[Q] My GS5 is acting up - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

[Q] My GS5 is acting up - Galaxy S 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So I first rooted my phone yesterday and it went smoothly. Then, I had an option to software update and it was late at night so I just did it without thinking and now I'm missing my download app that comes stock. Also, I can't root anymore to fix it because it updated my kernel version but I still get the custom logo on the galaxy s5 splash screen. Can anyone help me with this? I have already factory reset my phone many times. BTW it's the verizon version.

fdfvh said:
I'm missing my download app that comes stock. Also, I can't root anymore to fix it because it updated my kernel version
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, had you done a search, you'd already have answers to your questions. There is a wealth of information in existing threads.
Software updates almost always break root. So that is expected behaviour. You didn't give us much information about your missing download app, but if that is a system app then writing the full stock firmware image would restore that. And if you choose a pre June 3rd build of your firmware, it should be amenable to the Towel root exploit.
.

fffft said:
Well, had you done a search, you'd already have answers to your questions. There is a wealth of information in existing threads.
Software updates almost always break root. So that is expected behaviour. You didn't give us much information about your missing download app, but if that is a system app then writing the full stock firmware image would restore that. And if you choose a pre June 3rd build of your firmware, it should be amenable to the Towel root exploit.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing is, I don't know how to do that and I don't want to break my phone further. The app is missing from the app drawer. I can access it by downloading something off of the browser but that's the only way I can use it on stock touchwiz. I use Nova launcher and one of my backups happened to have the downloads app on my home screen so I can get to it that way but it's still missing from my app drawer. If you can, can you lead me to a trusted post so I can fix this because I don't want to screw up my phone anymore. I can't use odin to flash a stock firmware so I don't know how else I can do it.

Option 1:-
Try flashing a custom recovery first via download mode.
Then try flashing a custom rom.
Option 2:-
Download an older version of the stock rom.
Flash it via odin
Gl and I hope you can root again

la2o said:
Option 1:-
Try flashing a custom recovery first via download mode.
Then try flashing a custom rom.
Option 2:-
Download an older version of the stock rom.
Flash it via odin
Gl and I hope you can root again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can I do this exactly?

uh oh... Doesn't sound too good. Sorry for the bad fortune.

Related

[Q] Been reading all night, still have a few questions about s4... sorry...

So i am relatively new to android and still have a few questions if anyone could help out...
I have rooted my s4 using cf auto root with out any issues other than i couldn't check the f.reset time box (not sure if that's unusual or not) so i then paid for and downloaded triangle away to reset the counter, now i'm rooted and back to official status, using nova launcher pro and able to receive OTA updates.
Currently haven't received the new update where i am yet (Australia) , the update which allows apps to be moved to sd and fixes a few other issues. Obviously i would like to get this update, I have paid for and downloaded mobile odin, i assume that when the new update is available i can download on my pc and transfer and install the file from my phone using mobile odin without restoring to stock? And once the update is installed i will need to root again?
I guess my main questions are, with the cf auto root am i able to install custom roms, am i able to update without losing the root, are their any available updates from other regions i can use without issues currently, i see a lot of talk about kernels and i am really lost when it comes to that as i haven't needed to change anything dramatic, it's all been pretty automatic, just want to make sure i'm not missing some important steps.
Thanks to anyone that bothers to reply.

First thing it sounds you have an I9505 so to be clear next time you better specify which you have mate
Second after rooting you wont have any official updates since phone is still rooted, instead download a rom and flash in CWM so of you dont have this recovery you have many options I recommend Philz....
3) you can get any firmware you like... as it goes for languages the guys already patch the roms well moat of them so that all languages are available so basicly any will do....
4) when flashing a firmware with MobileOdin you dont need to root again it has an option enabled by default saying to inject SU binary after each flash to be cool you wont have to REroot again
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

REVERSiN said:
First thing it sounds you have an I9505 so to be clear next time you better specify which you have mate
Second after rooting you wont have any official updates since phone is still rooted, instead download a rom and flash in CWM so of you dont have this recovery you have many options I recommend Philz....
3) you can get any firmware you like... as it goes for languages the guys already patch the roms well moat of them so that all languages are available so basicly any will do....
4) when flashing a firmware with MobileOdin you dont need to root again it has an option enabled by default saying to inject SU binary after each flash to be cool you wont have to REroot again
Sent from my GT-I9500 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, soz, it's a I9505, so even after getting it back to official by using triangle away i can't get OTA updates? Cos before i used triangle away i checked for updates and it said "modified firmware, not able to update", now it's back to "you have the latest firmware available". Even If i was able to do OTA updates when available Would that cause issues, meaning i'm better off just doing a manual update now via mobile odin? Is the custom rom necessary for anything i'm trying to do, cos i'm pretty happy with just having it rooted and nova launcher. I haven't found anything i can't do that i want to be able to do yet. Thanks for replying.

mick50008 said:
Yeah, soz, it's a I9505, so even after getting it back to official by using triangle away i can't get OTA updates? Cos before i used triangle away i checked for updates and it said "modified firmware, not able to update", now it's back to "you have the latest firmware available". Even If i was able to do OTA updates when available Would that cause issues, meaning i'm better off just doing a manual update now via mobile odin? Is the custom rom necessary for anything i'm trying to do, cos i'm pretty happy with just having it rooted and nova launcher. I haven't found anything i can't do that i want to be able to do yet. Thanks for replying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't wait for OTA updates as it will take a while, download the latest version which is I9505XXUBMGA from here and flash via Odin using a computer and your phone status will still be Official

Crauze said:
I wouldn't wait for OTA updates as it will take a while, download the latest version which is I9505XXUBMGA from here and flash via Odin using a computer and your phone status will still be Official
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man. My current build number is XXUAMDE , does that make a difference? Had a look but couldn't see exactly where i am meant to download it from on that page?
Not sure what the rule on posting links on here are but is this the right file?.. Country is listed as nordic tho... http://www.hotfile.com/dl/234701514/2b929a4/I9505XXUBMGA_I9505OXXBMG3_NEE.zip.html

You download this version file and if some apps you need isn't installed, download this file and place them in system/apps with the correct permission
You'll need to flash via Odin and instructions is in this thread and your phone status will still be Official even with root included

Crauze said:
You download this version file and if some apps you need isn't installed, download this file and place them in system/apps with the correct permission
You'll need to flash via Odin and instructions is in this thread and your phone status will still be Official even with root included
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, downloading now, so is that a custom rom or just the update? Says it's going to take 7 hours lol, so think i might get some sleep before i have a crack at it! thanks!

mick50008 said:
Alright, downloading now, so is that a custom rom or just the update? Says it's going to take 7 hours lol, so think i might get some sleep before i have a crack at it! thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a custom ROM, it's stock ROM which has root included with bloatware apps removed but still gives you Official phone status

Crauze said:
It's not a custom ROM, it's stock ROM which has root included with bloatware apps removed but still gives you Official phone status
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, so i have downloaded and installed the 1.1gig update, i then backed up from a backup i made before updating, i then went and installed the programs that didn't auto install from the backup and a few of the ones that were removed in this update, I don't need to install those apps from the 337mb file you linked if i don't want to do i? Thanks.

mick50008 said:
Alright, so i have downloaded and installed the 1.1gig update, i then backed up from a backup i made before updating, i then went and installed the programs that didn't auto install from the backup and a few of the ones that were removed in this update, I don't need to install those apps from the 337mb file you linked if i don't want to do i? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, i am just trying to download a few apps from the play store to my internal storage as usual and i am now getting "unable to install to usb mass storage device" also, apps keep going upside down no matter how i hold the phone. Plus it seems to be lagging...

mick50008 said:
Alright, so i have downloaded and installed the 1.1gig update, i then backed up from a backup i made before updating, i then went and installed the programs that didn't auto install from the backup and a few of the ones that were removed in this update, I don't need to install those apps from the 337mb file you linked if i don't want to do i? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not a update, it's a custom stock ROM, did you flash via Odin following the instructions in this thread?
You don't have to install the Deleted Apps file if all the apps you need is already installed
mick50008 said:
Also, i am just trying to download a few apps from the play store to my internal storage as usual and i am now getting "unable to install to usb mass storage device" also, apps keep going upside down no matter how i hold the phone. Plus it seems to be lagging...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It shouldn't have problems that you listed above, did you flash the custom stock ROM correctly?

