Database Users

How to upgrade after root

HI.
I really liked the idea of keeping pretty stock (ie no custom rom).. but just tweaking with root / xposed etc.
But.. doing that I now cant install firmware upgrades...
Is it possible to remove root so that ota firmware upgrades work? Have no idea as in the past I've just had custom roms..
Thanks!

llewelld said:
HI.
I really liked the idea of keeping pretty stock (ie no custom rom).. but just tweaking with root / xposed etc.
But.. doing that I now cant install firmware upgrades...
Is it possible to remove root so that ota firmware upgrades work? Have no idea as in the past I've just had custom roms..
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One of the mods will probably move this to Q&A as its where you should be asking this question.
Anyways if your sticking with stock and rooted but want to update the firmware as they come out you simply get it via a full firmware flash from Samsung's own Kies 3 software.
Doing this however breaks your root and any apps/mods that you've installed to the system partition however you can simply just re-root and reinstall any system apps/mods you happened to have installed there.
This is not a big deal and is generally quick and painless.
Also remember that if you use a custom recovery TWRP or CWM doing a full firmware flash will restore the stock recovery and you will half to re-flash that back as well.
You wont get notifications about updates however since your rooted and OTA gone. Just keep an eye on things for your specific device and region for updates. People generally post here on XDA about the new updates when their available as well as firmware update news from Sammobile.com
You can also plug your phone into your computer with Kies3 running and it will check to see if your on the latest firmware available as a way of manually checking.

II had the same doubt. Thank you for the clear explanation.

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

[Q] How to update to 5.0.1

Hi,
Im from the netherlands and noticed that the update for 5.0.1 is available.
I have the Exynos (N910C) version android 4.4.4 rooted installed now.
I have changed dpi settings true xposed.
What is the best way to update to the new version 5.0.1 ?
Thanks,
Roy

I have used the auto root to root the stock rom.

N910C is Exynos, not Snapdragon, so choose your ROM carefully.
Best way to upgrade is to backup everything first, then install new ROM with Odin (download correct version from sammobile), then root using your method of choice (I personally recommend flashing TWRP recovery and choose root on exit).
After that, you can restore everything you need from the backups.

roytyo said:
Hi,
Im from the netherlands and noticed that the update for 5.0.1 is available.
I have the snapdragon (N910C) version android 4.4.4 rooted installed now.
I have changed dpi settings true xposed.
What is the best way to update to the new version 5.0.1 ?
Thanks,
Roy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your device was rooted and no way to upgrade 5.0.1 via OTA. The only way now is download latest Firmware (for your Area) on Sammobile.com or similar website then using Odin to upgrade. Remember: full wipe on recovery first then flashing FW via Odin on Downloadmod.

Thanks for the awnsers. i meant the Exynos, sorry for that.
I havent tryed to update it true normal update way becouse i thought this wasnt possible as my device is rooted.
So i might try if i can do this?
Roy

OTA will fail because you tripped Knox when you rooted.
Besides, lollipop brings a new bootloader, modem and csc, so even if you choose to flash a custom lollipop ROM, you still need to upgrade those using Odin.

silvake said:
OTA will fail because you tripped Knox when you rooted.
Besides, lollipop brings a new bootloader, modem and csc, so even if you choose to flash a custom lollipop ROM, you still need to upgrade those using Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice.
My device was imported from hungary and i found this one on sammobile :
http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/download/44754/N910CXXU1BOC3_N910COXX1BOC1_XEH/
does this also incule the new bootloader, modem and csc ?
Roy

Yes, it seems ok.

silvake said:
Yes, it seems ok.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks,
I have installed the 5.0.1 version true odin without doing a full wipe. I still have all my apps and files and it seems to work oke.
Did i have to do a full because of the battery draining stuff? or is it oke like this?
Roy

Should be fine as it is, but a full wipe once in a while never hurts...
If you notice something wrong, battery drain, lag or even applications force-close, then why not... perform a full wipe and restore your apps and settings gradually.

