Hi, sorry to sound like a noob, but I have read so much and am trying to keep up with what works now but didn't work when some of the old posts I read were posted, and just some general questions to clear things up. My s4 comes tomorrow and I want to be clear I have this down, seems like a much bigger pain than my S3 at least upfront.
So lets assume it comes with mf3 out of the box. I assume it will, is this still the issue? Safestrap is what I do, there still isn't an unlocked bootloader?
So assuming it is mf3 this is what I gather I need to do. I will root by doing the thing with terminal and a micro sd. This still works? It's still as easy as the guide I found says it is? Just have the files on root of micro sd and run the command in terminal?
Ok, so after I root I install the safestrap apk (turn on all sources of course first) and then install it or hit install recovery or whatever it says. Then boot and when I see the splash screen hit the recovery option.
At this point is the most confusion. There is a lot of talk in older posts about creating ram slots and not over writing stock rom. However some more recent posts I read mention over writing stock rom with a custom rom. So what do I do here. Assuming I create a few rom slots can I essential dual boot between roms? Can I have a google play edition and a TW edition just a reboot away?
After I do whatever with a rom then flash the kernal from the safestrap post.
Then reboot into said rom.
Then that's it? Going forward I can overwrite a rom slot with whatever custom rom I want?
Is there any limitations to roms or anything?
Lastely, is there any progress in unlocking the bootloader to just put a custom recovery on and have it be like other devices, or with safestrap has everyone just given up on that?
Thanks.
You need to read this from the beginning of the page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
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[email protected] said:
You need to read this from the beginning of the page.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2428254
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
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That doesn't really answer anything and in fact just seems to add to my issues.
"Also, at this time, only TW based ROMs will work with SS. CM, AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, etc will not work. "
is stated. However there are million other posts about people saying they are on CM or other AOSP roms.
It seems so much has changed over the past few months and sifting through all these posts and figuring what still applies now and what's old information seems impossible.
Plus I saw no post with actual discussion about overwriting stock rom. Just following along the safestrap thread all of a sudden people were saying don't do it, then all of a sudden people are doing it.
failedjedi said:
That doesn't really answer anything and in fact just seems to add to my issues.
"Also, at this time, only TW based ROMs will work with SS. CM, AOSP, AOKP, MIUI, etc will not work. "
is stated. However there are million other posts about people saying they are on CM or other AOSP roms.
It seems so much has changed over the past few months and sifting through all these posts and figuring what still applies now and what's old information seems impossible.
Plus I saw no post with actual discussion about overwriting stock rom. Just following along the safestrap thread all of a sudden people were saying don't do it, then all of a sudden people are doing it.
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Okay let me clear this up for you. A guy that worked at best buy got the mf3 tar files from the Samsung smart that they use at best buy to fix peoples phones. So with the newer posts saying do it, is because you have the tar files to Odin back to stock in case anything happens. So older posts we weren't able to do that because we didn't have the tar files.
Now there are 4.2.2 Google edition roms that are based on tw but has the aosp feel to it you can have as one slot, than you can have a tw in another slot and flash back and fourth, which you can have up to 3 or 4 Roms slots as long as you have the storage for it you can make it. It use to be that you could only make 1,2, or 3 gig ROM slots for safestrap but I think you can partition more gigs now.
The people that are saying that they're on cm, aosp Roms are people who have the MDL firmware which there was an exploit for the boot loader, once mf3 hit Samsung and att locked that exploit up and its been so locked down people are getting rid of their s4's.
If your phone comes with mf3 first thing to do is not to set up WiFi yet and don't take an update. Root the device via the SD card method or kingo root method, than get safestrap installed and flash whatever ROM two based ROM for 4.2.2 you want. Hope that clears up some things
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[email protected] said:
Okay let me clear this up for you. A guy that worked at best buy got the mf3 tar files from the Samsung smart that they use at best buy to fix peoples phones. So with the newer posts saying do it, is because you have the tar files to Odin back to stock in case anything happens. So older posts we weren't able to do that because we didn't have the tar files.