Crauze said:
It's not a update, it's a custom stock ROM, did you flash via Odin following the instructions in this thread?
You don't have to install the Deleted Apps file if all the apps you need is already installed
It shouldn't have problems that you listed above, did you flash the custom stock ROM correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just installed cwm recovery (don't really know what i'm doing at this stage lol) cos i was having issues with bad wifi even with a good signal, and couple of force closes plus the issues i identified earlier and did "fix permissions" from cwm recovery, quick speed test or 10 and it is faster than normal, seems to be as smooth as it was before, haven't tested any games yet either for the rotation issue....

Hi new user here- need some help

Hello everyone-
New user for the Samsung Galaxy S4 here. I used to own both the iPhone 3GS and 4S prior. My general background was writing VB in version 3.0 for AOL back in the late 90s for all you old school people, progs/punters that may remember those days. Unfortunately, even now I'm still have issues following along with new technology. So far, I have really enjoyed the android system and have made modifications through various launchers. I did use SuperSU and rooted the phone by the automated process. I realize these may be 'noob' questions, however; everyone I suppose goes through it at some point. I do have some general questions and several of them that I have read about have conflicting information. This will be somewhat long, but I do appreciate any input:
The Galaxy S4 that I have is SPH-L720, MK2, and 4.3 version.
At this point, I backed-up and installed several Google Games, Books, and Sprint ID, Sprint Worldwide, etc.....general bloatware using Titanium Back-up. Again the root method I used was SuperSU by Chainfire. I have NOT use TWRP/Clockwork Mod or flashed any custom ROMs. I just have it rooted and diabled some bloatware, installed Xposed Installer and other root only apps. I checked my phone and its status says 'custom'.
1. Given this set-up, can I still get OTA for new Android versions ? I don't care if it removes root, but I was just wondering if I can get OTA updates to get new versions for my phone. Some threads I have read say yes, others say no. If I cannot, how can I then get new updates ? I don't want to not be able to permanently update to 4.4 in the future. I know there is a way to update via Kies to the computer.
2. The root access via Chainfire SuperSU involves 2 components from what I understand. SU.apk and busybox. I was using Terminal Emulator based on the advice from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
I could not get it to work when typing in the prompts on the screen, it just would not go through. I tried downloading Total Commander which allows root access. Can I instead of using Terminal Emulator to get rid of busybox, use Total Commander to get into the /system/xbin folder and manually delete all busybox files prior to using the permanent unroot of SuperSU feature in settings ? Or does the Full unroot remove everything ?
3. Maybe I still don't understand the flashing process, but it seems, you download Odin, then use the ROM file you need under the PDA selection then start the process while the phone is in download mode (home button, down volume, etc...) Is this how all custom ROMs and re-stores are performed ? Is this form of the restore different that the phone Samsung settings (back-up/restore) ? I've read about TWRP, custom recovery, Clockwork Mod, etc....but I dont understand what all these are. It seems easy enough to download files then put them via Odin then hit start....
At this point, I've refrained from doing anything other than back-up/uninstalling some bloatware and using some cool apps that supposed xposed installer. I'm worried that I might brick my expensive phone or render it unable to get anymore updates :crying:
Thanks for the input !

mikeprius said:
Hello everyone-
New user for the Samsung Galaxy S4 here. I used to own both the iPhone 3GS and 4S prior. My general background was writing VB in version 3.0 for AOL back in the late 90s for all you old school people, progs/punters that may remember those days. Unfortunately, even now I'm still have issues following along with new technology. So far, I have really enjoyed the android system and have made modifications through various launchers. I did use SuperSU and rooted the phone by the automated process. I realize these may be 'noob' questions, however; everyone I suppose goes through it at some point. I do have some general questions and several of them that I have read about have conflicting information. This will be somewhat long, but I do appreciate any input:
The Galaxy S4 that I have is SPH-L720, MK2, and 4.3 version.
At this point, I backed-up and installed several Google Games, Books, and Sprint ID, Sprint Worldwide, etc.....general bloatware using Titanium Back-up. Again the root method I used was SuperSU by Chainfire. I have NOT use TWRP/Clockwork Mod or flashed any custom ROMs. I just have it rooted and diabled some bloatware, installed Xposed Installer and other root only apps. I checked my phone and its status says 'custom'.
1. Given this set-up, can I still get OTA for new Android versions ? I don't care if it removes root, but I was just wondering if I can get OTA updates to get new versions for my phone. Some threads I have read say yes, others say no. If I cannot, how can I then get new updates ? I don't want to not be able to permanently update to 4.4 in the future. I know there is a way to update via Kies to the computer.
2. The root access via Chainfire SuperSU involves 2 components from what I understand. SU.apk and busybox. I was using Terminal Emulator based on the advice from this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2565758
I could not get it to work when typing in the prompts on the screen, it just would not go through. I tried downloading Total Commander which allows root access. Can I instead of using Terminal Emulator to get rid of busybox, use Total Commander to get into the /system/xbin folder and manually delete all busybox files prior to using the permanent unroot of SuperSU feature in settings ? Or does the Full unroot remove everything ?
3. Maybe I still don't understand the flashing process, but it seems, you download Odin, then use the ROM file you need under the PDA selection then start the process while the phone is in download mode (home button, down volume, etc...) Is this how all custom ROMs and re-stores are performed ? Is this form of the restore different that the phone Samsung settings (back-up/restore) ? I've read about TWRP, custom recovery, Clockwork Mod, etc....but I dont understand what all these are. It seems easy enough to download files then put them via Odin then hit start....
At this point, I've refrained from doing anything other than back-up/uninstalling some bloatware and using some cool apps that supposed xposed installer. I'm worried that I might brick my expensive phone or render it unable to get anymore updates :crying:
Thanks for the input !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can answer 1 & 3 for you.
1. No, you won't be able to take an OTA because you removed or modified system files. This will cause the update file of the OTA to abort once it encounters the modded file or can't find the file your removed. The best process to take an OTA would be to return the phone to stock before taking the OTA. The easiest method is to use Odin and install the full stock tar file that you are currently on. In your case it would be the MK2 tar file. This will return your phone to stock with the stock recovery and allow your phone to update via OTA, then you can re root.
3. Odin is used to flash things like stock tar files, modems(basebands), recoveries & firmwares. If you are installing a custom rom, that is usually done using a custom recovery like Phillz's or TWRP. These recoveries can be installed via odin or TWRP via goomanager app in playstore. Once the custom recovery is installed you copy the rom file or other mod to your sdcard and install through recovery.

cruise350 said:
I can answer 1 & 3 for you.
1. No, you won't be able to take an OTA because you removed or modified system files. This will cause the update file of the OTA to abort once it encounters the modded file or can't find the file your removed. The best process to take an OTA would be to return the phone to stock before taking the OTA. The easiest method is to use Odin and install the full stock tar file that you are currently on. In your case it would be the MK2 tar file. This will return your phone to stock with the stock recovery and allow your phone to update via OTA, then you can re root.
3. Odin is used to flash things like stock tar files, modems(basebands), recoveries & firmwares. If you are installing a custom rom, that is usually done using a custom recovery like Phillz's or TWRP. These recoveries can be installed via odin or TWRP via goomanager app in playstore. Once the custom recovery is installed you copy the rom file or other mod to your sdcard and install through recovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response....Does it matter what version of Odin I use if I were to restore the phone back to stock ? Also do I need to manually remove all rooted program and features, or can it be flashed back to stock ROM as is ? I have a lot of apps that I also don't want to lose and I've tried manually back up files on my SD card, but I didn't know if there was a way to back it up, so that it literally can be dumped right back in when stock is restored.