Make sure you backup everything, i failed my stock update to android 5..0.1 (OTA), and now i still didnt found anyway to get my data back, it remains dead there

Titanium Backup FTW

New around here. Some doubts.

Hello.
Ever since I bought a Galaxy Nexus and found XDA, my life changed. Without noticing I got infected a virus: addiction to Android.
My Nexus got outdated quickly and now is pretty done and I need a new toy. 3,5 years later I finally got some spare money to buy a new phone. Since here in Portugal the minimum wage is around 500€ and top flagship phones cost around 700€ (and there's no affordable contract to get something cheaper and still nice), I had to wait until now to get a used Note 3 for 300€.
I love the phone's design and above all the specs. There's no other phone with 3GB RAM and Snap 800 for this price and I always liked big sized phones.
Well, I write too much unnecessary info... I need to stop
Let's get down to the point. I will get the phone tomorrow!!
TL;DR
How do I check the bootloader version? I want to flash TWRP right away and maybe install a Note4/5 port or something stock Android, do I need to be careful with the bootloader?
I know from other phones (i.e LG G2) that any custom rom uses KK bootloader and the stock roms use their respective version bootloader. Is this also true for the Note?
Also, which version of TWRP should I flash? Does it depend on the stock rom version that I have?
Checking if the device has 2.3x GB of available RAM, if Odin and Recovery have their stock aspect and if the S-Pen works is enough to ensure that the Note I'm getting is truly original?
Well, that's all. I'm sorry if I'm asking the same questions everyone does. I'm used to Nexus so I'm afraid of bricking the Note with dumb moves. That's why I am taking my time to read every important thread and asking here some doubts that went into my mind while doing the required reading. I have no warranty (no box nor invoice) so I can't afford to mess up with the new babe
Cheers!

This app!
diogofd8 said:
Hello.
Ever since I bought a Galaxy Nexus and found XDA, my life changed. Without noticing I got infected a virus: addiction to Android.
My Nexus got outdated quickly and now is pretty done and I need a new toy. 3,5 years later I finally got some spare money to buy a new phone. Since here in Portugal the minimum wage is around 500€ and top flagship phones cost around 700€ (and there's no affordable contract to get something cheaper and still nice), I had to wait until now to get a used Note 3 for 300€.
I love the phone's design and above all the specs. There's no other phone with 3GB RAM and Snap 800 for this price and I always liked big sized phones.
Well, I write too much unnecessary info... I need to stop
Let's get down to the point. I will get the phone tomorrow!!
TL;DR
How do I check the bootloader version? I want to flash TWRP right away and maybe install a Note4/5 port or something stock Android, do I need to be careful with the bootloader?
I know from other phones (i.e LG G2) that any custom rom uses KK bootloader and the stock roms use their respective version bootloader. Is this also true for the Note?
Also, which version of TWRP should I flash? Does it depend on the stock rom version that I have?
Checking if the device has 2.3x GB of available RAM, if Odin and Recovery have their stock aspect and if the S-Pen works is enough to ensure that the Note I'm getting is truly original?
Well, that's all. I'm sorry if I'm asking the same questions everyone does. I'm used to Nexus so I'm afraid of bricking the Note with dumb moves. That's why I am taking my time to read every important thread and asking here some doubts that went into my mind while doing the required reading. I have no warranty (no box nor invoice) so I can't afford to mess up with the new babe
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en
this app will help you confirm your phone.
then you can proceed flashing twrp and supersu, things are so easy for N9005
and Welcome Aboard

Install phone info samsung from playstore. It could tell a lot about your phone.
To make it easy as long as the phone is running with android version 4.4.2 and above you should use twrp 4.4. If 4.3 use the right one for 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G925F

White Note3 do you have? There are several versions made by Samsung.
Regardless of the bootloader on the phone, I recommend using the latest TWRP as the latest TWRP can be used to flash all ROMs and zip files. Find your device from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
Before moving to custom ROMs, I also recommend installing the latest bootlloader and ROM.
Not sure if your phone still has warranty but if it does, I would not change the ROM or root because doing either may trip the knox counter and void the warranty.