Now there are 4.2.2 Google edition roms that are based on tw but has the aosp feel to it you can have as one slot, than you can have a tw in another slot and flash back and fourth, which you can have up to 3 or 4 Roms slots as long as you have the storage for it you can make it. It use to be that you could only make 1,2, or 3 gig ROM slots for safestrap but I think you can partition more gigs now.
The people that are saying that they're on cm, aosp Roms are people who have the MDL firmware which there was an exploit for the boot loader, once mf3 hit Samsung and att locked that exploit up and its been so locked down people are getting rid of their s4's.
If your phone comes with mf3 first thing to do is not to set up WiFi yet and don't take an update. Root the device via the SD card method or kingo root method, than get safestrap installed and flash whatever ROM two based ROM for 4.2.2 you want. Hope that clears up some things
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Ok, thanks for clearing that app. So when browsing ROMS I just have to make sure I get a TW based one, or even within touchwiz is there specific ROMS for mf3?
failedjedi said:
Ok, thanks for clearing that app. So when browsing ROMS I just have to make sure I get a TW based one, or even within touchwiz is there specific ROMS for mf3?
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If you would have bothered to read the thread that was linked for you (that you claimed didn't help you) you would have seen a list of ROMs in the OP.
scott14719 said:
If you would have bothered to read the thread that was linked for you (that you claimed didn't help you) you would have seen a list of ROMs in the OP.
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I see the list, does it say "these are the only working roms" - no.
It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?
And lastly, the reason I made the original post in the first place, how current is that info. There is conflicting info all over the place, and so many posts like the one linked don't date updates and changes consistently.
If that was the definitive list 3 months ago, but more are widely accepted as working since then, I have no way of no way of knowing that.
There is no single post that has properly dated updated information all in one place. I appreciate there are people that have been doing this and keeping up with this stuff for a while now, but as a new s4 owner, this mf3 stuff is not only different, but all the proper info is spread out all over the place and not dated.
failedjedi said:
I see the list, does it say "these are the only working roms" - no.
It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?
And lastly, the reason I made the original post in the first place, how current is that info. There is conflicting info all over the place, and so many posts like the one linked don't date updates and changes consistently.
If that was the definitive list 3 months ago, but more are widely accepted as working since then, I have no way of no way of knowing that.
There is no single post that has properly dated updated information all in one place. I appreciate there are people that have been doing this and keeping up with this stuff for a while now, but as a new s4 owner, this mf3 stuff is not only different, but all the proper info is spread out all over the place and not dated.
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That is why you need to take time to learn and read. It sounds as if you are wanting someone else to do all of the research for you. If the information is spread out to you, than it is to others also. Search, read, and learn...that is the only way to get the information you need. I'm really not sure what else you are looking for? If you are looking for someone to tell you exactly what ROMs (out of every ROM available) will work 100% in your situation you are, that person doesn't exist. So like I asked, what is it you are looking for? Maybe if you clarify your request you can get more help, but remember, not that you will do this, but don't ask for anything that you should be able to do yourself.
scott14719 said:
That is why you need to take time to learn and read. It sounds as if you are wanting someone else to do all of the research for you. If the information is spread out to you, than it is to others also. Search, read, and learn...that is the only way to get the information you need. I'm really not sure what else you are looking for? If you are looking for someone to tell you exactly what ROMs (out of every ROM available) will work 100% in your situation you are, that person doesn't exist. So like I asked, what is it you are looking for? Maybe if you clarify your request you can get more help, but remember, not that you will do this, but don't ask for anything that you should be able to do yourself.
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"It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?"
That's what I'm looking for.
Can I in theory flash any TW ROM without risk of bricking, or am I actually limited to those confirmed. And follow up, how up to date is the confirmed list?
I can see all the information, I can do all the research, the problem is none of the information is dated, I read something about not overwriting stock rom slot, then I read something about doing it, and when nothing is dated for edits just the date of the original post shown, I don't know which piece of information is relevant and which piece to ignore.