mikeprius said:
Thanks for the response....Does it matter what version of Odin I use if I were to restore the phone back to stock ? Also do I need to manually remove all rooted program and features, or can it be flashed back to stock ROM as is ? I have a lot of apps that I also don't want to lose and I've tried manually back up files on my SD card, but I didn't know if there was a way to back it up, so that it literally can be dumped right back in when stock is restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe if you are on MK2 you will want to use the latest version of odin which is ver3 3.09. If you are using the MK2 complete stock tar file it will rewrite everything in system and restore all the apps that were removed or modded so you don't need to manually remove root. Currently, the stock files available to us do not wipe the data partition so anything you have in that partition will remain there unless you do a factory reset. One thing you will want to make sure you are doing is backing up to the external sdcard and not the internal. You can then use TB to replace any files if you did a factory reset.

cruise350 said:
I believe if you are on MK2 you will want to use the latest version of odin which is ver3 3.09. If you are using the MK2 complete stock tar file it will rewrite everything in system and restore all the apps that were removed or modded so you don't need to manually remove root. Currently, the stock files available to us do not wipe the data partition so anything you have in that partition will remain there unless you do a factory reset. One thing you will want to make sure you are doing is backing up to the external sdcard and not the internal. You can then use TB to replace any files if you did a factory reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using Kies 3 and using the data back-up feature ? I assume this is backing up to the computer then I was planning on using the 'restore data' feature once they phone is back to stock. Will this revert it back to the way it was previously customized before root ? So if I understand correctly, once I download Odin 3.0, I load the MK2 .tar file into the phone, enbable download mode, then hit start and the phone will be like it was out of the box and ready to be OTA and restored with prior data ? I may be confusing flashing the stock firmware with factory reset ?
I also noticed there is an update firmware feature on Kies 3, if I try using this while SuperSU is present and the phone is rooted, will I also have a failed update/issues ? Again, thanks for your help. Do appreciate it.

mikeprius said:
I'm using Kies 3 and using the data back-up feature ? I assume this is backing up to the computer then I was planning on using the 'restore data' feature once they phone is back to stock. Will this revert it back to the way it was previously customized before root ? So if I understand correctly, once I download Odin 3.0, I load the MK2 .tar file into the phone, enbable download mode, then hit start and the phone will be like it was out of the box and ready to be OTA and restored with prior data ? I may be confusing flashing the stock firmware with factory reset ?
I also noticed there is an update firmware feature on Kies 3, if I try using this while SuperSU is present and the phone is rooted, will I also have a failed update/issues ? Again, thanks for your help. Do appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used Kies and heard that it doesn't work with the MJA or MK2 software yet. I don't believe Kies will work if your status is custom but I could be wrong on that. If you odin the MK2 full tar file your phone will be back to stock but your data should still be there. You will only lose your data if you do a factory reset in recovery. Remember, a factory reset is just wiping the data partition and does not restore any software or apps.

cruise350 said:
I have never used Kies and heard that it doesn't work with the MJA or MK2 software yet. I don't believe Kies will work if your status is custom but I could be wrong on that. If you odin the MK2 full tar file your phone will be back to stock but your data should still be there. You will only lose your data if you do a factory reset in recovery. Remember, a factory reset is just wiping the data partition and does not restore any software or apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I think I have the general idea. It sounds similar to putting back on the stock 'image' nothing else.........I currently have the Odin 3.0 software, but I have been having a hard time finding the stock firmware online and downloading it. I will keep looking. Once I get the .tar and flash in download mode, will I just see all the bloatware back on, but everything else the same ? I was wondering what will happen if I kept Titanium Back-up, SuperSU, and Xposed Installer on when I do this ? Does it just render them all un-useable, but the new OTA will still install anyway ? Thanks.

mikeprius said:
Ok, I think I have the general idea. It sounds similar to putting back on the stock 'image' nothing else.........I currently have the Odin 3.0 software, but I have been having a hard time finding the stock firmware online and downloading it. I will keep looking. Once I get the .tar and flash in download mode, will I just see all the bloatware back on, but everything else the same ? I was wondering what will happen if I kept Titanium Back-up, SuperSU, and Xposed Installer on when I do this ? Does it just render them all un-useable, but the new OTA will still install anyway ? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every thing in the data partition(titanium backup) will remain and everything in the system partition (SuperSU & stuff modified via xposed installer) will be gone and replaced with the bloatware.
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Ok, so it appears to have worked. I flashed the 4.3 prior version however it was hooked up to wifi and automatically downloaded the new version and removed root (not a big deal). My status says custom still, but I am assuming that I can OTA after the flash b/c it updated to the most recent 4.3 in Dec 2013. I re-rooted so it is back to prior, but I know now how to do it.
Is there anything that I may delete or uninstall that cannot be replaced by flashing the stock firmware ? For example I was thinking about getting rid of the 'help' on the phone and Titanium Back up said it is odexed or something to that extent and can only be replaced by using Titanium Backup and the exact same copy ?
I figured that I might as well just try deleting the bloatware and not back up b/c worse case scenario if something happens I can just flash back the stock ROM and all is well ?

Being able to flash the stock .tar through ODIN gives me peace of mind from screw ups, even if it removes root and takes time.

mikeprius said:
I figured that I might as well just try deleting the bloatware and not back up b/c worse case scenario if something happens I can just flash back the stock ROM and all is well ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you haven't spent much time customizing, that'll work fine. Most of us use custom recoveries (like Philz or TWRP) to make "nandroid" backups of our setups. A nandroid is like a drive image on a computer, so restoring it will restore all of the customizations you've done (accounts, apps, app data, bloatware deletions, etc). Nandroids don't back up firmware (modem, bootloader,etc), but back up the ROM completely. A Titanium backup is almost as good, but requires a bit more work.
As for deciding what apps you can delete, most of the custom ROM creators post a list of the bloatware they remove. So, if it's on their list, it's almost certainly ok to delete it on your phone too.

nobody291 said:
If you haven't spent much time customizing, that'll work fine. Most of us use custom recoveries (like Philz or TWRP) to make "nandroid" backups of our setups. A nandroid is like a drive image on a computer, so restoring it will restore all of the customizations you've done (accounts, apps, app data, bloatware deletions, etc). Nandroids don't back up firmware (modem, bootloader,etc), but back up the ROM completely. A Titanium backup is almost as good, but requires a bit more work.
As for deciding what apps you can delete, most of the custom ROM creators post a list of the bloatware they remove. So, if it's on their list, it's almost certainly ok to delete it on your phone too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks being able to flash the stock .tar and use ODIN gives me peace of mind of any potential screw ups. So far I'm just using stock rom and toggling some of the features with xposed installer and titanium back up.
I'd like to explore more eventually with custom ROMs and I've heard of Clockwork mod and TWRP, Nandroid, Cyanogen, etc... but I don't know what any of that means or what it is.
Is TWRP/Philz like ODIN program then you download custom ROMS like Cyanogen the same way as the stock firmware. tar ?
As you can tell I am extremely new to this.....this is also my first time owning an Android phone as well, but I never messed with jailbreaking my past 2 iPhones in the past. I just have used VB 3.0 back in the day....

