How to restore Samsung Galaxy S4 to offical - Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi,
I have an original Samsung Galaxy S4. It has been updated to original 4.4.2 KitKat. This firmware is very wrong (slow, and battery runs out very soon).
I want to downgrade it to previous 4.3 firmware.
My problem is that Write protection is enabled on the device.
Could you help me how I can disable write protection, flash the 4.3 firmware and restore it to official?
I already downloaded the original 4.3 firmware which is appropriate for my device.
Thanks a lot!
KR

You can't downgrade. Android 4.4.2 have new bootloader and isn't possible take it back to android 4.3 :fingers-crossed:

Thanks a lot!

piedone said:
Hi,
I have an original Samsung Galaxy S4. It has been updated to original 4.4.2 KitKat. This firmware is very wrong (slow, and battery runs out very soon).
I want to downgrade it to previous 4.3 firmware.
My problem is that Write protection is enabled on the device.
Could you help me how I can disable write protection, flash the 4.3 firmware and restore it to official?
I already downloaded the original 4.3 firmware which is appropriate for my device.
Thanks a lot!
KR
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Today I went to an official Samsung store to tell them about the same, about how bad KitKat has been performing on my phone ever since I got it. I know for a fact that they can downgrade firmwares, but the girl told me that Samsung pulled 4.3 from the system. But I think this was only the one for the unlocked version here in Spain. You might get lucky and they might still have the one that works for your carrier or something.
Try that if you want and let me know if it worked for you... meanwhile I'll live in pain with my 4.4.2 FW.:crying:

Related

samsung galaxy S4 GTI9505 germany KNOX 0x0 Root

my samsung galaxy s4 gti9505 germany version orjinal firmaware 4.3.2
I've done this update to 4.4.2 stock rom odin install!!!!!!!! Went guarantee
I want to install 4.3.2 again,but does not install.
first 1. :crying: and 2. I want to not install the original software again 4.3.2 firmaware
now my phone has software 4.4.2 Official stock rom
Please help make
Do not excuse my english is not too good
Waiting for urgent aid
kemik said:
my samsung galaxy s4 gti9505 germany version orjinal firmaware 4.3.2
I've done this update to 4.4.2 stock rom odin install!!!!!!!! Went guarantee
I want to install 4.3.2 again,but does not install.
first 1. :crying: and 2. I want to not install the original software again 4.3.2 firmaware
now my phone has software 4.4.2 Official stock rom
Please help make
Do not excuse my english is not too good
Waiting for urgent aid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey,
sorry there is no way turning back to 4.3 firmware because you have now the new bootloader
you must stick now with 4.4.2.
Why do you want to go back? 4.4.2 is a good rom,
oh yeah, you cant turn the knox to 0x0. for now its impossible
greettings
maroc1994 said:
hey,
sorry there is no way turning back to 4.3 firmware because you have now the new bootloader
you must stick now with 4.4.2.
Why do you want to go back? 4.4.2 is a good rom,
oh yeah, you cant turn the knox to 0x0. for now its impossible
greettings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want you to come back guarantee
maroc1994 said:
hey,
sorry there is no way turning back to 4.3 firmware because you have now the new bootloader
you must stick now with 4.4.2.
Why do you want to go back? 4.4.2 is a good rom,
oh yeah, you cant turn the knox to 0x0. for now its impossible
greettings
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s4 now there is no guarantee knox to 0x1
located on resolving the future

[Q] Can I upgrade to 4.4?

So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.
HelloMyNamesTom said:
So when I first got my note I imediately used this guide to flash kitkat and completely ****ed it up, it just stuck on the Samsung n9005 screen.
This was a link to C4ETech's video called "Galaxy Note 3 - Samsung Official Kitkat 4.4.2 - How to Flash/Install" but I had to remove it.
I assumed it was something to do with the CSC code (mine being BTU) so I installed a BTU rom using this guide.
This was a link to TheSmokingAndroid's video called "HOW TO UNBRICK & UNROOT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3" but I had to remove it.
Now I want to install a kitkat rom preferably a stock one but there isn't one for BTU. So I looked at the custom roms as some support BTU but require the device to be on 4.4 already. How can I get onto 4.4 if every 4.4 rom requires a 4.4 phone? Will I have to wait until an official BTU update comes out?
I've attached a screenshot of my About Phone page (which doesn't have BTU anywhere, I don't get it).
I probably have the complete wrong end of the stick so sorry for wasting everyone's time but if you have a minute to help I'd really appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!
I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.
stanley08 said:
Try *#1234# might come up there. Anyways, go over to Sammobile and grab any of the latest 4.4.2 KitKat ROMs for your device (9005) as you said. And it should work fine.
Advice: Wipe your phone, not compulsory but advisable. Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your help but I've already done that and the newest version I can get is 4.3 I'll just wait until my phone gets the update, Thanks anyway
I've managed to get onto 4.4 now by flashing a polish ROM after reading that they support BTU, I don't know how to delete this thread so I'm just letting everyone know my issue is resolved
Jagerfarts said:
I have a canadian variant note 3 900w8 and i want to flash 4.4.2 as well but i was hoping to flash the t-mobile version as i have heard of issues with the 9005 rom compatibility, just wondering if anyone has had experience yet, or if it has been done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the ability to flash back to 4.3 from 4.4, install custom recovery and roms and keep your Knox 0x0, head over here and do some reading ( if you haven't been there already ).