If that list was dated and it was dated recently, I wouldn't have asked, I would have trusted it as an up to date list. But what if that list is 2 months old and there other roms now that are more relevant.
failedjedi said:
"It also says TW roms work, so do roms beyond those listed work. Or rather even if not confirmed "should" they work?"
That's what I'm looking for.
Can I in theory flash any TW ROM without risk of bricking, or am I actually limited to those confirmed. And follow up, how up to date is the confirmed list?
I can see all the information, I can do all the research, the problem is none of the information is dated, I read something about not overwriting stock rom slot, then I read something about doing it, and when nothing is dated for edits just the date of the original post shown, I don't know which piece of information is relevant and which piece to ignore.
If that list was dated and it was dated recently, I wouldn't have asked, I would have trusted it as an up to date list. But what if that list is 2 months old and there other roms now that are more relevant.
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This is probably the best answer you are going to get (though others might be able to help you). The thread states to only use 4.22 TW ROMs. That means, that in theory, any 4.22 TW based ROM should work. However, if the ROM isn't specifically listed in that thread, it is your own risk to try it. There is always risk. No one can guarantee anything even if it somehow worked for them them. So if you try a ROM that is not in the list, you are taking a risk. There is no other way to put it. If you want to know about a specific ROM not on the list, and it meets the requirements, you will need to search the ROMs development thread to see if it is mentioned as working with SafeStrap and if it hasn't been mentioned, then ask in that specific thread. The information in the SafeStrap thread's OP is generally current but it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on. It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it. It you choose to do something different than what the OP states, it is your risk. Good luck.
scott14719 said:
This is probably the best answer you are going to get (though others might be able to help you). The thread states to only use 4.22 TW ROMs. That means, that in theory, any 4.22 TW based ROM should work. However, if the ROM isn't specifically listed in that thread, it is your own risk to try it. There is always risk. No one can guarantee anything even if it somehow worked for them them. So if you try a ROM that is not in the list, you are taking a risk. There is no other way to put it. If you want to know about a specific ROM not on the list, and it meets the requirements, you will need to search the ROMs development thread to see if it is mentioned as working with SafeStrap and if it hasn't been mentioned, then ask in that specific thread. The information in the SafeStrap thread's OP is generally current but it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on. It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it. It you choose to do something different than what the OP states, it is your risk. Good luck.
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"it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on"
"It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it."
This is my issue with the snarky comments here. You have been helpful, but all over there are snarky comments all with similar statements.
Make sure you read it, but don't trust what you read, make sure you spend 4 hours reading a 100+ page forum before you ask a simple question, I have seen simple yes/no questions answered with paragraph responses bashing OP for not reading.
Now in my case the 3 main posts that people should read to do this, if they were dated I would have been fine.
Again, not anyone here specifically for the most part, but XDA in general is full of this superiority attitude.
failedjedi said:
"it is also important to read the entire thread to see what has changed from early on"
"It doesn't matter what anyone else claims to be running or doing, if it says to do or not do something in the OP, then listen to it."
This is my issue with the snarky comments here. You have been helpful, but all over there are snarky comments all with similar statements.
Make sure you read it, but don't trust what you read, make sure you spend 4 hours reading a 100+ page forum before you ask a simple question, I have seen simple yes/no questions answered with paragraph responses bashing OP for not reading.
Now in my case the 3 main posts that people should read to do this, if they were dated I would have been fine.
Again, not anyone here specifically for the most part, but XDA in general is full of this superiority attitude.
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It's not a "superiority" attitude as you put it, it is the RULES. You are expected to read as much as you need to to learn. If that means 1 day or 100 days, it's up to you. This is a development forum and not a "tutorial site. People are very helpful if you at least try to help yourself first. I told you, there is no "easy" answer for what you ask. You HAVE to try the ROMs for yourself if you want to risk it. Expecting someone else to do it so they can run back and give you the answer after they took the risk is a "superiority" attitude. I also told you,DO WHAT THE OP STATES! Anything else is your risk. Why is that hard to understand? Anything you try that is not stated in the OP is untried, unproven, and risky. It's that simple.
scott14719 said:
It's not a "superiority" attitude as you put it, it is the RULES. You are expected to read as much as you need to to learn. If that means 1 day or 100 days, it's up to you. This is a development forum and not a "tutorial site. People are very helpful if you at least try to help yourself first. I told you, there is no "easy" answer for what you ask. You HAVE to try the ROMs for yourself if you want to risk it. Expecting someone else to do it so they can run back and give you the answer after they took the risk is a "superiority" attitude. I also told you,DO WHAT THE OP STATES! Anything else is your risk. Why is that hard to understand? Anything you try that is not stated in the OP is untried, unproven, and risky. It's that simple.