mikeprius said:
Thanks being able to flash the stock .tar and use ODIN gives me peace of mind of any potential screw ups. So far I'm just using stock rom and toggling some of the features with xposed installer and titanium back up.
I'd like to explore more eventually with custom ROMs and I've heard of Clockwork mod and TWRP, Nandroid, Cyanogen, etc... but I don't know what any of that means or what it is.
Is TWRP/Philz like ODIN program then you download custom ROMS like Cyanogen the same way as the stock firmware. tar ?
As you can tell I am extremely new to this.....this is also my first time owning an Android phone as well, but I never messed with jailbreaking my past 2 iPhones in the past. I just have used VB 3.0 back in the day....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To me, one of the hardest parts of this whole thing is getting to the point where the basic terms make sense. I've been at this for a couple of years with an HTC Evo and now the GS4 since October, and sometimes it still makes my head spin. Here is an attempt to explain my understanding of a few things:
1. Booting...you can boot into Download mode, recovery, or system. Download mode is what you use with ODIN, you need the correct drivers on your computer (which can be found lots of places), so that ODIN and your phone can communicate. In download mode, the phone just accepts whatever ODIN sends it, so it's the easiest way to totally brick your phone. Don't mess with partitions and follow the instructions for whatever you're doing very carefully, because I think this is the only way to "hard brick" your phone.
2. Recovery - something you use to create images of your phone's ROM (nandroids), flash ROMs and mods, and restore past nandroids. The stock recovery will only flash approved updates from the carrier, so to do any of the things I listed you need a custom recovery. Most people use Philz (which is based on the ClockworkMod recovery) or TWRP. To flash the custom recovery, use ODIN and follow the instructions in the thread exactly. There is a way to flash recoveries without ODIN, but I've never done it. I was using TWRP, and switched to Philz to flash the rooted stock 4.3 update because the thread suggested it. They both seem to do the same thing, and I have been happy with both. I'm sure there are technical differences, but I couldn't explain what they are. You can switch back and forth as much as you'd like between the recoveries with ODIN. Recoveries can flash a complete ROM or just partial changes (like the hotspot mod). In a custom recovery (or the stock) you can also do factory resets and cache cleaning (most ROMs suggest you do this before flashing). Factory reset doesn't return the ROM to the factory original, it just clears out all of the user data (including user apps). A nandroid is the fastest way to restore a phone if you screw it up...I always make one before making significant changes to the phone. It takes several minutes to do, but I think it's well worth it. The operating system can't be running when you make one, that's why you need to boot into recovery mode. You create a Nandroid in Philz by selecting "backup and restore" then "backup to" which will allow backup to the internal storage or external SD card.
3. ROM - the actual operating system used by the phone when you actually use it as a smartphone. There are 2 basic flavors for the GS4...touchwiz and AOSP (Android Open Source Project). Touchwiz is Samsung's "flavor" of Android, AOSP is the "pure Google" version of Android. A lot of the things the GS4 will do rely on touchwiz (multiwindow is one example...but there are several). Some people really like the AOSP ROMs (Cyanogen is AOSP), but make sure you understand their limitations. I've never used one on the GS4. There are several touchwiz custom ROMs which have various features. I've tried a few and just settled on the stock rooted touchwiz ROM, but there are lots of options from great developers. I think most custom ROMs require you to use a custom recovery to flash them, but there might be ways to do it using ODIN. I like having a custom recovery, so I've only used ODIN for flashing modems and recoveries.
4. Firmware - as far as I can tell, there are two important parts of the firmware...the modem (sometimes called "radios" or "baseband"...find your version by looking in "about device"->"Baseband version"...the different modems are described by the last 3 letters you see) and the bootloader. The modem and the version of the ROM you flash need to match or you'll have problems with the radios in the phone (wifi seems to be the biggest problem if you have a mismatch). MF9 was the last modem version based on 4.2.2, and 4.3 has had MJA and MK2 (MK2 is the latest). The bootloader is what the phone uses to initially decide how to boot up. If you have the 4.3 version of the bootloader it will include "Knox", which will prevent you from flashing older versions of the modem, so you'll have to use a 4.3 ROM. Knox also "trips" a counter if you flash a custom ROM and Samsung claims they won't honor the warranty on a phone with the "Knox flag" tripped. If you have the 4.3 bootloader you're stuck with it (for now at least). I still have the 4.2.2 bootloader, so I don't have much more to offer on this subject. There are ways to get the 4.3 modem and ROM without the 4.3 bootloader. There is a lot here (and lots on youtube) on how to navigate the Knox minefield if you care about it. If you still have the 4.2.2 bootloader you can flash older (and newer) modems as much as you'd like without getting the updated bootloader using ODIN.
Hopefully this helps...this is a great place with lots of great people. Sometimes the scale of the amount of information here is overwhelming. But, search is your friend along with lots of time! Feel free to keep asking questions.

thanks for explaining this nobody-
The information does help quite a bit and I am still learning, however; I do enjoy the process of messing with the phone. My GS4 now runs the RAM at 750-800mg instead of a bloated 1.2GB which was happening quite a bit. I had to originally not use a lot of apps I wanted to like Facebook bc the programs themselves bloated up to accomidate the existing bloatware which was also running. I did flash my phone back with the stock firmware today and it looks like it installed all the stock software. My status said 'custom' when I looked at it however I was already connected to wifi and it went from 4.3 (Oct 2013 version which I flashed) to Dec 2013 version automatically so it appears that the OTA feature works.
I assumed if I accidently delete something from the phone that I really need to affects the phone, I can always flash the stock ROM to fix it. Losing the root is not that big of an issue, but I did lose Superuser and had to re-root the phone. I suppose I do have a few more questions, one was when I was reading another carrier provider thread.
1. Is there anything I can delete from the phone that I could not eventually recover by flashing the stock firmware ? When I uninstall for example the 'help' app on the phone Titanium Backup says this only copy can be replaced by using Titanium 5.1 and it's existing copy ? Could this just be replaced by flashing the stock firmware as well ? I like being able to flash the stockfirm ware rom at any point as a fail safe.
2. The other issue is the bootloader that I heard about ? It was on a Verizon thread where the person was able to flash the stock firmware on his phone, but then after an upgrade, he was not longer able to flash the rom b/c the carrier in the most recent upgrade he did blocked ODIN ? Is this something that I should possibly be concerned about in the future not being able to flash stock firmware via ODIN ? As you can tell, I'm pretty OCD about being able to have a failsafe for my phone. LOL. Thanks again for your help, I do appreciate it.

mikeprius said:
1. Is there anything I can delete from the phone that I could not eventually recover by flashing the stock firmware ? When I uninstall for example the 'help' app on the phone Titanium Backup says this only copy can be replaced by using Titanium 5.1 and it's existing copy ? Could this just be replaced by flashing the stock firmware as well ? I like being able to flash the stockfirm ware rom at any point as a fail safe.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can always flash the stock firmware to fix whatever you do to the ROM (just to the ROM, use ODIN very carefully). In the case of the Help file, you could also back it up using Titanium, then delete the app, and restore it later using Titanium if you want it back. This is probably obvious, but use Titanium to delete the app, but don't delete the backup.
2. The other issue is the bootloader that I heard about ? It was on a Verizon thread where the person was able to flash the stock firmware on his phone, but then after an upgrade, he was not longer able to flash the rom b/c the carrier in the most recent upgrade he did blocked ODIN ? Is this something that I should possibly be concerned about in the future not being able to flash stock firmware via ODIN ? As you can tell, I'm pretty OCD about being able to have a failsafe for my phone. LOL. Thanks again for your help, I do appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sprint is a lot more friendly toward its users modifying their phones than Verizon. But, they could change their minds any time. For now, there are no issues (other than the Knox warranty issue). But, don't presume that'll always be the case. The best precaution is to not take OTA (over the air) updates. OTAs are the ones that pop up as a notification on the phone saying "system update available, tap to install". Kit Kat should become available in the next month or two, who knows what'll come along with the OTA. Threads will start here almost immediately when the update rolls out; watch those threads and don't do the update until you're comfortable with what's inside. I will wait and flash something from the development section, even if it is just the stock ROM.

nobody291 said:
Yes, you can always flash the stock firmware to fix whatever you do to the ROM (just to the ROM, use ODIN very carefully). In the case of the Help file, you could also back it up using Titanium, then delete the app, and restore it later using Titanium if you want it back. This is probably obvious, but use Titanium to delete the app, but don't delete the backup.
Sprint is a lot more friendly toward its users modifying their phones than Verizon. But, they could change their minds any time. For now, there are no issues (other than the Knox warranty issue). But, don't presume that'll always be the case. The best precaution is to not take OTA (over the air) updates. OTAs are the ones that pop up as a notification on the phone saying "system update available, tap to install". Kit Kat should become available in the next month or two, who knows what'll come along with the OTA. Threads will start here almost immediately when the update rolls out; watch those threads and don't do the update until you're comfortable with what's inside. I will wait and flash something from the development section, even if it is just the stock ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It was good that you mentioned the Knox bootloader issue with the 4.3 upgrade. When I purchased my cell phone back in Nov, I believe it had the 4.3 (1st) version loaded, but it already had Knox features as I do recall seeing them. If I were to try and flash 4.2.2 like the version you initially had, would the phone have a bootloop error or fail to flash because there were some free wifi tethering exploits that were not yet fixed in the 4.2.2 version ? This may have been the error I read about due to the new Knox feature.
I think since my phone is currently rooted and I altered some of the bloatware system files that the update if it were made available OTA should not update anyway due to the root. Will the stock ROM/firmware .tar files eventually be posted in the developers section that can just be flashed via ODIN later on ? With that, if I were to load 4.4 and not like it, could I flash back 4.3 ? I am guessing this is the part where you mentioned that the carrier may decide differently later on.....I suppose I will just keep an eye out in the meantime.
Good good............, I'm picking up this pretty well so far.............

