Database Users

Noob Here Needing Some Pro Advice

So my friend told me to root my new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon), but I am a complete noob and do not want to mess up my new phone.
He told me to be careful so I don't brick my device, and too read the forums. I have spent all day reading the forums and still don't know what I should do.
I saw a video explaining how to get root by going to towelroot.com, but this seems too easy to be true and safe.
Can I get root and not have to worry about bricking or tripping knox with towelroot?
If towelrool is ok to use then I will just go ahead with that, but If there is something better, could someone please point me in the right direction with what I need to download.
Thanks for any help and here is some of my device info if that helps...
Latest Software update: update_SM-N900V_MJE_to_NC4
Model Number: SM-N900V
Android Version : 4.4.2
Baseband Version N900VVRUCNC4
Kernel Version 3.4.0
Hardware Version: N900v.07
Security Software version: MDF v1.0 Release 2

what you should do....
iEpic said:
So my friend told me to root my new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (Verizon), but I am a complete noob and do not want to mess up my new phone.
He told me to be careful so I don't brick my device, and too read the forums. I have spent all day reading the forums and still don't know what I should do.
I saw a video explaining how to get root by going to towelroot.com, but this seems too easy to be true and safe.
Can I get root and not have to worry about bricking or tripping knox with towelroot?
If towelrool is ok to use then I will just go ahead with that, but If there is something better, could someone please point me in the right direction with what I need to download.
Thanks for any help and here is some of my device info if that helps...
Latest Software update: update_SM-N900V_MJE_to_NC4
Model Number: SM-N900V
Android Version : 4.4.2
Baseband Version N900VVRUCNC4
Kernel Version 3.4.0
Hardware Version: N900v.07
Security Software version: MDF v1.0 Release 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For those of us who took the OTA, ... That app http://towelroot.com/ is the only exploit that provides root access for VZW N3.
yes. i am going to sound confusing now so hold on...Towel root is what it is... download. install. click.. your phone will reboot with root access ... it is a one click method... however, the bootloader and recovery is still locked on your device, and if you try to install CWM or TWRP, at this time you will trip KNOXX and void your warranty. Install SafeStrap instead from here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=53701934&postcount=1298.. then flash only one other file from this post http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2760380 thanks to the DEVs that have been working on this the whole shebang seems almost too simple, like you said... i agree.. i did everyrthing in that post as i installed Jasmine Rom. why? because the DEV is kickass, with the updates, i like the S5 themes, and its pretty simple to set up compared to what you've probably read up on..
and its really close to stock, which, of course, ive tried out a couple of other roms since then, and it still works (the phone)
Regarding KNoXX , your device will still read 0x0 , but it will say "custom" status .. you can fix this
if you root your phone and your status says "custom"..a flashable zip file here will fix that http://download.chainfire.eu/supersu you can find links to Safestrap, "unified files" and step by step instructions at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2760380 some more on what i mean by "custom" http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s2/orig-development/2014-01-15-triangleaway-v3-26-t1494114 This does the same , maybe better http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2473938
Towel root will not "hard brick" your phone ,,, meaning your phone is basically an expensive paperweight... ii gave you thseds links because its what worked for me... however, you know whats best for you..

[Q] Cannot Get Phone to Root

So I have rooted phones before so I am not a n00b. I had a galaxy 3 before that I rooted with ease , but since I have gotten the 4 I cannot get it to take root I have tried everything !! The developer options are on and all the steps to do it are in order but it will not root it always fails. I have also tried kingo [a one click root type program] still does not work , I just really wanna figure it out cause I love custom roms and how much better the phone works any help would be appreciated I have included specs as well..
Im running
AT&T
Android version: 4.4.2
Model number: SGH i337
Baseband Version: 1337ucufnc1
I have security software version MDF v 1.0 release 2

Galaxayy said:
So I have rooted phones before so I am not a n00b. I had a galaxy 3 before that I rooted with ease , but since I have gotten the 4 I cannot get it to take root I have tried everything !! The developer options are on and all the steps to do it are in order but it will not root it always fails. I have also tried kingo [a one click root type program] still does not work , I just really wanna figure it out cause I love custom roms and how much better the phone works any help would be appreciated I have included specs as well..
Im running
AT&T
Android version: 4.4.2
Model number: SGH i337
Baseband Version: 1337ucufnc1
I have security software version MDF v 1.0 release 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you try https://www.towelroot.com/

