Database Users

Retaining root from MF3 to 4.3?

Hey guys, I've done a lot of searching in this forum and found a lot of conflicting answers, so decided to start a fresh thread. I've been on 4.2.2/MF3 for a while now running Safetrap. I'm looking to take the OTA from AT&T and upgrade to 4.3.
I havent seen any root methods for 4.3 yet, but the question is, can I upgrade to 4.3 and retain root if I am running the latest version of SuperSU Pro with survival mode enabled?
A custom recovery with the option for installing ROMs is not needed, especially since I havent been able to do that since I updated to MF3. All I need is to keep root under 4.3 and I'll be more than happy, thanks!

kevinco1 said:
Hey guys, I've done a lot of searching in this forum and found a lot of conflicting answers, so decided to start a fresh thread. I've been on 4.2.2/MF3 for a while now running Safetrap. I'm looking to take the OTA from AT&T and upgrade to 4.3.
I havent seen any root methods for 4.3 yet, but the question is, can I upgrade to 4.3 and retain root if I am running the latest version of SuperSU Pro with survival mode enabled?
A custom recovery with the option for installing ROMs is not needed, especially since I havent been able to do that since I updated to MF3. All I need is to keep root under 4.3 and I'll be more than happy, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my exact question. I just need some concrete answer as to yes or no... but as you said way too many conflicting answers!

YES.
I used "Survival mode" and it worked for me.
ROOTED ATT MK2 using Tapatalk

Hi so there is a way to update stock to 4.3 and continue using safestrap to run 4.2.2 roms????I would doubt that with what Ive read so far.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

jball said:
YES.
I used "Survival mode" and it worked for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too can confirm this works using Survival Mode from SuperSU Pro (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu.pro&hl=en).
Now, that being said, being a very big noob myself (switching over from heavily tweaked jailbroken iPhone 5), I did this, all was well, I thought I had some issues with some apps and thought 'hmm... maybe I'll just downgrade to MF3 and see if the problem is fixed'. Yeah, attempting to do that with Odin has left me soft-bricked, but for all intents and purposes (that I can tell) it's actually hard-bricked 'cause Kies did nothing, Odin does nothing, if I understand things correctly the only thing that could possibly help is if we had the MD5's available to us for MK2, which, my searching is coming up empty. So, point is according to what I can tell, if you go MK2, there is NO going back to 4.2.2, so use caution.
So just an important safety tip there (unless someone wants to correct my noobness).

Yes. I can confirm that enabling "survival mode" in SuperSU and updating will keep your root; i did this on my pphone coming from MF3.
However, with that being said, i quickly unrooted from there because i had issues with MMS/messaging and phone calls not being recieved, and i did not want to reset my phone. If you run into similar issues as i am not the only one reporting those issues you can so a reset on your data (your root will not be affected, you will be rooted after the reset) or an unroot will work.
happy updating

kevinco1 said:
Hey guys, I've done a lot of searching in this forum and found a lot of conflicting answers, so decided to start a fresh thread. I've been on 4.2.2/MF3 for a while now running Safetrap. I'm looking to take the OTA from AT&T and upgrade to 4.3.
I havent seen any root methods for 4.3 yet, but the question is, can I upgrade to 4.3 and retain root if I am running the latest version of SuperSU Pro with survival mode enabled?
A custom recovery with the option for installing ROMs is not needed, especially since I havent been able to do that since I updated to MF3. All I need is to keep root under 4.3 and I'll be more than happy, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First with Safestrap you CAN flash Roms. It is just limited to about 10 or so Roms that will work as they need to be 4.2.2 based.
Now with that said for those that ONLY want root on MK2 then someone in the Verizon thread has a WORKING ROOT available for MK2 4.3 firmware here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758 and it DOESN'T come with the maliscious code that Kango and VRoot does. This DOES NOT give you recovery but it does give root. So thank the OP in that thread for helping out the community. I did and I HOPE I will never need to use it!!!
Good luck and Happy Rooting...
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

[Q] MDL Firmware

Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!

beefwilliams said:
Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.