mikeprius said:
If I were to try and flash 4.2.2 like the version you initially had, would the phone have a bootloop error or fail to flash because there were some free wifi tethering exploits that were not yet fixed in the 4.2.2 version ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not sure what symptoms you'd see if you installed 4.2.2 with the 4.3 bootloader. Most likely the phone would fail to boot. ODIN will flash whatever you tell it to, I don't believe it does any compatibility checking on its own. You can still get the wifi hotspot feature to work even with Knox and the 4.3 bootloader, I don't think that was what they were trying to do with the update. There are threads discussing 4.3 and what changed, but there wasn't much obvious to the user. For now you can't go back if you're on 4.3, but there might be an exploit discovered down the road that lets you get the old bootloader and go back.
Will the stock ROM/firmware .tar files eventually be posted in the developers section that can just be flashed via ODIN later on ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, they won't be available immediately though. It can take some time for the community to re-obtain root too, depending on how big the changes are.
With that, if I were to load 4.4 and not like it, could I flash back 4.3 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you alluded to the answer already, but it depends. It took a month or two before you could flash the stock 4.3 without the 4.3 bootloader. There were custom ROMs available that used custom kernels sooner, but there was a problem trying to use the stock kernel with the 4.2.2 bootloader. So, always read and read and read some more before flashing updates.

So far i think i got the hang of it. I have been modifying the phones original touchwhiz. I ended up freezing alot of files instead of deleting them so the ability to turn them back on is there. Some of the files while there are not meant to be frozen/disabled/turned off. I tried a few methods for keeping SuperSU over an ODIN with no luck. I do have a question though. If i turned off (but did not delete) alot of system files and were to run ODIN again will all of them including the bloatware be turned back on and restored? That would be bad if i flashed, lost root, then simultaneously had all the system files disabled with no way to turn them back on......
This also a dumb question but what exactly am i flashing with ODIN? Its a 1.5 GB file with Sprint and it is a tar that restores all bloatware and turns the phone status back to official so i can get OTA updates. Am i flashing the entire stock ROM or just the firmware? Its nice that i have not lost any existing apps or data. It just restores the bloatware and removes root

Reading the above posts im guessing firmware....along the lines of the previous question will this restore system files and apps as well that have been shut off because ive been on a roll disabling and freezing a lot of files and apps and not sure what to turn back on to restore function to some of them. If the ODIN firmware flash resets all settings then that will also be very useful as well. Thanks much

mikeprius said:
Reading the above posts im guessing firmware....along the lines of the previous question will this restore system files and apps as well that have been shut off because ive been on a roll disabling and freezing a lot of files and apps and not sure what to turn back on to restore function to some of them. If the ODIN firmware flash resets all settings then that will also be very useful as well. Thanks much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The .tar you are flashing from sprint is what we would call stock firmware image. This is the image that shipped on the phone from the factory. I'm an avid flasher and would highly recommend installing twrp or philz touch, creating a nandroid backup and giving some debloated touchwiz roms a shot. You'll see some significant improvement in battery life and performance and some really cool upstream features. I use odin as a last resort, when I need to go back to stock for whatever reason (ie domestic sim unlock) or have fubar'd my current setup past a point of no return.

Revert to stock and root without reboots.

Hello, I have had a few people ask about how I reverted back to stock and managed to root without having reboots so here is an outline including links.
First you will need to use ODIN to go back to the original stock firmware.
Stock Odin for P907A can found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-pro-12/general/sm-p907a-att-version-news-t2850564/page1
Stock ODIN for the P900 can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2724895
For those who don't know how to use ODIN, here is a nce guide for you: http://androidcentral.us/2014/02/how-to-flash-firmware-using-odin-samsung-devices/
Now the next thing you need to do is root using TowelRoot, but DO NOT install SuperSU yet! After rooting use the debloat script in this thread (You run it from your device using terminal, I used the terminal function in ROM Toolbox): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797540
I only used the option to disable KNOX and the updater along with the option to disable the startup sound.
Once you have successfully done those things, you may now install SuperSU. It will no longer ask you about KNOX, because it is properly disabled and will not cause you any reboots. My Note Pro has been rock solid stable and lightning fast after doing this.
NOTE: You will not be able to update to new firmwares after this.
Thanks to:
najoor
torreon91
Please make sure you hit thanks in these guys' threads for their hard work!
EDIT: If Jellybean comes out for our tablet I would not update unless the trade off was worth it to you. Or obviously if an exploit for the jellybean update were found then you would want to. If you did want to update, you could re-enable the updater by using the enbloat script that was with the debloat script.

Thank you for your help. Now I will be able to use my tablet more frequently

dragunbayne said:
Hello, I have had a few people ask about how I reverted back to stock and managed to root without having reboots so here is an outline including links.
First you will need to use ODIN to go back to the original stock firmware.
Odin for P907A can found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-pro-12/general/sm-p907a-att-version-news-t2850564/page1
For those who don't know how to use ODIN, here is a nce guide for you: http://androidcentral.us/2014/02/how-to-flash-firmware-using-odin-samsung-devices/
Now the next thing you need to do is root using TowelRoot, but DO NOT install SuperSU yet! After rooting use the debloat script in this thread (You run it from your device using terminal, I used the terminal function in ROM Toolbox): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797540
I only used the option to disable KNOX and the updater along with the option to disable the startup sound.
Once you have successfully done those things, you may now install SuperSU. It will no longer ask you about KNOX, because it is properly disabled and will not cause you any reboots. My Note Pro has been rock solid stable and lightning fast after doing this.
NOTE: You will not be able to update to new firmwares after this.
Thanks to:
najoor
torreon91
Please make sure you hit thanks in these guys' threads for their hard work!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: If Jellybean comes out for our tablet I would not update unless the trade off was worth it to you. Or obviously if an exploit for the jellybean update were found then you would want to. If you did want to update, you could re-enable the updater by using the enbloat script that was with the debloat script.

dragunbayne said:
Hello, I have had a few people ask about how I reverted back to stock and managed to root without having reboots so here is an outline including links.
First you will need to use ODIN to go back to the original stock firmware.
Odin for P907A can found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-note-pro-12/general/sm-p907a-att-version-news-t2850564/page1
For those who don't know how to use ODIN, here is a nce guide for you: http://androidcentral.us/2014/02/how-to-flash-firmware-using-odin-samsung-devices/
Now the next thing you need to do is root using TowelRoot, but DO NOT install SuperSU yet! After rooting use the debloat script in this thread (You run it from your device using terminal, I used the terminal function in ROM Toolbox): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2797540
I only used the option to disable KNOX and the updater along with the option to disable the startup sound.
Once you have successfully done those things, you may now install SuperSU. It will no longer ask you about KNOX, because it is properly disabled and will not cause you any reboots. My Note Pro has been rock solid stable and lightning fast after doing this.
NOTE: You will not be able to update to new firmwares after this.
Thanks to:
najoor
torreon91
Please make sure you hit thanks in these guys' threads for their hard work!
EDIT: If Jellybean comes out for our tablet I would not update unless the trade off was worth it to you. Or obviously if an exploit for the jellybean update were found then you would want to. If you did want to update, you could re-enable the updater by using the enbloat script that was with the debloat script.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way to do this, but for the SMP-900 version the first link with the odin files state that they are only for the SM-P907 version? I have reverted back to stock but my tablet reboots qute often and with school starting it would be great to avoid that while taking notes. Thanks!

acaldrn2 said:
Is there a way to do this, but for the SMP-900 version the first link with the odin files state that they are only for the SM-P907 version? I have reverted back to stock but my tablet reboots qute often and with school starting it would be great to avoid that while taking notes. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2724895
I will add it to the main post also.

