Database Users

Installing Android 4.3 Stock on Samsung S4 GTi9505?

OK, heres the situation, I recently got an S4 phone here in Europe UNLOCKED.
I want to know how to install the Stock version of Android 4.3 on this phone (cureent version is 4.2.2).
* Do I have to ROOT the phone?
* Do I have to install or flash ROMs or install custom ROMs?
* My carrier is T-Mobile.
If its too too complicated or running the risk of "bricking" my phone to do this, then I would just pass and stick with the default Samsung's Android version.
Is there any detailed step-by-step guides to this?
One more VERY VERY important question. I also run Samsung KNOX for security. If I would have the Stock Google version of Android on this, will the Samsung KNOX feature be wiped out???
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/samsung-knox#con02
Thanks in advance!

itsonlyme999 said:
OK, heres the situation, I recently got an S4 phone here in Europe UNLOCKED.
I want to know how to install the Stock version of Android 4.3 on this phone (cureent version is 4.2.2).
* Do I have to ROOT the phone?
* Do I have to install or flash ROMs or install custom ROMs?
* My carrier is T-Mobile.
If its too too complicated or running the risk of "bricking" my phone to do this, then I would just pass and stick with the default Samsung's Android version.
Is there any detailed step-by-step guides to this?
One more VERY VERY important question. I also run Samsung KNOX for security. If I would have the Stock Google version of Android on this, will the Samsung KNOX feature be wiped out???
http://www.samsung.com/global/business/mobile/solution/security/samsung-knox#con02
Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes, Root, download GooManager from playstore install a Custom Recovery.
2. Install the rom from the zip file via the custom recovery
3. Yes there are plenty of guides, check out youtube videos. Just search for install 4.3 Samsung S4....
4. Yes you risk bricking your device, there is always an element of RISK.
5. Samsung KNOX will not be there.

nookcoloruser said:
1. Yes, Root, download GooManager from playstore install a Custom Recovery.
2. Install the rom from the zip file via the custom recovery
3. Yes there are plenty of guides, check out youtube videos. Just search for install 4.3 Samsung S4....
4. Yes you risk bricking your device, there is always an element of RISK.
5. Samsung KNOX will not be there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, forget it. My day to day work environment MUST require the use of the KNOX feature. It is a requirement and must have it.
But thanks anyway for the help.

There is no need to root. Just flash custom recovery via Odin and follow the next steps above.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app

KNOX feature is Touchwiz framework... Since your workplace force you have KNOX enabled, you cannot flash 4.3 (there is no 4.3 TW ROM) nor keep root permission (KNOX). Id rather stick with stock if I were you.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium

Radukk said:
KNOX feature is Touchwiz framework... Since your workplace force you have KNOX enabled, you cannot flash 4.3 (there is no 4.3 TW ROM) nor keep root permission (KNOX). Id rather stick with stock if I were you.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahhhh, my fault. I think I mis giuded you all here.
Its OK if I still have the 4.2.2 version of Android. But, I would like steps on how to install the Google Stock Android version KEEPING version 4.2.2. It does not have to be 4.3 at this point.
If its very complicated, then I will buy the S4 Google Play edition in the future.

The play edition will still not have Knox
Skickat från min GT-I9505 med Tapatalk 4 Beta

I want to ask a question. Will samsung galaxy s4 GT-I9505 be able to update to 4.3 stock android (like google play edition) via OTA? I dont want to root the phone,and i am enough patient to wait until 4.3 stock is released for this model.

fiogos said:
I want to ask a question. Will samsung galaxy s4 GT-I9505 be able to update to 4.3 stock android (like google play edition) via OTA? I dont want to root the phone,and i am enough patient to wait until 4.3 stock is released for this model.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Touchwiz version out next month. Google edition had touchwiz frame work also mind you so isn't truly stock. The two devices are completely different and the Google edition rom will not be available for this phone. Outside of custom rom that is.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app

MK2 Clarification

Okay, so I've been lurking these threads and I'd like to see if someone could clarify a few things. I come from the S3 which was a lot more simpler than the s4.
I recently bought a Galaxy S4 AT&T 32GB with MK2 ota installed. My understanding is that you cannot go back. I am fine with that, touchwiz is actually just fine and dandy on 4.3 (at least for me it is.) I do however, have a few questions in regards to the rooting process.
Rooting:
1. From what I understand, MK2 has a few privacy-concerned root methods. Once I root, I can proceed to the next question, correct?
Installing Roms:
2. After you root, from what I understand, you install a side strap program that creates partitions on your internal SDcard to install roms (side by side?) However, there is no currently stable SS for MK2. When a stable version of SS does come out, I can use it to install roms (particularly Virgin GPE sounds enticing to me, i love pure stock without much extra features) even with the boot loader being locked?
3. SS also voids the warranty, is that correct?
4. I am hearing knox is sort of like the new flash counter for S4, except it doesn't really count, it just voids your warranty, is that correct?
Thanks in advance to the community, you guys are doing an awesome job.

