[Q] How to get my S4 on to the latest firmware? - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hi all, I have a galaxy S4 that is still on android 4.4.2, Build number JDQ39.I337UCUAMDB. What is the proper way to get this updated to KitKat so that I can use towelroot?

Izviral said:
Hi all, I have a galaxy S4 that is still on android 4.4.2, Build number JDQ39.I337UCUAMDB. What is the proper way to get this updated to KitKat so that I can use towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're on MDB, you can use motochopper to root and have a true custom recovery to run ROMs like Cyanogenmod, Paranoid Android, Slim Bean, and other AOSP ROMs. If you update you're limited to touchwiz ROMs of only the same system version you have.
Sent from my SGH-I337 running GPE

Izviral said:
Hi all, I have a galaxy S4 that is still on android 4.4.2, Build number JDQ39.I337UCUAMDB. What is the proper way to get this updated to KitKat so that I can use towelroot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume you meant Android 4.2.2...
But yeah, your on MDB so this what I could recommend...
(Optional) First, use Odin and update your phone to MDL using these files. I can't recall if MDB works the same way as MDL (via Loki), it doesn't hurt to update to MDL though.
Secondly, after you have successfully flashed MDL follow this guide to obtain root, install a custom recovery, and learn how to use the Loki exploit.
Whatever you do, DO NOT let your device update to MF3, MK2, NB1,etc as you will lose the ability to run non-TouchWiz based roms.
Personally, I'd recommend just going with pure CyanogenMod after you get your device ready to go. You may want to do a little more research however, my experience with pre-MF3 devices is limited.

Related

[Q] MDL Firmware

Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!
beefwilliams said:
Currently have a AT&T S4 rooted with MDL firmware. I have flashed other 4.3 loki roms without any problems (using Goldeneye 20 now). From the reading that I have done on the forums, it is my understanding that certain roms require a newer firmware version, for example, Hyperdrive. Is that a correct statement? If so, will that continue to be the trend with later releases? Can anyone provide any additional information to help me understand this better? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.
DeadlySin9 said:
For MDL, that does not apply. Basically people with MF3+ phones need to upgrade to 4.3 to have 4.3 ROMs. All you need to do is continue to use loki and never upgrade your bootloaders.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now
Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.
daraj said:
Unless he wants a 4.4.2 rom then he needs the new bootloader....which is locked! so stay away of 4.4.2 for now
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true, he can flash a 4.4.2 ROM with the MDL bootloader as long as he gets a loki 4.4.2 kernel. Otherwise the 4.4.2 Google Edition thread wouldn't get much attention
beefwilliams said:
Flashing roms (unless stated by OP) will not update your bootloader correct? Since I am one of the lucky ones to have the MDL, I don't want to jeopardize it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing ROMs will not touch your bootloaders. Just never take any OTA updates to the stock ROM, and never ODIN any firmware except MDL. OTA updates on custom ROMs will only work in some cases (GE doesn't because they're ported from a different model, Hyperdrive will because it has a specialized system).
I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Wittyusernametaken said:
I'm MDL on 4.2.2, how did you upgrade to 4.3 but keep your MDL?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.
DeadlySin9 said:
You can use the StockUp ROM, it's just MK2 with bloat removed and you can even flash the bloat back on if you want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting yeah, no bloat love here, I've got a metric ton of it frozen with Titanium. I was thinking that the only thing I could try was http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2356276 . I haven't actually flashed any roms yet, only rooted and have twrp. Thank you for the info
I'm on MDL firmware (AT&T) running Hyperdrive RSL13 with KTs kernel. I've had 4.2.2 and 4.4.2 roms on this phone. You can bounce around with no problem. My recovery auto lokis...using shabby penguins recovery.

Try new firmware on S4 without rooting possible?