WIFI not working - tried everything - very frustrated

Hi all,
I have a AT&T Galaxy S4 i337. The WIFI doesn't work. It seems to be a very common problem as there are many fixes on the internet. I have tried them all and I don't know what to do now. It is running V. 4.3 and my baseband version is i337ucugoc4.
- Rooted. Installed Rom Manager, Terminal Emulator, SuperSU, and Reverse Tether so I could use the internet (because no wifi).
- Tried to install a new modem but could not find the exact modem file. I saw a list at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2496517 but didn't know which was good for my phone. I saw I337_UCUGOC3_Modem_RockRatt.zip but it ends in a 3 not a 4 as required for my modem.
- tried to update using the AT&T Software update. It stayed at "Checking for software updates...." and then said "Software update interrupted. No updates available. Check back in 24 hours". Don't know if that would have solved the WIFI problem anyhow.
- Tried again to install to 5.0 thru USB. Downloaded and installed it but when I rebooted, it was still 4.3
- Downloaded FXR wifi and ran it - no luck there.
- downloaded the modem file ATT_OC4_modules.zip and flashed it to the phone. It said SUCCESSFUL but there was no wifi afterwards.
- Adjusted the source code with terminal emulator as I saw in a youtube video. No success and I changed it back to the original.
- Downloaded wifi manager and tried turned off-then-on wifi.
- probably more things I have forgotten in the last three days.
I have tried everything I can find to try. It has been 3 days of trying - very frustrated. I would very much appreciate direction on this. To recap, I need to get wifi working and want to upgrade to lolipop.
Thanks so much,
Amber

amberblossom said:
Hi all,
I have a AT&T Galaxy S4 i337. The WIFI doesn't work. It seems to be a very common problem as there are many fixes on the internet. I have tried them all and I don't know what to do now. It is running V. 4.3 and my baseband version is i337ucugoc4.
- Rooted. Installed Rom Manager, Terminal Emulator, SuperSU, and Reverse Tether so I could use the internet (because no wifi).
- Tried to install a new modem but could not find the exact modem file. I saw a list at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2496517 but didn't know which was good for my phone. I saw I337_UCUGOC3_Modem_RockRatt.zip but it ends in a 3 not a 4 as required for my modem.
- tried to update using the AT&T Software update. It stayed at "Checking for software updates...." and then said "Software update interrupted. No updates available. Check back in 24 hours". Don't know if that would have solved the WIFI problem anyhow.
- Tried again to install to 5.0 thru USB. Downloaded and installed it but when I rebooted, it was still 4.3
- Downloaded FXR wifi and ran it - no luck there.
- downloaded the modem file ATT_OC4_modules.zip and flashed it to the phone. It said SUCCESSFUL but there was no wifi afterwards.
- Adjusted the source code with terminal emulator as I saw in a youtube video. No success and I changed it back to the original.
- Downloaded wifi manager and tried turned off-then-on wifi.
- probably more things I have forgotten in the last three days.
I have tried everything I can find to try. It has been 3 days of trying - very frustrated. I would very much appreciate direction on this. To recap, I need to get wifi working and want to upgrade to lollipop.
Thanks so much,
Amber
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May I ask why is your bootloader is lollipop but your OS rom is still Jelly bean ( you said 4.3). It appears that you might have jelly bean kernel which will not work with lollipop modem and bootloader. Majority of the wifi problem is caused by the kernel and bootloader mismatched, assuming that your radio (modem) has no physical damage. Try to flash the OC4 kernel and see you still have the wifi problem.
If you want to upgrade to lollipop from Jelly bean, there are several guides on this forum explaining step by step.

I flashed the OC4 kernal - no change in wifi
sway8966 said:
May I ask why is your bootloader is lollipop but your OS rom is still Jelly bean ( you said 4.3). It appears that you might have jelly bean kernel which will not work with lollipop modem and bootloader. Majority of the wifi problem is caused by the kernel and bootloader mismatched, assuming that your radio (modem) has no physical damage. Try to flash the OC4 kernel and see you still have the wifi problem.
If you want to upgrade to lollipop from Jelly bean, there are several guides on this forum explaining step by step.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sway8966,
I flashed the OC4_update_from_OC3.zip file but there was no change - still no wifi. I wonder if I were to upgrade to lollipop would it automatically fix the problem because it would have the matching bootloader and OS rom? Do you think this might solve the problem?
Thanks again.

amberblossom said:
Thanks sway8966,
I flashed the OC4_update_from_OC3.zip file but there was no change - still no wifi. I wonder if I were to upgrade to lollipop would it automatically fix the problem because it would have the matching bootloader and OS rom? Do you think this might solve the problem?
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not know what included in the oc4 update from oc3.zip file. As I said before you could try flashing the OC4 kernel file and see whether your wifi is working or not.
Here is the link for the OC4 kernel. You need to flash it via odin.
If you do not have any particular reason to stick with Jelly bean you should upgrade to Lollipop or at least to Kit-kat.

Hi! I had an s4 variant with your problem the same, the wifi nope in none routers.
I gave this device to trash , because i discovered what "happened"
Some stock app, from samsung, masked as anything that i skipped to search (i have much precious time to loose, instead loose really, lost time BRITISH DEVICES IN EXT4 filesystem) what app exactly, is receiving data from samsung server to delete the /system/etc/wifi/bcmdhd.cal
I was obligated to reinstall this file 4 times, changed permission to r--r--r--T untill resolve. But was not sufficient, after this, my wifi, fixed again, but the phone at 8º reboot, after , received a remote conmand again to turn the phone ridiculously slower, i lost my head and crashed this device on the wall, and nevermore i will use this name. Sorry,
All this happened just exactly, after install cwm and root sucessfully, without touch anything on the firmware. Something from samsung inc, is programmed to "detect" these 2 events, and send a "tick" to begin the hell in fire on this devices GT S-Xx
Sent from my XT687 using xda premium

won't boot past the SAMSUNG screen
sway8966 said:
I do not know what included in the oc4 update from oc3.zip file. As I said before you could try flashing the OC4 kernel file and see whether your wifi is working or not.
Here is the link for the OC4 kernel. You need to flash it via odin.
If you do not have any particular reason to stick with Jelly bean you should upgrade to Lollipop or at least to Kit-kat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed the OC4 kernel and it won't boot past the SAMSUNG screen.

amberblossom said:
I flashed the OC4 kernel and it won't boot past the SAMSUNG screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is probably in soft-brick now. You need to flash the 4.3 firmware via odin or You need to update to full kit-kat.
If you want to go kit-kat flash this NB1 firmware via odin. It is NB1 but the kernel is NC1 so that you can use towel root to root the phone. Anyway flash that firmware and see the phone is normally booting and wifi is working.

IT WORKED!!!
sway8966 said:
Your phone is probably in soft-brick now. You need to flash the 4.3 firmware via odin or You need to update to full kit-kat.
If you want to go kit-kat flash this NB1 firmware via odin. It is NB1 but the kernel is NC1 so that you can use towel root to root the phone. Anyway flash that firmware and see the phone is normally booting and wifi is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. It worked. I got my phone back and the wifi is working. Pretty nice. Thanks again. Now to figure out towel root (is that the best for my phone?). You are awesome.

couple more questions
sway8966 said:
Your phone is probably in soft-brick now. You need to flash the 4.3 firmware via odin or You need to update to full kit-kat.
If you want to go kit-kat flash this NB1 firmware via odin. It is NB1 but the kernel is NC1 so that you can use towel root to root the phone. Anyway flash that firmware and see the phone is normally booting and wifi is working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I rooted with towelroot (verified with root checker). I installed superuser but didn't see how to remove bloatware. There are no apps in the apps list. How do I do that? Also, now that it is rooted, is it possible to upgrade it to lollipop? Thanks again.

amberblossom said:
I rooted with towelroot (verified with root checker). I installed superuser but didn't see how to remove bloatware. There are no apps in the apps list. How do I do that? Also, now that it is rooted, is it possible to upgrade it to lollipop? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am glad to hear that it fixes your problem. The NB1 firmware (cooked by muniz_ri) is a live saver. Keep that one. Down the line if your phone screwed up used that one to revive your phone.
Majority of bloatware are system app as such they will not show up in the app bar To remove those you need an admin rights (root) hence we need to root the phone.
To remove the bloatware there are many bloatware remove apps. However they are not written to the specific phone and OS version as such you need to be very careful when you are using them.
I use titanium backup pro to either freeze or remove the bloatware one by one. You can find the list of bloatware for each version on the net. Another way is to install the lean custom rom.
If you want to upgrade to Lollipop you can do it. If somethings screws up you can use that NB1 to come back to Kitkat.
The latest lollipop for the sgh-i337 is OK2 but OK2 gave me some problem that I could not live with it so I stay at OC4.
If you want to upgrade to OK2 or OC4 do let me know. I will point you the guide and necessary files.

