[Q] Best way to go from MF3 to most recent FW - AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshootin

Hello everyone,
I made the mistake a long time ago to get an OTA update, not thinking that they'd lock the bootloader and I'm currently on MF3. Last I checked, the most recent firmware update didn't have root access, so I chose not to try and update it. Truthfully, it's been a while since I've checked in here (since I'm more or less stuck with a locked bootloader anyway) and I'm trying to play catch up.
What's the best way to get my device up to date?
Could I use survival mode in SuperSU (and would it retain root)?
Do I have to do anything special to upgrade (get rid of root/any customizations that mark my FW as "custom" on startup)?
Any chance someone fixed the locked bootloader issue or is that likely permanent (I saw we can now ODIN back to stock but I'm assuming that won't unlock the bootloader)?
Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Thanks, guys!

I don't know the exact answer to your update question. But, you can start here--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2573080
I have not read it so don't recommend it w/o further study.
There are several threads in General and Q&A that talk about updating with MF3/MK2/NB1 etc. There is a SafeStrap thread in General and Q&A. You will need SafeStrap.
Bootloader will remain locked and you are post MDL build so recommend reading alot in those threads--
I think you have to do this incrementally to get to NB1/NC1. IE MF3 to MK2 etc
SafeStrap will be how you flash TW roms only and won't be able to flash custom recoveries/kernels. SafeStrap will have your recovery within it afaik.
I am MDL and that is why I can't give specifics. It can be complicated, so study up for awhile--:good:
---------- Post added at 02:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:19 PM ----------
Another more recent link
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=49687770
Also, here jd gives good advice--
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2746515

rugmankc said:
I think you have to do this incrementally to get to NB1/NC1. IE MF3 to MK2 etc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh, I had a feeling that was probably going to be the case. That's what I get for being so out of touch on these things. I appreciate you taking the time to post here. I've used safestrap before but found the ROM's available for where I was at didn't really add much (and I'd have to reconfigure all my settings). If I'm moving to a new FW version, that might be a good place to start.
Thanks again for taking the time. If anyone else knows the best way to move forward (possibly removing my all custom aspects so I can just take any OTA's, assuming root is available for the most recent version), let me know.
Is there anything preventing root in the most recent FW version (I assume that's NC1)?
Thanks, everyone!

If you go to NC1 it is rootable with Towelroot---should be a thread on that too or within an NB1/NC1 thread.
You can probably search on that one.
Mod may move this to Q&A also--