Galaxayy said:
So I have rooted phones before so I am not a n00b. I had a galaxy 3 before that I rooted with ease , but since I have gotten the 4 I cannot get it to take root I have tried everything !! The developer options are on and all the steps to do it are in order but it will not root it always fails. I have also tried kingo [a one click root type program] still does not work , I just really wanna figure it out cause I love custom roms and how much better the phone works any help would be appreciated I have included specs as well..
Im running
AT&T
Android version: 4.4.2
Model number: SGH i337
Baseband Version: 1337ucufnc1
I have security software version MDF v 1.0 release 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The root methods you have listed are intended for older versions. The only functioning NC1 root method is towelroot. Please check the all things NC1 thread prior to posting. All info can be found there. The person above has given the link to towelroot. If you go to the galaxy s5 forums, you can get a tutorial on it, but it's pretty straightforward. Enjoy your rooted device.

Remember that the phone has a locked boot loader. So, the stock kernel and recovery cannot be replaced. The only working recovery is safestrap. There is also restrictions on the Roms that can be flashed.
More info http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221

All Questions and Help issues belong in Q&A, Help and Troubleshooting section
Thanks
Thread moved
FNSM

You can use TowelRoot for your phone

[Q] Best ROM For Galaxy S4

I currently have a AT&T Galaxy S4:
Model number
SAMAUNG-SGH-I337
Android Version
4.4.4
Baseband Version
I337UCUFNJ4
Kernel Version
3.4.0-2960651
[email protected] #1
Fri Oct 17 22:42:06 KST 2014
Build number KTU84P.I337UCUFNJ4
SE For Android status
Enforcing
SEPF_SAMSUNG-SGH-I337_4.4.4_0032
Wed Oct 15 17:06:37 2014
Secureboot status
Type: Samsung
Security software version
MDF v1.0 Release 3
VPN v1.4 Release 2
My phone likes to reboot when ever the hell it feels like it and it drives me crazy!!! I would like to know what the best ROM is for this phone. I had my phone rooted and then it was having problems so i factory reset it and flashed the factory Package (I got off the Samsung file site listed on this forum). Then after that my phone did a OTA update to 4.4.4 and it has been crappy ever since. So if anyone could please point me in the direction of a really good ROM and directions on how to install it on this phone i would greatly appricate it. I see a lot of people talking about bootloader locked and TWPL something like that and I have no idea what that is so this is why I ask for directions I have rooted multiple phones and tablets and have used ODIN a few times so I can follow directions just can't figure it out on my own.
Thanks

I am running the google play edition. Since the boot loader is locked on at&t i337, the only recovery you can use is safestrap. There is a thread showing you how to root and flash all Roms compatible with safestrap. Until the boot loader is unlocked, the only Roms available are touch wiz based Roms and the one that I am running, which is linked below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2837239

furry_pineapple said:
I am running the google play edition. Since the boot loader is locked on at&t i337, the only recovery you can use is safestrap. There is a thread showing you how to root and flash all Roms compatible with safestrap. Until the boot loader is unlocked, the only Roms available are touch wiz based Roms and the one that I am running, which is linked below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2837239
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I second this. I've been running the GPE rom for a few weeks now and it's not bad. Although there a a few hiccups, overall it's a daily driver. Plus, I cant stand TW anymore.

furry_pineapple said:
I am running the google play edition. Since the boot loader is locked on at&t i337, the only recovery you can use is safestrap. There is a thread showing you how to root and flash all Roms compatible with safestrap. Until the boot loader is unlocked, the only Roms available are touch wiz based Roms and the one that I am running, which is linked below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2837239
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TouchWiz is horrendous. No other way to describe it. I have found that with installing Nova Launcher Prime on my S4 that I can tolerate it. That being said, I've been running GPE 4.4.4 for some time now, and while there are a few hiccups (random vibrations for no apparent reason being the most annoying), it is definitely a VERY well polished ROM. I am currently downloading a couple of the de-bloated stock images, just to give them a run.
If you're looking for a good, solid daily driver however, you can't go wrong with the GPE ROMs