Hi All,
Am using an i337M S4 from Rogers here in Canada and was wondering if it was possible to use ODIN and try out the new leaked 4.4 firmware. Is rooting required to achieve this?
rsarwar said:
Hi All,
Am using an i337M S4 from Rogers here in Canada and was wondering if it was possible to use ODIN and try out the new leaked 4.4 firmware. Is rooting required to achieve this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First you must be certain the leak is for i337m model becuase there is the international version and the US version which are both different from the model you have (I have the same but Telus). Now as far as the files, if they are in .tar format then you can flash via Odin, if thet are .zip then you need a custom recovery to flash them. I know for certain you need to root to go the custom recovery route, I think you need to be rooted to flash they system files in Odin also (which if it is a stock rom you are flashing would loose root following the flash). Depending of the root method you choose be aware also that you may trip the Knox counter also, definately if you install a custom recovery. There a number of 4.4 roms for the i337m already that are not stock and are rooted, you may want to look at these also. Most importantly... before you attempt anything read...read ... read... there are pity falls you can end up in if you don't pay close attention......
Gage_Hero said:
First you must be certain the leak is for i337m model becuase there is the international version and the US version which are both different from the model you have (I have the same but Telus). Now as far as the files, if they are in .tar format then you can flash via Odin, if thet are .zip then you need a custom recovery to flash them. I know for certain you need to root to go the custom recovery route, I think you need to be rooted to flash they system files in Odin also (which if it is a stock rom you are flashing would loose root following the flash). Depending of the root method you choose be aware also that you may trip the Knox counter also, definately if you install a custom recovery. There a number of 4.4 roms for the i337m already that are not stock and are rooted, you may want to look at these also. Most importantly... before you attempt anything read...read ... read... there are pity falls you can end up in if you don't pay close attention......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply .. actually I had a S2 before which was rooted and I used many different ROMs on it. I did root the S4 once as well but then lost it when I did the 4.3 update. Since then I never tried to re-root, is there an easy way too root right now for the i337M with 4.3?
If you are on stock unrooted 4.3 you should get official 4.4 update soon.
Also, questions go in the qna section not the development section
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
RK said:
If you are on stock unrooted 4.3 you should get official 4.4 update soon.
Also, questions go in the qna section not the development section
Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you wait for the update you will likely be waiting longer for a root solution... if you want to root the phone, look up chainfire's CF-auto root for i337m

[Q] Downgrade MF3 to MDL?

Hey all. I have an at&t GS4 running MF3. I remember when MF3 first came about how everyone was saying it will be impossible to downgrade this firmware. My question is has someone figured out a way to do it yet? I don't understand why this "qfuse?" would stop us from downgrading our devices. My main goal with a downgrade is to be able to install GPE KitKat. I currently have safestrap but i believe it is still limited by not being able to use roms that are not 4.2.2. Hope to get some help soon. Please don't be rude and thank you for your help.
Oh! Also if there is another way to run GPE KitKat on MF3 please let me know! Maybe safestrap can do that now! idk.
Again thanks for all the help.
WezzleD said:
Hey all. I have an at&t GS4 running MF3. I remember when MF3 first came about how everyone was saying it will be impossible to downgrade this firmware. My question is has someone figured out a way to do it yet? I don't understand why this "qfuse?" would stop us from downgrading our devices. My main goal with a downgrade is to be able to install GPE KitKat. I currently have safestrap but i believe it is still limited by not being able to use roms that are not 4.2.2. Hope to get some help soon. Please don't be rude and thank you for your help.
Oh! Also if there is another way to run GPE KitKat on MF3 please let me know! Maybe safestrap can do that now! idk.
Again thanks for all the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way yet to downgrade to a lower version with the locked bootloader. The fuse count is stored in the aboot and when flashing in download mode, it checks if the one being written has same or higher count. If not, it will fail the write and hence we wont be able to downgrade.
The locked bootloader puts the restriction on safestrap. We can only successfully boot a ROM that matches the base firmware version. This is because we cannot flash a kernel that doesnt match the bootloader. So, if you are on MF3, you can boot roms that are based on 4.2.2 only.
So basically no one has yet to find a way to boot anything higher than 4.2.2? That sucks :/ oh well then. Will just do gpe 4.2.2 with the Google home app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
WezzleD said:
So basically no one has yet to find a way to boot anything higher than 4.2.2? That sucks :/ oh well then. Will just do gpe 4.2.2 with the Google home app.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume since your on MF3 that your in reference to running custom 4.2.2 ROM"s via Safestrap...
You can move up to running custom 4.3 ROM's if you update to the MK2 firmware and use the latest version of Safestrap. This is currently the best option for a non-MDL device. I suggest updating to MK2 and loading a 4.3 ROM like Hyperdrive.
Alternatively, you can upgrade to MK2 and use the Deadly Venom Kitkat Tool to run 4.4 ROM's...
I'd HIGHLY suggest reading this thread...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221