Related

[Q] For those of us that didn't update but made modification

I have a straightforward question but I haven't been able to piece together a complete answer from the various threads. I held out doing the AT&T update. In the meantime I have:
Rooted
Updated my stock Email apk to bypass security
Replaced my system.ui to get custom icons on the pull-down menu
Run xPosed Framework with APP settings (to adjust DPI) and Nottach's module.
Can't recall what else
I'm quite happy with everything but I wanted to get updated and prepare to install recovery and all other goodies that are to come with Loki. So, what is the best way for me to get up to date, keep root, and my mods so I can follow along with the progress that will be happening very fast now? Do I have to start over?
I'm sure others have this question also so I appreciate any feedback.
hamzer11 said:
I have a straightforward question but I haven't been able to piece together a complete answer from the various threads. I held out doing the AT&T update. In the meantime I have:
Rooted
Updated my stock Email apk to bypass security
Replaced my system.ui to get custom icons on the pull-down menu
Run xPosed Framework with APP settings (to adjust DPI) and Nottach's module.
Can't recall what else
I'm quite happy with everything but I wanted to get updated and prepare to install recovery and all other goodies that are to come with Loki. So, what is the best way for me to get up to date, keep root, and my mods so I can follow along with the progress that will be happening very fast now? Do I have to start over?
I'm sure others have this question also so I appreciate any feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the TWRP thread and do EXACTLY as they thread says to install the recovery, or use goo, it is there now. I was rooted on the MDB stock, and I had root after I installed the recovery. no issues. Did a successful backup, did get a error that required me to delete or rename the KNOX apk files. You will have to that also. Answering your question, I did some minor mods and they were still there perfectly.
Good luck sir.
TheAxman said:
Go to the TWRP thread and do EXACTLY as they thread says to install the recovery, or use goo, it is there now. I was rooted on the MDB stock, and I had root after I installed the recovery. no issues. Did a successful backup, did get a error that required me to delete or rename the KNOX apk files. You will have to that also. Answering your question, I did some minor mods and they were still there perfectly.
Good luck sir.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for replying. I will go that route of it's best. What's the drawback of removing KNOX, if any? What about updating to MDL?
hamzer11 said:
Thanks for replying. I will go that route of it's best. What's the drawback of removing KNOX, if any? What about updating to MDL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have Knox??
AMDL updating instructions and information should be found in one of the links included in the "Root" sticky in the general forum or in the "motochopper" post in the Original Android development forum.
hamzer11 said:
Thanks for replying. I will go that route of it's best. What's the drawback of removing KNOX, if any? What about updating to MDL?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
KNOX doesn't work yet, but the APKs are there and cause issues - I'd freeze in TiBu rather than deleting - threads are out there on what to freeze.
And I strongly recommend that you open up a note app and list what you did so you know what you might need to back out or re-do if needed. On the GS3 I have a notepad file with over 60 lines of things to do if I want to full wipe and put everything back JUST the way I had it (including hex codes for colors, ringtones, etc.).
---------- Post added at 08:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:57 PM ----------
scott14719 said:
You have Knox??
AMDL updating instructions and information should be found in one of the links included in the "Root" sticky in the general forum or in the "motochopper" post in the Original Android development forum.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knox is in the system, but not implemented yet - they're aiming for July based on the last new release. But the hooks and APKs are still there.