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I asked for clarification on conflicting information.
It's not hard to understand do what OP says. It's the fact that in 2 sentences you said both to read EVERYTHING for information, then insist on only getting viable information from OP, which is it?
I tried to only follow OP but saw conflicting info so asked for clarification, then get told to read everything. Then get told don't trust what I read only follow what OP says. When there are 3 different "must read" posts, by 3 different authors and they are conflicting what the f*** is anyone supposed to do.
You are the one that makes seem like I'm asking to be guided through baby steps. I didn't. I asked if all TW roms should in theory work, a simple yes, or as you finally did say in theory they should, would have sufficed. Just a simple clarification, instead you are the one putting more work into the issue. That could have ended it right there, instead you keep posting more contradictory statements.
I read, I figured out all the steps I needed to take, some stuff was worded odd, or had conflicting info and I just wanted clarification on what was still relevant. God forbid someone have to say yes or no to a few questions to save others the time of reading hundreds of pages stuff that is out of date.
Hey Mod this is going know where.
Sent from my SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Okay! So I present you all with a question. I've read multiple threads on safestrap ROMs and id you have the MDL loader on how you can in-fact load custom ROMs.
But here's my biggest question, (I'm not sure if this should go in a dev sub-forum or here, but this seemed to make the most sense) but here it is, Is there any reason or advantage to stay on the MF3 bootloader firmware (4.2.2) which is locked to safestrap.
As in is there any progress whatsoever on the ability to install custom ROMs on this version, or any estimations or just plain and simple to not be rude, but is there remotely any way to install custom non-TW, non 4.2.2 ROMs, via safestrap on the firmware?
Or would I be better off upgrading via OTA to 4.3.3 so that I can utilize my Galaxy Gear, with retaining my root from SuperSU Pro "Survival Mode"? To be totally honest from the looks of the forums and Q+A recently most ATT users have done this exact thing.
That being said is there any sort of progress or planned progress/development towards the ability to create custom ROMs for these new MK2 bootloaders? I'm sure any ROM developer that wishes to continue to create ROMs that can be used by more than a slim picking would be on this development already but that's my questions!
Xeon.Jamal said:
Okay! So I present you all with a question. I've read multiple threads on safestrap ROMs and id you have the MDL loader on how you can in-fact load custom ROMs.
But here's my biggest question, (I'm not sure if this should go in a dev sub-forum or here, but this seemed to make the most sense) but here it is, Is there any reason or advantage to stay on the MF3 bootloader firmware (4.2.2) which is locked to safestrap.
As in is there any progress whatsoever on the ability to install custom ROMs on this version, or any estimations or just plain and simple to not be rude, but is there remotely any way to install custom non-TW, non 4.2.2 ROMs, via safestrap on the firmware?
Or would I be better off upgrading via OTA to 4.3.3 so that I can utilize my Galaxy Gear, with retaining my root from SuperSU Pro "Survival Mode"? To be totally honest from the looks of the forums and Q+A recently most ATT users have done this exact thing.
That being said is there any sort of progress or planned progress/development towards the ability to create custom ROMs for these new MK2 bootloaders? I'm sure any ROM developer that wishes to continue to create ROMs that can be used by more than a slim picking would be on this development already but that's my questions!
