Database Users

[Q] new vs old bootloader?!

So because my phone had some display issues and I could get a good deal, I bought a new note 3 today lol. (gonna sell the other)
On my first I "messed" up and updated with odin to debrand without thinking. This put on the new bootloader as you all hopefully know by now.
Well now the new phone still has the old bootloader, but since I still could get root on my other phone with the new bootloader, I was wondering what the actual difference between those 2 is?
On the S4 the new bootloader actually introduced the SELinux enforcing status and Knox, but all N3s ship with that already, so what is the difference and why should I try to keep the old bootloader?
Does it have more or other attack vectors for root exploits than the new?
ADD: And how can I debrand and update safely without updating the bootloader prior to rooting?

zroice said:
On the S4 the new bootloader actually introduced the SELinux enforcing status and Knox, but all N3s ship with that already, so what is the difference and why should I try to keep the old bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That depends on if you care about losing your warranty or not. If you don't care there are plenty of options (including CF-Root). If you care about your warranty (don't want the knox flag to be tripped to 0x1) search for root de la vega in the 'original android development' Note 3 forum. Because you're still on the old bootloader (mi(x) or mj1) this might still be an option. Beware: I'm on the international Note 3 (SM-N9005), so please do read what to do on your phone model. Good luck!

If you update to the new bootloader then you won't be able to downgrade to older version.. flashing custom roms won't be an issue but downgrading via odin will be impossible AFAIK. I heard that there were a lot of efs bricked on the note 2 after a similar bootloader update when users tried to downgrade firmwares or even radios so I haven't updated key bootloader and it isn't necessary so you can stick to the old bootloader as well if you want
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] De-brand i9505 4.2.2 using official 4.3 without tripping Knox?

I've a i9505, unfortunately it's branded (but no locked) in T-Mobile. I'd love to install 4.3 on it, but T-Mobile hasn't released it, so it's unavailable in Kies.
I would like to know if it's possible to use official (non-branded) firmware and _not_ to trip Knox (as it voids warranty in Poland). I've went through most of Knox-related threads, but I fail to see clear indication of 1) if it's possible 2) how to do that.
Also, does anyone knows if, after de-branding the phone, I'll be able to upgrade from 4.3 to 4.4 (for example) without tripping Knox?
Any comments will be appreciated.

Bump, anyone?

Stasheck said:
Bump, anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If u still having Knox 0x0 and android 4.2.2 only u have to root ur phone and delete the apps branded.
2. If u dont have updates in Kies is better. Don't void ur warranty and enjoy with ur 4.2.2 firmware.

OK, my point is to get Android 4.3 and not trip Knox - T-Mobile hasn't released 4.3 yet, and god knows when they do that.
Alternative question: is there a way to install official 4.3 without installing Knox bootloader?

i'v been looking around for the same thing, but i dont think thats possible without installing a custom made ROM

OK, let's try to put it another way: given that I have 4.2.2, do I risk losing warranty when I install CWM and some de-KNOXed 4.3 using Odin? Or Triangle Away will just work, and I'll be able to flash default software in case I need to service the phone?

[Q] Rooting G900H

So, i got tired of waiting a port or something like Towelroot for the exynos variant of the S5 and, before i start rooting the phone, i'd like to clear some questions:
1 - Towelroot really doesn't work on 900h and there's no other option besides CF, right?
2 - I live in Brazil, but the phone was bought at one Bestbuy in the US. The warranty will be covered by the store after tripping knox? If not, it means it'll be covered by Samsung in the US (if there's a law for it, like in EU) or in Brazil (couldn't find anything about knox tripping effect in here)?
3 - I think i remember, a long time ago, that there were some problems after rooting and tripping knox, like bricking the fingerprint scanner and loosing other features. Is that a thing, or just an old rumor?
4 - Tripping knox and flashing a knox-free rom blocks you from flashing another rom with knox right? If i only root it and, i don't know, just mess around with Xposed and other root apps, i'll be able to flash the stock rom and install OTAs or i'll need to stick with custom knox-free roms?

1- Yeah. G900H model can only root via CF method.
2- In my country (Bangladesh) tripping knox will not void warrenty, until any damages made by hand..
3- Tripping knox will not create problems with fingerprint or private mode etc. It's an old rumor..
4- Yes. You can always revert back to Stock Rom by flashing your device by a stock firmware.