alacrify said:
KNOX doesn't work yet, but the APKs are there and cause issues - I'd freeze in TiBu rather than deleting - threads are out there on what to freeze.
And I strongly recommend that you open up a note app and list what you did so you know what you might need to back out or re-do if needed. On the GS3 I have a notepad file with over 60 lines of things to do if I want to full wipe and put everything back JUST the way I had it (including hex codes for colors, ringtones, etc.).
---------- Post added at 08:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:57 PM ----------
Knox is in the system, but not implemented yet - they're aiming for July based on the last new release. But the hooks and APKs are still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow I never thought of that. That's very thorough of you.
@TheAxman or anyone that knows, I was able to use Goo manager and load TWRP. Made a backup too and rebooted without issue. Where would I run into the KNOX issue? I haven't had any issues.

[Q] assistance for an android caveman user

Ok so having just come into the world of android i have done some digging on the site before i created a post because i honestly felt absolutely lost. I have a I337 MDL 4.2.2 galaxy S4 in my posession. I previously was not interested in any custom ROMs or rooting in particular,however i ended up rooting my phone using the motochopper tool a while back. since the release of jellybean 4.3 i have been desperately searching for a way to get the upgrade,however my OTA updates don't work because I'm always told to try again in 24 hours,even though i know full well the update is available. I am not sure if this is due to me using the phone in the caribbean where i live,or it being rooted. However,since the MDL baseband seems to be some sort of software gold,I would like to install a custom rom,and i really really need instructions so simple that an idiot would get it,cause I seem to not be getting this at all. Any redirections to other threads would be appreciated,such as GoldenEye which seems to be a decent ROM based on my internet travels lol. Also if there is a way to bypass all the drama and simply do the OTA update to 4.3,it would be greatly appreciated. I apologize for any rules broken or annoyances created and appreciate any help I can get.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2314494
do not take the ota.
cheers
saba243 said:
Ok so having just come into the world of android i have done some digging on the site before i created a post because i honestly felt absolutely lost. I have a I337 MDL 4.2.2 galaxy S4 in my posession. I previously was not interested in any custom ROMs or rooting in particular,however i ended up rooting my phone using the motochopper tool a while back. since the release of jellybean 4.3 i have been desperately searching for a way to get the upgrade,however my OTA updates don't work because I'm always told to try again in 24 hours,even though i know full well the update is available. I am not sure if this is due to me using the phone in the caribbean where i live,or it being rooted. However,since the MDL baseband seems to be some sort of software gold,I would like to install a custom rom,and i really really need instructions so simple that an idiot would get it,cause I seem to not be getting this at all. Any redirections to other threads would be appreciated,such as GoldenEye which seems to be a decent ROM based on my internet travels lol. Also if there is a way to bypass all the drama and simply do the OTA update to 4.3,it would be greatly appreciated. I apologize for any rules broken or annoyances created and appreciate any help I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As xBeerdroiDx said, do not take the update. The easiest thing to do is use the CASUAL root method, and then you can use the custom recovery it installs to flash StockUp MK2 if you want the 4.3 update as that way you can get it and still keep your custom recovery to change at any time. You may need the MK2 modem from the thread if your cell and data service stops working right but it should be good.