[Q] Upgrade SGH I337 to Andriod kitkat

Hello,
I have samsung SGH I337 phone and its not rooted. I bought this phone in Sep 13 and unlocked with some code. Currently its stuck at 4.2.2. and I want to upgrade the phone to latest 4.4.* . As I unlocked the phone, this stopped getting update from ATT and dont show any available updates.
Can someone share the process to upgrade to latest kitkat ?
First, if you're on mdb or mdl firmware you might want to reconsider upgrading. If you are you have the ability to use twrp or cwm custom recoveries and easily flash roms
But if you still want to go ahead and update then flash the nb1 tar file in Odin http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=50912149
This will wipe your device so backup anything on your internal sdcard. You will not lose the sim unlock.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.
sanstorm1979 said:
My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're on mdl firmware. There are users here who would love to be on that firmware version. Being on mdl allows you to run custom recoveries. With newer firmware you can only use safestrap as a custom recovery which limits what you can flash.
Edit, once you go to nb1 firmware you will not be able to go back to mdl.
But you said you're not rooted and have not run custom recoveries. So if that is not important to you then flashing the nb1 firmware will up grade you to 4.4.2 kk.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
sanstorm1979 said:
My S4 build number is JDQ39.I337UCUAMDL.
Forgive my ignorance but can you tell me what is the significance of mdb or mdl firmware. Also does upgrading the Android would create any issues on my phone.
Need one more information on Kitkat version i.e. which kitkat version is stable and has no issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you upgrade to 4.4.4, and want to flash custom roms you'll have to use safe strap. If you keep 4.2.2 you can flash 4.4 roms also. I wouldn't recommend updating, but it's your choice.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Free mobile app
jd1639 said:
You're on mdl firmware. There are users here who would love to be on that firmware version. Being on mdl allows you to run custom recoveries. With newer firmware you can only use safestrap as a custom recovery which limits what you can flash.
Edit, once you go to nb1 firmware you will not be able to go back to mdl.
But you said you're not rooted and have not run custom recoveries. So if that is not important to you then flashing the nb1 firmware will up grade you to 4.4.2 kk.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am on the mf3 firmware.i want to upgrade to 4.4.2 whats the best way.have been reading on this for 2 weeks it just keeps getting confusing.

Galaxy S4 [i337m] ROM update help

Hi guys!
My dad has been using the above mentioned device for the past 5.5 years. The device is running a stock rooted 4.2.2 MDJ build. His bank is about to stop the support for the 4.2.2 version so we need to update the OS. The minimum required OS is now KitKat but I would like a more moderate ROM. Is it possible to have for e.g. an Oreo based ROM without Knox? In other words, do some ROMs include a Knox bootloader (to enable them to run)?
Thanks for the help!
Only Samsung ROMs would contain Knox.
The apps should be fine with a stock 5.01 ROM if you want to stick with stock.
If you want to run a custom Oreo ROM, I suggest flashing the latest bootloader and modem before installing Oreo.
The sgh-i337m forum is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att
audit13 said:
Only Samsung ROMs would contain Knox.
The apps should be fine with a stock 5.01 ROM if you want to stick with stock.
If you want to run a custom Oreo ROM, I suggest flashing the latest bootloader and modem before installing Oreo.
The sgh-i337m forum is here: https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply!
As I said I would like to evade to flash the Knox bootloader. I know Samsung made it impossible to use their OS without Knox so I'm guessing my only option is to use custom ROMs. Are there any ROMs that still utilise the old bootloader?
You can't flash any bootloader other than stock.
Knox will not interfere with flashing custom ROMs.
Some banking apps will not work with a rooted ROM so you may have to use another app to hide root.
audit13 said:
You can't flash any bootloader other than stock.
Knox will not interfere with flashing custom ROMs.
Some banking apps will not work with a rooted ROM so you may have to use another app to hide root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Root is in place just to disable OTA and by the looks of it the banking app doesn't care.
Regarding Knox, I actually think of it as a security downgrade because the NSA played a part in its development and they are known to spy on people. I feel safer when it's not installed LMAO
Is the phone an sgh-i337m or sgh-i337?
The sgh-i337 was made for at&t.
audit13 said:
Is the phone an sgh-i337m or sgh-i337?
The sgh-i337 was made for at&t.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the SGH-I337M. Canadian model. CSC is TLS (Telus)
Okay, just wanted to make sure it wasn't the att model because the 4.3 or newer bootloader is locked on the non-m version.
Anybody have any suggestions for a ROM? It doesn't necessarily need to be the latest version of Android. It just needs to be compatible with the old bootloader
If you're still on MDJ stay on MDJ, don't update your bootloader, only the modem. 4.3 don't have KNOX, just don't update from OTA.
AoEKiller said:
If you're still on MDJ stay on MDJ, don't update your bootloader, only the modem. 4.3 don't have KNOX, just don't update from OTA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't worry. I won't I am just looking for an at least 4.4 ROM without Knox
AFAIK Knox is on the 4.3 build
Here are a few pics if some of you still don't believe me
Anyone?
Heard also Chrome is losing support for Android 4.2.2

Categories

Resources