DeadlySin9 said:
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now

Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.

daraj said:
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, he can flash a 4.4.2 ROM with the MDL bootloader as long as he gets a loki 4.4.2 kernel. Otherwise the 4.4.2 Google Edition thread wouldn't get much attention
beefwilliams said:
Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing ROMs will not touch your bootloaders. Just never take any OTA updates to the stock ROM, and never ODIN any firmware except MDL. OTA updates on custom ROMs will only work in some cases (GE doesn't because they're ported from a different model, Hyperdrive will because it has a specialized system).

I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Wittyusernametaken said:
I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.

DeadlySin9 said:
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting yeah, no bloat love here, I've got a metric ton of it frozen with Titanium. I was thinking that the only thing I could try was http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2356276 . I haven't actually flashed any roms yet, only rooted and have twrp. Thank you for the info

I'm on MDL firmware (AT&T) running Hyperdrive RSL13 with KTs kernel. I've had 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 roms on this phone. You can bounce around with no problem. My recovery auto lokis...using shabby penguins recovery.

MJ7 to MJE help

Hi, already rooted, and have been running cleanrom on my MJ7 N3 for awhile now, and I see that many of the newer roms require MJE.
What would be the easist way to update to MJE, and could I just flash a MJE rom anyways?
(also I have deleted the stock rom for more space, worst case I'll odin back to stock, just wondering if there is a faster way than going back to stock, updating, then installing another custom rom.)

brex91 said:
Hi, already rooted, and have been running cleanrom on my MJ7 N3 for awhile now, and I see that many of the newer roms require MJE.
What would be the easist way to update to MJE, and could I just flash a MJE rom anyways?
(also I have deleted the stock rom for more space, worst case I'll odin back to stock, just wondering if there is a faster way than going back to stock, updating, then installing another custom rom.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You CAN flash MJE roms but you'll likely have wifi and signal issues. SOme have done it and worked around the issues.
Use Odin to flash MJE tar is best way to get to MJE. If Kingo is still slow, use Vroot.
For any help or links, check Note 3 link in my sig

OTA Survival?
az_biker said:
You CAN flash MJE roms but you'll likely have wifi and signal issues. SOme have done it and worked around the issues.
Use Odin to flash MJE tar is best way to get to MJE. If Kingo is still slow, use Vroot.
For any help or links, check Note 3 link in my sig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using paid version of SuperSU 1.93, (updated binaries) will it survive OTA? from MJ7 to MJE?

Mr. HQ said:
Using paid version of SuperSU 1.93, (updated binaries) will it survive OTA? from MJ7 to MJE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The results are kinda split on this. Some have said they survived OTA and many have said they lost root and had to Odin MJE anyway.
I usually tell folks to just Odin MJE and that way you only have to flash MJE ONCE

Seeking best advice

I just recently purchased a Verizon Note 3 and would like some takeoff advice with this device. It came loaded with JB 4.3 and MJE baseband. I would like to upgrade the present stock JB 4.3 to KK 4.4.2 utilizing the best tools for the job. With root, a new recovery, and a reliable wifi hotspot apk too. I have found that it helps to get advice from an experienced user before potentially taking a wrong first step in unknown territory... Been there, done that.

