Database Users

Debating on rooting my S4

Hi everyone! I just upgraded to the AT&T version of the Samsung Galaxy S4. Before I had the original Galaxy Note. I've rooted and loaded custom ROM's on all my previous Android devices (Captivate, Inspire 4G, Galaxy S II, and Galaxy Note), but I'm debating on rooting this device. It's running great on the stock ROM.
Has anyone else debated this? If so, did you go ahead and root and loaded a ROM then regret it or were you glad you did it?

You can run it absolutely stock and still be rooted. Rooting gives you the advantage of certain apps that require it, as I'm sure you know, such as Titanium Backup, Root explorer and others. Plus ability to get rid of AT&T apps you never do or never will use. fwiw

Root it! You want regret it. The possibilities are endless. And if you do prefer a stock like rom, well believe me there are GREAT custom stock like roms that these great devs have put together that run flawlessly with added benefits. Hope this helps. Happy Rooting
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.

lazard said:
even if you plan to keep the stock ROM, its worth it to root so you can uninstall the AT&T bloatware and remove the AT&T splash screen on start-up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am on stock with root. I rooted it using Adam's casual only to have TiBu work. I froze all ATT bloats and some google and samsung apps. The stock is very fine for me.
Now I am debating to flash Paranoid rom to try their multiwindow and halo features...

Thanks for all the input everyone, I appreciate it. Knowing me I'll end up rooting it and loading a ROM since I can't leave stuff alone. HA!
Does anyone know if there's a ROM out there that someone has gotten Bluetooth Tethering to work? That's one thing I miss from ICS on my Galaxy Note.

Hey gk
In same boat, been flashing roms hundreds of times for over 3 years from early Nexus One days. Most of the reasons were to get newer OS's without waiting. However, one of the reasons I got the S4 was it already has the latest as in 4.2.2.
One thing I have learned as most of us have is there always seems to be something not 100% on each rom for some folks. Goes with the territory as we know. Although, I have been lucky in that area. Maybe due to lots of reading and proper pre-install wipes. Hats off to all the devs though for their long and tiresome hours giving us these great roms.
My concern, since this is early on with the S4 and no unlocked bootloader, are our chances higher to have issues.
My phone with all it's "gimmicks" is running fast and perfect--NO issues. I also would like TiBu and eventually a custom recovery for nandroids even if I don't flash a custom rom. Used both CWM and TWRP in the past. Also, Amon_Ra. All worked great for me.
But, like you and others will probably root and flash a custom recovery anyway.
Damn Samsung for making this so tough of a decision--

I was in same position lol I've been flashing andneven Ade a few Roms but ya know its cool and all but its a hassel sometimes enough for me to be stock! There's no reason IMO to flash anything this phone is packed to the gills with features already and its on a very new os so I feel like I wanna root and flash away but have found no reason to YET key word there and of course its purely my own standpoint
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Root it! You can get new features before they come to your carrier. ... I debated it and told myself I would stay rooted but run stock rom.... now they figured out ways to bypass the bootloader and flash roms and im back to crack flashing lol. ..

Yup. I thought I wouldn't root this thing. That lasted a week. Then I told myself it's fine the way it is, I don't need to flash a rom. That lasted 3 weeks. I'm not a flashaholic though. I usually pick one and stick with it for a while.
You think it runs fine until you've rommed it and added a kernel. Then you realize you had no idea how fine it could be.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

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I wouldn't ever even own a phone that I couldn't root. It just gives you freedom over your phone. Again you don't NEED to run a custom rom to be rooted, but check out some of the TW custom Tom's that just take the phone to another level but still being stock
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

Custom toms are bad ass lol I had to say it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

The Mint Jelly Rom battery life is insane ..it's worth rooting for that alone. Definitely root
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I'm more than likely going to root and load a ROM soon. I'm between two different ROMs.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2280556
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2305752
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