Double check before I root

I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
rugmankc said:
You can't flash anything other than Touch Wiz Roms. That guide and ones like The Ultimate All in one Guide will be a starting place. No custom recoveries either.
Sent from my GT-I9505G using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.
burgertime78 said:
So what's the problem? ATT? too new a hardware version? I have the worst luck with this stuff - if I buy a router to flash a custom firmware like Tomato, it's the ONLY version that isn't supported. crazy.
I'm not sure what a custom recovery is unfortunately. That said, can I root this phone at all? I guess if I can't flash the rom I want to use, can I at least install titanium and freeze all the crapware that I don't want running?
btw - thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.
rugmankc said:
Any build after mdl has the bootloader locked down. If you read thru those two threads OP pages you get an idea. You will also need to get familiar with SafeStrap. I am on the old build and can use an exploit called loki-doki to bypass Sammy's security check and allow kernel to flash.
There may be some new stuff on rooting NC1, but I don't keep up. Basically you had to go back to mk2 to root then go back NC1 and use SafeStrap to flash only TW roms. The SafeStrap thread will explain that. But, it creates slots on the System partition again fooling Sammy. More or less--
Like I said not an expert as I don't have the issue you have with bootloader. But that is the gist of it. Just need to read up so you don't brick--good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DAMN! Thanks!
burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good Luck
There are plenty of folks here to help with specifics like jd and tedusa--:good:
burgertime78 said:
I just acquired a GS4 from ATT today. it is:
Android 4.4.2 (which I upgraded myself)
Baseband V: I337UCUFNC1
I found this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2663545 But I wanted to make sure there is not anything newer or different since then. I wasn't able to find anything else by searching. I'm trying to root this phone to use CyanogenMod. Unfortunately, my phone is not supported in their list of easy installs.
Can someone verify the steps for me to root and flash Cyan to this model phone before I pull the trigger? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
New way to root is call towelroot. Google it or search for it around here the link is everywhere. It's an apk file made by geohot (same guy that jail broke the iphone and ps3). Once you root you can install safestrap. If you've ever owned an droid device they have something identical called boot strap. Think of it as a dual boot of sorts. Definitely keep your eyes on these threads as well as the sgs5 thread. If an exploit is discovered it'll probably be for the s5 and will be compatible with our s4 (towel root was made for the s5 but works for a whole bunch of devices)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
burgertime78 said:
DAMN! Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=52167774&postcount=3&nocache=1&z=8413408249616623
I was in the same boat as you 2 weeks ago, bought a NC1 and wanted CM, and used this to root. I currently use the Google Edition ROM that has been modified to work on locked bootloader phones, though it does have it's fallbacks. For someone new I'd recommend GoldenEye, just click the link on my signature to download it.
Good luck!
Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.
You all are AWESOME! Thank you so much! I'll look into this and keep you posted.
rugmankc said:
Oh, btw--check out GEOHOT's Towelroot thread in General for NC1. I knew I forgot one. That was the recent method I was thinking of. Not sure which of threads are best for you--depends what you want to do.
---------- Post added at 10:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 PM ----------
HaHa posted at same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?
burgertime78 said:
I just towelrooted. It worked! I was watching this video http://gs5.wonderhowto.com/how-to/r...nt-even-at-t-verizon-20-seconds-flat-0155617/ and I did it while I Was watching the video. On my device, it did not even reboot - i just said "should be rooted" so I loaded a root checker and sure enough, it is rooted! took all of about 8 seconds.
Now, on to a rom.
I'm confused now. Why can I not use CM? I read about SafeStrap and I understand it's sort of a dual boot setup - I get that. So, in a sense, I'm not really installing FRESH, a new rom - at least not in the sense that you format your hard disk and install a new OS. However, what ARE my choices in roms? I know the whiz touch, and now the golden eye, plus the google modified - but what else? I want something cut down, simple and battery friendly. I'm not a super power user and I don't require much. Actually, battery life is the most important thing to me.
This is my business phone - I use Gmail, SMS, maybe take a few pictures - and I listen to podcasts. very basic user. Advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDL builds have an exploit that allows the kernel to flash. That is loki-doki. Bypasses the Sammy security check to allow this. There is no exploit yet for post MDL builds. Hence you can only flash stock Touch Wiz kernels, thus only roms that have them. So, no aosp based roms. In one of the threads in General that talk about MK2/NC1 etc is a list of roms for you. I forget the technical coding side of SafeStrap. But, it puts roms in System bypassing the bootloader. But, no way of doing that with aosp roms yet.
I am old and don't retain things much anymore if they are not very important to me. So, although I have read up on this stuff, and have a "45 year old" Engineering Degree, I don't need SafeStrap having the MDL bootloader. So, don't remember all that I have read. But, what I said is the basics of it.
Your roms need to have SafeStrap option in the rom thread's OP page. If not listed, it won't work. Having said all that things like Towelroot are new and more options may come along. :good:

[Q] Need help with unlocking Bootloader

I am running Android 4.4.2 KitKat on my At&t Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337. I have looked at so many forums and threads but none of them have been about an At&t S4 running 4.4.2. Can someone please help me with unlocking the bootloader of this thing since I want to get CM11 on it and I can't just switch phones since I am a student and didn't pay for the device. I would really appreciate a solid process instead of various vague ones since I had soft-bricked my phone and was fortunately able to recover it.
pulkitanand said:
I am running Android 4.4.2 KitKat on my At&t Samsung Galaxy S4 SGH-I337. I have looked at so many forums and threads but none of them have been about an At&t S4 running 4.4.2. Can someone please help me with unlocking the bootloader of this thing since I want to get CM11 on it and I can't just switch phones since I am a student and didn't pay for the device. I would really appreciate a solid process instead of various vague ones since I had soft-bricked my phone and was fortunately able to recover it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bootloader is locked down tight. Cm11 won't work, but there is a working Google play edition with safestrap
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
Can you give me more information on how I can get this GPE ROM on my S4? Also, is it the legit GPE ROM you are talking about? Will I be able to get updates from it?
Thr33-F0ur said:
Bootloader is locked down tight. Cm11 won't work, but there is a working Google play edition with safestrap
Sent from my GT-I9505G using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
there are two GPE roms that are currently working right now.
Thanks Soulflame22 for that link. One last thing I need to clarify - are these legit GPE ROMS and will I be able to get future updates?
Soulflame22 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
there are two GPE roms that are currently working right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Soulflame22 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
there are two GPE roms that are currently working right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also read up on Hashcodes SafeStrap thread in Dev section.
It doesn't sound like you are close to flashing roms with your current build--
A few days or couple weeks of research can be very beneficial and prevent a bricked phone
Also this will get moved to Q&A
Good luck on the flashing--backup before doing anything new--:good:
Soulflame22 said:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
there are two GPE roms that are currently working right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pulkitanand said:
Thanks Soulflame22 for that link. One last thing I need to clarify - are these legit GPE ROMS and will I be able to get future updates?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as i know, you can't take OTA updates from google. and yeah you should also read about Safestrap as well. Since that is the only recovery we can use.
Alright, I will read-up on those. But I have seen a few methods in which you use a Loki'd TWRP Recovery? Isn't that possible for my android version as well? Nobody specified in the methods that I saw, that's why I am asking.
rugmankc said:
I would also read up on Hashcodes SafeStrap thread in Dev section.
It doesn't sound like you are close to flashing roms with your current build--
A few days or couple weeks of research can be very beneficial and prevent a bricked phone
Also this will get moved to Q&A
Good luck on the flashing--backup before doing anything new--:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, okay thanks. Also, can't I use a Loki'd TWRP Recovery? Or is that not an option anymore since I'm running 4.4.2?
Soulflame22 said:
As far as i know, you can't take OTA updates from google. and yeah you should also read about Safestrap as well. Since that is the only recovery we can use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's up man? You can't use loki, TWRP, or anything else except safestrap. Read the link above for everything mk2, nb1, nc1. I know it's a lot, but read it. You should be on NC1, so first read root section for NC1. Then read recovery section and get safestrap 3.73. Then read the installation instructions for NC1 base. The GEE roms are ok, but not without bugs. I tried both of them and they weren't for me because of the bugs. I know it's a lot but those sections should get you there. Good luck k man. Oh yeah. You can't take OTA updates with the GPE rooms either. They are taken from GPE but modified to work with safestrap. The official updates won't work.
---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 AM ----------
I meant safestrap 3.72. Not 3.73. Sorry. Typo.
pulkitanand said:
Oh, okay thanks. Also, can't I use a Loki'd TWRP Recovery? Or is that not an option anymore since I'm running 4.4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Loki from what i understand is for 4.3 or earlier, since you are on 4.4.x, Loki won't work and you can't downgrade it either, sucks i know
