Database Users

[Q] truth about the bootloader

I've read elsewhere that the new S4 bootloader has locked.
Can someone verify this?
How does it affect the usage of the device?(i.e CM,AOSP etc)

So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.

ChronoReverse said:
So far only on the AT&T and Verizon models.
They'll have root for now but no custom recovery/roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
But it's not confirmed yet,isn't it?

hunhool said:
I just want to know a bit more about it...I've got the I9505 model,which is definately not AT&T or Verizon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

short story: the international isn't the carriers are
effect on dev gives them a extra work to do

inlineboy said:
The AT&T and Verizon bootloader is locked, which will restrict flashing roms and kernels but not root for those devices until the bootloader is unlocked. The international versions seem to be not locked so that does apply to all the octa versions.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?

hunhool said:
Is there any simple way to find out whether is locked or not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't sadly. People were saying if you boot into download mode and it said Write Protection: Enabled that the bootloader was locked, as is the case for atnt and verizon, but the it says the same thing for sprint and our bootloader does not seem to be locked- it's a bit more complicated to actually know and I don't have the tech knowledge to explain it as well as someone else probably could. Probably should find others with your exact phone in the forum and just read what they have said cause this has been a huge topic over the last few days that everyone has been asking.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app

How to unlock ATT S4's bootloader

Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?

puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you should search or look in the developers section

Dude you didn't even try to look in the other forums
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

Search is your friend.
Sent from my GT-N7100

I highly suggest you read...read...and read again
To start you off in the right direction though, read up on Loki as that is our bootloader bypass method...basically anything that has been lokid can be flashed...
But seriously read!!! Don't want to waste a headache and trouble shooting on a soft brick
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

go here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2297900
sent from xda app

The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?

puamystery said:
Hello everyone, I just get ATT galaxy S4, It is so fancy, but ATT's craps sucks.
Does ATT S4's bootloader already been hack by XDAs?
If so, how to unlock it?
I just have the TWRP installed in my ATT galaxy S4, could I flash customized ROM and customized kernel now? Or I have to wait until the bootloader is unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
THIS INFO IS EVERYWHERE! READ MAN. useless thread here serious.

hey there bud, sorry everyone feels the need to repeatedly tell you to search instead of ending the thread with an explanation. im also sorry everyone else feels like this information is readily available, when its the furthest from that. you will require some digging and deduction skills to acquire all the information needed to fully utilize the loki function.
Since att took it upon themselves to lock the bootloader, the kernel has to be properly provisioned before it will allow it to boot (if the kernel is not set up correctly, you will receive an error about unapproved software on the device and will have to restore sans odin....yuck), so our awesome drjbliss and the infamous adamoutlers have provided a tool called "loki" which will allow bypassing of the locked bootloader and allow us to run the custom firmware.
please ensure that whatever ROM you are running has been previously provisioned with loki, or you are flashing a custom kernel that has loki baked in. Alternatively, there is an auto loki tool floating around called "loki doki" that can be flashed after any ROM to pre-loki it before boot.
You can PM me with any specific questions, and all you trolls should learn to help instead of complaining. In the amount of posts it took to complain about the OP not searching, it would have only taken one post to clarify and then this thread would have simply got buried.
---------- Post added at 06:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:09 AM ----------
Screwbal said:
The Loki thing still has me confused and curious what folks think... I've been through many of flashes and had good and bad issues over the years but unsure how I feel about flashing up a ATT S4. I've been leaning towards getting a Tmobile S4 with a unlocked bootloader and getting that unlocked since I feel like it will be a bit more bulletproof. Is that paranoia or is Loki close enough to a unlocked bootloader that I can basically do everything with as little risk as would be expected with normal device flashing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki is close enough to an unlocked bootloader, no worries my friend. Flash away and enjoy!

So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?

ShowMeMo said:
So, if my phone is unlocked and rooted, do I still need to unlock the bootloader?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What? You can't unlock the bootloader. The i337 never had and never will have a bootloader that can be unlocked
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk

rugmankc said:
Lol jd
Bored and just browsing my old S4 threads and see you still get a post in a 7 month old thread about bootloaders which was already answered. [emoji19]
Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
Some things never change. How have you been?. The iPhone still working?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been doing fine jd, thanks. Hope you are too.
Yes, I really like it. Not gonna Jailbreak, but my bank just started accepting Apple Pay. So, going to play with it. Something for an old man to have fun with.
It's just picking up steam as far as number of merchants, so ordered and will mess with the LoopPay FOB where AP isn't used yet. A year ago I would have sworn I would never use this techy stuff for banking. Must be getting soft.