I was a flashaholic on the captivate, and S II. I loved trying new ROMs like Miui and AOKP. But, since I got the Note II and now the S 4 I don't have that desire. My only reason for rooting usually was TiBu, and only from flashing so often. Without flashing a new ROM each week I had little need for restoring apps. After three weeks I finally rooted and started trying ROMs on this phone. It was about the same for my Note. I really like TouchWiz, and miss some of those features on AOSP based ROMs. I don't see the performance need for custom ROMs on either of these phones like I did on the older phones. I guess it just came out of boredom, in the end.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337

Well, I finally gave in and rooted--knew I would
Used Adam's Casual--very easy--much more so than my HTC phones
TiBu and Nandriods already in use
Next step roms--

Still haven't rooted yet. I probably will over the weekend. Why can't I leave stuff alone? HA!

Pure stock debloated rooted at&t s4 rom?

Does anyone know of such a ROM that I can have root, download, deodex, and debloat (but no mods) for the SGH-I337? I'd like to run a pure stock rooted ROM without bloat. I do not want the modded (black) apps with the messaging and etc. Just the full on debloated stock experience with root privileges. No, I do not want a competition with whatever ROM is best as I do not intend to start an argument about it. So, in that case, does anyone have suggestions or the link to another XDA thread? Also, please make sure that it's latest stock for AT&T. Thanks everyone!
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Ya could try this one http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2364635 however how you flash it will depend on what firmware your running now. If your mdf then refer to the safestrap threads for proper flsshing procedures and if yur mdl then follow loki directions. Hope this helps
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I've been using MDOB for a month or so and it is great. Great battery life, smooth, debloated stock, excellent support -- a great ROM. -- Bud

Let me tell ya I have owned hd2, gs2, gs3, gs4, nexus s , nexus 4,atrix hd,transformer 300tf, galaxy tab 2 7.0 galaxy tab 2 10.1, nexus 7, note 2 ,note 10.1, and note 8.0.
I always go for stock based ROMs for stability. For I instal tons of apps that I get issues one after another on custom. I try ROMs after another update after another. This was like a routine which could be enjoyable but annoying sometimes for ur times limited.
With I337, I tried one ROM and I felt no need or urge to flash or even try another. I just could not find flaws or problem with this one.
Which ROM is this?
MDOB!
Bloat free based on stock and has all features I need. Give it a try. Make sure u follow devs guide on installation though for best possible experience!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

sharpeyedman said:
Let me tell ya I have owned hd2, gs2, gs3, gs4, nexus s , nexus 4,atrix hd,transformer 300tf, galaxy tab 2 7.0 galaxy tab 2 10.1, nexus 7, note 2 ,note 10.1, and note 8.0.
I always go for stock based ROMs for stability. For I instal tons of apps that I get issues one after another on custom. I try ROMs after another update after another. This was like a routine which could be enjoyable but annoying sometimes for ur times limited.
With I337, I tried one ROM and I felt no need or urge to flash or even try another. I just could not find flaws or problem with this one.
Which ROM is this?
MDOB!
Bloat free based on stock and has all features I need. Give it a try. Make sure u follow devs guide on installation though for best possible experience!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much BTW, should've thanked you sooner. Flashed MDOB and have been running it for about four days now. Very stable, has those white stock apps, and is absolutely amazing while also running stock kernel. Thanks so much!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I am so glad it has been working great for ya. I really wish other android devices that I use also had ROMs like MDOB.
Those add-ons listed on devs post for MDOB also work great as well for they are usually stock/hidden features. For example, torch light is from hidden stock menu and addon will unlock and enable it for you. Addon like in call recording is not an external third party app but it is like unlocking call recording menu within the stock dial/call pad which comes in very handy and convenient. If you have questions then the dev will try to help you promptly. I had minor issues but it was because I did not know how to use the features on ROM correctly. Of coarse the dev tried to help me find solutions along the way. He' s just a great guy and I feel lucky to have him here on gs4 community.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

I'm currently using this one
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2356276