Dont try to flash a rom or recovery with mk2
itszcharlie said:
Okay, so I've been lurking these threads and I'd like to see if someone could clarify a few things. I come from the S3 which was a lot more simpler than the s4.
I recently bought a Galaxy S4 AT&T 32GB with MK2 ota installed. My understanding is that you cannot go back. I am fine with that, touchwiz is actually just fine and dandy on 4.3 (at least for me it is.) I do however, have a few questions in regards to the rooting process.
Rooting:
1. From what I understand, MK2 has a few privacy-concerned root methods. Once I root, I can proceed to the next question, correct?
Installing Roms:
2. After you root, from what I understand, you install a side strap program that creates partitions on your internal SDcard to install roms (side by side?) However, there is no currently stable SS for MK2. When a stable version of SS does come out, I can use it to install roms (particularly Virgin GPE sounds enticing to me, i love pure stock without much extra features) even with the boot loader being locked?
3. SS also voids the warranty, is that correct?
4. I am hearing knox is sort of like the new flash counter for S4, except it doesn't really count, it just voids your warranty, is that correct?
Thanks in advance to the community, you guys are doing an awesome job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
from mf3 to mk2 you cannont flash roms.................but with hashcodes fix you only can flash 4.2.2 roms with a thing called safestrap look around and check out his blog he hasnt posted anything about an mk2 fix but he's working on it......btw im on mf3 and using safestrap and running a 4.2.2 google edition rom
http://blog.hash-of-codes.com/ <- blog
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1391900 <- safestrap recovery (not compatible with MK2 yet)
sorry bro you cant flash roms yet he's working on a fix
hope i helped

DyslexicTurtle said:
from mf3 to mk2 you cannont flash roms.................but with hashcodes fix you only can flash 4.2.2 roms with a thing called safestrap look around and check out his blog he hasnt posted anything about an mk2 fix but he's working on it......btw im on mf3 and using safestrap and running a 4.2.2 google edition rom
http://blog.hash-of-codes.com/ <- blog
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1391900 <- safestrap recovery (not compatible with MK2 yet)
sorry bro you cant flash roms yet he's working on a fix
hope i helped
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay so if I understand this correctly, once his 4.3 fix for mk2 is out, I am able to install GPE 4.3? Are there any downsides to this? I'm hearing you have to use the touchwiz kernel because of some kind of overwrite protection. is that the case here?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

No at this point when he updates it to mk2....what I understand is that only 4.2.2 Roms are compatible with safestrap as of now
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

DyslexicTurtle said:
No at this point when he updates it to mk2....what I understand is that only 4.2.2 Roms are compatible with safestrap as of now
Sent from my SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's only ROM's that work with the stock kernel. Since our stock kernel is now 4.3, we can only use 4.3 ROMs.
There is a safe rooting method and you can find the thread in the general section. Hashcode is working on Safestrap for MK2, and is close as he made it for the Verizon S4 already. When the stable version comes out you can use 4.3 Touchwiz roms and GPE since it runs on a stock S4 kernel. Technically rooting voids the warranty by itself, but people just flash their phones back to stock in order to circumvent this. KNOX is a set of security tools for businesses and such, and for us it does add a counter to the bootloader that voids warranty.

itszcharlie said:
Rooting:
1. From what I understand, MK2 has a few privacy-concerned root methods. Once I root, I can proceed to the next question, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. There is a safe and easy method.
Here is the method: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
It's for the Verizon version of our phone, but it works.
itszcharlie said:
Installing Roms:
2. After you root, from what I understand, you install a side strap program that creates partitions on your internal SDcard to install roms (side by side?) However, there is no currently stable SS for MK2. When a stable version of SS does come out, I can use it to install roms (particularly Virgin GPE sounds enticing to me, i love pure stock without much extra features) even with the boot loader being locked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no safestrap for MK2 (which is Android 4.3) yet. I'm not familiar with the Rom you're talking about. If you look around a bit, there's a post that details the roms available for MF3. I'd imagine that list will be similar for MK2
itszcharlie said:
3. SS also voids the warranty, is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know. Wouldn't worry about it. If you need your warranty, go back to stock.
itszcharlie said:
4. I am hearing knox is sort of like the new flash counter for S4, except it doesn't really count, it just voids your warranty, is that correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is actually part of Samsung's Enterprise security system. They developed Knox and all this other iPhoney lock-down crap as part of a push to win government & corporate contracts. My understanding is that the Knox counter voids the Knox warranty, not the warranty on the phone. You should locate the warranty and read it for yourself.

