Towelroot is a new easy way to root the s4. It only works on nc1 firmware. But with root comes a lot of responsibility. Root makes it much easier to bork your phone. There are somethings you should know.
First, the bootloader is still locked so don't use goo or rom manager to try to put twrp or cwm on your phone. Safestrap is still the only custom recovery you can use and touch wiz based roms are the only ones you can use.
Second, know where to find the full Odin flashable nb1 tar file. You'll probably need it if you bork your phone. See the general forum, for those of you who are search impaired http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
Third, and finally, just freeze bloatware, don't delete it. That way if you freeze something that your phone needs you can just unfreeze it.
Sorry for the rant but better safe than sorry.
Oh, and go here before you do anything else
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
came onispub
jd1639 said:
Towelroot is a new easy way to root the s4. It only works on nc1 firmware. But with root comes a lot of responsibility. Root makes it much easier to bork your phone. There are somethings you should know.
First, the bootloader is still locked so don't use goo or rom manager to try to put twrp or cwm on your phone. Safestrap is still the only custom recovery you can use and touch wiz based roms are the only ones you can use.
Oh, and go here before you do anything else
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Thank you SO much dude, I have been searching for bootstrap information cause the threads have just been confusing me. I just rooted my phone last night and I was looking everywhere whether or not I could just get a recovery from rom manager or goo manager, so you just saved me a LOT of time and a possible brick! So safestrap is the ONLY thing I can use and it's based off of touchwiz, correct? I wanted a touchwiz rom with better battery life for my phone, nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
marquinhodsdm said:
jd1639 said:
Towelroot is a new easy way to root the s4. It only works on nc1 firmware. But with root comes a lot of responsibility. Root makes it much easier to bork your phone. There are somethings you should know.
First, the bootloader is still locked so don't use goo or rom manager to try to put twrp or cwm on your phone. Safestrap is still the only custom recovery you can use and touch wiz based roms are the only ones you can use.
Oh, and go here before you do anything else
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49562527
Thank you SO much dude, I have been searching for bootstrap information cause the threads have just been confusing me. I just rooted my phone last night and I was looking everywhere whether or not I could just get a recovery from rom manager or goo manager, so you just saved me a LOT of time and a possible brick! So safestrap is the ONLY thing I can use and it's based off of touchwiz, correct? I wanted a touchwiz rom with better battery life for my phone, nothing else.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep worked fine on my AT&T S4 but will keep original boot recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Related
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
HardOnChairs said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We cant have CWM until bootloader is unlocked (assuming you have the US AT&T version)
That being said, seeing how there is no custom ROMs you can use ODIN as a kind of backup. It'll wipe and then install factory /system partition, leaving /data alone (you can wipe /data in stock recovery if needed).
CWM works better as it backs up YOUR phone (including mods and /data).
_Dennis_ said:
We cant have CWM until bootloader is unlocked (assuming you have the US AT&T version)
That being said, seeing how there is no custom ROMs you can use ODIN as a kind of backup. It'll wipe and then install factory /system partition, leaving /data alone (you can wipe /data in stock recovery if needed).
CWM works better as it backs up YOUR phone (including mods and /data).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would a stock firmware be enough to get me back up if I mess up my phone with root access? That's my main concern.
HardOnChairs said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 on AT&T. This is my first android and I'm trying to get a grasp on rooting as an ex-jailbreaker. I've tried reading and searching but unfortunately I just need to ask some specifics.
My understanding is that the current root for this phone is derived from a Motorola root and that it does not include a way to make backups. I am eager to root but I really don't want to take extra risk than is necessary. Is something like CWM required to backup your phone in a way that protects you against accidentally messing up the filesystem? And is there any way to get something like CWM on this phone yet?
I see that there is now a custom recovery for this phone on galaxys4root dot com but can I even use it without something like CWM.
I'd appreciate any info, thanks for your patience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The answers to all of the questions you asked are in these threads...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261573
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2252248
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2257058
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2259933
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2261232
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2254274
I found a few of those threads, they are what prompted my additional questions. But the second to last one seems to answer my question. Thanks.
HardOnChairs said:
I found a few of those threads, they are what prompted my additional questions. But the second to last one seems to answer my question. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use either Kies or Odin and the stock factory firmware to completely return to factory stock, but be careful with ODIN, if you check the wrong options it can hard brick your phone.
MotoChopper
I would like to know ...