Masum56k said:
1- Yeah. G900H model can only root via CF method.
2- In my country (Bangladesh) tripping knox will not void warrenty, until any damages made by hand..
3- Tripping knox will not create problems with fingerprint or private mode etc. It's an old rumor..
4- Yes. You can always revert back to Stock Rom by flashing your device by a stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean the warranty is "not void until damaged by hand?"

Y.G. said:
What do you mean the warranty is "not void until damaged by hand?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means, Phone damaged by dropping from hand.

Masum56k said:
That means, Phone damaged by dropping from hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So they check to see if you've rooted if you break the glass or digitizer? That sucks.

Masum56k said:
1- Yeah. G900H model can only root via CF method.
2- In my country (Bangladesh) tripping knox will not void warrenty, until any damages made by hand..
3- Tripping knox will not create problems with fingerprint or private mode etc. It's an old rumor..
4- Yes. You can always revert back to Stock Rom by flashing your device by a stock firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, thanks for clearing that up :good:
And since there were no reports of warranty problems with knox voided phones, i'll assume that rooting is safe in here.

[Q] Knox Trip

Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!

No way to install AOSP rom without tripping knox. However, you can install custom touchwiz rom without tripping knox.
we are in the same boat. My warranty has only three months remaining. I will only trip knox if ktoonsez kernel come for official TW lollipop.

ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tripped knox 2 months after purchase.
Chances are low that a brand new device malfunctions. Even so, there are reported cases where people who tripped knox said that they were still able to send the device to be serviced in warranty conditions.

I'm going to try it, I will let you guys know if it worked.

Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.

ha966 said:
Flashed cyanogenmod, works like a charm.
I have 0x1 but that seems that i still have warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your warranty is void.

ha966 said:
Hello,
I want to flash cyanogenmod or any other custom rom on my Galaxy s4. (1 year old)
I'm too scared to trip my knox and void my warranty if it ever breaks.
Is there any way to install a custom rom without tripping it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot flash cyanogenmod (or other AOSP roms), but you can flash other Samsung-based custom roms without tripping knox.
The method is quite complex though. Generally you have to downgrade your kernel, root with towelroot, use Mobile Odin Pro to flash a new rom preserving root, update bootloader to have wifi.
The risk of mistakes is quite high.
But if you want to have a deeper look, jump here
As you will see the first step is rooting without tripping knox, which is already a challenge.
Once you achieve that, you will find that root gives you already enough mod opportunities, so you may not feel the need to flash custom roms.

khsh97 said:
Your warranty is void.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.

Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.

GDReaper said:
That is awesome. But as far as I know Samsung are not the ones who will handle the warranty, but the store from where you bought it the phone.
I bought mine from DOMO (an electronics store here in my country), which means that they will handle the warranty, not Samsung.
Either way, warranty is void once you temper with the software (rooting and changing roms), it is even stated in the "Warranty will be void if" clause. Unless you change back to stock before sending it in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung gives warranty to their product. They do that freely. But that's completely separate from your consumer rights.
The store where you bought it from has a legal obligation to fix the phone within a certain period of time. You can even pull the device apart, put it back together and you still have your rights. As longs as the fault is not caused by you. I'm talking about countries within the EU. The warranty void message has absolutely zero consequences.
Compare it with a pc. You can reinstall Windows, install a different Windows version, install Linux and when your motherboard breaks down, it will never void your warranty because you installed different software.
So you basically have two options. You can send it directly to Samsung or send it to the store you bought it from.
In the Netherlands Samsung made an announcement that tripping Knox, flashing your phone will NEVER void your warranty. Even if you manage to brick it, they will fix it free of charge.

Hello,
I am new to samsung and knox and really I am lost with so much information specially because I have a original version.
I have a i9505 without any upgrade, so I still have the Apr 12 kernel with I understand doesn't have knox.
Can I install any custom rom?
Can I then revert back to stock? And to stock without knox?
If I install custom roms in the forum they will upgrade my kernel and knox will be installed?
What is the best approach to continue knox free?
Thanks

Custom roms or GPE roms are your best bet if you want knox free roms.
Better upgrade to the latest software and root, then install a custom rom.
If you want stock without knox, you can install a knox-free (knox has been removed by the dev) touchwiz rom.

Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?

filtragem said:
Thanks for replying.
If I upgrade the software first it will also upgrade the kernel to a version with knox with I will not be able to remove again. Isn't correct?
If I install a custom rom will it also upgrade my kernel to a version with knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) Yes.
2) Kernel has nothing to do with knox. Knox is in the bootloader and the rom. Custom roms do not upgrade your bootloader.

So what is the advantage of upgrading first?
Isn't best to install a custom rom as is without having knox even close to my phone?
My previous question about returning to stock was if I need to send my phone for repair (I am still on warranty) can I be stock again but remain knox free, after installing a custom rom?
Thanks and sorry for probably so basic questions

Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.

Lennyz1988 said:
Incorrect. He lives in the Netherlands. Tripping knox never voids your warranty in the Netherlands. Samsung made an official statement about it.
It depends entirely in which country you live. In the EU for example, tripping Knox can never void your consumer rights.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what about Asian countries?

O-T said:
Please read this thread and gain knowledge from Chainfire (developer of CF-Auto-root, SuperSU). Many of the questions asked have answer there.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=45666586
AFAIK from reading the referenced thread only Knox-apps and libs are removed. That isn't truly Knox-free when bootloader is still holding the Knox features.
Even Chainfire hasn't been able to remove Knox.
Please give example what custom ROM is truly Knox free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?

filtragem said:
Thanks, I will read it.
I don't know if any custom rom is knox free.
I am still knox free because I have an old bootloader, and didn't install any update.
It's possible to install a new rom without updating the bootloader?
If I install a CM rom will it install a bootloader with knox? If not, can I later reinstall a samsung rom with a bootloader without knox?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any version CM/AOSP rom don't include bootloader or modem/non-hlos firmware as @GDReaper reply 2). Most Deodexed TouchWiz (TW-based) usually neither. Mind there can be exceptions for TW-based roms.
CWM or TWRP recovery isn't the same as bootloader hence it don't trip Knox.
I had previously CWM 6051, changed to TWRP 2840 and CM11. Updated to complete Samsung stock 501 lollipop directly from that state using PC Odin 3.07. Recovery back to stock and unrooted in one single Odin flash with preserved state Knox 0x0. Phone is GT-I9295 hardware 95% identical to GT-I9505 (some buttons +screen/camera difference).
Downgrade to Samsung TouchWiz rom with Knox-free bootloader =< MH1 when bootloader is newer (N** =kitkat or O** =lolipop) will trip Knox. Because Knox featured bootloader can't be downgraded without trip 0x1.
Updating to any Samsung TouchWiz rom with bootloader don't trip Knox.
Find version:
ADB or Terminal command: getprop ro.bootloader
It's common to press XDA Thanks Button sometimes.

S5 from kitkat to lolipop info

hi guys my name is mike i have S5 G900F model with stock 4.4.2 kitkat rooted with towelroot method Knox (0x0)
if i flashed with stock rom again to lolipop i lost root ? if yes can u tell me other way to do it without tripped know of course
ty in advance

nwmn said:
hi guys my name is mike i have S5 G900F model with stock 4.4.2 kitkat rooted with towelroot method Knox (0x0)
if i flashed with stock rom again to lolipop i lost root ? if yes can u tell me other way to do it without tripped know of course
ty in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mike, search the forums before asking any questions. Search google. Don't expect everyone to do your job for you. Post your threads in the right section. This question has been asked and answered a million times and you'd know this if you took 5 minutes to search a little bit.
Here's your answer https://www.reddit.com/r/galaxys5/comments/2ubsbs/guide_rooted_android_50_for_the_international/

out of curiosity, why dont you want to trip knox flag
"This question has been asked a million times and you'd know this if you took 5 minutes of your precious time to search a little bit."
Ironic for a man that follows people around *****ing at them to post in Q&A