thanks for the thorough explanation. this clears a lot of things up.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

To Root and to Tinker--Rooting and Recovery

So, I'm new to the locked bootloader scene. The root & ROM threads, tutorials, and videos seem to root via a Terminal Emulator process, then install Safestrap. Those same sites and videos say that when you're flashing a ROM after selecting a new ROM Slot, you have to flash "whatever modules and packages are for your device", whatever that means. Since I can't find these packages anywhere, is it safe to assume that I can just root, install Safestrap, create a ROM Slot, and start flashing away as if nothing's up? Or do I need to worry about this boot patch and some "Loki Doki" thing I heard about. I'm sure these answers exist, and I've done my due diligence, but these threads have either been buried for good, or are such a common a knowledge subset that I can't find anything concrete. Even the videos I've seen talk about the "modules" you have to flash. I'm an experienced Androidist, tinkerer, and tweaker. The information I'm finding doesn't provide you with the big picture. It's all, "MJ2 read this, and follow these 9 steps", and "mk2 follow these 10 steps". But none of them tell you what to do in Safe strap recovery, and if you needs some Loki/module magic.
Help a brotha out? I'll return the favor 10-fold, I can promise you that much. I'll be quite active around here.
Thanks!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

First off you never said what baseband you were on but assuming that your on MK2 android 4.3 then let's start.
Use this method to root your device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569827
Since your on mk2 you can ONLY use safe strap 3.71 do not attempt to install safe strap 3.65 AND SAFE STRAP WILL BE THE ONLY RECOVERY YOU CAN INSTALL!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
And note that 3.71 is still in beta as of right now there are still bugs and YOU CAN ONLY FLASH A COUPLE OF ROMS.
From the same thread cause I know your not going to go through the forums and read, download the attmk2module.zip that ted77usa posted
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
Root your device
Install safestrap after install, install recovery in safestrap apk.
There's only a few Roms you can flash
Darthstalker x in the att android development forum
Hyperdrive 12 in the Verizon android development forum download the one that says safestrap
A few have noted that some other Roms work but I haven't tested it out do some more reading.
After you download a rom
Reboot your device and go into safestrap recovery
Create a ROM slot ON ROM SLOT 1
DO NOT MESS WITH YOUR STOCK SLOT!
After creating a ROM slot go to install and install your rom.
After successfully installing a ROM reboot then go back into recovery and install the attmk2module.zip
Reboot and instead of going into recovery this time continue
It will take awhile to load its normal.
Now you should have a ROM.
Now go tinker with that.
AT&T SGH-I337 RUNNING HYPERDRIVE 12

ATTMK2kernelmodules Original Post i don't think u would like to go over 1000 post on that thread..... and at the bottom there is SHOstock_v3.0_Safestrap_Ready link that also confirmed work by several people.......hope this help u to get start it..... .
Bootloader:................Use:...................Custom Rom:
MDL/MDB.......................LOKI.....................4.2.2......4.3.....4.4 ALL WORK (....LUCKY U....)
MF3................................SS-v3.65................ONLY FLASH 4.2.2 ROM (Slot1,Slot2 and Stock ALL WORK)
MK2................................SS-v3.71................SOME 4.3 ROM WORK (Slot1,Slot2 and Stock ALL WORK (confirmed))

[email protected] said:
First off you never said what baseband you were on but assuming that your on MK2 android 4.3 then let's start.
Use this method to root your device
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2569827
Since your on mk2 you can ONLY use safe strap 3.71 do not attempt to install safe strap 3.65 AND SAFE STRAP WILL BE THE ONLY RECOVERY YOU CAN INSTALL!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
And note that 3.71 is still in beta as of right now there are still bugs and YOU CAN ONLY FLASH A COUPLE OF ROMS.
From the same thread cause I know your not going to go through the forums and read, download the attmk2module.zip that ted77usa posted
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
Root your device
Install safestrap after install, install recovery in safestrap apk.
There's only a few Roms you can flash
Darthstalker x in the att android development forum
Hyperdrive 12 in the Verizon android development forum download the one that says safestrap
A few have noted that some other Roms work but I haven't tested it out do some more reading.
After you download a rom
Reboot your device and go into safestrap recovery
Create a ROM slot ON ROM SLOT 1
DO NOT MESS WITH YOUR STOCK SLOT!
After creating a ROM slot go to install and install your rom.
After successfully installing a ROM reboot then go back into recovery and install the attmk2module.zip
Reboot and instead of going into recovery this time continue
It will take awhile to load its normal.
Now you should have a ROM.
Now go tinker with that.
AT&T SGH-I337 RUNNING HYPERDRIVE 12
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're perfect in every way. ? Bromance FTW
You even answer threads like me. This helped a TON! I owe ya one.
Edit: last question. The instructions say to install the ROM, reboot, then install the modules. I assume that the reboot instruction means that we should reboot, boot into the ROM for the first time, then boot back into recovery and install the modules?
Or should I flash the ROM, power down, then boot into recovery (ensuring that the ROM is never booted before the modules are installed)-- I suppose I could just use the reboot recovery option in the Safestrap TWRP.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