Was about to post same question!
Hi there,
Thanks for this thread and the answers. I was searching for exactly this topic.
I would like to try the MDOB ROM, as it sounds like what I am looking for.
The current MDOB ROM is based on the *MF3 firmware. Is this an issue? I am reading about the AT&T bootloader lock and loki fix that was added in to MF3, plus other custom ROMs that list either a broken sound or broken Wi-Fi as a known issue with MF3.
Are these issues fixed in this ROM (and how?) I don't want to loose TWRP and/or WiFi.
Thanks for any clarification,
Gemini420

MDOB is based on the lastest stock MF3 however it would not give u problems that you would face from updating to notorious MF3 stock.
If I am not mistaken you are supposed to have UCUAMDL stock rooted with custom recovery twrp (preferably i337 version listed on the MDOB page) prior to flashing MDOB.
Check out installation or flashing instruction on the MDOB for more info. The dev points to several things you should watch out for. I just followed the guide and my phone has been running pefectly ever since. Well I wish u Good luck.
Edit: Though I never had any issues with custom recovery and wifi, you might wanna ask there and see if such issues exist on MDOB.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app

sharpeyedman said:
MDOB is based on the lastest stock MF3 however it would not give u problems that you would face from updating to notorious MF3 stock.
If I am not mistaken you are supposed to have UCUAMDL stock rooted with custom recovery twrp (preferably i337 version listed on the MDOB page) prior to flashing MDOB.
Check out installation or flashing instruction on the MDOB for more info. The dev points to several things you should watch out for. I just followed the guide and my phone has been running pefectly ever since. Well I wish u Good luck.
Edit: Though I never had any issues with custom recovery and wifi, you might wanna ask there and see if such issues exist on MDOB.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!

Definitely looking for MDOB by iB4STiD my friend
---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 PM ----------
gemini420 said:
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look in the MDOB thread you can flash philz recovery. It's like a super CWM recovery...kinda..sorta lol. That's what iB4STiD recommends.

[Q] Revert to stock rom

ok so i have installed JellyBeans rom and im not liking it. im on base version JSS15J.N900VVRUBMJE.
how do i get back to the most updated stock rom on note 3?

Am assuming that you are using SafeStrap. If so, boot to recovery. Go into boot options and activate the "stock" slot. Then, if you want to, you can go in and delete rom slot that you have beans installed on.
Once you activate the stock slot, you'll know it because it will tell you with red text across the top of the screen.
Then just reboot.
IF YOU INSTALLED BEANS ROM ON THE STOCK SLOT, you need to download a copy of the stock odex or deodex rom that beans put together in the dev thread. If this is the case, let us know if you need help before going any further!
♢NoteIII♢

Yes I made a new slot for beans and still have the stock one open. Thanks ill just use the stock slot. Now what about me getting the latest updated stock rom and still keep root, how would I do that?
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

spetzuu said:
Yes I made a new slot for beans and still have the stock one open. Thanks ill just use the stock slot. Now what about me getting the latest updated stock rom and still keep root, how would I do that?
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the rooted rom on your stock slot is what version?
♢NoteIII♢

LeftyGR said:
So the rooted rom on your stock slot is what version?
♢NoteIII♢
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MI9

spetzuu said:
MI9
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh...
Best way would mean you'd need to redo root. And that way would be with odin. Unless someone else has a better way?
♢NoteIII♢

ive tried finding out the benefits of the updates that have rolled on on the note 3 and i cant seem to find any... although i have seen people complaining about the battery life and what not.
do you know where i could get a complete list of what the updates bring to phone? because if its nothing major ill just stick to MI9

Honestly, it will be different for every person. Because even though we all have the same phone, Every Phone is just a little different. For example, I am on the current update and felt I needed to because I was having issues with wifi. But if you are on the original firmware, which you are, and you can find no problem with your phone that you would like to see fixed then I honestly don't see any point in updating your firmware if you do not want to. I know that the current version addresses problems people were having with wifi. Along with some other minor changes.
Now having said that... If you encounter any quirks or problems with any current custom ROMs that are listed in the development section, it may be due to the fact that they are built on the current firmware version while you are still two versions behind.
♢NoteIII♢

