towel root is what it is... download. install. click.. your phone will reboot with root access ... it is a one click method... however, the bootloader and recovery is still locked on your device, and if you try to install CWM or TWRP, at this time you will trip KNOXX and void your warranty. Install SafeStrap instead from here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53701934&postcount=1298.. then flash only one other file from this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2760380 thanks to the DEVs that have been working on this the whole shebang seems almost too simple, like you said... i agree.. i did everyrthing in that post as i installed Jasmine Rom. why? because the DEV is kickass, with the updates, i like the S5 themes, and its pretty simple to set up compared to what you've probably read up on..
and its really close to stock, which, of course, ive tried out a couple of other roms since then, and it still works (the phone)
Regarding KNoXX , your device will still read 0x0 , but it will say "custom" status .. you can fix this
if you root your phone and your status says "custom"..a flashable zip file here will fix that http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu you can find links to Safestrap, "unified files" and step by step instructions at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2760380 some more on what i mean by "custom" http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/orig-development/2014-01-15-triangleaway-v3-26-t1494114 This does the same , maybe better http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2473938
Towel root will not "hard brick" your phone ,,, meaning your phone is basically an expensive paperweight... ii gave you thseds links because its what worked for me... however, you know whats best for you..

Newbie here, questions about "slots", flashing, and builds.

Hello all,
My first post and my first galaxy s5! I just got my s5 (unlocked, used) and am already tired of all the verizon stuff that I can't or don't want to use. I looked into rooting it and it seems like I will be able to. But now I started looking into adding a new rom and am very confused. (So confused I don't know where to start) In the forums here I have read some cool stuff but also they use a lot of abbreviations for programs and such that I am not familiar with. Anyway, I have read references to "Slots", what are those and how do I make them? It seems like it would be useful and maybe help me not brick my phone.
How can I tell which roms I can flash (correct term?) to my phone? If I have an older build, can I add a newer build and do I want to? (I've read that the latest builds make the phone non rootable)
I know, a lot of questions. Please point me in the right direction.
Below is my phone info:
Samsung SM-G900V
Android 5.0
Baseband version G900VVRU1B0C4
Kernal 3.4.0
Build # LRX21T.G900VVRU1B0C4
Hardware version G900V.05
Anything else?
All your help is greatly appreciated.

Don't update the phone! As long as you are below oe1 (you are) you can still downgrade and root. Then install safestrap (where the slots come in) but most people use the stock slot. You can flash roms on that slot. Check the catchall thread for specifics.

Ok,
I will try to root it. then get back to you guys.
Thanks

Ok,
So after an interesting and sometimes frustrating night of downloading and flashing, my phone is rooted and now is android 4.4.2 with a build of KOT49H.G900VVRU1ANCG. I guess the next step is finding and installing safestrap? (Final goal would be to flash a non verizon rom with no bloatware and all the desired functions of my phone available.)
Thanks.

There's a safestrap thread in android development section. There was a revised build that was uploaded that you should use

Thank you, I will look it up.
I have since uploaded rooted 5.0 using this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ver...w-to-update-to-g900voe1-5-0-keeproot-t3149784 .
Now, safestrap and custom rom. Thanks all!

Hi all,
I am now on 15-4 and moving to 15-5. I was wondering, is there a "visual voicemail" type app that would work for a non verizon account?

**Updating the Firmware Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900F**

Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!

jbscripts33 said:
Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning

Many40 said:
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?

jbscripts33 said:
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, now I know a little bit more. You are on the latest stock rom foreseen for your region. So you are good to go for any customization. To flash a custom rom you need a custom recovery. when you are already rooted the easiest way is to install TWRP app from the Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.twrp.twrpapp
and flash the recovery.
Before flashing any custom rom it is highly recommended to do nandroid backup from TWRP (backup of all important partitions of your phone).
Then you can try a custom rom. Check this subforum:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/development
or this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development
and find a rom of your choice. Read carefully the OP (compatibility, features, issues) and decide.
You might start with LineageOS based on android 7.X Nougat. But be aware that custom roms might have some bugs and are based on pure android sources so they will give you pure android experience. Some might love it but some are disappointed