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I've been trying to keep up with this forum for the past couple of weeks, and of course, it's a lot to take in. I know that best practices shift on a daily basis with new phones.
So I'm hoping that someone can tell me, as I'm about to get a pair of new S4s for myself and my wife, what should be my first steps?
I intend to get us both a 64 gb memory card. Do I need to format it in any special way?
I intend to root both of our phones. I watched qbking77's video on doing it with Motochopper and it seemed really simple, but then I saw an update the other day that you can't use that method any longer, but I think he has a new video up with a new method.
What else should I do to the phones to really make them awesome? What other add-ons, tweaks, etc.? Can I enable wireless tethering (not through the carrier) like I have currently?
I greatly appreciate any and all advice.
Let the MDL update run and install, then root via CF Auto Root...super easy plus you get the latest update.
See thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2291827
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
After rooting the phone that has the MDL update with Chainfire's CF Autoroot, I would recommend installing the TWRP recovery. It supports exFat-formatted microSD and works really well. Another good alternative recovery is the OUDHS. It's not touch-based like TWRP but it can operated with swipes across the phone as well as with the phone buttons.
As for custom kernels, I'm really liking the ktoonsez kernel right now. It offers many kernel tweaking options for those that want it through its tweak app. But if you don't wanna mess around with extra options, it's fine as well and works well.
My current favorite tweak is the Xposed Framework and Xposed modules you can use with it, such as the Nottach Xposed module. You can use the Nottach module to change up your status bar, notification panel, and more. I also recommend the Xposed Tweakbox module. There is a thread for the Xposed Framework in the S4 Themes subsection.
Is the lag "fix" kernel or Rom based?
I can confirm the cf auto Root method works I just did it this afternoon it was so easy and here is a link to get free hotspot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950 if you stay stock download the odex version for mdl and flash that zip in custom recovery.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda premium
optimummind said:
After rooting the phone that has the MDL update with Chainfire's CF Autoroot, I would recommend installing the TWRP recovery. It supports exFat-formatted microSD and works really well. Another good alternative recovery is the OUDHS. It's not touch-based like TWRP but it can operated with swipes across the phone as well as with the phone buttons.
As for custom kernels, I'm really liking the ktoonsez kernel right now. It offers many kernel tweaking options for those that want it through its tweak app. But if you don't wanna mess around with extra options, it's fine as well and works well.
My current favorite tweak is the Xposed Framework and Xposed modules you can use with it, such as the Nottach Xposed module. You can use the Nottach module to change up your status bar, notification panel, and more. I also recommend the Xposed Tweakbox module. There is a thread for the Xposed Framework in the S4 Themes subsection.
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Click to collapse
Many thanks for the tips. Can all of these things be easily found in this forum by searching or via Google?
I'm big into tweaking, so the kernel you recommend and the tweaks/mods sound right up my alley.
Oh, also...you mentioned exFat formatted microsd. Is that the best thing to do? How do I do an exFat format?
nicotheandroidguy said:
I can confirm the cf auto Root method works I just did it this afternoon it was so easy and here is a link to get free hotspot http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2256950 if you stay stock download the odex version for mdl and flash that zip in custom recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll be trying it out today, I hope.
flu13 said:
Oh, also...you mentioned exFat formatted microsd. Is that the best thing to do? How do I do an exFat format?
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Click to collapse
I believe when he mentioned exFat sdcard he was referring to the fact that a lot of the newer 64gb cards come formatted in exFat vice fat32 and that twrp reads this formatting while with others it's sketchy.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using xda app-developers app
Ah, I see. So then there's no need to format it, just pop it in and go? Makes sense.
If you're installing ktoonsez's kernel install crossbreeder and love your lack of lag. There is no tweaking needed. Just flash it and go.
Also if you plan to fully utilize that 64gb card for anything more than photos and music check the link in my signature. It will show you how to create mount points on your card to place large games and applications on your SDCARD.
The result? see below.
flu13 said:
Many thanks for the tips. Can all of these things be easily found in this forum by searching or via Google?