[Q] Should I update from 4.3 JB to 4.4.2 KK ?

Hello
I recently got my S4 i9505. I'm planning to root it
I have Android version 4.3
I used to flash costum roms on my s2 but I'm not really planning to do much flashing on my S4. not soon anyway
So as I connected the phone to Kies to make sure the drivers were downloaded so I can proceed with rooting
Firmware update popped up
I'm not sure what the best option for me now.
Should I root now and then I'd be able to flash a costume KK rom? and are there any stable ones that are better than the stock?
Can I use kies to update my rooted phone?
Maybe I should stick with JB 4.3? Which one is better 4.3 or 4.4.2?
I remember facing some issues when I update my s2 back. So I searched for the KK Update for the s4 and some people weren't so happy with their KK update
I know that doesn't represent the majority but still it could happen to me
So I confused myself
What is your advice to me?
sorry for the long post
Also I have an extra question What is KNOX? and do I need it?
egy_b0y said:
Hello
I recently got my S4 i9505. I'm planning to root it
I have Android version 4.3
I used to flash costum roms on my s2 but I'm not really planning to do much flashing on my S4. not soon anyway
So as I connected the phone to Kies to make sure the drivers were downloaded so I can proceed with rooting
Firmware update popped up
I'm not sure what the best option for me now.
Should I root now and then I'd be able to flash a costume KK rom? and are there any stable ones that are better than the stock?
Can I use kies to update my rooted phone?
Maybe I should stick with JB 4.3? Which one is better 4.3 or 4.4.2?
I remember facing some issues when I update my s2 back. So I searched for the KK Update for the s4 and some people weren't so happy with their KK update
I know that doesn't represent the majority but still it could happen to me
So I confused myself
What is your advice to me?
sorry for the long post
Also I have an extra question What is KNOX? and do I need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, the most problems in 4.4.2 are fixed, so if you flash the officical, latest firmware of your country you shouldn't have any problem.
An important thing: if you flash a custom rom, your warranty will be set 0x1, that means, you lost your garanty if you flash a custom rom, that's the so called KNOX. You can use knox like a second system on your phone, with all secure data in it, you can only access with a passwort and all datas are locked without this passwort.
Root your phone after the software update if you want to root it.
Tkkg1994 said:
First, the most problems in 4.4.2 are fixed, so if you flash the officical, latest firmware of your country you shouldn't have any problem.
An important thing: if you flash a custom rom, your warranty will be set 0x1, that means, you lost your garanty if you flash a custom rom, that's the so called KNOX. You can use knox like a second system on your phone, with all secure data in it, you can only access with a passwort and all datas are locked without this passwort.
Root your phone after the software update if you want to root it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the fact is that 4.4.2 GNG8 international version cannot be rooted....
christty31 said:
the fact is that 4.4.2 GNG8 international version cannot be rooted....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's wrong, just not with towelroot.
thank you for your input