CyanogenMod
sway8966 said:
I am glad to hear that it fixes your problem. The NB1 firmware (cooked by muniz_ri) is a live saver. Keep that one. Down the line if your phone screwed up used that one to revive your phone.
Majority of bloatware are system app as such they will not show up in the app bar To remove those you need an admin rights (root) hence we need to root the phone.
To remove the bloatware there are many bloatware remove apps. However they are not written to the specific phone and OS version as such you need to be very careful when you are using them.
I use titanium backup pro to either freeze or remove the bloatware one by one. You can find the list of bloatware for each version on the net. Another way is to install the lean custom rom.
If you want to upgrade to Lollipop you can do it. If somethings screws up you can use that NB1 to come back to Kitkat.
The latest lollipop for the sgh-i337 is OK2 but OK2 gave me some problem that I could not live with it so I stay at OC4.
If you want to upgrade to OK2 or OC4 do let me know. I will point you the guide and necessary files.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I will pass on lollipop if there was a problem with it. I looked around for a rom and saw CyanogenMod. It looked pretty good but they discontinued the installer. Can I download it on my PC, move it to the ext card on the S4 and install it from there? Without any changes to my current configuration of the S4? Thanks again.

amberblossom said:
I guess I will pass on lollipop if there was a problem with it. I looked around for a rom and saw CyanogenMod. It looked pretty good but they discontinued the installer. Can I download it on my PC, move it to the ext card on the S4 and install it from there? Without any changes to my current configuration of the S4? Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did not say lollipop has a problem, what I meant was I had some problem with lollipop OK2 as such I stay with lollipop OC4.
I took it as you are talking about the CyanogenMoD for the locked bootloader .
You can install that one. You need to install the safestrap first to flash that rom, as mentioned on that link. However, the link also mentioned that you can not make a phone call with that rom as such they stop developing that rom.

sway8966 said:
I did not say lollipop has a problem, what I meant was I had some problem with lollipop OK2 as such I stay with lollipop OC4.
I took it as you are talking about the CyanogenMoD for the locked bootloader .
You can install that one. You need to install the safestrap first to flash that rom, as mentioned on that link. However, the link also mentioned that you can not make a phone call with that rom as such they stop developing that rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, I didn't understand. I think I would like to try to get up to lollipop. Can you point me to the kernel for that? Also, I have been trying to install CyanogenMod but am running into roadblocks. I think I might have succeeded finally because I now have a yellow triangle and a notice about non-AT&T system software (with a tiny notice - secure fail: kernel). I also had a difficult time installing TWRP as the installer was asking for a file format that the installer didn't download. From what I gather, CyanogenMod looks like a good all around OS and was easy to install when the installer was in play. But if there is another that would suffice but is easier to install, I think that might be a better idea. Could you suggest one?
Sorry about all these questions. I don't know why this is so difficult for me. I feel like an idiot. Thanks again.

amberblossom said:
Oh, I didn't understand. I think I would like to try to get up to lollipop. Can you point me to the kernel for that? Also, I have been trying to install CyanogenMod but am running into roadblocks. I think I might have succeeded finally because I now have a yellow triangle and a notice about non-AT&T system software (with a tiny notice - secure fail: kernel). I also had a difficult time installing TWRP as the installer was asking for a file format that the installer didn't download. From what I gather, CyanogenMod looks like a good all around OS and was easy to install when the installer was in play. But if there is another that would suffice but is easier to install, I think that might be a better idea. Could you suggest one?
Sorry about all these questions. I don't know why this is so difficult for me. I feel like an idiot. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SGH-i377 has locked bootloader as such we can not install custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. The only installers we have are safestrap and flashfire. When I was in Kit-kat I used safestrap. It is very troublesome to work with safestrap in lollipop so when I upgrade to lollipop I use falshfire instead.
I have two devices that are on cyanogen mod. I like cyanogen mod but I prefer touch-wiz rom over AOSP though.
The only cyanogen mod you can install is the one that I mentioned in my previous message. You need to use safestrap to install it.
For SGH-I337 you can only install the touch-wiz rom which are written for either safestrap or flashfire. I do not see any AOSP rom written for safestrap or flashfire.
What I did was flash NB1 via odin. root with towl root and install the flashfire. Flash the OC4 rom via flashfire and flash the OC4 bootloader via odin. After my phone boot to lollipop OC4, Installed flashfire and flash the Albe95 S6 port rom. I like to use the S6 features and that custom rom is a stable one. Do you think the process is easy enough?
To upgrade to Lollipop,
I assumed that you are back on NB1 and rooted. If not do that process first. (you mentioned that you installed the cyanogenmode)
Here is the guide telling you step by step how to install lollipop from NB1.
The guide was originally written for OC4 but when OK2 came out it was updated with OK2. So if you want to go to OK2, use the files that mentioned on the guide. If you want to go to OC4 use the file I posted below instead.
I337_OC4_Stock_Rooted_ROM.zip
I337_OC4_Stock_Rooted_Deodexed_ROM
I337_OC4_Bootloader.tar.md5
The choice between using normal and deodexed_rom is your call.

How to root SM-G361F?

So I got this phone a while back and I want to get rid of bloatware on it so I was going to use Titanium Backup, trouble is you need root(obviously).
I don't have much experience rooting as I've only ever rooted an Xperia E, and I only used a downloaded application on my laptop to do the work for me.
Help would be much appreciated, I will leave possibly useful info below.
Android Version : 5.1.1
Model Number : SM-G361F
Android Security Patch Level : 2016-02-01
Baseband Version : G361FXXU1APC2
Kernel Version : 3.14.27.-986474 [email protected] #1
SE for Android Status : Enforcing SEPF_SM-G361F_5.1.1_0045
Thank you and goodbye!

Hey,
Check for a pre-rooted firmware for your version available on XDA then flash it using Odin.
There are lot of tutorials to root this model over there.

brbninjaa said:
So I got this phone a while back and I want to get rid of bloatware on it so I was going to use Titanium Backup, trouble is you need root(obviously).
I don't have much experience rooting as I've only ever rooted an Xperia E, and I only used a downloaded application on my laptop to do the work for me.
Help would be much appreciated, I will leave possibly useful info below.
Android Version : 5.1.1
Model Number : SM-G361F
Android Security Patch Level : 2016-02-01
Baseband Version : G361FXXU1APC2
Kernel Version : 3.14.27.-986474 [email protected] #1
SE for Android Status : Enforcing SEPF_SM-G361F_5.1.1_0045
Thank you and goodbye!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait, you want to remove JUST bloatware?
Root can do much more than that and many guides use root and a custom recovery. But, as Atronid suggested, you can download and flash pre-rooted firmware for the device, but (ironically), to get rid of the bloat, you use the firmware, but the firmware usually comes with MORE bloat, so it's just plain stupid!
Also, I have had a major issue with this particular firmware in which the device overheats and soft-reboots constantly... I checked if it was anything else, but after switching back to stock, the issue stopped.
I am not condoning this method, it's just that I'd advise you to be careful with the overheating. It may not be an issue for you, I don't know. But here is the one I used for a bit:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...re-rooted-firmwares-samsung-sm-g361f-t3207432
OR, there is another method which only works if you have a custom recovery and are ready to ditch Google.
You COULD install a custom recovery for your device and flash a SuperSU ZIP file. People may shout ''Doesn't work! He's lying! Blah! Blah! Blah!''
Well, I own the exact same phone as you and I know that method works.
But, for most things, you'll need a custom recovery anyway. It adds so much more to your device that allows you to unlock it's potential. HOWEVER, unless you are confident in Odin and how things work on a device, I'd slightly recommend that you avoid a custom recovery for now if you don't have much experience with Odin and flashing images.
BUT, if you can flash the pre-rooted firmware okay, you should be able to install a custom recovery fine.
You know what? If you want to know how, you can either PM me asking for instructions or search around the forums for a method.