ted77usa said:
ATTMK2kernelmodules Original Post i don't think u would like to go over 1000 post on that thread..... and the on the bottom is SHOstock_v3.0_Safestrap_Ready link that also confirmed work by several people.......hope this help u to get start it..... .
Bootloader:................Use:...................Custom Rom:
MDL/MDB.......................LOKI.....................4.2.2......4.3.....4.4 ALL WORK (....LUCKY U....)
MF3................................SS-v3.65................ONLY FLASH 4.2.2 ROM (Slot1,Slot2 and Stock ALL WORK)
MK2................................SS-v3.71................SOME 4.3 ROM WORK (Slot1,Slot2 and Stock ALL WORK (confirmed))
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's SHOStock? An alternative to the ATTMK2Module?
<3 I can see that this is a bangin' start to an awesome and new relationship, between me, my S4, and my new home...the S4 community.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

By the way...since the ROM selection is limited, I assume heavy XPosed use is okay, and quite common?
Which ROM do you guys prefer?
I assume that sites and articles like this one: http://www.droidviews.com/best-custom-roms-for-att-samsung-galaxy-s4-sgh-i337/
aren't reliable sources--they probably don't take into account the the ATT S4 compatibility issues. This is showing CM11, Carbon, KangaBean, Infamous...am I correct in my assumption that those are for the lucky birdies that had MDL/MDB, and didn't need Safestrap?
Has someone put together a compatibility/guide megathread? I think I will if it hasn't been done.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Jamesyboy said:
What's SHOStock? An alternative to the ATTMK2Module?
<3 I can see that this is a bangin' start to an awesome and new relationship, between me, my S4, and my new home...the S4 community.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Welcome aboard!!!! Firstable are u on MF3 firmware or MK2 frimware......? both are using SafeStrap (SS) as custom recovery as of right now. Like i said on previous post MF3 use SS-v3.65 so that u able to install only 4.2.2 TW custom rom or 4.2.2 Google Play Edition (GPE) rom. If u are on MK2 firmware u can only use SS-v3.71 and able to install some of 4.3 custom rom (SHOstock-v3.0-Safestrap-Ready) is one of them that worked......Hyperdrive-RL12 from verizon thread also seem pretty good but u need to add your APN manually if u are on ATT network. Both firmware MF3 and MK2 are use different kernel modules, so after flashing custom Rom you NEED to flash your current firmware kernel modules also, otherwise u won't be able to connect to WiFi,bluetooth,gps etc..... hope this make sense to you......i know is kinda confusing ......but the more u read is the more it would make sense.... Check this thread for list of compatible rom Official AT&T S4 Safestrap Discussion Q/A

One more thing. My S4 will be here tomorrow. Let's say I get lucky and find MDL/MDB on my device. Do I need to hurry and avoid a software update, or avoid a data connection? Or do the updates proceed only with user interaction? The rooting is the same for all 3 devices, but if I do get MDL/MDB or the next one, I'll have to update the baseband before flashing newer ROMs, right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