I rooted my S4 with Motochopper and I realized that my boot animation changed (to the one Samsung used in older models...) Is it easy to put back the new one ?
and its on mf3, i really wanted to flash a gpe rom too.....
is there any way to flash it at all? i understand mf3 doesnt have a working recovery
Not at the moment. There is a root method, but no factory image to flash back to.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43890414 check here for recovery updates.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 (SGH-i337) via Tapatalk 4
sheek360 said:
and its on mf3, i really wanted to flash a gpe rom too.....
is there any way to flash it at all? i understand mf3 doesnt have a working recovery
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all just have to be patient! It's not the end of the world, rooting it allows you to remove some bloatware, then you can install themes and launchers to make it a little better!~
You can still tweak the device so it's enjoyable!
Think hard before you root it. There is currently no way to unroot. There also is no odin flashable firmware should you get into trouble and need to recover from it. Read a lot in this forum before you attempt to root. Everyday there are multiple users who run into trouble and end up with a crippled phone at best.
jd1639 said:
Think hard before you root it. There is currently no way to unroot. There also is no odin flashable firmware should you get into trouble and need to recover from it. Read a lot in this forum before you attempt to root. Everyday there are multiple users who run into trouble and end up with a crippled phone at best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You get around alot, have you seen any update to the MF3 bootloader issue?
TheAxman said:
You get around alot, have you seen any update to the MF3 bootloader issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.
jd1639 said:
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tons and tons of uninformed people are messing up their phones. You're right, it's sad.
It will be great when people can comfortably root their device knowing there is a way back when all is said and done.
In the mean time, to the OP, playing the waiting game will not kill anyone in this situation.
jd1639 said:
Unfortunately, no! Seen a lot of people messing up their phones though. Which is sad to see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, if most would have read just a little, they would not be having this issue. For me, I always wait until a dev gets a hold of an update and does their thing, and then I update to the newest...I have NEVER updated direct on the phone, even with all the phones I have ever owned.
Not happening OP, do a search on MF3 in the search bar you will find all kinds of things related to it.
I just want to say, if you root your MF3 phone, do NOT modify anything in the system partition, which means files that require root to edit. If you happen to do some sort of mod that borks your system, it will be very difficult and perhaps impossible to recover. Don't do anything that can't be undone with a factory restore done in recovery.
I'm fairly certain that it is possible to unroot once rooted, however, your phone and system partition must be in full working order and unmodified in order to be at complete stock. If you are new to rooting and customizing the phone in that matter, you are probably best not rooting at the moment, since you will likely mess something up on accident while learning. I think most every single one of us has borked our OS while tinkering with root stuff and had to use some sort of recovery method. At the time, no recovery method is possible, so I repeat, don't root if you don't know what you're doing.
ThePerson98 said:
I just want to say, if you root your MF3 phone, do NOT modify anything in the system partition, which means files that require root to edit. If you happen to do some sort of mod that borks your system, it will be very difficult and perhaps impossible to recover. Don't do anything that can't be undone with a factory restore done in recovery.
I'm fairly certain that it is possible to unroot once rooted, however, your phone and system partition must be in full working order and unmodified in order to be at complete stock. If you are new to rooting and customizing the phone in that matter, you are probably best not rooting at the moment, since you will likely mess something up on accident while learning. I think most every single one of us has borked our OS while tinkering with root stuff and had to use some sort of recovery method. At the time, no recovery method is possible, so I repeat, don't root if you don't know what you're doing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just wanna plus 1 that for the OP
Sent from miPhone using XDA Premium HD app
As long as you're a smart cookie and don't go around attempting to mod your twframework and other important inner system files, I wouldn't get too disheartened and held back from touching the partition. Simply be intuitive and anything you intended on replacing, rename instead to the file with a *.temp extension. Wouldn't be that hard to roll back then (as long as you can still boot). Rooting itself mods the system, so people have already jumped ship in that regard.
Just don't go around trying to enable verbose boot or flash a recovery from some kind of mobile ODIN or GooManager.
BE SMART, not eccentric and living by the standards of yolo.
Hello,
Samsung Note 3
I REALLY want to root my phone to help test out the beta of f.lux. You can look it up if you want, should take you a a peachy orange page. Anyway, I really want that on my phone, and it needs root, and I've NEVER rooted a phone before, and I'm not sure what I'm doing.
I want to follow [this guide](http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-Root-the-Verizon-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3_id48247) PhoneArena link, but it doesn't say what android version it needs, and that worries me.
One more thing, I downloaded a file called "fastboot" and it has something to do with ADB that disables certain apps so that I'm not nagged to update. I'm on 4.4.4, and I can't find that file, I think it's in the root of C:\ but I ran them and it didn't work. So if I could reenable those apps to get on lollipop or marshmallow, if rooting would be easier, I'd do that. I've searched the forum, but I need baby steps.
