[Q] Note 3 - Getting started questions - Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I just got the Note 3 and as usual the huge amount of info / threads is making it hard to get some basic overview even after hours of reading the subforums and I have xda experience ever since I had the original Galaxy S.
If we can get these Q's answered in a short summary, it might also help others who are just getting started with this device and don't have more than a day to spend on setting up their Note 3 the way they need it:
4.3 to 4.4 KitKat - pro's & con's ?
My SM-N9005 shipped with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, if I update OTA or with Kies to 4.4 KitKat, will I have any disadvantage at all at this stage? Will it prevent me from doing something, especially in relation to KNOX, custom ROMS or recoveries, rooting, etc?
Rooting: CF-Auto-Root or De La Vega?
The Note 3 subforum has a "Root Info" tab and it refers to the CF-Auto-Root method, which I understand works for both 4.3 and 4.4 as long as the correct version is flashed with Odin. Seems to be the No. 1 choice.
In the Subforum however another Rooting thread is stickied instead, refering to the "De La Vega" method. What are the pro's & con's?
KNOX summary / current status?
From what I could gather there is no way yet to hide the fact that there was ever a custom ROM or recovery on this device, not even if you flash back to stock, correct?
Rooting however can be undone.
Getting rid of the "My Magazine" when pressing home button - wtf?
Only when you have an internet connection can you get into the My Magazine app to enter the settings and disable it to launch when pressing the home button, without internet connection to disable the Terms & Conditions, the app won't even start, so you can't get to the menu to disable it, is there any other way?
Using an alternative launcher seems to help.
What stable ROM should a privacy & security minded person use, who still wants to ensure not to miss out on the features and performace of the camera & the S Pen ?
If I want to get rid of at least most of the google and Samsung stuff that clogs up my RAM and "phones home" to Samsung and Google servers, but still don't wanna deprive myself of Google Play and Google Maps for navigation (got lost too much using OSM) and I want to be more of a power user having root, using Titanium backup and otherwise running AFWall firewall, VPN, and lots of cool open source privacy stuff, what would be the recommended ROM for my Note 3?

To bump and to further clarify:
I installed Kies 3 and it's asking me to update my Note 3 as follows:
Current firmware version : PDA:MJ7 / PHONE:MJ7 / CSC:MJ1 (VIA)
Latest firmware version : PDA:NB4 / PHONE:NB1 / CSC:NB1 (VIA)
If I update, will it have a disadvantage? I still can't figure out how to root it, and if there is a way to flash custom ROMs or recovery without triggering the KNOX flag.
This is a German phone, I am not sure if it's locked to a certain carrier and not sure how to find out.

I'm in the same situation as you - don't have the links at hand but yet I know that it's better to not upgrade to 4.4 because you'll get a new bootloader that gets you a hard time using custom roms after rooting the device.
This is the link I got asking for a safe rooting Note 3 without tripping Knox [No Warranty Void] Safe Root Android 4.3 for Samsung Galaxy S3..., remember to stay with Android 4.3!
For support in your native language this one was helpful for me too http://www.androidpit.de/de/android/forum/category/2003626/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3-Forum
To remove standard apps from Samsung/Google installed on the device take a look at Samsung GALAXY Note 3 Cleaner
Hope I could help a little

Related

[Q] What can't root & xposed framework modify in stock rom?

I'm looking to move on from my Galaxy Nexus (international version), and have been considering the Nexus 5 and the Note 3 (N9005).
The Nexus 5 seems like a pretty boring update to the Galaxy Nexus - a bit bigger, a bit higher res, a bit faster etc. The Note 3 is more exciting to me (size, battery, s pen etc).
My concern with the Note 3 is software. I've been running a stock rom on my Galaxy Nexus from day one and am pro-vanilla android, and I'm really worried that touchwiz will stop me from enjoying the Note 3. I've seen videos etc of touchwiz but haven't tried living with it day-to-day.
I wouldn't want to trip the knox flag (at least not at first) for (potential) warranty reasons, which means I'd be stuck with a stock rom and root de la vega with xposed framework at this stage.
From those who have done this, my question is: how far can you go with this combination (including a third party launcher) to mitigate touchwiz's shortcomings (noting I would want to keep stock S-pen functionality)?
For example, have you had success dealing with:
- Bloatware/samsung apps substituting stock apps
- S Voice vs google voice search/now
- Less than stellar appearance of notification icons, quick settings in notification tray
Can anyone suggest anything that they've been stuck with/unable to change in touchwiz that drives them crazy?
You can modify the way you want but I am afraid not all will be possible withput rooting.
Sent from Note 3 (The beauty & beast)
Just need to know what firmware version you are getting as later firmware will trip Knox warranty void when rooting with de la vega method I believe in the UK MJ1 is safe to root but MJ3 has been fixed tp detect RDLV...
If you can successfully root and install xposed framework then you are set to do just about anything you like.
The main reason you will trip knox is by installing a new recovery or kernel....