ted77usa said:
Welcome aboard!!!! Firstable are u on MF3 firmware or MK2 frimware......? both are using SafeStrap (SS) as custom recovery as of right now. Like i said on previous post MF3 use SS-v3.65 so that u able to install only 4.2.2 TW custom rom or 4.2.2 Google Play Edition (GPE) rom. If u are on MK2 firmware u can only use SS-v3.71 and able to install some of 4.3 custom rom (SHOstock-v3.0-Safestrap-Ready) is one of them......Hyperdrive-RL12 from verizon thread also seem pretty good but u need to add your APN manually if u are on ATT network. Both firmware MF3 and MK2 are use different kernel modules, so after flashing custom Rom you NEED to flash your cureent firmware kernel modules also otherwise u won't be able to connect to WiFi,bluetooth,gps etc..... hope this make sense to you......i know is kinda confusing ......but the more u read is the more it would make sense....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It makes sense, I'm mostly just unfamiliar, as opposed to being completely useless, but you guys have been amazing...you've already shot me up to about 80% on a distribution curve.
Why would anyone stick with MF3? MK2 is an update for MF3, right? Why don't those users update, then safestrap 3.71 it, so they can use 4.3 roms? It'd seem kinda funky to me to be stuck with a 4-2 ROM by choice, unless they're doing it solely for the GPE ROM.
These firmware kernel modules...I'll have the same modules for each ROM I flash right? Or are these modules a .zip that I'll find in each ROM thread, for each carrier.
By the way, APN settings don't scare me. Here, you might actually appreciate this work--done right after ATT's LTE network came online (I believe the Note was the first device that utilized it?...If it wasn't, it was definitely the first to tax the network.)::
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=26877683
Edit: the Q&A thread for Safe strap was reasonable...but it still talks about kernel flashes, and blown QFusee (har?)
I guess I mainly need to come to grips with the kernel situation. The Q&A says that you can't use custom kernels if you've updated to OTA, but doesn't mention factory MF3 builds, and it isn't really very clear about the module/kernel module situation.
You said I need to flags my **current** firmware kernel modules: are those different if I get a device with MF3 than those for MK2? Or are these just modules that I create myself (based upon whatever's in my stock ROM slot maybe?) in recovery?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Jamesyboy said:
One more thing. My S4 will be here tomorrow. Let's say I get lucky and find MDL/MDB on my device. Do I need to hurry and avoid a software update, or avoid a data connection? Or do the updates proceed only with user interaction? The rooting is the same for all 3 devices, but if I do get MDL/MDB or the next one, I'll have to update the baseband before flashing newer ROMs, right?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think u can get MDB/MDL firmware again these days.....but if u do....damn u are pretty lucky....my suggestion is Do Not insert your ATT sim card yet ....since they can do OTA update ( On The Air ).....and check your baseband....IF u do ....root it right away....install titanium back up and freeze/uninstall ATT software update.apk......install custom recovery CWM or TWRP ..... and make sure u have auto loki recovery....if not save loki.doki patch on your Sd Card....PM me for the link and all the files .....i still have the files since i used to have MDB firmware and got replacement phone from ATT when my son broke the screen....:crying:
Jamesyboy said:
It makes sense, I'm mostly just unfamiliar, as opposed to being completely useless, but you guys have been amazing...you've already shot me up to about 80% on a distribution curve.
Why would anyone stick with MF3? MK2 is an update for MF3, right? Why don't those users update, then safestrap 3.71 it, so they can use 4.3 roms? It'd seem kinda funky to me to be stuck with a 4-2 ROM by choice, unless they're doing it solely for the GPE ROM.
These firmware kernel modules...I'll have the same modules for each ROM I flash right? Or are these modules a .zip that I'll find in each ROM thread, for each carrier.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDB>MDL>MF3>MJ6>Mj9>MK2.......the reason of the update is ATT trying to lock bootloader so we won't be able to install custom rom or do what ever we want to the phone.......but either way.....XDA member always found away to cracked it....so some people have to upgrade not by choice.....most of them by accident....like me ( cracked my screen ) or they install wrong recovery.....(bricked) so be careful when installing custom recovery.....like i said....we need to know what kinda firmware that u have so we can help u.....LOL now i got it why u dont know yet....since u dont have the phone yet.......... but is ok.....that's the right thing to do.....get to know your stuff first before u brick your phone.....:good: so basically u need to match your kernel modules with your firmware otherwise it won't be able to connect to Wifi,bluetooth,gps,etc it doesn't matter if u OTA to MF3 or MK2.....or it come with MF3 or MK2....

ted77usa said:
I dont think u can get MDB/MDL firmware again these days.....but if u do....damn u are pretty lucky....my suggestion is Do Not insert your ATT sim card yet ....since they can do OTA update ( On The Air ).....and check your baseband....IF u do ....root it right away....install titanium back up and freeze/uninstall ATT software update.apk......install custom recovery CWM or TWRP ..... and make sure u have auto loki recovery....if not save loki.doki patch on your Sd Card....PM me for the link and all the files .....i still have the files since i used to have MDB firmware and got replacement phone from ATT when my son broke the screen....:crying:
MDB>MDL>MF3>MJ6>Mj9>MK2.......the reason of the update is ATT trying to lock bootloader so we won't be able to install custom rom or do what ever we want to the phone.......but either way.....XDA member always found away to cracked it....so some people have to upgrade not by choice.....most of them by accident....like me ( cracked my screen ) or they install wrong recovery.....(bricked) so be careful when installing custom recovery.....like i said....we need to know what kinda firmware that u have so we can help u.....LOL now i got it why u dont know yet....since u dont have the phone yet.......... but is ok.....that's the right thing to do.....get to know your stuff first before u brick your phone.....:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Groovy! I'll check back in tomorrow! Happy New Years!
(Sent you a PM, as well.)
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app