nijom said:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.vndnguyen.phoneinfo&hl=en
this app will help you confirm your phone.
then you can proceed flashing twrp and supersu, things are so easy for N9005
and Welcome Aboard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I will keep the link in my favorites and install the app when I get the chance to test things.
Rosli59564 said:
Install phone info samsung from playstore. It could tell a lot about your phone.
To make it easy as long as the phone is running with android version 4.4.2 and above you should use twrp 4.4. If 4.3 use the right one for 4.3.
Sent from my SM-G925F
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I'm pretty sure it has 4.4.x or lollipop. Should I update to any of those versions (just in case it comes with 4.3) first and then install TWRP?
audit13 said:
White Note3 do you have? There are several versions made by Samsung.
Regardless of the bootloader on the phone, I recommend using the latest TWRP as the latest TWRP can be used to flash all ROMs and zip files. Find your device from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
Before moving to custom ROMs, I also recommend installing the latest bootlloader and ROM.
Not sure if your phone still has warranty but if it does, I would not change the ROM or root because doing either may trip the knox counter and void the warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The phone doesn't come with box nor invoice so I don't have any warranty xd
What is the number or version of the latest bootloader?

What is the model # of the phone? There is the n-900t, n9005, n-900w8, etc.

N9005, it's the european unlocked version

The model # is important when asking questions because the AT&T version of the note 3 has a locked bootloader so it's more complicated to flash custom recovery and to get root.
If you want to run custom ROMs, I recommend upgrading to the latest modem and bootloader, install a custom recovery, back up your stock ROM, and try some custom ROMs to see which one you like.
Look for the tar version of TWRP for your phone from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
You can flash TWRP with Odin.

audit13 said:
The model # is important when asking questions because the AT&T version of the note 3 has a locked bootloader so it's more complicated to flash custom recovery and to get root.
If you want to run custom ROMs, I recommend upgrading to the latest modem and bootloader, install a custom recovery, back up your stock ROM, and try some custom ROMs to see which one you like.
Look for the tar version of TWRP for your phone from here: https://twrp.me/Devices/
You can flash TWRP with Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll get the phone tomorrow!!!!!
So, by upgrading to the latest official rom avaiable I'll have the most recent modem and bootloader, right?
Do I need to follow the order you mentioned: modem->bootloader->recovery->backup->croms or can I flash TWRP, backup every partition, flash most recent modem and bootloader (not sure if I can flash a bootloader) and then install croms?

No, only flashing a newer custom ROM won't update your Bootloader and Modem. You will need to flash those files separately via Odin. Then you can flash the custom ROM you want. The order is simple. Get a custom recovery first, TWRP. Then update your Modem and Bootloader. Then wipe the device from TWRP (full wipe, take backup beforehand if you need) and flash the custom ROM of your choice.

Safest way to upgrade the modem and bootloader is via ota update on a completely stock unrooted rom with stock recovery. After the phone is running the latest rom, then start with customization.

audit13 said:
Safest way to upgrade the modem and bootloader is via ota update on a completely stock unrooted rom with stock recovery. After the phone is running the latest rom, then start with customization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the phone and managed to update it to 5.0 -> n9005xxugboa1
Is it the latest version or should I update it to another one?

BOD2 appears to be the latest according to sammobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N9005/

audit13 said:
BOD2 appears to be the latest according to sammobile.com: http://www.sammobile.com/firmwares/database/SM-N9005/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm from Portugal but the phone is unlocked (no carrier) and they only have firmware for carrier notes... Which one should I download and flash?
Also... with a G2 I flashed a .kdz file (official rom) and ended up with a bricked phone (later fixed via warranty), but I have no warranty in this phone, how can I make sure that the file is safe?

Just check for software updates from your phone.

audit13 said:
Just check for software updates from your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says the phone is already at the latest version. I've cleaned framework services and checked again but got the same result.