I'm big into tweaking, so the kernel you recommend and the tweaks/mods sound right up my alley.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the link for the Xposed Framework.
And for the Nottach Xposed module.
---------- Post added at 05:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:09 PM ----------
flu13 said:
Oh, also...you mentioned exFat formatted microsd. Is that the best thing to do? How do I do an exFat format?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you ever purchase a UHC-I class 10 64GB microSD card and stick it inside the S4 and format it, the format will be exFat. Until recently for our S4, not all recoveries and kernels correctly recognized an exFat-formatted card. The TWRP recovery and ktoonsez kernel I recommended earlier DO support exFat.
Thanks for all of the tips, guys. I got both phones rooted, TWRP recovery and Force ROM installed. I'm going to look into those other things next.
This is probably a really dumb question - but how should I install TWRP recovery?
On my previous phone (Galaxy Nexus), I had installed TWRP using ADB. After installing it, I had gotten the android lying on the back with the red triangle, and had to reinstall it to get it to work.
I now have the S4 (Sprint) - MDL, rooted successfully.
Can I just install TWRP using goo manager? Are there any troubleshooting steps I should be aware of after installing it (if I run into problems)?
At this time, I don't plan to flash a custom ROM - just want to install the hotspot mod. Instead of installing a custom recovery, can I just copy the services.jar and services.odex from the zip file to the appropriate folder on my S4 (back up the current ones first)? I just don't know if I need to wipe cache/dalvik after that - and if so, how I could do that (which is what led me to thinking about installing TWRP).
I just used GooManager.
I think it's a good practice to always wipe cache and dalvik when you load something new. You're not going to hurt anything by doing so.
flu13 said:
I just used GooManager.
I think it's a good practice to always wipe cache and dalvik when you load something new. You're not going to hurt anything by doing so.
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Click to collapse
Thank you
Even though I'm currently on stock ROM, I assume I should not take any OTA updates. Is there any way to make sure that doesn't happen? (as long as it still prompts us to install updates, as other phones do, it should be ok - I can just ignore it). Don't want to lose root out of the blue
Edit: Now that I've installed TWRP, I will take a nandroid, so worst case scenario, I can revert back to it.
I'm really not sure how to prevent OTA updates. I just got my phone Sunday so I'm still learning. My hope is that the ROM I loaded has something in it that will prevent update notifications, but I really have no clue.
I am wanting to install the LG G Flex Split View mod by Bigfau on my rooted LG G2 but I do not know how to "Flash in recovery and reboot."
Can anyone help me through this process? I was reading up on the flash guide here on the forum and saw that I needed a custom recovery installed before flashing. Is this really needed to just add the split view feature? If so, how can I go about doing this?
thx
hiphiphooray said:
I am wanting to install the LG G Flex Split View mod by Bigfau on my rooted LG G2 but I do not know how to "Flash in recovery and reboot."
Can anyone help me through this process? I was reading up on the flash guide here on the forum and saw that I needed a custom recovery installed before flashing. Is this really needed to just add the split view feature? If so, how can I go about doing this?
thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea, unfortunately, a custom recovery is needed to flash any mods or zips. It does not work with stock recovery. The only thing you can flash with stock recovery is a rom, but since you need gapps and so on for the rom to work properly, you need a custom recovery.
I find TWRP the easiest recovery to work with, here's the link: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2449679
There is no need for custom recovery... Use the Flash Gordon app from play store. All you need is root and busybox. You can flash zips but not ROMS..
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
Hmmm, two different answers. Thanks for the quick replies though.
I don't think I need any roms, I am just trying to take the zip file mod in the link and get it working on my stock LG G2. I know it will work on the stock Verizon phone, but I have no idea how to do the flashing.
If I use an app from the play store, I read that it may, "lack the ability to wipe the Dalvik cache (affecting the JIT compiler)." Will this be a problem for me?
hiphiphooray said:
Hmmm, two different answers. Thanks for the quick replies though.