[INDEX][Everything you need to know][All In One Guide]

Welcome to the note 3 forums. We welcome you as long as you do your job and search before making 1,000,000 new threads.
So,You just got your shiny new note 3 and dont know where to begin?
Well that's ok because, this is the all in one thread.
Lets begin​
How do I Root?
That is the common question around here. Im going to simplify this.. Here you go
For 4.3
1.The best and safest way is this method by @evilpotatoman. It does require a little work but in return you do get root Here is the link for That,
2.Another method that is faster, but does not offer busybox with install, nor did it originate from XDA-forums is Here,
For 4.4 Or KitKat
You have to Go to My thread located
Here,
This does root KitKat and provides a custom ROM.
How Do I Install Custom Rom's
First What you should know is that our phone has a locked bootloader. This means that we can not boot kernels. But we still can flash custom rom's Thanks to @Hashcode
To install custom rom's on 4.3, Head over Here,
Another method That i originally created, but does not work as good as safestrap, could be found Here
If you are on KitKat, Then you could either install my KitKat rom or wait for safestrap to be updated.
What Do I Do If I Bricked My Phone? Or if it wont boot?
Well There are 2 methods to get you back to stock and running again.
To Restore back to Jellybean (4.3) Follow this Thread Here
To Restore back to KitKat (4.4.2) Follow this Thread Here
Why are Rom's Based off different Bases & Whats the difference?
A little basic intro
MJ5,MI9 & MI1 Are all 4.3 AT&T Bases
Ml2 Is an international 4.3 Base
MlG is a leaked AT&T 4.4.2 Base
Mj5 Is the latest 4.3 AT&T Base
Ml2 Is the latest international Base
The difference depends on what you need. Right now There are pro's and con's to all bases
Mj5
-Fast Data speeds
-Better indoor Signal
-No Bluetooth internet tethering
Ml2
-NO group messaging
-lower signal in areas
-slower data
-Does have Bluetooth internet tethering
Leaked Kitkat base (MIG)
-Extremely fast
-Newer modem with better signal & speeds
-Safestrap is not yet updated to work with kitkat (But you could still install my 4.4 ROM)
Why is my GPS Crappy and How do i fix it?
This issue is well known with our phone. The main reason is bad software coding.
To fix this issue Flash this fix made by me, in safestrap or manually push the files using root explorer.
4.3-Click Here
4.4-(Coming Soon)
What is "SafeStrap & Why do i have to use it?
Safestrap is our main method of flashing Rom's and could be found Here,
Always WIPE before flashing a new ROM or expect to receive errors. DON'T BE LAZY
Issues with safestrap
-Sometimes the storage is messed up and shows that you are using all your memory, when you really are not.If you use a different app to check, then you should see your real memory usage.
Where are all the kernels located?
Like i stated earlier, We don't have kernels yet, because of our locked bootloader
Where are all the Roms compatible with my phone?
All compatible and ready to install rom's could be found Here
There is currently NO AOSP,CM Based Rom's, So don't ask
What is KNOX and how does it effect me?
KNOX is basically made to **** us. But Samsung calls it security.
KNOX is removed from most custom Rom's. Knox does prevent root apps from working properly and should be removed asap.
How do I transfer My bookmarks from ROM to ROM?
Follow the guide i created Here
Im still working on a list of roms,and cool mods that are compatible with our phone. they will be located in the second post.Mods please sticky this thread​

For me, to post mods and roms compatible with our phone

one more

Great information.
Thank you very much.
I have tried your KitKat 4.4.2. Glad to see it is rooted!
Now, it is easy to switch between MJ5 4.3 and MLG 4.4.2 through SafeStrap and Odin.

Wow very nice! Hopefully this will prove helpful.
Sent from my SM-P600 using Tapatalk

I will send people here. Thanks man. Wish we could donate to you. I bet there is a bunch of people who would love to buy you some drinks or whatever your in to....Thanks again for being organized and detailed. You have your Sh** together and its great!!!