Try removing the SIM card and moving the date ahead by two days, then try again.

audit13 said:
Try removing the SIM card and moving the date ahead by two days, then try again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done that, no update avaiable. Connected to Kies3, no update avaiable.
Is it really in a old version? It's 5.0. Do I really need the latest version to start flashing a recovery?
Also, can I use the recovery without flashing it? I want to check if it works nicely before flashing if it is possible. TWRP can be used to flash any rom right? I'm interested in trying darklord first.

Yes, you can flash recovery without updating. I suggested updating because the update probably deals with the stage fright bug.

How to return to original firmware from CM13

Hello everybody,
I have a Moto x play running CM 13. I followed the process listed somewhere in this forum and successfully installed cm 13.
Bad news is my laptop got stolen at uni. I had installed Motorola drivers and all that stuff in there, so now I'm wondering if I can go through this process without that laptop. I hope I can.
I only have the cellphone and I would like to return it to its original firmware so I can sell it.
Is there a safe way to do this without "bricking" my phone? I'm not very well versed in these processes and managed to install cm13 only because the procedure was very clear. I hope you guys can help me!
The original carrier is Iusacell (Mexico), although the cellphone itself is unlocked and takes any Sim.
thanks in advance!

gabrsmn said:
Hello everybody,
I have a Moto x play running CM 13. I followed the process listed somewhere in this forum and successfully installed cm 13.
Bad news is my laptop got stolen at uni. I had installed Motorola drivers and all that stuff in there, so now I'm wondering if I can go through this process without that laptop. I hope I can.
I only have the cellphone and I would like to return it to its original firmware so I can sell it.
Is there a safe way to do this without "bricking" my phone? I'm not very well versed in these processes and managed to install cm13 only because the procedure was very clear. I hope you guys can help me!
The original carrier is Iusacell (Mexico), although the cellphone itself is unlocked and takes any Sim.
thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
to flash original firmware without PC you can use Chainfire's Flashfirehttp://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/flashfire-t3075433, however - it's still kinda experimental, needs some knowlege, and I'm not really sure if it supports our device. Reading through its thread may give you some clues. This will not revert your phone to out-of-the-box condition - that would take relocking your bootloader and PC is needed to do so (warranty will be still voided anyway). So maybe just try flashing some stock ROM in TWRP. The procedure will be the same as flashing CM.

minimale_ldz said:
to flash original firmware without PC you can use Chainfire's Flashfirehttp://forum.xda-developers.com/general/paid-software/flashfire-t3075433, however - it's still kinda experimental, needs some knowlege, and I'm not really sure if it supports our device. Reading through its thread may give you some clues. This will not revert your phone to out-of-the-box condition - that would take relocking your bootloader and PC is needed to do so (warranty will be still voided anyway). So maybe just try flashing some stock ROM in TWRP. The procedure will be the same as flashing CM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel more comfortable with the second option. I found this github with MXP ROMs for my country and carrier: https://github.com/motoxplay/stock
I honestly can't remember if I had it at the beginning with Android 5 or 6. What happens if I flash Android 6 and it originally was 5? I suppose I should make a backup "nandroid" first.
BTW, can the bootloader be locked again via a new PC?

gabrsmn said:
I feel more comfortable with the second option. I found this github with MXP ROMs for my country and carrier: https://github.com/motoxplay/stock
I honestly can't remember if I had it at the beginning with Android 5 or 6. What happens if I flash Android 6 and it originally was 5? I suppose I should make a backup "nandroid" first.
BTW, can the bootloader be locked again via a new PC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing newer firmware won't break anything, it's a normal update. Worse thing would be if you tried to flash Lollipop over Marshmallow.
Making backup is always a good idea, do mind however, that flashing full stock firmware means overwriting your TWRP with stock recovery. Also, be aware the files you linked are actually firmware and not TWRP flashable zips.
And yes, you should be able to relock bootloader with original firmware.