Help sought: Screwed up my S4 and seeking a fix

Note: Relevant device info will be provided below.
Dear techwizards,
I've been trying to root my phone for a while, I've done it before: both my S II and S III were international variants, and rooting those devices was very simple. But after getting an S IV from America and consensually downloading a samsung issued update -- I had yet to read up on the disadvantages of knox -- my rooting and android experience took a turn for the worse.
Long story short -- I know developers are a proud bunch who value their time -- I tried rooting my phone yesterday after almost smashing my phone on a coffee table. They say it's a well known side effect of Touchwiz, but I'll leave that to you.
I used a towelroot.com root -- a wonderful tool, if I may say so. After that, I visited the CM website and picked out the compatible CM11. I never got to flashing it though, as my problems arose while installing a recovery.
I had downloaded an app, a something recovery or another. They had an option to flash recoveries on there--it would download your recovery for you and do all the work, which seemed plausible as most video tutorials demonstrated. To my astonishment, doing so bricked my phone.
I tracked back, looked for the samsung stock rom, downloaded all 2.2 gb's of it and flashed it. It worked. My phone was functional but I suspect something within it stinks. My device, apparently for security reasons, wont let my wifi or 4g to establish a connection. It's making it impossible for me to fix this problem as I can't root my device or flash a custom rom.
About Device:
Pre problem I was running a:
SGH-I337UCUFNC1 baseband. Build Number ending with: NC1.
Android version: 4.2.2
Post problem:
Baseband: I337UCUFNC1
Build Number: JSS15J.I337UCUEMK2
Android version 4.3.
If I could find my original stock 4.2.2 NC1 version and get simple instructions on how to re-install it back to stock version, I'd be very grateful.
If you know how I could fix the internet issue on the MK2 one, and provide some simple instructions of how to root it, I'd be grateful too.
If you think neither would work, and have something else in mind, Im open to your suggestions.
Much Regards,
Y

You can only use safestrap for the recovery. See in the general forum index, all things at&t....
You can't flash cm, only touch wiz based roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
You can only use safestrap for the recovery. See in the general forum index, all things at&t....
You can't flash cm, only touch wiz based roms
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never got to installing or attempting to install CM.
Things took a turn for the unexpected after I tried installing CMW recovery.
Please reread my post

I've read it. You can't install cwm. That's what had messed up your device. The only recovery you can use is safestrap
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
I've read it. You can't install cwm. That's what had messed up your device. The only recovery you can use is safestrap
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see. Thanks for the info. Do you know what could be done to restore my device to stock? As of now I'm running a MK2 Android 4.3 on a NC1 4.2.2 device and the wifi/4g connection aren't working.

androidshmandroid said:
I see. Thanks for the info. Do you know what could be done to restore my device to stock? As of now I'm running a MK2 Android 4.3 on a NC1 4.2.2 device and the wifi/4g connection aren't working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you look for the thread I pointed you to? In the general forum index, all things at&t... You're going to want to start there. That'll link you to this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49687770
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I957 using XDA Free mobile app

Since your bootloader is already locked, you might as well Odin to stock. Odin to NB1 then use stock recovery to flash the NC1 update from a zip file on a microSD.
Part of the problem is that the NC1 is not 4.2.2 like you listed, but 4.4.2. That's the update you applied that started the sordid tale. When you were on 4.2.2, with bootloader MD<something>, you could have flashed CM or whatever, because you would be able to have TWRP or CWM recovery. When Samsung pushed out a 4.3 update (MK2 I believe) all the unlocked bootloader fun was over, probably permanently for this phone.
When you flashed MK2 firmware (4.3) onto the phone, parts of it don't work with the NC1 baseband, causing the problems you've seen. If you Odin NB1, then do the quick zip update from stock recovery to get all the way to NC1, you'll be back to stock and everything should work.
Once that's done, you can go through this process:
1. Root with Towelroot.
2. Install SuperSU to manage root access. (You might have to reboot, it's a 50%/50% shot... sometimes it hangs trying to disable Knox... no worries just reboot)
3. Install SafeStrap... it will create the safestrap recovery. You might need to install SELinux Mode Changer app (from play store) and set to permissive, to get Safestrap installed.
4. Boot to the SafeStrap recovery. Install any touchwiz rom. Only touchwiz compatible roms will work. I liked GoldenEye.
When installing touchwiz ROMs, typically one flashes the ROM, then SuperSU, then the NC1 modules, then the ATT BuildProp/APN file. Sounds complex but goes quickly. Some roms have some of these things built in.
Good luck! I eventually decided I didn't like the ATT Samsung restrictions of the locked boot loader, and bought a T-Mobile M919 variant of the S4. Unlocked boot loader. Woo hoo. And works fine on ATT.
Marc