Thank you very much for clarifying the whole thing for me. I have read everything in that link given and now I understand how to do it. Have to say, it's quite a bit more to do for us At&t users. I don't know why Samsung chose to lock the bootloader -.-
Bweekzzz said:
What's up man? You can't use loki, TWRP, or anything else except safestrap. Read the link above for everything mk2, nb1, nc1. I know it's a lot, but read it. You should be on NC1, so first read root section for NC1. Then read recovery section and get safestrap 3.73. Then read the installation instructions for NC1 base. The GEE roms are ok, but not without bugs. I tried both of them and they weren't for me because of the bugs. I know it's a lot but those sections should get you there. Good luck k man. Oh yeah. You can't take OTA updates with the GPE rooms either. They are taken from GPE but modified to work with safestrap. The official updates won't work.
---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 AM ----------
I meant safestrap 3.72. Not 3.73. Sorry. Typo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, okay thanks for clarifying that. Yeah, it's unfortunate that I can't downgrade :/
Soulflame22 said:
Loki from what i understand is for 4.3 or earlier, since you are on 4.4.x, Loki won't work and you can't downgrade it either, sucks i know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which ROM do you recommend from the list of ROMs given in that link?
Bweekzzz said:
What's up man? You can't use loki, TWRP, or anything else except safestrap. Read the link above for everything mk2, nb1, nc1. I know it's a lot, but read it. You should be on NC1, so first read root section for NC1. Then read recovery section and get safestrap 3.73. Then read the installation instructions for NC1 base. The GEE roms are ok, but not without bugs. I tried both of them and they weren't for me because of the bugs. I know it's a lot but those sections should get you there. Good luck k man. Oh yeah. You can't take OTA updates with the GPE rooms either. They are taken from GPE but modified to work with safestrap. The official updates won't work.
---------- Post added at 12:06 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 AM ----------
I meant safestrap 3.72. Not 3.73. Sorry. Typo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pulkitanand said:
Which ROM do you recommend from the list of ROMs given in that link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please read the links and resources on the forums before asking questions. If you bothered to read the GPE pages, they indicate that both roms are pretty much the same as they are based on the same rom. Also, AT&T decided to ship with a locked bootloader. Samsung gives that option to carriers and it's their decision on that.
It really wouldn't matter if I suggested some roms because once you get started you'll be flashing them all sooner or later like most of us. LOL. Honestly the best thing to do is flash one, use it for about a week. If you don't like it, try another one. Once you get the hang of flashing them is not a big deal when you want to try another one. Titanium backup your user apps and restore them after you flash roms. Just the user apps, not system stuff. Easy peasy. What I usually do is do a search on you tube for a review of the rom I wanna try and see if I might like it. The guy from androidrootz usually does good ones. Have fun man. It's quite an addiction at times. LOL.
Haha I know what you mean. I had a Sony Xperia Ion before and I used to mod some little thing on it all the time. It is quite an addiction lol. Yeah I will probably end up doing that although I am hoping that the GPE will be good enough for me. Thanks.
Bweekzzz said:
It really wouldn't matter if I suggested some roms because once you get started you'll be flashing them all sooner or later like most of us. LOL. Honestly the best thing to do is flash one, use it for about a week. If you don't like it, try another one. Once you get the hang of flashing them is not a big deal when you want to try another one. Titanium backup your user apps and restore them after you flash roms. Just the user apps, not system stuff. Easy peasy. What I usually do is do a search on you tube for a review of the rom I wanna try and see if I might like it. The guy from androidrootz usually does good ones. Have fun man. It's quite an addiction at times. LOL.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh yeah. And don't even pay attention to some people telling you to do this and that before asking questions, because you didn't bother to read something. How do they know what you read and MAYBE MISSED. They're all geniuses and never need to ask questions.
Okay thanks for the tip.
Bweekzzz said:
Oh yeah. And don't even pay attention to some people telling you to do this and that before asking questions, because you didn't bother to read something. How do they know what you read and MAYBE MISSED. They're all geniuses and never need to ask questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