I don't think I need any roms, I am just trying to take the zip file mod in the link and get it working on my stock LG G2. I know it will work on the stock Verizon phone, but I have no idea how to do the flashing.
If I use an app from the play store, I read that it may, "lack the ability to wipe the Dalvik cache (affecting the JIT compiler)." Will this be a problem for me?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please listen to him then, but my experience is not the same.
vPro97 said:
Please listen to him then, but my experience is not the same.
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Click to collapse
I'll go ahead and try it out later today. I am not against installing a custom recovery if it is useful later. But I don't plan on installing any custom roms ever. Is there any use for a custom recovery outside of custom roms that cannot be accomplished by Flash Gordon App?
hiphiphooray said:
I'll go ahead and try it out later today. I am not against installing a custom recovery if it is useful later. But I don't plan on installing any custom roms ever. Is there any use for a custom recovery outside of custom roms that cannot be accomplished by Flash Gordon App?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The ability to backup your device (make a NANDROID, as it is called). If you have a rooted device and intend to mess with it, I would say that a nandroid backup is a must . The good thing about a nandroid, something which Titanium Backup can't is to restore the whole system and boot. On the other hand, you might find some apps missing, so it's best to back up apps though Titanium Backup and your system/boot etc through Custom Recovery.
Oh and by the way, please tell me how the split-view thingy works once you have done it
vPro97 said:
The ability to backup your device (make a NANDROID, as it is called). If you have a rooted device and intend to mess with it, I would say that a nandroid backup is a must . The good thing about a nandroid, something which Titanium Backup can't is to restore the whole system and boot. On the other hand, you might find some apps missing, so it's best to back up apps though Titanium Backup and your system/boot etc through Custom Recovery.
Oh and by the way, please tell me how the split-view thingy works once you have done it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have busybox installed and flash gordon ready to go. About to try it out now. Hopefully it works... /crossfingers
hiphiphooray said:
I have busybox installed and flash gordon ready to go. About to try it out now. Hopefully it works... /crossfingers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish you a smooth, error-free process
Did not work with busybox + flash gordon. Seems the .zip contains some system files which are not able to be edited through flash gordon. I'll try to install a custom rom then I guess.
Will installing a custom recovery via this method work?
hiphiphooray said:
Did not work with busybox + flash gordon. Seems the .zip contains some system files which are not able to be edited through flash gordon. I'll try to install a custom rom then I guess.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before you do that try flashify its works very good just make sure you know how to edit long press
tbishop91 said:
Before you do that try flashify its works very good just make sure you know how to edit long press
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that link is for flashify What do you mean edit long press?
hiphiphooray said:
that link is for flashify What do you mean edit long press?
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Click to collapse
To set split view whiich works wonders wen modding phones ? you have to set one of your nave bars to open it mine is set as the back button. Long press is why you just press the front nav bar in stead off tapping it. Correct me if im erong but i think you must also be running xposed installer with one of the g2 settings apps found in the playstore. I flashed split view using flashify and it works fine munis not being able to use the knock feature wen engaged.
tbishop91 said:
To set split view whiich works wonders wen modding phones ? you have to set one of your nave bars to open it mine is set as the back button. Long press is why you just press the front nav bar in stead off tapping it. Correct me if im erong but i think you must also be running xposed installer with one of the g2 settings apps found in the playstore. I flashed split view using flashify and it works fine munis not being able to use the knock feature wen engaged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not have xposed and holding down the back button launches the program for me.
The program works after installing it from recovery in TWRP, but after installation, I pressed wipe cache and it was in the process when my phone screen turned off. I couldn't get it to turn back on, and eventually just held down the power button for 10 seconds to get it to boot normally. It works now, but what can I do to avoid that happening again?
That im not too sure about wen i wipe my chace and dalvik it completes the action and just romdomly cuts the phone off. When ever your wiping i say the best thing to do is just too make sure you have a back in cases something goes wrong
Is there anyway that i can auto-rotate TWRP ??