Looking for SGH-I337M 4.1.2 Rom to Downgrade and then Unlock Rogers S4- Help!

CANNOT find a damn old 4.1.2 rom so that I can downgrade my Canadian Rogers Samsung S4 to unlock it.
Please help!!
Thanks!

Goto sammobile.com. You'll have to register but it's free. You can get the firmware there.

jd1639 said:
Goto sammobile.com. You'll have to register but it's free. You can get the firmware there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only see 4.2.2.. am I blind

lakergreat1 said:
I only see 4.2.2.. am I blind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope, not blind. I just looked too. You sure you need 4.1.2. Usually you just need to be on stock firmware. I'm not even sure if the i337m ever came with it

jd1639 said:
Hope, not blind. I just looked too. You sure you need 4.1.2. Usually you just need to be on stock firmware. I'm not even sure if the i337m ever came with it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I know there has been at least one firmware upgrade, because that upgrade to 4.2.2 allowed me to move apps to my sd card.
BUT with 4.2.2 I cannot unlock my S4. So like I did with S3, I want to downgrade it to unlock.

lakergreat1 said:
Well I know there has been at least one firmware upgrade, because that upgrade to 4.2.2 allowed me to move apps to my sd card.
BUT with 4.2.2 I cannot unlock my S4. So like I did with S3, I want to downgrade it to unlock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that was the mdj to mg1 upgrade, both were 4.2.2

jd1639 said:
Pretty sure that was the mdj to mg1 upgrade, both were 4.2.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm.. well can I downgrade to that?
Have you unlocked yours? Assuming you have the same model?

lakergreat1 said:
Hmm.. well can I downgrade to that?
Have you unlocked yours? Assuming you have the same model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm assuming you want to try one of the free unlock methods? I'd stay away from them. You're only allowed so many attempts, I think it's 5, and then you're screwed and it won't let you unlock.
If you're going to buy an unlock or get it from your carrier then mdj or mg1 firmware will work fine

jd1639 said:
I'm assuming you want to try one of the free unlock methods? I'd stay away from them. You're only allowed so many attempts, I think it's 5, and then you're screwed and it won't let you unlock.
If you're going to buy an unlock or get it from your carrier then mdj or mg1 firmware will work fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fine to pay for one.. any you recommend? don't really want to pay 20-30.. but 5-10 i'm happy to pay

lakergreat1 said:
fine to pay for one.. any you recommend? don't really want to pay 20-30.. but 5-10 i'm happy to pay
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lot of people on xda have used fastgsm with success.

jd1639 said:
A lot of people on xda have used fastgsm with success.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really get the difference between the 14.99 and 39.99
http://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/i337m/unlock-code/unlocking
Do they both all ALL carriers once the process is done? One is just a code and one is usb??

lakergreat1 said:
I don't really get the difference between the 14.99 and 39.99
http://www.fastgsm.com/en/samsung/i337m/unlock-code/unlocking
Do they both all ALL carriers once the process is done? One is just a code and one is usb??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unlocked so many phones with free methods
Never had any issues and it's permanent
Just downgrade to the oldest 4.2.2 (no 4.1 for s4 ever) rom you can find for Rogers on sammobile. It will work . Just follow guide and your save
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app-developers app

crzygrmn said:
I unlocked so many phones with free methods
Never had any issues and it's permanent
Just downgrade to the oldest 4.2.2 (no 4.1 for s4 ever) rom you can find for Rogers on sammobile. It will work . Just follow guide and your save
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please share with us. which oldest 4.2.2 rom did you downgrade to for S4 I337MVLUAMG1?
I did downgrade to I337MVLUAMDJ and got service menu but after phone reset it's still asking for unlock code.
Thanks

Yes it's the one ending uamdj
Follow the steps and it works
Complete clean Odin install
Hit thanks if I helped you

crzygrmn said:
Yes it's the one ending uamdj
Follow the steps and it works
Complete clean Odin install
Hit thanks if I helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What process did you use crzygrmn?
I've tried this one - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41580940&postcount=18
and this one - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285431
Using Model SGH-I337M - 4.2.2
Baseband - I337MVLUAMDJ
Kernel - 3.4.0-517283
Build - JDQ39.I337MVLUAMDJ
the *#276 one does nothing and *#0011# only brings me to rx/tx screen, and back button won't allow me to get the screen to select Perso Options

lakergreat1 said:
What process did you use crzygrmn?
I've tried this one - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=41580940&postcount=18
and this one - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2285431
Using Model SGH-I337M - 4.2.2
Baseband - I337MVLUAMDJ
Kernel - 3.4.0-517283
Build - JDQ39.I337MVLUAMDJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To downgrade follow this guide
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1671969
And then follow the links you posted
Hit thanks if I helped you. sent from my SGH-I337M using xda app

crzygrmn said:
Yes it's the one ending uamdj
Follow the steps and it works
Complete clean Odin install
Hit thanks if I helped you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but I had already tried it. still asking for unlock code (S4 I337M)

jasontran2010 said:
Thanks, but I had already tried it. still asking for unlock code (S4 I337M)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for that.
The only way I can help you now is if your in Winnipeg
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app