Thanks.
timpster said:
Hello,
Samsung Note 3
I REALLY want to root my phone to help test out the beta of f.lux. You can look it up if you want, should take you a a peachy orange page. Anyway, I really want that on my phone, and it needs root, and I've NEVER rooted a phone before, and I'm not sure what I'm doing.
I want to follow [this guide](http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-Root-the-Verizon-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-3_id48247) PhoneArena link, but it doesn't say what android version it needs, and that worries me.
One more thing, I downloaded a file called "fastboot" and it has something to do with ADB that disables certain apps so that I'm not nagged to update. I'm on 4.4.4, and I can't find that file, I think it's in the root of C:\ but I ran them and it didn't work. So if I could reenable those apps to get on lollipop or marshmallow, if rooting would be easier, I'd do that. I've searched the forum, but I need baby steps.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're just looking to try out f.lux you could give Cf.lumen a try first. It has a non-root mode.
If you want to root you can just flash a custom recovery like TWRP with Odin.
Sjant said:
If you're just looking to try out f.lux you could give Cf.lumen a try first. It has a non-root mode.
If you want to root you can just flash a custom recovery like TWRP with Odin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You say, just flash, as if there is no risk. I want to get it right, no bricking. I'm on 900V (V for verizon), and I want a quick safe way to root. Also, thank you for mentioning Cf.lumen, I do have it, and the nonroot looks like ****, yes it works, but it's not remotely the same.
timpster said:
You say, just flash, as if there is no risk. I want to get it right, no bricking. I'm on 900V (V for verizon), and I want a quick safe way to root. Also, thank you for mentioning Cf.lumen, I do have it, and the nonroot looks like ****, yes it works, but it's not remotely the same.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recommend visiting TWRP's website and pick out the latest version for your device and then flash the latest non-beta version of SuperSU which you can find here on XDA. Flash TWRP with Odin and then boot into recovery and simply reboot, it will then ask you if you'd like to root your device.
What model do you have? Find your model first then download TWRP recovery. Use odin to flash the recovery, then flash super su.
Odin - http://www.droidviews.com/download-odin-tool-for-samsung-galaxy-devices-all-versions/
Supersu - https://download.chainfire.eu/743/SuperSU/BETA-SuperSU-v2.52.zip
Complete edit.
O.K., so I see that TWRP has a backup option. If I use this option, and should I "brick" my phone, could I flash the TWRP in odin, and figure out how to restore the backup, and unbrick the phone if I screw up the root process? Because that would be ****ing amazing, and I'd root IMMEDIATELY if that's the case, because, no worries -- I'd always have a backup! I love backups.
You need Root for TWRP to backup .
Suggest you read the stickeid FAQS and guides .
timpster said:
Complete edit.
O.K., so I see that TWRP has a backup option. If I use this option, and should I "brick" my phone, could I flash the TWRP in odin, and figure out how to restore the backup, and unbrick the phone if I screw up the root process? Because that would be ****ing amazing, and I'd root IMMEDIATELY if that's the case, because, no worries -- I'd always have a backup! I love backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First things first, EXACTLY what Note 3 model do you have? Go to Settings -> About -> Device model. If it is SM-N9005, that would be quite surprising, because we didn't get a 4.4.4 build.
American Note 3s got a 4.4.4 build, N900A, N900V (AT&T Note 3 and Verizon Note 3 respecitevly), and the methods for rooting THEM has nothing in common with the way a N9005 or N900 is rooted.
900V. Verizon, 4.4.****ing4. I had .3 but it kept nagging me to update like trial software and that was probably the end of my chances as I recall I most likely have a locked bootloader so I may not be able to do any of this.
Why can't I make a full backup on stock android anyway, seems like the responsible thing to do.
Verizon then use the verizon forum anything from here is wrong and may brick your phone .
Full backup requires a modified recovery therefore no longer stock .
Ah so it's the stock recovery that is used. So why do you think that lacks options for a full backup?
When you say use Verizon forums is that a section here or a dedicated Verizon forum?
Hi Guys,
I received my unlocked 900F today, and have been prepping to do some work on it. Already downloaded Odin, USB drivers, etc, getting ready to backup, flash CWM Recovery. All looks pretty straight forward. A couple things I'm not sure about though...
Much to my surprise, its already rooted with Kingroot present on the system. Cant say I'm real fond of it, is it wise to replace it with a 'normal' SU setup? Any caveats?
Second thing, is that the system is saying there is an update available. Is this wise, or do I risk messing up root, or anything else?
Thanks for any suggestions, advice, info.