Root my note

Hi,
I am not a programmer / developer but just wanted some expert opinion on how to root and what are the advantages. I have now ended my warranty so please can someone let me know:-
1. How to root safely without messing up KNOX
2. Can I bring the device to the same state if something goes wrong while rooting
3. Is there any substitute for firmware updates
Thanks,
Subbu

Rooting trips knox. You can try Towelroot, probably won't work. Flashing recovery will allow you to flash superuser/obtain root, or just flash a new Rom that's pre rooted.
Any samsung device can be Odined back to stock if needed, just not knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app

What version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1(2014) do you have? Towelroot won't work with the p600 or the p601. Also it is better to use Obin then a one click root. Read through this topic it explains the whole process.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

Towel root works for P605 up to latest software update as in the link below. The trick is to downgrade the boot.img using odin to a lower firmware e.g. NF2, root with towel root and then upgrade boot.img back to current firmware version. It keeps Knox 0x0. Try and keep your Knox 0x0 status in case it becomes important to you. Flashing custom recovery and kernels will trip knox, and using other rooting methods is likely to trip it also.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-10-2014/general/p605xxucnj1-firmware-update-t2936219
Good luck.

Thanks for all your responses.
I am looking at orion's website and clear how to root now. Please can someone clarify these for me :-
1. We can root the note but need to remove KNOX (after rooting) as it will not work properly for rooted devices?
2. Is it possible to get the note to the current state if something goes wrong during rooting. If yes, how can we do this?
3. Is it possible to install latest firmwares either from dev community or official Samsung? If it's from the DEV community, then wil it be a simple task of updating firmwares like how we do for official Samsung or do we have to start the process of rooting / stock recovery etc. again?

subram said:
Thanks for all your responses.
I am looking at orion's website and clear how to root now. Please can someone clarify these for me :-
1. We can root the note but need to remove KNOX (after rooting) as it will not work properly for rooted devices?
2. Is it possible to get the note to the current state if something goes wrong during rooting. If yes, how can we do this?
3. Is it possible to install latest firmwares either from dev community or official Samsung? If it's from the DEV community, then wil it be a simple task of updating firmwares like how we do for official Samsung or do we have to start the process of rooting / stock recovery etc. again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. You are correct KNOX will not work and will give annoying and intrusive notification about your tablet being modified. But that is a small price to pay. Your warranty will be invalid after rooting, also a gift from KNOX, and it cannot be reset back to valid.
2. Yes, it is possible to reflash stock through Obin by downloading the firmware from Sammobile.com, not sure if I have the web address right, and flashing it like you do CF-Autoroot and twrp.
3. You cannot take ota updates because it will see the custom recovery and say your system has been modified. Again you can flash official updates from Samsung by using obin and Sammobile or for faster updates use a custom ROM which is actually probably better, but it depends on what you use your tablet for. If you want I can link you to some custom Roms that are stock based or CM based.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

Many thanks Orion. I have SM-P600. Basically, I want to root because I want to remove the official software and other bloatware.
1. Clear
2. By reflashing the stock, you mean setting the note 10.1 2014 to it's original state but through the 'odin-flash method'? So, if I do this, then will I be back to normal (including KNOX) and be able to download firmware updates? How do I do it through
3. What is the difference between sammobile formware and custom ROM?
Two more questions
1. Is it possible to download android 4.4.4 / Android L and install it in my device now than waiting for Samsung to officially release it?
2. Will it be possible to root, remove the unwanted software and then unroot to come back to normal again?

subram said:
2. By reflashing the stock, you mean setting the note 10.1 2014 to it's original state but through the 'odin-flash method'? So, if I do this, then will I be back to normal (including KNOX) and be able to download firmware updates? How do I do it through
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite. Reflashing the stock ROM via Odin will return your device's software configuration to the way it was out of the box. No custom recovery, no root, etc. However, nothing can reset the KNOX counter. Once tripped, it's tripped for good. Reflashing a stock ROM will not allow you to receive OTA updates, you will have to download updates (from SamMobile or another site) and flash via Odin, or use Kies to update. Updating the firmware on your device through either method will cause you to lose root and custom recovery, but you may be able to re-root and reflash custom recovery.
subram said:
3. What is the difference between sammobile formware and custom ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SamMobile only hosts Samsung official stock firmwares for devices.
And yes, you should be able to root, uninstall unwanted system apps, and then unroot. But again, you will be unable to accept OTA updates.