I picked up a s4 originally from bell with the original firmware and was unable to unlock using the free method. no idea why some are able to and others are not.
Sent from my Nexus 10

Well it depends. Newer phones come with new firmware
Sent from my GT-I9505G using xda app-developers app

N900V Bootloader Bypassed + Custom Recovery...may be possible on N900A?

The Verizon Note 3 variant N900V has had it's bootloader bypassed by @Hashcode and custom recovery has now been achieved on that device. I talked to @bajasur who is running their bounty thread and he believes that the same safestrap method could possibly be used on the N900A (our version). If @Hashcode can get this to work on the N900A I am sure development will move quickly so get over to our bounty thread and make your bounty pledges now!!! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2493369
See @bajasur's N900V Bounty Thread here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2473918
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Awesome!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

slidesear said:
Awesome!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely great news!!!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

I don't mean to be a downer, but I'm still on the fence whether I can get this working on the AT&T variant.
So let's hold off on any specific donations. :/

Fingers crossed! this would be great news!!!

Hashcode said:
I don't mean to be a downer, but I'm still on the fence whether I can get this working on the AT&T variant.
So let's hold off on any specific donations. :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pledges....meant pledges. Will update the OP...sorry @Hashcode.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

That would be pretty sweet
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Does this trip knox
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk

Canadoc said:
Does this trip knox
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this point we will just have to wait and see what happens. I would imagine it doesn't but since it is currently being worked on and not confirmed we will have to just be patient...which I clearly wasn't with this thread.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Isn't this the same thing that happened with the s4? Bootloader exploited on verizon variant, didnt know if it would work for anyone else and it did?
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk

MrPlNK said:
Isn't this the same thing that happened with the s4? Bootloader exploited on verizon variant, didnt know if it would work for anyone else and it did?
Sent from my VS980 4G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The difference is ATT in addition to a locked bootloader made SELinux Enforcing. The VZW has permissive from what I've read.

mircury said:
The difference is ATT in addition to a locked bootloader made SELinux Enforcing. The VZW has permissive from what I've read.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am probably completely wrong as Android is a different beast than regular Linux but, in the Linux OS world SELinux has little to do with the bootloader. It is a set of modules that load once the OS begins to boot up as part of the kernel in runlevel 1. So by the time the SELinux modules are loading you are already "booted". I hope this is the case for Android as well as I am past my 14 days on this phone and love the hardware I just would really like to be able to run some custom kernels and load AOSP based roms if I choose to. This is certainly the last phone I will be buying from AT&T regardless, so disappointed.

kennonk said:
I am probably completely wrong as Android is a different beast than regular Linux but, in the Linux OS world SELinux has little to do with the bootloader. It is a set of modules that load once the OS begins to boot up as part of the kernel in runlevel 1. So by the time the SELinux modules are loading you are already "booted". I hope this is the case for Android as well as I am past my 14 days on this phone and love the hardware I just would really like to be able to run some custom kernels and load AOSP based roms if I choose to. This is certainly the last phone I will be buying from AT&T regardless, so disappointed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Normally it doesn't have anything to do with the bootloader but in this case since we can't crack or modify the bootloader we have to hijack the real /system into loading a recovery on a special partition along with a fake /system located on the internal sdcard. Whether or not SELinux enforcement policies prevent this or causes problems later if it does boot, we don't know yet. What it does do for sure is make it more difficult.

Same
kennonk said:
I am probably completely wrong as Android is a different beast than regular Linux but, in the Linux OS world SELinux has little to do with the bootloader. It is a set of modules that load once the OS begins to boot up as part of the kernel in runlevel 1. So by the time the SELinux modules are loading you are already "booted". I hope this is the case for Android as well as I am past my 14 days on this phone and love the hardware I just would really like to be able to run some custom kernels and load AOSP based roms if I choose to. This is certainly the last phone I will be buying from AT&T regardless, so disappointed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. I hate that AT&T is doing this. It's crazy how the tables have turned, as it used to be (As with the S4) we would get a way to flash a recovery before the VZW variant, but now it seems that has changed. Is the Knox option only on our variant or is it on VZW too?