Im using TWRP with multirom ..
Unfortunately my digitizer broke and the navigation area is not working.. ( Temporarily i'm managing the phone with full auto-rotation from gravity-box )
MAIN problem is im unable to use the "Swipe to flash" area in TWRP because of the broken digitizer..
I planned to use CWM but im afraid of loosing multirom..
So guys please suggest me about auto-rotation in TWRP or any other alternative idea to flash in MULTIROM..
How do i delete this thread ??
Sidnexus4 said:
How do i delete this thread ??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did u found a solution ?
jithuelad said:
Did u found a solution ?
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Click to collapse
Nope i didnt .. but i dont think TWRP has an auto-rotation.. if at all it existed at-least 1 would have suggested among the 100 views..
Try flashing CWM (non-touch) or PhilZ recovery, they might work for you... they use the Vol and Power buttons to perform recovery functions. It is simple to install or switch even if the screen is not working, you can do it through fastboot with a single command...
fastboot flash recovery cwmrecoveryimage.img
of course, substitute the actual recovery image file name.
EDIT: Nevermind... I didn't see you were using MultiROM until it was too late, I should probably read more thoroughly before replying.
acejavelin said:
EDIT: Nevermind... I didn't see you were using MultiROM until it was too late, I should probably read more thoroughly before replying.
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Click to collapse
No worry's bro.. i already did that. I wasn't able to control my self with out flashing Android L
By the way i have a question for u..
After every thing is back to normal can i just flash TWRP and multiROM directly with out any wipes and resets?
Sidnexus4 said:
No worry's bro.. i already did that. I wasn't able to control my self with out flashing Android L
By the way i have a question for u..
After every thing is back to normal can i just flash TWRP and multiROM directly with out any wipes and resets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly don't know... Never used multirom.
use the sideload option!
I want to customize my phone software to get to the following:
- Get rid of the Samsung look (found a topic on Reddit to return to pretty much vanilla Android look)
- Use encryption for /data
- Debloat, I want to get rid of sh1t like S-Planner and S-Health
- I want to keep SOME functions like Edge
- Any handy tweaks are welcome
So I have been looking at what's available. I discussed Helios and SuperStock, which both should be able to use encryption but I haven't been able to get it to work. Then there is Systemless. From what I understand it's a custom rom lite with SOME tweaks and debloating of apps that are installable from Play Store. Would this be what I'm looking for? I'm still hoping for some nice ROM that supports encryption ánd has a nice Aroma installer/debloater as it will save me a lot of time. But does anyone know of such a ROM?
Alternatively I found a script to use to debloat on command line, will take some work. I can use that, keep stock ROM with encryption and not have any usefull tweaks.
I really like the hardware but I want encryption! Advice or tips on this subject are welcome.
For some reason, a lot of people prefer to disable encryption just so they can use things like TWRP to back up data. If their phone gets stolen, welp............................their girlfriends nudes are released to everyone and possibly their own nudes but oh well lol.
Anyway, your best bet is to root a stock ROM and slowly tweak it yourself. Start off with root, then flash TWRP without disabling encryption so you can flash mods still. Then flash for example the dual speaker mod, then move on to installing xposed. Once you have root, just use Titanium to disable things you don't want. Freeze them rather than deleting them.
Most UI tweaks are nonsense which either involves using a more power hungry kernel/keeping cores at a higher speed. Most battery tweaks involve disabling some UI fluidity. Stock ROM is a good place to start.
Galactus said:
For some reason, a lot of people prefer to disable encryption just so they can use things like TWRP to back up data. If their phone gets stolen, welp............................their girlfriends nudes are released to everyone and possibly their own nudes but oh well lol.
Anyway, your best bet is to root a stock ROM and slowly tweak it yourself. Start off with root, then flash TWRP without disabling encryption so you can flash mods still. Then flash for example the dual speaker mod, then move on to installing xposed. Once you have root, just use Titanium to disable things you don't want. Freeze them rather than deleting them.
