Database Users

[Q] New S4 with MF3 - Harmful to root?

I recently got a new S4 at the store, and of course, it came with MF3.
My question is, if I choose to root it, which I would really like to, would this potentially block my ability to utilize a future exploit in the bootloader or otherwise negatively impact the phone?
I know I can't un-root the phone for the time being, which is fine, but I would like to root it if there won't be any future issues.

Why would you think there would be issues with a future bootloader exploit?
Root has nothing to do with the bootloaders. If there were ever to be issues, it would be addressed and fixed before it goes public.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

just remember that if you root, and your device takes a poop, you wont have odin as option to fix it nor will you have a backup to restore it since you wont have a custom recovery. dont root if you dont think you'd know how to get it back up and going again. read up. cheers.

graydiggy said:
Why would you think there would be issues with a future bootloader exploit?
Root has nothing to do with the bootloaders. If there were ever to be issues, it would be addressed and fixed before it goes public.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, as you can see I'm not very knowledgeable about the way the phones work and how these exploits deal with the phone software. But I appreciate the info that rooting won't mess with that kind of thing.
xBeerdroiDx said:
just remember that if you root, and your device takes a poop, you wont have odin as option to fix it nor will you have a backup to restore it since you wont have a custom recovery. dont root if you dont think you'd know how to get it back up and going again. read up. cheers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'm wondering what could cause my device to take a poop if I simply root it and install Titanium Backup and some other root apps. Yeah, I've been trying to read up ever since I became a member a couple days ago.
I appreciate the advice, guys. Thanks!

there's a hundred threads spread out over the last couple weeks of people asking what they can do to fix their devices. people that were on MF3, rooted, and suddenly there was a glitch somewhere. whether they deleted something they shouldnt have, installed something they shouldnt have, some random misc unforeseen error, etc.
if i were a user that had a very introductory-level of android knowledge, it would be a no brainer for me: having no root on my device vs having no way to backup/restore via a custom recovery and no odin. i choose stock/unrooted. just keep your eyes peeled. when there is finally an exploit, you'll see it here on xda.

[Q] Getting my S4 on Tues, have some questions to rom/root it.

So I am upgrading from my beloved S3 to the Red S4 now, getting it in on Tues. Thank you employee line deals.. So anyways, I saw some stickies about to avoid the OTA otherwise can not flash a diff kernel, correct? That there are no odin files of the new update.
That being said, How will I know when I get my device in, if they already gave it to me updated or if its where I can custom rom it. Would figure its a certain thing in the status menu part for a version. Dont wanna mess this up, so doing my research now.
Also any custom roms that are super worth it? I know on my S3, I use a nice one with the multi window and floating windows. So if there is a super good one to use, IF I can use one, what is it?
Also does the toolbox program we used for the S3 work for S4? (Havent checked on updates in awhile) cause I need to least root this sucker if I wanna restore my titanium backups.
Anyways thanks for any points in the right direction, this is the part I always hated.. working with a new phone then sitting with it till I study up on all the roms and tweaking of it.

When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.

Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT? Then chances may be slim of anything other than mf3. But I did get a MDL from Walmart (they had black and white if I remember correctly, not sure about red). I got a black one with MDL about a month ago and they had two others in stock. So places like that MAY be a better bet for you.
Now this is MY opinion and take it for what it is worth. I will NEVER be buying another ATT phone due to how hard they are locking the boitloaders down. NEVER... So my next suggestion is get a T-Mobile S4 and you can use it on ATT and it does not have locked bootloaders at this time and hopefully never.
Read all the sticky threads about MF3 and prepare yourself in case you want to keep it. Good luck to you
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

You will have to try out different roms and see for yourself what they have to offer.if it turns out to be MF3 take the most important advice "!!READ!!"
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Before you get your phone read a whole lot about it. Read all the pinned (stickies) threads first. Then keep reading before you do anything with it. Good luck!