Lexus One said:
I just recently purchased a Verizon Note 3 and would like some takeoff advice with this device. It came loaded with JB 4.3 and MJE baseband. I would like to upgrade the present stock JB 4.3 to KK 4.4.2 utilizing the best tools for the job. With root, a new recovery, and a reliable wifi hotspot apk too. I have found that it helps to get advice from an experienced user before potentially taking a wrong first step in unknown territory... Been there, done that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2543386
This is the method I used it worked perfectly, I came from sprint sammy GS3 so this was a bit different but its great now! if you go under your devices and go to the android development forum you will see how to update to 4.4.2 after you obtain your 4.3 root with safestrap. this is the safest method so follow the link i posted and you should have no problems:good: also if you miss the aosp feel the eclipse rom is amazing..Good Luck
---------- Post added at 06:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ----------
Lexus One said:
I just recently purchased a Verizon Note 3 and would like some takeoff advice with this device. It came loaded with JB 4.3 and MJE baseband. I would like to upgrade the present stock JB 4.3 to KK 4.4.2 utilizing the best tools for the job. With root, a new recovery, and a reliable wifi hotspot apk too. I have found that it helps to get advice from an experienced user before potentially taking a wrong first step in unknown territory... Been there, done that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh also I stayed on the NC2 firmware when I went to kit kat from what I gathered in research its better than the NC4 for now

More importantly, is there anything that I MUST do while running JB4.3 that I can't do afterwards on 4.4.2? Like root with survival mode or something? Otherwise (from JB4.3) it looks like I could just install the OTA to 4.4.2 NC4 ... run Towelroot, install busybox, and then SafeStrap 3.72. So, is this a good or bad idea ???

Lexus One said:
More importantly, is there anything that I MUST do while running JB4.3 that I can't do afterwards on 4.4.2? Like root with survival mode or something? Otherwise (from JB4.3) it looks like I could just install the OTA to 4.4.2 NC4 ... run Towelroot, install busybox, and then SafeStrap 3.72. So, is this a good or bad idea ???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is nothing special you need to do while on 4.3. You can do just as you said but you also need to install SuperUser.

Update, run the alpha root, install busybox, su, and safestrap. Download your ROM and flash it on the stock slot.
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

leyvatron said:
Update, run the alpha root, install busybox, su, and safestrap. Download your ROM and flash it on the stock slot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you help me find the "alpha root" method? I don't see it anywhere.

Lexus One said:
Could you help me find the "alpha root" method? I don't see it anywhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not called alpha. [emoji12]
http://towelroot.com/
Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I've been doing some reading in various places and have noticed that there are a good many people complaining about the 4.4.2 upgrade. Things like reception and battery issues...and the list goes on. They basically are saying that things were better before the update.
Would it be better (less problems overall) to upgrade via odin to 4.4.2 NC4...or just take the OTA route from the retail version 4.3 MJE...or should I stay on 4.3 and put up with the alleged GPS headaches...and bypass all the reception and battery issues?

Lexus One said:
I've been doing some reading in various places and have noticed that there are a good many people complaining about the 4.4.2 upgrade. Things like reception and battery issues...and the list goes on. They basically are saying that things were better before the update.
Would it be better (less problems overall) to upgrade via odin to 4.4.2 NC4...or just take the OTA route from the retail version 4.3 MJE...or should I stay on 4.3 and put up with the alleged GPS headaches...and bypass all the reception and battery issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't use the NC4 Odin or the OTA, root MJE then install a 4.4.2 ROM. That way you have the ability to go back to MJE if you want to, you can also try the different modems once you're on NC4 and find the one that works best for you.

airmaxx23 said:
Don't use the NC4 Odin or the OTA, root MJE then install a 4.4.2 ROM. That way you have the ability to go back to MJE if you want to, you can also try the different modems once you're on NC4 and find the one that works best for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks airmaxx, but I thought I read that I could use odin to go back if I wanted to after rooting the OTA NC4 with towelroot. Besides, if there are problems (as I've read) with 4.4.2 NC4, then it would make more sense not to upgrade at all. Or is NC4 really that much better even with the poorer reception and battery issues? Now I'm wondering what makes the NC4 upgrade worth the time and effort. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Lexus One said:
Thanks airmaxx, but I thought I read that I could use odin to go back if I wanted to after rooting the OTA NC4 with towelroot. Besides, if there are problems (as I've read) with 4.4.2 NC4, then it would make more sense not to upgrade at all. Or is NC4 really that much better even with the poorer reception and battery issues? Now I'm wondering what makes the NC4 upgrade worth the time and effort. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can downgrade from 4.4.2 (NC4) if you root MJE and install a pre-rooted version (ROM). The OTA and NC4 tar file have a different bootloader which prevents downgrading. I've had no problems with battery or signal on NC4, keep in mind that people usually post when they have problems but rarely pay when things are working fine.