Awesome work. Me personally Im waiting for SS to be updated but definitely keeping an eye out.
Im curious on one thing. When you discuss Knox and to 'remove it', would freezing this via TB server the same purpose? Also since youve had a go with 4.4, does Samsungs iteration of 4.4 still have the GPS issues or did they fix it? Just curious
Thanks!

Guys where can I get the stock rom my N900A (Note 3 AT & T) now install version 4.4.2 filtered want to go back to stock!
Enviado desde mi SAMSUNG-SM-N900A mediante Tapatalk

Read the first post!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thank you love your rom and glad to see you are so involved in the community
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

No problem buddy
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

hi, how do i manually fix push the GPS files?

So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly

thanks, perfect thread for an android newbie :good:

Nix A Nerd 2 said:
So no root for sm900a. How can I load a custom rom without having to use a computer? Possible?
I really hate this thing as of right now wish I had my note 2 back
I found Ultimate rotation control but it fails to work properly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are referring to the N900A, thew is root! Just gotta search.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thank you. Now my almost $800 Samsung Galaxy note 3 has basic gps working properly. Samsung needs to hire guys like you

only thing missing is how to back up and restore...
so if you want a new rom...youre good to go..

Wanting to down grade back to JB rom from KITKAT v2
I Used to be on JB rom 4.3 And I really liked it. But I wanted to upgrade to to KitKat v2 because alot of people said they liked it. After I upgraded to KITKAT 4.4.2 I really did not enjoy it as much JB 2.6. I used to get 35000 score from Antutu Benchmark but now on V2 I get about 30000 score. And I thought the JB 2.6 was setup nicer. I dunno, but what I do know is that I would like to go back to JB 2.6 because I think it was a nicer piece of work. Anyone know where I can find the tutorial to downgrade back to JB 2.6? I thought I seen it before but I cant seem to find it. Thank you for your time.
htsl

I have now soft bricked my phone I am lost and need help! no one last night would help me! PLEASE help me now!!! I am stuck on step 4 of http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2559715
when I select "show all devices" it only list 2 "Samsung mobile usb cdc composite device" and " samsung mobile usb modem" what am I doing wrong????
some one on another thread said I am using the wrong drivers... where Do I find the correct drivers?
Thanks
Rick

Are you in download mode?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Considering official update

I have had an update notification showing for the past week or so on my phone that doesn't go away. Not sure if they just rolled out 4.4.3 or I am just now seeing it..
Either way my concern is 2 fold, I would love to do the update, but had concerns:
1. Would performing this update upgrade my baseband to one that would become unflashable? I had been on MDL and liked the idea that I was not locked down from flashing. (*More involved question into that below)
2. Does an OTA update like this require you to start from scratch with what is on your phone? Will I lose my apps, messages, photos that are not saved to ext sd? Etc...
*My follow up question about the baseband, with the current ROM I am on I have experienced signal drop, frequently. I flashed a new radio and it now shows I am on baseband MK2. I read and was pretty certain that doesn't actually update your boot loader to MK2, that I am still on MDL but I don't know how you check that. Just wanting to understand more about this so I don't mess something up down the road.
Thanks
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk

To check you bootloader use a terminal emulator on your phone and type in the commands
su
getprop ro.bootloader
It sounds like you still are on mdl. I would not recommend updating as you will lose the ability to flash many roms. I would just flash an updated rom of your choice with the latest firmware baked into it
You could also try different radios for you signal issue. Flash those just like a rom but do not do any wipes.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

i too am on the amdl bootloader.. what rom could i down load that will move me up to 4.4.2 tw or is that not possible. currently iam running nemesis project 2.5, but unfortunatly the dev drop the project for greener pastures.
Thanks for you help

galaxyuser88 said:
i too am on the amdl bootloader.. what rom could i down load that will move me up to 4.4.2 tw or is that not possible. currently iam running nemesis project 2.5, but unfortunatly the dev drop the project for greener pastures.
Thanks for you help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are lots of them. Go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/development and here http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/orig-development