[Q] Trying to ROM a AT&T Samsung Galaxy S 4

Is there any way to unlock the bootloader on a Samsung-SGH-I727 from AT&T? I'm trying to flash this rom http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2341794
Thanks for your help
Assume you mean SGH-i337 s4
If your build version is above MDL which I would assume it is you can't flash aosp roms. Just Touch Wiz roms with Touch Wiz kernel. No custom recoveries/ kernels etc.
Your bootloader is locked and no way to bypass Sammy security check when rebooting. You will need to use SafeStrap to flash roms.
Look in General section for thread "[Index] All Things ATT MK2" and Hashcodes thread in Dev Section on SafeStrap. Read up good on the two threads--:good:
rugmankc said:
Assume you mean SGH-i337 s4
If your build version is above MDL which I would assume it is you can't flash aosp roms. Just Touch Wiz roms with Touch Wiz kernel. No custom recoveries/ kernels etc.
Your bootloader is locked and no way to bypass Sammy security check when rebooting. You will need to use SafeStrap to flash roms.
Look in General section for thread "[Index] All Things ATT MK2" and Hashcodes thread in Dev Section on SafeStrap. Read up good on the two threads--:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its still on stock 4.2.2. If i use safestrap I can flash only Touch Wiz ROMs? I was talking to a guy on Craigslist who said he can unlock the bootloader for $30. He says its really hard but possible. Does he know what he's talking about? Sorry I'm such a noob.
reconforce said:
its still on stock 4.2.2. If i use safestrap I can flash only Touch Wiz ROMs? I was talking to a guy on Craigslist who said he can unlock the bootloader for $30. He says its really hard but possible. Does he know what he's talking about? Sorry I'm such a noob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He doesn't know what he's talking about.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
reconforce said:
its still on stock 4.2.2. If i use safestrap I can flash only Touch Wiz ROMs? I was talking to a guy on Craigslist who said he can unlock the bootloader for $30. He says its really hard but possible. Does he know what he's talking about? Sorry I'm such a noob.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't follow the the numbers like 4.2.2 is that MF3 or MDL build?
rugmankc said:
I don't follow the the numbers like 4.2.2 is that MF3 or MDL build?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a place in the settings I can look? The phone is totally stock 4.2.2 from AT&T. I only rooted it with towelroot.
I really want a phone that's stock. If i can't get a stock like ROM on this phone I'm gunna sell it. What would you recommend? I'm looking for a $300 ish phone with a SD card or lots of internal space (I need to store stuff). Is there a Nexus like phone with an SD card? I would buy a One Plus One 64GB but i can't get an invite.
you are on mf3 build.
you will need to update to flash newer build roms but not aosp roms. there are a couple GE roms with, I believe, TW kernels to flash. but have some issues last time i checked.
i don't have the links to get from mf3 to nb1/nc1 atm
lots of new phones are out not sure which ones have sdcards on google phones
---------- Post added at 06:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:12 PM ----------
I didn't here good things about their Customer Support
But, have tried here--
http://oneplus.net/support/topic/invites
here's an aosp safestrap rom that seems to be working fairly well. you will to update to nc1, i believe. will need to do some research on it and look at links i posted before--:good:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/development/rom-google-edition-s4-t2837239
rugmankc said:
here's an aosp safestrap rom that seems to be working fairly well. you will to update to nc1, i believe. will need to do some research on it and look at links i posted before--:good:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4-att/development/rom-google-edition-s4-t2837239
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does updating mf3 to nb1/nc1 mean? Do just install the latest software update? I'm really confused.
I am not in your situation so no hands on exp. I think you Odin NB1 to start. It will take a lot of reading in the two threads I mentioned in post two. NC1 is the latest build from att.
I always read the threads OP page several times and the last 30 pages or so of the thread when trying to learn a new rom.
Depending on your exp level it can take time so as not to get in trouble. I don't recommend going to fast in rooting and flashing, but learning why you are doing the steps and not just doing them.
Someone will help with more exp at doing what you need to do. I think you will odin NB1 and then take NC1 update then root and install SafeStrap.
See this thread and post 5.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
But just don't do it, read the thread like suggested and the SafeStrap thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
WE can answer more questions as you progress. Make whatecer backups you can along the way and keep a copy on pc also.
There are three safe-strap roms in development that are not touchwhiz that you can flash.
rugmankc said:
I am not in your situation so no hands on exp. I think you Odin NB1 to start. It will take a lot of reading in the two threads I mentioned in post two. NC1 is the latest build from att.
I always read the threads OP page several times and the last 30 pages or so of the thread when trying to learn a new rom.
Depending on your exp level it can take time so as not to get in trouble. I don't recommend going to fast in rooting and flashing, but learning why you are doing the steps and not just doing them.
Someone will help with more exp at doing what you need to do. I think you will odin NB1 and then take NC1 update then root and install SafeStrap.
See this thread and post 5.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2616221
But just don't do it, read the thread like suggested and the SafeStrap thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2448925
WE can answer more questions as you progress. Make whatecer backups you can along the way and keep a copy on pc also.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I used safestrap it would have the stock Samsung android 4.2.2 and one of the three safestap ROMs? so that'd use twice the space?
I'm gunna buy a different phone. does anymore know of a phone that has an unlocked bootloader with specs close to the s4 and have a SD card slot?
I would go with HTC One.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy S4
reconforce said:
If I used safestrap it would have the stock Samsung android 4.2.2 and one of the three safestap ROMs? so that'd use twice the space?
I'm gunna buy a different phone. does anymore know of a phone that has an unlocked bootloader with specs close to the s4 and have a SD card slot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TMobile S4

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