RockRatt said:
Also when you first get your box with the phone inside. Look on the outside of the box and it will show which firmware is on it. It will have the last three letters of mdb, MDL, or MF3. All I can say is HOPE for MDL which may or may not be possible. But the red colored ones do not seem to go as fast so HOPEFULLY it is MDL.
Next course of action IF it is MDL is DO NOT connect to WiFi, and I would also suggest NOT putting in the Sim card yet. Download Motochopper by Jbliss and or Casual+motochopper by Adam Outler which will root and install tarp recovery. Then read up from there and flash a ROM.
If it comes with MF3 then you will need to flash SafeStrap to be able to out "some Roms" onto your phone and have root. But safestrap is more limited than what you are used to/what I posted in the paragraph above.
I am GUESSING you are buying it from ATT?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, getting from ATT dealer accounts, while I know I can use T-Mobiles stuff, I wouldnt have the "LTE" ability, which is what is happening now with my TMO S3, I have 4G, yes, but not LTE. So giving that phone to my friend for her upgrade, so she can get LTE with TMO while upgrading myself. Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Qbeezy24 said:
When you get your device got to settings>more>about device and if the the last three characters of the baseband is MF3 then you can only use stock kernels with safestrap recovery and if it is MDL or MDB you can have custom recovery, custom roms with motochopper root. There are some pretty good roms out there. Unfortunately i'm on MF3 cause i got the OTA and it updated overnight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.

Mysticales said:
Now if I am MDL, then woot, I take it its almost business as usual with the way I worked my roms and so of the past?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it would be almost exactly business as usual. Of course READ any Roms HOW TO INSTALL section. About the only difference from the S3 flashing is if you are flashing kernels/Roms make sure the are loki'd or use Loki doki during flashing. Again read up on this.
Mysticales said:
Then lets say I am MF3, now that in itself. may not be "as bad" since honestly, the S3's rom was pretty solid out of the box, just root it and go. Could I assume if I dont wanna put a diff rom on MF3, I could least root the stock rom easy enough and move on? (Plus could use titanium backup to remove the bloat) Seems abit crazy on MF3 and safe strap, sounds like its using the internal storage space to run the rom off of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you can flash some Roms (4.2.2 based Roms) with Safestrap. Read all about safestrap as I do not have it and don't know many if the answers since I cannot test. But the one thing is be VERY CAREFUL removing bloat with tibu, once it is gone you will NOT be able to get it back. Read many horror stories if debloating gone wrong and phone not working.
Mysticales said:
Now in regards to if I am MDL, I assume you mean download motochopper for the pc, then hook up and let it run. Now after that point, is my phone safe from OTA? Do I need to install a new rom right then and there or can I use stock rom and know that I am safe from it updating to MF3. Just making sure I got my notes right for tm morning when it comes in by fedex heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes download either Motochopper or I like "Casual+Motochopper" as it gives you a recovery as well. Either cwm or twrp.
No at that point it is NOT safe from OTA updates, you will need to FREEZE certain apps with tibu.
Check out the Roms section. I haven't used it but I believe there is a "neutered mf3 stock firmware" that has the ota updating parts removed already. If you do NOT freeze the apps ATT set up mf3 to Auto Download and INSTALL mf3. Most users got it while they were sleeping, even if they were only stock and rooted. But IF you have a custom recovery and a ROM on it you will not get the auto update and install.
Mysticales said:
So there is no difference in MDL and MDB? Or was MDL still better? Sounds like really the next couple days are gonna be research and testing.. thats after I put my screen protector on it heh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDB was what came with the phone and MDL was updated within a few weeks if I remember correctly. I believe I still have the mdb bootloaders on my phone and my wife's came with MDL and has those bootloaders. I have seen NO DIFFERENCE as far as flashing or things working differently in my case.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

nash2000 said:
So, being on MF3 will not allow us to flash kernals and we are limited to specific Roms? Are those the major differences? Also, should we stay away from the OTA...I keep hearing about it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I believe you cannot flash kernels with safestrap. And only 4.2.2 based Roms will work and possibly on tw Roms, but there might be one cm variant that would work. Just check out the safestrap thread for more info on all if this. I think they even have a list if tested working Roms there.
No one knows FOR SURE but I believe the new 4.3 update blows a second qfuse, this will make it so you cannot downgrade to anything lower than MJ6.
MF3 blows the first qfuse which is why you cannot downgrade to MDL bases.
Sent From My Spiderman,Ironman,Red,Dark Blue,Green, GreyedOut BadAss Themed I337

Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Mysticales said:
Well I have a mf3 gs4 :/ sooo now then. I don't "mind" stock really too much.. ill miss my drop down toggles I thing more from my gs3. I saw one post that explains using terminal to get root access which is something I know I need for sure. So now then those on mf3 are you too staying on stock and just rooting?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

I just got my phone!!!! I got mine at Costco which I normally get my phone through best buy but there insurance plan stinks now.
Anyways, My phone had the MDF!! So get your phone at Costco!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

[email protected] said:
Kingo root method is an easy one click method that works also. Why stay stock when you can root easily? I was rooted but now on 4.3.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course I am rooted... you think after being a pioneer with a beloved Htc G1, that I would EVER be on a device without root. =p (Man.. the reinstalling of a 100 apps manually alone without titanium backup along with its prefs, config and data would take a week to get right) I used that exFat method.
But yea, even tho I am rooted, I wouldnt "mind" a diff rom.. or least debloat this sucker. Half tempted to see which ATT apps I could get rid of, issue is... no odin to restore to if something messes up. I am sure someone will do a mf3 recovery sometime eh?
Oh... btw, how would I disable any auto OTA that could come in the future?

[Q] Unlocked Bootloader? How to change it back?

I rooted my device a few weeks ago, and 4.3 released earlier, so I completely uninstalled root, through my superuser app. 4.3 downloads, and when it came time to install, it went through the install process in about five seconds, and booted up normally. I have an unlocked bootloader, I need help changing it back to normal? Is there a way?

Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

jball said:
Can we at XDA know what phone model you have and if your
MDL or MF3
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MF3.

How do you have an unlocked bootloader. ? and what leads you to believe its unlocked ?
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Xparent Skyblue Tapatalk 2

Oh he thinks it's unlocked because of the icon on the Samsung splash screen. Lol.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

Lol if you have mf3 the bootloader is NOT unlocked.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

ralphie1267 said:
Please can some one help I'm rooted stock kernal cwm recovery on mdb there is a update that started to download I quick stopped it by shutting off WiFi. How do I no what update this is ? I don't want to mess up by DL mf3 and locking bootloader . but maybe it new update 4.3. What should I do ??
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!

We all know he either wants the padlock gone or back to completely stock rite.
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

drichter12 said:
If you are currently fully rooted and wish to stay that way then you NEVER want to update through your carrier! If you do take the update, your phone will be permanently un-rooted! You should always wait for the developer community to take a look at it and determine what the pit-falls may be and to produce alternatives (update based rooted roms).
And before everyone starts jumping on me for using the word permanently; My feeling is that until proven otherwise, it should always be presumed that the affect will be permanent to emphasize the potential severity of the action. I would be happy to be proven wrong!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.

gj23 said:
Im afraid your statement has already been proven to be wrong. He said he is MDB and the update he is getting would be to MF3 and there is already a root method for that firmware. Permanent is a strong word, especially given the abilities of the developers on XDA, Temporarily is a much more adequate word to use, which would the case for 4.3 MJ9, TEMPORARILY, there isn't a proven SAFE root method....as of yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.

drichter12 said:
I think you missed my point. Yes, there is a a way to root MF3 but not a clean bootloader/recovery replacement. The reason for using the word permanent was to emphasize that there are NO guarantees of root for those who choose to update from the carrier as soon as an update becomes available. I agree that there is a high likelihood that some form of root will be made available but until that method is discovered the user should assume he/she will be stuck with what they have. An excellent example of such is exactly the MF3 release he is talking about. If you receive the MF3 OTA you no longer have an unlocked bootloader available and if you desire running another rom you are stuck with a kludge solution, not a clean one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not real sure what you mean by a "kludge solution", but I'm on MF3 with Safestrap and there are quite a few ROMS available to flash and some of them are as good as any I've run before (excluding none). I would be willing to bet that 4.3 will have root and ROMS available in a very short time. Im quite certian that Hashcode will have Safestrapup and running on 4.3 before ya know it and if not, I'm happy with the device and options I have with it as it is now. I do agree that anyone who chooses to take the update right away, and then expect all the development options, are wishful thinking, and/or not doing their research