[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.

noob question

hie i moved from iphone 4s to note 4 in oct last year however kept busy so could realy get in customizing it much yet howeve now tht i do have time i was thinking of rooting it and seeing how it goes however i understand then ota updates dnt work if i root would then updating over kies with a cable b fine also i understand tht knox is tripped so no warranty after tht however say after rooting i install custom roms would the s pen and finger print scaners and stuff normally cause they are a few thing tht i do use frequently . any other cons that i shd know before rooting or flashng custom roms ?
Installing a custom rom without rooting does not break the warrenty and you will be able to use all the features of the Note 4 as you would if you were using the stock firmware. Rooting just makes you a super user and allows you to install apps which require root privilages such as Titanium Backup.
Pardon me but to install custom roms you require a custom recovery which would trip Knox?
Okay, so first of all ask yourself whether you want to use knox specific features such as secure pay (Pay by using NFC), KNOX enterprise features which an average user will not use.
Secondly, If you wish to remove apps that are pre-installed on the device as they may be slowing down the device and ruining battery life then you will have to root or install a custom rom to deal with those, or you could simply try disabling them in the app manager without root.
After rooting if you use Touchwiz based custom roms you will still have 99% of the Note 4 features still available and sometimes you get additional features which would otherwise not be available for example removing restrictions such as recording calls which maybe disabled in your region or carrier. This is just one of the many features that you gain.
So your Spen, fingerprint scanner will all work as long as you use a Touchwiz based rom.
If however you want to use the latest and greatest version of Android and enjoy a clean and smooth experience then you may wish to install AOSP roms however they currently do no support fingerprint scanner and nor do they have built in SPen features.
A custom recovery will allow you to backup your current rom and restore it later if you so desire, this backup will store you settings, apps and the current rom which can be restored if you want to return to the setup.
The only con of rooting and flashing is that you read the instructions in the thread and do no deviated from it unless you know what you are doing.
Voiding your warranty is also a potential con, however here in the UK and Europe Samsung will have to repair your device in accordance to the law and I have had my Samsung Galaxy S4 repaired multiple times with the KNOx warranty tripped; however Samsung have rejected some claims in the past for some people.
If you have anymore questions then please do not hesitate to ask.
The best advice I can give is Google till you just can't any more! Read everything you can about rooting your model of handset...then read it two more times. I've rooted a few phones now and never hit more than a simple soft brick which is easily fixed. Because I read everything I can find before I start.
Not a direct answer to your questions I know but hopefully both reassurance and warning at the same time.
On a side note if is really just customisation you want without the adventure of rooting try a launcher like nova, Go etc. You can really go wild with customisation without losing any features or tripping Knox.