insideoute1 said:
I currently have a AT&T Galaxy S4:
Model number
SAMAUNG-SGH-I337
Android Version
4.4.4
Baseband Version
I337UCUFNJ4
Kernel Version
3.4.0-2960651
[email protected] #1
Fri Oct 17 22:42:06 KST 2014
Build number KTU84P.I337UCUFNJ4
SE For Android status
Enforcing
SEPF_SAMSUNG-SGH-I337_4.4.4_0032
Wed Oct 15 17:06:37 2014
Secureboot status
Type: Samsung
Security software version
MDF v1.0 Release 3
VPN v1.4 Release 2
My phone likes to reboot when ever the hell it feels like it and it drives me crazy!!! I would like to know what the best ROM is for this phone. I had my phone rooted and then it was having problems so i factory reset it and flashed the factory Package (I got off the Samsung file site listed on this forum). Then after that my phone did a OTA update to 4.4.4 and it has been ****ty ever since. So if anyone could please point me in the direction of a really good ROM and directions on how to install it on this phone i would greatly appricate it. I see a lot of people talking about bootloader locked and TWPL something like that and I have no idea what that is so this is why I ask for directions I have rooted multiple phones and tablets and have used ODIN a few times so I can follow directions just can't figure it out on my own.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best of lists are frowned on here as it is rather offensive to the many different developers here at XDA. The moderator will likely delete this thread. I hope he does. "Best of" is a matter of personal preference. Some like a custom rom, some want a de-bloated stock rom. Here is a great guide with all the roms that have been tested and confirmed to work on our device. You can't go wrong with any one of them , I should Know I've flashed them But try them yourself & see which fits your needs and preferences best. Good luck.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221

There is no BEST ROM...all ROMs are the best for those people using them because that is what works for their phone, their usage, their setup, their location, their preference. You really need to read through the development threads and try some things to find what is BEST for you.

Thanks
Thank you all I am going to try the GPE ROM and tesat drive it for awhile...... I was having a problem with connecting my phone to my computer and found i had to dial *#0808# and change the setting to MTP two days trying to install drivers and trying to install and connect through kies it was hell wish i would of knew this sooner.:cyclops:

Found the right thread to ask the question about safestrap so i deleted my question here and you can delete this post please.

Update to MM from rooted 4.4? Cant find a guide anywhere =/

Here is what I am currently running
The phone is currently rooted.
GM-G900V
Android Version: 4.4.4
Baseband version: G900VVRU1ANI2
Kernal Version: 3.4.0
Build Number: OptimalROM R12-6
I want to upgrade to MM and install this ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development/rom-ressurrection-remix-mm-t3275340
I also want to upgrade my kernal.
When everything is said and done, I of course want to be rooted.
Now I cant seem to find answers anywhere. I love this site, but finding a helpful guide is painful. So many different version of threads. I found several threads where people were asking the same thing but there were no good answers. So I imagine this could help others too.
If someone could tell me exactly what I need to do to upgrade to MM and get this new ROM installed, I would be insanely grateful.

skoad said:
Here is what I am currently running
The phone is currently rooted.
GM-G900V
Android Version: 4.4.4
Baseband version: G900VVRU1ANI2
Kernal Version: 3.4.0
Build Number: OptimalROM R12-6
I want to upgrade to MM and install this ROM http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development/rom-ressurrection-remix-mm-t3275340
I also want to upgrade my kernal.
When everything is said and done, I of course want to be rooted.
Now I cant seem to find answers anywhere. I love this site, but finding a helpful guide is painful. So many different version of threads. I found several threads where people were asking the same thing but there were no good answers. So I imagine this could help others too.
If someone could tell me exactly what I need to do to upgrade to MM and get this new ROM installed, I would be insanely grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi skoad
You have a Verizon and, as so, you may first start by reading the below:
[GUIDE] Unlocking the Galaxys S5 Bootloader using DEV Bootloader [KK-MM]
As soon as you find yourself comfortable, you will need first update your Bootloader (mentioned above) and Modem partitions. To do so you should flash a Sammobile firmware using Odin.
These are the firmwares available for you but only the first one is Marshmallow and your aim.
You may follow these general instructions obviously regarding your device data.
The Kernel update will be done by the ROM you are focusing to install and it will be rooted already.
Let us know how it performed with Stock.
Cheers.
.