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Hashcode the man behind safestrap Is working on bri ging safestrap to 4.3....other than that, other people may be working on it or they may not. 99% of rom devs dont have the skill to unlock a bootloader, not saying they are bad devs but it takes a completely differnt set of dev skills to unlock a bootloader...alot more coding
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mg2195 said:
Hashcode the man behind safestrap Is working on bri ging safestrap to 4.3....other than that, other people may be working on it or they may not. 99% of rom devs dont have the skill to unlock a bootloader, not saying they are bad devs but it takes a completely differnt set of dev skills to unlock a bootloader...alot more coding
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Awesome, but there would still be no way to truly get ROMs like Dandroid or anything that has kitkat or non TW right? I know what you are saying about the devs. Its a totally different skillset. I hadn't thought of that. D'Oh! Thanks for the reply! I might upgrade to 4.3.3 so I can utilize my hear now!
Is their a cyanogenmod version that works for non developers editions of the verizon note. I just got my note 3 and without cyanogenmod it would stink.. has the bootloader been unlocked ?
No, still can't flash custom kernels
mjh68 said:
No, still can't flash custom kernels
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there are may subjects and threads on this matter. I realized that not everyone understands everything, but if you know enough to register on this site, you must know how to use the search function.
to sum up:
search before posting
for the time being s4 and above on verizon wont be able to run aosp roms*
*besides developers edition. (if you have to ask, you don't have one)
dogenut said:
Is their a cyanogenmod version that works for non developers editions of the verizon note. I just got my note 3 and without cyanogenmod it would stink.. has the bootloader been unlocked ?
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i did the same thing back in January and i'm kicking myself in the ass for not doing a lot more research first. samsung software has got to be the worst, thats why this phone has 3 gb ram. use towel root and at least get root access to shut half the ****ty software off. the custom roms for this phone are just rework versions of bloatwiz.
That blows... has anyone been working on it ?
dogenut said:
That blows... has anyone been working on it ?
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The likelihood that our bootloader will even be unlocked or that any real development will go into kexec allowing us to flash custom kernels is probably close to 0%, meaning there will not be a cyanogenmod for retail N3.
However, if you are looking for a closer to AOSP rom check out Eclipse Rom. The dev has put much coding into the rom to make it feel like AOSP, it's not without its faults but what rom is perfect?
Also the devs for Alliance Rom have said they will be releasing an AOSP version in the future and many people are looking forward to that.
With practically any rom you will find yourself uninstalling a lot of bloatware unless you are one of the few who bought a Samsung device to use the proprietary software.
Either way, have fun.
I'm thinking of getting a S5, but I would like one that I could completely customize with Roms and everything. I currently just know that both AT&T and Verizon are locked at the bootloader. So I know I won't be able to use custom roms on those. But I am not complete sure about the other phones.
Help would be appreciated thanks in advance
OhaiiDan said:
I'm thinking of getting a S5, but I would like one that I could completely customize with Roms and everything. I currently just know that both AT&T and Verizon are locked at the bootloader. So I know I won't be able to use custom roms on those. But I am not complete sure about the other phones.
Help would be appreciated thanks in advance
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I think you should be able to put custom roms even on those devices.
However, I think there's nothing like unlocked, international version of the device.
I wonder though whether Snapdragon is better than Exynos regarding this issue.
Anyway, good luck. I hope to read interesting opinions about this, as all I wrote here are just guesses.
AndroidDeveloperLB said:
I think you should be able to put custom roms even on those devices.
However, I think there's nothing like unlocked, international version of the device.
I wonder though whether Snapdragon is better than Exynos regarding this issue.
Anyway, good luck. I hope to read interesting opinions about this, as all I wrote here are just guesses.
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well I've seen custom roms on these devices, but the roms cannot be fully customizable like cyannogenmod. They have to be touch wiz based roms for them to be able to work on these devices.
OhaiiDan said:
I'm thinking of getting a S5, but I would like one that I could completely customize with Roms and everything. I currently just know that both AT&T and Verizon are locked at the bootloader. So I know I won't be able to use custom roms on those. But I am not complete sure about the other phones.
Help would be appreciated thanks in advance
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Stock rom with root and xposed framework will offer a ton of mods for you
i sold my 900a in favor of a 900f. locked bootloader meant no custom kernel.