flashing/installing cm12 onto s5 900w8

ive searched and searched but am having problems finsing steps to get cm12 onto my s5900 w8 (bell)
finding there is limited w8 support or its foud across so many forums and not mentioned if items work or not with others that do
curent fone
galaxy s5 900w8
android ver: 4.42
baseband g900w8vlu1anf3
kernel : old (2014)
build: kot49h.g900w8vlu1anf3
I want to have a fast light install with abilities to turn off all the google and samsng bloatware (if they even need to be installed at all)
bell modem
searching for all these has become confusing and i dont want to brick my phone
not really concerned about knox but it would be kool to keep it 0x0
battery life
everything should be working (gps camera etc)
i have two old galaxy s and xda has been amazing, but not having a dev phone anymore, i cant afford to be down, phones have advanced beyond my abilities and i need to get it right
pointing me to threads/posts should be sufficient as im proficient in figuring, just hard to find w8 stuff
thanks in advance!!
XDA Visitor said:
ive searched and searched but am having problems finsing steps to get cm12 onto my s5900 w8 (bell)
finding there is limited w8 support or its foud across so many forums and not mentioned if items work or not with others that do
curent fone
galaxy s5 900w8
android ver: 4.42
baseband g900w8vlu1anf3
kernel : old (2014)
build: kot49h.g900w8vlu1anf3
I want to have a fast light install with abilities to turn off all the google and samsng bloatware (if they even need to be installed at all)
bell modem
searching for all these has become confusing and i dont want to brick my phone
not really concerned about knox but it would be kool to keep it 0x0
battery life
everything should be working (gps camera etc)
i have two old galaxy s and xda has been amazing, but not having a dev phone anymore, i cant afford to be down, phones have advanced beyond my abilities and i need to get it right
pointing me to threads/posts should be sufficient as im proficient in figuring, just hard to find w8 stuff
thanks in advance!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, and thank you for using XDA Assist!
I am connecting you to the S5 Q&A, where your device experts can be found:
> Samsung Galaxy S 5 > Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting
From what I read, I see enough reason not to go with a custom ROM (Knox would get triggered the moment you install custom recovery IIRC - if not sooner) when you can just root and freeze the bloat.
Concerns about stability and battery life are valid concerns as well. My experience with custom ROMs is that it is hard to get that (yet I still keep coming back ).
Your modem should stay intact during a custom ROM flash though, but there have been cases otherwise I suppose.
Anyway, hope this helps, and good luck!
joel.maxuel said:
Hello, and thank you for using XDA Assist!
I am connecting you to the S5 Q&A, where your device experts can be found:
> Samsung Galaxy S 5 > Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting
From what I read, I see enough reason not to go with a custom ROM (Knox would get triggered the moment you install custom recovery IIRC - if not sooner) when you can just root and freeze the bloat.
Concerns about stability and battery life are valid concerns as well. My experience with custom ROMs is that it is hard to get that (yet I still keep coming back ).
Your modem should stay intact during a custom ROM flash though, but there have been cases otherwise I suppose.
Anyway, hope this helps, and good luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
great,
thanks for the quick reply...
but the first heading i see is root[ALL VARIENTS]... but within the first post it says "MAKE SURE ONLY 'F'"
and for freezing, titianium backup?
i'll keep researching, but would really like to go back to one of the CM builds.
thanks again
Itradsk
itradsk said:
great,
thanks for the quick reply...
but the first heading i see is root[ALL VARIENTS]... but within the first post it says "MAKE SURE ONLY 'F'"
and for freezing, titianium backup?
i'll keep researching, but would really like to go back to one of the CM builds.
thanks again
Itradsk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's for recovery, and what is quoted is one of the options within ODIN. But for the recovery option, you will need a "ODIN flashable recovery for your device" which I did not see.
If you just want to go with the root and titanium backup for now (btw, "app quarantine" freezes apps too and may still be a free alternative), looks like, based on the thread, that towelroot is the way to go. Just to be sure to install SuperSU afterward if towelroot does not for you.
Hope this helps.
I'm on g900w8 Telus it uses the same towers as bell. I've used the cyanogen 12.1 version. Just make sure to grab the correct version of rom. And make sure you flash lollipop kernel and modem.
I believe u want the ktle version for gsm
Telus Samsung G900W8

Rooting a S5 G900F. Total newbie.

Last week I received a brand new S5 G900F, no carrier, and want to have administrator privileges in order to remove bloatware. Plus, it would be nice to have adblock and apps to back up the entire system, both which aren't available in the phone's stock form, and maybe a custom ROM and Kernel.
I have never rooted a phone nor messed with its system files, so I'm a complete newbie on this. Also, I haven't connected it to the Internet yet, so that the phone is in its stock form before rooting it.
What's the simplest, safest yet effective method for rooting my phone? Afterwards, can I just update the phone to the latest version using the regular system settings menu, or should I do it externally (downloading the update on the PC)? Any particular tips on what to do next, such as what apps to remove, which to install and so on, if possible while keeping it simple? I read that CM 12.1 (ROM) + Ktoonsez (Kernel) is the way to go.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Avensvvvvvv
The best, safeest way to Root? - Have a look in the Q&A Forum, its mostly all here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700073
Some people use TowelRoot...
I used CF Auto root and found it easier. You can find here at XDA or at http://droidors.com/2015/03/24/root-samsung-galaxy-s5-sm-g900i-android-lollipop-5-0/ be aware that this link is for the g900i ot the g900f.
As for updating etc....a lot of the latest ROMS come with OTA (over the air) updates. Which ROMS? There is kind of a rule here that you dont ask which ROM is best because the idea is that you do loads of reading and try them out for yourself Lately Ive been playing around with PhoeniX ROM, Alliance ROM and some of the CM stuff...but all are good. Removal of Bloatware is pretty straight forward using Titanium Backup - or some ROMS supply their own method for doing do. Just be sure to not mess around with any of the system files while your still learning. Search Bloatware and you should find some good advice.
Thats about it mate - the main thing is to read, read, read and ask lots of questions before you do anything. Otherwise you'll have a very expensive paperweight on your desk Most of the people here are cool with Noobs asking questions in the correct forums....by the way this post should really be posted in the Q&A forum
Good luck flashing and rooting...and most of all....have fun!
Mugsyfied
You have a good answer in the above post.....
But in future, you need to give us more information about your device so that we can offer advice that is suited more exactly to your circumstances....
The version of Android currently running on your device is one critical bit of info you didn't provide.....
Some things to bear in mind about your phone....
1) Samsung have included something called Knox on these phones....it is basically an un-resettable 'eFuse' which 'tripps' when you flash any custom software to your device. Samsung are using it as an indicator to allow them to deny warranty claims.
2) when you root your phone you WILL trip knox, this will probably prevent you from receiving OTA updates to your device....and even if (by some miracle) you did get an OTA, it will remove your root access, and you'll have to start again....
http://i.imgur.com/rVnFwJM.jpg

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