I got super excited when I first saw this but then depressed when I found out that it hasn't fully been achieved... what is the difference from the way that the s4 was cracked? It had knox too didn't it?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk HD

I have verizon and no it doesn't trip knox

tropazr said:
The Verizon Note 3 variant N900V has had it's bootloader bypassed by @Hashcode and custom recovery has now been achieved on that device. I talked to @bajasur who is running their bounty thread and he believes that the same safestrap method could possibly be used on the N900A (our version). If @Hashcode can get this to work on the N900A I am sure development will move quickly so get over to our bounty thread and make your bounty pledges now!!! http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2493369
See @bajasur's N900V Bounty Thread here...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2473918
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any progress on unlocking bootloader of N900A?
We highly expect this.
Thank you.

SunnyOK said:
Any progress on unlocking bootloader of N900A?
We highly expect this.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=48555170
We have Safestrap now. Read up on it!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

SunnyOK said:
Any progress on unlocking bootloader of N900A?
We highly expect this.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you not looked in the development forums?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4

Agent said:
Have you not looked in the development forums?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I467 using Tapatalk 4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately the bootloader is still locked and hasn't been bypassed. What safestrap does is hijack the boot process once it reaches the /system partition. That is after the bootloader. It then runs a modified recovery. This is why you can't run custom kernels on it yet. The /boot partition is still protected. Don't get me wrong though it's a huge step in the right direction.

[Q] Question about S4 Development...

Sorry if this question has been asked before.
I'm going to be upgrading phones soon, and I'm wondering if there are people still working on unlocking the bootloader on phones with the MF3 update or later? I understand that its possible it might never be unlocked, but I would feel better getting an s4 if I new there were people out there still trying to crack it...
I would prefer to be able to install cyanogenmod in the future, so I'm wondering if I should even go with the galaxy s4.
What do you guys think?
Also, if this is the wrong place for this question, let me know. Thanks!

My opinion is it will not be unlocked. This is an old device now and any devs who were working on it have moved on.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app

jd1639 said:
My opinion is it will not be unlocked. This is an old device now and any devs who were working on it have moved on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I was kinda thinking the same thing. Still, I'm tempted to go for the S4. I know its an older device, but being that it has a removable battery, and a sd card slot makes it one of my first choices. Can you suggest another phone that I should be looking at based on that?
Thanks!

Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
sent from xda app

Ashyford said:
Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been looking for one. Do you have any suggestions on where I could purchase one?

Ashyford said:
Why not buy a used rooted unlocked S4 with an MDB or MDL bootloader? You can ask for a screenshot of the "About Phone" settings.
sent from xda app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can unlock bootloaders on S4 with Safestrap on the newest 4.4.4 NJ4 but can only use TouchWiz
roms

tailgunner9 said:
You can unlock bootloaders on S4 with Safestrap on the newest 4.4.4 NJ4 but can only use TouchWiz
roms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I knew you could do that, thanks for the heads up though!
If the Oneplus One wasnt so damn big, I would go with that... The s4/s5 is about as big as I would like to go with a phone...

thecrazydemon said:
Yea, I knew you could do that, thanks for the heads up though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Safestrap does not unlock the bootloader of the S4. Read all the info before you proceed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925

kevinco1 said:
Safestrap does not unlock the bootloader of the S4. Read all the info before you proceed: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right, good call. I guess I meant, I knew the part about touchwiz only roms. But yea, I've gone through that thread, and many others. I don't actually have a phone yet. I might just breakdown and get a nexus 5, but I'm still looking for an S4 on mdb, or mdl...
I found one on swappa, but the seller is unresponsive.

Get a T-Mobile S4. Is pretty much the same as the AT&T one, but with an unlocked boot loader.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Free mobile app

thecrazydemon said:
I've been looking for one. Do you have any suggestions on where I could purchase one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got my 32GB sgh-i337 Galaxy S4 running the MDL firmware off ebay a few months ago. Brand new in the box, never used, and everything. Paid $375 for it. The sellers name is "taylorwireless" with a 99.9% feedback rating. He has an S4 for sale right now under item number: 171557373643

StoneyJSG said:
I got my 32GB sgh-i337 Galaxy S4 running the MDL firmware off ebay a few months ago. Brand new in the box, never used, and everything. Paid $375 for it. The sellers name is "taylorwireless" with a 99.9% feedback rating. He has an S4 for sale right now under item number: 171557373643
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought one on Swappa. Thanks for the suggestion though. If the one you linked was new, I might be tempted to send the phone I just ordered back... I'll keep an eye on that seller though.