Samsung S5 - Lollipop - can i downgrade back to KitKat

Hi Guys,
I stupidly got excited and installed the official Lollipop (S5 on THREE UK network) update when i was notified.
BUT...
I want to go back to KitKat as i preferred it (i wont go into reasons why)
Is there a downgrade path for me, either officially or unofficially?> I dont think there is at the moment.
Thanks guys!
Yep, this forum is literally packed with instructions on how to do it, a simple search will bring up what you need
hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.
manikm303 said:
hi thanks, i thought with the new protected bootloader i didnt think it possible.
this is what i read:
Note: The G900FXXU1BNL9 Android 5.0 Lollipop update comes with a protected bootloader it is clearly emphasize that the “SE for Android Status – Enforcing” that might cause issues when you try to downgrade to the old software updates. This also applies if you are planning into rooting and installs any custom recovery and any unsigned firmware once you are on Android 5.0 Lollipop , so please be aware with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yesterday I tried out AllianceROM 6.0 and a few hours ago I went back to 4.4.2 'cause I liked it better than Lollipop. Here's what I did :
1. Enter Download Mode and flash STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware in Odin (I used 3.10.6) and let it start booting.
2. It won't boot, this is normal (I panicked when this happened though ).
3. Go to recovery and factory reset/wipe data your phone.
4. Now hit reboot in recovery and your phone will boot up again (YAY :sun.
5. OPTIONAL : If you've made a nandroid backup before going to 5.0 you can now flash TWRP and restore it over your STOCK 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.
Hope I helped Let me know if it works out for you!
SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.
manikm303 said:
SUCCESS!!!
All sorted.
The hardest part was finding a link to the rom. sammobile kept giving me a gateway 502 error.
im now back to kitkat, AND no THREE UK rubbish.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol.....so which firmware did you flash? I'm with 3 as well......though for me, all the 3 c**p was frozen with TiBu as soon as I rooted (along with 100+ other 'system' apps too)......I don't want/need all that knox/Samsung/Google rubbish either.......lol
Sent from my rooted kn0x0 SM-G900F S5
I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.
Guide me Please
manikm303 said:
I used a stock Samsung 4.4.2 btu mate...took me forever to find a good link though
Still got the Samsung rubbish on it though but I prefer an official rom to a 3rd party one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okey so i want to downgrade mine s5 from Lolipop to Kitkat 4.4.2. But i wonder if i breaks my varanty and can you make like an min guide and add the links you used also please
Would be really helpful since i'm not sure on where to download the things required. And can i get the Stock samsung 4.4.2, whitout messing up anything, incase i turn my phone in for repairs some time and what not. (cause they can complain that you have touched up stuff in the programs ect )
i appriciate any help peace
answer
hey guys i just followed this tutorial to downgrade it was so easy took several minutes now im running kitkat again yaaay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glNRCuH4Yyw

Flash Stock ROM [Q/A]

Hey Guys,
today i got a Galaxy s4 black edition and there is a ROM called: Phoenix Rom. So i want to flash back to Stock ROM but im really not sure which one i want to flash on it because i dont want to brick my phone or something. Can i flash this http://www.handy-faq.de/forum/galaxy-s4-i9505xxugng8-kk-4-4-odin-kies-dbt-1t-23-07-2014-t306745/ without any problems?
Phone: GT-I9505
Basisbandversion: I9505XXUGNG8
Buildnumber: KOT49H.I9505XXUGNF1
That ROM will work without a problem. However, that may not have the added wallpapers and sounds the black edition devices have. Is there a reason you're not wanting Android 5.0.1 on your device?
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
That ROM will work without a problem. However, that may not have the added wallpapers and sounds the black edition devices have. Is there a reason you're not wanting Android 5.0.1 on your device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your Answer, i flashed that rom and it works perfectly. There is also an OTA update for Lollipop but im not sure to do that because i heard that lollipop has a lot of bugs like battery draining and so on. Im afraid if i upgrade it to lollipop i cannot downgrade it to KK. But do u think i should update?
I'm inclined to believe Samsung patched the battery drain bug, but you'd have to try it and find out. If you end up not liking it, going back down to the earlier version shouldn't be an issue, especially as you already have a Knox-enabled bootloader on your S4. There are tutorials on the forums here that I believe walk you through the process. Take a look at them before doing the OTA update.
Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
I'm inclined to believe Samsung patched the battery drain bug, but you'd have to try it and find out. If you end up not liking it, going back down to the earlier version shouldn't be an issue, especially as you already have a Knox-enabled bootloader on your S4. There are tutorials on the forums here that I believe walk you through the process. Take a look at them before doing the OTA update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it really that my knox bootloader is enabled or not if i do the OTA update? And how can i see that it is enabled or not? Anyway can i root my phone if im on lollipop with CF auto root trough odin ?
You installed Android 4.4.2. 100% positive you have Knox, as all Samsung firmware from 4.3 on has it. Installing the OTA update will restore the Knox apps. Fortunately, CF-AutoRoot still works so you'll have no issues rooting if you install the update.
Ok thank you for your helpful advises, i will flash a kernel on my s4 to stop this overheating issue.

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