Sorry guys i have spend many hours on forums to find a anwser but i dont find anything thanx for time anyways the link give me lingo is not exactly what i want i ask if can upgrader via odin in last lolipop stock filmware without loosing root exackly the way i do downgrade and other question is i have unlocked bootloader ? how can find that
i dont want void knox cuz phone is new

nwmn said:
Sorry guys i have spend many hours on forums to find a anwser but i dont find anything thanx for time anyways the link give me lingo is not exactly what i want i ask if can upgrader via odin in last lolipop stock filmware without loosing root exackly the way i do downgrade and other question is i have unlocked bootloader ? how can find that
i dont want void knox cuz phone is new
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What model do you have? Find out in phone settings in system / phone info. Sm-g900a has locked bootloader. I think verizon's phone also has a locked bootloader.
The link I gave you shows how to upgrade to lollipop, root it and keep knox 0x0.
Isn't that what you're looking for?

lingowistico said:
What model do you have? Find out in phone settings in system / phone info. Sm-g900a has locked bootloader. I think verizon's phone also has a locked bootloader.
The link I gave you shows how to upgrade to lollipop, root it and keep knox 0x0.
Isn't that what you're looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have G900F i think i write it in first post , anyway well that i looking for but not exactly i wanna know if g900f have unlocking bootloader or how can find it and if i upgrade stock rom from kitkat to lolipop i lost root without change modem or anything else downgrade was easy my s5 was braned vodafone germany i download stock rom from samsung mobile and i made unbrand greece whymi must flash modem and why i must use moblile odin that is some questions turture me ty for ur time
ps. always i must put image verification to post this change after 10 post ?

nwmn said:
i have G900F i think i write it in first post , anyway well that i looking for but not exactly i wanna know if g900f have unlocking bootloader or how can find it and if i upgrade stock rom from kitkat to lolipop i lost root without change modem or anything else downgrade was easy my s5 was braned vodafone germany i download stock rom from samsung mobile and i made unbrand greece whymi must flash modem and why i must use moblile odin that is some questions turture me ty for ur time
ps. always i must put image verification to post this change after 10 post ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my bad, you did. 900f has an unlocked bootloader. when you upgrade to stock lollipop through OTA or Kies (or odin) it already includes bootloader and modem. When you do it the way described in that reddit link you flash the lollipop firmware, modem and bootloader separately. Apparently that method of updating needs it to be done so.
Honestly I have Knox 0x1 so I never cared for those methods, btw if you live in Germany then there's no need to care about Knox. In EU we're allowed to flash whatever we want and the guarantee stays intact even if you have Knox 0x1
ps. yes =p

lingowistico said:
my bad, you did. 900f has an unlocked bootloader. when you upgrade to stock lollipop through OTA or Kies (or odin) it already includes bootloader and modem. When you do it the way described in that reddit link you flash the lollipop firmware, modem and bootloader separately. Apparently that method of updating needs it to be done so.
Honestly I have Knox 0x1 so I never cared for those methods, btw if you live in Germany then there's no need to care about Knox. In EU we're allowed to flash whatever we want and the guarantee stays intact even if you have Knox 0x1
ps. yes =p
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?

nwmn said:
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly, I don't know. That reddit link I gave you, I haven't read the guide myself. I just skimmed though it to be sure it was real but I don't know the details of it. Yes all G900Fs have an unlocked bootloader. :good:

nwmn said:
thats is awesome news u r sure bootloader is unlock with all G900F models?
two more questions ty for your petions
1)i still have OTA if upgrade with SuperSU survival mode to last lolipop i keep root/data?
2)if upgrade with odin last lolipop i keep root/data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean ota stock firmware notification? If yes then you will have it if Knox is still 0x0 if Knox however is 0x1 you will no longer be able to update via ota.
If you want to upgrade from KitKat to lollipop you must wipe data from recovery to avoid any issues. It is also not recommended by me to use titanium backup to restore apps because some might not be compatible with lollipop yet or some of the app data made for KitKat may have a conflict with lollipop system, however lots of apps have compatibility with lollipop and there is a chance you will have no issues at all when using titanium backup. Even if I said I don't recommend restoring data after such a major upgrade I do recommend having a backup whether it's with titanium backup or nandroid etc because you're able to restore apps one by one and make sure that what you restore won't be problematic.
Edit - if you update with flashfire app, there is an option to keep root when flashing from rooted KitKat to lollipop and users have reported that that feature does work for them (I personally haven't tried it).
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Here's a version of the method on XDA
http://forum.xda-developers.com/gal...2nd-method-t2843044/post54719865#post54719865