Most UI tweaks are nonsense which either involves using a more power hungry kernel/keeping cores at a higher speed. Most battery tweaks involve disabling some UI fluidity. Stock ROM is a good place to start.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input. Yes, privacy and security is an underrated subject. But not to me
I can install TWRP to flash mods but if I swipe to allow modifications in TWRP the TWRP page says I might not be able to boot? How do you use it to flash mods without causing your phone not to boot?
_JT said:
Thanks for your input. Yes, privacy and security is an underrated subject. But not to me
I can install TWRP to flash mods but if I swipe to allow modifications in TWRP the TWRP page says I might not be able to boot? How do you use it to flash mods without causing your phone not to boot?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can still boot but you MUST flash SuperSU before rebooting. SuperSU will patch dm-verity and you'll be fine
Flash TWRP
Swipe to allow mods
Flash SuperSU
Profit
Galactus said:
You can still boot but you MUST flash SuperSU before rebooting. SuperSU will patch dm-verity and you'll be fine
Flash TWRP
Swipe to allow mods
Flash SuperSU
Profit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool, thanks!
Galactus said:
You can still boot but you MUST flash SuperSU before rebooting. SuperSU will patch dm-verity and you'll be fine
Flash TWRP
Swipe to allow mods
Flash SuperSU
Profit
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will OTA updates still work?
_JT said:
Will OTA updates still work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah they will not
Galactus said:
Nah they will not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dirty flash possible for updates? Or full wipe needed?
Hi all,
Fairly new to this phone (9t) and am currently on Titanium is. Was wondering if there's a way to disable encryption as I tend to find if things go wrong you potentially lose all data and I tend to mess about with mods etc so don't want to run that risk!
Cheers!
Anyone?
twist3d0n3 said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Idk if its the right answer but u need to backup ur files on ur pc first (i suggest u mixplorer to copy them by wifi, usb is kinda slow for me) than u need to format data and flash DFE everytime when u flash a rom to boot
twist3d0n3 said:
Hi all,
Fairly new to this phone (9t) and am currently on Titanium is. Was wondering if there's a way to disable encryption as I tend to find if things go wrong you potentially lose all data and I tend to mess about with mods etc so don't want to run that risk!
Cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to format Data to remove encryption ONlLY if you want to install custom ROMs
For Magisk and any modding you plan to do with Magisk/root, you don't need.
Also, for the official TWRP or OrangeFox you don't need to decrypt (unless you go for custom ROMs)
I'm currently on a custom ROM but when I first went through the setup process everything was decrypted, then when I booted up and went in settings, it said encrypted and going by to twrp asked for my pattern to decrypt. I'm not sure what I've missed through doing all that but as a consequence, whenever I flash an update to the ROM, I have to reflash vendor + fw just to be able to boot again... I'm worried that at some point this will **** up and screw my data up.
So say for example if I set everything up from scratch again, what process should I follow? I'm using the Italian guys' twrp atm (sorry forget his username!) So is there a different twrp I should use instead or is there anything else I need to flash/do to avoid encryption happening on first boot?
Badis st said:
Idk if its the right answer but u need to backup ur files on ur pc first (i suggest u mixplorer to copy them by wifi, usb is kinda slow for me) than u need to format data and flash DFE everytime when u flash a rom to boot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry what's dfe?
twist3d0n3 said:
Sorry what's dfe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DFE = Disable Forced Encryption
So it will remove ROM encryption...
Micdu70 said:
DFE = Disable Forced Encryption
So it will remove ROM encryption...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a zip to flash to do this? If so have you got a link?
twist3d0n3 said:
Is there a zip to flash to do this? If so have you got a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it's a zip to flash but I don't know where to get it... (if not already in TWRP options/advanced maybe?... I never flashed this).
Micdu70 said:
Yes it's a zip to flash but I don't know where to get it... (if not already in TWRP options/advanced maybe?... I never flashed this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah I've looked in twrp as I've seen an option mentioned previously. Thanks for the help tho man