MelonChickens said:
Wait, you want to remove JUST bloatware?
Root can do much more than that and many guides use root and a custom recovery. But, as Atronid suggested, you can download and flash pre-rooted firmware for the device, but (ironically), to get rid of the bloat, you use the firmware, but the firmware usually comes with MORE bloat, so it's just plain stupid!
Also, I have had a major issue with this particular firmware in which the device overheats and soft-reboots constantly... I checked if it was anything else, but after switching back to stock, the issue stopped.
I am not condoning this method, it's just that I'd advise you to be careful with the overheating. It may not be an issue for you, I don't know. But here is the one I used for a bit:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...re-rooted-firmwares-samsung-sm-g361f-t3207432
OR, there is another method which only works if you have a custom recovery and are ready to ditch Google.
You COULD install a custom recovery for your device and flash a SuperSU ZIP file. People may shout ''Doesn't work! He's lying! Blah! Blah! Blah!''
Well, I own the exact same phone as you and I know that method works.
But, for most things, you'll need a custom recovery anyway. It adds so much more to your device that allows you to unlock it's potential. HOWEVER, unless you are confident in Odin and how things work on a device, I'd slightly recommend that you avoid a custom recovery for now if you don't have much experience with Odin and flashing images.
BUT, if you can flash the pre-rooted firmware okay, you should be able to install a custom recovery fine.
You know what? If you want to know how, you can either PM me asking for instructions or search around the forums for a method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have also tried (and disliked) one of those pre-rooted firmwares; it is a pity that all there is available for this device are a couple of outdated and bloated versions. I even tried to build my own firmware, but failed to create anything bootable (fortunately, I managed to not brick my device).
Then I tried the TWRP route: following a couple of guides I found here, I managed to install it, and use it to install the latest SuperSU .zip file. TWRP reported no errors, and everything seemed correct, but when the device boots there is no trace of any rooting: no SuperSU app, no "su" binary, no nothing at all...
Thus, if you could post here how you managed to make this work, I would be very grateful.

Well I own actually an outdated but fully working firmware and this got no bloats. I will re-upload it soon and give the link here.
This is not to get likes or thing like this but because I am sick of this **** to mess around with firmwares and integrate bloatwares (and spywares, everything is possible...)

Atronid said:
Well I own actually an outdated but fully working firmware and this got no bloats. I will re-upload it soon and give the link here.
This is not to get likes or thing like this but because I am sick of this **** to mess around with firmwares and integrate bloatwares (and spywares, everything is possible...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on.
eduardo.perezesteban said:
I have also tried (and disliked) one of those pre-rooted firmwares; it is a pity that all there is available for this device are a couple of outdated and bloated versions. I even tried to build my own firmware, but failed to create anything bootable (fortunately, I managed to not brick my device).
Then I tried the TWRP route: following a couple of guides I found here, I managed to install it, and use it to install the latest SuperSU .zip file. TWRP reported no errors, and everything seemed correct, but when the device boots there is no trace of any rooting: no SuperSU app, no "su" binary, no nothing at all...
Thus, if you could post here how you managed to make this work, I would be very grateful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, first I installed TWRP 3.0.2.0 also using the guide somewhere in the forums, then I downloaded SuperSU 2.46 .zip from the Chainfire website and flashed it using TWRP.
If the SuperSU .zip file didn't work for you, then try CF-Autoroot, whatever that is. I don't know because I have not tried it on my phone. I believe that it finds exploits and uses them somehow?
Anyway, did you flash the ZIP without extracting it? I don't see how it can't work, really. Call me stupid, but I don't know why that happened.
Anyways, good luck to all, for I am not active on these forums nowadays (as much)

MelonChickens said:
Well, first I installed TWRP 3.0.2.0 also using the guide somewhere in the forums, then I downloaded SuperSU 2.46 .zip from the Chainfire website and flashed it using TWRP.
If the SuperSU .zip file didn't work for you, then try CF-Autoroot, whatever that is. I don't know because I have not tried it on my phone. I believe that it finds exploits and uses them somehow?
Anyway, did you flash the ZIP without extracting it? I don't see how it can't work, really. Call me stupid, but I don't know why that happened.
Anyways, good luck to all, for I am not active on these forums nowadays (as much)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same TWRP version, same SuperSU version, did not extract the ZIP file. It took me several attempts, but I finally managed to install TWRP and "install" SuperSU without errors. I do not doubt it worked for you, perhaps my base ROM is different, and has some type of protection that deletes any "su" file.
Will have a look to CF-Autoroot, thanks for the tip!
---------- Post added at 08:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:39 PM ----------
CF-Autoroot website looked very promising, I could select a recent ROM and configure it, but the build process produced an error:
Code:
Current status: ERROR
Estimated wait: NOT APPLICABLE
Will keep investigating.

Atronid said:
Well I own actually an outdated but fully working firmware and this got no bloats. I will re-upload it soon and give the link here.
This is not to get likes or thing like this but because I am sick of this **** to mess around with firmwares and integrate bloatwares (and spywares, everything is possible...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As promised I re-uploaded the original version (without bloats) of the firmware. Check this: https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...odified-pre-rooted-firmware-sm-g361f-t3693589

MelonChickens said:
Wait, you want to remove JUST bloatware?
Root can do much more than that and many guides use root and a custom recovery. But, as Atronid suggested, you can download and flash pre-rooted firmware for the device, but (ironically), to get rid of the bloat, you use the firmware, but the firmware usually comes with MORE bloat, so it's just plain stupid!
Also, I have had a major issue with this particular firmware in which the device overheats and soft-reboots constantly... I checked if it was anything else, but after switching back to stock, the issue stopped.
I am not condoning this method, it's just that I'd advise you to be careful with the overheating. It may not be an issue for you, I don't know. But here is the one I used for a bit:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/ga...re-rooted-firmwares-samsung-sm-g361f-t3207432
OR, there is another method which only works if you have a custom recovery and are ready to ditch Google.
You COULD install a custom recovery for your device and flash a SuperSU ZIP file. People may shout ''Doesn't work! He's lying! Blah! Blah! Blah!''
Well, I own the exact same phone as you and I know that method works.
But, for most things, you'll need a custom recovery anyway. It adds so much more to your device that allows you to unlock it's potential. HOWEVER, unless you are confident in Odin and how things work on a device, I'd slightly recommend that you avoid a custom recovery for now if you don't have much experience with Odin and flashing images.
BUT, if you can flash the pre-rooted firmware okay, you should be able to install a custom recovery fine.
You know what? If you want to know how, you can either PM me asking for instructions or search around the forums for a method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I flashed that same firmware before and I had the same issues. Had to download my original firmware from some site with terrible download speeds, took forever. Nice to know you found an alternative and I'm sure I would find more cool things to do with root.

brbninjaa said:
I flashed that same firmware before and I had the same issues. Had to download my original firmware from some site with terrible download speeds, took forever. Nice to know you found an alternative and I'm sure I would find more cool things to do with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, just wondering, but I like to wrap things neatly;
Have you managed to root your device or are you still trying?

brbninjaa said:
So I got this phone a while back and I want to get rid of bloatware on it so I was going to use Titanium Backup, trouble is you need root(obviously).
I don't have much experience rooting as I've only ever rooted an Xperia E, and I only used a downloaded application on my laptop to do the work for me.
Help would be much appreciated, I will leave possibly useful info below.
Android Version : 5.1.1
Model Number : SM-G361F
Android Security Patch Level : 2016-02-01
Baseband Version : G361FXXU1APC2
Kernel Version : 3.14.27.-986474 [email protected] #1
SE for Android Status : Enforcing SEPF_SM-G361F_5.1.1_0045
Thank you and goodbye!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just need the root because I have to retrieve attachments whatsapp that I deleted by mistake on the internal memory. as the software with which I should recover (dr fone) fails to do the root.

Database Users

welcome