Thanks a ton. I am pretty busy this weekend but will be giving this a shot Monday and will report back. What youve provided seems very helpful and straightforward, just what I was hoping for!

**Updating the Firmware Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900F**

Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!

jbscripts33 said:
Ok so here's my dilemma:
I have searched and searched for about 4 straight days on what to do and can't seem to pinpoint the procedure I need to enforce. This is my first posting by the way, and I'm kind of a noob to all of this stuff, but extremely intrigued by it all, that I can't seem to put my phone or laptop away as long as I have the free time to do more research.
I just recently rooted my Samsung Galaxy S5 variant G900F (was extremely excited that it was a success on my first try!). I just purchased this device in July (and it came unlocked as far as to using whichever carrier I wanted). Now, what I'm looking to do is update my firmware (from what I've gathered, I believe I need to do that in order to install a custom ROM? If I'm wrong, please correct me). So my device information is as follows:
MODEL: SM-G900F
PRODUCT NAME: kltexx
PRODUCT CODE: SM-G900FZWAMRU
PDA: G900FXXS1CQD8
CSC: G900FOJP1CQB1
BASEBAND: G900FXXU1CQB1
BOOTLOADER: G900FXXS1CQD8
BUILDNUMBER: MMB29M.G900FXXS1CQD8
ANDROID VERSION: 6.0.1
KERNEL VERSION: 3.4.0-10662519
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno (TM) 330
MODEM: MSM8974PRO
I don't know what other information someone would need in order to help point me in the right direction of what I need to do, but it would be greatly appreciated! If you need any other information, let me know! I can't seem to tell which region this device is typically set up for (as I said, I'm a noob) so if someone can explain that a little, that would be wonderful too. Thank you so much!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning

Many40 said:
Hi,
Your case seems to be llike somebody comes to a shop asking the shop assistant: "I want to buy something but I don't know what"
But now to be serious - in order to help you, you need to specify what you really want to achieve because from what you wrote I am not sure.
You have SM-G900F phone with latest MM 6.0.1 firmware for Mauritus (MRU) region. So you should be good to go.
If you just want to play with your phone, then OK but you should be aware that when you root your phone or flash any of the custom firmware you will loose your warranty. You wrote that you are rooted already so that is it -> KNOX flag is set 0x1. But if you bought a used phone then you should bother too much with that (warranty doesn't matter).
To flash any of the compatible custom roms you usually need a custom recovery (for example TWRP) and you are free to flash custom roms (following OP instructions of course).
That's it for the beginning
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?

jbscripts33 said:
Thank you! Well my initial goal was to install a custom rom but couldn't seem to find one that included my build number, so was a little confused. There's many to choose from, but I can't just download any of them. Or does a specified build number not convenient?
I have the TWRP downloaded, for some reason I thought I needed to update my firmware since I didn't see it anywhere as far as roms went. I'm mostly experimenting right now. I looked into rooting for 4 months before I finally did it. And now I'm overwhelmed with excitement of all the things I can do, that I don't know where to start! So I thought a different ROM would be a good start. I really enjoy customizing my phone and making it as unique as possible, any suggestions as far as which ROM I can do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, now I know a little bit more. You are on the latest stock rom foreseen for your region. So you are good to go for any customization. To flash a custom rom you need a custom recovery. when you are already rooted the easiest way is to install TWRP app from the Play store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.twrp.twrpapp
and flash the recovery.
Before flashing any custom rom it is highly recommended to do nandroid backup from TWRP (backup of all important partitions of your phone).
Then you can try a custom rom. Check this subforum:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/development
or this:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s5/unified-development
and find a rom of your choice. Read carefully the OP (compatibility, features, issues) and decide.
You might start with LineageOS based on android 7.X Nougat. But be aware that custom roms might have some bugs and are based on pure android sources so they will give you pure android experience. Some might love it but some are disappointed