K
KetoSoi said:
Hi Guys,
I received my unlocked 900F today, and have been prepping to do some work on it. Already downloaded Odin, USB drivers, etc, getting ready to backup, flash CWM Recovery. All looks pretty straight forward. A couple things I'm not sure about though...
Much to my surprise, its already rooted with Kingroot present on the system. Cant say I'm real fond of it, is it wise to replace it with a 'normal' SU setup? Any caveats?
Second thing, is that the system is saying there is an update available. Is this wise, or do I risk messing up root, or anything else?
Thanks for any suggestions, advice, info.
K
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your rooted updates won't install. Not sure what you want as an end result but if you want the latest Samsung official update then you will need to either use one of the latest debloated ROMs here in XDA development under S5 or download from Sam Mobile and use Odin to install. But personally I recommend either xXx or _Axelandr ROMs which are latest stock with root and other support. King root isn't the way to go because it doesn't use official super su. Also king root uses spyware... Not a great option. Also BACKUP YOUR EFS FOLDER NOW! DO IT! you'll only cry later when things go wrong. What model phone and firmware are you running now?!
RuffBuster said:
If your rooted updates won't install. Not sure what you want as an end result but if you want the latest Samsung official update then you will need to either use one of the latest debloated ROMs here in XDA development under S5 or download from Sam Mobile and use Odin to install. But personally I recommend either xXx or _Axelandr ROMs which are latest stock with root and other support. King root isn't the way to go because it doesn't use official super su. Also king root uses spyware... Not a great option. Also BACKUP YOUR EFS FOLDER NOW! DO IT! you'll only cry later when things go wrong. What model phone and firmware are you running now?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that was my concern. I didnt want to install the Samsung update if it will cause me root issues down the road. So best to NOT install it then?
I was surprised Kingroot came with the phone, what reading I did on it indicates its sketchy at best. Going to toss that quickly then.
At this point, my plan of attack is:
1. Flash CWM recovery.
2. Backup as it is now.
3. Backup EFS.
4. Remove Kingroot, install normal SU.
I'll start looking into other ROM's afterwards, when I have more time.
The phone is a SM-G900F, Build # LRX21T.G900FZHU1BOA1. Not sure if thats the firmware #, or something else. Nothing else jumps out at me.
i have the samsung galaxy s4 on straight talk sm-s975l, running 4.3. I have a couple of questions, I have tried to root my phone with everything out there, towelroot, kingroot, oneclickroot, etc. The only way I have had any luck rooting my device is kingo root. Is this method a good way, or should I use odin and if so how can I do it? I want to install roms, force apps to my SD card, and anything else I can do with a rooted phone. I am new to the whole rooting thing so please make it easy on a newby...lol. I have many more questions, but for now I'll save them for later. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!
gaguy501 said:
i have the samsung galaxy s4 on straight talk sm-s975l, running 4.3. I have a couple of questions, I have tried to root my phone with everything out there, towelroot, kingroot, oneclickroot, etc. The only way I have had any luck rooting my device is kingo root. Is this method a good way, or should I use odin and if so how can I do it? I want to install roms, force apps to my SD card, and anything else I can do with a rooted phone. I am new to the whole rooting thing so please make it easy on a newby...lol. I have many more questions, but for now I'll save them for later. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KingRoot is sometimes problematic.
But since you want to change your ROM, it doesn't matter.
To change a ROM, one requires a custom recovery. The most reliable is TWRP. It also is the only one that is still being developed.
TWRP can be flashed in several ways.
One would be with Odin, the other is by using an app called Flashify.
I think using the app is simpler. SO you just need the app and a TWRP .img file which you can get from their site twrp.me.
In the app you will have 2 choices. Select recovery. After that is done, turn off the phone and try to boot into recovery by pressing power + volume up.
GDReaper said:
KingRoot is sometimes problematic.
But since you want to change your ROM, it doesn't matter.
To change a ROM, one requires a custom recovery. The most reliable is TWRP. It also is the only one that is still being developed.
TWRP can be flashed in several ways.
One would be with Odin, the other is by using an app called Flashify.
I think using the app is simpler. SO you just need the app and a TWRP .img file which you can get from their site twrp.me.
In the app you will have 2 choices. Select recovery. After that is done, turn off the phone and try to boot into recovery by pressing power + volume up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok Thank you, i'll give it a try.
gaguy501 said:
ok Thank you, i'll give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive got another question please, my bootloader is locked, does this matter and if it does how do i unlock it? thanks
Asked and answered in this thread. In the future, try to constrain your various questions to one thread please. It makes it easier for others to help you.