Understood about the fact that if I root, then I should forget about KNOX once and for all.
- Ok, how do I unroot? Is that straightforward.
- If sammobile releases a firmware update for SM-P600 (let's say android 4.4.4 for US), can I install that via KIES (without root) though I am in the UK?
- If I root, I can then install android L as soon as it is available in the DEV community?

subram said:
Understood about the fact that if I root, then I should forget about KNOX once and for all.
- Ok, how do I unroot? Is that straightforward.
- If sammobile releases a firmware update for SM-P600 (let's say android 4.4.4 for US), can I install that via KIES (without root) though I am in the UK?
- If I root, I can then install android L as soon as it is available in the DEV community?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes I have never had to unroot any Samsung device but as far as I know it is just that simple.
2. As long as it is for the p600 then yes it is compatible you should be able to flash without root through Obin.
3. This is a developer to watch this is a CM based rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2938652.
This is a TouchWiz based ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793898. They will be updated quicker then Samsung firmware. Here is a complete list of Roms available for our devices. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2723420
Edit: Forgot another useful post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2878586
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

siralsmooth said:
Rooting trips knox. You can try Towelroot, probably won't work. Flashing recovery will allow you to flash superuser/obtain root, or just flash a new Rom that's pre rooted.
Any samsung device can be Odined back to stock if needed, just not knox.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Speaking of which, how does one go about restoring the P600 back to stock? I'm starting to miss some of the S Pen functionality.

Download the stock firmware and flash via Odin with the tablet in download mode. Backup anything important first.
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium HD app

Chainfire includes an unroot in his SuperSU app, which means you can just root to remove stuff the use the unroot function and then you have stock. There also Roms available that are just debloated stock without root installed. You have to root first to install.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

So, if we root to remove stuff and unroot through SuperSU app, will KNOX mess up again? To be honest, this is all what I want to do.
Another question, if we root, how can we get android L - the same method as odin flash?

1. No knox won't come back if you use the unroot function it just removes root.
2. Yes, obin flash when Samsung release, or install a custom ROM which then you get Lollipop faster.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

I looked at the website for custom ROM. It says I need to have a 'custom recovery' installed and be rooted as well. What do you mean by custom recovery and what should I do to install it?

subram said:
I looked at the website for custom ROM. It says I need to have a 'custom recovery' installed and be rooted as well. What do you mean by custom recovery and what should I do to install it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to first flash this http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2490805 through Obin. Then make sure you have root. Then from the play store download flashify. Once you have flashify open it grant it root access and it should say something about a custom recover chose twrp. Flashify will take you to twrp download 2.6.3 not 2.8.1. Then enjoy your custom ROM.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks Orion. Clear on the process but what is custom ROM and why would I need it?

subram said:
Thanks Orion. Clear on the process but what is custom ROM and why would I need it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't necessarily need a custom rom(can be called custom OS to) but they are updated faster then stock TouchWiz and they run twice as fast because they are slimmed down. Plus you have control of everything. Some people just want want a more pure android experience but with more customization. TouchWiz is a custom ROM of android because it has features pure android doesn't have a.k.a. multi-window and quick settings with KitKat.
Like I said you don't need a custom ROM but it is a lot more fun to play then rooted TouchWiz. I am linking two custom Roms one is TouchWiz based so it has all of Samsung's features. The other is CM which doesn't have any of the cool features of Samsungs TouchWiz. TouchWiz
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2793898. CM http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2936863. There are a ton of different options. My a back up with twrp save it to your SD card and enjoy being rooted.
Sent from my SM-P600 using XDA Free mobile app

Thanks for answering my questions patiently Orion. Ok, so if I follow the steps mentioned in http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2793898, then
1. Will I have Samsung touchwiz ROM and also get all the features mentioned there including notePRO?
2. Will I have multi-window and s-pen features retained?
3. Is the above website free to download?
4. Is it possible to just get the notePRO features after rooting my SM-P600 instead of getting everything from the above website
5. It looks like there is a 1.7 GB file that I need to download in my local PC before I flash it with odin?
6. There is a mention in the above website that we need to be rooted and also have custom ROM installed so If I have to install hyperdrive as per the website, I need to have done both I guess or can I just root my note and directly flash the 1.7 GB with odin without having a custom recovery installed? Also, how is custom recovery different from root?