MDB,MDL,MF3,MJ9
The above list has always been bootloader locked.yes rooted minus the new MJ9 and a "work around" to flashing roms.
I have faith that one day someone will crack the lock,just not before I switch to a Nexus 5
Sent from my ATT S4 MF3 using Tapatalk

out dated ? Sgh i337 4.2.2 MF3

Hi! well. i've been out of xda for a while, can any one tell me if there are news about custom recoverys for at&t sgh i337? im running 4.2.2 mf3
since i've been out, i'd like to know if there is any custom recovery or 4.3 upgrade +root/safestrap or something.
it feels 4.2.2 is out-dated now.. any help?

GRGC25 said:
Hi! well. i've been out of xda for a while, can any one tell me if there are news about custom recoverys for at&t sgh i337? im running 4.2.2 mf3
since i've been out, i'd like to know if there is any custom recovery or 4.3 upgrade +root/safestrap or something.
it feels 4.2.2 is out-dated now.. any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to be a jerk....but there are plenty of posts about the updates you're looking for. I understand you probably don't want to actually read through the forums but that's what you should do instead of posting something like this. There's safestrap for MF3/ root, and 4.3 update and 4.3 root. Good luck.

NO NO and NO...Just read through the many threads about the locked bootloader...
About all you can do is root and Freeze the AT&T software update so you don't
end up with the arguably flaky 4.3 for this phone.

Tremulant1 said:
I don't want to be a jerk....but there are plenty of posts about the updates you're looking for. I understand you probably don't want to actually read through the forums but that's what you should do instead of posting something like this. There's safestrap for MF3/ root, and 4.3 update and 4.3 root. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, i was asking about any news. anyways im gonna search for it. thanks anyways

GRGC25 said:
well, i was asking about any news. anyways im gonna search for it. thanks anyways
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap 3.70 is still in its early stages for 4.3 and its a beta.. There are only a handful of ROMs that you can flash. I would say go with darthstalker for the time being if you need a custom ROM. If not just root it and customize it yourself.. Good luck in finding more info. It takes time and days of reading to get all the knowledge you need to know about this device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

[email protected] said:
Safestrap 3.70 is still in its early stages for 4.3 and its a beta.. There are only a handful of ROMs that you can flash. I would say go with darthstalker for the time being if you need a custom ROM. If not just root it and customize it yourself.. Good luck in finding more info. It takes time and days of reading to get all the knowledge you need to know about this device.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah, i actually just found an update.zip which contains mk2 4.3 stock rom and a rooting way who seems safe to be used. i heard 4.3 has battery improovements and open gl3.0 for gaming but i heard 4.3 is also buggy, so it all makes me hesitate, i use xposed modules for customize stock. is not my priority to have a custom room 4.3 yet, im really sorry samsung is makeing everything more complicated
do you think i should give a shoot to 4.3 and root it and then wait for a safestrap?

4.4.4 OTA update with root

Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

Probably not a good idea to take the update. I'd wait until our trusty devs get ahold of the OTA and do their magic.

Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.

lackdog said:
Heya. I have a rooted verizon note 3. I see i can get the 4.4.4 ota update. So i uninstalled root via SuperSU. I get an error trying to do the ota update. Is there a way to install this update without having to use odin and flashing stock? I dont want to lose all my appz settings etc. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might just of been the best error ever, especially if you use root a lot. No way to go back and no known, released root at the moment for that version. Like above me has said, try flashing the NK1 modem using Odin and see if that improves your signal any.

Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app

lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want the benefits "fixes" of the latest, would be be smart to Odin stock so you are clean when you take the OTA.

lackdog said:
Well, i just have been using the stock rom, rooted with safestrap. Id like to update to 4.4.4 just to have the latest OTA with whatever various fixes it might have. Before i did the update i uninstalled anything from wanam exposed framework wise. Then i did the "remove root" from superSU. I still have the unlocked lock on the note 3 splash screen after reboot and the OTA fails....says error at install screen. I have read other people have done what i have done and the update worked. What im asking is am i overlooking something? Is it really even possible without using odin and reverting to stock even though i have read people have had sucess????
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk

how to track 4.4.4 rooting progress?
donc113 said:
You do realize...that if you take the OTA...you WILL lose root. At this point in time...there is no known way to root 4.4.4 and the latest OTA.
Sent from my Note 3 via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Marlon1691 said:
I too have read ambiguous posts of people who have used the 4.4.4 OTA on a towelroot'ed Verizon Note 3s. I've been skeptical that this would work and keep root so thanks for clarifying.
I have a question though. Where should I look to keep track of the latest news about a root technique for a Verizon Note 3? Also, is there a place to contribute to a bounty for someone who can figure this out?
I ask because If you google "samsung note 3 Verizon 4.4.4 towelroot" there are tons of hits, but most of them are from eons ago and while I root my phone, I am not a developer, and so don't know the lay of the land. In the past I've just searched for "root verizon samsung note 3" and crawled through the resulting mound of irrelevant material until eventually I found the answer. Or is the answer simply that every few days I search again to see if anything new pops up?
I realize this is a totally newbie question, but I'm a long-time newbie: I've been rooting my phones for years but I don't have a lot of phones and updates only come out every so often so I never really move up the learning curve of how to do this quickly and easily. I suspect others have the same problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It likely is possible to update and keep root. But if after updating you screw up a mod, etc. and need to get back to stock you will lose root permanently.

flashing modem
leroybrute said:
Just install the nk1 modem. That is all you need if you are trying to get better reception.
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=95897840722641747
Flash with Odin 3.09.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ

tjmethod said:
Hello I see flashing with odin 3.09, I think I have 3.29- does it matter and I am on biggins rom as well. You dont have to unroot or anything?
Thanls,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.

Odin 3.09
leroybrute said:
There is no Odin 3.29 out. Just Google Odin 3.09 and download to your desktop if you don't
already have it. Then flash the modem to your phone. Don't unroot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ

tjmethod said:
Hi I did have the 3.09, plugged in as media & media 3.0 but it didnt work- any ideas?... I think I have plenty of space. Attached is is the screen I get on Odin.
Thanks,
TJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to put your phone in download mode before plugging into pc. Make sure debugging is checked in developer settings.

Thanks…
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again

tjmethod said:
I forgot the download mode and to check the debug- always in a rush…
Ill check it when I get in- thanks again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I thank you... Ha

GoNavyMike said:
lackdog said:
Yah, but i get pretty poor 4g for some reason and this update might (is suppose to) fix it. I read a lot of people have unrooted with superSU and installed the OTA update fine but for me it isnt working. Even though i dont have root.
My phone messed up earlier this week and I had to use repair assistant and when I did it updated me to NK1 KitKat 4.4.4 and I lost root and can not get it back plus the reception issue is still terrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Brainfire2 said:
GoNavyMike said:
Verizon forced me to upgrade before they would troubleshoot my phone.
I was not able to do it OTA, but using the Verizon upgrade tool works.
Now I lost root, & I gained a whole bunch of bloatware. Very frustrating
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is why you should always tell them you are on the latest firmware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I read about 4.4.4 and didn't like what they took away from 4.4.2. I won't go to it. If I were you I'd 'towelroot'- (get the simple steps on xda), and 'beanstown 106' has all the firmwares for these phones, put the nc4 on w/ 4.4.2, then install biggins rom v7, then upgrade via dirty flash with 8.0 then immediately w/ 8.3- fast touch response and after about 3-4 days, you'lI be getting twice the battery life… I jumped up to the new v9 but they dont have the theme for it yet. I miss the Kromex blue on black…