airmaxx23 said:
You can downgrade from 4.4.2 (NC4) if you root MJE and install a pre-rooted version (ROM). The OTA and NC4 tar file have a different bootloader which prevents downgrading. I've had no problems with battery or signal on NC4, keep in mind that people usually post when they have problems but rarely pay when things are working fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now that is good to know. Thanks. So I can assume that the bootloader from retail 4.3 MJE is what I want to keep...even if I move to a 4.4.2 NC2 or NC4 rom?

Lexus One said:
Now that is good to know. Thanks. So I can assume that the bootloader from retail 4.3 MJE is what I want to keep...even if I move to a 4.4.2 NC2 or NC4 rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NC2 bootloader is really the one to be on. The basic steps can be found in the install instructions in this ROM thread, you can use any ROM, it doesn't have to be Jasmine. Just use steps 1-12. More detailed instructions can be found in this thread but use the Odin files from the first thread.

How do I know which N** version of Android I am running?

It's just not clear when I look at all the about phone page.It does say 4.4.2.

pego99 said:
It's just not clear when I look at all the about phone page.It does say 4.4.2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Look at the "Build number".

Cat McGowan said:
Look at the "Build number".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NCG so that's it.

Off-Topic Question
Cat McGowan said:
Look at the "Build number".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Cat,
Sorry, this will be off topic, but I noticed you have an s5 running the latest Android build (KTU84P.G900VVRU1ANI2) and are still rooted. So I'm assuming that the new OTA for this won't break root? (I'm on a Rooted Verizon S5, running 4.4.2, Build #KOT49H.G900VVRU1ANCG, Hardware Version G900V.05, Kernel Version 3.4.0, Rooted via Towelroot)
Is that true, or did you have to root somehow after upgrading to 4.4.4 in the latest build?
Thanks for your answer.

akoziol90 said:
Hi Cat,
Sorry, this will be off topic, but I noticed you have an s5 running the latest Android build (KTU84P.G900VVRU1ANI2) and are still rooted. So I'm assuming that the new OTA for this won't break root? (I'm on a Rooted Verizon S5, running 4.4.2, Build #KOT49H.G900VVRU1ANCG, Hardware Version G900V.05, Kernel Version 3.4.0, Rooted via Towelroot)
Is that true, or did you have to root somehow after upgrading to 4.4.4 in the latest build?
Thanks for your answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Allowing the NI2 OTA update will cause you to lose root access. To regain root access after the OTA update, you need to (1) use ODIN to install the NCG kernel, (2) run TowelRoot to gain root access again, and (3) use ODIN to install the NI2 kernel. You can download the NCG and NI2 kernels using links in THIS POST. If you already had SuperSU installed before the OTA update, just run it and acknowledge the error message, and then reboot; SuperSU will fix itself. Otherwise, install SuperSU.

Question
Cat McGowan said:
Allowing the NI2 OTA update will cause you to lose root access. To regain root access after the OTA update, you need to (1) use ODIN to install the NCG kernel, (2) run TowelRoot to gain root access again, and (3) use ODIN to install the NI2 kernel. You can download the NCG and NI2 kernels using links in THIS POST. If you already had SuperSU installed before the OTA update, just run it and acknowledge the error message, and then reboot; SuperSU will fix itself. Otherwise, install SuperSU.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I'm new to this and I have a few questions before doing this. I am have the KTU84P.G900VVRU1ANI2 Build number and I have never rooted my phone before. Will this method still work even though I never previously rooted? Also what are the chances of me bricking my device?

After doing this procedure should I then freeze the OTA update service?